JPH10137431A - Game medium counter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the detection of occurrence of anomalies by an anomaly occurrence detecting means and to enable the verification of number of game mediums in the case of incorrectly detecting the occurrence of anomalies. SOLUTION: A counting means 39 for counting game mediums flowing down through a flow channel is provided for the flow channel and a monitoring means 42 for monitoring the condition of flowing down of game mediums is provided downstream from the counting means 39. A anomaly occurrence detecting means 56 for detecting the occurrence of anomalies on the basis of the results of monitoring by the monitoring means 42 is provided. At the time of detecting the occurrence of anomalies, a controlling means 51 has a storage means 59 store a counted value at this time as the first counted value and a displaying means 11 display it and has an issuing means 52 issue a record medium on which the first counted value is recorded. The controlling means 51 has the counting means 39 continue counting the game mediums after the detection of occurrence of anomalies as well and has the storage means 59 store the final counted value as the second counted value. In the case of incorrectly detecting the occurrence of anomalies, the number of game mediums can be verified on the basis of the second counted value of the storage means 59.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game medium counter for counting game media.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a game medium counter installed at, for example, an island edge or an island of a pachinko hall, a counter, or the like, for counting game media such as pachinko balls acquired by a player.

In such a game medium counting machine, the game medium to be fed into the hopper is caused to flow into the downflow path, the game medium flowing down the downflow path is counted by the counting means, and the counting result is displayed on the display means. The counting result is printed on the receipt by the issuing means and issued.

[0004] However, in such a game medium counter, there is a possibility that an illegal act, for example, in which a countermeasure device is erroneously operated by inserting an illicit instrument or the like into the downflow passage, may be performed.
As a countermeasure, for example, a game medium counter described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 6-17787 has been proposed.

In this game medium counting machine, an abnormality detection sensor is arranged downstream of a counting sensor arranged in a downflow passage. Even though the counting sensor detects a game medium and is performing a counting operation, If the abnormality detection sensor does not detect game media, or if the number of game media detected by the abnormality detection sensor is extremely small, it is determined that a fraudulent activity may have occurred and an alarm is issued immediately. I have to.

[0006] By the way, although not described in the above publication, as a method of issuing an alarm, a buzzer sounds,
There is a way to flash the lamp. Also, at the time of abnormality detection, that is, at the time when it is determined that there is a possibility that an improper act has been performed, the counting operation by the counting sensor is stopped, and the remaining game media already inserted into the hopper portion are flowed without being counted. Become.

[0007]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the following problem occurs when the abnormality detection sensor fails. Even if the abnormality detection sensor detects an abnormality and an alarm is issued, and the clerk rushes to take action and notices the failure of the abnormality detection sensor, the game media inserted by the player has flowed and the number can not be confirmed, Even if the player declares the approximate number, for example, the store cannot compensate, and there is a problem that a trouble occurs between the player and the store.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and can detect the occurrence of an abnormality, and can confirm the number of game media even if the occurrence of an abnormality is erroneously detected. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game medium counting machine capable of solving a trouble with the player.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium counting machine comprising: a down flow path for flowing down a game medium to be supplied to a hopper; and a counting means for counting the number of game media flowing down the down flow path. Display means for displaying at least the counting result of the counting means, issuing means for recording and issuing information including the counting result of the counting means on a recording medium, and a game medium arranged at a downstream position of the counting means, Monitoring means for monitoring the flow-down state, abnormal occurrence detecting means for detecting the occurrence of an abnormality based on the monitoring result of the monitoring means, storage means for storing the counting result of the counting means, and the abnormality occurrence detecting means When the occurrence of an abnormality is detected, the count value of the counting means at that time is stored in the storage means as a first count value, and the count result based on the first count value is displayed on the display means. At the same time, the recording medium recording the counting result based on the first count value is issued by the issuing means, and the counting by the counting means is continued until there is no more game media inserted into the hopper section. And control means for storing the final count value of the counting means in the storage means as a second count value.

[0010] The game medium put into the hopper portion flows down the downflow passage and is counted by the counting means. At this time, the display means displays the count value of the counting means,
The counted value is counted up with the counting operation. If the occurrence of abnormality is not detected by the abnormality occurrence detecting means, after the counting is completed, a recording medium on which information including the counting result is recorded is issued by the issuing means. When the occurrence of an abnormality is detected by the abnormality occurrence detection means, the count value at the time of occurrence of the abnormality is stored in the storage means as the first count value, and the count value is increased by the display means while the first count value is displayed. To stop.
However, the counting operation by the counting means is continued, and the final count value is stored in the storage means as the second count value. A recording medium on which information based on the first count value is recorded is issued by the issuing unit.

