JP6354598B2 - Interface circuit, detection device and game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an interface circuit of a detection sensor, a detection device including such an interface circuit and a detection sensor, and a gaming machine using such a detection device.

  In a gaming machine, there is known a counting device that counts the number of game balls that are launched from a launch control device and led to a game area from a guide passage using a detection sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). . The detection sensor described in Patent Document 1 includes a return prevention valve arranged at the tip of a guide passage that guides a game ball to the game area, and a detection unit that outputs a pulse signal in accordance with the turning operation of the return prevention valve. Have The return prevention valve is located at a return prevention position that closes the exit of the guide passage when the game ball is not led out. When the game ball travels from the guide passage toward the game area and comes into contact with the return prevention valve and is led out to the game area, the return prevention valve rotates to the lead-out position to lead the game ball to the game area. To do. The return prevention valve prevents the game ball from returning to the guide path by rotating to the return prevention position when the game ball is led out to the game area. The detection unit outputs a pulse signal in response to the return prevention valve rotating from the return prevention position to the derived position. The counter device described in Patent Document 1 determines the number of game balls derived to the game area according to the number of times the pulse signal output from the detection sensor is received.

JP-A-10-216304

  However, in such a detection sensor, the return prevention valve vibrates between the return prevention position and the release position due to a reaction when the game ball comes into contact with the return prevention valve after the game ball is led out to the game area. There is a case. When the return prevention valve vibrates due to the reaction when the game ball comes into contact with the return prevention valve, the detection sensor outputs a plurality of pulse signals when one game ball is led out to the game area. As a result, the counter device to which the pulse signal is input from the detection sensor may count more than the number of game balls actually derived to the game area.

  Further, in such a detection sensor, the return ball is rotated by the reaction of the game ball returning from the game area in the direction of the guide path colliding with the return valve that rotates to the return prevention position, thereby detecting The sensor may output a pulse signal. Also in this case, the counter device may count more than the number of game balls actually derived to the game area.

  Further, in such a detection sensor, when the return prevention valve is fixed at the derived position for some reason, the detection sensor outputs a pulse signal even though the game ball is derived to the game area. I can't. In this case, the counter device may not be able to count the game balls at all even though the game balls continue to be led out from the guide passage to the game area.

  As described above, when the detection sensor that detects the rotation of the return prevention valve is used, depending on the number of game balls actually led to the game area from the guide passage and the number of pulse signals output from the detection sensor. There is a possibility that the number of game balls determined by the counter device is different.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an interface circuit that can match the number of signals output when a pulse signal is input from the detection sensor with the number of game balls actually derived from the guide path to the game area. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, an interface circuit according to one aspect of the present invention is rotatably disposed in a guide passage for guiding a game ball to a game area, and the game ball is led from the guide path to the game area. The return prevention valve that rotates from the return prevention position to prevent the game ball from entering the guide passage from the game area to the derivation position where the game ball can be derived, and the return prevention valve rotates from the return prevention position. An interface circuit that receives a pulse signal from a detection sensor having a detection unit that outputs a pulse signal in response to the connection, and is connected to the detection sensor until the permission time elapses after the pulse signal is input. An output permission signal that permits the output of a derived signal indicating that a game ball has been derived from the guidance path to the game area is output, and the initialization time has elapsed after the pulse signal is input. A timing circuit that outputs an initialization signal indicating that the interface circuit has returned to an initial state in which a derived signal can be output, and when connected to a detection sensor and a timing circuit and a pulse signal is input and an output permission signal is input On the other hand, from the time when the derived signal is output until the initialization time elapses, even if a pulse signal is input, the derived signal output circuit that does not output the derived signal is connected to the detection sensor and timing circuit When the initialization signal is input when the pulse signal is input, the detection sensor has an abnormal signal output circuit that outputs an abnormal signal indicating that the detection sensor is in an abnormal state.

  In this interface circuit, when the pulse signal is input, the timing circuit increases the voltage of the output terminal from the initial voltage according to the time constant and stops outputting the initialization signal. When input, a delay circuit that lowers the voltage of the output terminal to the initial voltage and outputs an initialization signal, and is connected to the output terminal of the delay circuit, and the permission time elapses after the pulse signal is input, The output enable signal that outputs the output enable signal to the derived signal output circuit until the voltage at the output terminal of the delay circuit rises to the output enable voltage, and is connected to the output terminal of the delay circuit and initialized after the pulse signal is input And a voltage drop instruction circuit that outputs a voltage drop instruction signal to the delay circuit when the voltage at the output terminal of the delay circuit becomes higher than the instruction voltage after a lapse of time. Arbitrariness.

  Further, in this interface circuit, the delay circuit includes a delay capacitor element having one end connected to the output terminal, a delay resistor element connected to the delay capacitor element, and the input of the initialization signal is stopped. When a delay switching element that starts supplying current to the delay capacitance element and the delay resistance element and a voltage drop instruction signal are input, the output of the initialization signal to the abnormal signal output circuit and the delay switching element is started. It is preferable to include an initialization circuit that stops outputting the initialization signal when a pulse signal is input.

  Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the detection device is rotatably disposed in a guide passage for guiding the game ball to the game area, and when the game ball is led out from the guide path to the game area, A return prevention valve that rotates from a return prevention position that prevents the game ball from entering the guide passage from the game area to a derivation position where the game ball can be led out, and a response that the return prevention valve has rotated from the return prevention position A detection sensor having a detection unit that outputs a pulse signal, and an interface circuit to which the pulse signal is input from the detection sensor. The interface circuit is connected to the detection sensor and permitted after the pulse signal is input. Until the time elapses, an output permission signal is output to permit the output of a derived signal indicating that a game ball has been derived from the guidance path to the game area, and the initialization time has elapsed since the pulse signal was input. After that, the interface circuit outputs an initialization signal indicating that the interface circuit has returned to the initial state in which the derived signal can be output, and is connected to the detection sensor and the timing circuit, and the pulse signal is input and the output permission signal is input A derivation signal output circuit that does not output a derivation signal even if a pulse signal is input from the output of the derivation signal until the initialization time elapses, a detection sensor, and a timer And an abnormal signal output circuit that outputs an abnormal signal indicating that the detection sensor is in an abnormal state when the initialization signal is input while the pulse signal is input.

  Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine is arranged to guide the game ball to the game area and to be pivotably disposed in the guide path, and the game ball is led out from the guide path to the game area. The return prevention valve that rotates from the return prevention position to prevent the game ball from entering the guide passage from the game area to the derivation position where the game ball can be derived, and the return prevention valve rotates from the return prevention position. And a detection sensor having a detection unit that outputs a pulse signal in response to the detection, and an interface circuit to which the pulse signal is input from the detection sensor. The interface circuit is connected to the detection sensor and receives the pulse signal. Output permission signal that permits the output of the derived signal indicating that the game ball has been derived from the guidance path to the game area until the permission time elapses, and the initial time after the pulse signal is input After the time has elapsed, the interface circuit outputs an initialization signal indicating that it has returned to an initial state in which a derived signal can be output, and is connected to a detection sensor and a timing circuit, and a pulse signal is input and output is permitted. A derived signal output circuit that outputs a derived signal when a signal is input, and that does not output a derived signal even if a pulse signal is input until the initialization time elapses after the derived signal is output, and detection An abnormality signal output circuit that is connected to the sensor and the timing circuit and outputs an abnormal signal indicating that the detection sensor is in an abnormal state when an initialization signal is input when a pulse signal is input.

  The interface circuit according to the present invention makes it possible to match the number of signals output when a pulse signal is input from the detection sensor with the number of game balls actually derived from the guide path to the game area. There is an effect.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a gaming machine including a detection device having an interface circuit according to an embodiment. (A) is a front view of the detection sensor shown in FIG. 1, (b) is sectional drawing which follows the AA 'line of the detection sensor shown to (a). It is a disassembled perspective view of the detection sensor shown in FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the state before a game ball contacts the return prevention valve of the detection sensor shown in FIG. 1, (b) is a figure which shows the state which the game ball is contacting the return prevention valve. (C) is a figure which shows the state after a game ball contact | abuts to a return prevention valve. (A) is a figure which shows the aspect which makes the game ball to which the end of the filament material adhere | attached stay in a game area | region, (b) is a figure which shows the aspect which may arise in a gaming machine by the aspect shown to (a). is there. It is a circuit block diagram of the detection apparatus containing the detection sensor shown in FIG. It is a more detailed circuit block diagram of the detection apparatus containing the detection sensor shown in FIG. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the detection apparatus shown in FIG.

(Outline of interface circuit according to the present invention)
Hereinafter, an interface circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The interface circuit includes a return prevention valve rotatably disposed in a guide passage that guides the game ball to the game area, and a detection unit that outputs a pulse signal in response to the rotation of the return prevention valve. A pulse signal is input from the detection sensor. The interface circuit outputs a derived signal indicating that the game ball has been derived to the game area until a predetermined permission time shorter than the minimum launch interval of the game ball elapses after the pulse signal is input. . In addition, the interface circuit outputs a derived signal when a predetermined initialization time that is longer than the permitted time and shorter than the minimum launch interval of the game ball elapses after the pulse signal is input. An initialization signal indicating that a possible initial state has been returned is output. However, the interface circuit does not output the derived signal even if the pulse signal is input until the initialization signal is output after the derived signal is output. Since the interface circuit does not output the derived signal even if the pulse signal is input until the initialization signal is output after the derived signal is output, the detection circuit detects the reaction when the game ball comes into contact with the return prevention valve. It is possible to prevent erroneous counting of game balls due to the input pulse signal. Further, when the return prevention valve does not return to the return prevention position until the initialization signal is output, the interface circuit outputs an abnormal signal indicating that the detection sensor is in an abnormal state. When the return prevention valve does not return to the return prevention position before returning to the initial state, the interface circuit outputs an abnormal signal, thereby preventing erroneous counting of game balls and notifying that the detection sensor is in an abnormal state. can do.

(Configuration of gaming machine according to the present invention)
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a gaming machine including a detection device having an interface circuit according to the embodiment.

  The gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 provided in a large area from the upper part to the center part, a ball receiving part 3 and a launching handle 4 provided in the lower part. In the gaming machine 1, when the player rotates the launch handle 4, a launch control device (not shown) built in the game machine 1 plays a game at a launch rate corresponding to the rotation angle at a constant launch interval. Fire a sphere. In one example, the maximum number of game balls fired by the launch control device is 100 per minute. That is, the minimum firing interval of the game balls fired by the launch control device is 0.6 seconds. The launched game ball moves upward along a guide passage 5 formed by a rail provided on the side of the game board 2 and hits a return prevention valve of the detection sensor 6 disposed at the tip of the guide passage. Touching and pressing down, it is led out to the game area 7 from the tip of the guide passage 5. The detection sensor 6 outputs a pulse signal in response to the game ball being pressed by the return prevention valve. The game ball led out to the game area 7 falls in the game area 7 while colliding with a number of obstacle nails provided on the game area 7. When the falling game ball enters the prize opening device 8, a signal indicating that a game ball that has passed through the prize opening device 8 is detected is output to a control device (not shown). When it is determined that the control device to which a signal is input from the winning opening device 8 has won, the ball receiver 3 receives a predetermined number of game balls through a prize ball payout device (not shown) installed on the back of the game board 2. Pay out. Furthermore, the display device 9 disposed in the substantially central portion of the game board 2 displays game information that changes variously according to the presence / absence of a prize to the player.

