JPH07132173A - Device for managing filled ball type game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To raise the efficiency of exchange management by informing a fact that filled balls reach an exchange time based on a deciding signal of an exchange time deciding means. CONSTITUTION:In the case a filled ball exchange time decision processing is started and the exchange is finished, information related to the next exchange time is set S609. When it is decided that the exchange of the filled balls is not finished yet, the processing is shifted to a dirt detection S610. For every filled ball type game machine, or for every kind of machine, a degree of dirt of the filled balls is detected based on an output signal of a dirt sensor provided to an arbitrarily selected game machine. Whether or not its degree of dirt exceeds a set value is decided and when it is below the set value, whether or not a working period in the filled ball type game machine unit, etc., comes to exceed a prescribed working period is decided S611. When the degree of dirt exceeding the set value is detected, an exchange decision of the filled balls is executed S612, and also, it is informed of that the filled balls reach the exchange time by a variable display device. In such a way, the exchange time is grasped exactly and the filled balls can be exchanged appropriately on a game store side.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an enclosed ball type gaming machine, such as a card type pachinko machine or an arrangement, in which a predetermined number of gaming balls are enclosed in a circulatory manner and the enclosed balls are repulsed to play a game. The present invention relates to a management device for managing a ball machine or the like, and particularly relates to a management device for a sealed ball type gaming machine that manages the time of exchanging game balls enclosed in these sealed ball type gaming machines, that is, sealed balls. It is a thing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an enclosed ball type game machine (for example, a pachinko machine or an arrange ball machine) is provided in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed in a circulatory manner and these game balls are sequentially ejected to perform a game. A known gaming machine provided with this enclosed ball type gaming machine is disclosed by the applicant of the present invention, for example, in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-
It is proposed in Japanese Patent No. 14876 or Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-22694.

In the gaming machines in these proposals, the enclosed ball enclosed in each enclosed ball type gaming machine is replaced with a new polished game ball when it is used for a predetermined period. This is because the game balls are circulated and used in the enclosed ball type gaming machine, so that dirt is accumulated on the surface of the game ball, which causes the ball's repulsion distance and the circulation in the enclosed ball type gaming machine. The flow is unstable, or
This is a measure for preventing dirt attached to the game ball from adhering to and soiling the game board and various game machines provided on the game board.

[0004]

By the way, in the present circumstances, when exchanging the game balls described above, the exchange time is ambiguous, and efficient and rational replacement management of the enclosed balls is not performed.

In particular, recently, as a countermeasure for customer acquisition due to intensifying competition accompanying the increase in the number of game shops, so-called new machine replacement is frequently carried out, in which trendy game machines are quickly introduced according to location conditions and customer groups. It is beginning to take place. Further, the replacement of the new base is not only performed irregularly but also by introducing game machines of a plurality of manufacturers, so that the replacement management of the enclosed ball becomes more complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a management device capable of efficiently managing the replacement of the enclosed balls in the enclosed ball type gaming machine.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the enclosed ball type gaming machine management apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention encloses a predetermined number of gaming balls in a circulatory manner, and encloses this. In a management device that manages an enclosed ball type gaming machine that ejects balls to play a game, a replacement timing determination means that determines that the gaming ball used in the enclosed ball type gaming machine has reached the replacement time, And a notification unit for notifying that it is time to replace the enclosed ball based on a determination signal from the replacement time determination unit.

The management device for the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to claim 2 encloses a predetermined number of gaming balls in a circulatory manner, and manages the enclosed ball type gaming machine for playing a game by repulsing the enclosed balls. In the device, centralized management means for centrally managing the gaming states of a plurality of enclosed ball type gaming machines, and exchange timing determination means for determining that the gaming balls used in the enclosed ball type gaming machine have reached the exchange timing. And a notification unit for notifying that the replacement time of the enclosed sphere has been reached based on the determination signal from the replacement timing determination unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the control device for the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, the replacement timing determining means determines the replacement time of the enclosed ball type and the operating state of the enclosed ball type gaming machine. It is characterized in that it is performed by detecting that a specific state has been reached.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the management device for the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, the determination of the replacement time of the enclosed ball in the replacement timing determination means is performed after the installation of the enclosed ball type gaming machine. It is characterized in that it is performed by detecting that the progress state has reached a specific progress state.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the management device for the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, the determination of the replacement time of the enclosed ball in the replacement time determination means is based on the enclosed ball of the enclosed ball type gaming machine. It is characterized in that it is performed by detecting the degree of contamination.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management device for a sealed ball type gaming machine, wherein the replacement timing determining means in claim 1 to claim 5 is a specific sealed ball type gaming machine among a plurality of sealed ball type gaming machines. It is characterized in that it is provided correspondingly.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the enclosed ball type gaming machine management apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the informing means includes a display device for displaying a replacement time.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management device for a sealed ball type gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, wherein the informing means includes a sounding device for informing a replacement time.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the enclosed ball type gaming machine management apparatus according to the first or second aspect, at least one of the replacement timing determining means and the notifying means is provided in the enclosed ball type gaming machine. It is characterized by

Further, in a management device for a sealed ball type gaming machine according to a tenth aspect, in the second aspect, at least one of the replacement timing determination means and the notification means is provided in a centralized management means. To do.

