JPH1133209A - Gaming machine island - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] By providing a movable ball counter inside a gaming machine island, a smaller number of ball counters than gaming machines provided on a gaming machine island can be used to reduce the number of pachinko balls for each gaming machine. Provide a gaming machine island that enables counting, eliminates inconvenience when replacing a gaming machine, etc., and furthermore, since the ball counter is not exposed outside the gaming machine island, fraudulent acts can be reliably prevented. To do. A pachinko ball temporary storage unit provided for each gaming machine in a lower stage of a gaming machine island, and a temporary storage unit.
3, a counter passage 24 provided in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island 10 and a plurality of counters 30 movable in the counter passage 24;
40, a display unit 51 for displaying the count value of pachinko balls counted by the main counter 30 or the sub-counter 40, and a recording medium issuing mechanism 52 for recording and issuing the count value on a recording medium. Machine 50.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine island in which a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of ball renting machines are alternately arranged.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional gaming machine island, a prize ball counter for counting the number of balls held by a player is generally installed at predetermined positions at both ends of the gaming machine island and at the center of the gaming machine island. Was returned to the gaming machine island. Therefore, when counting the balls, it is necessary to carry a heavy ball box or transfer the balls in the ball box to a prize ball counter, and the ball counting operation is very troublesome.

[0003] Further, since a single prize ball counter is shared by many players, when a nearby prize ball counter is in use, a prize ball counter on a nearby gaming machine island may be empty. For example, the counter often performs counting. Then
The balance of the number of balls held between gaming machine islands collapsed,
Pachinko machines may not work properly due to lack of balls,
Conversely, there is a possibility that clogging may occur due to excessive balls.

In order to solve such inconvenience, one ball counter corresponding to each pachinko machine is fixedly mounted on a top plate in front of the pachinko machine, and each ball counter is used to separate the pachinko machine. Techniques for counting balls have been proposed. In such a ball counter, since it is fixed on the top plate so as not to move, it is operationally stable.

[0005]

However, in the gaming machine island provided with a ball counter corresponding to each pachinko machine, the same number of ball counters as the pachinko machines are provided one by one on the top board. Since the ball counter is mounted in front, a large number of ball counters are required, and the number of steps for mounting each counter is also large, and there is a problem that the construction work of the gaming machine island is troublesome and costly.

In the case where the glass door on the front of the pachinko machine is opened or closed due to a trouble of the pachinko machine, or the pachinko machine itself is replaced, the ball counter hinders the work. The ball counter has to be removed each time, and there is a problem that the work of attaching and detaching the ball counter is very troublesome.

Further, since each ball counter is exposed to the outside of the gaming machine island, various operations can be easily performed on the individual ball counters relatively easily, and there is a high probability that an illegal act is performed. There was also a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem. By providing a movable ball counter inside a gaming machine island, the present invention is more effective than a gaming machine provided on a gaming machine island. It is possible to count pachinko balls for each gaming machine with a small number of ball counters, and it is also possible to eliminate inconveniences such as when replacing gaming machines, and because the ball counter is not exposed outside the gaming machine island, An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine island capable of reliably preventing fraud.

[0009]

Means for achieving the object are as follows.

[0010] 1. A plurality of gaming machines (20) using a pachinko ball as a game medium and a plurality of stand-by ball lending machines (50) are alternately arranged side by side, and a pachinko ball repeatedly used in each gaming machine (20) is used. In the island (10), for each of the gaming machines (20), a pachinko ball insertion port (22) that individually penetrates the top plate (11) toward the lower stage (20A) of the gaming machine island.
a) and a pachinko ball slot provided in the lower stage (20A) of the gaming machine island for each of the gaming machines (20) in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island (10). The pachinko ball discharge port (23) capable of accommodating the pachinko ball thrown into (22a) and having a pachinko ball discharge shutter (23S) that can be opened and closed at the bottom (23b).
a) a temporary storage unit (23) for pachinko balls provided with a);
A counter passage (24) provided from one end to the other end of the gaming machine island (10) below the temporary storage section (23) along the temporary storage section (23); A main counter (30) for counting the pachinko balls which can be moved in the counter passage (24) and discharged from the pachinko ball discharge port (23a); and a position of the main counter (30). In any case, a sub-counter (40) capable of moving in the counter passage (24) and counting pachinko balls discharged from the pachinko ball discharge port (23a); (10) a collection gutter (25) provided along the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island (10), wherein the counter passage (24) is provided with the main counter (30) or the main counter (30). The pachinko ball after counting by the sub-counter (40) is the same as the main counter (30). At least a part of the side close to the collection gutter (25) is formed in an open shape so that it can be discharged from the sub-counter (40) to the collection gutter (25). A display unit (51) for displaying the counted value of the pachinko balls counted by the main counter (30) or the sub-counter (40), and a recording medium issuing and recording the counted value on a recording medium A gaming machine island (10), comprising: a mechanism (52).

2. The gaming machine island (10) includes an island controller (1) for controlling the gaming machine island (10), a gaming machine controller (2) for controlling the gaming machine (20), the main counter (30) and the main controller (30). A counter controller (3) for controlling the sub-counter (40), wherein the island controller (1) includes the main counter (30) and the sub-counter (4);
0) is provided with a priority table which is used as a reference when determining from which gaming machine (20) to count in which order, and the main counter (30) and the sub-counter (40) in the determined order. The gaming machine island (10) according to item 1, characterized in that the gaming machine is set to be moved.

