JPH0810427A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent troubles leading to a grave disadvantage on business to a game hall by detecting abnormality eventually causing any disadvantage to the game hall in a sealed ball type game based on an output of a shooting ball detection means. CONSTITUTION:While an output signal of a shot ball detector is ON, it is branched off to a step S56 depending on the length of duration as there is possibility of disconnection in a lead or the slipping of a connector. When the shot ball detector is kept ON exceeding a specified time length (at 'H' level)(step 56), it is judged that abnormality in subtraction occurs, meaning that information on balls on hand of a player is not subtracted by one during a game and an counter abnormality processing is performed to cope with subtraction abnormality (step 58). For example, processing of reporting abnormality, transmitting abnormal condition to a managing device, stopping the shooting balls and disabling the game is performed. This enables avoiding of eventual disadvantage on business.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is a pachinko that is installed in an island facility of a game shop and circulates (in a plane or in an island facility) based on the insertion of a value storage medium (for example, a magnetic card or an IC card). Involved in a gaming machine that launches a ball by a launching device to perform a ball game, in particular, an abnormal state of an amusement store profit detection means that is a pachinko ball detection means that is profitable for a game store during a ball game. The present invention relates to a ball game machine that performs monitoring control.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, as a game device using a game medium, there are, for example, a pachinko game machine, an arrange ball machine, a sparrow ball machine, a throttle machine using medals, a throttle machine using balls, and the like. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gaming machines that play games using cards, such as pachinko gaming machines and slot machines (so-called pachislot machines), convert the valuable value recorded on the cards into gaming balls and gaming coins, which are gaming values. Is going. In addition, the value given in the game,
There has been proposed a game machine that records on the card without paying out as a real ball or a real coin. Therefore, the player is free from the trouble of carrying a game ball or game coin as before. In other words, as a so-called enclosed ball type gaming machine, while subtracting 1 from the ball information of the player based on the launch control of the pachinko ball circulating inside (in the machine or in the island facility), the safe ball is generated. Based on this, a predetermined number of prize balls are added to the player's ball information, and the game is stopped when the player's ball information is reduced to zero. This gaming machine is a so-called enclosed ball type card gaming machine from the applicant of the present application, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2-209175 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-30.
No. 271 and the like are publicly known.

[0003]

However, in this way, a so-called enclosed ball type is used, in which a pachinko ball circulating inside (in a plane or in an island facility) is used to add and subtract to the player's ball information. In the card type game machine of
There were the following problems. (A) In the case of a card game machine with an enclosed ball type, the detection of a pachinko ball that is subtracted from the player's possession ball information by 1 based on the pachinko ball launch control is a profit ball detection signal for the game store. However, the fact that this profit ball detection signal is not sent during the ball game gives the player only a game profit (addition of the number of prize balls by the safe ball signal), which is a major disadvantage to the game store in terms of business. Will lead to. Therefore, as a gaming shop profit detection means for generating this profit ball detection signal that is profitable to the gaming shop,
For example, when the detector (launch ball detection sensor) fails,
Conventionally, there is no effective means for judging the failure of the detector, and if the business is continued for a day as it is, there is a disadvantage that a great disadvantage is brought to the amusement store in business.

(B) Further, there are similar defects due to disconnection and short circuit of the lead wire of the detector as the game shop profit detecting means, and disconnection of the lead wire connector of the detector. (C) For the detector as a game shop profit detection means, even if the lead wire connector is removed or an illegal game such as a short circuit (short) of the lead wire connector occurs, the detector output normally controls the game machine. If it is not sent to the circuit and the business is continued for one day, it will cause a great disadvantage to the game shop. (D) In particular, in the case of a naive player, there is a high possibility that the lead wire connector of the detector will be positively removed or an illegal game of short-circuiting the lead wire connector will be performed, so this point will be improved. There was a need.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and detects an abnormal state which is disadvantageous to a game shop when a sealed ball type game is performed based on the output of the launch ball detecting means. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a great disadvantage in business for a gaming shop.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the invention of claim 1 launches a game medium (for example, a pachinko ball) that circulates inside by a launching device 134 to play a game. It is a machine (for example, an enclosed ball type pachinko game machine 1), and possession information display means (for example, the number-of-balls indicator 3) for displaying information on the number of game media possessed by the player.
4), a game store profit detecting means (for example, a launch ball detector 131) for detecting a motion of a game medium that is profitable to the game store during the game, and at least the profit information of the player in the possession information display means. , A computing unit (for example, the main control device 101) that subtracts a predetermined number each time the output of the gaming shop profit detecting unit is detected, and a game in the computing unit despite the game being played. An abnormal state detecting unit (for example, the main control device 101) that detects a subtractive abnormal state in which a predetermined number is not subtracted from the profit information of the person.

As a preferred mode, for example, as described in claim 2, the game shop profit detecting means detects a pachinko ball launched by a launching device (eg,
The first launch ball detector 151, the second launch ball detector 152),
Either a pachinko ball that is waiting at the launch position (for example, a launch ball detector 131) or a pachinko ball that is being supplied to the launch position (for example, a standby ball detector 163). May be set. For example, as described in claim 3, a notifying unit (for example, the abnormal state indicator 121) for notifying the subtractive abnormal state based on the subtractive abnormal state detection signal from the abnormal state detecting unit may be provided. For example, as described in claim 4, the notification means may perform at least one of lighting of a predetermined indicator, generation of a notification sound, and notification to a management room in the store. For example, as described in claim 5, a game disabling means (for example, the main control device 101) for disabling a game related to the gaming machine based on the subtraction abnormal state detection signal from the abnormal state detecting means is provided. You may do it. For example, as described in claim 6,
The game disabling means may perform at least one process of stopping the firing of the launching device, stopping the supply of the game medium to the launching position, and stopping the operation of the accessory.