[0017]

According to the management device for the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to the first aspect, when the enclosed ball type replacement time comes after the installation of the enclosed ball type gaming machine, this replacement time is determined by the replacement time determination means. At the same time, based on the determination result, the notification means is activated. As a result, the replacement time of the enclosed sphere is surely grasped, and the enclosed sphere is appropriately replaced.

According to the management device for the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to the second aspect, the operating status and the gaming status of the plurality of enclosed ball type gaming machines are managed by the centralized management means, and the management of the exchange information of the enclosed ball type gaming machines. Will also be carried out collectively.

According to the enclosed ball type gaming machine management device of claim 3, the operating time of the enclosed ball type gaming machine, for example, the operating time, the number of days, the number of weeks, the number of months, or the number of shots of the gaming ball. When it becomes a specific state, it is judged that it is time to replace the enclosed ball.

According to the encapsulated ball type gaming machine management device of the fourth aspect, the progress state after installation of the enclosed ball type gaming machine is a specific state, for example, a daily elapsed period, a weekly elapsed period, a month. When it reaches a state determined by the elapsed time of the unit, it is determined that it is time to replace the enclosed ball.

According to the enclosed ball type gaming machine management device of claim 5, the degree of dirt on the surface of the enclosed ball is detected, and the degree of dirt on the surface of the enclosed ball is preset as the game continues. When it goes beyond the degree, it is judged that it is time to replace the enclosed ball.

According to the encapsulated ball type gaming machine management device of the sixth aspect, it is possible to determine the enclosed ball exchange time in a specific enclosed ball type gaming machine among a plurality of enclosed ball type gaming machines. And
Based on this determination, the time to replace the enclosed ball in the enclosed ball type gaming machine under the same conditions as the specific enclosed ball type gaming machine is grasped.

According to the encapsulated ball type gaming machine management device of the seventh aspect, when the replacement time determination means determines that it is time to replace the encapsulated ball, the result is displayed on the display device to replace the replacement time. Is visually confirmed.

According to the encapsulated ball type gaming machine management device of the eighth aspect, when the replacement time determining means determines that it is time to replace the enclosed ball, the sounding means notifies the result of the replacement and the replacement is performed. The time is confirmed auditorily.

According to the encapsulated ball type gaming machine management device of claim 9, some or all of the components for managing the enclosed ball type replacement time are provided on the enclosed ball type gaming machine side. The degree of freedom in arranging the management device in the game store is increased.

Further, according to the encapsulated ball type gaming machine management device of the tenth aspect, a part or all of the components for managing the enclosed ball exchange time are provided in the centralized management means, so that they are exchanged. Part or all of the time management is performed by the centralized control means, and even if a large number of enclosed ball type gaming machines are installed, the management of the replacement time of the enclosed balls of these enclosed ball type gaming machines A part or all of is centrally managed in one place.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a description will be given of an overall configuration of an enclosed ball type gaming machine to which the present embodiment is applied, and a gaming device including the enclosed ball type gaming machine.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a gaming machine, which centrally manages the island equipment 3 to which a plurality of enclosed ball type gaming machines 2 are attached and each of the enclosed ball type gaming machines 2. A centralized management device (centralized management means) 4 and a card issuing machine 5 arranged at an end of the island equipment 3 are roughly configured.

Next, these details will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 2, the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 2 has a rear frame 6 assembled in a rectangular shape, and a hinge 7 on the front surface of the rear frame 6.
A front frame 8 rotatably attached via a game board 9 attached to the rear of the inner peripheral portion of the front frame 8 (see FIG. 3)
And a frame body 11 mounted rotatably on the front surface of the front frame 8 and having a transparent plate 10 forming a game space formed by the game board 9, and the front surface of the front frame 8 on the front side. Operation panel 12 mounted below the frame 11
An operation dial 13 provided below the operation panel 12 on the right side of the front frame 8 for driving a launching device that repels the game ball enclosed in the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2, and the operation dial 13. It is composed of a card insertion slot 14 provided on the left side of the card, into which a card in which valuable value data is recorded is inserted, and a pilot lamp 15 provided at the upper part of the front frame 8 and turned on or blinked according to a game state. ing.