3. The gaming machine controller (2) moves the main counter (30) or the sub-counter (40) to a counting position below the temporary storage unit (23) where the stored pachinko balls are to be counted, The outlet shutter (2
3S) to release the pachinko balls in the temporary storage part (23) to the main counter (30) or the sub-counter (40).
And the counter controller (3) confirms the movement of the main counter (30) or the sub-counter (40) to a desired counting position, and outputs from the temporary storage section (23). 3. The gaming machine island (1) according to item 2, characterized in that the game machine is set to perform counting of pachinko balls.
0).

4. An insertion port shutter (22S) is provided at the pachinko ball insertion port (22a), and the gaming machine controller (2) opens the insertion port shutter (22S) under predetermined conditions to store pachinko balls in the temporary storage section (22). 2
Item 3 characterized in that it is set to be input to 3)
Gaming machine island (10).

5. The counter passage (24) includes a main counter rail (R3) on which the main counter (30) is mounted, and a sub-counter rail (R4) on which the sub-counter (40) is mounted. The main counter (30) comprises wheels (H3) each for moving on the main counter rail (R3), and the sub-counters (40) each comprise the sub-counter rail (R).
4) a wheel (H4) for moving on the wheel, and the counter controller (3) controls the movement of the main counter (30) or the sub-counter (40) to a desired counting position by the wheel (H4). The gaming machine island (10) according to item 4, wherein the setting is made so as to be confirmed by the number of rotations of R3, R4).

6. The gaming machine island (10) according to claim 1 or 5, comprising a plurality of sets each including the main counter (30) and the sub-counter (40).

Next, the operation based on the above solution will be described.

In the gaming machine island (10), each gaming machine (2
0), there is provided a slot (22) having a pachinko ball slot (22a) that individually penetrates the top plate (11) toward the lower stage (20A) of the gaming machine island. When the pachinko balls stored in the lower plate of the gaming machine (20) are dropped by the operation into the insertion portion (22), the pachinko balls pass from the pachinko ball insertion opening (22a) through the top plate (11) and the lower stage of the gaming machine island ( 20A) is guided to a temporary storage section (23) provided for each gaming machine (20).

The pachinko ball discharge shutter (2) provided at the bottom (23b) of the temporary storage section (23).
3S) is stored in a closed state.

The same counter passage (30) is provided below the temporary storage section (23) along the temporary storage section (23) and in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island (10). 2
4) After moving inside and stopping below the temporary storage section (23) where the pachinko balls are stored or the temporary storage section (23) during storage, when the pachinko ball discharge shutter (23S) is opened, the temporary storage section (23) is opened. The pachinko ball in 23) falls through the pachinko ball discharge port (23a) to the main counter (30).

The pachinko balls discharged after being counted by the main counter (30) are collected from an open portion formed at least in a part of the counter passage (24) on the side near the collection gutter (25). After being discharged to (25) and subjected to polishing or the like, it is discharged to the upper stage of the gaming machine island (10), and each gaming machine (20)
It is supplied to a tama ball lending machine (50) and is used for return.
The number of pachinko balls counted by the main counter (30) is displayed on the display section (51) of the betting machine lending machine (50) paired with the gaming machine (20) counted. When the player finishes the game, the numerical value displayed on the display section (51), which is the number of balls held by the player, is recorded on a recording medium by the operation of the player, and recorded on the betting machine (50). It can be issued by the medium issuing mechanism (52).

If the counting of any of the gaming machines becomes necessary while the main counter (30) is counting, the sub-counter (4)
0) moves along the counter passage (24) to the gaming machine and performs counting.

In the above description, the main counter (30) has been described, but the same applies to the sub-counter (40), so that the description is omitted.

Thus, in the gaming machine island of the present invention,
Since the counter can be moved to the counting position as appropriate to count the pachinko balls, it is possible to count pachinko balls for each gaming machine with a smaller number of counters than the gaming machines provided on the gaming machine island, In addition, it is possible to eliminate inconveniences such as when replacing the gaming machine, and further, since the ball counter is not exposed outside the gaming machine island,
An effect that fraud can be surely prevented is exhibited.

The gaming machine island (10) is attached to the gaming machine island (10).
Controller (1) for controlling the game machine, a game machine controller (2) for controlling the game machine (20), and a main counter (3)
0) and a counter controller (3) for controlling the sub-counter (40), and a pachinko ball insertion port (22a) provided with a slot shutter (22S). Opens the slot shutter (22S) under a predetermined condition to store the pachinko balls in the temporary storage section (2).
3), and the island controller (1) sets the main counter (30) and the sub-counter (4) based on the priority table.
0) determines from which gaming machine (20) to count in which order, and issues a command to the counter controller (3) to move to the desired gaming machine.

The counter controller (3) moves the main counter (30) or the sub-counter (40) and determines whether they are at the desired counting position by checking whether they are in the main counter rail (R3). ), The number of rotations of the wheels (H3, H4) when moving on the sub-counter rail (R4).

The gaming machine controller (2) detects that the main counter (30) or the sub-counter (40) has moved to the counting position below the temporary storage section (23) where the stored pachinko balls are to be counted. When confirmed, the outlet shutter (23
S) is opened to discharge the pachinko balls in the temporary storage section (23) to the main counter (30) or the sub-counter (40) below.

