Magnetic marble identifying and throwing device and marble game machine

Abstract

The invention belongs to a marble identifying and screening device, and provides a magnetic marble identifying and throwing device and a marble game machine in order to solve the technical problem that an existing marble throwing device cannot accurately identify the legality that marbles face corresponding game machines, a marble separating device is arranged in a marble inlet channel, so that the marbles pass through the marble inlet channel one by one, and the marbles are separated from the marble inlet channel. A magnetic detection assembly is arranged between the bead inlet channel and the falling channel, whether the marbles are legal marbles or not is detected according to changes of inductance values, a speed reduction assembly for reducing the speed of the marbles is arranged in the falling channel, and a guide assembly is arranged between the foreign matter channel and the effective bead channel. The separation bead driving device, the speed reduction assembly and the guide assembly are driven to work according to the detection result of the optical detection assembly. According to the invention, the marble game machine without anti-counterfeiting measures on the stock in the market can be effectively upgraded and reformed, and the marble game machine can also be used as a brand-new device with identification and screening functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application pertains to a marble identification and screening device, specifically relating to a magnetic marble identification and throwing device and a marble game machine. Background Technology

[0002] Marbles are the core human-computer interaction medium in pinball-style game machines, where players start or continue the game by inserting marbles. Existing pinball-throwing devices primarily focus on counting the number of rolling objects or identifying basic physical characteristics such as shape, diameter, and weight through simple detection methods to make a preliminary judgment on the inserted object. However, existing solutions can only perform basic quantity counting and physical characteristic screening; they cannot accurately identify the legitimacy of the marbles and are unable to prevent players from inserting low-value spherical marbles, longan seeds, or other foreign objects. This not only causes economic losses for operators but may also damage the game machine hardware, severely restricting the commercial operation and content innovation of pinball-style game machines. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application addresses the technical problem that existing marble-throwing devices cannot accurately identify the legitimacy of marbles facing the corresponding game machine, and provides a magnetic marble identification and throwing device and a marble game machine.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: In the first aspect, this application proposes a magnetic marble identification and throwing device, including a mounting base, and a marble-separating driving device, an optical detection component, a connected marble-feeding channel and a falling channel, and a foreign object channel and an effective marble channel respectively connected to the outlet of the falling channel. The ball-feeding channel is equipped with a ball-separating device. The output end of the ball-separating drive device is connected to the ball-separating device, which is used to drive the ball-separating device to work so that the marbles pass through the ball-feeding channel one by one. A magnetic detection component is provided between the ball inlet channel and the drop channel to detect whether the ball passing through the magnetic detection component is a valid ball based on the change in inductance value. The falling channel is equipped with a deceleration component to slow down the marbles falling in the channel; A guide component is provided between the foreign object channel and the effective bead channel, and the movement of the guide component guides the marble into the foreign object channel or the effective bead channel. The detection ends of the optical detection component are located in the ball inlet channel and the drop channel, respectively, and are used to detect whether a ball is passing through. The optical detection component is connected to the spacer drive device, the deceleration component and the guide component, respectively, and drives the spacer drive device, the deceleration component and the guide component to work according to the detection results of the optical detection component.

[0005] Furthermore, the detection end of the optical detection component is located within the effective bead channel to detect whether a marble is passing through.

[0006] Furthermore, the spacer device includes a spacer plate base; The two ends of the spacer plate base are respectively provided with a first spacer limiter and a second spacer limiter, and the ends of the first spacer limiter and the second spacer limiter face the ball inlet channel; the first spacer limiter is located below the second spacer limiter, and an isolation space for a single ball is formed between the first spacer limiter and the second spacer limiter. The output end of the spacer drive device is connected to the spacer plate base and is used to push the spacer plate base to move. By moving the first spacer limiter and the second spacer limiter, the device controls whether the marbles located above the first spacer limiter and the second spacer limiter pass through the ball inlet channel.

[0007] Furthermore, the deceleration assembly includes a deceleration plate; The speed reducer is rotatably connected to the mounting base, and the end of the speed reducer is located in the falling channel.

[0008] Furthermore, the guiding assembly includes a ball-distributing solenoid valve and a ball guide plate; The ball-separating solenoid valve is mounted on the mounting base. The output end of the ball-separating solenoid valve is rotatably connected to the guide plate. The ball-separating solenoid valve drives the guide plate to rotate, causing the guide plate to turn towards the foreign object channel and the effective ball channel respectively.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a control unit; The control unit is connected to the spacer bead driving device, the optical detection component, the magnetic detection component, and the guide component, respectively. It is used to acquire the detection results of the magnetic detection component and the optical detection component, and to control the operation of the guide component and the spacer bead driving device according to the detection results of the magnetic detection component.

[0010] Furthermore, the control unit includes a microcontroller module, as well as an oscillation circuit and a comparator circuit respectively connected to the microcontroller module; The microcontroller module is used to charge the oscillation capacitor in the oscillation circuit when the optical detection component detects a ball in the ball inlet channel, and the oscillation capacitor discharges to the magnetic detection component, so that the oscillation circuit generates a voltage wave; and to control the operation of the spacer drive device. The comparison circuit is used to condition the voltage wave, generate a timed square wave PWM signal, and feed it back to the microcontroller module. The microcontroller module compares the received feedback signal with a preset standard PWM signal and controls the guiding component to work based on the comparison result.

[0011] Furthermore, after receiving a timed square wave PWM signal, the microcontroller module executes the following method: Mark the zero-crossing timing of a square wave PWM signal and record it as a set of time sequences; By taking the difference between the time series at the zero-crossing points, we obtain the time interval series at the zero-crossing points. Based on a set threshold, the time interval sequence is grouped to complete pulse grouping; Analyze each group of pulses separately to obtain multiple pulse parameters for each group of pulses; Multiple pulse parameters are linearly weighted and labeled to obtain the position of each group of pulses in the state space, and the spatial distance with the preset standard marble features is calculated and recorded as the identification distance; By combining the recognition distance corresponding to each group of pulses, it is determined whether the current marble is a valid marble.

[0012] Furthermore, the magnetic detection component includes a hollow coil; The oscillation circuit is connected to the hollow coil and discharges the hollow coil.

[0013] Furthermore, the optical detection component includes a first optical detection module, the detection end of which is located inside the bead feeding channel; The first optical detection module includes a first photoelectric sensor module and a first optical reflector mounted on a mounting base, and a first light-emitting hole, a first light-receiving hole, a second light-emitting hole, and a second light-receiving hole formed on the mounting base; the first optical reflector is an offset reflector; the first light-receiving hole and the second light-receiving hole are respectively located on both sides of the bead inlet channel; The light emitted from the light-emitting end of the first optical eye module passes through the first light-emitting hole, the second light-emitting hole and the first optical reflector in sequence. After being reflected by the first optical reflector, the light passes through the second light-receiving hole and the first light-receiving hole in sequence before entering the light-receiving end of the first optical eye module.