(Configuration of detection sensor)
2A is a front view of the detection sensor 6, FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the detection sensor 6 along the line AA ′, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the detection sensor 6.

  The detection sensor 6 includes a housing 10, a sensor unit 11, a return prevention valve 12, a weight 13, a support shaft 14, a cover 15, and a cover fixing member 16. When the game ball is led out from the guide passage 5 to the game area 7, the detection sensor 6 causes the game ball to contact the return prevention valve 12 and press the return prevention valve 12. A pulse signal indicating that it is derived from the game area is output.

  The housing 10 includes a hollow portion 101 in which the sensor unit 11 is accommodated, a pair of mounting holes 102, a housing support shaft hole 103 through which the support shaft 14 passes, and a cover fixing member 16 that is a screw in one example. By being combined, a cover fixing hole 104 for fixing the cover 15 is formed. The case 10 is fixed to the game board 2 by inserting the case fixing member 17 into the game board 2 and screwing it into each of the pair of mounting holes 102 with screws.

  The sensor unit 11 includes a substrate 111, a light emitting element 112, a light receiving element 113, and a connector 114. The substrate 111 mounts the light emitting element 112, the light receiving element 113, and the connector 114, and electrically connects the light emitting element 112, the light receiving element 113, and the connector 114. The light emitting element 112 is an LED in one example. The light receiving element 113 includes a photodiode that outputs a current when the light emitted from the light emitting element 112 is received, and a resistance element that converts the current output from the photodiode into a voltage. The connector 114 supplies a current to the light receiving element 113 and supplies a voltage output from the light receiving element 113 to an external device.

  The anti-return valve 12 includes a contact portion 121 with which a game ball contacts, a rotation portion 123 in which a valve support shaft hole 122 through which the support shaft 14 penetrates to rotate the contact portion 121, and a light shielding portion 124 and a weight portion 126 in which a weight hole 125 into which the weight 13 is fitted is formed. The contact portion 121 has a curved flat plate shape, and rotates around the support shaft 14 inserted into the rotation portion 123 when the game ball contacts. The light shielding part 124 extends from the rotating part 123 in the direction opposite to the contact part 121. The light-shielding part 124 is located between the light-emitting element 112 and the light-receiving element 113 of the sensor part 11 when the game ball is not in contact with the contact part 121, and the light-receiving element 113 receives the light emitted by the light-emitting element 112. Block it so you can't. Further, the light shielding portion 124 rotates when the game ball contacts the contact portion 121 and presses the contact portion 121, moves from between the light emitting element 112 and the light receiving element 113 of the sensor unit 11, and emits light. The light receiving element 113 can receive light emitted from the element 112. The weight part 126 is heavier than the contact part 121 when the weight 13 is fitted into the weight hole 125, and the return valve 12 returns to a predetermined position when the game ball is not in contact with the contact part 121. Acts as a weight for positioning.

  The support shaft 14 is disposed so as to pass through the housing support shaft hole 103 and the valve support shaft hole 122, and supports the return prevention valve 12 in a rotatable manner.

(Detection sensor operation)
FIGS. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the detection sensor 6 when a game ball is led out from the guide path 5 to the game area 7. 4A shows a state before the game ball contacts the return prevention valve 12 of the detection sensor 6, and FIG. 4B shows a state where the game ball contacts the return prevention valve 12. FIG. (C) shows a state after the game ball contacts the return prevention valve 12. 4A shows a first positional relationship between the game ball 18 and the detection sensor 6, FIG. 4B shows a second positional relationship that is the next positional relationship after the first positional relationship, FIG. 4C shows a third positional relationship that is the next positional relationship after the first positional relationship. 4 (a) to 4 (c), the detection sensor 6 is shown as a partially cut surface partly cut in the longitudinal direction for the sake of explanation.

  Before the game ball 18 that has moved up the guide passage 5 formed by the pair of rails 501 and 502 comes into contact with the return prevention valve 12, the weight of the weight prevention part 126 is lowered by the weight part 126. It is located so that the contact part 121 may be located upward. At this time, the light shielding portion 124 of the return prevention valve 12 is located between the light emitting element 112 and the light receiving element 113 and blocks the light emitted from the light emitting element 112 so that the light receiving element 113 cannot receive light. Next, when the game ball 18 contacts the contact portion 121 of the return prevention valve 12 and depresses the contact portion 121, the return prevention valve 12 rotates and the game ball 18 moves between the rail 501 and the contact portion 121. Is passed to the gaming area 7. At this time, the light shielding part 124 of the return prevention valve 12 moves from between the light emitting element 112 and the light receiving element 113 of the sensor part 11 so that the light receiving element 113 can receive the light emitted by the light emitting element 112. When the game ball is led to the game area 7 after contacting the return prevention valve 12, the return prevention valve 12 is rotated by the weight of the weight portion 126, and the contact portion 121 is positioned above. Return to. At this time, the light shielding unit 124 is located between the light emitting element 112 and the light receiving element 113 and blocks light emitted from the light emitting element 112 again.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, the output voltage of the detection sensor 6 is such that when the game ball 18 is not in contact with the contact portion 121, the light shielding portion 124 of the return prevention valve 12 is 11 is cut off between the 11 light-emitting elements 112 and the light-receiving element 113, so that it is zero. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the game ball 18 is in contact with the contact portion 121, the light shielding portion 124 of the return prevention valve 12 is between the light emitting element 112 and the light receiving element 113 of the sensor portion 11. Since it is not cut off, the output voltage of the detection sensor 6 has an amplitude corresponding to the output of the light receiving element 113. That is, the detection sensor 6 responds to the fact that the game ball 18 contacts the return prevention valve 12 and depresses the return prevention valve 12 when the game ball 18 contacts the detection sensor 6 and is led out to the game area 7. Thus, a pulse signal indicating that the game ball 18 has been led out to the game area 7 is output.