Main counter (30) or sub-counter (40)
The number of pachinko balls counted by the pachinko ball lending machine (5) paired with the gaming machine (20) counted as described above.
0) is displayed on the display unit (51), and the display unit (5) indicating the number of balls possessed by the player when the player finishes the game.
The numerical value displayed in 1) can be recorded on a recording medium and issued to the recording medium issuing mechanism (52) of the tama ball lending machine (50).

As described above, the island controller (1), the game machine controller (2), and the counter controller (3)
In addition to the above-mentioned effects, when it is necessary to count pachinko balls in a plurality of gaming machines simultaneously on one gaming machine island, counting is performed on the main counter and sub-counter in the optimal order. It has the effect that it can be performed.

By providing a plurality of sets each including the main counter (30) and the sub-counter (40), a plurality of gaming machines can simultaneously count pachinko balls. , It is possible to reduce the time of waiting for counting until the counting by the counter is started.

[0030]

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

FIGS. 1 to 26 show an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming machine island according to one embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of gaming machines 20 using pachinko balls as a gaming medium and a plurality of gambling machines 50 alternately arranged side by side. The game machine island 10 in which the pachinko balls used in each game machine 20 are repeatedly used.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, each gaming machine 20
On the top plate 11 in front of the game machine 20, there is provided an input section 22 for receiving pachinko balls dropped from the lower plate 21 of the gaming machine 20. A pachinko ball insertion port 22 a for introducing the pachinko balls of the insertion section 22 into the lower stage 20 </ b> A of the gaming machine island is formed at the bottom of the insertion section 22 so as to penetrate the top board 11. A slot shutter 22S is attached to the pachinko ball slot 22a so as to be openable and closable.

Inside the lower stage 20A of the gaming machine island below the top plate 11, a temporary storage section 23 capable of storing pachinko balls is provided for each gaming machine 20 in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island 10. . Each temporary storage unit 23 communicates with each input unit 22 through each pachinko ball input port 22a. It is possible to accommodate the pachinko balls inserted into the pachinko ball insertion port 22a, and the bottom 23b of the temporary storage unit 23 has a constant inclined surface, and the lowermost part is for discharging the pachinko balls downward. The pachinko ball discharge port 23a is provided. A pachinko ball discharge shutter 23S is attached to the pachinko ball discharge port 23a so as to be openable and closable.

Further, in order to determine the amount of pachinko balls stored in each temporary storage unit 23, a predetermined amount sensor 23m is provided near the uppermost portion, and an empty sensor 23n is provided near the lowermost portion of the bottom portion 23b. Is provided.

Below the temporary storage section 23, a temporary storage section 23 is provided.
A counter passage 24 extending from one end to the other end of the gaming machine island 10 is provided along the line. The pachinko ball discharge port 23 a of the temporary storage unit 23 penetrates to the counter passage 24. The counter passage 24 is a passage through which a main counter 30 and a sub-counter 40 for counting the pachinko balls described later move. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the counter passage 24 is open on one side, so that the pachinko balls counted by the main counter 30 and the sub-counter 40 are collected by a collecting gutter 25 described later. You can drop it up. The gaming machine island 10 illustrated in FIG. 5 is a so-called both island in which the gaming machines 20 are juxtaposed on both sides thereof, so the temporary storage unit 23, the counter passage 24, and the like are provided below the top plate 11 on both sides, respectively. Have been.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the counter passage 24, the main counter rails R3, R3 on which the main counter 30 moves and the sub-counter A sub-counter rail R4 on which the container 40 moves is laid. Two main counter rails R3 are laid, and one sub-counter rail R4 is laid between them. As shown in FIG. 9, both the main counter rails R3 and R3 have a U-shaped cross section, and are arranged such that the concave portion C3 is located on the side opposite to the side facing the sub-counter rail R4. The sub-counter rail R4 has concave portions C4 similar to the main counter rail R3 formed on both side surfaces thereof.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are plan views of the main counter 30 and the sub-counter 40, respectively. FIG. 9 is a side view of the main counter 30 and the sub-counter 40 with the sub-counter 40 positioned below the main counter 30. FIG. 10 is a side view showing the sub-counter 40 alone.

As shown in FIG. 7, a ball receiver 31 for receiving pachinko balls falling from the temporary storage unit 23 is provided at one end of the upper part of the main counter 30. The pachinko ball is gently inclined downward so that the pachinko ball naturally flows down toward the pachinko ball discharging portion 32 provided in the pachinko ball.

From the ball receiving portion 31 to the discharging portion 32, three aligning rails 33 for aligning pachinko balls are arranged at equal intervals, thereby defining four aligning paths 34 having the same width. . The width of the alignment path 34 is such that only one pachinko ball can pass smoothly at a time.

A restricting member 35 is provided near the ball receiving portion 31 of the alignment rail 33 to prevent pachinko balls from being vertically overlapped on the alignment path 34. The distance between the lower end of the restricting member 35 and the surface of the alignment path 34 immediately below the restricting member 35 is such that only one pachinko ball can smoothly pass at a time.

An optical sensor as counting means 36 for counting pachinko balls flowing down the four alignment paths 34 is provided above the alignment rail 33 near the discharge portion 32.
The counting means 36 is such that the light emitting element emits light to the passing pachinko ball and the attendant element detects the reflected light. The pachinko ball counting signal of the counting means 36 is input to a counter controller described later.