In this embodiment, the game board 9 has a right generation means for generating a right to shift the game form to a special game form advantageous to the player, as shown in FIG. One is illustrated, and the game ball (enclosed ball) launched by the launching device is used as the game board 9
A guide rail 16 formed on the front face of the game board and a guide rail 16 arranged substantially in the center of the game board 9 to play a variable display game, and when the display form when the game is stopped becomes a specific display form. A variable display device 17 as a right generation device for generating a right to shift to the special game mode, and a variable display game on the variable display device 17 arranged below the variable display device 17 and winning or passing a game ball. The specific winning opening 18 for outputting the start signal of, and the gaming ball is won when the display mode when the variable display device 17 is stopped is arranged below the specific winning opening 18 It is easy to play, and it is converted to the first state that is advantageous for the player, and in other cases, it is difficult to win the game ball,
The special variation winning device 19 which is in a second state which is disadvantageous to the player, the upper and left and right sides of the variable display device 17, and the general winning openings 20 provided on the left and right of the special variation winning device 19 and the special variation. A game ball collection provided below the prize winning device 19, which collects game balls that have fallen below the game board 9 without winning and takes them into the back side of the game board 9 and circulates them to the launching device. Mouth 21
Decorative lamps 22 that are turned on or blinked according to the form of the game are mounted on both sides of the game area G and outside the game area G at both upper ends of the game board 9.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 12 has an operation surface 12a directed obliquely upward, and a central part left side thereof is recorded on a card inserted into the card insertion slot 14. A balance display unit 23 for displaying valuable data (remaining amount) is provided, and on the right side thereof, the number of game balls converted from the valuable data by the operation of the player,
The number of possessed balls display unit 24 that displays the result of adding the number of game balls as a prize ball associated with winning and subtracting the number of game balls launched into the game area G, and the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 2 during the game When leaving, the holding button 25 for temporarily ejecting the card, the ball lending button 26 for converting the valuable data of the card into the number of game balls, and the number of balls and the value of the card when the game is finished The card information such as data is rewritten and the card is ejected.
Exit button 2 to reset the display of 4 to the initial state
7 and an ashtray 28 are provided.

On the other hand, below the back side of the game board 9,
As shown in FIG. 4, a launching device 29 that is supported by the front frame 8 and repels a game ball toward the game area G,
A ball feeding device 30 for supplying game balls to the launching device 29 one by one, a supply gutter 31 connected to the ball feeding device 30 for holding the game balls in an aligned state, and a game board from the game area G. Collecting gutter 32 that collects the game balls guided to the back side of 9, and is provided at the downstream end of the supply gutter 31.
A discharge device 33 for discharging the game balls held in the supply gutter 31, and a discharge gutter 34 that is provided continuously from the downstream end of the supply gutter 31 and serves as a guide for the game balls to be discharged. , A filling gutter 35 continuously provided from the upstream end of the supply gutter 31 and guiding a new game sphere at the time of exchanging the game sphere (enclosed sphere), and an upstream end of the filling gutter 35. And a new ball supply device 36 for supplying new game balls to be exchanged, and the set gutter 32, which is continuously provided and the winning balls among the game balls collected by the set gutter 32 are described above. A first guide gutter 37 that guides the supply gutter 31 and a second guide gutter 38 that guides the game balls collected by the game ball recovery port 21 to the supply gutter 31.
Further, a foul gutter 39 is provided near the second guide gutter 38 for returning a foul ball that has not reached the game area G to the supply gutter 31.

The discharge device 33 constitutes a part of the bottom surface of the supply gutter 31 and the supply gutter 31.
An opening / closing plate 40 slidably provided with respect to the opening / closing plate 40 for opening / closing a part of the bottom surface of the supply gutter 31 by its sliding operation;
The opening / closing plate 40 includes a solenoid 41 that slides, and a swing arm 42 that transmits the operation of the solenoid 41 to the opening / closing plate 40.

A discharge ball sensor 43 for detecting a discharge ball passing through the discharge trough 34 is provided in the middle of the discharge trough 34, and the first guide trough 37 and the second guide trough 38 are provided. , A winning ball sensor 44 and an out ball sensor 45 are provided, respectively, and the new ball supplying device 36.
Is provided with a new ball sensor 46 for detecting the number of new balls provided, and the foul gutter 39 is provided with a foul sensor 47.
Is provided. In addition, in the present embodiment, a seal 48 for displaying the number of enclosed balls set according to the type of the gaming machine 2 is attached to the upper portion of the ball feeding device 30.

Further, on the surface of the collecting gutter 32 on the back side of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2, as shown by a chain line in FIG. 4, there is provided a control device 49 for performing various controls of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2. A dirt sensor 50, which is provided and is provided in the middle of the supply gutter 31, for detecting the degree of dirt on the surface of the game ball held in the supply gutter 31 as a replacement timing determination means.
Further, the ball feeding device 30 is provided with a launch sensor 51 for detecting and counting the game balls sent to the launching device 29 by the ball feeding device 30.

The dirt sensor 50 has a structure for detecting the dirt level of the game sphere by detecting a change in the brightness of the surface of the game sphere, for example, by a reflection type photo sensor, or a game sphere due to the adhesion of dirt. Weight detector that detects the change in weight of the game ball, or a resistance measuring device that measures the electrical contact resistance of the game ball that changes due to the adhesion of dirt, and further, a game ball that results from an increase in rolling resistance due to the adhesion of dirt. A speed detector or the like for measuring the change in rolling speed is used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the variable display device 17 is a notification means for displaying that it is time to replace the enclosed game ball based on the determination signal from the replacement timing determination means. The display is performed by switching the display during the game.

Next, the gaming machine 1 constructed in this way
Control will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

The control of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2 in this embodiment is, as shown in FIG. 5, a central management control unit 60, a game board control unit 70, an enclosed ball exchange control unit 80, a launch control unit 90, and The central control unit 60 is provided in the central control device 4,
The other control units are provided on the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2 side. The transfer of rough signals between these control units will be described below.

