JPH09736A - Game machine managing device in game shop - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent a third party from allowing a storage part to erroneously supply a game medium in this device employing such constitution that an ejection control means which supplies a prescribed number of media to the storage part of a game machine corresponding to the payment from a playing customer side. CONSTITUTION: A control part 17 installed in a ball rental machine 2 controls an ejection mechanism 16 to eject a prescribed number of pachinko balls when the payment by the throw-in of a coil through a coin throw-in port 8 is performed or the payment via a card inserted to a card insertion port 15 is performed, and an ejected pachinko ball is guided by a nozzle 13, and supplied to the upper bowl 3 of a pachinko board 1. A photoelectric switch 7 provided in the upper bowl 3 generates a detection signal in a state in which a prescribed number of pachinko balls or another objects exists in the upper bowl 3. The control part 17 inhibits the operation of the ejection mechanism 16 even when the payment is performed in a state in which the detection signal from the photoelectric signal 7 is received.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine management apparatus for a game arcade for managing a game machine having a storage section for storing a game medium used for a game, such as a pachinko machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a pachinko hall, payment is made by inserting money into a position adjacent to a pachinko machine, or payment is made by inserting a prepaid card or a membership card issued to a pre-registered player. Accordingly, it is common to install a ball lending machine (so-called stand-alone ball lending machine) that discharges a predetermined number of pachinko balls. in this case,
In recent years, for the convenience of game players, a ball lending machine is installed in a state of one-to-one correspondence with a pachinko machine, and the ball lending machine releases pachinko balls from the ball lending machine. Nozzles for introducing the above into the upper plate of the pachinko machine are provided.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned configuration, the pachinko ball is unconditionally operated in the state where the money is paid into the ball lending machine or the consideration is paid by the operation of inserting the prepaid card or the membership card. At the same time as being discharged, the discharged pachinko balls are supplied to the upper plate of the pachinko machine through the nozzle, which may cause problems as described below.

That is, when a player at a pachinko machine stands up for a break or the like, in order to inform a third party that the game on the pachinko machine is continuing, the pachinko machine is placed on the pachinko machine. It is common practice to leave the pachinko balls on the plate. However, it is often the case that a third party mistakenly causes the pachinko balls to be discharged through the ball lending machine without being aware of the pachinko balls in such a plate. In some cases, it may cause troubles between players, which may hinder smooth operation of the pachinko hall.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is a discharge control for supplying a predetermined number of game media to a storage section of a gaming machine in response to payment of consideration from a player side. Even if the means is provided, in a state where a predetermined number or more of game media or other objects are present in the storage section, there is no possibility that a third party may mistakenly supply the game medium to the storage section, and the game is played. An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine management device for a game arcade, which is effective in preventing unnecessary troubles between customers.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention manages a gaming machine provided with a storage unit for storing a game medium used for a game, and provides a game for a game arcade. In the machine management device, the game medium discharging means for discharging the game medium toward the storage section is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the game machine, and the payment from the player side is paid. A discharge control means for supplying a predetermined number of game media to the storage portion of the corresponding game machine by operating the game medium discharge means at the time, and a discharge control means provided in the game machine and having a predetermined number or more in the storage portion. A state in which a detection signal that outputs a detection signal in the presence of a game medium or other object is provided, and then the emission control unit outputs the detection signal from the detection unit provided in the corresponding gaming machine. Then payment of consideration It is obtained by a structure for holding the operation of the game medium discharge means in response to the prohibition state (claim 1).

In this case, the game medium discharging means is provided at a position adjacent to the game machine in a one-to-one correspondence with each other, and at the first position for guiding the discharged game medium to the storage section. In addition to the configuration including a nozzle capable of reciprocating between the nozzle and the second position retracted from the storage section, the discharge control unit is configured to move the nozzle to a position other than the first position. A configuration may be adopted in which the operation prohibited state of the game medium discharging means is released (claim 2).

[0008] Further, when the operation control state of the game medium discharging means by the discharge control means is continued for a predetermined time or longer, a broadcasting means for broadcasting to call a player of a gaming machine corresponding to the discharge control means. May be provided (claim 3).

[0009]

In the device according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine, when a predetermined number of gaming media or other objects do not exist in the storage section provided therein, the detection provided in the gaming machine The means has stopped outputting the detection signal. In order for the player to play a game on the above gaming machine,
When the payment is paid to the discharge control means corresponding to the game machine, the discharge control means operates the game medium discharge means to supply a predetermined number of game media to the storage part of the game machine. As a result, a game can be started using this game medium.