  The return prevention valve 12 has a function of preventing the game ball 18 led out to the game area 7 from returning to the guide passage 5. In FIG. 4C, the distance between the upper end of the contact portion 121 and the rail 501 indicated by the double arrow A is shorter than the diameter of the game ball 18. Further, the lower end of the contact portion 121 indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 4C is in contact with the housing 10. For this reason, even when the game ball 18 led out to the game area 7 collides with the obstacle nail in the game area 7 and returns in the direction of the guide path 5, it cannot enter the guide path 5. That is, in FIGS. 4A and 4C, the return prevention valve 12 prevents the game ball 18 from entering the guide passage from the game area 7 before the game ball 18 is derived and after the game ball 18 is derived. It is located in the return prevention position to prevent. On the other hand, in FIG. 4B, the return prevention valve 12 is located at a lead-out position where the game ball 18 can be led out when the game ball 18 is led out from the guide passage 5 to the game area 7.

(Characteristics and problems of detection sensor)
Since the detection sensor 6 has few constituent elements and a simple structure, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. The detection sensor 6 can be used as a sensor of a counter device that counts the number of game balls derived from the guide passage 5 and can prevent the game ball 18 from entering the guide passage 5.

  However, since the detection sensor 6 returns to the return prevention position with the weight of the weight portion 126 after the game ball 18 is led out to the game area 7, the detection sensor 6 is a reaction when the game ball 18 comes into contact with the return prevention valve 12. The return prevention valve 12 may vibrate between the return prevention position and the lead-out position. When the return prevention valve 12 vibrates due to the reaction when the game ball 18 is derived, a plurality of pulse signals are output from the detection sensor 6 even though one game ball is derived.

  In addition, the detection sensor 6 is configured such that the return prevention valve 12 is rotated by the reaction of the game ball 18 returning from the game area 7 in the direction of the guide passage 5 colliding with the return prevention valve 12 positioned at the return prevention position. The pulse signal may be output from the detection sensor 6.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the game ball 18 to which one end of a thread-like material 191 such as a fishing line is bonded is launched, and the game ball 18 to which one end of the thread-like material 191 is bonded stays in the game area 7. May be performed. At this time, when the thread-like material 191 presses the return prevention valve 12, the return prevention valve 12 is fixed at the lead-out position. Since the thread-like material 191 is fixed at the return prevention valve 12, even when many game balls 18 are fired, the detection sensor 6 does not output a pulse signal, and the control device of the game machine 1 The number of game balls 18 derived to 7 cannot be counted. When the game ball 18 is led out to the game area 7 without being counted, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the game ball 18 fixed by the magnet 192 is dammed up to win a prize. There is a possibility that a guide path 193 for guiding the game ball 18 to the mouth device 8 is formed.

  Therefore, the detection device according to the present invention has an interface circuit arranged between the output of the detection sensor 6 and the control circuit. This interface circuit matches the number of signals output when a pulse signal is input from the detection sensor in accordance with the rotation of the return prevention valve with the number of game balls actually led to the game area from the guide passage. Execute the process.

(Configuration of Detection Device According to Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram of a detection device including the detection sensor 6.

  The detection device 20 includes a detection sensor 6 and an interface circuit 21 to which a pulse signal is input from the detection sensor 6. The interface circuit 21 outputs the derived signal and the abnormal signal to the control circuit 100. The interface circuit 21 includes a timer circuit 22, a derived signal output circuit 23, an abnormal signal output circuit 24, and a buffer element 25. The timing circuit 22 outputs an output permission signal that permits the output of a derived signal indicating that a game ball has been derived to the game area 7 until the permitted time elapses after the pulse signal is input. In addition, the timing circuit 22 outputs an initialization signal indicating that the interface circuit 21 has returned to an initial state in which a derived signal can be output after the initialization time has elapsed since the pulse signal was input. More specifically, the timer circuit 22 includes a delay circuit 26, an output permission circuit 27, and a voltage drop instruction circuit 28. The delay circuit 26 raises the voltage of the output terminal from the initial voltage according to the time constant when the pulse signal is inputted, stops the output of the initialization signal, and when the voltage drop instruction signal is inputted, The voltage of the output terminal is lowered to the initial voltage and an initialization signal is output. The output permission circuit 27 is connected to the output terminal of the delay circuit 26, and the output permission signal is output until the permission time elapses after the pulse signal is input and the voltage at the output terminal of the delay circuit 26 rises to the output permission voltage. Is output to the derived signal output circuit. The voltage drop instruction circuit 28 is connected to the output terminal of the delay circuit 26, and when the initialization time has elapsed after the pulse signal is input and the voltage at the output terminal of the delay circuit 26 becomes higher than the instruction voltage, A voltage drop instruction signal is output to the delay circuit 26. The derived signal output circuit 23 is connected to the detection sensor 6 and the timing circuit 22, and outputs a derived signal when a pulse signal is input and an output permission signal is input. On the other hand, the derived signal output circuit 23 does not output the derived signal even if the pulse signal is input until the initialization time elapses after the derived signal is output. When an initialization signal is input when a pulse signal is input, the abnormal signal output circuit 24 outputs an abnormal signal indicating that the detection sensor is in an abnormal state. The buffer element 25 buffers a signal input from the detection sensor 6 via the input terminal 31 and outputs the buffered signal to the derived signal output circuit 23, the abnormal signal output circuit 24, and the delay circuit 26.