[0008]

In the present invention, when a pachinko ball related to the launch is detected in the process of the enclosed ball type game, 1 is subtracted from the ball information of the player and the player generates a safe ball. A predetermined number of prize balls is added to the ball information of
The game is stopped when the player's owned ball information is zero (owned ball = 0). On the other hand, when the abnormal state detection means detects a subtraction abnormal state in which the player's ball information in the game is not subtracted to 1, a subtraction abnormal state detection signal is generated. Therefore, at the gaming shop side, the subtraction abnormal state detection signal is used to operate the notifying means or the game disabling means, for example, the notifying means is used to notify the subtraction abnormal state, or the game disabling means relates to the gaming machine. It also performs processing to disable the game. This allows
The above subtraction abnormal state can be automatically monitored, and it is possible to prevent a serious disadvantage in business from occurring.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 8 show a first embodiment in the case where the present invention is applied to a card type enclosed ball type pachinko gaming machine. A. Front Configuration of Gaming Machine FIG. 1 is a front view of an enclosed ball type pachinko gaming machine. In FIG. 1, 1 is an enclosed ball type pachinko gaming machine arranged in an island facility, and an enclosed ball type pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as a gaming machine) 1 is a machine frame 11, a front frame 12, and a glass. It has a metal frame 13 that supports 13a, a game board (not shown), and a front operation panel 15. The machine frame 11 constitutes an outer frame of the main body of the enclosed ball type pachinko gaming machine 1, and is formed into a rectangular shape by using resin (plastic) as a material. The machine frame 11 may be made of wood. The front frame 12 is made of resin and is openably and closably supported on the machine frame 11 by a supporting member (for example, a hinge). The metal frame 13 is made of metal (for example, stainless steel), and is configured to reinforce the periphery of the translucent glass 13a (clear member) corresponding to the front surface of the game area as a reinforcing member, and the periphery of the metal frame 13 is the front surface. Frame 12
It is fixed to. Therefore, the gold frame 13 is the front frame 12
And open and close together. The clear member is not limited to glass, and a transparent resin may be used.

A slit-shaped smoke exhaust port 23 capable of sucking tobacco smoke and the like is arranged on the upper portion of the front frame 12, and speakers 24 capable of outputting a stereo effect sound are disposed on both lower sides of the front frame 12. 25 are arranged respectively. Further, the front frame 12 is normally locked to the machine frame 11 by a hook that is interlocked with the locking device 26. When opening the front frame 12, the lock state of the locking device 26 is released and opened by inserting a predetermined key into the locking hole of the locking device 26 and rotating it.

On the front operation panel 15, a card insertion slot 31 into which a card in which valuable data is recorded is inserted, an operation switch group 32 in which various operation switches necessary for a game are gathered, and the balance of the card is once. (For example, once = 10
In front of the enclosed ball-type pachinko gaming machine 1, a player displays a card frequency indicator (card balance indicator) 33 that displays in units of 0 yen, a ball-bearing number display 34 that displays the number of balls the player has. A human body detection sensor 35 for detecting whether or not there is an ashtray 36
And a tray 37 on which a coffee cup, a wallet, keys, etc. can be placed. The card frequency indicator 33 is composed of, for example, 7 rows of LEDs and arranged in two rows, and can display the remaining card frequency in two digits. Also, the number of balls held indicator 3
4 is composed of three rows using, for example, 7-segment LEDs, and can display the number of balls owned by the player in three digits. The indicators 33 and 34 may be other types of indicators instead of LEDs. Here, the number-of-balls indicator 34 constitutes holding information display means for displaying information on the number of game media held by the player.

The operation switch group 32 is a purchase switch 4 which is operated when a ball is purchased in units of once after inserting a card in which valuable value data is recorded into the card insertion slot 31.
1, an interruption switch 42 that is operated when the game is interrupted while the card is inserted in the card insertion opening 31 (for example, when the player goes to the bathroom), and a payment operation that is operated when the game is paid. A switch 43, a launching force switch 44 that is operated when increasing the resilience of a ball that is launched into the game area, a launch weak switch 45 that is operated when weakening the resilience of a ball, and a game area. And a firing switch 46 that is operated when firing a ball toward. In addition,
The various switches of the operation switch group 32 may be, for example, seat switches, or switches of other types (normal push buttons). When the firing switch 46 is operated, the firing device is activated and one ball is automatically fired to the game area, and when the firing switch 46 is operated once again,
The firing stops.

Here, the game area on the game board can have any configuration as long as it is a sealed ball type pachinko game machine that uses a game ball as a game medium to which the present invention is applied. For example, a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols is provided, and a special game state advantageous to the player (big hit state, provided that the variable display result on this symbol display device is displayed as a predetermined special symbol. ) Can be generated (a so-called "first type"), a "third type" gaming machine equipped with a symbol display device, or a so-called "second type" gaming machine, and other The present invention can be widely applied to various types of gaming machines (for example, gaming machines provided with an electric accessory device). In this embodiment, a game board of the type belonging to "first type" is used. Further, the enclosed ball in the enclosed ball type pachinko gaming machine 1 may be a path that circulates inside the gaming machine (that is, inside the machine) or a path that circulates in an island facility. In this embodiment, the route is configured to circulate inside the game machine (inside the game machine). The enclosed ball-type pachinko gaming machine 1 has an enclosed ball discharge port for discharging the enclosed ball to the outside of the game machine (for example, for periodically polishing the enclosed ball or discharging for inspection and maintenance, etc.) Insert spheres into the circulation path (for example, insert 20 spheres)
There is also a sealed ball input port for doing so.