The game medium of the game medium counter includes a pachinko ball, a coin, and the like. The monitoring means includes a vibration detection sensor, an optical sensor, and a magnetic sensor. In addition, the recording medium includes a receipt and a magnetic card, and the receipt includes a barcode-added one.
Further, the second count value includes either the total count value of the game media inserted into the hopper portion, the count value after occurrence of the abnormality, or both of them.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the game medium counting machine according to the first aspect, the issuing unit detects a non-abnormality in a recording medium issued when the abnormality detecting unit detects the occurrence of the abnormality. It records information different from the time.

Different information is recorded on a recording medium issued when an abnormality occurs and a recording medium issued when a non-abnormality is detected, so that it is possible to distinguish between them.

It is to be noted that recording of information different from that at the time of non-abnormality detection on a recording medium issued at the time of occurrence of an abnormality can be performed when specific information is recorded on a receipt at the time of occurrence of an abnormality, or information which should be originally recorded is not recorded. Including doing so.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the game medium counter according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a game medium counter, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a side view showing an internal structure of the game medium counter, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a plan view showing an internal structure of the game medium counter, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the game medium counter.

A pachinko ball counter is shown as an example of a game medium counter, and this pachinko ball counter is installed between the island end of a game island in a pachinko hall or a game table on a game island, and is inserted by a game player. The pachinko sphere P as a medium is counted.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko ball counter is
An operation unit 1 formed upright and a counting unit 2 arranged below, and a surplus ball projecting unit for projecting a small number of pachinko balls (surplus balls) P at the lower right of the operation unit 1 3 are provided.

The operation unit 1 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit 11 as display means, a receipt issuing button 12, a surplus ball returning button 13, and a receipt issuing port 14. The display unit 11 displays, for example, the count value of the pachinko balls P, the number of exchangeable prizes corresponding to the number of pachinko balls P, and the number of extra balls that do not reach the exchangeable number of prizes. The receipt issue button 12 is for issuing a receipt, and the extra ball return button 13 is for instructing return of extra balls.
A receipt issuing mechanism 52 is provided behind (inside) the receipt issuing port 14 as issuing means to be described later, and the receipt issuing mechanism 52 issues a receipt on which predetermined items are printed.

The counting unit 2 has a hopper 21 for receiving a pachinko ball P, a large opening is formed on the upper side of the hopper 21 and an input port 22 is formed. The outlet 23 is formed to be small and open wide in the left-right direction. The bottom of the hopper 21
It is formed in a shape inclined downward toward the discharge port 23.

As shown in FIG. 2, the input port 22 of the hopper 21
, A shutter 26 connecting two shutter plates 24 and 25 is attached. The rear edge of the front shutter plate 24 and the front edge of the rear shutter plate 25 are rotatably connected, and the front edge of the front shutter plate 24 is slidable in the front-rear direction along the upper edge of the hopper 21. Has become. The rotation shaft 27 formed on the rear side of the rear shutter plate 25 is rotated by an opening / closing motor 57 described later, so that the shutter 26 is opened and closed. The opening / closing state of the shutter 26 is determined by an opening / closing detection sensor 58 described later.
Is detected by

Below the hopper section 21, a first passage as a flow-down passage through which the pachinko balls P discharged from the discharge port 23 flow down.
And a second downstream passage 32 are formed.
The first downflow passage 31 has a smooth passage plate 33 formed downwardly from the position below the discharge port 23 to guide the pachinko ball P forward, and the second downflow passage 32 has a first downflow passage. It is formed rearward and downward from the lower end position of the passage 31 and guides the pachinko ball P backward.

The first downflow passage 31 prevents the insertion of an unauthorized device or the like into the second downflow passage 32, and reduces the speed of the pachinko balls P falling from the discharge port 23 by making the pachinko balls P substantially one layer downstream. Into the second downflow passage 32.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second flow-down passage 32 is surrounded by frame members 34 erected on the front side and both side portions of the second flow-down passage 32. Second downflow passage 32
Is attached to a position where the pachinko ball P discharged from the first flow-down passage 31 collides with a buffer plate 35 made of, for example, an elastic material. The buffer plate 35 collides with the pachinko ball P. In addition to suppressing the noise generated at the time, damage to the passage members and the like is prevented.