  FIG. 7 is a more detailed circuit block diagram of the detection device 20.

  Each of the derived signal output circuit 23 and the abnormal signal output circuit 24 is a two-input AND element. The derived signal output circuit 23 has one input terminal connected to the output terminal of the buffer element 25, the other input terminal connected to the output permission circuit 27 of the timing circuit 22, and the output terminal via the derived signal output terminal 32. Connected to the control circuit 100. The derived signal output circuit 23 is output when a pulse signal is input, the output terminal voltage of the buffer element 25 is H level (Vcc), and an output permission signal having a voltage of H level is input from the output permission circuit 27. A derived signal that is an H level voltage is output from the terminal. In the abnormal signal output circuit 24, one input terminal is connected to the output terminal of the buffer element 25, the other input terminal is connected to the delay circuit 26 of the timer circuit 22, and the output terminal is controlled via the abnormal signal output terminal 33. Connected to the circuit 100. The abnormal signal output circuit 24 receives an H level signal from the output terminal when a pulse signal is input and the voltage at the output terminal of the buffer element 25 is at the H level and an initialization signal having a voltage level of H is input from the delay circuit 26. An abnormal signal that is the voltage of is output.

  The delay circuit 26 includes a flip-flop 261, a delay base resistor element 262, a delay transistor 263, a delay resistor element 264, a delay capacitor element 265, and an output terminal 266. In the flip-flop 261, the data terminal D is connected to the power supply voltage Vcc, the clock terminal CLK is connected to the output terminal of the buffer element 25, and the reset terminal / CLR is connected to the voltage drop instruction circuit 28. The inverted data output terminal / Q of the flip-flop 261 is connected to the other input terminal of the abnormal signal output circuit 24 and one end of the delay base resistance element 262. The flip-flop 261 sets the voltage of the inverted data output terminal / Q to the L level (Gnd) when the voltage of the output terminal of the buffer element 25 connected to the clock terminal CLK rises. The flip-flop 261 sets the voltage of the inverted data output terminal / Q to the H level when the voltage input from the voltage drop instruction circuit 28 to the reset terminal / CLR becomes the L level. The other end of the delay base resistance element 262 is connected to the base of the delay transistor 263. The collector of the delay transistor 263 is connected to one end of the delay resistor element 264 and the delay capacitor element 265, and is connected to the output permission circuit 27 and the voltage drop instruction circuit 28 via the output terminal 266, and the emitter is grounded. The delay transistor 263 is turned on because the base current flows when the voltage of the inverted data output terminal / Q is at the H level, and the collector voltage becomes the L level. The delay transistor 263 is turned off because the base current does not flow when the voltage of the inverted data output terminal / Q transitions from the H level to the L level. When the delay transistor 263 is turned off, the collector voltage rises and transitions according to the time constant τ defined by the resistance value Rx of the delay resistor element 264 and the capacitance value Cx of the delay capacitor element 265.

  The output permission circuit 27 includes a permission comparator 271, a permission constant voltage source 272, a permission base resistor 273, a permission transistor 274, and a permission load resistance element 275. The permission comparator 271 sets the voltage of the output terminal to the H level when one input terminal connected to the collector of the delay transistor 263 via the output terminal 266 becomes higher than the output permission voltage Vsl1 of the permission constant voltage source 272. To. The permission base resistor 273 has one end connected to the output terminal of the permission comparator 271 and the other end connected to the base of the permission transistor 274. The permission transistor 274 has a collector connected to the other input terminal of the derived signal output circuit 23 and one end of the permission load resistance element 275, and an emitter grounded. The other end of permitted load resistance element 275 is connected to power supply voltage Vcc. The permission transistor 274 is turned off without the base current flowing when the voltage at the output terminal of the permission comparator 271 is L level, and the collector voltage becomes H level. Further, when the voltage of the output terminal of the permission comparator 271 is at the H level, the permission transistor 274 is turned on due to the base current flowing, and the collector voltage becomes the L level.

  The voltage drop instruction circuit 28 includes an instruction comparator 281, an instruction constant voltage source 282, an instruction base resistance 283, an instruction transistor 284, and an instruction load resistance element 285. When one input terminal connected to the collector of the delay transistor 263 through the output terminal 266 becomes higher than the instruction voltage Vsl2 of the instruction constant voltage source 282, the instruction comparator 281 sets the voltage of the output terminal to the H level. To do. The indication base resistor 283 has one end connected to the output terminal of the indication comparator 281 and the other end connected to the base of the indication transistor 284. The indication transistor 284 has a collector connected to the reset terminal / CLR of the flip-flop 261 and one end of the indication load resistance element 285, and an emitter grounded. The other end of the instruction load resistance element 285 is connected to the power supply voltage Vcc. When the voltage at the output terminal of the indicating comparator 281 is at L level, the indicating transistor 284 is turned off without the base current flowing, and the collector voltage becomes H level. In addition, when the voltage at the output terminal of the instruction comparator 281 is at the H level, the instruction transistor 284 is turned on when the base current flows, and the collector voltage becomes the L level.