On the other hand, in the game machine, when a predetermined number or more of game media or other objects are present in the storage section provided therein, a detection signal is output from the detection means provided in the game machine. As a result, the discharge control means holds the operation of the game medium discharge means in response to the payment of consideration in a prohibited state. Therefore, even when the price is paid to the discharge control means corresponding to the gaming machine in the above state, the game medium is newly supplied from the gaming medium discharging means to the storage part of the gaming machine. Disappears.

As a result, when a player at the gaming machine stands up for a break or the like, in order to inform that the gaming at the gaming machine is continuing, the game medium is stored in the storage part of the gaming machine. There is no possibility that a third party may erroneously perform the operation of discharging the game medium through the discharge control means corresponding to the above-mentioned gaming machine in the state where the above is left or when the other object is placed in the storage portion. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of unnecessary trouble between the game players.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the game medium discharging means is provided at a position adjacent to the game machine in a one-to-one correspondence, and guides the discharged game medium to the storage section. The nozzle is configured to be reciprocally movable between the first position and the second position retracted from the storage section.

With this configuration, when the game medium discharging means is used to discharge only the game medium, that is, the game medium discharged from the game medium discharging means is directly guided from the nozzle without being guided to the storage portion. In the case of receiving, the payment operation for the discharge control means may be performed with the nozzle moved to the second position. At this time, the discharge control means is configured to release the operation prohibition state of the game medium discharge means when the nozzle is moved to a position other than the first position, so that the detection signal is output from the detection means. In the state where the nozzle is in the second position retracted from the storage unit even in the state where the game medium is left in the storage unit or when another object is placed in the storage unit Since it is possible to perform the discharging operation, it becomes convenient in actual use.

According to another aspect of the present invention, when the operation prohibiting state of the game medium ejecting means by the emission controlling means is continued for a predetermined time or longer, the broadcasting means of the gaming machine corresponding to the emission controlling means. Broadcast to call the player. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the gaming machine is informed in a non-gaming state for a long time,
It will be possible to contribute to the improvement of the operating rate of the gaming machine.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko hall will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In FIG. 1, a pachinko machine 1 as a game machine according to the present invention,
Also, the structure of the ball lending machine 2 having the functions of the game medium discharging means and the discharging control means according to the present invention is substantially shown.

In FIG. 1, a pachinko machine 1 is a mechanism for driving a pachinko ball (game medium) in an upper plate 3 (corresponding to a storage portion in the present invention) by an electric ball ejecting mechanism (only the operation dial is designated by reference numeral 4).
Is shown) and is fired to the board 5. When a pachinko ball fired on the board surface 5 wins, a pachinko ball as a prize ball is released to the plate 3, and when the upper plate 3 is full, the overflowed pachinko ball is in the lower plate 6. It is supposed to flow into.

The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a transmission type photoelectric switch 7 (corresponding to the detecting means in the present invention) corresponding to the upper plate 3. This photoelectric switch 7
Is for generating a detection signal when a predetermined number or more of pachinko balls or other objects (cigarette, match, etc.) are present in the upper plate 3, and specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. It is composed.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the photoelectric switch 7 includes two light projecting elements 7a and two light receiving elements 7b.
Are arranged so as to face each other with the pachinko ball storage portion 3a of the upper plate 3 interposed therebetween, and at least one optical axis of the two pairs of optical axes formed between the light projecting element 7a and the light receiving element 7b. Is configured to generate the detection signal when the light is blocked by a pachinko ball or the like.

Returning to FIG. 1, the ball lending machine 2 includes a pachinko machine 1
Is installed on the left side of the pachinko machine 1 in a state of being adjacent to the pachinko machine 1 on a one-to-one basis, and the ball lending machine 2 will be described below.

That is, the ball lending machine 2 is a prepaid card in addition to a ball lending operation (pachinko ball discharging operation) in response to the insertion of coins (100 yen coins or 500 yen coins in this embodiment). Ball rental card (not shown) or membership card (not shown) issued to a previously registered player
It is also configured so that a ball lending operation using can be performed. This ball lending machine 2 is configured in the shape of a vertically long rectangular box, and its front panel 2a has a coin slot 8, a display section 9, a ball lending button 10, a return button 11, an eject button 12, and a pachinko ball ejection. A nozzle 13 for coins, a coin return port 14, and a card insertion port 15 for inserting the ball lending card or the membership card are provided.

In this case, the display section 9 is composed of a liquid crystal display panel or a light emitting diode panel capable of displaying numbers. For example, when the ball lending card is inserted into the card insertion slot 15, The balance amount recorded on the lending card is displayed, and when the membership card is inserted into the card insertion slot 15, the so-called number of coins stored in association with the membership card is displayed.

