JPH06292761A - Pachinko ball counter, inter-stand ball lending machine, pachinko ball device and pachinko ball device system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce simply and inexpensively the carrying of pachinko (Japanese pinball game) balls by a user by counting pachinko balls, memorizing a deposit ball number that is the accumulation of this counting, and returning surplus deposit balls to an inter-stand ball lending machine, and at the same time, renewing the deposit ball number, by conducting writing into a card. CONSTITUTION:In the case of plural pachinko ball device 2-2n, each is composed of a set consisting of a pachinko stand 3, an inter-stand ball lending machine 4 and a pachinko ball counting machine 5. As for the pachinko ball counting machine 5, it counts pachinko balls thrown in by means of a counting means 5a and accumulates count by means of a deposit ball number memorizing means 5b. Also, when the number of deposit balls is more than the predetermined number of return balls, a ball return control signal (a) is sent out to the inter-stand ball lending machine 4 by means of a deposit ball return permission/refusal deciding means 5d following the operation of a ball return operating means 5c. In addition, at every generation of the ball return control signal (a), a new deposit ball number is brought on by subtracting a return ball number from a deposit ball number by means of a deposit ball number renewing means 5e, and deposit ball number data are written into a card 5f by means of a deposit ball number writing means 5g.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pachinko ball counting machine, an inter-mountain ball lending machine, a pachinko ball device and a pachinko ball device system, and in particular, a pachinko ball having a simple structure which can be installed corresponding to each pachinko ball. Regarding a counter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Since there is a limit to the total number of pachinko balls that can be held in a pachinko hall, it is necessary to constantly manage the play state of the pachinko balls so that there is no shortage of balls on all pachinko machines or pachinko islands. Therefore, conventionally, various methods have been considered to eliminate pachinko balls from being carried around by users in pachinko halls. For example, a pachinko machine for exclusive use is provided so that the balls cannot be discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine, or a ball lending machine using a card is provided so that the pachinko balls are enclosed in the pachinko machine.

[0003]

As a result, the pachinko balls are no longer carried around, but it is difficult to popularize them because it requires a large amount of capital investment because it is forced to replace a dedicated pachinko machine, etc. The real pleasure of pachinko games that you can't directly touch your hands disappears, which gives the user a sense of incongruity that diminishes playability.

On the other hand, in the current settlement of pachinko balls on the island edge or the like, a method of outputting to a card or paper every time is adopted. For this reason, running costs and maintenance costs are heavy.

Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention provides a pachinko ball counter which can be used voluntarily by the user, so that the pachinko ball can be used in a pachinko hall without preparing a special pachinko machine. An object of the present invention is to provide a pachinko ball device which can reduce the amount of pachinko balls carried around by a person as much as possible, which is less likely to give a user a feeling of strangeness, and which can also reduce the running cost.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the means taken by the present invention are, as shown in FIG. 1, a normal pachinko machine 3 and a partially improved inter-lens ball lending machine. 4 and the pachinko ball devices 2 ₁ to 2 _n , which are a set of a pachinko ball counter 5 having a novel structure. That is, the pachinko ball counting machine 5 counts the inserted pachinko balls.
a), and is configured to return the counted pachinko balls to the pachinko islands; the number of deposit balls storage means 5b for accumulating the count of the counting means 5a; and the number of deposit balls above the predetermined number of return balls At this time, the ball return control signal a is sent to the inter-mountain ball lending machine 5d by the operation of the ball return operation means 5c, and the number of deposited balls is calculated every time the ball return control signal a is generated. The number of deposited balls is updated by subtracting the number of returned balls to obtain a new number of deposited balls, and the number of deposited balls writing means 5g for writing the number of deposited balls to the card by inserting the card 5f. .
Further, the inter-mountain ball lending machine 4 has a ball payout means 4b for paying out the number of pachinko balls to the pachinko machine 5 by applying the ball return control signal a to the external control terminal 4a. In addition, the "pachinko ball" in the present invention,
It is not limited to the literal meaning of "pachinko ball," but also includes "medals." Therefore, "Pachinko ball device"
Also includes a "medal game device".

In the basic structure of such a pachinko ball device, the pachinko ball counter has a counter body and a pachinko ball receiving portion attached to the upper part of the counter body,
The counting machine body is a plurality of ball passages for cascading pachinko balls falling from the pachinko ball receiving portion, a sensor for detecting passage of each pachinko ball passing through each ball passage, and a ball passage for a plurality of balls. On the terminal end side, there is provided a discharge path that receives all the pachinko balls that are substantially orthogonal to these and is ejected, and guides the pachinko balls in the depth direction of the pachinko machine. In such a case, a mounting means may be provided to make the pachinko ball receptacle part detachable from the upper part of the counter body. Further, an adjusting means for adjusting the attachment / detachment position of the pachinko ball receiving portion with respect to the upper portion of the counter body may be provided. Further, ball stopper means for closing the ball passage by a control signal may be provided.

The pachinko ball counter may be provided with a digital display unit for displaying the number of deposited balls, or a bar graph display unit for quantizing and displaying the number of deposited balls in units of a predetermined number.