(Operation of Detection Device According to Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the operation of the detection device 20. In FIG. 8, period (a) is a normal operation in which when one game ball is led out from the guide passage 5 to the game area 7, the game ball abuts against the return prevention valve 12 and is led out to the game area 7. Indicates. In the period (b), after one game ball comes into contact with the return prevention valve 12 and is led to the game area 7, the return prevention valve 12 vibrates and two pulse signals are continuously output from the detection sensor 6. Indicates the case. The period (c) shows a case where the return prevention valve 12 is fixed at the lead-out position by the action of staying the game ball 18 to which one end of the thread-like material 191 is adhered in the game area 7. In FIG. 8, a waveform 801 indicates the waveform of the signal A1 input from the detection sensor 6 to the interface circuit 21, and a waveform 802 indicates the waveform of the voltage at the inverted data output terminal / Q of the flip-flop 261. A waveform 803 shows the waveform of the voltage V1 of the output terminal 266 connected to the collector of the delay transistor 263, a waveform 804 shows a waveform of the collector voltage V2 of the indicating transistor 284, and a waveform 805 shows a waveform of the collector voltage V3 of the enabling transistor 274. Indicates. A waveform 806 shows the waveform of the voltage Y1 at the derived signal output terminal 32, and a waveform 807 shows the waveform of the voltage E1 at the abnormal signal output terminal 33.

  First, the period (a), which is a normal operation in which one game ball is brought into contact with the return prevention valve 12 and led out to the game area 7, will be described. As indicated by the arrow A, at the time before the pulse signal is input from the detection sensor 6, the voltage of the inverted data output terminal / Q of the flip-flop 261, the collector voltage V2 of the indicating transistor 284, and the collector voltage V3 of the enabling transistor 274 Is at the H level. On the other hand, the voltage V1 of the output terminal 266 is at the L level. As indicated by an arrow B, when the game ball is led out from the guide passage 5 to the game area 7, the pulse signal is generated in response to the rotation of the return prevention valve 12 in contact with the return prevention valve 12 of the detection sensor 6. Is output from the detection sensor 6. The pulse signal output from the detection sensor 6 is input to the clock terminal CLK of the flip-flop 261 via the buffer element 25. The flip-flop 261 transitions the voltage of the inverted data output terminal / Q from the H level to the L level in response to the rising edge of the pulse signal. When the voltage at the inverted data output terminal / Q of the flip-flop 261 transitions to the L level, the delay transistor 263 is turned off because the base current does not flow. When the delay transistor 263 is turned off, the voltage V1 of the output terminal 266 connected to the collector of the delay transistor 263 depends on the time constant τ defined by the resistance value Rx of the delay resistor element 264 and the capacitance value Cx of the delay capacitor element 265. Makes a transition.

  When a pulse signal is input via the buffer element 25, the voltage Y1 at the derived signal output terminal 32 changes from the L level to the H level because the collector voltage V3 of the permission transistor 274 is at the H level. That is, when the pulse signal is input when the collector voltage V3 of the permission transistor 274 is at the H level, the derived signal output circuit 23 starts outputting the derived signal.

  As indicated by an arrow C, when the voltage V1 of the output terminal 266 becomes higher than the output permission voltage Vsl1 of the permission constant voltage source 272, the voltage of the output terminal of the permission comparator 271 becomes H level, the base current flows, and the permission transistor 274 flows. Turns on. When the permission transistor 274 is turned on, the collector voltage V3 of the permission transistor 274 becomes L level. When the collector voltage V3 of the permission transistor 274 becomes L level, the voltage Y1 of the derived signal output terminal 32 changes to L level, and the derived signal output circuit 23 stops outputting the derived signal. When a pulse signal is input to the interface circuit 21 when the collector voltage V3 of the permission transistor 274 is at the H level, as shown by an arrow D, the derived signal output circuit 23 outputs a derived signal that is a pulse signal. Output to the control circuit 100 via the terminal 32.

  As indicated by an arrow E, when the voltage V1 of the output terminal 266 becomes higher than the instruction voltage Vsl2 of the instruction constant voltage source 282, the voltage of the output terminal of the instruction comparator 281 becomes H level, the base current flows, and the instruction transistor 284 Turn on. When the instruction transistor 284 is turned on, the collector voltage V2 of the instruction transistor 284 becomes L level. When the collector voltage V2 of the instruction transistor 284 input to the reset terminal / CLR of the flip-flop 261 becomes L level, as shown by the arrow F, the voltage of the inverted data output terminal / Q of the flip-flop 261 becomes H level. When the voltage of the inverted data output terminal / Q of the flip-flop 261 transitions to the H level, the base current does not flow, the delay transistor 263 is turned off, and the voltage V1 of the output terminal 266 becomes the L level as indicated by the arrow G. .

  When the voltage V1 of the output terminal 266 becomes L level, the voltage of the output terminal of the permission comparator 271 becomes L level, the base current does not flow, the permission transistor 274 is turned off, and the collector voltage V3 of the permission transistor 274 becomes H level. Further, when the voltage V1 of the output terminal 266 becomes L level, the voltage of the output terminal of the indication comparator 281 becomes L level, the base current does not flow, the indication transistor 284 is turned off, and the collector voltage V2 of the indication transistor 284 becomes H level. Become.

  At the time indicated by the arrow H, the voltage of the inverted data output terminal / Q of the flip-flop 261, the collector voltage V2 of the indicating transistor 284, and the collector voltage V3 of the enabling transistor 274 are at the H level, and the voltage V1 of the output terminal 266 is at the L level. It is. That is, the state of the internal voltage of the interface circuit at the time indicated by the arrow H is an initial state in which the interface circuit 21 can output the derived signal, similarly to the state before the pulse signal is input from the detection sensor 6. At the time indicated by the arrow H, the timing circuit 22 outputs an initialization signal indicating that the interface circuit 21 has returned to the initial state in which the derived signal can be output from the inverted data output terminal / Q of the flip-flop 261. Output to the circuit 24. The flip-flop 261 functions as an initialization circuit that stops outputting the initialization signal when a pulse signal is input and starts outputting the initialization signal when a voltage drop instruction signal is input.