[0014] Furthermore, the optical detection assembly also includes a second optical detection module, the detection end of which is located within the falling channel; The second optical detection module and the first optical detection module have the same structure.

[0015] Secondly, this application proposes a pinball game machine, wherein the pinball game machine is equipped with the aforementioned magnetic pinball identification and throwing device.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects: This application proposes a magnetic marble identification and throwing device. A marble separator is installed in the marble inlet channel to ensure marbles pass through one by one. A magnetic detection component is located between the inlet channel and the drop channel to detect whether a marble is valid based on changes in inductance. A deceleration component is installed in the drop channel to slow down the marbles. A guide component is installed between the foreign object channel and the valid marble channel. The marble separator, deceleration component, and guide component are driven by the detection results of the optical detection component. The inlet channel, drop channel, and foreign object channel are arranged vertically in sequence, allowing foreign objects to fall naturally from the foreign object channel under gravity when the game machine and marble throwing device are powered off, reducing the risk of the game machine being deliberately damaged when not in operation. The marble separator effectively ensures that only one marble to be detected falls at a time, reducing the extremely stringent detection, identification, and sorting difficulty when valid magnetic beads and illegal foreign objects are continuously and mixed together. This system eliminates the possibility of detecting the magnetic properties of the first object by the second object falling into the system, and also eliminates the possibility of missed detection of illegal foreign objects and incorrect detection of legitimate magnetic beads due to time delays in the movement of the solenoid valve. The deceleration component reduces the falling speed of the magnetic beads or foreign objects, allowing other structural components sufficient time to move to the designated position and reducing the speed requirements for other moving parts. The magnetic detection component accurately detects whether the marble is legitimate, and then guides the detected marble to the corresponding channel with the help of the guide component to complete the sorting. This application establishes a marble-throwing system for identifying and screening dedicated anti-counterfeiting magnetic marbles, integrated into a complete, modular, and detachable set of devices. It can accurately realize marble throwing, detection, and screening, and can effectively help upgrade and transform existing pinball game machines without anti-counterfeiting measures in the market, with broad application prospects.

[0017] This application also proposes a pinball game machine that possesses all the advantages of the aforementioned magnetic pinball recognition and throwing device. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the magnetic marble identification and throwing device of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A diagram of the back of the building; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A planar sectional view; Figure 4 for Figure 1 Exploded view; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a control unit in one embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a spacer bead device in one embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the operation process of the spacer device in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is another partial schematic diagram of the operation process of the spacer device in the embodiments of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the guide component guiding the marble into the effective ball channel in an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the control method in the control unit in the embodiments of this application.

[0020] Among them, 10-base, 101-first light-emitting hole, 102-first light-receiving hole, 103-third light-emitting hole, 104-third light-receiving hole, 105-fifth light-emitting hole, 106-fifth light-receiving hole, 107-front guide hole for spacer bead, 108-rear guide hole for spacer bead, 11-bead inlet channel, 12-falling channel, 13-effective bead channel, 14-foreign object channel, 21-spacer bead driving device, 22-spacer bead device, 220-spacer bead base, 221-first spacer bead limiter, 222-second spacer bead limiter, 223-spacer bead assembly hole, 31-separating solenoid valve, 32-guide bead plate, 41-deceleration plate, 5 0-Hollow coil, 60-Control unit, 61-Microcontroller module, 62-Oscillator circuit, 63-Comparator circuit, 64-I / O module, 65-Communication module, 70-Backplate, 701-Second light-emitting hole, 702-Second light-receiving hole, 71-First optical reflector, 703-Fourth light-emitting hole, 704-Fourth light-receiving hole, 72-Second optical reflector, 705-Sixth light-emitting hole, 706-Sixth light-receiving hole, 73-Third optical reflector, 81-First photoelectric sensor module, 82-Second photoelectric sensor module, 83-Third photoelectric sensor module, 91-First magnetic marble, 92-Second magnetic marble, 93-Third magnetic marble. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0022] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0024] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "horizontal," or "inner" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of the invention is in use, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] Furthermore, the use of the term "horizontal" does not imply that the component must be absolutely horizontal, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0026] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] Pinball-style arcade games are widely used in offline venues such as shopping malls, amusement parks, and arcades. These machines operate by having players insert pins to start the game. In their business model, pins are not only the key to starting the game but also the core medium for operators to generate revenue. Players gain the right to participate by purchasing standard pins, while operators profit from pin sales and game experience fees, forming a mature business loop. The market demand for pinball-style arcade games continues to grow, and technological upgrades and experience optimization have become key areas of focus for industry development.

[0028] However, in actual operation, the core interactive aspects of pinball machines face significant problems. To reduce costs, some players use low-value imitation spherical beads, glass beads, or even foreign objects like longan seeds and pebbles instead of standard pinballs. The use of these non-standard objects not only directly causes economic losses for operators but can also trigger a series of equipment malfunctions. The size and weight of these foreign objects are incompatible with standard pinballs, potentially causing sensor malfunctions, transmission channel blockages, and in severe cases, damage to internal gears, motors, and other core components, increasing maintenance costs and downtime. More importantly, this behavior undermines the fairness and operational order of the game, affecting the experience of other players and, in the long run, hindering the market expansion and healthy development of the pinball machine industry. Therefore, anti-counterfeiting identification of pinballs and automatic removal of foreign objects have become critical technical challenges that the industry urgently needs to address.

[0029] To address the aforementioned issues, existing pinball dropping devices have gradually incorporated basic detection and screening mechanisms, primarily focusing on identifying the physical characteristics of objects. Some devices use infrared sensors, photoelectric counters, and other components to count the number of objects that roll past, thus determining whether a pinball has been inserted. More advanced devices use mechanical structures or sensors to detect the shape, diameter, or weight of objects, performing preliminary screening of those that clearly do not meet the basic parameters. The core idea behind these technical solutions is to use threshold judgments based on physical characteristics to exclude significantly different foreign objects, thereby reducing the insertion of obviously non-compliant objects to a certain extent and providing operators with basic protection measures, becoming the mainstream solution in the industry today.