B. Block Configuration of Gaming Machine FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the enclosed ball type pachinko gaming machine 1.
In FIG. 2, the enclosed ball type pachinko gaming machine 1 has a main control device 101 for performing various controls necessary for the enclosed ball game and a launch control device 102 for controlling the launch of the enclosed ball.
Signals from the out ball detector 111, safe ball detector 112, foul ball detector 113, various accessory devices 114, hole management device 115, card operating device 116, and card reader / writer 117 are input to the main control device 101. Has been done. Further, the main controller 101 transmits / receives a control signal to / from the firing controller 102. The main control device 101 is mainly composed of a microcomputer, performs the control necessary for the enclosed ball type game, transmits and receives control signals to and from the launch control device 102, and is involved in the game. Instead, it detects a subtraction abnormal state in which a predetermined number is not subtracted from the player's profit information, and performs necessary control such as notification, game disabling, and firing stop processing. The main control device 101 constitutes a calculating means, an abnormal state detecting means, and a game disabling means.

The various accessory devices 114 and the management device 115 can similarly send and receive control signals to and from the main control device 101. The out-ball detector 111 detects an out-ball when a ball shot in the game area is out, and outputs an out-ball detection signal to the main controller 101. The safe sphere detector 112 detects a safe sphere when a sphere ejected in the game area enters the winning opening and becomes safe, and outputs a safe sphere detection signal to the main control device 101. The foul ball detector 113 detects a foul ball that has become a foul and has returned without being fired to the game area, and outputs a foul ball detection signal to the main control device 101. As the out-sphere detector 111, the safe-sphere detector 112, and the foul-sphere detector 113,
For example, a proximity sensor is used, but not limited to this type, for example, a magnetic sensor or a photo sensor may be used.

The various accessory devices 114 are for playing "first type" games arranged on the game board, and include, for example, a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols, an attacker (variable winning device), and the like. It is configured to include. A control signal for operating the symbol display device, the attacker, etc. is output from the main control device 101 to the various accessory devices 114, and a game that disables the game when a subtraction abnormal state described later is detected. The disabling signal is output, and the game by the various accessory devices 114 is stopped. The management device 115 collects data from a large number of gaming machines arranged in the island facility of the hall and performs necessary management. When a subtraction abnormal state is detected, the subtraction abnormality of the gaming machine is detected. Control process when leaving as data or notifying the staff. Further, when the subtraction abnormal state is detected, the management device 115 can also output a control signal to the firing control device 102 to perform control for stopping the firing of a ball in the gaming machine.

The card operating device 116 is mainly composed of the operation switch group 32 shown in FIG. The card reader / writer 117 reads information on valuable value data (remaining frequency) of the card inserted from the card insertion slot 31 and writes valuable value data (player profit) to the card when paying for a game. . Although a magnetic card is used as the card, the card is not limited to the magnetic card as long as information can be written / read, and for example, an IC card may be used. When using an IC card,
As a matter of course, a card reader / writer corresponding to an IC card will be used. In addition to the value information such as the number of balls, the card may store identification information of the player.

On the other hand, a control signal is output from the main controller 101 to the abnormal state indicator 121 and the card information indicator 122. Abnormal state indicator (informing means) 121
Lights up (or may blink) when the subtraction abnormal state is detected, and notifies the abnormal state. The notification of the subtraction abnormal state may be performed by voice instead of display. The card information display device 122 is a card frequency display device 33.
And the number-of-balls indicator 34, and displays necessary information about the card. Signals from the launch ball detector 131, the stop switch 132, and the power supply circuit 133 are input to the launch control device 102. Further, the firing control device 102 is adapted to send and receive control signals to and from the firing control device 102. The launch ball detector 131 detects a pachinko ball launched by a launching device 134, which will be described later. During the game, the action of the game medium (that is, the pachinko ball) that is beneficial to the game store (that is,
It corresponds to an amusement store profit detection means for detecting the operation of subtracting 1 from the number of balls the player has when a ball is fired. The stop switch 132 is for forcibly stopping the operation of the launching device 134, and is operated by the player. The power supply circuit 133 includes the firing control device 102, the firing device 134,
It supplies necessary power to each part of the circuit including a ball feeding device 135, a main control device 101 and the like which will be described later.

From the firing control device 102, the firing device 134
And a control signal is output to the ball feeding device 135. The launch device 134 is provided below the game board,
As the launching device 134, as shown in FIG. 3 (A), for example, a type in which a sealed ball is resiliently ejected by a rotary solenoid (rotary solenoid) is used. In FIG. 3 (A),
The launching pestle 141 of the launching device 134 is shown. FIG.
As shown in (A), the launching device 134 blasts a launch standby ball 142 in a standby position by a launching pestle 141, and the blasted enclosed ball is launched on the launch rail 143 toward the game board, and is launched. The above-mentioned launch ball detector 131 is arranged near the rail 143. As the launch ball detector 131, a photo sensor type one is used, which emits light to the launch standby ball 142 at the standby position, and whether or not the ball is launched depending on whether there is reflected light or not. To detect. Note that FIG. 3B shows an example in which two launch ball detectors are arranged, and the first launch ball detector 151 and the second launch ball detector 152 are arranged along the launch rail 143. The processing contents for detecting the subtraction abnormal state by such a double sensor will be described in a flowchart described later.