The ball lending button 10 is operated when the player uses the ball lending card to receive the ball lending (when the balance amount is displayed on the display unit 9). The return button 11 is operated when the player uses the membership card to receive a ball lending (when the number of stored balls is displayed on the display unit 9). Further, the eject button 12 is operated when ejecting a ball lending card or a membership card inserted in the card insertion slot 15.

The nozzle 13 is for discharging the pachinko balls from the discharging mechanism 16 (corresponding to the game medium discharging means in the present invention) provided in the ball lending machine 2, and the tip of the pachinko machine 1 is provided. The upper plate 3 is provided so as to be reciprocally rotatable between a first position, which is a normal position facing from above, and a second position that is rotated forward. It is biased to position 1.

The discharging mechanism 16 is adapted to supply pachinko balls through an upper pipe 16a from a pachinko ball distribution pipe (not shown) provided on the back side of the pachinko ball 1 and the ball lending machine 2, which will be described later. Each time a ball release command is issued from the controller 17 (corresponding to the release control means in the present invention), a number of pachinko balls designated by the command are released through the lower pipe 16b and the nozzle 13. There is. At this time, in the discharge mechanism 16,
When the pachinko ball releasing operation is normally executed in response to a command from the control unit 17, the release completion signal is fed back to the control unit 17.

The coin inspection mechanism 18 provided in the ball lending machine 2 so as to correspond to the coin slot 8 temporarily holds the coins inserted from the coin slot 8 and holds such coins. It has a function of judging the authenticity and price of the inserted coin in the state, and is adapted to give the holding signal indicating the state of temporarily holding the coin and the judgment signal indicating the above judgment result to the control unit 17.

The coin holding state by the coin inspection mechanism 18 is released by a holding release command from the control unit 17, and the held holding released coins have guide pipes 19a and 19b at their lower ends. It is designed to fall inside the member 19. A passage switching plate 20 that is operated in response to energization of the electromagnetic solenoid 20a is provided at a branch portion of the guide member 19, and a coin that falls in the guide member 19 when the electromagnetic solenoid 20a is in a disconnected state causes a branch pipe. 19
a and a coin transport mechanism (not shown)
The passage switching plate 20 is responsive to the energization of the electromagnetic solenoid 20a.
Is operated, coins falling in the guide member 19 are guided to the coin return port 14 through the branch pipe 19b. The on / off control of the electromagnetic solenoid 20a is
The control unit 17 is configured to perform an energization command and a power interruption command.

The card reader / writer 21 provided in the ball lending machine 2 so as to correspond to the card insertion port 15 takes in the card inserted from the card insertion port 15 into the inside thereof and reads the data read from the card. Is given to the control unit 17, and the ejection operation of the card taken in the inside is performed in accordance with the ejection command from the control unit 17.

The control unit 17 is configured to include a CPU and the like, and controls the transmission / reception of a ball discharge command and a discharge completion signal to / from the discharge mechanism 16 as described above, and the coin check mechanism 18. Hold cancel command and hold signal, transmission / reception control of determination signal, transmission control of each command of energization and disconnection of electromagnetic solenoid 20a, data reading / writing control with card reader / writer 21, and discharge control transmission control. In addition, input control of each operation signal from the ball lending button 10, return button 11, and eject button 12, detection signal input control from the photoelectric switch 7 on the pachinko machine 1 side, display control by the display unit 9, and the like are performed. It is composed.

FIG. 2 shows a part of the control content of the control section 17 which is related to the gist of the present invention. This will be described below together with the related operation. In FIG.
The control unit 17 determines whether or not a coin has been inserted from the coin insertion slot 8 based on a hold signal from the coin inspection mechanism 18, step A1, whether or not a ball lending card has been inserted into the card insertion slot 15. Step A2, in which judgment is made based on the data read by the reader / writer 21, whether or not a member card has been inserted into the card insertion slot 15
Step A to judge based on the read data by
3. Whether or not there is an object (a predetermined number or more of pachinko balls or other objects such as cigarettes or matches) on the upper plate 3 of the corresponding pachinko machine 1 is determined based on the presence or absence of a detection signal from the photoelectric switch 7. Step A4 is sequentially executed.