[0030] However, existing technical solutions have significant limitations and cannot fundamentally solve the problems of anti-counterfeiting and foreign object removal: First, their identification dimensions are limited to basic physical characteristics, making them unable to effectively distinguish counterfeit beads with diameters and weights similar to standard marbles, resulting in insufficient anti-counterfeiting precision. Second, existing screening mechanisms lack targeted anti-counterfeiting designs and do not incorporate the unique markings of standard marbles for identification, making them ill-equipped to cope with increasingly diverse counterfeiting methods. Furthermore, the screening structures of some devices are simply designed, and even if foreign objects are detected, they cannot be quickly and accurately removed automatically, potentially leading to foreign objects remaining inside the device and causing malfunctions. Overall, existing technologies can only achieve preliminary screening and cannot achieve precise anti-counterfeiting. They lack effective identification capabilities for non-standard marbles with high counterfeiting precision and some well-concealed foreign objects, failing to completely resolve the economic losses and equipment damage risks faced by operators, and also failing to meet the industry's demands for high precision and high reliability in anti-counterfeiting identification, indicating significant room for technological upgrades.

[0031] Based on the above, this application proposes a magnetic marble identification and throwing device and a marble game machine. The following is a more detailed description of this application in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0032] As a basic embodiment of the magnetic marble identification and throwing device of this application, it may include a mounting base, a bead-separating drive device 21, an optical detection component, a bead-feeding channel 11 and a falling channel 12 connected to each other, and a foreign object channel 14 and an effective bead channel 13 respectively connected to the outlet of the falling channel 12.

[0033] The mounting base provides a stable mounting surface for all components, including the spacer drive device 21, optical detection assembly, ball inlet channel 11, and drop channel 12, ensuring the relative positions of each structural component are fixed and guaranteeing the structural stability of the device during operation. In practical applications, a frame-type support structure can be used instead of an integrated mounting base, or a modular structure can be used to achieve independent fixing and combination of each component, as long as the support stability and component positioning accuracy are met.

[0034] A bead-inserting channel 11 is equipped with a bead-separating device 22. The output end of the bead-separating drive device 21 is connected to the bead-separating device 22, which drives the bead-separating device 22 to operate, allowing the marbles to pass through the bead-inserting channel 11 one by one. The bead-separating device controls the passage of the marbles in the bead-inserting channel 11, ensuring that the marbles pass through one by one and preventing multiple marbles from entering the detection area at the same time, which would cause recognition confusion. The bead-separating drive device 21 provides power to the bead-separating device 22, driving it to complete actions such as opening and closing and linear movement. In practical applications, the bead-separating drive device 21 can be a servo motor, stepper motor, etc. The bead-inserting channel 11 guides the marbles inserted by the player into the device, providing a directional transmission path for the marbles. The drop channel 12 receives the marbles sent out from the bead-inserting channel 11. The bead-inserting channel 11 and the drop channel 12 enable the marbles to smoothly transition from the insertion stage to the detection stage, preventing them from deviating from the path during transmission. In practical applications, the ball feeding channel 11 can adopt an inclined guide groove, a straight pipe, etc. The inclined guide groove can reduce the collision when the ball is inserted. The falling channel 12 can also be designed with an adjustable angle to adapt to different detection accuracy requirements.

[0035] A magnetic detection component is installed between the bead feeding channel 11 and the falling channel 12. This component detects whether a marble passing through the magnetic detection component is a legitimate marble based on changes in its inductance value. In practical applications, legitimate marbles have built-in magnetic elements or are made of specific magnetic materials, while illegitimate marbles or foreign objects have no corresponding magnetic characteristics. Utilizing the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction, a hollow coil 50 can be incorporated into the magnetic detection component. When the hollow coil 50 is energized, it generates an alternating magnetic field. When a legitimate marble with magnetic characteristics passes through the magnetic field, it causes a change in the coil's inductance. This change in inductance signal is then converted into an electrical signal, which is compared with a preset threshold to determine whether the marble is legitimate, thus achieving anti-counterfeiting identification.

[0036] A deceleration assembly is installed inside the falling channel 12 to slow down the marbles within the channel. In practical applications, a mechanical deceleration structure or a pneumatic deceleration device can be used.

[0037] A guide assembly is installed between the foreign object channel 14 and the valid bead channel 13. The movement of this guide assembly guides the marbles into either the foreign object channel 14 or the valid bead channel 13. Based on the detection results, the guide assembly can accurately guide the marbles into the corresponding channel. Illegal objects can be quickly discharged through the foreign object channel 14, preventing them from remaining inside the device. The valid bead channel 13 ensures that legitimate marbles smoothly enter the game process, guaranteeing normal game startup. In practical applications, the guide assembly can use a servo motor-driven rotary guide plate to improve guiding accuracy. Alternatively, an electromagnetic reversing valve can be used.

[0038] The optical detection components are located in the bead inlet channel 11 and the drop channel 12, respectively, to detect whether a marble is passing through. The optical detection components are connected to the spacer drive device 21, the deceleration component, and the guide component, respectively, and drive these components based on the detection results. The optical detection components can detect whether a marble is passing through the channel in real time, generating trigger signals to control the coordinated operation of other components. When a marble is detected entering the bead inlet channel 11, the spacer drive device 21 is controlled to close the entrance to the bead inlet channel, preventing subsequent marbles from entering. When a marble is detected entering the drop channel 12, the deceleration component is activated, and the detection signal is simultaneously synchronized to the magnetic detection component for timing. After the marble completes the magnetic detection, the guide component is controlled to switch channels based on the detection results, ensuring smooth operation of each stage.

[0039] This application integrates a support structure, transmission channel, detection components, drive control components, and diversion mechanism through a modular design. Based on a mounting base, the device constructs a marble transmission path via an inlet channel 11 and a drop channel 12. Marbles are released one by one using a spacer drive device 21 and a spacer device 22. An optical detection component monitors the marble position in real time and triggers coordinated operation of various components. A magnetic detection component accurately identifies legitimate marbles, and a deceleration component ensures the stability of detection and diversion. Finally, a guide component guides legitimate marbles into the valid marble channel 13 to start the game, while illegal objects are discharged through the foreign object channel 14. The entire device achieves high-precision marble identification and diversion through the collaborative mechanical structure, specifically addressing the anti-counterfeiting deficiencies of existing technologies.

[0040] The present application will be further illustrated below with some more specific embodiments.

[0041] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is an overall structural schematic of a magnetic marble identification and throwing device according to this application. Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 A diagram of the back side. Figure 3 for Figure 1 A planar sectional view. Figure 4 for Figure 1 Exploded view.

[0042] The mounting base can have any structural form. In this embodiment, the mounting base is a split structure, including a base 10 and a back plate 70 that snaps onto the back of the base 10. A receiving space is formed between the base 10 and the back plate 70, and multiple holes are provided on the base 10 and the back plate 70 for mounting other structural components. In practical applications, the base 10 can be made of engineering plastic materials such as PC, ABS, PA, and PETG, or it can be made of non-magnetic metals or alloy materials such as copper and aluminum. The bead inlet channel 11, the drop channel 12, the effective bead channel 13, the foreign object channel 14, and the multiple holes for mounting other structures can be manufactured using integrated molding processes such as 3D printing, injection molding, and CNC machining.