The pachinko ball counting machine is a means for writing the total number of deposited balls, which is the sum of the number of deposited balls of the data already stored in the insertion card and the number of deposited balls of the relevant ball counting device, and writes the total number of deposited balls data. Have. Further, the pachinko ball counter is a settlement lock means for stopping the settlement operation of the deposit ball number writing means and the total deposit ball number writing means by the operation of the settlement lock operating means and the insertion operation of the card, and the inserted card. On the other hand, it has a release code writing means for writing the release code of the settlement lock and a settlement lock releasing means for releasing the settlement lock state when the release codes of the inserted cards match. Further, the pachinko ball counter has lock time display means for measuring and displaying the elapsed time during the settlement lock.

The pachinko ball counting machine has deposit ball number initialization means for initializing the stored contents of the deposit ball by inserting the card carrying the ball number management code. Further, the pachinko ball counting machine has a settlement lock compulsory releasing means for releasing the settlement lock state by inserting the card carrying the settlement lock release code.

The device system of the pachinko ball devices 2 ₁ to 2 _n collectively manages a plurality of pachinko ball counting machines 5,
It has a ball counting machine controller 6 that sorts and collects the number of deposit balls settled by the pachinko ball counting machine on a pachinko island basis or a plurality of pachinko island basis and transmits the sorted counting data to the hall computer 1.

[0012]

[Function] As described above, the pachinko ball counting machine 5 having the novel structure
With the combination of and the partially improved Taima ball lending machine 4,
Without having to prepare a special pachinko machine, it is possible to reduce the carry of pachinko balls by the user in the pachinko hall as much as possible, and the user does not feel uncomfortable. That is, when the number of pachinko balls discharged from the pachinko machine 5 becomes large, the user voluntarily inserts the pachinko balls into the pachinko ball counter 5. In such a case, the pachinko balls ejected from the pachinko machine are not automatically sent to the pachinko machine counter 5, but as usual, the pachinko machine 3 is used.
The pachinko balls can be directly touched by the user as they are discharged to the tray, and can be stored in a ball box if desired. However, when the open-type pachinko ball counting machine 5 is installed near the lower part of each pachinko machine base 3, the pachinko balls will rather be thrown into the pachinko ball counting machine 5 voluntarily due to the learning effect or the like. Therefore, the user does not feel a sense of discomfort.

When the pachinko balls are thrown into the pachinko ball counter 5, the number of balls is counted by the counting means, and the counted value is stored as the number of deposited balls in the number of deposited balls storage means, and the number of pachinko balls already counted is counted. The balls are returned to the pachinko islands and recycled. As a result, since the pachinko balls once taken out from the pachinko machine are returned via the pachinko ball counter 5, the number and frequency of carrying the pachinko balls in the hall are reduced. The number can be leveled.

When the number of balls the user has in the pan of the pachinko machine 3 is low, the user operates the ball returning operation means 5c of the pachinko ball counter 5. Here, triggered by this operation, the deposited ball return permission / denial determining means 5d determines whether or not the number of deposited balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and when the number is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, a ball return control signal a is sent to the inter-mountain ball lending machine 4. At the same time, the number of deposited balls updating means 5e subtracts the number of returned balls from the number of deposited balls to obtain a new number of deposited balls. When the ball return control signal a is applied to the external control terminal 4a of the inter-mountain ball lending machine 4, the ball payout means 4b operates and the number of pachinko balls of the number of returned balls is set to the pachinko machine 3 even if actual money is not inserted. Pay out to. As a result, the user can use the pachinko balls paid out so as to destroy the savings, while directly touching the pachinko balls.

When the user pays the deposit balls when the pachinko game is stopped or finished, when the card 5f borrowed from the front is inserted into the pachinko ball counting machine 5, the deposit ball number writing means 5g deposits the deposit cards into the inserted card. The ball number data is written and the deposit balls are settled. After this, prize exchange and the like are performed using this card. Since cards with ball count data have the same loot value to users as the pachinko balls in the ball box, the cards are mostly returned at the front desk, and the cards themselves can be recycled. Certainly. Also, unlike carrying a box, it is easy to carry around. Furthermore, it is not necessary to prepare a ball box, so it is possible to prevent ball theft, reduce costs, and reduce the burden on employees. Further, when each user counts the number of balls by the pachinko ball counting machine 5, the settlement work at the front can be greatly simplified, and in particular, the congestion of the settlement work just before the closing of the store can be eliminated. .

The mechanical structure of this pachinko ball counting machine is composed of a counting machine body and a pachinko ball receiving portion attached to the upper part of the counting machine body, and the counting machine body falls from the pachinko ball receiving portion. A plurality of ball passages for arranging the balls in tandem, a sensor for detecting the passage of each pachinko ball passing through each ball passage, and a set of pachinko balls that are discharged substantially orthogonal to these at the end side of the ball passage for multiple balls When configured with a discharge path that receives and guides in the depth direction of the pachinko machine, it is possible to reduce the depth dimension of the pachinko ball counting machine.
It can be installed instead of the ball box in the space under the pachinko machine where the ball box is placed. Further, in a configuration in which the pachinko ball counting machine has a mounting means that allows the pachinko ball receiving section to be freely attached to and detached from the upper portion of the counter body, for example, when an abnormality occurs in the pachinko ball counting machine, the pachinko ball receiving section It can be removed and put in a regular box, which does not inconvenience the user. Further, in the configuration in which the pachinko ball counting machine has an adjusting means for adjusting the attachment / detachment position of the pachinko ball receiving portion with respect to the upper part of the counter main body, the mutual position adjustment between the pachinko ball tray and the pachinko ball receiving portion can be performed. The user himself can adjust the operability of inserting a pachinko ball into the pachinko ball receiving portion. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the pachinko ball counter has a ball stopper means that closes the ball passage by a control signal, the pachinko ball does not pass through the sensor at the time of power failure or removal of the pachinko ball receptacle, so the counting operation stops. Therefore, the counting at the time of abnormality can be eliminated.