At most of the second flow passage 32 except for the start and end portions, eleven partitions are provided between the left and right side plate portions 34a of the frame member 34 with a space slightly larger than the diameter of the pachinko ball P. The plates 36 are arranged in parallel along the left-right direction, and a passage plate 37 is arranged at a position lower than the partition plate 36 between these side plate portions 34a and the partition plate 36 and between the adjacent partition plates 36, That is, 12 rows of counting passages 38 are formed, both left and right sides of which are supported by the side plate portion 34a or the partition plate 36, and the lower surface of which is supported by the passage plate 37.

A light emitting element 39a and a light receiving element 39b of a counting sensor 39 serving as an optical counting means are arranged above and below the downstream area of each counting passage 38, and each counting sensor 39 passes through each counting passage 38. The pachinko ball P is detected and counted. The counting sensor is located downstream of the counting passage 38.
39 is arranged to prevent unauthorized devices and the like inserted from the outlet 23 of the hopper unit 21 from reaching, preventing fraudulent acts, and counting by counting the flow of the pachinko balls P in a stable state. It is for accuracy.

At the end of the second flow passage 32, a smooth passage plate 40 communicating with each of the counting passages 38 is provided, and on both sides of the passage plate 40, the side plates 40 slightly narrowed from the left and right.
a is provided. Then, the end of the second flow-down passage 32 is connected to a pachinko ball collecting device that circulates the pachinko balls P in the game island.

The height of the passage plate 40 is slightly lower than the height of the end of the passage plate 37 of each counting passage 38, and a step 41 is formed. When the pachinko ball P is flown, the pachinko ball P is moved by the height of the step 41. Vibration occurs in the passage plate 40 when it falls and collides. On the lower surface of the passage plate 40 near the step 41, a vibration detection sensor 42 as monitoring means for detecting the presence or absence of vibration is arranged.

Below the counting passage 38 of the second flow-down passage 32, a foreign substance collection box 45 is disposed so as to be drawn out to the front and outside of the counting unit 2. Foreign matter such as dust and dirt put into the hopper 21 together with the pachinko ball P falls from the space between the partition plate 36 and the passage plate 37 in the counting passage 38 of the second downflow passage 32, and enters the foreign matter collection box 45. Collected. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of troubles such as foreign substances accumulating in the counting unit 2 to deteriorate the flow of the pachinko ball P and causing malfunction of the sensors. The foreign substance collection box 51 is pulled out at predetermined intervals, and the collected foreign substances are collected.

The counting unit 2 has a built-in operation unit 54 for a clerk, which will be described later. The operation unit 54 for the clerk can check the counting sensor 39 and the vibration detection sensor 42 for abnormality.

As shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 51 denotes a control unit as control means of the pachinko ball counter. The control unit 51 includes a display unit 11 of the operation unit 1, a receipt issuing button 12, and a surplus ball return button 13 And a receipt issuing mechanism 52 are connected to each other. The control unit 51 includes a surplus ball throwing unit 3, an alarm buzzer 53, a staff operation unit 54, a counting sensor 39, a vibration detection sensor 42, a timer unit 55, an abnormality determination unit 56 as an abnormality occurrence detection unit, A motor 57, an open / close detection sensor 58, and a storage unit 59 as storage means are connected to each other. The abnormality determination means 56 determines that an abnormality has occurred when the state in which the vibration detection sensor 42 does not detect vibration continues for a predetermined time or more as measured by the timer means 55 even though the counting by the counting sensor 39 is continued. I do. The storage unit 59 stores the count result and the like in a readable manner.

When the occurrence of an abnormality is detected by the abnormality determining means 56, the control unit 51 stores the count value of the counting sensor 39 at that time as a first count value in the storage unit 59, and stores the first count value in the storage unit 59. The counting result based on the count value is displayed on the display unit 11, the receipt recording the counting result based on the first count value is issued by the receipt issuing mechanism 52, and the counting by the counting sensor 39 is performed by the hopper unit 21. The pachinko ball P is kept running until there is no more, and the final count value of the count sensor 39 is stored in the storage unit 59 as a second count value.

Further, the control unit 51 includes a receipt issuing mechanism 52
Has a function of printing items different from those at the time of non-abnormality detection on a receipt issued when the abnormality determination means 56 detects the occurrence of an abnormality.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

First, the standby state of the pachinko ball counter will be described.

The count value, the number of premiums, and the number of extra balls on the display unit 11 are all displayed as 0. The shutter 26 is in an open state. At this time, the counting sensor 39 is in a light transmitting state,
The vibration detection sensor 42 does not detect vibration.

Next, normal processing of the pachinko ball counter will be described.

The pachinko ball P obtained by the player is transferred to the hopper section.
When the pachinko balls P are inserted into the insertion port 22 of 21, the pachinko balls P are gradually fed from the discharge port 23 into the first downflow passage 31, and flow forward while being leveled into one layer. When the pachinko ball P reaches the front end of the first downflow passage 31, it falls into the second downflow passage 32, but a buffer plate 35 is attached to the corresponding position, and the noise caused by the fall of the pachinko ball P Is suppressed, and damage to the passage member is prevented.

The pachinko ball P that has fallen into the second downflow passage 32
Are further separated by a partition plate 36 and sent into each counting passage 38 in a one-layer, one-row state. Pachinko ball P is a counting sensor
Each time the light 39 is shielded, one is counted, and the sum of the values counted in each of the counting passages 38 becomes a count value, which is displayed as a count value on the display unit 11. Note that the count value increases with the continuation of the counting operation, and the displayed content is rapidly increasing during the counting.

When the pachinko ball P reaches the step 41 near the end of each counting passage 38, it falls and hits the passage plate 40.
When the pachinko balls P are continuously flown, the passage plate 40
The tapping vibration occurs continuously. Therefore, when the pachinko ball P is normally flown, the counting sensor 39 counts the pachinko ball P and the vibration detection sensor 42 detects the vibration.

By the way, when an unauthorized instrument or the like is inserted into the counting passage 38 to shield the counting sensor 39 from light or an erroneous operation of the counting sensor 39 by an illegal radio wave or the like, no vibration occurs. Does not detect vibration.
Therefore, if the state in which the vibration detection sensor 42 does not detect the vibration continues for a predetermined time or more even though the counting by the counting sensor 39 is continued, it is determined that there is a possibility that some wrongdoing has been performed. Will be.

The pachinko balls P passing through the counting passages 38 are moved to the center along the side plate 40a and discharged backward. The second downflow passage 32 is connected to a pachinko ball collecting device, and the pachinko balls are circulated in the game island.

When the vibration detecting sensor 42 detects the vibration normally, all the pachinko balls P thrown into the hopper 21 are sent to the respective downflow passages 31 and 32, and when the counting is performed normally,
The final count result is displayed as the count value of the display unit 11, and the number of premiums and the number of extra balls are calculated and displayed.

In this state, the player presses the receipt issue button 12
When is pressed, the receipt issuing mechanism 52 is driven, and a receipt on which the counter number, the receipt number, the counting date and time, the counting result (including the number of prizes), and the like are printed is ejected to the receipt issuing port 14. Take this receipt to the pachinko hall counter and you will be able to exchange it for prizes.

If there is a surplus ball and the surplus ball is required, pressing the surplus ball throwing button 13 allows the surplus ball throwing unit 3 to throw the surplus ball so that the player can receive it. Become. If the player does not need a surplus ball even if there is a surplus ball, the surplus ball throw-out button is cleared without being pressed down.

Next, abnormal processing of the pachinko ball counter will be described.

If the state in which the vibration detecting sensor 42 does not detect vibration continues for a predetermined time or more during counting, it is determined that there is a possibility that an illegal act has been performed, and abnormal processing is performed.

At the same time as judging an abnormality, the count value at that time is stored in the storage unit 59 as a first count value,
While the display of the count value on the display unit 11 is stopped (count-up is stopped), the number of prizes corresponding to the first count value,
The number of extra balls is displayed. However, the counting operation by the counting sensor 39 is continuously performed until the pachinko balls P thrown into the hopper section 21 disappear. The final count result counted until the pachinko ball P runs out is stored in the storage unit 59 as a second count value. This second count value is
Either the total count value of the pachinko spheres P inserted in the counter 21 or the count value after the occurrence of an abnormality, or both of them may be used.

When the receipt issuing button 12 is pressed by the player, a receipt corresponding to the first count value at the time when the display is stopped is issued. This receipt prints the same items as the normally issued receipt,
For example, the periphery is surrounded by a frame, and the clerk can know that the receipt was issued in response to the occurrence of the abnormality. It is also possible for the player to go to the pachinko hall counter with this receipt, but it is up to the store to decide whether to process at the counter as usual or to perform any processing. The transaction with the customer ends.

After the receipt is issued, the open / close motor 57 is driven to close the shutter 26, the display on the display unit 11 is turned off, and the pachinko ball counter becomes unusable. At the same time, an alarm buzzer is sounded and the occurrence of the abnormality is notified to the clerk.