  In the period (a), in response to one pulse signal indicated by the arrow B being input to the interface circuit 21, the pulse signal indicated by the arrow D is output from the derived signal output terminal 32 to the control circuit 100 as a derived signal. Is done. The period from when the pulse signal indicated by the bidirectional arrow I is input until the collector voltage V3 of the permission transistor 274 transitions to the L level is a permission time during which the derived signal output circuit 23 is permitted to output the derived signal. . Initialization time until the interface circuit 21 returns to the initial state in which the derived signal can be output is from the input of the pulse signal indicated by the bidirectional arrow J until the collector voltage V3 of the enable transistor 274 transitions to the H level. It is. Even if a pulse signal is input from the detection sensor 6 at a time until the initialization time elapses after the permission time has elapsed, the interface circuit 21 does not output a derived signal. The permission time and the initialization time are times that vary according to the time constant τ defined by the resistance value Rx of the delay resistance element 264 and the capacitance value Cx of the delay capacitance element 265, and thus are based on the resistance value Rx and the capacitance value Cx. Can be determined. For example, the resistance value Rx and the capacitance value Cx can be determined so that the initialization time is 0.5 seconds, which is slightly shorter than 0.6 seconds, which is the minimum game ball firing interval.

  Next, after one game ball comes into contact with the return prevention valve 12 and is led to the game area 7, the return prevention valve 12 vibrates and two pulse signals are continuously output from the detection sensor 6 (b). Will be described. As indicated by an arrow K, when the game ball is led out from the guide passage 5 to the game area 7, the pulse signal is generated in response to the rotation of the return prevention valve 12 in contact with the return prevention valve 12 of the detection sensor 6. Input from the detection sensor 6 to the buffer element 25. Since the collector voltage V3 of the enabling transistor 274 is at the H level, the interface circuit 21 performs the same processing as in the period (a), and a derived signal that is a pulse signal is output from the derived signal output terminal 32 as indicated by an arrow L. The

  As indicated by the arrow M, when the return prevention valve 12 is vibrated after being led to the game area 7 and the second pulse signal is input from the detection sensor 6, the initialization time indicated by the bidirectional arrow N is displayed. Before it has passed. Before the initialization time elapses, the waveform 805 is that the collector voltage V3 of the enabling transistor 274 is at the L level, so that the voltage Y1 of the derived signal output terminal is output even though the pulse signal is input from the detection sensor 6. Is maintained at the L level.

  In the period (b), although one game ball comes into contact with the return prevention valve 12 and is led to the game area 7, the return prevention valve 12 vibrates and two pulse signals are continuously output from the detection sensor 6. The second pulse signal is input before the initialization time has elapsed. Since the second pulse signal is input before the initialization time elapses, the interface circuit 21 does not output the derived signal corresponding to the second pulse signal from the derived signal output terminal 32 to the control circuit 100. . That is, in the interface circuit 21, the derived signal output circuit 23 does not output the derived signal until the time counting circuit 22 outputs the initialization signal after outputting the derived signal.

  Next, the period (c) in which the return prevention valve 12 is fixed at the lead-out position will be described. When the return prevention valve 12 is fixed at the lead-out position, the voltage of the output signal A1 of the detection sensor 6 is maintained at the H level as indicated by the arrow P. When the voltage A1 of the output signal of the detection sensor 6 is maintained at the H level, the voltage at one terminal of the abnormal signal output circuit 24 connected to the output terminal of the buffer element 25 is maintained at the H level. When the initialization time ends and the collector voltage V3 of the enabling transistor 274 transitions to the H level while the voltage at one terminal of the abnormal signal output circuit 24 is maintained at the H level, as indicated by the arrow Q, The abnormal signal output circuit 24 outputs an H level abnormal signal.

  In the period (c), the abnormal signal output circuit 24 detects that the detection sensor 6 is in an abnormal state when the initialization period elapses while the return prevention valve 12 is fixed at the lead-out position and the pulse signal is input from the detection sensor 6. An abnormal signal indicating that is output. As a result, the interface circuit 21 detects the detection sensor when the return prevention valve 12 does not return to the return prevention position until the initialization period determined according to the time constant τ elapses after the interface circuit 21 rotates to the lead-out position. An abnormal signal indicating that 6 is in an abnormal state is output.

  The interface circuit according to the embodiment does not output a derived signal indicating that a game ball has been derived in the gaming area until the initialization time has elapsed since the derived signal was output. Therefore, the anti-return valve of the detection sensor is oscillated due to a reaction when the game ball is led out to the game area or a reaction when the game ball led to the game area collides with the return prevention valve. When a signal is input, no derived signal is output to the control circuit. For this reason, the interface circuit according to the embodiment determines the number of pulse signals output when input from the detection sensor in accordance with the rotation of the return prevention valve, of the game ball actually derived from the guide path to the game area. Processing to match the number can be performed. In addition, the interface circuit according to the embodiment outputs an abnormal signal indicating that the detection sensor is in an abnormal state to the control circuit when the initialization period elapses while the pulse signal is input from the detection sensor. For this reason, the control circuit to which the abnormality signal is input can detect the abnormality of the detection sensor when the return prevention valve is fixed at the lead-out position by pressing the return prevention valve.

(Modification of Detection Device According to Embodiment)
The detection sensor 6 is a separate member for the return prevention valve 12 and the support shaft 14, but the support shaft that rotatably supports the return prevention valve and the return prevention valve may be formed as an integral member. In addition, the sensor unit 11 of the detection sensor 6 includes the light emitting element 112 and the light receiving element 113, but another sensor that can detect the rotation of the return prevention valve 12 such as a proximity sensor may be employed.