When the pachinko ball counting machine is provided with a digital display section for displaying the number of deposited balls, unlike the pachinko balls on the bowl, the user can always grasp the counted value, unlike the approximate number of balls for pachinko balls. can do. Also, when a bar graph display unit that quantizes and displays the number of deposited balls in units of a predetermined number of balls is provided, you can enjoy the feeling of stacking ordinary ball boxes,
Since you can show off the number of balls you can play, you can maintain the playability of pachinko even if there are few pachinko balls in reality.

The pachinko ball counter has a total deposit ball number writing means for writing the total deposit ball number data by adding the deposit ball number of the data already stored in the insertion card and the deposit ball number of the relevant ball counter. In, you can settle even if you change the pachinko machine.

Further, the pachinko ball counting machine is provided with a settlement lock means for stopping the settlement operations of the deposit ball number writing means and the total deposit ball number writing means by operating the settlement lock operating means and the card inserting operation. In the configuration having the release code writing means for writing the release code of the settlement lock to the card and the settlement lock releasing means for releasing the settlement lock state when the release codes of the inserted cards match, the user plays the game. When pausing, the pachinko ball counting machine will be in the state of settlement due to the operation of the settlement lock operation means and the insertion of the card, and it is possible to prevent unauthorized settlement by others, and also the settlement will be stopped only with the user's card. The state can be canceled and the game can be restarted on the same pachinko machine. Here, in the configuration in which the pachinko ball counting machine has the lock time display means for measuring and displaying the elapsed time during the settlement lock, the employee can know the elapsed time in the settlement lock state and is appropriate when it is too long. You can take various measures.

In a configuration in which the pachinko ball counting machine has deposit ball number initialization means for initializing the stored contents of the deposit ball by inserting a card carrying a ball number management code,
If necessary, employees can initialize the number of deposits. Further, in a configuration in which the pachinko ball counter has a settlement lock forced release means for releasing the settlement lock state by inserting a card carrying a settlement lock release code, the employee releases the settlement lock if necessary. be able to.