The clerk who rushed in response to the alarm buzzer stops the alarm buzzer, listens to the player if the player is present, and uses the attendant operation unit 54 to detect a vibration sensor.
Check for 42 failures.

As a result of the confirmation, if the vibration detection sensor 42 is operating normally, it can be confirmed that an illegal act has been performed. Thereafter, the pachinko ball counter is reset, and the pachinko ball counter is returned to the standby state, such as clearing the storage unit 59 and opening the shutter 26.

If the result of the check indicates that the vibration detection sensor 42 has failed, the count value is called from the storage unit 59, and
A receipt corresponding to this count value is issued. A frame is also printed on the receipt issued at this time, so that the receipt can be distinguished from a normally issued receipt. This receipt can be exchanged for prizes as usual at the pachinko hall counter. After the countermeasure, the pachinko ball counter is reset, and the pachinko ball counter is returned to the standby state, such as clearing the storage unit 59 and opening the shutter 26.

Also, if a player who has committed wrongdoing before the clerk rushes has escaped,
The clerk only performs the reset process after confirming the pachinko ball counter. However, since a frame is printed on the receipt held by the player, it is difficult to exchange it for a prize.

In this embodiment, the vibration detecting sensor is employed as the monitoring means for monitoring the flowing state of the game medium. However, an optical (monitoring) sensor is disposed at a position distant from the counting sensor. If the difference between the detection results of the two sensors is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred. Alternatively, a magnetic sensor may be provided instead of the vibration detection sensor, and when the counting sensor counts without passing the pachinko ball (metal), it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred.

In the present embodiment, a frame is printed on a receipt issued when an abnormality occurs. However, the mark may be any mark as long as it is hard for ordinary players to be suspicious. Conversely, it is also possible to mark a receipt issued at the time of normal operation and not to print the mark at the time of occurrence of an abnormality.

In the present embodiment, a simple receipt is used as a print medium. However, if a barcode is added to the receipt or a magnetic card capable of magnetic recording is used, security is improved.

[0058]

According to the game medium counter of the first aspect, when the occurrence of an abnormality is detected by the abnormality occurrence detecting means, the count value at the time of occurrence of the abnormality is stored in the storage means as the first count value. At the same time, the counting result based on the first count value is displayed on the display means, and the counting by the counting means is continued until there is no more game media inserted in the hopper, and the final count value by the counting means is displayed on the display means. Since it is stored in the storage means as the count value of 2, the occurrence of abnormality can be detected, and even if the occurrence of abnormality is detected by mistake,
The number of game media can be confirmed based on the second count value stored in the storage means, and trouble between the player and the store can be resolved.

According to the game medium counting machine of the second aspect,
In addition to the effects of the game medium counter according to claim 1, different information is recorded on a recording medium issued when an abnormality occurs and a recording medium issued when a non-abnormality is detected, so that these recording media can be distinguished and grasped. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a game medium counter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of the game medium counter.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in plan view showing the internal structure of the gaming medium counter.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gaming medium counting machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 Display part as display means 21 Hopper part 31, 32 First flow path and second flow path as flow path
Flow passage 39 counting sensor 42 counting sensor 42 vibration sensor 51 monitoring means control unit 52 receipt issuing mechanism 56 issuing means 56 abnormality determination means as abnormality detection means 59 storage unit as storage means Pachinko ball as a game medium

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A downflow passage through which a game medium to be thrown into a hopper portion flows down, a counting means for counting the number of game media flowing down the downflow passage, and a display means for displaying at least the counting result by the counting means. Issuing means for recording and issuing information including the counting result of the counting means on a recording medium; monitoring means arranged at a position downstream of the counting means for monitoring a flowing state of the game medium; monitoring by the monitoring means Abnormality occurrence detection means for detecting the occurrence of an abnormality based on the result; storage means for storing the count result of the counting means; and when the occurrence of an abnormality is detected by the abnormality occurrence detection means, the counting means at that time. Count value by
The storage means stores the count result based on the first count value on the display means, and causes the issuing means to issue a recording medium on which the count result based on the first count value is recorded. And control means for continuing the counting by the counting means until there is no more game medium inserted into the hopper, and storing the final count value of the counting means in the storage means as a second count value. A game medium counting machine characterized by the following. 2. The game medium according to claim 1, wherein the issuing means records information different from that at the time of non-abnormality detection on a recording medium to be issued when the abnormality occurrence detecting means detects the occurrence of the abnormality. Counter.