When there is an object on the upper plate 3 of the pachinko machine 1 (“YES” in step A4), that is, the photoelectric switch 7
If the detection signal is input from the device, it is determined whether the prohibit mode is set (step A5). If the prohibit mode is not set, the process proceeds to step A1 where the prohibit processing routine A6 is executed. Return. The prohibition processing routine A
In 6, the operation is switched to the prohibit mode by forcibly prohibiting the operation of the discharge mechanism 16, and if "YES" is determined in step A5,
That is, if the prohibit mode has already been selected, the prohibit processing routine A6 is jumped to return to step A1.

When there is no object on the upper plate 3 of the pachinko machine 1 (“NO” in step A4), that is, the photoelectric switch 7
If the input of the detection signal from is in the stopped state, it is determined whether the prohibit mode is set (step A).
7) If it is in the prohibit mode, the process returns to step A1 where the prohibit cancellation processing routine A8 is executed. In the prohibition cancellation processing routine A8, the prohibition mode is canceled by returning the discharge mechanism 16 to the operable state. When it is judged "NO" in step A7, that is, the prohibition mode is switched. If not, the prohibition cancellation processing routine A8 is jumped to return to step A1.

As a result of the above control, there is a predetermined number or more of pachinko balls or other objects such as cigarettes and matches on the upper plate 3 of the pachinko machine 1 which corresponds to the ball lending machine 1 on a one-to-one basis. In this case, the discharging mechanism 16 is held in the operation prohibited state, and when there are no more than a predetermined number of pachinko balls, cigarettes, matches, or other objects in the upper plate 3, the operation prohibited state is set. It will be canceled.

When a coin is inserted from the coin slot 8 ("YES" in step A1), it is judged whether or not it is in the prohibit mode (step A9), and if it is in the prohibit mode, it is returned. After executing the processing routine A10, the process returns to step A1. In this return processing routine A10,
A hold release command is given to the coin inspection mechanism 18, and an energization command is given to the electromagnetic solenoid 20a for a predetermined time.
As a result, the coins held in the coin inspection mechanism 18 are dropped into the guide member 19 and the passage switching plate 20
Is operated to guide the dropped coins to the coin return port 14 via the branch pipe 19b, whereby the input coins are returned.

On the other hand, when the coin is not inserted into the prohibit mode when the coin is inserted through the coin slot 8 (step A)
9 "NO") indicates whether the inserted coin is a genuine 100-yen coin or a 500-yen coin or not
Judgment based on the judgment signal from 8 (step A1
1). If "NO" is determined in this step A11, the return processing routine A10 is executed and then the process returns to step A1. If "YES" is determined, the ball payout processing routine A12 is executed and then step A1 is executed. Return to.

In the ball payout processing routine A12, a ball discharge command is given to the discharging mechanism 16 to operate the discharging mechanism 16 and discharge a predetermined number of pachinko balls through the nozzle 13. At this time, when the value of the inserted coin is 100 yen, a predetermined number of units n (for example, n = 25) of pachinko balls are ejected, and the value of the inserted coin is 500 yen. In this case, 5 times as many pachinko balls as the unit number n will be released.

When the ball lending card is inserted into the card insertion slot 15 ("YES" in step A2), it is judged whether or not the prohibit mode is set (step A13). After executing the return processing routine A14, the process returns to step A1. This return processing routine A1
In 4, the card reader / writer 21 is given a discharging command to perform the discharging operation, and thereby the ball lending card in the state taken in by the card reader / writer 21 is returned.

On the other hand, if the mode is not in the prohibit mode at the time when the ball lending card is inserted into the card insertion slot 15 ("NO" in step A13), the validity determining process routine A15 is executed. In this routine A15, it is determined whether or not the ball lending card can be used based on the ID code and the balance amount data in the data read from the ball lending card by the card reader / writer 21.

At step A16 subsequent to this validity determination processing routine A15, the validity determination processing routine A1 is executed.
This is to identify the judgment result in 5, and here, "NO"
If it is determined that the ball lending card is unusable (when the ID codes do not match or the balance amount data is zero, etc.), the return processing routine A14 is executed and the process returns to step A1.

When it is judged "YES" in step A16, that is, when the ball lending card is usable, the process waits until either the ball lending button 10 or the eject button 12 is operated (step S16). A17, A1
8). At this time, when the eject button 12 is operated, the return processing routine A14 is executed, and then the process returns to step A1. In response to this, the ball lending card is returned. On the other hand, when the ball lending button 10 is operated, the ball payout processing routine A19 is executed and then the process returns to the judgment step A16.