In the pachinko system as described above,
A ball counter controller that manages multiple pachinko ball counters collectively and sorts and collects the number of deposit balls settled by the pachinko ball counter by pachinko island unit or multiple pachinko island units and transmits the sorted total data to the hall computer side. In the configuration with, there is no interconnection between multiple pachinko ball counters and hall computers, the number of connections can be reduced, and it is possible to introduce this pachinko ball device without major system configuration changes. Become.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a system of a pachinko ball device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pachinko ball system of this example includes a hall computer (host computer) 1 and a plurality of pachinko ball devices 2 ₁ to 2 _n.
And a ball counter 6 for controlling the pachinko ball counters 5 of the plurality of pachinko ball devices on a pachinko island basis or on a plurality of pachinko island basis. Pachinko ball device 2 ₁
2 to 2 _n are each composed of a normal pachinko machine 3, an inter-mountain ball lending machine 4, and a pachinko ball counter 5. The pachinko ball counting machine 5 counts the pachinko balls taken out from the saucer of the pachinko ball stand 3, and the pachinko ball counting machine 5 is operated under a certain condition when the user presses the ball returning switch 5c of the pachinko ball counting machine 5. The ball return control signal a is sent from the inter-mountain ball lending machine 4 so that the inter-mountain ball lending machine 4 pays out the pachinko balls to the pachinko machine 3 even if no money is input. When the pachinko balls are returned, the pachinko ball counting machine 5
The count value (number of deposited balls) is subtracted by the number of returned balls. That is, the pachinko ball counting machine 5 has a counting means 5a for counting the number of pachinko balls to be thrown in, and is configured to return the counted pachinko balls to the pachinko island, and accumulate the counts of the counting means 5a. A storage means 5b for the number of deposited balls,
Ball return operation means 5c when the number of deposited balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined number
The operation of the above-mentioned method returns the ball return control signal a to the inter-lens ball lending machine, and the stored ball return allowance determination means 5d, and the number of stored balls is subtracted from the number of stored balls each time the ball return control signal a is generated. The number of deposited balls is updated to a new number of deposited balls, and the number of deposited balls writing device 5g for writing the number of deposited balls into the card by inserting the card 5f is provided. The inter-lens ball lending machine 4 applies the ball return control signal a to the external control terminal 4a to pay out the pachinko balls of the number of returned balls to the pachinko machine 5.
b.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a pachinko ball device 2 of this embodiment. This pachinko ball device 2 is a platform for mounting a pachinko machine 3 in contrast to a general combination of a normal pachinko machine 3 and an inter-lens ball lending machine 4 to which a payout function is added by a ball return control signal a from the outside. A dedicated pachinko ball counter 5 is mounted on the.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a pachinko ball counting machine 5 in this embodiment. This pachinko ball counting machine 5 has a counter body 10 and a removable pachinko ball receiving portion 11 on the upper surface thereof, and the pachinko balls taken out from the saucer 3a of the pachinko machine 3 and put in the pachinko ball are the pachinko balls. Receptacle 1
It is introduced from 1 to the main body 10 to count the number of balls.
On the front of the counter body 10 of this pachinko ball counter 5,
Count display unit 10a for digitally displaying the count value (cumulative value)
And a counting image display unit 10b that exhibits an effect equivalent to that when a user stacks a ball box to show off a large number of balls.
Card insertion port 10c, ball return switch 10d with lamp display, settlement lock switch 10 with lamp display
e and. The count image display unit 10b is, for example, a bar graph display unit that lights up one dot every time 1000 balls are counted. A card, which will be described later, is inserted into the card insertion slot 10c. The ball returning switch 10d is for performing a pachinko ball returning operation. When the ball returning switch 10d is pressed, the ball payback signal a is output. The settlement lock switch 10e is for prohibiting the settlement operation of the pachinko ball counter 5 when the user temporarily leaves the pachinko machine during the game.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the pachinko ball receiving portion of the pachinko ball counting machine 5 in this embodiment is attached. An opening 12 is formed on the upper surface of the counter main body 10, and the opening 12 faces the starting end side of the four ball passages 13. The pachinko ball receiving portion 11 is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped hopper having a ball slit 11a at the center bottom and fixing magnets 11b and 11c on the bottom surface. Positioning pins 11d are provided at the four corners of the rear surface of the pachinko ball receptacle 11 so as to project therefrom.
d is a socket fixing hole 1 formed on the upper surface of the counter body 10
The ball socket 11 is inserted into the counter body 10
Fixed on top. Since the ball socket 11 can be removed,
At the time of abnormality, a ball box can be placed in place of the ball receptacle 11. The receiving port fixing holes 14 in this example are formed at 12 positions so that the positions of the ball receiving port 11 with respect to the counter body 10 can be fixed at three positions in the left-right direction. Since the position of the ball receiving part 11 can be adjusted, the user himself can adjust the operability of inserting the pachinko ball into the ball receiving part 11. 5A is a top view showing the counter body 10 of the pachinko ball counter 5, FIG.
(B) is the side view. This counter main body 10 has four consecutive ball passages 12a, which are arranged in the width direction of the main body with the opening 12 side as the starting end side and inclined downward to the left for cascading pachinko balls.
12d (12) and the ball passage detection sensors 15a to 15a arranged at the terminal side of the ball passage 12 in the depth direction of the main body substantially orthogonal thereto.
5d, a discharge gutter 16 that guides the balls discharged from the end of the ball passage 12 in the main body depth direction and returns them to the pachinko island, and the positioning pins of the pachinko ball socket 11 are in the socket fixing holes of the counter body 10. When the ball receiving portion presence / absence detector 17 such as a micro switch for detecting whether or not it is inserted and the positioning pin of the pachinko ball receiving portion 11 are not inserted into the receiving portion fixing holes of the counter body 10, It has a ball stopper member 19 that closes the ball passage 12 by activating the electromagnetic solenoid plunger 18.

The electronic configuration of the pachinko ball counter 5 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM)
And the input / output interface thereof. The input / output interface includes a settlement lock switch 10e for generating a settlement lock signal and a settlement lock display unit 10 for displaying the generation of the settlement lock signal.
e ', a ball return switch 10d for generating a ball return control signal for a pachinko ball, a ball return display section 10d' for displaying generation of the payout signal, a ball receiving section presence / absence detector 17, an address switch 21, and a ball passing detection sensor. 15a to 15d, a communication interface circuit 22 serving as a communication interface with the ball counter controller 6, and a card reader / writer 2 for reading and writing a card inserted in the card insertion slot 10c.
3, a count display portion 10a, an image display portion 10b, an electromagnetic solenoid plunger 18 for driving the ball stopper member 19, and a power supply circuit 24. The address switch 21 creates a code for identifying each ball counting machine during transmission control.

The card 5 to be inserted into the card insertion slot 10c
The information format of f is, as shown in FIG. 7, an “ID code area” such as a store number indicating that the card can be used in this system, whether the card is a settlement card used by the user or a management card used by the administrator, or A "classification code area" that indicates that the checkout is locked, a "date area" that indicates date (year, month, and day) information, and a "terminal ID" that indicates which pachinko ball counter processed the card when used as a checkout card.
Area "," total deposit ball number area "showing the number of pachinko balls at the time of settlement, and" final deposit ball number area "showing the number of pachinko balls at the time of final settlement. The "total number of deposited balls area" and "final number of deposited balls area" deal with cases where the settlement is performed a plurality of times by different pachinko ball counting machines.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a plurality of pachinko ball counters 5, a counter controller 6, and a hall computer 1. In this example, the pachinko ball counters 5-A1 to 5-An belonging to an island unit or a plurality of island units,
5-B1 to 5-Bn ... Are transmission lines L _A , L _B , ..., L
It is connected to the counter controller 6 via _X.