[0043] The multiple holes on the base 10 are specifically: a first light-emitting hole 101, a first light-receiving hole 102, a third light-emitting hole 103, a third light-receiving hole 104, a fifth light-emitting hole 105, a fifth light-receiving hole 106, a front guide hole 107 for the spacer beads, and a rear guide hole 108 for the spacer beads. The multiple holes on the back plate 70 are specifically: a second light-emitting hole 701, a second light-receiving hole 702, a fourth light-emitting hole 703, a fourth light-receiving hole 704, a sixth light-emitting hole 705, and a sixth light-receiving hole 706. If the mounting base is an integral structure, all of the above-mentioned holes are formed on the mounting base, and their relative positions remain consistent.

[0044] It should be noted that, for ease of description, we use the terms "up" and "down" as shown in the diagram, but in the actual structure, "up" and "down" are relative directions.

[0045] The upper end of the bead feeding channel 11 is the user's bead-throwing inlet, and the lower end of the bead feeding channel 11 is connected to the upper end of the falling channel 12. The upper ends of the effective bead channel 13 and the foreign object channel 14 are simultaneously connected to the lower end of the falling channel 12. The lower end of the effective bead channel 13 is the outlet of the magnetic marble, and the lower end of the foreign object channel 14 is the outlet of the fake bead or foreign object.

[0046] like Figure 6 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of one structure of the spacer bead device 22. Figure 7 and Figure 8The diagram illustrates two states of a marble in the bead feeding channel 11. In some embodiments of this application, the bead separator device 22 includes a bead separator base 220. A first bead separator limiter 221 and a second bead separator limiter 222 are respectively provided at both ends of the bead separator base 220, with the ends of both facing the bead feeding channel 11. The first bead separator limiter 221 is located below the second bead separator limiter 222, forming an isolation space for a single marble between the area below the first bead separator limiter 221 and the area above the second bead separator limiter 222. The output end of the bead separator driving device 21 is connected to the bead separator base 220 and is used to push the bead separator base 220 to move. The movement of the first bead separator limiter 221 and the second bead separator limiter 222 controls whether the marble located above the first bead separator limiter 221 and the second bead separator limiter 222 passes through the bead feeding channel 11.

[0047] As an example, the ball-operated drive device 21 employs a ball-operated solenoid valve, mounted on the base 10. The moving end of the ball-operated solenoid valve is rigidly connected to the ball-operated plate through the ball-operated plate mounting hole 223. The actuation coil of the ball-operated solenoid valve is connected to the I / O module 64 in the control unit 60 via a wire. The ball-operated solenoid valve is preferably a monostable solenoid valve with a permanent magnet or spring mechanism to provide holding force. When the actuation coil of the ball-operated solenoid valve is not energized, the ball-operated solenoid valve extends its lever under the holding force, with the stationary end facing backward. When the actuation coil is energized, the ball-operated solenoid valve extends and retracts under the electromagnetic force, with the stationary end facing forward. The first ball-operated limiter 221 is embedded in the front guide hole 107 of the ball-operated plate on the base 10, and the second ball-operated limiter 222 is embedded in the rear guide hole 108 of the ball-operated plate on the base 10. The spacer plate, driven by the spacer solenoid valve, moves in the back-and-forth direction together with the moving end of the solenoid valve. During operation, the first spacer limiter 221 remains suspended in the front guide hole 107 of the spacer plate, and the second spacer limiter 222 remains suspended in the rear guide hole 108 of the spacer plate. The spacer plate base 220 provides mounting support for the two first spacer limiters 221 and second spacer limiters 222, ensuring their relative positions are fixed and forming a stable isolation space. The first spacer limiter 221 blocks the balls below it, while the second spacer limiter 222 blocks the balls above it. Together, they form an isolation space that allows only a single ball to pass through, achieving individual ball isolation. The spacer plate base 220 is translated by the spacer drive device 21, causing the first spacer limiter 221 and the second spacer limiter 222 to move synchronously, thereby switching between blocking and releasing states. In practical applications, the first spacer bead limiter 221 and the second spacer bead limiter 222 can also be designed as height-adjustable structures to accommodate legal marbles of different diameters.

[0048] In some embodiments of this application, the magnetic detection component includes a hollow coil 50. An oscillation circuit 62 in the control unit 60 is connected to the hollow coil 50 and discharges the hollow coil 50. A comparison circuit 63 is connected to the oscillation circuit 62, converting the decaying oscillation wave output by the oscillation circuit 62, which contains inductance value information, into a time-sequential square wave PWM signal, and comparing it with the characteristics of a preset valid marble time-sequential square wave PWM signal. The oscillation circuit 62 and the hollow coil 50 form a closed loop, and the input terminal of the comparison circuit 63 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the oscillation circuit 62, constituting a complete detection link of signal generation and inductance information detection (signal comparison is performed in the microcontroller). The hollow coil 50, as a sensing element, significantly concentrates the spatial magnetic field lines and changes the instantaneous equivalent inductance of the hollow coil when the magnetic marble passes through its center. The oscillation circuit 62 provides alternating current excitation to the hollow coil 50, causing the coil to generate an alternating magnetic field, and simultaneously converts the inductance change information into a detectable electrical signal. The comparator circuit 63 receives the electrical signal output from the oscillation circuit 62, converts it into a time-sequential square wave PWM signal, and compares it with the characteristics of the standard PWM signal corresponding to a preset legitimate marble, outputting a judgment result of legitimate or illegitimate. This achieves accurate identification of the magnetic characteristics of the marble; even if an illegitimate marble is similar in size and weight to a standard marble, it can be effectively distinguished by the difference in its unique magnetic characteristics, fundamentally solving the anti-counterfeiting limitations of traditional physical feature identification. The hollow coil 50 is mounted on the base 10. The hollow coil 50 contains a vertical through-hole, in which the connection between the bead-feeding channel 11 and the falling channel 12 is nested. The terminals of the hollow coil 50 are connected to the oscillation circuit 62 via wires. In practical applications, the hollow coil 50 can be wound with insulated wire in multiple layers and turns on a hollow frame. The insulated wire is preferably enameled wire with a diameter of 0.01-1mm, and the number of turns is 50-2000. The hollow coil 50 can be configured with various wire diameters and winding turns, and the oscillation circuit 62 can be configured with various capacitance values ​​to improve the specialized detection accuracy of magnetic marbles with different sintering formulas and different magnetic permeabilities. This helps to identify subtle differences between magnetic marbles from different production batches, improve the detection success rate of legitimate magnetic marbles, and reduce the missed detection rate of illegal magnetic marbles made of similar materials.