Referring to FIG. 9, a drive motor 37 is provided below the alignment path 34. The bottom of the alignment path 34 has legs 38A and 38B projecting downward, and the leg 3
Wheels H3 are rotatably supported near the lower ends of 8A and 38B, respectively. Drive motor 3 on wheels H3, H3
There are various types of drive transmission means for transmitting the output of the transmission 7, but in the present embodiment, the transmission shafts 39 a, 39 b, 39
By rotating c and 39d, the pinions P and P fixed to the transmission shafts 39a and 39d are engaged with the wheels H3 and H3.

The wheels H3, H3 are movably fitted in recesses C3, C3 of the main counter rails R3, R3, respectively.

FIG. 8 shows a sub-counter 40 which is smaller but very similar to the main counter 30 shown in FIG. As in the main counter 30, a ball receiving portion 41 for receiving a pachinko ball from the temporary storage portion 23 is provided at one upper end side.
Is provided, and the bottom surface is gently inclined downward toward the discharge portion 42 on the other end side. The size of the ball receiver 41 is smaller than that of the ball receiver 3 of the main counter 30.

One alignment rail 43 is provided from the ball receiving portion 41 to the discharge portion 42 side, whereby two alignment paths 44 having the same width as the alignment path 34 of the main counter 30 are provided on both sides thereof.
This book has been created.

A restricting member 45 similar to the restricting member 35 of the main counter 30 is provided near the ball receiving portion 41 of the alignment rail 43.

The counting means 46 similar to the counting means 36 of the main counter 30 is provided above the alignment rail 43 near the discharge portion 42.
Is provided. The pachinko ball counting signal of the counting means 46 is also input to a counter controller described later.

Referring to FIG. 9, the sub-counter 40 is sized so that it can be arranged between the legs 38A and 38B of the main counter 30.

Similarly to the main counter 30, the sub-counter 40 is provided with a drive motor 47 below the alignment path 44. The bottom of the alignment path 44 has legs 48, 48 projecting downward, and wheels H4 are rotatably supported near their lower ends. Drive motor 47 for wheels H4, H4
Gears are meshed to rotate the transmission shafts 49, 49 of the legs 48, 48, and the pinions p, p fixed to the transmission shafts 49, 49 are attached to the wheels H
4, H4 is engaged.

The wheels H4, H4 are connected to the main counter rails R3, R
3 are movably fitted into concave portions C4, C4 formed on both side surfaces of a sub-counter rail R4 laid between the sub-counter rails R3 and R3.

In this way, the main counter 30 and the sub-counter 40 can move independently in the counter passage 24 to perform counting.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing functions common to the main counter 30 and the sub-counter 40.

Each counter has a CPU (central processing unit), a RAM (random access memory) connected to the CPU, a ROM (read only memory), a power supply, a counter number input unit, and a game machine. A unit number recognition unit, an abnormality detection unit, an information transmission unit that outputs information from the CPU to the counter controller 3, an information reception unit that receives information from the counter controller 3 and transmits the information to the CPU, a wheel drive control unit, It comprises a calculation unit and wheels connected to the wheel drive control unit, and counting means connected to the counting calculation unit.

In the center of the gaming machine island 10, along the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island 10 below the counter passages 24, 24 on both sides, the main counter 30 or the sub-counter on the counter passages 24, 24. A collection gutter 25 for collecting pachinko balls discharged after counting by the vessel 40 is extended. As schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, a plurality of conveyor belts 15 are provided at the bottom of the collection gutter 25. Conveyor belt 1
Numeral 5 moves to carry a pachinko ball and carry it to the center of the gaming machine island 10. The out ball during the game is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the paper is discharged to the out-ball collecting tank 17 provided on the top plate 11 on the back side of the gaming machine 20, and further discharged from the ball discharging path 18 of the out-ball collecting tank 17 onto the collecting gutter 25. .

As shown in FIG. 1, a lifting device 1 for lifting the recovered pachinko balls is provided at the center of the gaming machine island 10.
The storage tanks 16, 16 for storing pachinko balls collected by the collection gutter 25 are provided at the bottom of the game machine island on both sides of the lifting device 12, and the bottom inside is the game machine island. 10 are inclined downward toward the center.

The plurality of conveyor belts 15 are provided in the storage tank 1.
The pachinko balls carried by the conveyor belt 15 are arranged at a distance 25a above the space 6 and fall into the storage tank 16 at the space 25a. Although not shown, the lowermost portion of the bottom of the storage tank 16 communicates with the vicinity of the lower end of the lifting device 12, and the storage tank 16
Is sent to the lifting device 12.

To the upper end of the lifting device 12, supply gutters 13, 13 which are inclined downward toward both ends of the gaming machine island 10, are connected. In the middle of the supply gutters 13, 13, bellows 14, 1 for replenishing pachinko balls for each gaming machine 20.
4 are connected. The supply gutters 13, 13 descend almost right below both ends of the gaming machine island 10 in order to let the pachinko balls not supplied to the gaming machine 20 on the way to the collection gutter 25, and the lower end ends on the collection gutter 25. It is arranged as follows.

FIG. 11 shows a table-to-ball rental machine 5 installed alternately with a gaming machine 20 on a gaming machine island 10 according to the present embodiment.
0 is shown. The betting ball lending machine 50 pays out a predetermined number of pachinko balls in exchange for money, and a bill insertion / discharge port, a coin insertion slot, a coin return port, a ball payout port 56, etc. are provided on the front surface. The present embodiment further has a function of displaying the number of possessed balls and recording and issuing the number of possessed balls, so that the display unit 51 for displaying the count value of the pachinko balls counted by the main counter 30 or the sub-counter 40, Return switch 5
3. Carriage settlement switch 54, recording medium issuing mechanism 52
A ticket issuing port 57 for the receipt is provided. Display 5
1. The portion provided with the ball return switch 53 and the ball settlement switch 54 is protected by a retractable cover to prevent erroneous operation of the switches.