[0030] The counting machine controller 6 may aggregate together counts in the plurality of pachinko ball counting machine 5 connected to the transmission line to store the total value A line count Aggregate memories M _A, M _{B, ...,} M _X and A line counting total memory M _A, M _B,
..., a summary sorting means 6a for converting to match the aggregate value of the M _X the sorting existing aggregation hall computer 1, counting output memory M _OA for storing the classified aggregate _value, M _{OB, ...,} M _{Has OX} . The contents of the count output memories M _OA, M _OB, ... _, M _OX are output to the hall computer 1. In this example, the counting values of a plurality of pachinko ball counting machines are sucked up by the counting machine controller 6 and sorted so as to match the sorting sorting of the hall computer 1, and then the sorting result is output to the hall computer 1. In this example, the individual pachinko ball counters do not output directly to the hall computer 1 by settlement but output to the counter controller 6. The introduction of this system can also reduce the increase in the number of wires and avoid the software change on the side of the hall computer 1, which contributes to the ease of introduction.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[Operation of Inter-mountain Ball Rental Machine] First, the operation of the inter-mountain ball rental machine 4 will be described with reference to FIG. This Takuma ball rental machine 4
Is a currency (100 yen coin, 5000 yen coin,
By inserting 1000 yen bill, a predetermined number of balls are paid out to the pachinko machine 3, but the ball payout operation is also executed by the ball return control signal a from the pachinko ball counter 5. There is. That is, the inter-mountain ball lending machine 4 judges the presence or absence of inserted money in step 81, moves to step 82 when there is inserted money, and when there is no inserted money, in step 83 receives the external payment (ball) from the external control terminal 4a. The application of the return control signal a) is determined. When there is an external deposit, the corresponding amount (for example, 100 yen) is added to the ball payout memory (not shown) in the same manner as when the money is deposited in step 82. Next, at step 84, it is judged whether or not there is a remaining amount in the ball payout memory. When there is a balance, a ball payout process of 25 yen for 100 yen is executed in step 85, and the balls are supplied to the pachinko machine 3. After the ball payout process, 100 yen is subtracted from the ball payout memory in step 86. In this way, in the inter-mountain ball lending machine 4, a series of steps 81 to 86 is repeated. For example,
When the pachinko ball counter 5 sends five ball return control signals a to the inter-mountain ball lending machine 4, the total amount of external deposit is 500 yen, so if 100 yen is 25 pieces, the ball payout process is performed 5 times. It is performed at predetermined intervals. Therefore, as compared with the conventional inter-lens ball lending machine, the ball payout means 4b is activated by the ball return control signal a coming from the newly provided external control terminal 4a. In this case, since there is no actual money input even if the ball payout operation is performed, the hall computer 1 is a loan (payout) unrelated to the sales total.
The output pulse for is not output.

[Pachinko Ball Withdrawal Operation of Pachinko Ball Counter] Next, the pachinko ball withdrawal operation in the pachinko ball counter 5 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 91, it is determined whether or not the number of pachinko balls is being counted.

If the number of pachinko balls is being counted, it is judged in step 92 whether or not the number of counted coins is equal to or more than the set number of 100-yen coins (for example, one or more coins). In step 93, a refundable flag is set, and in step 94, the ball return display unit 10
Turn on d '. If the number of pachinko balls is not being counted, it is determined in step 95 whether the ball return switch 10d is on. When the ball return switch 10d is off, the routine proceeds to step 92, and when the ball return switch 10d is on, it is judged at step 96 whether the card read / write processing is being executed. If the card read / write processing is being executed, the process proceeds to step 92. If the card read / write processing is not being executed, it is determined in step 97 whether or not the payment lock state is set. When the settlement is locked, the routine proceeds to step 92, and when the settlement is not locked, it is judged in step 98 whether or not the ball returnable flag is set. If it is not possible to return the ball, step 9
When the ball can be returned, the ball return control signal a is sent to the inter-mountain ball lending machine 4 in step 99. When the inter-mountain ball lending machine 4 receives the ball return control signal a, the ball payout process is performed according to the processing flow shown in FIG. 8. However, due to circumstances on the side of the inter-mountain ball lending machine 4, the payout may not be executed. Therefore, the payout completion signal is kicked back from the inter-mountain ball lending machine 4 to the pachinko ball counting machine 5. Therefore, in step 100, it is determined whether or not the payout control is completed. When the payout control is not completed, the process proceeds to step 92, and when the payout control is completed, the count value (the number of deposit balls) is calculated in step 101. A predetermined number (for example, 25 for 100 yen) is subtracted. Thereafter, in step 102, the ball return display portion 10d 'is turned off, and the process proceeds to step 92.

[Processing for Settlement Card] When a code indicating that the card is a settlement card used by the user is attached to the classification code area of the card, the settlement card process will be described with reference to FIG.

In step 105, the pachinko ball counting machine 5 determines whether or not a card has been inserted into the card insertion slot 10c. In the case of non-insertion, it is determined in step 106 whether or not the settlement lock switch 10e is turned on, and when it is turned on, it is determined in step 107 whether or not the settlement lock state is set (whether or not the settlement lock flag is set). Here, when the balance is not locked, the balance lock switch is effective, so that the balance lock flag is set in step 108, and the balance lock display portion 10e 'is turned on in step 109. In this way, the settlement lock flag is set by the user pressing the settlement lock switch 10e.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 107 that the settlement lock is already set in spite of the settlement lock switch 10e being on, the elapsed time elapsed after the state is set in the settlement lock state in step 110 is displayed as a count. It is displayed on the section 10a. Such a lock elapsed time display function may be, for example, a user who specializes in a plurality of Panco tables when the lock elapsed time is too long,
There is a merit that the administrator can take appropriate measures.