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, the deceleration assembly includes a deceleration plate 41. The deceleration plate 41 is rotatably connected to the base 10, and its end is located within the falling channel 12. As an example, the deceleration plate 41 includes a rolling shaft, with its two ends respectively embedded in two holes, allowing the deceleration plate 41 to rotate along the rolling shaft. The deceleration plate 41 consumes the kinetic energy of the falling marble through contact friction or elastic collision with the marble, reducing its speed within the falling channel 12. The rotatable connection gives the deceleration plate 41 a certain degree of freedom of movement. When the marble impacts the end of the deceleration plate 41, the deceleration plate 41 can rotate slightly around the connecting shaft, buffering the impact force of the marble through its own deformation or rotation, avoiding rigid collisions that could cause the marble to bounce or be damaged, while ensuring a smooth deceleration process without affecting the normal transmission path of the marble.

[0050] In some embodiments of this application, the guiding assembly includes a ball-splitting solenoid valve 31 and a guide plate 32. The ball-splitting solenoid valve 31 is mounted on the base 10, and its output end is rotatably connected to the guide plate 32. The ball-splitting solenoid valve 31 drives the guide plate 32 to rotate, causing it to turn towards the foreign object channel 14 and the effective bead channel 13, respectively. As an example, the guide plate 32 includes a rolling shaft, with both ends of the rolling shaft embedded in holes on both sides. These holes are respectively formed on the base 10 and the back plate 70, allowing the guide plate 32 to rotate along the rolling shaft. The moving end of the ball-splitting solenoid valve 31 is embedded in a corresponding mounting hole on the guide plate 32, achieving a rolling connection with the guide plate 32. The actuation coil of the ball-splitting solenoid valve 31 is connected to the I / O module 64 via a wire. In practical applications, the ball-splitting solenoid valve 31 is preferably a monostable solenoid valve with a permanent magnet or spring mechanism to provide holding force. When the actuating coil of the ball-distributing solenoid valve 31 is not energized, the valve retracts its lever under the holding force, and the guide plate 32 is in a vertical position, at which time the foreign object passage 14 is opened vertically. When the actuating coil of the ball-distributing solenoid valve 31 is energized, the valve extends its lever under the electromagnetic force, and the guide plate 32 is tilted at 45 degrees. 0 In this direction, the foreign object channel 14 is blocked and closed by the guide bead plate 32, and the falling channel 12 and the effective bead channel 13 are effectively connected, as shown in the following state. Figure 9 As shown. The ball-dividing solenoid valve 31 receives the judgment signal from the magnetic detection component, converts electromagnetic energy into mechanical energy, and provides rotational power to the guide plate 32. The guide plate 32 adjusts its own angle to change the movement trajectory of the ball, thereby realizing the diversion function of guiding the effective ball channel 13 or the foreign object channel 14.

[0051] In this embodiment, both the spacer solenoid valve and the separator solenoid valve 31 can be selected as monostable solenoid valves to minimize the energizing time of the actuating coil and improve the lifespan of the solenoid valves. Simultaneously, it ensures that when the equipment is powered off, the moving end of the force-driven solenoid valve remains in the correct position, allowing foreign objects to be naturally discharged by gravity.

[0052] In this embodiment, the optical detection component includes three detection parts: one located in the bead entry channel 11 to detect the entry of the marble; one located in the falling channel 12 to detect whether the marble is falling and needs to be decelerated; and one located in the valid bead channel 13 to determine whether a marble has passed through the valid bead channel 13, and to count the marbles that have passed through the valid bead channel 13. In practical applications, the structures of the three optical detection components can be the same for easy uniform processing and control, or different specific structures can be used as needed.

[0053] As a structural form, taking the optical detection component within the bead feeding channel 11 as an example, the first optical detection module includes a first photoelectric sensor module 81 mounted on the base 10, a first light-emitting hole 101, a first light-receiving hole 102, a second light-emitting hole 701, and a second light-receiving hole 702 all mounted on the base 10, and a first optical reflector 71 mounted on the back plate 70. The first optical reflector is an offset mirror. The first light-receiving hole 102 and the second light-receiving hole 702 are located on opposite sides of the bead feeding channel 11. The light emitted from the light-emitting end of the first photoelectric sensor module 81 passes sequentially through the first light-emitting hole 101, the second light-emitting hole 701, and the first optical reflector 71. After being reflected by the first optical reflector 71, the light passes sequentially through the second light-receiving hole 702 and the first light-receiving hole 102 before entering the light-receiving end of the first photoelectric sensor module 81. The first photoelectric sensor module 81 generates detection light and receives reflected light. By determining whether the light is blocked, it determines whether the bead has passed through the light-emitting hole, limiting the propagation path of the emitted light and ensuring that the light is accurately guided to the bead feeding channel 11 area. The light-receiving aperture converges the reflected light, ensuring that the light accurately enters the light-receiving end of the photoelectric module. The light-emitting end, the first light-emitting aperture 101, and the second light-emitting aperture 701 of the first photoelectric module 81 are on the same axis. The light-receiving end, the first light-receiving aperture 102, and the second light-receiving aperture 702 of the first photoelectric module 81 are on the same axis, which passes perpendicularly through the bead-feeding channel 11.

[0054] The other two optical detection components have identical structures. The second photodetector module 82 is connected to the base 10. The light-emitting end, third light-emitting aperture 103, and fourth light-emitting aperture 703 of the second photodetector module 82 are on the same axis. The light-receiving end, third light-receiving aperture 104, and fourth light-receiving aperture 704 of the second photodetector module 82 are on the same axis, which passes perpendicularly through the falling channel 12. The third photodetector module 83 is connected to the base 10. The light-emitting end, fifth light-emitting aperture 105, and sixth light-emitting aperture 705 of the third photodetector module 83 are on the same axis. The light-receiving end, fifth light-receiving aperture 106, and sixth light-receiving aperture 706 of the third photodetector module 83 are on the same axis, which passes perpendicularly through the effective bead channel 13. The light-emitting and light-receiving ends of the first photodetector module 81, the second photodetector module 82, and the third photodetector module 83 are all connected to the I / O module in the control unit 60 via wires.

[0055] Corresponding to the openings on the base 10, the second light-emitting hole 701, the second light-receiving hole 702, the fourth light-emitting hole 703, the fourth light-receiving hole 704, the sixth light-emitting hole 705, and the sixth light-receiving hole 706 are all formed on the back plate 70, which is mounted on the base 10. The first optical reflector 71 is connected to the back plate 70 and can direct the light entering through the second light-emitting hole 701 out through the second light-receiving hole 702 in a direction parallel to the incident light. The second optical reflector 72 is connected to the back plate 70 and can direct the light entering through the fourth light-emitting hole 703 out through the fourth light-receiving hole 704 in a direction parallel to the incident light. The third optical reflector 73 is connected to the back plate 70 and can direct the light entering through the sixth light-emitting hole 705 out through the sixth light-receiving hole 706 in a direction parallel to the incident light.