The ball feeding device 135 sends one ball to the launching device 134, and as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a ball feeding member 161 and an electromagnet 162 for driving the ball feeding portion 161. And have. 163 is a standby ball detector for detecting an abnormal subtraction state. like this,
In the case of the ball feeding device 135 in the state of FIG. 4 (A) where the electromagnet 162 is not energized, the standby position (the standby ball detector 1
The ball at the position (63) is not taken into the ball feeding member 161 and is not sent to the firing position. On the other hand, when the electromagnet 162 is energized, as shown in FIG.
1 is attracted by the electromagnet 162, and the ball at the standby position (position of the standby ball detector 163) is moved to the ball feeding member 16
1 and then the energization of the electromagnet 162 is stopped, and at the same time, the sphere taken into the ball feeding member 161 is sent to the firing position. In this way, the balls at the standby position are sequentially sent to the firing position at a fixed timing. In addition,
4A and 4B are also for explaining an example in which the standby ball detector 163 for detecting the subtraction abnormal state is arranged in the ball feeding device 135, and the processing content will be described later.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. A. Description of the operation of the enclosed ball type pachinko gaming machine 1 First, the overall operation of the enclosed ball type pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.
When a card in which individual balls are enclosed and valuable value data (remaining frequency) is recorded is inserted into the card insertion slot 31 and the player presses the purchase switch 41, the main control device 101 causes the player to operate according to the purchase frequency. The control for increasing the number of balls held is performed, and the game balls enclosed within the range of the number of balls held can be launched into the game area. Then, for the game performed according to the firing of the enclosed ball, it is determined whether the game result is in a specific profit state (safe ball) or in another state (out ball), and the specific profit is obtained. In the case of the state, the profit (the number of balls held) of the player is increased in correspondence with a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 13 prize balls or 7 prize balls). In addition, by collecting the game balls that have passed through the game area and guiding them to the launch position, the enclosed game balls are circulated and used for the first type of pachinko game.

At the time of firing the above-mentioned enclosed ball, "1" is subtracted from the numerical value displayed on the ball number display 34, and the display of the ball number display 34 is updated based on the result. At this time, it is determined whether or not the enclosed ball falling in the game area is a winning ball, and if it is determined that the winning ball is a winning ball, the set number of winning balls (for example, 13 winning balls or 7 winning balls) ) Is added to the number of balls displayed on the number-of-balls indicator 34,
The display of the number-of-balls indicator 34 is updated based on the result. The player can confirm the present number of balls and increase / decrease by the numerical data of the number of balls display 34. When the player wants to settle the game, by pressing the settlement switch 43, the game value corresponding to the numerical data of the number-of-balls indicator 34 is written on the card by the card reader / writer 117, and the game value is received. Become. In addition, when the player's ball information is zero (ball = 0) in the course of the enclosed ball type game, the firing is stopped and the game is stopped.

Now, when an abnormal subtraction state in which the number of balls owned by the player is not subtracted by one is detected during the process of the enclosed ball type game or at the start of the game, etc., the abnormal state is notified or a launch is performed. Although processing such as disabling is performed, a specific procedure of detection of such an abnormal state and processing for the abnormal state will be described with reference to FIG. B. Main Routine of Firing Control / Abnormality Detection Process FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the firing control / abnormality detection process in the enclosed ball type pachinko gaming machine 1. First, in step S10, it is determined whether or not the game machine 1 is powered on. When the power is turned on, for example, the game machine 1 may be turned on at the time of opening the store, or may be turned off for inspection and then turned on again. When the power is turned on, the process proceeds to step S12 to confirm the launch ball detector 131. this is,
It judges whether the launch ball detection sensor is normal or abnormal when the power is turned on, and can be classified as follows depending on the type of sensor and the mode of judgment.

(A) Photosensor type (in the case of this embodiment) When a photosensor type is used as the launch ball detector 131 as in this embodiment, the light emitting / receiving operation is performed several times. By repeating, it is confirmed whether the sensor operates normally (so-called life or death of the sensor). Specifically, when the power is turned on, the ball is fired several times (the ball feeding member 161 is operated to send the ball to fire), and at that time, the firing ball detector 131 repeats light emitting / light receiving operations several times. It is determined whether or not the firing state is detected, and if the sensor does not operate normally, it is determined that the sensor is abnormal. Here, the operation of the photo sensor and its failure will be specifically described.
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the photo sensor. In FIG. 6, 2
Reference numeral 01 is a photo sensor used as the launch ball detector 131, and the photo sensor 201 is a photodiode 20.
2. Light receiving transistor 203 and resistors 204 and 205
It is composed by.

Further, the photo sensor 201 has Vcc, G
There is an ND terminal, and each has an "H" level voltage,
The "L" level voltage is supplied and the output signal (sensor output) is taken out from the terminal Vo. Further, in FIG. 6, 206 is a potential detector for detecting the potential difference of the terminal Vo, 207 to 209 are resistors, 2
Reference numeral 10 is a capacitor. The operation of the photo sensor 201 will be described. Normally, the photodiode 202 emits light,
Since the light emission is not blocked, the light receiving transistor 203
Is turned on (light-transmitting state) and the terminal Vo is at the GND potential, so that the output signal of the photosensor 201 maintains the “L” level. On the other hand, when the ball passes between the photo sensors 201 (when the ball is detected), the photodiode 20
Since the light emission of No. 2 is cut off, the light receiving transistor 203 is turned off, the + 5V voltage (voltage of “H”) is supplied to the terminal Vo through the resistor 208, and becomes the “H” level. That is, the photo sensor 201 is turned off, and the output signal changes to "H" level. Therefore, the passage of the ball is detected by detecting the form in which the output signal of the photo sensor 201 changes from the “L” level to the “H” level.