If the adjustment lock switch 10e is off in step 106, it is determined in step 111 whether or not the adjustment lock is in effect. If not, the lock switch is released in step 112 (the lock flag is turned down). In step 113, the settlement lock display portion 10e 'is turned off.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 105 that a card has been inserted, it is determined in step 114 whether or not pachinko balls are being counted. When the counting is in progress, the card is returned at the step because the counted value is not fixed. If it is not counting, it is determined in step 116 whether the card inserted is valid or not. The process of this validity determination will be described later, but now
If it is determined that the card is invalid, step 115
When the card is returned in and the card is determined to be a valid card, it is determined in step 117 whether or not the account is already locked. Here, when the settlement lock is not being performed, it is determined in step 118 whether or not the lock switch is valid, and when it is not valid, step 1
At 19, the count value of the ball counter (the number of deposit balls) is written in the final deposit ball number area of the card, and a value obtained by adding the count value to the number of balls in the total deposit ball number area is written. In step 119, the date data is written in the date area, and the unique code of the settled pachinko ball counter is written in the terminal ID area. And step 12
At 0, the counting data in the counting memory of the pachinko ball counter is cleared and initialized, and then the card is returned at step 115. In this manner, the user can easily copy the count value of the pachinko ball counting machine 5 onto the card by inserting the card, in a manner similar to collecting balls from the saucer. It is possible to reduce the carry-out of the ball by the user without impairing the playability of the pachinko machine, in which the user can own the acquired object.

When it is determined in step 118 that the settlement lock switch is valid, the settlement lock process is executed in step 121. In the settlement lock process, the date is written in the date area of the card, the unique code of the pachinko ball counter is written in the terminal ID area, and the pachinko ball counter itself is also in the settlement lock confirmation mode. . Then, in step 122, after the adjustment lock display portion 10e 'is turned on, step 1
Return the card at 15. In this way, when the user temporarily leaves the game and stands up, if he / she presses the settlement lock switch 10e and inserts the card, the card serves as a settlement lock card (unlock card). become. Therefore, as will be described later, it is possible to prevent another person from writing the count value of the pachinko ball counter on the other person's card and making an illegal payment.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 117 that the settlement lock is being locked, it is determined in step 123 whether the inserted card is the settlement lock release card. Specifically, it is determined whether the date data in the date area matches and the written unique code in the terminal ID area matches the unique code of the pachinko ball counter. If they do not match, the payment is returned in step 115. If they match, the payment lock state is released in step 124 (the payment lock flag is turned down), and the payment lock display portion 10e 'is turned off in step 125, and then step 115 The card will be returned at.

[Processing for Management Card] When a code indicating that the card is a management card used by the manager is attached to the classification code area of the card, the management card processing will be described with reference to FIG.

Here, in addition to the settlement card, the reason why the management card used by the administrator is used is that the host computer 1 and the pachinko ball counting machine 5 are not directly connected to each other in this example, and the host computer 1 This is because the management control of a large number of pachinko ball counting machines 5 is not performed from the side.
Of course, the host computer 1 can also collectively manage, but if each pachinko ball counting machine 5 and the host computer 1 are interconnected, the number of connections will increase by the number of pachinko machines in the oar, and wiring connection work and facility costs etc. The burden becomes huge. Therefore, in order to reduce the cost, in this example, a card is used for the settlement process of the pachinko ball counting machine, so it is intended to manage the pachinko ball counting machine individually by using this card. is there. The types of this management card are a date update card for updating the date of the pachinko ball counting machine 5, a clearing card for setting the count value of the pachinko ball counting machine 5 to zero, and a settlement lock state of the pachinko ball counting machine 5. It is a settlement lock release card for forcibly releasing.

First, in step 130 (step 105 in FIG. 10), it is determined whether or not a card is inserted, and if the card is inserted, in step 131 it is determined whether or not the card is a management card. If it is determined that the code indicating that the card is a management card is attached in the card classification code area, the card is a management card, so the process proceeds to step 132.
If it is determined that a code indicating that the card is a payment card is added to the card classification code area, the process proceeds to the payment card processing 133 corresponding to the series of steps shown in FIG. When it is determined in step 132 that the inserted card is a date update card, the date data of the pachinko ball counter 5 is updated in step 134, and the count information is initialized (count clear) in step 135.
To execute. Then, in step 137, the settlement lock release process is executed regardless of the presence or absence of the settlement lock state, the settlement lock display portion 10e 'is turned off in step 137, and then the card is returned in step 138. On the other hand, when the inserted card is not the date update card in step 131, it is determined in step 139 whether the inserted card is a counting clear card.
If it is a counting clear card, step 1
In step 140, it is determined whether the card is a clearing lock release card or not. If it is a settlement lock release card, the routine proceeds to step 136, where the settlement lock release processing is executed. If it is not the settlement lock release card, the card is returned in step 138. In this example, the management process uses three separate types of management cards, but the date update process always involves a count clear process, and if the management card is inserted after pressing the payment lock switch, the payment lock will be released. If configured to be performed, the management processing can be performed by one type of management card. If you manage the date update with a management card before opening the hall, you can check the operation of the pachinko ball counting machine itself in addition to the date update work.