The centralized management control unit 60 is provided for centrally managing the gaming states of a large number of enclosed ball type gaming machines 2 installed in a game store. Various controls such as ball status, operating rate, and determination of the replacement time of the enclosed ball are performed, and the display of the variable display device 17 is changed from the special view for the variable display game in connection with the exchange of the enclosed ball. The special map switching command signal for switching to the information regarding the game ball replacement time and the special map switching display information signal for instructing the display contents after switching are output to the game board control unit 70, and the enclosed ball replacement control unit is also provided. The enclosed ball exchange command is output to 80, and the enclosed ball exchange control unit 80 outputs a signal regarding the number of withdrawals when exchanging game balls (hereinafter referred to as enclosed balls) and the exchange of enclosed balls. Belief There are input and from contamination sensor 50, signals are inputted regarding degree of dirt inclusion sphere, further, so that the signal is input regarding the firing speed of encapsulated balls during the game from the fire control unit 90.

Further, in the present embodiment, the game board control section 70 outputs a drive signal to the variable display device 17 based on the signal from the specific winning opening 18 to start the variable display game, and Based on the game result of this variable display game, the operation of the special variation winning device 19 is controlled, and the control of the game is performed such that the decoration lamp 22 is turned on or blinked according to the game state. . Then, in connection with the game, a signal for recognizing that the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 2 is playing the game,
Valuable data that is output to the enclosed ball exchange control unit 80 and becomes the starting condition of the game (information about balance or ball possession)
A signal indicating that a magnetic card or an IC card storing the above information is being inserted and a signal indicating that the game is being interrupted are input from the card control unit 100.

The enclosed sphere exchange control section 80 is for detecting the exchange state of the enclosed sphere, and the centralized management control section 6 is provided.
In addition to outputting a signal regarding the number of extracted enclosed balls and a signal regarding the end of replacement of enclosed balls, a signal indicating that the enclosed balls are being replaced is output to the firing control unit 90.

In the present embodiment, the firing control unit 90 is a signal relating to the number of shots of enclosed balls (game balls) during a game, and the number of floating balls which are in the middle of falling in the game board. Signal, number of shots or out,
Based on the information on the number of foul balls and the number of prize balls, addition and subtraction of the number of held balls are performed, and a signal regarding the number of shots is output to the central management control unit 60, and a signal regarding a floating ball and a signal regarding the number of held balls are output. Card control unit 100
It is designed to output to.

Next, the control performed by each of these control units will be described in more detail. First, in the central control unit 60, as shown in FIG. 6, a keyboard input operated by a store clerk (step S601), a ball launch rate from a gaming machine 2 or a card issuing machine 5, an operating rate, sales, etc. Information collection (step S602), insufficiency extraction processing when the number of extracted enclosed balls at the time of replacing enclosed balls is insufficient (step S603), determination of replacement time of enclosed balls performed as a subroutine (step S604), Command signal transmission for various processes (step S605), calculation storage process of various numerical data (step S606), and monitor display of the specified information (step S607) are repeatedly performed in a predetermined cycle. Has been.

Then, the determination of the replacement time of the enclosed sphere, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, is performed in the following procedure. When the enclosed ball replacement timing determination process is started, as shown in FIG.
First, it is judged whether or not the replacement of the enclosed sphere is completed (step S608), and if the replacement is completed,
Information about the next replacement time is set (step S
609) Return to the main routine of the centralized management control shown in FIG. Here, the information regarding the next replacement time set in step S609 is stored in the central management control unit 60. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S608 that the replacement of the enclosed sphere has not been completed, then the procedure moves to the next step S610 for dirt detection.

In this step S610, the degree of contamination of the enclosed ball is based on the output signal from the contamination sensor 50 provided for each enclosed ball type gaming machine 2 or for each type of gaming machine arbitrarily selected. Is detected, and it is judged whether or not the degree of stain is equal to or more than the set value. If it is equal to or less than the set value, the process proceeds to the next step S611,
When the degree of contamination exceeding the set value is detected, step S6
At 12 the replacement judgment of the enclosed ball is made,
Based on the result, step S6 of the central control unit 60
In the command signal transmission processing of 05, as shown in FIG.
The special figure display switching command and the special figure switching display information are transmitted to the game board control unit 70, and the enclosed ball exchange command is transmitted to the enclosed ball exchange control unit 80.

In step S611, it is determined whether the operating period of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2 unit or the island facility 3 unit in which the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2 of the same type is installed is equal to or longer than a predetermined operating period. Is determined, and when the predetermined operation period is exceeded, the control from step S612 onward is performed,
If it is less than the predetermined operating period, the next step S613
Move to. Here, the operating period is the enclosed ball game machine 2
It indicates the actual operating period of, and is set in an arbitrary unit of operating hours, days, weeks, months, and the like.

In step S613, the elapsed period after installation of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2 is set, and it is determined whether or not the set period has elapsed. If the set period has elapsed, the When the control after step S612 is performed and the time is less than the set period, the process returns to the main routine of the centralized control. This setting period is also set in an arbitrary unit among hours, days, weeks, months, etc., like the operation period in step 611.