(B) Detection of disconnection of lead wire and disconnection of connector Detection of disconnection of lead wire and disconnection of connector when the photo sensor 201 is used as the launch ball detector 131 will be described. If the connector of the photo sensor 201 is disconnected or the lead wire is broken, the output signal taken out from the terminal Vo disappears (is cut off), but the input line from the +5 V line to the firing control device 102 via the resistor 208 is removed. The "H" level is maintained. Therefore, since the input signal to the firing control device 102 (in other words, the output signal of the sensor) continues to be at the “H” level, the lead wire of the photosensor 201 is disconnected by monitoring this with software. It becomes possible to detect the disconnection of the connector. For example, when the lead wire of the launch ball detector 131 is disconnected or the connector is disconnected, the ON (“H” level) state of the input signal from the launch ball detector 131 to the launch control device 102 is maintained during a predetermined period. It becomes continuous. Therefore, for example, a process of counting and monitoring the input signal from the launch ball detector 131 is performed (a count sensor may be provided). If the ON state of the input signal continues, the lead wire of the sensor is disconnected or the connector is disconnected. Judge that there is a gap.

(C) Detection of lead wire short circuit (short circuit) Detection of a lead wire short circuit (short circuit) when the photo sensor 201 is used as the launch ball detector 131 will be described. When the lead wire of the photo sensor 201 is short-circuited, the output signal taken out from the terminal Vo becomes GND level, and there is no potential at all. By detecting this with the potential detector 206 which detects the potential difference of the terminal Vo, it is possible to monitor the short circuit of the lead wire. For example, if a short circuit occurs in the lead wire, the output signal of the potential detector 206 is set to output an “H” level signal, and the emission control device 102 monitors the output signal of the potential detector 206. The short circuit of the lead wire of the photo sensor 201 can be detected.

(D) Example of failure of firing ball detector 131, fraud: As a failure of the firing ball detector 131, for example, when the connector of the sensor is unnaturally pulled out unintentionally, when the lead wire is broken, or when the lead wire is broken If the wire is short-circuited, or the sensor itself has failed (for example, internal element failure)
In that case, the photo sensor may be clogged with dust. Also,
Illegitimacies to the launch ball detector 131 include, for example, intentional disconnection of the sensor connector, artificial disconnection of the lead wire, artificial short circuit of the lead wire, or the sensor itself. If the device is intentionally broken, the photo sensor may be filled with dust. For such failures and fraud, (a),
It can be determined by the processes of (b) and (c).

Returning to the explanation of the flow chart again, after confirming the launch ball detector 131 in step S12, it is determined in step S14 whether or not the launch ball detector 131 is normal. If the launch ball detector 131 is normal, this routine is ended. As a result, in the next and subsequent routines, the determination result of step S10 becomes NO, and the process branches from step S10 to step S18. On the other hand, if it is determined that the launch ball detector 131 is abnormal, the process proceeds to step S16 and abnormality processing is performed. As the abnormal processing, for example, the following processing is performed.

The abnormal state indicator 121 is turned on to notify that the launch ball detector 131 is abnormal. By turning on the abnormal state indicator 121, the player and the staff can recognize the abnormality of the launch ball detector 131. For example, when the player knows, he / she informs the staff to take appropriate measures (for example, inspection and maintenance). In addition, when the staff directly knows, he / she will immediately take appropriate measures (for example, inspection and maintenance). The abnormal state is transmitted to the management device 115. Management device 11
By transmitting the abnormal state to 5, the management device 115 side can grasp the abnormality of the launch ball detector 131 in the game machine. Perform the process to stop the ball firing. By stopping the firing of the ball, it is possible to immediately stop the inconvenient state that the player is provided with only the game profit (addition of the number of prize balls by the safe ball signal), which is a great disadvantage to the game store in terms of business. It can be avoided. Perform processing to disable the game. By disabling the game (for example, stopping the supply of pachinko balls to the launch position, stopping the operation of various accessory devices 114, and stopping the addition of the number of prize balls even if a prize is won, etc.) A big disadvantage can be avoided.

By executing the above process, the staff member inspects the shot ball detector 131, and when the repair is completed, the abnormal process of step S16 is exited and the process returns to step S12 to repeat the loop. Then, if it becomes normal, the routine is terminated through step S14. On the other hand, if it is still abnormal, the process of step S16 is performed again, and if it is normal, the process proceeds to step S14. If the power of the gaming machine 1 is not turned on in step S10, the process proceeds from step S10 to step S18. Step S18
Then, the abnormality detection processing is performed. This detects whether or not there is a subtraction abnormal state in which the number of balls owned by the player is not subtracted from 1 even though the game is being played. If abnormal, abnormal processing is performed, and if normal, 1 from the number of balls the player has
The address subtraction processing is performed (details will be described later in a subroutine). Next, in step S20, a firing control process is performed. This is a control to shoot the ball in the standby position toward the game area, if the subtraction abnormal state has not occurred,
When the subtraction abnormal state occurs, the process of stopping the firing (bulleting) of the ball at the standby position is performed. After step S20, the routine ends. It should be noted that this routine is repeatedly executed at regular intervals.