[Effectiveness Judgment Process of Inserted Card] Next, with reference to FIG. 12, description will be made on the authenticity / effectiveness / ineffectiveness judgment operation of the card when the card is inserted into the card insertion slot 10c. This determination operation is an expansion of step 116 in FIG. When the card is inserted, first, in step 150, the information (ID code area, classification code area, date area, terminal ID) written on the card.
Area information) is read and it is determined whether the reading is normal. If it is determined that the reading is not normal, the invalid card is processed in step 151, that is, the invalid card flag is set, and the card is returned in step 115 of FIG. When reading normally, in step 152, it is determined whether the ID code area can be processed by the system. If they do not match, the process proceeds to step 151. If they match, it is determined in step 153 whether the content of the classification code area is the code of the management card. This step corresponds to step 131 in FIG. If the card is a management card, processing of a valid card, that is, a valid card flag is set in step 154, and the process proceeds to step 132 in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined in step 153 that the card is not the management card, the card is a payment card, and therefore it is determined in step 154 whether the card has been inserted for clearing the payment lock. If it is determined that the settlement lock is not released, the valid card processing is performed in step 154 because it has been inserted for settlement or settlement lock. When it is determined in step 154 that the settlement lock has been released, it is determined in step 155 that the data in the date area does not match.
If they do not match, the process proceeds to step 151. If they do match, in step 156 it is determined whether the IDs in the terminal ID area match or not. If they do not match, the process proceeds to step 151, and if they match, the valid card processing is performed in step 154.

[Premium Exchange Process for Settlement Card] Next, the settlement process (prize process) by the counter controller 6 using the card will be described with reference to FIG. When the card is inserted, first, in step 160, the information (ID code area, classification code area, date area, terminal ID area information) written in the card is read, and it is determined whether the reading is normal. It If it is determined that the reading is not normal, the card is returned in step 161. When reading normally, in step 162, it is determined whether the ID code area can be processed by the system. If they do not match, invalid display is performed in step 163. If they match, it is determined in step 164 whether the content of the classification code area is the code of the management card. If the card is a management card, settlement is unnecessary, so the process proceeds to step 163. On the other hand, when it is determined in step 164 that the card is not the management card, the card is a settlement card, and therefore it is determined in step 165 whether the data in the date area match. Step 1
63, and if they match, it is determined in step 166 whether the settlement lock process is being performed. When the settlement lock process is being performed, the prize is exchanged by the corresponding pachinko ball counter until the settlement is completed, so that the step S163 is performed.
Move to. If the settlement lock process is not in progress, the number of coins (the number of deposited balls) in the total number of balls held area is displayed in step 167. After step 167 or step 163, the confirmation or invalid display of the number of deposited balls for the user is displayed. In step 168, the confirmation switch is used to input the presence or absence of the confirmation. If the confirmation is made, the settlement data of the settlement card is erased in step 169, and then the card is collected in step 170. When the confirmation is rejected, the card is returned in step 161.

The management cards and invalid cards are handled as follows.
Perform processing by switching from normal operation. Although the number of read custody balls is displayed, it is possible to transfer the data to a prize exchange POS for processing.

Further, the present system is not limited to the pachinko ball device, and can be similarly applied to medal settlement.

Further, in the present example, a card (magnetic card, prepaid card, etc.) is used for settlement and management, but a punch card or other information storage medium can be used.

[0050]

As described above, the present invention is characterized by a combination of a pachinko ball counting machine having a novel structure and a partially improved inter-mountain ball lending machine. Has a great effect.

Since there is no need to change the pachinko machine itself, there is no need to prepare a special pachinko machine, and the pachinko balls can be carried around by users in the pachinko hall as much as possible without incurring a large burden of capital investment. Can be reduced. Moreover, the user does not feel uncomfortable.

When the user cancels or ends the pachinko game and pays the deposit balls, if a card borrowed from the front desk is inserted into the pachinko ball counter, the deposit ball number data is written in the inserted card, and the deposit ball number data is written. Settlement is easy. It is certain that the card itself will be recycled.
In addition, unlike carrying a ball box, carrying it is easy, and there is no need to prepare a ball box, so it is possible to prevent theft of balls, reduce costs, and reduce the burden on employees.

Further, when each user performs the ball-counting adjustment with the pachinko ball counting machine, the settlement operation at the front can be greatly simplified, and in particular, the congestion of the settlement operation near the closing of the store can be eliminated. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system configuration of a pachinko ball device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a pachinko ball device of the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a pachinko ball counter in the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a pachinko ball receiving portion of the pachinko ball counter of the embodiment is attached.