In the ball payout processing routine A19, a ball discharge command is given to the discharging mechanism 16 to operate the discharging mechanism 16 to discharge pachinko balls of unit number n through the nozzle 13 and a ball lending card. Through the card reader / writer 21, control is performed to reduce the balance amount data stored in 1. by the amount corresponding to the lending price of the released pachinko balls. In addition, when the balance amount data stored in the ball lending card becomes zero in accordance with the execution of such a ball payout processing routine A19, step A1
In 6 the judgment is “NO”, and the ball lending card is returned (discharged).

When the membership card is inserted into the card insertion slot 15 ("YES" in step A3), it is determined whether or not the prohibit mode is set (step A20). After executing the return processing routine A21, the process returns to step A1. This return processing routine A2
In 1, the card reader / writer 21 is given a discharge command to perform a discharge operation, whereby the member card taken in by the card reader / writer 21 is returned.

On the other hand, if the member card is not inserted into the card insertion slot 15 and the prohibit mode is not in effect (“NO” in step A20), the validity determining process routine A22 is executed. In this routine A22, the ID code in the data read from the member card by the card reader / writer 21 is matched with the master data file for members stored in the central management computer (not shown) connected to the control unit 17, for example. By doing so, it is determined whether the membership card can be used.

In the master data file, for example, in addition to the ID codes corresponding to all issued member cards, the number-of-payment-number data in a state associated with the ID code, the expiration date of the member card, and theft. If the data indicating whether or not the item is delivered is stored, the ID code read from the membership card is the same, the number of coins stored is zero or more, and the expiration date is less than the expiration date and there is no theft delivery data, The membership card is determined to be usable.

At step A23 subsequent to this validity determination processing routine A22, the validity determination processing routine A2 is executed.
It is used to identify the judgment result in No. 2, and here, "NO"
If it is judged that the membership card is not usable (ID code does not match, or number data of accumulated coins is zero,
In the case where the expiration date has passed and the theft report data is present), the return processing routine A21 is executed and then the process returns to step A1.

If it is determined "YES" in step A23, that is, if the membership card is usable, the process waits until either the return button 11 or the eject button 12 is operated (step A24, A2
5). At this time, when the eject button 12 is operated, the return processing routine A21 is executed and then the process returns to step A1. In response to this, the member card is returned. On the other hand, when the return button 11 is operated, the ball payout processing routine A26 is executed and then the process returns to the judgment step A23.

In the ball payout processing routine A26, a ball discharge command is given to the discharging mechanism 16 to operate the discharging mechanism 16 to discharge the pachinko balls of unit number n through the nozzle 13 and for centralized control. Control is performed to decrease the stored coin number data stored in the master data file on the computer side in association with the membership card by a number corresponding to the number of released pachinko balls. still,
When the stored coin number data stored in the member master data file becomes less than the unit number n in response to the execution of the ball payout processing routine A26, the release mechanism 16 is operated when the return button 11 is operated. Control is performed to release a number of pachinko balls corresponding to the above-mentioned stored coin number data (<n). In addition, when the number data of stored coins stored in the member master data file becomes zero according to the release of the pachinko balls as described above, it is determined to be “NO” in step A23, and Membership card returned (discharged)
It is what is done.

In summary, the ball lending machine 2 is used when payment is made, specifically when 100-yen coins or 500-yen coins are inserted into the coin insertion slot 8 and the card insertion slot 15. When the ball lending switch 10 or the return switch 11 is operated with a possible ball lending card or membership card inserted, the pachinko ball releasing operation (lending operation) by the releasing mechanism 16 is performed. The pachinko balls discharged to the above are supplied to the upper plate 3 of the adjacent pachinko table 1 via the nozzle 13.

However, there is a predetermined number or more of pachinko balls or other objects such as cigarettes and matches on the upper plate 3 of the pachinko machine 1 which corresponds to the ball lending machine 1 on a one-to-one basis, that is,
In the state where the detection signal is output from the photoelectric switch 7 provided on the pachinko machine 1, the payment of the above-mentioned consideration is performed by switching to the prohibit mode in which the operation of the discharge mechanism 16 is forcibly prohibited. Even if it is broken, the inserted coin or the inserted card is forcibly returned without performing the pachinko ball ejection operation from the ejection mechanism 16.

As a result, when a player on the pachinko machine 1 stands up for a break or the like, the pachinko machine 1
In order to inform that the game is being continued in the state where the pachinko balls are left on the upper plate 3 of the pachinko machine 1 or when an object such as a cigarette or a match is placed on the upper plate 3. , Even when a third party mistakenly sees that the pachinko machine 1 is in the game continuation state and operates the ball lending machine 2 corresponding to the pachinko machine 1 to perform a pachinko ball ejection operation, This eliminates the risk that the ball discharging operation will be performed, and thus, it becomes possible to prevent the occurrence of unnecessary trouble between the players. Further, in the prohibition mode, the inserted coin or the inserted card is forcibly returned, so that it is possible to know that the pachinko machine 1 is in the game continuation state by the return, It is practically convenient.