The ball supply path 5 is provided inside the
5, a ball counter, and a recording medium issuing mechanism 52 are provided. The ball counter counts pachinko balls one by one by rotation of a sprocket partially facing the ball supply path 55. The recording medium issuing mechanism 52 includes the
The number of balls, which is the accumulated value of the pachinko balls counted by the main counter 30 or the sub-counter 40 with respect to the gaming machine 20 paired with the gaming machine 20, is recorded on a receipt (recording medium), and is issued. A small printer 52P for printing the number of balls on paper and roll paper is provided.

The settlement switch 54 is a small printer 52P
It is also a switch for instructing the receipt to be paid out. The settlement signal is input to a game machine controller 2 described later. That is, when the settlement switch 54 is pressed and turned ON, the number of balls held at that time is printed on roll paper by the small printer 52P based on a command from the gaming machine controller 2,
It is set so as to be paid out from the ticket issuing port 57 as a receipt.

The return switch 53 is a switch for instructing the payout of balls from the ball payout port 56 within the range of the number of balls displayed on the display section 51. For example, each time the return switch 53 is pressed once, a predetermined number of pachinko balls are paid out, and the number of pachinko balls displayed on the display unit 51 is subtracted by the number of paid out pachinko balls. I have.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the function of the betting machine 50.

The tama ball lending machine 50 includes a CPU and the CPU.
RAM, ROM, abnormality detection unit, return switch 53, settlement switch 54, ticket issuing port 57, coin identification unit in which a coin insertion slot is connected to a coin return port, and bill identification in which a bill insertion / ejection port is connected. Unit, a ball discharge control unit to which the ball payout port 56 is connected, an information transmitting unit that transmits information from the CPU to the island controller 1, and information from the island controller 1 to C
The figure shows that the information receiving unit is configured to include an information receiving unit that transmits information to the PU, an infrared light receiving unit that receives an infrared signal from a remote controller, and a display unit.

In FIG. 12, when the gaming machine 20 provided on the gaming machine island 10 is a pachinko machine dedicated to a prepaid card, that is, when a CR machine is used, the return of the balls held in pairs with each gaming machine 20 is performed exclusively. A dedicated ball return machine 50A is shown. Those given the same reference numerals as those given to the reference numerals attached to the betting machine 50 have the same names and the same functions.

The game machine island 10 is provided above each game machine in FIG.
And a call lamp 60 and a continuous / discontinuous display section (not shown) shown in FIG.

The continuous / discontinuous display section displays a continuous game (a continuous special prize state is possible and a continuous special prize state) when a special prize opening on the game board is opened and a special prize state is established. Either the game cannot be continued after the state ends, or the game cannot be continued after the one-time exchange (one-time special prize state ends):
(Discontinuous). A signal for displaying the continuous / discontinuous on the continuous / discontinuous display portion is transmitted by a remote control operation of a hall employee at the start of the special prize state.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are block diagrams showing the configuration of ball management in a gaming machine island.

Each of the gaming machines 20 in the gaming machine island 10, each of the inter-ball lending machines 50, each of the temporary storage units 23, the calling lamp 70, and each of the shutter control units 70 are provided by the gaming machine controller 2 respectively.
It is connected to the. The inlet shutter 22S and the outlet shutter 23S are connected to a shutter controller 70.

The main counter 30 and the sub-counter 40 are connected to the counter controller 3.

The gaming machine controller 2 and the counter controller 3 are connected to the island controller 1 by LON (local operating network). Each island controller 1 has a LAN (local area
Network) to the concentrator (HUB)
The hub (HUB) is connected to a server, a counter terminal, and a management device that is a management computer.

Each of the island controller 1, the game machine controller 2, and the counter controller 3 is specifically composed of a microcomputer, and includes a CPU, RA
M (random access memory), ROM (read only memory) and interface.

The ROM of the island controller 1 stores a control program relating to the gaming machine island and a priority order which is used as a basis for determining from which gaming machine 20 the main counter 30 and the sub-counter 40 should perform counting. A table is stored, and the RAM temporarily stores the control program and the calculation results of the CPU.

FIG. 17 shows the fever state table, the ball quantity detection table in the storage section, the discontinuous game table, and the settlement / return switch table which constitute the priority table provided in the island controller 1 in the gaming machine island 10. is there. Each table has several conditions, and the number of points when the conditions are satisfied is shown in a box shown by a broken line below each table. The points are
This is data for determining the priority, and the higher the total number of points when the state of the gaming machine 20 is applied to the condition of each table, the higher the priority.

FIG. 18 is a priority order table illustrating priority orders created under various conditions based on the priority order table.

FIG. 19A shows the total points of the table for each of the six gaming machines 20 divided into three groups. The stand number is a number assigned to each gaming machine. (B) shows the order of priority for each group, in which the points with the highest points in each group are compared and ranked. Therefore, the priority order for each group is group 3, group 2, and group 1. (C) is a ranking in the entire gaming machine island, and the priority is determined in descending order of points among all gaming machines. That is, in the case of the example, the priority order is 5, 4, 1, 3 in the order of the unit number.