FIG. 5 (a) is a top view showing a counter body of the same pachinko ball counter, and FIG. 5 (b) is a side view thereof.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic function of the pachinko ball counter.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an information format structure of a card used in the pachinko ball counting machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the inter-lens ball lending machine in the same embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a pachinko ball payout operation of the same pachinko ball counting machine.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a settlement operation of the number of deposit balls for a settlement card of the pachinko ball counting machine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a process for a management card of the pachinko ball counting machine.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining validity determination processing for an insertion card of the pachinko ball counting machine.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a system relationship with a plurality of pachinko ball counters, a counter controller, and a hall computer 1 in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for explaining a prize exchange process for the settlement card of the counter controller in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Hall computer (host computer) 2 ₁ to 2 _n ... Pachinko ball device 3 ... Pachinko machine 3a ... Sauce tray 4 ... Stand ball rental machine 4a ... External control terminal 4b ... Ball payout means 5 ... Pachinko ball counter 5a ... Counting Means 5b ... Deposited ball number storage means 5c (10d) ... Ball return switch 5e ... Deposited ball number updating means 5f ... Card 5g ... Deposited ball number writing means 6 ... Ball counter controller 6a ... Total sorting means 10 ... Ball counter main body Reference numeral 10a ... Count display portion 10b ... Count image display portion 10c ... Card insertion opening 10d '... Ball return display portion 10e ... Adjustment lock switch 10e' ... Adjustment lock display portion 11 ... Ball receiving portion 11a ... Ball slit 11b, 11c ... Fixed Magnet 11d ... Positioning pin 12 ... Openings 13a to 13d (13) ... Ball passage 14 ... Receptacle fixing holes 15a to 15 ... Ball passage sensor 16 ... discharge trough 17 ... ball receiving presence detector 18 ... electromagnetic solenoid plungers 21 ... address switch 22 ... communication interface 23 ... card reader-writer 24 ... power supply circuit a ... Ball return control signal L _A, L _{B to} L _X ... Transmission line

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location G07F 7/08

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A pachinko ball counting machine which has counting means for counting the number of pachinko balls to be thrown in, and returns the counted pachinko balls to a pachinko island, wherein the number of deposited balls for accumulating the counts of said counting means is stored. Means and
When the number of deposited balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of returned balls, the deposited ball return permission / denial determining means for sending a ball return control signal to the inter-mountain ball lending machine by the operation of the ball return operating means, and the degree of occurrence of the ball return control signal. Further, it has a number-of-deposited-balls updating means for subtracting the number of returned balls from the number of deposited balls to obtain a new number of deposited balls, and a means for writing the number of deposited balls to write the number-of-deposited-balls into the card by inserting a card. A pachinko ball counting machine characterized by that. 2. The pachinko ball counting machine according to claim 1, further comprising a counting machine main body and a pachinko ball receiving portion mounted on an upper portion of the counting machine main body, wherein the counting machine main body is the pachinko ball counting machine. A plurality of ball passages for cascading pachinko balls falling from the ball receiving portion, a sensor for detecting passage of each pachinko ball passing through each ball passage, and a plurality of ball passages at the end side of the ball passages for the plurality of balls A pachinko ball counting machine, which has a discharge path that receives all of the pachinko balls that are orthogonally discharged and guides them in the depth direction of the pachinko machine. 3. The pachinko ball counting machine according to claim 2, further comprising mounting means for detachably attaching the pachinko ball receiving portion to an upper portion of the counter body. . 4. The pachinko ball counting machine according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising adjusting means for adjusting a mounting / detaching position of the pachinko ball receiving portion with respect to an upper portion of the counter body. Ball counting machine. 5. The pachinko ball counting machine according to claim 2, further comprising a ball stopper means for closing the ball passage according to a control signal. 6. The pachinko ball counting machine according to claim 1, further comprising a digital display unit for displaying the number of deposited balls. 7. The pachinko ball counting machine according to claim 1, further comprising a bar graph display section for quantizing and displaying the number of deposited balls in a predetermined number of balls. And a pachinko ball counting machine. 8. The pachinko ball counting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the number of deposited balls of the data already carried by the insertion card and the number of deposited balls of the ball counting machine are added. A pachinko ball counting machine having a total deposit ball number writing means for writing the total deposit ball number data. 9. The pachinko ball counting machine according to claim 8, wherein the settlement operation of the deposit ball number writing means and the total deposit ball number writing means is stopped by operating the settlement lock operating means and inserting the card. A settlement lock means, a release code writing means for writing the release code of the settlement lock to the inserted card, and a settlement lock releasing means for releasing the settlement lock state when the release code of the inserted card matches. A pachinko ball counting machine characterized by having. 10. The pachinko ball counter according to claim 9, further comprising lock time display means for measuring and displaying an elapsed time during the settlement lock. 11. The pachinko ball counting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the stored contents of the deposited balls are initialized by inserting the card carrying a ball number management code. A pachinko ball counting machine having a number initialization means. 12. The pachinko ball counting machine according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the settlement lock forcibly releasing means for releasing the settlement lock state by inserting the card carrying a settlement lock release code. And a pachinko ball counting machine. 13. The inter-mountain ball lending machine is provided with a ball payout means for paying out a predetermined number of pachinko balls to a pachinko machine by applying a ball return control signal to an external control terminal. Ball rental machine. 14. A pachinko machine and claims 1 to 1.
A pachinko ball device comprising the pachinko ball counter defined in any one of 2 and the inter-mountain ball lender defined in claim 13. 15. A plurality of pachinko ball devices as defined in claim 14 are provided, and a plurality of pachinko ball counters of the pachinko ball device are collectively managed, and the number of deposit balls settled by the pachinko ball counter is calculated on a pachinko island basis or A pachinko ball device system comprising a ball counter controller that sorts and totals a plurality of pachinko islands and transmits the sorted total data to the hall computer side.