Next, the control in the game board control unit 70 will be described with reference to FIG. When the game board control is started in the game board controller 70, the card controller 100
Based on the signal from, it is determined whether or not the game is suspended (step S701). This interrupting signal is, for example, when the player temporarily suspends the game and leaves the gaming machine, when the player operates the hold button 25 of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2, card control is performed. It is output to the game board control unit 70 via the unit 100.

When it is determined in step S701 that the game is being interrupted, the game is interrupted in step S702, and step S701 is executed.
Return to. If it is determined that the game is not suspended in step S701, it is determined whether or not the card is being inserted based on the output signal from the card control unit 100 (step S703). In this step S703, if it is determined that the card is being inserted, the enclosed ball gaming machine 2 is in a game state, so the process proceeds to step S704, for example, control of a variable display game on the variable display device 17 or , Game processing such as drive control is performed on the special variation winning device 19 based on the game result, and the process returns to step S701.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S703 that the card is not inserted, it is determined that the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2 is not in use, and the process proceeds to step S705.

In step S705, it is determined whether or not there is a special figure display switching command from the central control unit 60. If there is no special figure display switching command, it is determined that it is not time to replace the enclosed ball. It returns to step S701. Further, when the special figure display switching command is output, it is determined that it is time to replace the enclosed ball, and the process proceeds to step S706. In this step S706,
Whether or not there is special figure switching display information output from the centralized management control unit 60 is determined. If there is special figure switching display information, the display of the variable display device 17 is switched based on this information in step S707, The time to replace the enclosed ball is notified. Furthermore, when the special figure switching display information is not output from the central management control unit 60,
In step S708, the possession information stored in advance in the game board control unit 70 is displayed on the variable display device 17 to notify that it is time to replace the enclosed ball. Thereafter, this control cycle is repeated.

FIG. 9 shows a control flow in the enclosed sphere exchange control section 80. In the enclosed sphere exchange control performed here, the enclosed sphere exchange determination is first performed in step S612 of the enclosed sphere exchange timing determination control flow. When the enclosed ball exchange command is input from the centralized management control unit 60 to the enclosed ball exchange control unit 80, whether the enclosed ball exchange command is input or not is first started in step S801. The decision is made.

When it is determined that the enclosed ball exchange command has not been input, the presence / absence of the command is repeatedly determined until the command is input.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S801 that the enclosed ball replacement command is input, step S8
After waiting for the process of removing the enclosed sphere by the external process 02, it is determined in step S803 whether or not the process of removing the enclosed sphere is completed. For example, after the completion of step S802, a store clerk who has performed the process operates a switch for ending the process and outputs an end signal, or a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the ball removing process. This is done by automatically outputting an end signal when the time has elapsed.

If it is determined in step S803 that the ball removal processing has not been completed, the process returns to step S802 repeatedly until the ball removal processing is completed, and on the condition that the ball removal processing is completed. Then, the process proceeds to next step S804.

In step S804, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of enclosed balls have been extracted, based on the number of extracted balls detected by the discharge ball sensor 43 while the above-described ball removing process is being performed. If the number of withdrawals is a predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S808, waits for the end of the enclosed ball loading process by the new ball supply device 36 performed by the external process, and in step S809, the determination of the loading end is made, and the loading end. Condition, the process returns to step S801, otherwise returns to step S808,
Repeat processing. The completion of loading of the enclosed balls is determined by counting the number of new balls supplied from the new ball supply device 36 by a new ball sensor 46 attached to the new ball supply device 36, and the counted value. When the value reaches a predetermined value (that is, the number of balls to be enclosed), the supply operation of the new balls by the new ball supply device 36 is stopped. This is performed based on the loading completion signal output.

On the other hand, if the number of the enclosed balls extracted in step S804 is less than the predetermined number, step S805.
The number of extracted balls is output to the central control unit 60 at the same time, and based on the signal, for example, the variable display device 17 displays that the number of extracted balls is insufficient (step S806) to notify the clerk or the like. Be done. This shortage of the number of extractions is on condition that the enclosed balls are enclosed in a regular number, the enclosed balls are caught in the nails of the game area G of the game board 9, or the discharge ball sensor 4 from the game area G.
This occurs in the state of being stopped in the middle of reaching 3, and hereinafter, the enclosed sphere in this state is referred to as a floating sphere. Then, after the display of the insufficient number of samples is displayed in step S806, the process of step S808 and subsequent steps is performed after waiting for the process of floating balls by the external process in step S807. Confirmation of the end of the floating ball processing is performed by an external signal input by a clerk or the like.

Next, the processing procedure in the firing control unit 90 will be described based on the control flow shown in FIG. First,
It is determined whether or not the launching device 29 of the enclosed ball game machine 2 is in the launching process (step S901). If it is in the launching process, the process proceeds to step S912, and the launching process is performed. Then, the process returns to step S901.