The counting by the main counter 30 or the sub-counter 40 is performed according to the priority determined in this way. If a situation occurs in which the priority order fluctuates before the end of counting by the counter, the priority order is changed, and the highest priority order is counted next.

Next, the operation will be described.

FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are flow charts showing the overall outline from the start to the end of the game by the gaming machine 20. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an outline of lending a ball and returning a ball by using a tama ball lending machine. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an outline at the time of settlement by the Taima ball lending machine. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an outline of control of the slot shutter by the gaming machine controller. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an outline of control of the pachinko ball discharge shutter by the gaming machine controller. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing by the gaming machine controller when the gaming machine has a big hit.

In FIG. 20, when a player sits in front of the gaming machine 20 (step 101) and money is inserted from a bill insertion / ejection port or a coin insertion slot of the tama ball lending machine 50 (step 102), the inserted amount In response, the pachinko ball is paid out through the process shown in FIG. 22 (S103). That is, in FIG. 22, when money is inserted (step 201), a bill identifying unit or a coin identifying unit (see FIG. 16)
Judge the amount and the information is sent to the CPU. If the amount is 1000 yen (step 202), 100
A 0 yen signal is sent to the CPU (S203), and a command is issued from the CPU to the ball release control unit (see FIG. 16) to pay out a pachinko ball worth 1000 yen, and the pachinko ball is paid out from the ball payout port 56 (see FIG. 16). Step 204). If the input amount is identified as described above and is not 1000 yen (step 202), but is 500 yen (S205), 50
A 0 yen signal is sent to the CPU (S206), and a command is issued from the CPU to the ball discharge control unit to pay out the pachinko balls worth 500 yen, and the pachinko balls are paid out from the ball payout opening 56 (step 204). If the input amount is not 500 yen but 100 yen (step 207), 100
A circle signal is sent to the CPU (S208), and an instruction is issued from the CPU to the ball release control unit to pay out a pachinko ball worth 100 yen, and the pachinko ball is paid out from the ball payout port 56 (step 204). When the pachinko balls are lent, a sales signal is sent to the gaming machine controller 2 (see FIG. 20).

If the input amount is not 100 yen (S2
07), the bill discriminating section or the coin discriminating section returns the one inserted from the bill input / output port or the coin return port into which it is inserted.

After the pachinko ball lending machine 50 has lent pachinko balls, the game is started (step 10 in FIG. 20).
4). During the game (step 105), an incoming / outgoing signal and a start signal are output to the gaming machine controller 2.

When a fever occurs during the game (step 106), a special prize signal and a continuous discontinuous signal are output from the gaming machine 20 to the gaming machine controller 2.

The gaming machine controller 2 counts the pachinko balls paid out from the gaming machine in which the fever has occurred in the main counter 3.
The opening / closing of the input port shutter 22S of the input section 22 and the pachinko ball discharge shutter 23S of the temporary storage section 23 is controlled as follows in order to cause the sub counter 40 to count 0.

As shown in FIG. 24, when a fever is generated (step 401), the slot shutter 22S is opened (step 405). When the pachinko balls stored in the lower plate of the gaming machine 20 are dropped by the operation of the player into the insertion portion 22, the pachinko balls pass through the top plate 11 from the pachinko ball insertion opening 22a and are placed in the lower stage 20A of the gaming machine island in the respective gaming machines. It is guided to the temporary storage unit 23 provided for every 20. Pachinko balls are stored with the pachinko ball discharge shutter 23S provided at the bottom 23b of the temporary storage unit 23 closed.

When the fever ends (step 40)
6) The timer operates (step 407). The timer keeps the shutter 22 open even after the fever ends until the paid-out pachinko balls are completely inserted into the temporary storage unit 23.
This is for keeping S open for an appropriate time, and that time is set as a timer time. If the fever state is not set again before the timer time elapses after the end of the fever (step 408) (step 40)
9) After the elapse of the timer time (step 408), the slot shutter 22S is closed (step 403). After the fever ends and before the timer expires (step 40)
8) If the fever state is set again (step 409), the flow returns to step 405 and the input shutter 22
S is opened.

When the settlement switch 54 is depressed when the vehicle is not in the fever state (step 401) (step 40).
2), the opening shutter 22S is opened (step 40).
4) The timer operates as described above (step 4).
07). Hereinafter, control is performed as described above.

As shown in FIG. 25, the control of the pachinko ball discharge shutter 23S of the temporary storage section 23 is performed by moving either the main counter 30 or the sub-counter in the counter passage 24 and counting the temporary storage section 23. (Steps 501 and 502), the pachinko ball discharge shutter 23S is opened (Step 503). Temporary storage unit 2
When it is confirmed that the inside of the temporary storage unit 23 is empty by the predetermined amount sensor 23m and the empty sensor 23n provided at the step 3 (step 504), the pachinko ball discharge shutter 2
3S (step 505) is closed. The counter whose counting has been completed moves to count the pachinko balls in the temporary storage section 23 of the next gaming machine 20 determined by the priority order table (steps 506 and 507).

Here, the control of the main counter 30 (or the sub-counter 40; hereinafter, only the main counter 30 will be described) when a fever occurs will be described with reference to FIG. When fever occurs (step 60)
1) If it is not a continuous game (step 602),
A special prize signal is input from the gaming machine controller 2 to the counter controller 3 by the remote controller (step 60).
3). The counter controller 3 outputs a counter movement signal (step 604), and moves the main counter 30 to a desired counting position (step 605). The position of the main counter 30 in the counter passage 24 is ascertained by the number of revolutions of the wheels H3, H3 as the main counter 30 moves on the main counter rails R3, R3. Alternatively, a identifiable detecting means may be provided for each temporary storage unit 23.

When the main counter 30 arrives at a desired position (step 606), the main counter 30 starts counting after waiting for the pachinko balls from the temporary storage section 23 to fall (step 607).

Referring back to FIG. 20, when the fever is reached, the slot shutter 22S is opened and the pachinko ball is thrown from the slot 22 into the temporary storage section 23.
Upon receiving the special prize signal, the counter controller 3 moves the main counter 30 to a desired counting position by the fever (step 108). Upon arrival at the desired counting position, a movement end signal is transmitted to the counter controller 3 (step 10).
9). The pachinko ball discharge shutter 23S is opened (Step 110), and the pachinko balls in the temporary storage section 23 fall into the ball receiving section 31 of the main counter 30 through the pachinko ball discharge port 23a. The pachinko balls enter the alignment rail 33 along the inclination of the contact surface, and flow down in each alignment path 34 in a line.
In the case where the pachinko balls are vertically overlapped, the overlap is eliminated by the restriction member 35 on the way.

The pachinko balls that have further flowed down in the alignment path 34 are counted when passing through the portion where the counting means 36 is attached (step 111). Pachinko balls discharged after being counted by the main counter 30 are passed through the counter passage 2.
4 is discharged to the recovery gutter 25 from an open portion near the recovery gutter 25, and after being subjected to polishing or the like, is discharged by the lifting device 12 and faces downward from the lifting device 12 toward both ends of the gaming machine island 10. Down the supply gutters 13, 13 which are inclined to the supply gutters 13, 13, and are supplied to the gaming machine 20 and the table-to-ball lending machine 50 through bellows 14, 14. Used for reduction.

When the fever end signal is received from the controller 2 of the gaming machine, the timer starts (step 11).
2) When the set time has elapsed (step 113)
The inlet shutter 22S closes (step 114).
When the inside of the temporary storage unit 23 becomes empty, the pachinko ball discharge shutter 23S closes (step 115), the counting by the main counter 30 ends (step 116), and the counting signal is sent from the information transmission unit of the counter 30 to the counter controller 3. Is transmitted from the counter controller 3 to the gaming machine controller 2 and the number of pachinko balls counted is displayed as the number of possessed balls on the display unit 51 of the betting machine lending machine 50 (step 117). Although the main counter 30 has been described in the above description, the same applies to the sub-counter 40.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart when the game is ended. When the ball return switch 53 of the tama ball lending machine 50 is operated during the game (steps 118 and 11).
9), as described with reference to FIG.
The number of pachinko balls set by the operation is subtracted and displayed from the number of possessed balls displayed on the display unit 51 of 0 (step 120), and the number of pachinko balls is returned from the ball payout port 56 of the vending machine 50 (step 121). .

When the settlement switch 54 is operated during the game (steps 122 and 123), a settlement signal is transmitted to the gaming machine controller 2 and further transmitted to the counter controller 3. The slot shutter 22S is opened (Step 124), and the pachinko balls are thrown from the slot 22 into the temporary storage section 23. The counter controller 3 moves the main counter 30 (step 125), and when it reaches a desired counting position, a movement end signal is transmitted from the main counter 30 to the counter controller 3 (step 126). When the movement end signal is transmitted, the pachinko ball discharging shutter 23S is opened (step 127), and the pachinko balls fall onto the main counter 30 and are counted (step 128).

When the inside of the temporary storage section 23 becomes empty (step 129), a timer is started (step 130).
When the set time has elapsed, the input shutter 22S is closed (steps 131 and 132). Thereafter, the pachinko ball discharge shutter 23S is closed (step 13).
3). When the counting of the main counter 30 is completed, a counting signal is transmitted to the counter controller 3 (step 134), and a counting signal is further transmitted to the gaming machine controller 2, and the ball signal from the gaming machine controller 2 is transmitted to the information receiving unit. , The small-size printer 52P of the recording medium issuing mechanism 52 prints the number of balls held on roll paper and issues the number from the receipt ticket issuing port 57.

The number of balls is the number obtained by subtracting the number of pachinko balls paid out by the return operation from the number of pachinko balls accumulated by the main counter 30. If the need for counting occurs in any of the gaming machines while the main counter 30 is counting,
The sub-counter 40 moves along the counter passage 24 to the gaming machine and performs counting. In this case, the above description of the main counter 30 applies to the sub-counter 40 as it is.

Thus, in the gaming machine island of the present invention,
Since the counter can be moved to the counting position as appropriate to count the pachinko balls, it is possible to count pachinko balls for each gaming machine with a smaller number of counters than the gaming machines provided on the gaming machine island, In addition, it is possible to eliminate inconveniences such as when replacing the gaming machine, and further, since the ball counter is not exposed outside the gaming machine island,
An effect that fraud can be surely prevented is exhibited.