C. Abnormality Detection Processing Subroutine FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the abnormality detection processing subroutine. When this subroutine is started, first in step S50, it is determined whether or not the output signal of the firing ball detector 131 is ON (continues to "H" level). The output signal of the firing ball detector 131 is on, that is, "H".
If the level is not continuing, it can be determined that there is no possibility of disconnection of the lead wire of the photo sensor type launch ball detector 131, disconnection of the connector, etc. (determined to be normal), and the process proceeds to step S52. It is determined whether or not the output signal of the detector 131 is on. If the output signal of the launch ball detector 131 is on, it is determined that the launching device 134 has launched a ball, and in step S54, [1] is subtracted from the number of balls the player has. As a result, the number of the number-of-balls indicator 34 for displaying the number of balls of the player is reduced by [1]. After step S54, the process returns to the main routine. Therefore, when the shot ball detector 131 is normal, each time the ball is shot, [1] is subtracted from the number of balls the player has and the enclosed ball type game is performed. If the output signal of the launch ball detector 131 is not turned on in step S52, it is determined that the launch device 134 has not launched the ball, and the routine of this time is terminated and the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, in step S50, the launch ball detector 13
If the output signal of No. 1 is ON, that is, if the "H" level is continued, the lead wire of the photo sensor type launch ball detector 131 may be disconnected or the connector may be disconnected depending on the length of the duration. Therefore, the process branches to step S56. In step S56, it is determined whether or not the output signal of the launch ball detector 131 is on for a predetermined time. This is because when the photo sensor type launch ball detector 131 is used as described above, the lead wire is broken, the connector is disconnected, the photo sensor is clogged,
If there is an illegality with respect to the launch ball detector 131 (such as intentional disconnection of the sensor connector or artificial disconnection of the lead wire), the launch ball detector 131 is turned on for a predetermined time or more (“H” level). Therefore, it is intended to monitor such an abnormal condition.

If YES in step S56, the flow advances to step S58 to perform abnormality processing. The contents of the abnormal processing include the processings as described above. This immediately stops the inconvenient state that the player is provided with only the game profit (addition of the number of prize balls by the safe ball signal), and avoids the great disadvantage in the business for the game store, while detecting the shot ball by the clerk. It becomes possible to inspect and repair the container 131. If NO in step S56, that is, if the output signal of the launch ball detector 131 is not turned on for the predetermined time, it is determined that the launch ball detector 131 is not abnormal. The routine of this time is terminated and the process returns to the main routine.

D. Example Using Proximity Sensor as Launch Ball Detector Next, a modified example using a proximity sensor as a launch ball detector will be described. FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the proximity sensor.
In FIG. 8, reference numeral 221 denotes a proximity sensor used as the launch ball detector 131, and the proximity sensor 221 takes out an output signal via the connector 222. In FIG. 8, 223 is a transistor, 224 to 228 are resistors, 229 is a capacitor, and 230 is a diode.
The operation of the proximity sensor 221 will be described. In the normal state, the proximity sensor 221 maintains the energized state. Therefore, the voltage of 12V is divided into about 5V by the resistors 225 and 224 to become the base potential V1 of the transistor 223, the transistor 223 is turned on, the potential V2 becomes "H" level, and the input to the firing control device 102 is made. The signal maintains the "H" level state. On the other hand, the proximity sensor 22
When the ball responds to 1, the energized state is switched to the cutoff state, the base potential V1 is changed to the "L" level, and the transistor 223 is turned off, so that the potential V2 is changed to the "L" level and the firing control device 102 is sent. Input signal is "L"
Change to a level. As a result, the firing control device 102 determines that a ball has been detected. That is, the passage of the ball is detected by detecting the form in which the output signal of the proximity sensor 221 changes from the “H” level to the “L” level.

The proximity sensor 221 is monitored in the following manner for disconnection of its connector and disconnection of lead wires. Normally, when the proximity sensor 221 that is energized is disconnected from the connector or the lead wire is broken, the proximity sensor 2
Since 21 holds the cutoff state, the input signal to the firing control device 102 holds the "L" level state. Therefore, by monitoring this on software, it is judged that the sensor is abnormal. Further, in order to monitor the short circuit of the lead wire of the proximity sensor 221, the following is performed.
If both terminals of the proximity sensor 221 are directly connected, the input signal to the firing control device 102 is fixed to the “H” level, and therefore a circuit for monitoring this (diode 2
A loop circuit of 30) is provided, and the abnormality is monitored by setting the potential V2 to the “L” level when the lead wire is short-circuited. Therefore, when the lead wires are short-circuited, the firing control device 1
The input signal to 02 continues the "L" level state. By monitoring this on software, it is judged that the sensor is abnormal.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the pachinko ball related to the launch is detected in the process of the enclosed ball type game, 1 is subtracted from the ball information of the player and the safe ball is generated. A predetermined number of prize balls is added to the player's ball information, and the game is stopped when the player's ball information is zero (ball = 0). On the other hand, when a subtraction abnormal state in which the player's ball information in the game is not decremented to 1 is detected, abnormality processing corresponding to the subtraction abnormality is performed, notification of the abnormality, transmission of the abnormal state to the management device 115, Processing of stopping the firing of the ball and disabling the game is performed. Therefore, the game store side automatically monitors the subtraction abnormal state, and informs based on the detection result of the subtraction abnormal state, stops the ball firing, and disables the game, which leads to a great disadvantage in business. This can be prevented in advance. In particular, it is possible to effectively detect a failure of the launch ball detector 131, a disconnection of a lead wire, a short circuit, a disconnection of a lead wire connector of the detector, and the like, thereby avoiding a disadvantage in business. Further, it is possible to effectively detect even illegal games such as the removal of the lead wire connector of the launch ball detector 131, and avoid a disadvantage in business. For example,
Even if a mindless player actively tries to play a fraudulent game in which the lead wire connector of the detector is removed, these frauds can be effectively detected and business disadvantages can be avoided.