When it is determined in step S901 that the firing process is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S902, and it is determined whether or not the ball feeding process by the ball feeding device 30 is in progress. If the ball is being fed, the process proceeds to step S903, the ball feeding process is executed, and the condition is that the ball feeding process is completed (step S90
4), the process proceeds to step S905, and this step S90
In 5, it is judged whether or not the enclosed ball is being removed,
If the ball is being removed, the foul launch information is output to the launching device 29 in step S906, the foul launch process is performed in step S912 based on the foul launch information, and the process returns to step S901. This foul launching process is a process for collecting the enclosed balls remaining in the ball feeding device 30 during the removal of the enclosed balls from the foul gutter 39 without launching them into the game area G and sending them to the discharge gutter 34. By performing such a process, the remaining enclosed balls are mistakenly won into the general winning opening 20 provided in the game area G, even though the ball is being removed, or the specific winning opening 18 is provided. It is possible to prevent the malfunction of the variable display device 17 due to the prize winning.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S904 that the ball feeding has not ended, step S90
Returning to step 1, the control thereafter is performed, and step S9
When it is determined in 05 that the enclosed ball is not being extracted, the launch information corresponding to the operation of the player is output to the launching device 29 (step S907), and the enclosed ball is normally launched in step S912.

If it is determined in step S902 that the ball feeding process is not in progress, step S90 is performed.
Then, it is judged whether or not the card has been inserted.

In step S908, if a card is inserted, the process proceeds to step S909 to determine whether a ball is held, and if no card is inserted, the process proceeds to step S910. A judgment is made as to whether or not the enclosed ball is being removed.

In step S909, it is judged from the valuable information of the inserted card whether or not there is a holding ball. If there is no holding ball, the process returns to step S901. The process moves to step S911.

In this step S911, it is determined whether or not the player has performed a firing operation. If the firing operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S901, and if the firing operation is being performed. Then, the processing shifts to the processing from step S903.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S910 that the enclosed sphere is being extracted, the process proceeds to step S903 and subsequent steps, and when it is determined that the enclosed sphere is not removed. In step S901, the process returns to step S901.

Further, the processing procedure in the card control unit 100 will be described based on the flow chart of FIG.

When the card control is started, first, at the time of inserting the card, that is, it is judged whether or not the processing (step S102 and thereafter) based on the insertion of the card for starting the game has already been performed. (Step S10
1) If it is the time when the card is inserted, the process proceeds to step S102, it is determined whether there is a balance of valuable data recorded in the card, and if it is not the time when the card is inserted, , And proceeds to step S103.

If it is determined in step S102 that there is no balance, it is determined in the next step S104 whether or not there is a holding ball. If there is no holding ball, in the next step S105, the inserted card is inserted. After is discharged, the process returns to step S101.

If it is determined in step S102 that there is a balance, and if it is determined in step S104 that there is a holding ball, step S10.
In step S107, it is determined whether or not the inserted card is an interrupted card (a card that has been reinserted after interrupting the game), and the interrupted card is determined. It is determined whether or not the card is a corresponding card (that is, a card removed from the gaming machine in which the game is interrupted). If the card is not a corresponding card, after the card is ejected in step S105,
Returning to step S101, if the card is compatible,
In the next step S108, a cancellation signal of the game interruption signal is output to the game board control unit 70. Here, the interruption card, for example, when the game is interrupted to leave the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 2 or the like, the player presses the hold button 25 of the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 2 so that the card is The identification information indicating that the card is being suspended, the unit number of the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 2 that has been suspended, valuable data at that time, and the like are temporarily ejected after writing, Whether or not the card is an interrupted card is determined in step S106 based on the identification information or the like. In the case of a suspended card, for example, by checking the unit number recorded on the card, it is determined in step S107 whether or not the card is a card corresponding to the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 2 being suspended. Done.

If it is determined in step S103 that the card is being inserted, the step S1 is executed again.
If it is determined in step 06 that the card is not an interrupted card, and when the process of step S108 ends, step S108
Go to 109.

In this step S109, it is judged whether or not the conversion button (ball lending button 26 in this embodiment) of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2 is operated, and the ball lending button 26 is operated. Confirms the balance based on the card information (step S110), and if there is a balance, converts valuable data into the number of balls within the range of the balance (step S111), and if there is no balance. Alternatively, if the balance is less than the minimum unit of lent balls, the process returns to step S101.

If the ball lending button 26 is not operated in step S109, step S109
In 112, it is determined whether or not the hold button 25 is operated, and when the hold button 5 is operated, in step S113, the game board control unit 70 is operated.
After transmitting an interruption signal to, the card information is rewritten based on information such as the current game state and valuable data (step S114), and then the card is ejected (step S1
15) Return to step S101, and if the hold button 25 is not operated, the next step S116.
Move to.

In this step S116, it is judged whether or not the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2 is in the game. If it is in the game, the process returns to step S101, and if it is not in the game, In the next step S117, it is determined whether or not the end button 27 has been operated.

If it is determined in step S117 that the end button 27 has been operated, the presence / absence of a floating ball is determined in step S118. If there is no floating ball, the steps from step S114 onward are performed. If there is a floating ball, the process proceeds to step S1.
Return to 01.

Then, in the step S117,
If it is determined that the end button 27 has not been operated, it is determined in the next step S119 whether or not there is a holding ball, and if there is no holding ball, step S120.
It is determined whether or not there is a balance, and if there is no balance, the process proceeds to step S118 and subsequent steps.

If it is determined in step S103 that the card is not inserted, or if it is determined in step S119 that there is a ball to be held,
Furthermore, if it is determined in step S120 that there is a balance, the process returns to step S101.