[0056] This application utilizes an integrated light-emitting and light-receiving photoelectric module and optical reflectors to construct a reflective optical path. By employing an offset reflector, combined with the placement of the light-emitting and light-receiving apertures, and leveraging the reflection principle of the offset reflector, all optical components requiring wire connections can be positioned closer to the control unit 60. The backplate 70 consists entirely of passive components, eliminating the need for connecting wires and improving the overall integrity and integration of the device.

[0057] like Figure 5The diagram shows a schematic of a control unit 60. The control unit 60 is connected to the spacer bead drive device 21, the optical detection component, the magnetic detection component, and the guide component, respectively. It acquires the detection results from the magnetic detection component and the optical detection component, and controls the guide component and the spacer bead drive device 21 based on the magnetic detection result. Specifically, the control unit 60 includes a microcontroller module 61, an oscillation circuit 62, a comparator circuit 63, an I / O module 64, and a communication module 65. The control module unit is mounted on the back of the base 10. The microcontroller module 61 is connected to the oscillation circuit 62, the comparator circuit 63, the I / O module 64, and the communication module 65 via wires or printed circuits. The signal output terminal of the oscillation circuit 62 is connected to the input terminal of the comparator circuit 63. The oscillation circuit 62 may include one oscillation capacitor, preferably a ceramic capacitor or a film capacitor, with a capacitance value preferably between 10nF and 10uF. The comparator circuit 63 compares the instantaneous voltage waveform with a preset reference voltage, outputting a high level when the waveform is greater than the reference voltage and a low level when the waveform is less than the reference voltage. The I / O module 64 includes several pairs of input and output nodes. The output nodes have load-driving capability, capable of driving the spacer solenoid valve and the separator solenoid valve 31, and also driving the first photodetector module 81, the second photodetector module 82, and the third photodetector module 83 to emit light. The input nodes amplify and condition the output signals of the first photodetector module 81, the second photodetector module 82, and the third photodetector module 83 into level signals recognizable by the microcontroller module 61. The communication module 65 can output standard serial communication frames or square wave signals according to other proprietary protocols. Specifically, the comparator circuit 63 can condition analog signals of attenuated oscillating waves that are difficult to compare into PWM digital signals of timing square waves, while simultaneously amplifying the characteristic signals detected by different inductance values. The I / O module provides the microcontroller with load-driving capability for driving high-performance solenoid valves. It also provides electrical circuit isolation between lower-level devices, reducing the risk of collateral damage caused by equipment malfunctions. The communication module 65 is compatible with common serial port protocols and square wave pulse protocols.

[0058] It should also be noted that, in order to achieve more accurate detection through the magnetic detection component, magnetic marbles are used, preferably made of ceramic material, for better detection results.

[0059] As an example, components such as the base 10, spacer beads, guide bead plate 32, deceleration plate 41, and back plate 70 can be made of engineering plastics or non-magnetic metal materials and processed using a one-piece molding process. This can improve the mechanical strength and service life of the parts, and ensure assembly accuracy and low friction between moving parts. At the same time, the relative permeability of these materials is close to 1, which does not affect the waveform of the damped oscillation wave generated by the oscillation circuit 62, nor does it affect the identification of the magnetic properties of the falling object by the microcontroller module 61.

[0060] The following is the working process of the above embodiments: (1) The microcontroller module 61 drives the first photoelectric sensor module 81 to emit light through the I / O module. The light emitted from the light-emitting end of the first photoelectric sensor module 81 passes through the first light-emitting hole 101, the second light-emitting hole 701, the first optical reflector 71, the second light-receiving hole 702, and the first light-receiving hole 102, and enters the light-receiving end of the first photoelectric sensor module 81. Since the light reflected by the first optical reflector 71 passes perpendicularly through the bead feeding channel 11, when a marble passes through the bead feeding channel 11, the reflected light is blocked, and the microcontroller module 61 can know that there is a marble or foreign object in the bead feeding channel 11 at this time. Similarly, the microcontroller module 61 can determine whether there is a marble or foreign object at the position of the third light-receiving hole 104 and the fifth light-receiving hole 106 by detecting whether the light paths of the second photoelectric sensor module 82 and the third photoelectric sensor module 83 are blocked.

[0061] (2) Taking the continuous insertion of three marbles as an example. When the user continuously inserts the first magnetic marble 91, the second magnetic marble 92, the third magnetic marble 93, or other foreign objects into the marble inlet channel 11, the objects fall under the action of gravity and are blocked by the first spacer limiter 221, which at this time blocks the light at the first light receiving hole 102. After the microcontroller module 61 recognizes this, it energizes the action coil of the spacer solenoid valve through the I / O module 64, driving the moving end of the spacer solenoid valve to pull the spacer plate forward. During the forward movement of the first spacer limiter 221, the marble inlet channel 11 is opened, and the first magnetic marble 91 or the foreign object at the same position falls down to the connection between the marble inlet channel 11 and the falling channel 12, that is, the through hole position of the hollow coil 50. At the same time, the second spacer limiter 222 also moves forward, blocking the second magnetic marble 92 from falling into the marble inlet channel 11. This enables the separation of beads one by one when the user continuously throws them in. Before the microcontroller module 61 completes the identification and sorting of the first magnetic marble 91, it can use the second bead spacer limiter 222 to keep the bead inlet channel 11 locked.

[0062] (3) When the microcontroller module 61 detects that an object has passed through the position of the first light-receiving hole 102, it charges the oscillating capacitor. The oscillating capacitor discharges to zero voltage through the air coil 50 and the internal resistance and internal inductance of the circuit. The signal output terminal of the oscillation circuit 62 will output a damped oscillating voltage wave. This voltage wave signal is conditioned by the comparator circuit 63 to form a timed square wave PWM signal and sent back to the microcontroller module 61.

[0063] When a magnetic material, i.e., an object with a relative permeability not equal to 1, passes through the through-hole of the hollow coil 50, it is equivalent to temporarily adding a magnetic core to the hollow coil 50, which will change the inductance value of the hollow coil 50 in terms of electrical characteristics during this period. Since the oscillation circuit 62 discharges into the hollow coil 50, forming an RLC discharge loop, the change in the inductance value in the loop will change the waveform of the damped oscillation wave. Corresponding to different loop inductance values, the timing square wave PWM signal output by the comparator circuit 63 will have significant differences in parameters such as the number of zero crossings, the number of pulses, the pulse width, and the duty cycle.

[0064] Since the microcontroller module 61 has built-in square wave PWM signal characteristics when a standard magnetic bead is inserted, the microcontroller module 61 can identify whether the relative permeability of the object passing through the hollow coil 50 is within the reasonable deviation range of the legal magnetic bead after feature comparison.