Second Embodiment of the Present Invention Next, an example of monitoring by a double sensor will be described as a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, two sensors, a first launch ball detector 151 and a second launch ball detector 152, are arranged along a launch rail 143. The first shot ball detector 151 and the second shot ball detector 152 constitute an amusement store profit detecting means. The content of the subroutine for detecting the subtraction abnormal state by such a double sensor is shown in the flowchart of FIG. A. Abnormality Detection Processing Subroutine FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the abnormality detection processing subroutine. When this subroutine is started, it is first determined in step S100 whether or not the launch device 134 is operating. If the launching device 134 is not in operation, no abnormality is detected and the process returns to the main routine. Launching device 1
If 34 is in operation, the process proceeds to step S102 and it is determined whether or not the second launch ball detector 152 has performed a detection operation. Here, since the photo sensor is used as the launch ball detector, it is determined whether or not the output signal of the photo sensor has changed to the "H" level. However, even if the output signal of the photo sensor changes to the “H” level, it is possible that the operation was performed due to fraud, so it is finally determined whether or not there is an abnormality by the processing of steps S104 and S106.

If the second firing ball detector 152 has detected a ball, a case in which the ball is fired from the firing device 134 is included, so the flow advances to step S104. Step S10
At 4, it is determined whether or not there is detection by the first shot ball detector 151. If there is no detection by the first shot ball detector 151, it is determined to be illegal or the first shot ball detector 151 is abnormal, and abnormality processing (contents are the same as in the above-described embodiment) is performed in step S108. After the abnormality processing, the process returns to the main routine. Further, if there is detection by the first shot ball detector 151 in step S104, the process branches to step S106 and is within a predetermined time (corresponding to a time zone having a certain width) from the detection by the first shot ball detector 151. Or not. That is, if the sensor is normal, first
The ball passes through the firing ball detector 151, and then the ball passes through the second firing ball detector 152 after a lapse of a predetermined time. Therefore, in the case where the second launch ball detector 152 is activated, when a predetermined time has passed from the previous detection operation of the first launch ball detector 151 (this is regarded as a time zone with a certain width). It is possible to determine the sensor abnormality by determining whether or not The predetermined time is preset by, for example, measuring the time until the ball passes between the first launch ball detector 151 and the second launch ball detector 152. If the predetermined time has elapsed (that is, within the predetermined time) in step S106, it is determined to be normal, and the process proceeds to step S107 to subtract [1] from the number of balls owned by the player. As a result, the number of the number-of-balls indicator 34 for displaying the number of balls of the player is reduced by [1]. Then, the routine of this time is ended and the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, if the second shot ball detector 152 does not detect a ball in step S102, the failure of the second shot ball detector 152 itself is also included, so that the process branches to NO and proceeds to step S110. In step S110, it is time-out from the detection by the first launch ball detector 151 (for example,
If the second launch ball detector 152 does not detect the ball for a certain period of time after the ball passes through the first launch ball detector 151, the time that can be determined as abnormal has passed) Or not. While the time is not over (actually extremely short time), the routine is ended, and when the time is over, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and step S
The routine proceeds to 112, where abnormality processing (the contents are the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment) is performed, and the processing returns to the main routine. As described above, in the second embodiment, two sensors (two or more) are provided, and two sensors are provided.
The normal input is made by the input of one sensor. For example, if there is no detection of the second sensor within a predetermined period from the detection of the first sensor, it is abnormal (for example, a connector is disconnected, a short circuit, a disconnection, or such a condition). Fraud).
Therefore, it is possible to more accurately monitor the abnormality of the sensor as compared with the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment of the Present Invention Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, an example in which a standby ball detector 163 for detecting an abnormal subtraction state is arranged and monitored in the ball feeding device 135 will be described. In the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B described above, the ball feeding device 135
A standby ball detector (game shop profit detecting means) 163 for detecting a subtraction abnormal state is arranged in the. like this,
The content of the subroutine for detecting the subtraction abnormal state using the ball feeding device 135 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. A. Abnormality Detection Processing Subroutine FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the abnormality detection processing subroutine. When this subroutine is started, it is first determined in step S200 whether or not there is a ball at the ball standby position. This is judged by detecting that the ball is present at the standby position by the standby ball detector 163.
For example, in the case of the state shown in FIG. 4A, the ball is present at the standby position. If there is no ball at the ball standby position, it is because the ball has been pulled out or a ball is jammed, which causes another cause. Therefore, the subtraction abnormal state is not detected and the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, if there is a ball at the ball standby position, the flow advances to step S202 to activate the ball feeding device 135 (or the firing device 135 may be activated). As a result, the balls are fired (shot) toward the game area. Next, in step S204, it is determined whether the detection signal of the ball standby position has changed, that is, whether the output signal of the standby ball detector 163 has changed. If the output signal of the standby ball detector 163 changes, it is determined to be normal and the routine of this time is ended.
On the other hand, if the output signal of the standby ball detector 163 does not change, it is determined that the standby ball detector 163 is abnormal (that is, the sensor is mainly malfunctioning), and the process proceeds to step S206. The same is done and the process returns to the main routine.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the ball feeding device 1
35, a standby ball detector 163 is arranged, a ball is once held in this sensor, and the standby ball is fed.
By monitoring the output signal from the sensor during ball feeding, the abnormality of the sensor (standby ball detector 163) is mainly monitored. Therefore, it is possible to automatically monitor the subtraction abnormal state as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and it is possible to prevent a great disadvantage in business from occurring. In the third embodiment, the waiting ball detector 163 is arranged in the ball feeding device 135 and the subtraction abnormal state is monitored based on the output signal of the waiting ball detector 163. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to detect a change in the output signal of the standby ball detector 163 at the time when the ball is launched by the launching device 134 to monitor the subtraction abnormal state, and this can be executed by the same flowchart as in FIG. 10. . In that case, the process of step S202 may be performed by operating the firing device 134. It should be noted that the present embodiment and the double sensor embodiment described later mainly determine a sensor failure.