By the above procedure, the control in the management device of the enclosed ball type gaming machine in this embodiment is performed.

As described above, according to the management device for the sealed ball type gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the dirt sensor 50 causes the dirt level of the sealed ball to reach a preset dirt level or is in operation. When the number of days or the elapsed period after the installation of the game machine exceeds a predetermined number of days or a predetermined period, the variable display device 17 notifies that the replacement time has come. As a result, at the game store side, it is possible to accurately understand the replacement time, and it is possible to appropriately replace the enclosed ball, which suppresses the progress of dirt on the game board 9 due to dirt on the enclosed ball, and encloses it during the game. The occurrence of uneven flight distance of the ball is suppressed, and a stable gaming state is obtained.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the replacement time of the enclosed sphere is determined by detecting the degree of contamination of the enclosed sphere by the stain sensor 50, detecting the progress of the set operating time, and checking the set elapsed time. Although an example in which the progress is detected is described, these may be used independently to determine the replacement timing. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the firing control unit 90 to the central management control unit 60 may be used. It is also possible to determine the replacement time when the number of shots reaches a predetermined number based on the number of shots output to. As described above, by using the actual number of shots as the replacement timing determination means, the replacement timing is determined according to the actual usage time of the enclosed sphere, so that the degree of contamination can be detected almost directly.

Also, an example has been shown in which the enclosed ball replacement timing is determined by the central control unit 60 and the variable timing display device 17 of the enclosed ball gaming machine 2 is informed of the replacement timing. The notification may be performed in the centralized management device 4, and one or both of the enclosed ball exchange timing determination means and the notification means may be provided in the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2. It's good.

Further, as the notification means, an example in which the display is performed by switching the display of the variable display device 17 described above is shown, but instead of this, instead of this,
A dedicated display device may be provided, for example, on the front surface or the back surface of the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 2, or may be configured to give a notification by sound. When using the sound notifying means, when the notifying means is provided in the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2, it is provided in the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2.
The speaker that is pronounced according to the game can also be used.

Also, an example has been described in which the replacement time of the enclosed ball is determined for each enclosed ball type gaming machine 2. For example, several units are selected for each model and the replacement time is determined, and the result is used. Alternatively, the enclosed balls of all the machines may be replaced. This can simplify the configuration of the management device.

The dirt sensor 50 is an optical sensor for detecting the amount of decrease in the reflected light on the surface of the enclosed sphere due to the adhesion of dirt, a weight sensor for detecting an increase in weight, or
A speed sensor that detects a change in speed during rolling, and a resistance detector that detects a change in electrical contact resistance are used.

[0085]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention.
According to the management device of the enclosed ball type gaming machine described, in the management device that manages the enclosed ball type gaming machine that encloses a predetermined number of game balls in a circulatory manner and repels the enclosed balls to perform a game,
Based on the exchange timing determining means for determining that the game ball used in the enclosed ball type gaming machine has reached the exchange time and the determination signal from the exchange timing determining means, the exchange time for the enclosed ball is reached. The replacement time of the enclosed ball is determined by the replacement time determination means, and the replacement time is notified by the notification means based on the determination result. . As a result, the game shop side can surely know the replacement time of the enclosed ball and can properly perform the replacement, and as a result, not only the enclosed ball becomes dirty, but also the game board and the enclosed ball. It is possible to prevent the various gutters that form the guide from being soiled. Further, by preventing the game ball from becoming dirty, it is possible to suppress the unevenness of the launch and prevent the interest of the game from being spoiled.

According to the management device of the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to the second aspect, the management of the enclosed ball type gaming machine which encloses a predetermined number of gaming balls in a circulatory manner and repels the enclosed balls to play a game. In the eggplant management device, centralized management means for centrally managing the gaming state of a plurality of enclosed ball type gaming machines, and exchange time determination for determining that the game balls used in the enclosed ball type gaming machine have reached the exchange time Means and an informing means for informing that the time to replace the enclosed sphere has been reached based on a determination signal from the replacement time determining means. Centralized control means is provided. By this, the centralized management means can collectively perform the information such as the replacement time of the enclosed balls, and the efficient exchange management of the enclosed balls can be performed even when a large number of enclosed ball type game machines are installed. be able to

According to the enclosed ball type gaming machine management device of claim 3, in claim 1 or 2, the determination of the replacement time of the enclosed ball in the replacement time determination means is the operation of the enclosed ball type gaming machine. It is characterized by being performed by detecting that the state has become a specific state, it is possible to replace the enclosed ball according to the operating state of the gaming machine, and thus the degree of contamination of the enclosed ball It is possible to manage the replacement of the enclosed balls according to the progress.

According to the management device of the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to claim 4, in claim 1 or 2, the determination of the replacement time of the enclosed ball in the replacement time determination means is the installation of the enclosed ball type gaming machine. It is performed by detecting that the subsequent progress state has reached a specific progress state, regardless of the circulation state of the enclosed ball, after the installation of the enclosed ball type gaming machine, after a predetermined period has elapsed. By exchanging the enclosed ball in, the enclosed ball can be exchanged in response to the progress of the peculiar dirt in the enclosed ball type gaming machine.