[0065] (4) If the microcontroller module 61 detects an object at the through hole of the hollow coil 50 and its relative permeability characteristics meet the reasonable deviation range, then the object is confirmed as the legitimate first magnetic marble 91. The first magnetic marble 91 continues to fall in the falling channel 12 under the action of gravity. When it passes the third light receiving hole 104, it is detected by the microcontroller module 61 because it blocks the light path of the second photoelectric module 82.

[0066] The microcontroller module 61 energizes the actuation coil of the ball-distributing solenoid valve 31 through the I / O module 64. Under the action of electromagnetic force, the ball-distributing solenoid valve 31 extends its pull rod, and the guide plate 32 is tilted at 45 degrees by the push of the ball-distributing solenoid valve 31. 0 In this direction, the foreign object channel 14 is blocked, and the effective bead channel 13 and the falling channel 12 are fully connected.

[0067] (5) As the first magnetic marble 91 continues to fall, it contacts the deceleration plate 41. The deceleration plate 41 rotates clockwise, diverting some of the kinetic energy of the first magnetic marble 91 as it falls, thus helping to slow down the marble. This prevents the marble from falling out of the foreign object channel 14 if the guide plate 32 fails to move properly due to the marble falling too fast.

[0068] (6) Under the influence of gravity, the first magnetic marble 91 passes through the falling channel 12, the deceleration plate 41, and the guide plate 32 in sequence before entering the effective marble channel 13. When it passes the fifth light receiving hole 106, it is detected by the microcontroller module 61 because it blocks the light path of the third photodetector module 83. The microcontroller module 61 reports a valid marble throwing signal to the game machine through the communication module 65.

[0069] (7) If, in step (4), the microcontroller module 61 detects an object at the through hole of the hollow coil 50 with a large deviation in relative permeability characteristics, then the object is confirmed to be an illegal foreign object. The foreign object continues to fall in the falling channel 12 under the action of gravity. When it passes the third light receiving hole 104, it is detected by the microcontroller module 61 because it blocks the light path of the second photoelectric module 82.

[0070] The microcontroller module 61 cuts off the current in the actuation coil of the ball-distributing solenoid valve 31 via the I / O module 64. Under the action of the holding force, the ball-distributing solenoid valve 31 retracts its lever, driving the guide plate 32 to a vertical position. At this time, the falling channel 12 and the foreign object channel 14 are effectively connected. When an illegal foreign object comes into contact with the deceleration plate 41, it will also have some kinetic energy carried away and be slowed down, preventing the guide plate 32 from moving in time and pushing the foreign object into the effective bead channel 13.

[0071] (8) After the first magnetic ball 91 passes through the fifth light-receiving hole 106, or after an illegal foreign object falls into the foreign object channel 14, the microcontroller module 61 cuts off the current in the operating coil of the spacer solenoid valve through the I / O module 64. Under the action of the holding force, the moving end of the spacer solenoid valve pushes the spacer plate to move backward. The second spacer limiter 222 is also pushed backward, opening the ball inlet channel 11, and the second magnetic ball 92 or the foreign object falls into the ball inlet channel 11, repeating the aforementioned process.

[0072] The control method in control unit 60 is further refined, such as... Figure 10 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the control method flow in control unit 60. Specifically: (1) When the microcontroller module 61 detects that an object has passed through the position of the first light-receiving hole 102, it charges the oscillating capacitor. The oscillating capacitor discharges to zero voltage to the internal resistance and internal inductance of the air coil 50 and the circuit. This charging and discharging process is repeated under the control of the microcontroller module 61. As an example, the repetition frequency is >1000Hz.

[0073] (2) The signal output terminal of the oscillation circuit 62 will output a damped oscillating voltage wave. This voltage wave signal is conditioned by the comparison circuit 63 to form a timed square wave PWM signal and sent back to the microcontroller module 61.

[0074] (3) After the timing square wave PWM signal is sent to the microcontroller module 61, its built-in program will perform the following signal characteristic analysis: ① Mark the zero-crossing timing of the square wave PWM signal and record it as a set of time series.

[0075] ② Difference procedure. Calculate the difference between the time series at the zero-crossing points to obtain the time interval series at the zero-crossing points.

[0076] ③ Inter-group classification subroutine. The time interval sequence is grouped based on the criterion that the time interval exceeds a set threshold (which is related to the charge / discharge repetition frequency). This yields the time interval sequence corresponding to a single charge / discharge cycle, thus achieving pulse grouping. Based on this, the number of pulse groups is summed to obtain the total number of pulse groups experienced by the marble before and after passing through the hollow coil 50.

[0077] ④ After the time interval sequence is grouped, the duty cycle, number of pulses in the group, and pulse width 1, pulse width 2, ..., pulse width 10 corresponding to each group of pulses are solved by the group pulse analysis subroutine, for a total of 12 parameters.

[0078] ⑤ State-space analysis subroutine. Linearly weighted labels are applied to the 12 parameters of the aforementioned pulse group within a 12-dimensional state space to obtain the position of the pulse group within the state space. Furthermore, the spatial distances within the state space of several pulse groups generated by the event of the marble passing through the hollow coil 50, relative to the standard marble characteristics built into the program, can be calculated.

[0079] ⑥ Feature identification subroutine. This subroutine comprehensively analyzes the number of pulse groups and the spatial distance of each pulse group relative to the features of the standard magnetic bead to determine whether the current marble is a valid marble.

[0080] The microcontroller module 61 controls the oscillating capacitor to repeatedly charge and discharge. Each complete charge-discharge cycle generates an independent set of decaying oscillating voltage waves, which are then conditioned by the comparator circuit 63 to form a set of PWM pulse signals. Therefore, the number of pulse sets directly corresponds to the total number of charge-discharge cycles during which the marble passes through the magnetic field of the hollow coil 50. By counting the number of pulse sets, the duration of the marble's stay in the magnetic field region and the completeness of the magnetic field's effect can be determined. Therefore, the number of pulse sets is not only the basic data for subsequent 12-dimensional feature analysis, but also serves as a preliminary screening condition for legitimacy verification, forming a dual judgment with spatial distance features to improve the reliability of identification.

[0081] It should be noted that the free fall time of the magnetic bead through the hollow coil 50 is approximately 50ms. A charge / discharge repetition frequency of 1000Hz ensures that at least five sets of charge / discharge waveforms are affected by the magnetic bead's passage, thus improving the detection speed. The attenuated oscillation waves of analog signals are difficult to compare and extract waveform features. The comparison circuit 63 can condition the analog attenuated oscillation wave signal into a square wave PWM signal, which amplifies the discharge waveform changes caused by small inductance differences, forming a standardized description and facilitating the detection of small-section magnetic beads. Further converting the square wave PWM signal into the position of each charge / discharge process in the state space allows for multi-parameter statistical weighted analysis, reducing system errors and eliminating random high-frequency interference. Comparison of state space positions between groups and identification of pulse group numbers can reduce interference from external magnetic field disturbances, lowering the false detection rate. Through spatial distance analysis of multiple pulse groups and standard magnetic bead features, the detection accuracy of legitimate magnetic marbles can be improved, reducing the false detection rate.