  In the described embodiment, the switch of the interface circuit is formed of a bipolar transistor, but a MOS transistor may be employed instead of the bipolar transistor.

  In the described embodiment, the flip-flop 261 is used as the initialization circuit. However, the initialization circuit may be formed of a bipolar transistor and a resistance element. In the described embodiment, the timing circuit 22 is formed of the flip-flop 261, the permission comparator 271 and the instruction comparator 281. However, the timer circuit 22 may be formed of fewer components by forming the timer circuit. Good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 6 Detection sensor 20 Detection apparatus 21 Interface circuit 22 Timing circuit 23 Derived signal output circuit 24 Abnormal signal output circuit 26 Delay circuit 27 Output permission circuit 28 Voltage drop instruction circuit

Claims (5)

It is rotatably arranged in a guide passage for guiding a game ball to the game area, and when the game ball is led out from the guide path to the game area, the game ball enters the guide passage from the game area. A return prevention valve that rotates from a return prevention position to a lead-out position where the game ball can be led out, and a detection unit that outputs a pulse signal in response to the return prevention valve turning from the return prevention position An interface circuit to which the pulse signal is input from a detection sensor comprising:
An output permission signal that is connected to the detection sensor and permits the output of a derived signal indicating that the game ball has been derived from the guidance path to the game area until the permitted time elapses after the pulse signal is input. A timing circuit that outputs an initialization signal indicating that the interface circuit has returned to an initial state capable of outputting the derived signal after an initialization time has elapsed since the pulse signal was input;
Connected to the detection sensor and the timing circuit, the derivation signal is output when the pulse signal is input and the output permission signal is input, while the initialization time is output after the derivation signal is output. Until lapse, even if the pulse signal is input, a derived signal output circuit that does not output the derived signal;
An abnormality signal that is connected to the detection sensor and the timing circuit and outputs an abnormal signal indicating that the detection sensor is in an abnormal state when the initialization signal is input when the pulse signal is input. An output circuit;
An interface circuit comprising: The timing circuit is
When the pulse signal is input, the voltage of the output terminal is increased from the initial voltage according to the time constant and the output of the initialization signal is stopped, and when the voltage drop instruction signal is input, the output terminal And a delay circuit that outputs the initialization signal while lowering the voltage of
The output permission signal is connected to the output terminal of the delay circuit, and the permission time elapses after the pulse signal is input until the voltage of the output terminal of the delay circuit rises to an output permission voltage. An output permission circuit for outputting to the derived signal output circuit;
The voltage drop is applied when the initialization time elapses after the pulse signal is input and the voltage of the output terminal of the delay circuit becomes higher than an instruction voltage, connected to the output terminal of the delay circuit. The interface circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: a voltage drop instruction circuit that outputs an instruction signal to the delay circuit. The delay circuit is
A delay capacitance element having one end connected to the output terminal;
A delay resistor connected to the delay capacitor;
A delay switching element that starts supplying current to the delay capacitance element and the delay resistance element in response to the input of the initialization signal being stopped;
When the voltage drop instruction signal is input, output of the initialization signal to the abnormal signal output circuit and the delay switching element is started, and when the pulse signal is input, the output of the initialization signal is output. The interface circuit according to claim 2, further comprising: an initialization circuit that stops. It is rotatably arranged in a guide passage for guiding a game ball to the game area, and when the game ball is led out from the guide path to the game area, the game ball enters the guide passage from the game area. A return prevention valve that rotates from a return prevention position to a lead-out position where the game ball can be led out, and a detection unit that outputs a pulse signal in response to the return prevention valve turning from the return prevention position A detection sensor having
An interface circuit to which the pulse signal is input from the detection sensor,
The interface circuit is
An output permission signal that is connected to the detection sensor and permits the output of a derived signal indicating that the game ball has been derived from the guidance path to the game area until the permitted time elapses after the pulse signal is input. A timing circuit that outputs an initialization signal indicating that the interface circuit has returned to an initial state capable of outputting the derived signal after an initialization time has elapsed since the pulse signal was input;
Connected to the detection sensor and the timing circuit, the derivation signal is output when the pulse signal is input and the output permission signal is input, while the initialization time is output after the derivation signal is output. Until lapse, even if the pulse signal is input, a derived signal output circuit that does not output the derived signal;
An abnormality signal that is connected to the detection sensor and the timing circuit and outputs an abnormal signal indicating that the detection sensor is in an abnormal state when the initialization signal is input when the pulse signal is input. An output circuit;
A detection apparatus comprising: A guide passage for guiding the game ball to the game area;
A return-preventing position that is rotatably arranged in the guide passage and prevents the game ball from entering the guide passage from the game region when the game ball is led out from the guide passage to the game region. A detection sensor having a return prevention valve that rotates to a derivation position from which the game ball can be derived from, and a detection unit that outputs a pulse signal in response to the return prevention valve rotating from the return prevention position;
An interface circuit to which the pulse signal is input from the detection sensor,
The interface circuit is
An output permission signal that is connected to the detection sensor and permits the output of a derived signal indicating that the game ball has been derived from the guidance path to the game area until the permitted time elapses after the pulse signal is input. A timing circuit that outputs an initialization signal indicating that the interface circuit has returned to an initial state capable of outputting the derived signal after an initialization time has elapsed since the pulse signal was input;
Connected to the detection sensor and the timing circuit, the derivation signal is output when the pulse signal is input and the output permission signal is input, while the initialization time is output after the derivation signal is output. Until lapse, even if the pulse signal is input, a derived signal output circuit that does not output the derived signal;
An abnormality signal that is connected to the detection sensor and the timing circuit and outputs an abnormal signal indicating that the detection sensor is in an abnormal state when the initialization signal is input when the pulse signal is input. An output circuit;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

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