A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described below. In FIG. 5, which shows the configuration of the pachinko machine 1 and the ball lending machine 2, the nozzle 1 of the ball lending machine 2 is shown.
A position detection switch 13a for detecting the rotational position of the nozzle 13 is provided at the base of No. 3, and this position detection switch 13a has the nozzle 13 at the first position (the tip is above the pachinko machine 1). The configuration is such that a position detection signal is generated and given to the control unit 17 in a state where the plate 3 is rotated to a position other than the normal position which faces the plate 3 from above.

FIG. 6 shows only a part of the control contents of the control unit 17, which characterizes the present embodiment. This FIG. 6 is executed in place of the steps and routines A4 to A8 in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, and step A3 for determining whether or not a membership card has been inserted into the card insertion slot 15. When it is determined to be "NO" in step A31, the control from step A31 is performed.

In step A31, it is determined whether or not the nozzle 13 is at the first position based on the position detection signal from the position detection switch 13a. If it is determined to be “NO”, that is, the tip of the nozzle 13 is the pachinko machine 1
When it is in a position other than the normal position where the upper plate 3 is viewed from above,
It is determined whether or not the operation of the discharge mechanism 16 is forcibly prohibited (step A32). If not, the process proceeds to step A34, which will be described later, but if the mode is prohibited. In step A, after executing the prohibition cancellation processing routine A33 for canceling the prohibition mode by returning the discharge mechanism 16 to the operable state.
Return to 1 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the prohibit mode is automatically released when the nozzle 13 is rotated to a position other than the first position.

The step A34 is the same as the step A3.
This is also executed when “YES” is determined in step 1, that is, when the nozzle 13 is in the first position. In step A34, the object (predetermined number of objects) is placed on the upper plate 3 of the corresponding pachinko machine table 1. Whether or not there are other objects such as pachinko balls, cigarettes, matches, etc.) is determined based on the presence or absence of a detection signal from the photoelectric switch 7.

If "YES" is determined in the step A34, that is, if there is an object on the upper plate 3 of the corresponding pachinko machine base 1, it is again determined whether or not the nozzle 13 is in the first position (step S34). A35). In this step A35, "N
When it is determined to be "O" (when the nozzle 13 is located at a position other than the first position), it is determined whether or not it is in the prohibit mode (step A36). After executing A37, the process proceeds to step A38 described later. In the prohibition processing routine A37, the operation is switched to the prohibition mode in which the operation of the discharge mechanism 16 is forcibly prohibited.
5 (YES) (when the nozzle 13 is in the first position), and in step A36, “YE”
When it is determined to be "S" (when the prohibit mode has already been switched to), the prohibit processing routine A37 is jumped and the process proceeds to step A38.

In step A38, it is determined whether or not the internal timer set for measuring the prohibition mode duration has timed up. This step A3
If it is determined to be "NO" in step 8, the process returns to step A1, but if it is determined to be "YES", that is, if the operation prohibition state of the discharge mechanism 16 in the prohibition mode is continued for a predetermined time or longer, an alarm signal is issued. Is transmitted to the computer for centralized management (step A39), and then the system waits until a reset input is made (step A40).

Here, the centralized management computer also has the function of the broadcasting means in the present invention, and corresponds to the ball lending machine 2 which is the source of the alarm signal when receiving the alarm signal. It is configured to perform in-store broadcasting to call a player on the pachinko machine 1. The reset input is performed by the pachinko hall employee by operating a reset switch (not shown) provided in the ball lending machine 2. When such a reset input is made (“YES” in step A40). In step A after executing the prohibition cancellation processing routine A33 for canceling the prohibition mode.
Return to 1.

On the other hand, when it is judged "NO" in step A34, that is, when there is no object on the upper plate 3 of the corresponding pachinko machine base 1, it is judged whether or not the prohibit mode is set (step A41). If it is not in the prohibit mode, the process directly returns to step A1, but if it is in the prohibit mode, the prohibit cancellation processing routine A33 is executed and then the process returns to step A1.