[0082] Correspondingly, this application also proposes a pinball game machine, including the aforementioned magnetic pinball identification and throwing device. Further details regarding the magnetic pinball identification and throwing device will not be provided here.

[0083] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A magnetic marble identification and throwing device, characterized in that, It includes a mounting base, a spacer drive device (21) mounted on the mounting base, an optical detection assembly, a connected bead inlet channel (11) and a drop channel (12), a foreign object channel (14) and an effective bead channel (13) respectively connected to the outlet of the drop channel (12); The ball inlet channel (11) is provided with a ball separator device (22). The output end of the ball separator drive device (21) is connected to the ball separator device (22) and is used to drive the ball separator device (22) to work through the ball separator drive device (21) so that the balls pass through the ball inlet channel (11) one by one. A magnetic detection component is provided between the ball inlet channel (11) and the drop channel (12) to detect whether the ball passing through the magnetic detection component is a legal ball based on the change in inductance value. A deceleration assembly is provided in the falling channel (12) to decelerate the marbles in the falling channel (12); A guide component is provided between the foreign object channel (14) and the effective bead channel (13), and the movement of the guide component guides the marble into the foreign object channel (14) or the effective bead channel (13); The detection ends of the optical detection component are located in the ball inlet channel (11) and the drop channel (12) respectively, and are used to detect whether a ball passes through. The optical detection component is connected to the spacer drive device (21), the deceleration component and the guide component respectively, and drives the spacer drive device (21), the deceleration component and the guide component to work according to the detection result of the optical detection component.

2. The magnetic marble identification and throwing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection end of the optical detection component is also located in the effective bead channel (13) for detecting whether a marble has passed through.

3. The magnetic marble identification and throwing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spacer device (22) includes a spacer plate base (220); The two ends of the spacer base (220) are respectively provided with a first spacer limiter (221) and a second spacer limiter (222), and the ends of the first spacer limiter (221) and the second spacer limiter (222) are both facing the ball inlet channel (11); the first spacer limiter (221) is located below the second spacer limiter (222), and an isolation space for a single ball is formed between the first spacer limiter (221) below the second spacer limiter (222) and the second spacer limiter (222); The output end of the spacer drive device (21) is connected to the spacer base (220) and is used to push the spacer base (220) to move. By moving the first spacer limiter (221) and the second spacer limiter (222), the device controls whether the marbles located above the first spacer limiter (221) and the second spacer limiter (222) pass through the ball inlet channel (11).

4. The magnetic marble identification and throwing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deceleration assembly includes a deceleration plate (41); The deceleration plate (41) is rotatably connected to the mounting base, and the end of the deceleration plate (41) is located in the falling channel (12).

5. The magnetic marble identification and throwing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding assembly includes a bead-distributing solenoid valve (31) and a bead guide plate (32); The ball-separating solenoid valve (31) is mounted on the mounting base. The output end of the ball-separating solenoid valve (31) is rotatably connected to the guide plate (32). The ball-separating solenoid valve (31) drives the guide plate (32) to rotate, so that the guide plate (32) turns to the foreign object channel (14) and the effective bead channel (13) respectively.

6. The magnetic marble identification and throwing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control unit (60); The control unit (60) is connected to the spacer bead drive device (21), the optical detection component, the magnetic detection component, and the guide component, respectively. It is used to obtain the detection results of the magnetic detection component and the optical detection component, and to control the guide component to work according to the detection results of the magnetic detection component, and to control the spacer bead drive device (21) to work according to the detection results of the optical detection component.

7. The magnetic marble identification and throwing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit (60) includes a microcontroller module (61), and an oscillation circuit (62) and a comparator circuit (63) respectively connected to the microcontroller module (61); The single-chip microcomputer module (61) is used to charge the oscillation capacitor in the oscillation circuit (62) when the optical detection component detects a ball in the ball inlet channel (11), and the oscillation capacitor discharges to the magnetic detection component, so that the oscillation circuit (62) generates a voltage wave; and control the spacer drive device (21) to work. The comparison circuit (63) is used to condition the voltage wave, generate a timed square wave PWM signal, and feed it back to the microcontroller module (61), so that the microcontroller module (61) compares the received feedback signal with the preset standard PWM signal and controls the guide component to work according to the comparison result.

8. The magnetic marble identification and throwing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, After receiving a timing square wave PWM signal, the microcontroller module (61) executes the following method: Mark the zero-crossing timing of a square wave PWM signal and record it as a set of time sequences; By taking the difference between the time series at the zero-crossing points, we obtain the time interval series at the zero-crossing points. Based on a set threshold, the time interval sequence is grouped to complete pulse grouping; Analyze each group of pulses separately to obtain multiple pulse parameters for each group of pulses; Multiple pulse parameters are linearly weighted and labeled to obtain the position of each group of pulses in the state space, and the spatial distance with the preset standard marble features is calculated and recorded as the identification distance; By combining the recognition distance corresponding to each group of pulses, it is determined whether the current marble is a valid marble.

9. The magnetic marble identification and throwing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The magnetic detection component includes a hollow coil (50); The oscillation circuit (62) is connected to the hollow coil (50) and discharges the hollow coil (50).

10. The magnetic marble identification and throwing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical detection component includes a first optical detection module, the detection end of which is located inside the bead feeding channel (11); The first optical detection module includes a first photoelectric module (81) and a first optical reflector (71) mounted on a mounting base, and a first light-emitting hole (101), a first light-receiving hole (102), a second light-emitting hole (701), and a second light-receiving hole (702) opened on the mounting base; the first optical reflector (71) is an offset reflector; the first light-receiving hole (102) and the second light-receiving hole (702) are located on both sides of the bead feeding channel (11); The light emitted from the light-emitting end of the first photoelectric module (81) passes through the first light-emitting hole (101), the second light-emitting hole (701) and the first optical reflector (71) in sequence. After being reflected by the first optical reflector (71), the light passes through the second light-receiving hole (702) and the first light-receiving hole (102) in sequence before entering the light-receiving end of the first photoelectric module (81).

11. The magnetic marble identification and throwing device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The optical detection assembly also includes a second optical detection module, the detection end of which is located in the falling channel (12); The second optical detection module and the first optical detection module have the same structure.

12. A pinball game machine, characterized in that, The pinball game machine is equipped with a magnetic pinball identification and throwing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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