[0099]

According to the gaming machine island of the present invention, by providing a movable ball counter inside the gaming machine island, a smaller number of ball counting devices than the gaming machines provided on the gaming machine island are provided. It is possible to count pachinko balls for each gaming machine, eliminate inconveniences such as when replacing gaming machines, and furthermore, since the ball counter is not exposed outside the gaming machine island, fraudulent acts are reliably prevented. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a gaming machine installed on a gaming machine island according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of a lower portion of the gaming machine island according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a lower part of the gaming machine island according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the gaming machine island according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a lower part of the gaming machine island according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a main counter provided on the gaming machine island according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a sub-counter provided in the gaming machine island according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a game machine island according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a sub-counter is located below a main counter provided on the game machine island.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a sub-counter provided in the gaming machine island according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing a table ball lending machine provided in the gaming machine island according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing a ball returning machine provided when a gaming machine provided on a gaming machine island according to an embodiment of the present invention is a CR machine.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing the gaming machine island according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of ball management in the gaming machine island according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing functions of a main counter and a sub-counter provided in a gaming machine island according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating functions of a betting ball lending machine provided in a gaming machine island according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a priority table provided in the island controller in the gaming machine island according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a priority order chart created under various conditions based on a priority order table provided in the island controller in the gaming machine island according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a priority order chart for explaining priorities determined by a priority order table provided in an island controller in a gaming machine island according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an overall outline from the start to the end of a game by a gaming machine provided on a gaming machine island according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an overall outline from the start to the end of a game by a gaming machine provided on a gaming machine island according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an outline at the time of lending and returning a ball by a betting ball lending machine provided on a gaming machine island according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an outline at the time of settlement by a tama ball lending machine provided on a gaming machine island according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an outline of control of a slot shutter by a gaming machine controller provided in a gaming machine island according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an outline of control of a pachinko ball discharging shutter by a gaming machine controller provided in a gaming machine island according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing by a gaming machine controller when a gaming machine provided on a gaming machine island according to an embodiment of the present invention has a jackpot.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Island controller 2 ... Game machine controller 3 ... Counter controller 10 ... Game machine island 11 ... Top board 20 ... Game machine 20A ... Lower stage of a game machine island 22 ... Injection part 22a ... Pachinko ball insertion opening 22S ... Entrance shutter 23 ... Temporary storage unit 23a ... Pachinko ball discharge port 23b ... Bottom part 23S ... Pachinko ball discharge shutter 24 ... Counter passage 25 ... Collection gutter 30 ... Main counter 40 ... Sub-counter 50 ... Taima ball lending machine 51 ... Display unit 52 ... Recording medium issuing mechanism H3 ... Wheel H4 ... Wheel R3 ... Main counter rail R4 ... Sub counter rail

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine island in which a plurality of gaming machines using a pachinko ball as a gaming medium and a plurality of inter-table ball lending machines are alternately arranged, and the pachinko balls used in each gaming machine are repeatedly used. An insertion section having a pachinko ball insertion port that individually penetrates the top plate toward the lower stage of the gaming machine island for each gaming machine, and the lower end of the gaming machine island in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island in the lower stage. A pachinko ball temporary provided with a pachinko ball discharge port provided for each gaming machine and capable of accommodating a pachinko ball inserted into the pachinko ball insertion port and having a pachinko ball discharge shutter that can be opened and closed at the bottom. A storage section, a counter passage provided below the temporary storage section from one end to the other end of the gaming machine island along the temporary storage section, and movable in the counter passage. Is discharged from the pachinko ball discharge port. A main counter for counting pachinko balls, regardless of the position of the main counter, capable of moving in the counter passage and counting pachinko balls discharged from the pachinko ball discharge port And a collecting gutter provided along a longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island in the gaming machine island, wherein the counter passage is provided after the counting by the main counter or the sub-counter. The pachinko ball is formed in a shape in which at least a part of the side close to the collection gutter is opened so that the pachinko balls can be discharged from the main counter and the sub-counter to the collection gutter, A game comprising: a display unit for displaying a count value of pachinko balls counted by the main counter or the sub-counter; and a recording medium issuing mechanism for recording and issuing the count value on a recording medium. Kijima. 2. The gaming machine island has an island controller for controlling the gaming machine island, a gaming machine controller for controlling the gaming machine, and a counter controller for controlling the main counter and the sub-counter. The island controller includes a priority table that is used as a reference when deciding in which order the main counter and the sub-counter should count from which gaming machine, and the main counter and the main counter and the The gaming machine island according to claim 1, wherein the sub-counter is set to move. 3. The game machine controller opens the discharge port shutter after the main counter or the sub-counter has moved to a counting position below a temporary storage section where the stored pachinko balls are to be counted. It is set to discharge the pachinko balls in the temporary storage unit to the main counter or the sub-counter, the counter controller, confirmation of the movement of the main counter or the sub-counter to a desired counting position, The gaming machine island according to claim 2, wherein the pachinko balls are counted from the temporary storage unit. 4. A pachinko ball insertion port is provided with an insertion port shutter, and the gaming machine controller is configured to open the insertion port shutter under a predetermined condition and to set a pachinko ball into a temporary storage unit. The gaming machine island according to claim 3, wherein: 5. The counter path includes a main counter rail on which the main counter is mounted, and a sub-counter rail on which the sub-counter is mounted, wherein the main counters are each the main counter. Comprising a wheel for traveling on a rail, wherein the sub-counters each comprise a wheel for traveling on the sub-counter rail, wherein the counter controller comprises a desired one of the main counter or the sub-counter. The gaming machine island according to claim 4, wherein the movement to the counting position is set to be confirmed by the rotation speed of the wheel. 6. The gaming machine island according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of sets each including the main counter and the sub-counter are provided.