However, the present embodiment described above also has the same effect as that of the first embodiment. Particularly, according to the present embodiment, the nozzle 13 is at the first position (the tip of the pachinko machine 1 is the tip of the pachinko machine 1). When the upper tray 3 is rotated to a position other than the normal position facing from above, even if there is an object on the upper tray 3 of the corresponding pachinko machine base 1, the prohibit mode state (that is, the discharging mechanism 16)
The operation prohibition state (1) is automatically released. For example, when the ball lending machine 2 is used to release (lend out) only pachinko balls, the nozzle 13 is set to the second position. If the ball lending machine 2 is moved to the position and payment of the value is performed, the pachinko ball can be lent. In short, even when the pachinko balls are left on the upper plate 3 or the other objects such as cigarettes and matches are placed on the upper plate 3, when the nozzle 13 is in a position other than the first position, The pachinko balls can be released (rented out), which is convenient in actual use.

Moreover, when the ball lending machine 2 is kept in the prohibit mode for a predetermined time or longer, the broadcast for calling the player of the pachinko machine 1 corresponding to the ball lending machine 2 is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the pachinko machine 1 is informed of a non-gaming state for a long time, which contributes to an improvement in the operating rate of the pachinko machine 1.

In each of the above embodiments, the photoelectric switch 7 is provided as the detection means, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 showing the third embodiment of the present invention, On the upper plate 3 formed of an insulating material such as plastic, the electrodes 22a separated from each other,
22b is provided as a detection means and these electrodes 22a, 2
When a predetermined number or more of pachinko balls are electrically connected between 2b, the presence of the pachinko balls may be detected based on the conductive state.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8 showing the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a proximity sensor 23 for detecting a metal object is provided as a detecting means on the back surface of the upper plate 3 formed of an insulating material such as plastic. The proximity sensor 23 may be configured to detect the presence of a predetermined number of pachinko balls or more, and for example, a writer 24 including a metal object may be distributed to the player, and the writer 24 may serve as an upper plate. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the proximity sensor 23 detects the state of being placed on the substrate 3. In addition to this, the detecting means can be realized by any one of a weight sensor, a limit switch, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described below. This embodiment is characterized in that the ball lending machine is not required because the ball lending function is provided on the pachinko machine side. That is, in FIG. 9, a lending operation unit 26 is provided at a position adjacent to the lower plate 6 on the lower portion of the front side of the pachinko machine 1 ′ as a game machine.

The lending operation unit 26 is operated when a pachinko ball is ejected while the ball lending card or member card (not shown) is inserted, and the ball lending card or member card is inserted. Lending / returning button 28, eject button 29 operated when ejecting the inserted card, display section for displaying the balance amount recorded in the ball lending card or the number of coins stored in association with the membership card It has a configuration including 30.

On the back side of the pachinko machine 1 ', a ball payout mechanism 31 as a game medium discharge means and a control section 32 as a discharge control means are provided. The ball payout mechanism 31 is
In the pachinko machine 1 ', when a pachinko ball fired on the board surface 5 wins a prize, the pachinko ball as a prize ball is released to the upper plate 3 and the price is paid through the ball lending card or the membership card. The number of pachinko balls corresponding to the payment consideration is discharged to the upper plate 3. The pachinko balls released by this ball payout mechanism 31 are
It is supplied from a tank 33 provided on the upper rear surface of the pachinko machine 1 ', and a pachinko ball is supplied to this tank 33 from a pachinko ball replenishing system (not shown) via a ball replenishing machine 34 having a well-known structure. Is supplied.

The control unit 32, as shown in FIG.
It is configured as a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and the detection signal from the photoelectric switch 7 provided on the upper plate 3 and the lending / returning button 28.
Each operation signal from the eject button 29, a winning ball detection switch group 35 for a normal winning hole having a well-known structure provided on the board surface 5, a winning ball detection switch group 36 for a start winning hole having a well-known structure provided on the board surface 5, A winning ball detection switch group 37 for an accessory winning hole having a well-known structure provided on the board surface 5, an angle sensor 38 for detecting an operation angle of the operation dial 4 in order to know whether or not the operation dial 4 is operated, and a ball. Each output signal from the ball sensor 39 for detecting the state in which the pachinko balls are discharged from the payout mechanism 31 is input through the input circuit 40.

The control unit 32 controls the operation of the display unit 30 and the ball payout mechanism 31 through the driver 41, and the ball firing mechanism 4a, the lamp group 42 provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1 ', and the board surface 5 as well. Electrical accessory 4 installed in
3. The speaker 44 for effect sound generation is also controlled through the driver 41.

Further, the control section 32 performs data read / write control and control relating to ejection of the inserted card with the card reader / writer 45 provided corresponding to the card insertion slot 27, and a centralized unit (not shown). A data signal is transmitted / received to / from the management computer through the input / output circuit 46.