B. Modified Example Next, an example in which a double sensor is arranged in the ball feeding device 135 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the ball feeding device 135. In this figure, the ball feeding device 135 has a second waiting ball detector 164 in addition to the first waiting ball detector 163.
Are sequentially arranged along the ball passage. Then, these two standby ball detectors (game shop profit detecting means) 16
Based on the output signals of 3 and 164, the same program as that shown in FIG. 9 is executed. Therefore, two sensors (two or more are acceptable) are provided, and the inputs of the two sensors make a normal input. For example, it is abnormal if the second sensor is not detected within a predetermined period from the detection of the first sensor. (Mainly sensor failure). As a result, with such a double sensor, the subtraction abnormality can be monitored more accurately. The first waiting ball detector 163 and the second waiting ball detector 164 may be photo sensors, or may be magnetic sensors or proximity sensors.

The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment,
Various modifications as described below are possible. (A) The subtraction abnormal state (for example, the process of determining whether the sensor is alive or not may be repeatedly executed) may be monitored by the entire game board. That is, if the out-ball or the winning ball is detected even though the launch ball is not detected, the subtraction abnormality state may be determined and the subtraction abnormality processing may be executed. In this case, there is an advantage that the monitoring process can be executed by software and the hardware configuration does not have to be changed.

[0046]

According to the present invention, since the abnormal state detecting means detects the subtraction abnormal state in which the player's ball information in the game is not subtracted to 1, the following effects can be obtained. . (1) When a subtraction abnormal state is detected, abnormal processing corresponding to the subtraction abnormality is performed, notification of the abnormality, transmission of the abnormal state to the management device, stop of ball firing, and processing for disabling the game, It is possible to prevent from leading to a great disadvantage in business. (2) The game store side can automatically monitor the subtraction abnormal condition. (3) In particular, it is possible to effectively detect disconnection or short circuit of the lead wire of the game shop profit detection means (for example, the launch ball detector), disconnection of the lead wire connector of the detection means, sensor failure, etc. The above disadvantage can be avoided. (4) Remove the lead wire connector of the game store profit detection means, and effectively detect these even for illegal games such as short circuit of the lead wire connector, and avoid disadvantages in business . (5) For example, even if a naive player actively attempts to play a fraudulent game such as removing the lead wire connector of the game shop profit detection means or shorting the lead wire connector, these frauds are effectively detected. Then, the disadvantage in business can be avoided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the gaming machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a launch ball detector of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ball feeding device of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main routine of firing control / abnormality detection processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a circuit system of an output signal of the photo sensor of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of abnormality detection processing of the same embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a circuit system of an output signal of the proximity sensor of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of abnormality detection processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of abnormality detection processing according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a modified example in which a double sensor is arranged in the ball feeding device of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Enclosed ball type pachinko machine 33 Card frequency indicator 34 Ball number indicator (possessed information display means) 101 Main control device (calculation means, abnormal condition detection means, game disabling means) 102 Firing control device 121 Abnormal condition display Instrument (informing means) 131 Launching ball detector (gaming shop profit detecting means) 134 Launching device 135 Ball feeding device 163 First waiting ball detector (gaming shop profit detecting means) 164 Second waiting ball detector (gaming shop profit detecting means) Means) 151 1st launch ball detector (gaming shop profit detection means) 152 2nd launch ball detector (gaming shop profit detection means) 163 Standby ball detector (gaming shop profit detection means)

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine for playing a game by launching a game medium circulating inside with a launching device, and possession information display means for displaying information on the number of game mediums possessed by a player, during the game, A game shop profit detecting means for detecting the operation of the game medium which is profitable to the game shop, and a predetermined number each time the output of the game shop profit detecting means is detected from at least the player's profit information in the possession information display means. And an abnormal state detection unit for detecting a subtraction abnormal state in which a predetermined number is not subtracted from the profit information of the player in the arithmetic unit even though the game is being performed. A gaming machine characterized by that. 2. The game shop profit detecting means detects a pachinko ball emitted by a launching device, detects a pachinko ball waiting at a launch position, or pachinko on the way to the launch position. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is one that detects a sphere. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising an informing unit for informing a subtraction abnormal state based on a subtraction abnormal state detection signal from the abnormal state detecting unit. 4. The informing means lights a predetermined indicator,
4. At least one of processing for generating an alarm sound and notifying a management room in a store is performed.
The game machine described. 5. A game disabling means for disabling a game relating to the gaming machine based on a subtraction abnormal state detection signal from the abnormal state detecting means is provided. The gaming machine according to any one of 1. 6. The game disabling means performs at least one process of stopping the firing of the launching device, stopping the supply of the game medium to the launching position, and stopping the operation of the accessory. A gaming machine according to Item 5.