According to the enclosed ball type gaming machine management device of claim 5, in claim 1 or 2, the determination of the replacement time of the enclosed ball in the replacement time determination means is the inclusion of the enclosed ball type gaming machine. It is characterized in that it is performed by detecting the degree of dirt on the sphere, and the degree of dirt on the enclosed sphere is directly detected to determine the replacement time,
It is possible to determine the replacement time of the enclosed sphere more closely according to the degree of contamination of the enclosed sphere, and it is possible to effectively prevent various problems caused by the contamination of the enclosed sphere.

In the management device for the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to claim 6, the replacement timing determining means according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is applied to a specific enclosed ball type gaming machine among a plurality of enclosed ball type gaming machines. It is characterized in that it is provided correspondingly, and by determining the replacement timing of some enclosed ball-type gaming machines, the configuration of the determination means and the notification means can be simplified.

According to a management device for a sealed ball type gaming machine according to claim 7, in claim 1 or 2, the notifying means is provided with a display device for displaying a replacement time. With this, the replacement time can be visually confirmed, and the replacement time can be grasped easily and surely.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management device for a sealed ball type gaming machine, wherein the notifying means is provided with a sounding device for notifying the replacement time. Since the information on the replacement time is audibly notified, the replacement time can be surely grasped even when the player is away from the gaming machine.

Further, according to the management device of the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to claim 9, in claim 1 or 2,
At least one of the replacement time determination means and the notification means is provided in the enclosed ball type gaming machine, and the management device can be arranged according to the layout of the game store, and the installation thereof can be performed. The degree of freedom of can be increased.

Further, according to the management device for the enclosed ball type gaming machine of the tenth aspect, in the second aspect, at least one of the replacement timing determination means and the notification means is provided in the centralized management means. The feature is that the management device can be arranged according to the layout of the game shop, and part or all of the management of the replacement time of the enclosed ball in the enclosed ball type gaming machine is centrally managed at one place. Therefore, it is possible to easily cope with the expansion of the enclosed ball type game machine.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an outline of a gaming machine including an enclosed ball type gaming machine to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a sealed ball type gaming machine to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a game board used in an enclosed ball type gaming machine to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the enclosed ball-type gaming machine to which the embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of a management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a centralized management control unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a control procedure for determination of a sealed ball replacement time, which is performed as a subroutine in a centralized control unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a game board control unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of an enclosed sphere exchange control unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a firing control unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the card control unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Gaming Device 2 Enclosed Ball Type Gaming Machine 3 Island Equipment 4 Centralized Management Device (Centralized Management Means) 5 Card Issuing Machine 17 Variable Display Device (Notification Means) 29 Launching Device 33 Discharging Device 34 Discharge Gutter 35 Filling Gutter 36 New Ball Supply Device 43 Ejection Ball Sensor 46 New Ball Sensor 50 Stain Sensor (Replacement Timing Judgment Unit) 51 Firing Sensor 60 Central Management Control Unit 70 Game Board Control Unit 80 Enclosed Ball Replacement Control Unit 90 Firing Control Unit 100 Card Control Unit

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A management device for managing a sealed ball type gaming machine which encloses a predetermined number of game balls in a circulatory manner and repels the sealed ball to play a game. And a notification means for notifying that the time for replacing the enclosed ball has been reached, based on a determination signal from the replacement timing determining means. The management device for the enclosed ball-type gaming machine, which is characterized in that 2. A management device for managing a sealed ball type gaming machine which encloses a predetermined number of gaming balls in a circulatory manner and repels the enclosed balls to perform a game. In a management state of a plurality of sealed ball type gaming machines. Based on the determination signal from the centralized management means for centrally managing, the replacement timing determination means for determining that the gaming ball used in the enclosed ball type gaming machine has reached the replacement timing, and the replacement timing determination means. A management device for a sealed ball type gaming machine, comprising: a notification means for reporting that the time to replace the sealed ball has been reached. 3. The replacement timing determination means determines the replacement timing of the enclosed ball type by detecting that the operating state of the enclosed ball type gaming machine has reached a specific state. 1 or the management device for the enclosed ball game machine according to claim 2. 4. The replacement timing determination means determines the replacement timing of the enclosed ball by detecting that the elapsed state after the installation of the enclosed ball type gaming machine has reached a specific elapsed state. Claim 1 or claim 2
The management device for the enclosed ball-type gaming machine described in. 5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the replacement time determination means determines the replacement time of the enclosed ball by detecting the degree of contamination of the enclosed ball of the enclosed ball type gaming machine. The management device for the enclosed ball-type gaming machine described in. 6. The replacement time determination means is provided in correspondence with a specific enclosed ball type gaming machine among a plurality of enclosed ball type gaming machines. A management device for an enclosed ball-type gaming machine according to any one of the above. 7. The management device for a sealed ball type gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notifying means includes a display device for displaying a replacement time. 8. The management device for a sealed ball type gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit is provided with a sounding device for notifying the replacement time. 9. The enclosed ball according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the replacement timing determination means and the notification means is provided in an enclosed ball type gaming machine. Management device for amusement machines. 10. The management device for a sealed ball type gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the replacement timing determination means and the notification means is provided in a centralized management means.