In this case, although not specifically shown, the control unit 32, when the lending / returning button 28 is operated with the ball lending card or the membership card inserted in the card insertion slot 27, those cards are operated. Is operated, the ball payout mechanism 31 is operated to discharge a predetermined number of pachinko balls to the upper plate 3, and the winning ball detection switch groups 35 and 36 are operated according to the winning of the pachinko balls. , 37, the ball payout mechanism 31 is operated to discharge a predetermined number of pachinko balls to the upper plate 3 each time a detection signal is input.

Further, the control unit 32 is in a state where the detection signal is inputted from the photoelectric switch 7, that is, in a state where a predetermined number or more of pachinko balls or other objects (cigarette, match, etc.) are present in the upper plate 3. , The prohibit mode is switched to. In this prohibit mode, the card insertion slot 27
When a ball rental card or membership card is inserted in
The control is such that the insertion card is immediately ejected.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined number or more of pachinko balls or other objects are present in the upper plate 3, the pachinko ball releasing operation using the ball lending card or the membership card is prohibited. Therefore, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the ball lending machine is unnecessary, it is possible to realize a reduction in equipment cost and space saving.
Even when a predetermined number or more of pachinko balls or other objects are present in the upper plate 3, the pachinko balls are discharged through the ball discharging mechanism 31 when the pachinko balls are won, which causes trouble in continuing the game. There is no such thing.

FIG. 11 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention which is a modification of the fifth embodiment, and only the portions different from the fifth embodiment will be described below. In the sixth embodiment, instead of the ball payout mechanism 31 and the ball replenishing machine 34 in the fifth embodiment, a ball replenishing machine 47 for directly guiding a pachinko ball from a pachinko ball replenishing system (not shown) to the upper plate 3 of the present invention. It is characterized in that the ball replenishing machine 47 is controlled by the control section 32, provided as a game medium discharging means. In this case, the ball replenishing machine 47 is configured to selectively allow the pachinko balls from the pachinko ball replenishing system to pass by one unit.

Also in this embodiment having such a configuration,
It has the same effect as the first embodiment, and in particular, in this embodiment, the ball discharging mechanism 31 in the fifth embodiment.
Further, since the function of the ball replenishing machine 34 is obtained by the single ball replenishing machine 47, it is possible to further reduce the equipment cost.

In each of the above-described embodiments, a pachinko machine using pachinko balls as a game medium has been taken as an example of a game machine to be managed, but a game such as a slot machine using simulated coins as a game medium. Machines can be managed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a substantial configuration diagram showing a main part of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing control contents by a control unit.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a main part.

FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a main part of control contents by the control unit.

FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration.

FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

In the drawing, 1 and 1'is a pachinko machine, 2 is a ball lending machine, 3 is an upper plate (storage part), 7 is a photoelectric switch (detection means), 13 is a nozzle, 16 is a discharge mechanism (game medium discharge means), Reference numeral 17 is a control unit (release control means), 21 is a card reader / writer, 2
2a and 22b are electrodes (detection means), 23 is a proximity sensor (detection means), 31 is a ball payout mechanism (game medium ejection means), 32 is a control section (emission control means), 45 is a card reader / writer, and 47 is a ball. 2 shows a replenishing machine (game medium discharging means).

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A game machine management device for a game arcade for managing a game machine having a storage unit for storing a game medium used for a game, wherein the game medium is discharged toward the storage unit. The game medium ejecting means is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the game machine, and when the payment is paid from the player side, the game medium ejecting means is operated to store the corresponding game machine. A discharge control means for supplying a predetermined number of game media to the game machine, and a detection means provided in the gaming machine for outputting a detection signal when a predetermined number or more of the game media or other objects are present in the storage section. And a configuration in which the release control means holds the operation of the game medium release means in response to payment of consideration in a prohibited state in a state where a detection signal is output from the detection means provided in the corresponding gaming machine. Tosa Gaming machine management device for a game arcade, wherein are. 2. The game medium discharging means is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with a position adjacent to the game machine, and a first position for guiding the discharged game medium to the storing part and the storing. It is configured to include a nozzle that can reciprocate between a second position retracted from the part, and the discharge control means discharges the game medium in a state where the nozzle is moved to a position other than the first position. 2. The gaming machine management device for a game arcade according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine management device is configured to release the operation prohibition state of the means. 3. A broadcasting means for broadcasting to call a game player of a gaming machine corresponding to the release control means when the operation control state of the game medium discharge means by the release control means is continued for a predetermined time or more. The game machine management device for a game arcade according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: