JP2005080899A - Game medium dispenser and method of dispensing game media - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent game media from overflowing from an outlet or container and shooting out of a device even when a number of game media are dispensed. <P>SOLUTION: The token dispenser 1 for dispensing tokens Y by request for dispensing tokens previously sets a prescribed quantity of tokens and dispenses the total quantity of tokens Y separately a plurality of times if the total quantity of tokens Y to be dispensed by request for dispensing tokens is larger than the prescribed quantity. Specifically, the tokens are dispensed by a quantity not exceeding the prescribed quantity each time in dispensing the total quantity of tokens Y separately a plurality of times if a condition for permitting the dispensing of tokens each time is detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is a game media lending machine that is installed in a game corner or game center of an amusement facility and that pays out game media (for example, medals, coins, etc.) used to play on a game machine (for example, a medal game machine). In particular, even when a large number of game media are paid out, it is possible to prevent the game media from overflowing from the outlet or the container and jumping out of the device, and to provide a game medium for paying out to the outlet or the container. The present invention relates to a game medium lending machine and a game medium lending processing method capable of preventing a game medium from being clogged inside a guide passage.

  Conventionally, a game medium (for example, a medal) that is installed in a game corner or game center of an amusement facility and used to play a game machine (for example, a medal game machine capable of playing a game such as blackjack by inserting a medal). And game media lending machines that pay out coins) are known.

  As such game medium lending machines, for example, a conventional type medal lending machine (hereinafter referred to as “Prior Art 1”) and a cup-type medal lending machine (hereinafter referred to as “Prior Art 2”) ( Patent Document 1) is provided.

  Here, in the medal lending machine of the prior art 1, when a person who wishes to purchase medals (actually “medal lending”) inserts money from a predetermined money insertion slot and then presses a selectable purchase button, the button The predetermined number of medals are paid out to a predetermined medal outlet.

  In the medal lending machine according to the prior art 2, when a person who wishes to purchase a medal inserts money from a predetermined money insertion slot and then presses a selectable purchase button, the cup receiving the medal is automatically set to a predetermined position. The medals are ejected (dropped) to the medal outlet, and medals corresponding to the number registered in advance in the pressed button are paid out in the cup.

  In both of the conventional technology 1 medal lending machine and the conventional technology 2 medal lending machine, in general, it is considered to reduce the equipment size, the equipment installation area, and the manufacturing cost. Or, considering the average number of medals who wish to purchase medals at one time, or considering the convenience of those who wish to purchase medals using a cup, the medal outlet and cup are limited to a predetermined size. (For example, a size that allows about 300 medals). Further, the number of payout medals for the selection button is set to the size of the medal take-out opening or cup, that is, an allowable amount that can accept the medals taken out from the medal take-out opening or the cup.

  Conventionally, since it is troublesome to perform the lending operation many times, some of those who wish to purchase medals desire to lend a large number (more than the allowable amount) at one time.

Therefore, in order to meet the demands of those who wish to purchase medals, if the selection button is set to a number greater than the allowable amount and the number of medals exceeding the allowable amount is paid out, it will be removed from the medal outlet or cup. There is a risk that the medals overflow and the overflowing medals fly out (drop) from the medal lending machine to the outside (device installation floor or the like). Further, there is a possibility that the medals paid out from the medal outlet and the exit of the medal passage leading the medal to the cup may be blocked, and the medals are clogged inside the medal passage.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-2383

  As described above, in the past, in consideration of various circumstances, a large number of medals can be rented at a time in a game media lending machine in which a medal outlet and a cup are provided with a limited size. In order to meet the demands of those who wish to purchase medals, if the selection button is set to a number greater than the allowable amount and the number of medals exceeding the allowable amount is paid out, medals will overflow from the medal outlet and cup, There is a risk of overflowing medals from the game media lending machine to the outside, and the medals paid out at the exit of the medal passage leading the medals to the medal outlet and the cup are blocked, and the medals are jammed inside the medal passage. There was a risk of it.

  Therefore, in view of the above situation, the present invention can prevent the game medium from overflowing from the outlet or the container and jumping out of the device even when a large amount of game medium is paid out. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game medium lending machine and a game medium lending processing method capable of preventing a game medium from being clogged inside a passage for guiding a payout game medium to a container.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium lending machine for performing a game medium lending process according to a lending request, a setting means for setting a predetermined amount in advance, and a game lending corresponding to the lending request. When the total amount of the medium is equal to or larger than the predetermined amount set by the setting means, there is provided discharge processing means for discharging the game media corresponding to the total amount in a plurality of discharge operations.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein, when the discharge processing means discharges the total amount of game media in a plurality of discharge operations, a condition for permitting discharge at each time is satisfied. When detected, the game medium is discharged within an amount not exceeding the predetermined amount each time.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the game media to be discharged each time not exceeding the predetermined amount according to the total amount of game media lent in response to the loan request. The apparatus further includes a calculation unit that calculates a discharge amount, and the discharge processing unit discharges the game medium every time according to a calculation value of the calculation unit.

  The invention of claim 4 further comprises discharge stop instructing means for instructing to temporarily stop the discharge operation when operated during the game medium discharge operation in the invention of claim 1, wherein the discharge processing is performed. The means is characterized in that the discharge operation is temporarily stopped based on an instruction from the discharge stop instruction means, whereby the total amount of game media is discharged in a plurality of discharge operations.

  Further, the invention of claim 5 is that in any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 4, it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed after the discharge processing means has performed each discharge operation executed in a plurality of times. The apparatus further comprises detection means for detecting, and the discharge processing means performs the next discharge operation based on the detection output of the detection means.

  The invention of claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the discharge processing means performs a predetermined operation after each discharge operation executed in a plurality of times. The discharge processing means further performs the next discharge operation based on the detection output of the detection means.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the discharge processing means discharges to the game medium outlet after each discharge operation executed in a plurality of times is performed. It further has detection means for detecting that the played game medium has been removed, and the discharge processing means performs the next discharge operation based on the detection output of the detection means.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, prior to discharging the game medium, a container for storing the game medium is thrown into the game medium outlet, and the discharge is performed. The game medium has a function of discharging and renting out the game medium toward the container, and the discharge processing means detects that the container has been removed after performing individual discharge operations executed in a plurality of times. The discharge processing means performs the next discharge operation based on the detection output of the detection means.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein after the discharge processing means discharges a certain amount of game media not exceeding the predetermined amount, the remaining game media is discharged. A determination unit configured to determine whether or not the predetermined amount is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount; and when the determination unit determines that the discharge amount of the remaining game media is not equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, When the first discharge process for discharging all the remaining amount of game media at once is performed, and the determination means determines that the amount of discharge of the remaining game media is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, A second discharge process for discharging a certain amount of game media is performed, and thereafter, the determination by the determination means and either the first discharge process or the second discharge process of the discharge processing means accompanying the determination Features that perform To.

  The invention of claim 10 further comprises notification means in the invention of claim 1 for notifying the conditions under which the remaining game media are ejected when the game media are ejected in a plurality of ejection operations. It is characterized by that.

  The invention of claim 11 is a game medium lending processing method for a game medium lending machine for lending a game medium in response to a lending request, wherein a predetermined amount is set in advance, and the game medium lending corresponding to the lending request When the total amount is equal to or greater than the set predetermined amount, a process of discharging the total amount of game media in a plurality of discharge operations is performed.

  Further, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the total amount of game media is discharged in a plurality of discharge operations, each time when a condition permitting discharge is detected, The game medium is discharged within an amount not exceeding the predetermined amount every time.

  According to the present invention, even when a large number of game media are paid out, the game media can be prevented from overflowing from the outlet or the container and jumping out of the device, and the game for paying out to the outlet or the container can be prevented. It is possible to prevent the game medium from being clogged inside the passage for guiding the medium.

  Specifically, device size reduction, device installation area reduction, manufacturing cost reduction, the average number of game media purchasers who wish to purchase at a time, and medals using cups When renting more than the allowable amount of game media in the game media outlet and game media container without changing the size of the game media outlet and game media container, considering the convenience of purchasers, etc. In addition, it is possible to prevent the game medium from overflowing from the outlet and the container and jumping out of the device, and to prevent the game medium from being clogged inside the passage leading the game medium for paying out to the outlet and the container. Can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic external configuration of a medal lending machine 100 to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a schematic internal configuration seen when the front door of the medal lending machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 is opened. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration when the functions of the medal lending machine 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are blocked.

  The medal lending machine 100 is installed in a game corner or a game center of an amusement facility, and is used for playing with a gaming machine (for example, a medal game machine capable of playing a game such as blackjack by inserting a medal). This is a game medium lending machine for paying out game media to be used (for example, medals and coins). In the example of FIGS. 1 and 3, prior to renting the medal Y, a cup (also referred to as a container) X is thrown into the medal outlet and the medal Y is discharged into the thrown cup X. This is an example of a ceremony medal lending machine.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the medal lending machine 100 has a selection button 11, a guidance unit 12, a coin deposit slot 13, and a coin front of the door on the side of a person who wants to purchase a medal (hereinafter simply referred to as “customer”). A bill insertion / exit port 14, a medal removal port 15, and a dispensing button 16 are arranged and provided so as to be seen as an interface with a customer.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, when the medal lending machine 100 opens the customer-side door 1-1, the cup dispensing unit 17 and the cup detection sensor 18 are provided on the customer-side door 1-1 side. The medal throwing part 19, the coin processing part 20, the banknote processing part 21, and the control part 22 are arranged on the main body part 1-2 side.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the medal lending machine 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is made into a functional block, a selection button 11, a guidance unit 12, a throwing button 16, and a cup throwing unit 17. And a cup detection sensor 18, a medal dispensing unit 19, a coin processing unit 20, a banknote processing unit 21, a control unit 22, a timer means 23, and a power supply unit 24.

  Here, the selection button 11 includes buttons as shown in FIG. 4 and is a button for selecting the number of medals purchased by the customer. The selection button 11 includes a light emitting diode or the like. And when a customer inserts money, the light emitting diode of the button part which can be selected within the amount of money under the control of the control part 22 is light-emitted, and it lights or blinks.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the button “button No. 1” is a selection button for paying out “50 medals” with an insertion amount “500 yen”. Further, the button “button No. 2” is a selection button for paying out “105 medals” with an insertion amount “1000 yen”. Further, the button “button No. 3” is a selection button for paying out “220 medals” with an insertion amount “2000 yen”. In addition, the button “button No. 4” is a selection button for paying out “350” medals with an insertion amount “3000 yen”. In addition, the button “button No. 5” is a selection button for paying out “600 medals” with an insertion amount “5000 yen”. In this embodiment, the basic example is a case where a medal is lent out for 10 yen, and a premium (extra) is attached for 1000 yen or more. Also, in this example, when the medal take-out port 15, that is, when the allowable medal capacity of the cup is “300”, No. 4 button ("350 sheets") and No. 4 An example in which 5 buttons (“600 sheets”) are provided is shown. That is, the control unit 22 of the medal lending machine 1 holds the setting table information as shown in FIG. 4 and the medal accommodation allowable amount information, and the medal is based on the setting information of the setting table and the medal accommodation allowable amount information. Control lending processing.

  The guidance unit 12 is a display unit that displays contents for notifying the customer of operation information and the like of the medal lending machine 1, and includes a liquid crystal screen, for example. In particular, this embodiment is used to display device operation information when a large number of medals are divided and discharged, information for prompting a customer, and the like.

  The coin slot 13 is a coin slot and is connected to the internal coin processing unit 20.

  The banknote entrance / exit 14 is an entrance / exit of banknotes, and is connected to the internal banknote processing unit 21 and arranged.

  The medal outlet 15 is a mouth for a customer to take out a paid-out medal, that is, in this embodiment, a cup containing the paid-out medal.

  The throw-out button 16 is a button for the customer to instruct the discharge of the remaining medals for each division when the medals exceeding the predetermined number (the allowable medal amount of the cup) are divided and discharged.

  The cup throwing unit 17 stores a plurality of cups to be thrown in advance, and throws the cup into the medal outlet 15 when the medal is paid out. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the cup dispensing unit 17 includes a cup storage unit, a cup dispensing mechanism unit, a cup sensor, and the like. Here, the cup storage part is a part that stores in advance the cup replenished by a store clerk or the like. The cup throwing mechanism section has a drive motor and the like, and throws the cups stored in the cup storage section into the medal outlet 15 under the control of the control section 22. Further, the cup sensor detects that the cup stored in the cup storage portion has been exhausted. When it is detected by the cup sensor that there is no cup, for example, the guidance unit 12 has “no cup” in order to notify the store clerk that there is no cup under the control of the control unit 22. Please replenish. "Or turn on a predetermined lamp.

  The cup detection sensor 18 is a sensor that detects whether or not there is a cup at the medal outlet 15. For example, if a translucent state in which light is transmitted between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit is detected, it is determined that there is no cup. On the other hand, a light blocking state in which light is blocked between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit is detected. If so, it is determined that there is a cup.

  The medal throwing unit 19 stores a plurality of medals to be paid out in advance, and performs a process of discharging the number of medals specified by the customer toward the cup thrown into the medal outlet 15. As shown in FIG. 3, the medal throwing unit 19 includes a medal storage unit, a medal throwing mechanism unit, a counting sensor, and an empty sensor. Here, the medal storage part is a part for storing medals replenished by a store clerk or the like in advance in the device. The medal throwing mechanism unit has a drive motor and the like, and discharges medals stored in the medal storage unit to the medal removal port 15 under the control of the control unit 22. The counting sensor counts medals ejected by the medal throwing mechanism and is used for counting when the designated number of medals are ejected. When the empty sensor detects that there are no medals, for example, the guidance unit 12 indicates that “there is no medals” in order to notify the store clerk that there are no medals under the control of the control unit 22. Please replenish. "Or turn on a predetermined lamp.

  A coin processing unit (also referred to as a coin mech unit) 20 identifies and stores the received coins, and performs a process of paying out coins to be returned or changed.

  A banknote processing unit (also referred to as a B / V unit) 21 performs processing for identifying and storing the received banknotes and paying out banknotes to be returned banknotes or change.

  The control unit 22 controls the entire medal lending machine 1 as a whole, and controls processing operations of other components connected to the medal lending machine 1 as shown in FIG.

  The timer unit 23 is a counting unit that counts a predetermined time.

  The power supply unit 24 is a power supply unit that supplies power necessary for performing processing operations in the medal lending machine 1 to each component unit. For example, commercial power is supplied from the outside through a power plug or the like.

Next, a description will be given of a medal discharge processing operation procedure in the case where the number of medals to be lent exceeding the cup allowable amount that allows the cup to accept medals is specified in the above configuration.

  [1] First, when medals exceeding the cup allowance are specified, when a specified number of medals are discharged in multiple batches, a fixed number of medals are discharged each time. Will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, regarding the processing operation of [1], the condition that the medal lending machine performs the second and subsequent divided discharges in the case of divided discharge processing is as follows: [Condition 1 (A certain time has elapsed since the previous discharge) ], [Condition 2 (A predetermined discharge instruction operation has been performed by the customer)], [Condition 3 (Detected that the container has been removed)] will be described. 5 to 8 exemplify the case where the cup allowable amount is set to “300 medals” and the fixed number is set to “300 medals”. It may be the quantity. However, for a certain number of sheets, a value that does not exceed the cup allowable amount is set.

  First, the processing operation of [Condition 1 (A fixed time has passed since the previous discharge)] will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows a case where, when a medal loan exceeding the cup allowance is specified, when a specified number of medals are discharged in multiple batches, a certain number of medals are discharged each time. In particular, in this case, when the medals with the number of lents exceeding the cup allowance are discharged in multiple times, the next medal discharge process is automatically performed on condition that a certain time has passed since the previous discharge. It is a flowchart which shows the medal | token discharge process procedure in a case.

  In FIG. 5, first, when a customer deposits money from the coin slot 13 or the banknote slot 14 (step S101), the medal lending machine 1 starts this process. At this time, in the medal lending machine 1, a button equal to or less than the inserted amount of the selection buttons 11 is turned on in accordance with the inserted amount to make it selectable.

  Thereafter, when any of the selection buttons 11 is pressed by the customer (step S102), in the medal lending machine 1, the pressed button is equal to or less than a predetermined number, that is, a cup allowable amount ("medal: 300 sheets"). It is determined whether or not the button is an instruction for paying out the medal Y (step S103). In the process of step S103, whether or not the remaining payout number is equal to or less than the cup allowable amount ("medal: 300 sheets") at the time of return from step S108 described later, that is, at the time of a plurality of divided discharge processes. Determine.

  For example, if the customer is pressing a button that is less than or equal to the cup allowable amount (any one of the “button No. 1” to “button No. 3”), the medal lending machine 1 has the setting shown in FIG. It is determined that the button pressed based on the information is a button for instructing the payout of medals Y that are less than or equal to the cup allowable amount (YES in step S103). Then, the process proceeds to step S104. First, the cup X is thrown out from the cup throwing unit 17, and then the number of medals Y specified by the pressed button is discharged toward the cup X that has been thrown out at a time. To do. Note that in the process of step S104, it is determined that the return from step S108, which will be described later, that is, a plurality of divided discharge processes, is performed, and in the process of step S103, the remaining payout number is equal to or less than the cup allowable amount. If it is, the cup X is dispensed from the cup dispensing unit 17, and then the remaining medals Y for the number of dispensed sheets are discharged at a time toward the cup X that has been dispensed.

  On the other hand, if the customer is pressing a button exceeding the cup allowable amount (any one of the “button No. 4” and “button No. 5”), the medal lending machine 1 has the setting shown in FIG. It is determined that the button pressed based on the information is a button for instructing the payout of medals exceeding the cup allowable amount (step S103 NO). Thereafter, the cup X is thrown out from the cup throwing unit 17, and then a predetermined number of preset medals ("medal: 300 pieces") of medals Y are discharged toward the cup X that has been thrown out (step S105). . At this time, the medal lending machine 1 stores the remaining number information obtained by subtracting a certain number of discharged sheets from the total number specified by the customer. That is, [specified number of sheets (M)] − [fixed number of discharged sheets “300 sheets”] = [remaining number of sheets “N sheets”] is calculated and the remaining number information is stored.

  Then, after the discharge is completed, the timer unit 23 is used to count a predetermined time set in advance (step S106), and the guidance unit 12 includes information indicating subsequent device operations, instruction information for the customer, and the like. Guidance information is displayed (step S107). As guidance information, for example, in this case, “the remaining medals are automatically discharged after a certain period of time. Display a message.

  Here, when a predetermined time elapses due to the counting process (YES in step S108), the process returns to step S103 and the above-described process is performed, so that the remaining number of medals to be paid out are discharged.

  A specific example will be described in the processing procedure of FIG.

  For example, if the customer presses the button “button No. 1” (the button that pays out 50 sheets for 500 yen) as the button below the cup allowable amount, “YES” is obtained in the process of step S103, and step S104 is performed. Then, the designated number “50” medals are discharged at a time.

  Also, for example, if the customer presses the button “button No. 4” (button for paying 350 sheets for 3000 yen) as a button exceeding the cup allowable amount, “NO” is obtained in the process of step S103. In step S105, "300 sheets" of medals are discharged at a time as a fixed number, and the remaining number from [specified number "350 sheets"]-[fixed number of sheets "300 sheets"] = [remaining number "50 sheets"]. “50 sheets” is stored as information. Thereafter, after a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S108), the process returns to step S103, where it is determined that the remaining number “50” is equal to or less than the predetermined number “300” and becomes “YES”. Then, based on the stored remaining number information “50 sheets”, medals for the remaining number “50 sheets” are discharged at a time.

  Next, the processing operation of [Condition 2 (a predetermined discharge instruction operation has been performed by the customer)] will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows a case in which when a medal lending amount exceeding the cup allowable amount is designated, when a specified number of medals are to be ejected in a plurality of times, a certain number of medals are ejected each time. In particular, in this case, when the medals with the number of loans more than the cup allowance are discharged in multiple batches, the next divided medal discharge process is performed on the condition that the instruction operation to discharge the remaining amount is performed by the customer. It is a flowchart which shows the medal | token discharge process procedure in the case of performing.

  In FIG. 6, first, when a customer deposits money from the coin slot 13 or the banknote slot 14 (step S201), the medal lending machine 1 starts this process. At this time, in the medal lending machine 1, a button equal to or less than the inserted amount of the selection buttons 11 is turned on in accordance with the inserted amount to make it selectable.

  Thereafter, when the customer presses any one of the selection buttons 11 (step S202), in the medal lending machine 1, the pressed button is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number, that is, a cup allowable amount ("medal: 300 sheets"). It is determined whether or not the button is for instructing to pay out the medal Y (step S203). Also, in the process of step S203, whether or not the remaining payout number is equal to or less than the cup allowable amount ("medal: 300 sheets") when returning from step S207, which will be described later, that is, when performing a plurality of divided discharge processes. Determine.

  For example, if the customer is pressing a button that is less than or equal to the cup allowable amount (any one of the “button No. 1” to “button No. 3”), the medal lending machine 1 has the setting shown in FIG. It is determined that the button pressed based on the information is a button for instructing the payout of medals Y that are less than or equal to the cup allowable amount (YES in step S203). Then, the process proceeds to step S204, where the cup X is first thrown from the cup throwing unit 17, and then the medals Y of the number specified by the pressed button are ejected at once toward the cup X that has been thrown. To do. In the process of step S204, it is determined at the time of return from step S207 described later, that is, at the time of a plurality of divided discharge processes, and in the process of step S203, it is determined that the remaining payout number is less than the cup allowable amount. If it is, the cup X is dispensed from the cup dispensing unit 17, and then the remaining medals Y for the number of dispensed sheets are discharged at a time toward the cup X that has been dispensed.

  On the other hand, if the customer is pressing a button exceeding the cup allowable amount (any one of the “button No. 4” and “button No. 5”), the medal lending machine 1 has the setting shown in FIG. It is determined that the button pressed based on the information is a button for instructing the payout of medals exceeding the cup allowable amount (NO in step S203). Thereafter, the cup X is thrown from the cup throwing unit 17, and then a predetermined number of medals Y ("medal: 300 pieces") are discharged toward the cup X that has been thrown (step S205). . At this time, the medal lending machine 1 stores the remaining number information obtained by subtracting a certain number of discharged sheets from the total number specified by the customer. That is, [specified number of sheets (M)] − [fixed number of discharged sheets “300 sheets”] = [remaining number of sheets “N sheets”] is calculated and the remaining number information is stored.

The processing so far is the same as the processing in FIG.
Then, after the discharge is completed, guidance information such as information indicating the subsequent device operation and instruction information for the customer is displayed on the guidance unit 12 and the customer presses the discharge button 16 for instructing the remaining discharge. Whether or not (step S206 and step S207). As guidance information, for example, in this case, “medals to be ejected remain, so remove the medals ejected to the medal outlet and remove the cups and then press the throw button”. Display a message.

  Here, when the throw-out button 16 is pressed by the customer (YES in step S207), the process returns to step S203 and the above-described processing is performed, so that the remaining number of medals to be paid out are discharged. .

  A specific example will be described in the processing procedure of FIG.

  For example, if the customer presses the button “button No. 1” (the button that pays out 50 sheets for 500 yen) as the button below the cup allowable amount, “YES” is obtained in the process of step S203, and step S204 is performed. Then, the designated number “50” medals are discharged at a time.

  Further, for example, if the customer presses the button “button No. 4” (button for paying 350 sheets for 3000 yen) as a button exceeding the cup allowable amount, “NO” is obtained in the process of step S203 above. In step S205, “300 sheets” of medals are discharged at a time as a fixed number, and at the same time, [specified number “350 sheets”] − [fixed number of sheets “300 sheets”] = [remaining number of sheets “50 sheets”] “50 sheets” is stored as information. Thereafter, when the throw-out button 16 is pressed by the customer (YES in step S207), the process returns to step S203 to determine that the remaining number “50” is equal to or less than the predetermined number “300” and becomes “YES”. Then, the process proceeds to step S204, and medals corresponding to the remaining number “50” are discharged at a time based on the stored remaining number information “50”.

  Next, the processing operation of [Condition 3 (detected that the container has been removed)] will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows a case in which when a medal lending amount exceeding the cup allowable amount is designated, when medals corresponding to the designated lending number are ejected in a plurality of times, a certain number of medals are ejected each time. In particular, in this case, it is a condition that when the medals with the number of loans more than the allowable amount of cups are discharged in a plurality of times, it is detected that the cup thrown into the medal outlet 15 has been removed by the customer. It is a flowchart which shows the medal discharge process procedure in the case of performing the next division medal discharge process.

  In FIG. 7, first, when a customer deposits money from the coin slot 13 or the banknote slot 14 (step S301), the medal lending machine 1 starts this process. At this time, in the medal lending machine 1, a button equal to or less than the inserted amount of the selection buttons 11 is turned on in accordance with the inserted amount to make it selectable.

  Thereafter, when any of the selection buttons 11 is pressed by the customer (step S302), in the medal lending machine 1, the pressed button is equal to or less than a predetermined number, that is, a cup allowable amount ("medal: 300 sheets"). It is determined whether or not the button is an instruction for paying out the medal Y (step S303). Further, in the process of step S303, at the time of return from step S307, which will be described later, that is, at the time of a plurality of divided discharge processes, whether or not the remaining payout number is equal to or less than the cup allowable amount (“medal: 300 sheets”). Determine.

  For example, if the customer is pressing a button that is less than or equal to the cup allowable amount (any one of the “button No. 1” to “button No. 3”), the medal lending machine 1 has the setting shown in FIG. It is determined that the button pressed based on the information is a button for instructing the payout of medals Y that are less than or equal to the cup allowable amount (YES in step S303). Then, the process proceeds to step S304. First, the cup X is thrown out from the cup throwing unit 17, and then the number of medals Y specified by the pressed button are discharged at a time toward the cup X that has been thrown out. To do. In the process of step S304, it is determined that the return from step S307, which will be described later, that is, a plurality of divided discharge processes, is performed, and in step S303, the remaining payout number is equal to or less than the cup allowable amount. If it is, the cup X is dispensed from the cup dispensing unit 17, and then the remaining medals Y for the number of dispensed sheets are discharged at a time toward the cup X that has been dispensed.

  On the other hand, if the customer is pressing a button exceeding the cup allowable amount (any one of the “button No. 4” and “button No. 5”), the medal lending machine 1 has the setting shown in FIG. It is determined that the button pressed based on the information is a button for instructing the payout of medals exceeding the cup allowable amount (NO in step S303). Thereafter, the cup X is thrown from the cup throwing unit 17, and thereafter, a predetermined number of preset medals ("medal: 300") medals Y are discharged toward the cup X that has been thrown (step S305). . At this time, the medal lending machine 1 stores the remaining number information obtained by subtracting a certain number of discharged sheets from the total number specified by the customer. That is, [specified number of sheets (M)] − [fixed number of discharged sheets “300 sheets”] = [remaining number of sheets “N sheets”] is calculated and the remaining number information is stored.

  Note that the processing up to this point is the same as the processing of FIGS.

  After the discharge is completed, guidance information such as information indicating subsequent device operation and instruction information for the customer is displayed on the guidance unit 12, and the cup thrown out to the medal outlet 15 is removed by the customer. Wait (step S306 and step S307). As guidance information, for example, in this case, a message such as “There are medals to be discharged. When the medals discharged to the medal outlet are removed for each cup, the remaining medals are automatically discharged.” Is displayed.

  Here, if it is detected using the cup detection sensor 18 that the thrown-off cup has been removed by the customer (YES in step S307), the process returns to step S303 and the above-described processing is performed, so that it is not dispensed. Discharge the remaining number of medals.

  A specific example will be described in the processing procedure of FIG.

  For example, if the customer presses the “button No. 1” button (the button that pays out 50 sheets for 500 yen) as the button below the cup allowable amount, “YES” is obtained in the process of step S303, and the above step S304. Then, the designated number “50” medals are discharged at a time.

  Also, for example, if the customer presses the button “button No. 4” (the button that pays out 350 sheets for 3000 yen) as a button that exceeds the cup allowable amount, the process in step S303 results in “NO”. In step S305, a predetermined number of “300” medals are discharged at one time, and the remaining number from [specified number “350”] − [fixed number “300”] = [remaining number “50”]. “50 sheets” is stored as information. Thereafter, when it is detected using the cup detection sensor 18 that the thrown-out cup has been removed by the customer (YES in step S307), the process returns to step S303, and the remaining number “50” is the predetermined number “300”. Is determined to be “YES” or less, and “YES” is determined. The process proceeds to step S304, and medals corresponding to the remaining number “50” are discharged at a time based on the stored remaining number information “50”.

[2] Next, when a medal loan exceeding the cup allowable amount is designated, when medals corresponding to the designated number of loans are discharged in a plurality of times, as in [1] above, each time Rather than discharge with a fixed (fixed) number, calculate the calculated number of discharges per shot that does not exceed the specified amount and does not exceed the specified amount and is extremely small or not biased each time. A case where the discharge process is performed according to the above will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, in the processing operation [2], as in the case of [1], the condition that the medal lending machine performs the second and subsequent divided discharges in the case of the divided discharge process is described as [condition 1 (previous )], [Condition 2 (A predetermined discharge instruction operation was performed by the customer)], [Condition 3 (Detected that the container was removed)] Will be described. 8 to 10 exemplify the case where the cup allowable amount is set to “300 medals” and the fixed number is set to “300 medals”. It may be a quantity.

  First, the processing operation of [Condition 1 (a certain time has passed since the previous discharge)] will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 shows that when a medal loan exceeding the cup allowable amount is designated, when a specified number of medals are discharged in multiple times, the predetermined amount is not exceeded according to the total payout number and This is a case of calculating the number of discharged sheets per time that is extremely small or not biased each time, and discharging according to the calculated value. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a medal discharge process procedure when a next medal discharge process is automatically performed on condition that a fixed time has elapsed since the previous discharge when discharging processes divided into times.

  In FIG. 8, first, when a customer deposits money from the coin slot 13 or the banknote slot 14 (step S401), the medal lending machine 1 starts this process. At this time, in the medal lending machine 1, a button equal to or less than the inserted amount of the selection buttons 11 is turned on in accordance with the inserted amount to make it selectable.

  Thereafter, when the customer presses any of the selection buttons 11 (step S402), in the medal lending machine 1, the pressed button is equal to or less than a predetermined number, that is, a cup allowable amount ("medal: 300 sheets"). It is determined whether or not the button is an instruction for paying out the medal Y (step S403).

  For example, if the customer is pressing a button that is less than or equal to the cup allowable amount (any one of the “button No. 1” to “button No. 3”), the medal lending machine 1 has the setting shown in FIG. It is determined that the button pressed based on the information is a button for instructing the payout of medals Y having a cup allowable amount or less (YES in step S403). Then, the process proceeds to step S404, where the cup X is first thrown from the cup throwing unit 17, and then the medals Y corresponding to the number of sheets designated by the pressed button are ejected all at once toward the cup X that has been thrown. To do.

  On the other hand, if the customer is pressing a button exceeding the cup allowable amount (any one of the “button No. 4” and “button No. 5”), the medal lending machine 1 has the setting shown in FIG. It is determined that the button pressed based on the information is a button for instructing the payout of medals exceeding the cup allowable amount (NO in step S403).

  Thereafter, the number of discharged sheets per time at the time of divided discharge is calculated according to the specified number of sheets (step S405). That is, according to the designated total payout number, the number of discharged sheets per one time that does not exceed the cup allowable amount (“medal: 300 sheets”) and that is extremely small or not biased every time is calculated. The number of discharged sheets for each time is stored.

  Thereafter, the medal discharge process is performed for each time based on the number of discharged sheets determined for each time. First, as a first medal discharge process, a cup X is thrown from the cup throwing unit 17, and the medals Y corresponding to the discharged number are thrown according to the value calculated in step S405, that is, the first discharged number value. It discharges toward X (step S406). In the process of step S406, when the discharge of all medals for the specified number of sheets is completed, the process here ends.

  Then, after the discharge is completed, the timer unit 23 is used to count a predetermined time set in advance (step S407), and the guidance unit 12 includes information indicating subsequent device operations, instruction information for customers, and the like. Guidance information is displayed (step S408). As guidance information, for example, in this case, “the remaining medals are automatically discharged after a certain period of time. Display a message.

  Here, when a predetermined time has elapsed due to the counting process (YES in step S409), the process returns to step S406 and the above-described processes are performed, so that the remaining number of medals to be paid out are discharged.

  A specific example will be described in the processing procedure of FIG.

  For example, if the customer presses the button “button No. 1” (the button that pays out 50 sheets for 500 yen) as the button below the cup allowable amount, “YES” is obtained in the process of step S403, and step S404 is performed. Then, the designated number “50” medals are discharged at a time.

  Further, for example, if the customer presses the button “button No. 4” (button for paying 350 sheets for 3000 yen) as a button exceeding the cup allowable amount, “NO” is obtained in the process of step S403 above. In step S405, in accordance with the designated total payout number “350”, the number of discharged sheets per time that does not exceed the cup allowable amount (“300 medals:”) and is extremely small or not biased each time. calculate. That is, the first time “300 sheets” is not biased to the second time “50 sheets”. For example, the first time “200 sheets” is obtained, and the second time “150 sheets” is obtained. Are stored (first “200 sheets”, second “150 sheets”). In step S406, 200 medals are ejected based on the first ejection number value “200”. Thereafter, after a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S409), the process returns to step S406, and 150 medals are discharged based on the second discharge number value “150”.

  Next, the processing operation of [Condition 2 (a predetermined discharge instruction operation has been performed by the customer)] will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows that when a medal loan exceeding the cup allowable amount is specified, when the specified number of medals are discharged in multiple times, the predetermined amount is not exceeded in accordance with the total payout number and This is a case of calculating the number of discharged sheets per time that is extremely small or not biased each time, and discharging according to the calculated value. It is a flowchart which shows the medal discharge process procedure in the case of performing the next division medal discharge process on condition that the instruction | indication operation which discharges the remaining part was performed by the customer when discharging process in divided.

  In FIG. 9, first, when a customer deposits money from the coin slot 13 or the banknote slot 14 (step S501), the medal lending machine 1 starts this process. At this time, in the medal lending machine 1, a button equal to or less than the inserted amount of the selection buttons 11 is turned on in accordance with the inserted amount to make it selectable.

  Thereafter, when any of the selection buttons 11 is pressed by the customer (step S502), in the medal lending machine 1, the pressed button is equal to or less than a predetermined number, that is, a cup allowable amount ("medal: 300 sheets"). It is determined whether or not the button is for instructing to pay out the medal Y (step S503).

  For example, if the customer is pressing a button that is less than or equal to the cup allowable amount (any one of the “button No. 1” to “button No. 3”), the medal lending machine 1 has the setting shown in FIG. It is determined that the button pressed based on the information is a button for instructing the payout of medals Y that are less than or equal to the cup allowable amount (step S503 YES). Then, the process proceeds to step S504. First, the cup X is thrown from the cup throwing unit 17, and then, the number of medals Y specified by the pressed button are ejected all at once toward the cup X that has been thrown out. To do.

  On the other hand, if the customer is pressing a button exceeding the cup allowable amount (any one of the “button No. 4” and “button No. 5”), the medal lending machine 1 has the setting shown in FIG. It is determined that the button pressed based on the information is a button for instructing the payout of medals exceeding the cup allowable amount (NO in step S503).

  Thereafter, the number of discharged sheets per time at the time of divided discharge is calculated according to the specified number of sheets (step S505). That is, according to the designated total payout number, the number of discharged sheets per one time that does not exceed the cup allowable amount (“medal: 300 sheets”) and that is extremely small or not biased every time is calculated. The number of discharged sheets for each time is stored.

  Thereafter, the medal discharge process is performed for each time based on the number of discharged sheets determined for each time. First, as a first medal discharge process, a cup X is thrown from the cup throwing unit 17, and the medals Y corresponding to the discharged number are thrown according to the value calculated in step S405, that is, the first discharged number value. It discharges toward X (step S506). In the process of step S506, if the discharge of all medals for the specified number of sheets is completed, the process here ends.

The processing so far is the same as the processing in FIG.
Then, after the discharge is completed, guidance information such as information indicating the subsequent device operation and instruction information for the customer is displayed on the guidance unit 12 and the customer presses the discharge button 16 for instructing the remaining discharge. Whether or not (step S507 and step S508). As guidance information, for example, in this case, “medals to be ejected remain, so remove the medals ejected to the medal outlet and remove the cups and then press the throw button”. Display a message.

  Here, when the throw-out button 16 is pressed by the customer (YES in step S508), the process returns to step S506 and the above-described processing is performed, so that the remaining number of medals to be paid out are discharged. .

  A specific example of the processing procedure in FIG. 9 will be described.

  For example, if the customer presses the button “button No. 1” (the button that pays out 50 sheets for 500 yen) as the button below the cup allowable amount, “YES” is obtained in step S503, and step S504 is performed. Then, the designated number “50” medals are discharged at a time.

  Further, for example, if the customer presses the button “button No. 4” (button for paying 350 sheets for 3000 yen) as a button exceeding the cup allowable amount, “NO” is obtained in the process of step S503, and the above In step S505, in accordance with the designated total payout number “350”, the number of discharged sheets per time that does not exceed the cup allowable amount (“medal: 300 sheets”) and is extremely small or not biased each time. calculate. That is, the first time “300 sheets” is not biased to the second time “50 sheets”. For example, the first time “200 sheets” is obtained, and the second time “150 sheets” is obtained. Are stored (first “200 sheets”, second “150 sheets”). In step S506, 200 medals are ejected based on the first ejection number value “200”. Thereafter, when the throw-out button 16 is pressed by the customer (YES in step S508), the process returns to step S506, and 150 medals are discharged based on the second discharge number value “150”.

  Next, the processing operation of [Condition 3 (detected that the container has been removed)] will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows that when a medal loan exceeding the cup allowable amount is designated, when a specified number of medals are discharged in multiple times, the predetermined amount is not exceeded according to the total payout number and This is a case of calculating the number of discharged sheets per time that is extremely small or not biased each time, and discharging according to the calculated value. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a medal discharge process procedure when performing the next divided medal discharge process on the condition that it is detected that the cup thrown out to the medal outlet 15 is removed by the customer when the discharge process is divided into times. is there.

  In FIG. 10, first, when a customer deposits money from the coin slot 13 or the banknote slot 14 (step S601), the medal lending machine 1 starts this process. At this time, in the medal lending machine 1, a button equal to or less than the inserted amount of the selection buttons 11 is turned on in accordance with the inserted amount to make it selectable.

  Thereafter, when any of the selection buttons 11 is pressed by the customer (step S602), in the medal lending machine 1, the pressed button is equal to or less than a predetermined number, that is, a cup allowable amount ("medal: 300 sheets"). It is determined whether or not the button is for instructing the payout of the medal Y (step S603).

  For example, if the customer is pressing a button that is less than or equal to the cup allowable amount (any one of the “button No. 1” to “button No. 3”), the medal lending machine 1 has the setting shown in FIG. It is determined that the button pressed based on the information is a button for instructing the payout of medals Y that are less than or equal to the cup allowable amount (YES in step S603). Then, the process proceeds to step S604, where the cup X is first thrown from the cup throwing unit 17, and then the medals Y of the number specified by the pressed button are ejected all at once toward the cup X that has been thrown. To do.

  On the other hand, if the customer is pressing a button exceeding the cup allowable amount (any one of the “button No. 4” and “button No. 5”), the medal lending machine 1 has the setting shown in FIG. It is determined that the button pressed based on the information is a button for instructing the payout of medals exceeding the cup allowable amount (NO in step S603).

  Thereafter, the number of discharged sheets per time at the time of divided discharge is calculated according to the specified number of sheets (step S605). That is, according to the designated total payout number, the number of discharged sheets per one time that does not exceed the cup allowable amount (“medal: 300 sheets”) and that is extremely small or not biased every time is calculated. The number of discharged sheets for each time is stored.

  Thereafter, the medal discharge process is performed for each time based on the number of discharged sheets determined for each time. First, as a first medal discharge process, a cup X is thrown from the cup throwing unit 17, and the medals Y corresponding to the discharged number are thrown according to the value calculated in step S405, that is, the first discharged number value. It discharges toward X (step S606). In the process of step S606, when the discharge of all medals for the specified number of sheets is completed, the process here ends.

Note that the processing up to this point is the same as the processing in FIGS.
After the discharge is completed, guidance information such as information indicating subsequent device operation and instruction information for the customer is displayed on the guidance unit 12, and the cup thrown out to the medal outlet 15 is removed by the customer. Wait (step S607 and step S608). As guidance information, for example, in this case, a message such as “There are medals to be discharged. When the medals discharged to the medal outlet are removed for each cup, the remaining medals are automatically discharged.” Is displayed.

  Here, if it is detected using the cup detection sensor 18 that the dispensed cup has been removed by the customer (YES in step S608), the process returns to step S606 and the above-described processing is performed, so that no payment is required. Discharge the remaining number of medals.

  A specific example will be described in the processing procedure of FIG.

  For example, if the customer presses the “button No. 1” button (the button that pays out 50 sheets for 500 yen) as the button below the cup allowable amount, “YES” is obtained in the process of step S603, and step S604 is performed. Then, the designated number “50” medals are discharged at a time.

  Further, for example, if the customer presses the button “button No. 4” (button for paying 350 sheets for 3000 yen) as a button exceeding the cup allowable amount, “NO” is obtained in the process of step S503, and the above In step S605, in accordance with the designated total payout number “350”, the number of discharged sheets per time that does not exceed the cup allowable amount (“medal: 300 sheets”) and is extremely small or not biased each time is determined. calculate. That is, the first time “300 sheets” is not biased to the second time “50 sheets”. For example, the first time “200 sheets” is obtained, and the second time “150 sheets” is obtained. Are stored (first “200 sheets”, second “150 sheets”). In step S606, 200 medals are ejected based on the first ejection number value “200”. Thereafter, when it is detected by the customer that the cup thrown into the medal removal opening 15 is removed by using the cup detection sensor 18 (step S608 YES), the process returns to step S606 to return to the second ejection number value “150”. ”To discharge 150 medals.

  Next, a modification of the embodiment described above will be described.

  That is, in the above-described embodiment, the processing procedure in the case where the dedicated throw button 16 is provided to instruct the discharge of the remaining medals at the time of divided discharge is shown in the flow of FIG. 6 and FIG. In addition, the pressed selection button may be kept in a blinking state, and when the selection button is pressed again, the remaining medals may be paid out. At this time, guidance information that prompts the user to press the selection button when the remaining medals are discharged is displayed on the guidance unit 12.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments [1] and [2], [Condition 1 (a certain time has passed since the previous discharge)] and [Condition 2 (a predetermined discharge instruction operation was performed by the customer) )] And [Condition 3 (detected that the container has been removed)]. However, in each of [1] and [2], [Condition 1] and [ Condition 2] may be combined.

  In this case, basically, waiting for pressing of the throw button, selection button, etc., but if there is no pressing operation within a certain time, the remaining medals are discharged. The processing procedure in this case is shown in FIG. 11 as a modified example in the case of [1], and shown in FIG. 12 as a modified example in the case of [2].

  According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to prevent the customer from forgetting to receive the remaining medals due to forgetting to press the discharge instruction button.

  Another modification will be described with reference to FIG.

  That is, in the embodiment of FIG. 13, when a pausing button is newly provided that allows the customer to instruct to temporarily stop the ejecting operation during the ejecting operation of the game media when ejecting a predetermined amount or more of the game media. The processing operation procedure is shown.

  In FIG. 13, first, when a customer deposits money from the coin slot 13 or the banknote slot 14 (step S901), the medal lending machine 1 starts this process. At this time, in the medal lending machine 1, a button equal to or less than the inserted amount of the selection buttons 11 is turned on in accordance with the inserted amount to make it selectable.

  Thereafter, when any of the selection buttons 11 is pressed by the customer (step S902), in the medal lending machine 1, the pressed button is equal to or less than a predetermined number, that is, a cup allowable amount ("medal: 300 sheets"). It is determined whether or not the button is for instructing the payout of the medal Y (step S903). Further, in the process of step S903, when returning from step S911 described later, that is, when there are still remaining discharged medals, the pause button is pressed, and when the conditions for discharging the remaining medals are met, the remaining It is determined whether or not the payout number is equal to or less than the cup allowable amount (“medal: 300 sheets”).

  For example, if the customer is pressing a button that is less than or equal to the cup allowable amount (any one of the “button No. 1” to “button No. 3”), the medal lending machine 1 has the setting shown in FIG. It is determined that the button pressed based on the information is a button for instructing the payout of medals Y that are less than or equal to the cup allowable amount (YES in step S903). Then, the process proceeds to step S904. First, the cup X is thrown from the cup throwing unit 17, and thereafter, the number of medals Y specified by the pressed button are directed to the thrown cup X at a time. Discharge. In the process of step S904, when returning from step S911, which will be described later, and in the process of step S903, if it is determined that the remaining payout number is less than the cup allowable amount, cup throwing is performed. The cup X is thrown out from the dispensing unit 17, and then the remaining medals Y for the number of payouts are discharged at a time toward the cup X that has been thrown out.

  On the other hand, if the customer is pressing a button exceeding the cup allowable amount (any one of the “button No. 4” and “button No. 5”), the medal lending machine 1 has the setting shown in FIG. It is determined that the button pressed based on the information is a button for instructing the payout of medals exceeding the cup allowable amount (NO in step S903). Thereafter, a cup X is thrown from the cup throwing unit 17, and thereafter, a processing operation for discharging the specified number of medals Y toward the thrown cup X is started, and a medal discharge process is performed (step S905).

  Thereafter, the medal lending machine 1 waits for the customer to press the pause button (step S905), and determines whether or not all of the designated number of medals have been discharged by the medal discharge process (step S907).

  Here, if all the medals for the designated number have been discharged before the pause button is pressed (YES in step S907), the process here ends.

  On the other hand, if it is detected that the pause button has been pressed before all the medals for the designated number are ejected (YES in step S906), the medal ejection processing operation is stopped (step S908). At this time, the medal lending machine 1 stores the remaining number information obtained by subtracting the number of discharged sheets from the total number of discharged sheets. The remaining number information is used at the time of the determination in step S903.

  Then, after the discharging operation is stopped, the timer unit 23 is used to count a predetermined time (step S909), and guidance information such as information indicating subsequent device operation in the guidance unit 12 and instruction information for the customer. Is displayed (step S910). As guidance information, for example, in this case, “the remaining medals are automatically discharged after a certain period of time. Display a message.

  Here, when a certain time has elapsed due to the counting process (YES in step S911), the process returns to step S903 and the above-described process is performed, so that the remaining number of medals to be paid out are discharged.

  A specific example of the processing procedure in FIG. 9 will be described.

  For example, if the customer presses the button “button No. 1” (the button that pays out 50 cards for 500 yen) as the button below the cup allowable amount, the medal lending machine 1 sets “YES” in the process of step S903. The process proceeds to step S904, and the designated number “50” medals are discharged at a time.

  Further, for example, if the customer presses the button “button No. 4” (button for paying 350 sheets for 3000 yen) as a button exceeding the cup allowable amount, the medal lending machine 1 performs the process in step S903 above. “NO”, the medal discharge processing operation is started in step S905, and the medal discharge processing is performed. After that, for example, when the approximately 200th medal is discharged, when the “pause button” is pressed by the customer (step S906), for example, after the discharging of the 200th medal is completed, The medal discharging operation is stopped (step S908), and a predetermined time elapses (steps S909 to S911). In step S908, [350 sheets] − [200 sheets] = [150 sheets] is stored as remaining sheet number information.

  Thereafter, within a certain period of time, “200” medals discharged by the customer are removed from the medal outlet.

  In the medal lending machine 1, when a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S911), the process returns to step S903, and based on the stored remaining number information “150”, the remaining number is equal to or less than the predetermined number “300”. The determination process is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S904, and the remaining number of “150” medals are discharged at a time.

  According to such a configuration, during a plurality of discharge processing operations, the number of discharged sheets that does not exceed the allowable amount of the cup or medal outlet is set without setting a certain number of sheets that does not exceed the allowable amount of the cup or medal outlet. Without calculation, if the customer presses the “pause button” and removes the medals and cups that the customer discharged during the pause, the discharged medals overflow and spill out from the cup and medal outlet Can be prevented.

  In the processing procedure of FIG. 13, the timer method is used as a condition for discharging the remaining portion after the pause button is pressed. However, the above-described conditions are also adopted. You may do it. That is, the remaining amount may be discharged when it is detected that a predetermined operation (pressing the throwing button) is performed or that a medal (or cup) is removed.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, for convenience of explaining each of the above conditions {[Condition 1], [Condition 2] and [Condition 3]}, a throw button (16) and a cup detection sensor ( 18) and the timer unit (23) are all shown. However, as described above, when constructing a medal lending machine that performs only one of the processes of each condition, only the corresponding one is constructed. Should be prepared. That is, in the medal lending machine that performs only the processing of [Condition 1], the timer unit (23) is prepared without providing the throwing button (16) and the cup detection sensor (18). Further, in the medal lending machine that performs only the processing of [Condition 2], the cup detection sensor (18) and the timer unit (23) are not provided, and the throwing button (16) is prepared. Further, in the medal lending machine that performs only the processing of [Condition 3], the cup detection sensor (18) is prepared without providing the throwing button (16) and the timer unit (23). In addition, as described above, in the medal lending machine that performs the process combining [Condition 1] and [Condition 2], the cup detection sensor (18) is not provided, but the throw button (16) and the timer unit (23 ).

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a cup-type medal lending machine has been shown as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a general medal is directly discharged to a medal outlet without throwing out a cup. It may be applied to a normal type medal lending machine often used for

  In that case, as a configuration of the normal type medal lending machine, in the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, whether or not the cup throwing-out unit is removed and the medal at the medal outlet is removed instead of the cup detection sensor 18. A medal detection sensor is provided for detecting whether or not.

  As the processing operation, for example, the processing operation in which the container (cup) is not thrown out is performed in step S104 and step S105 of the processing flow shown in FIG.

  In addition, in step S204 and step S205 of the processing flow shown in FIG. 6, a processing operation that does not throw out the container (cup) is performed.

  Further, in step S304 and step S305 of the processing flow shown in FIG. 7, the container (cup) is not thrown out, and in step S307, it is determined whether or not the medal at the medal outlet has been removed using the medal detection sensor. When the medal detection sensor detects "no medal", the processing operation for transitioning to the remaining medal discharging process is performed.

  In addition, in step S404 and step S406 of the processing flow shown in FIG. 8 described above, a processing operation in which the container (cup) is not thrown out is performed.

  In addition, in step S504 and step S506 of the processing flow shown in FIG. 9, a processing operation that does not throw out the container (cup) is performed.

  Further, in step S604 and step S606 of the processing flow shown in FIG. 10, the container (cup) is not thrown out, and in step S608, it is determined whether or not the medal at the medal outlet has been removed using the medal detection sensor. When the medal detection sensor detects "no medal", the processing operation for transitioning to the remaining medal discharging process is performed.

  In the above embodiment, a medal lending machine that lends medals as a game medium has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to a game medium lending machine that lends coins or balls as game media. It may be acceptable.

  In the above embodiment, a game medium lending machine that accepts money (cash) and lends game media (medals etc.) is shown as an example, but other than this, not money (cash) but Edy (registered trademark). ) It may be applied to a game medium lending machine that lends game media (such as medals) based on the value of electronic money stored in association with a card (also referred to as an electronic money card).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration including the guidance unit 12 for displaying character information or the like is shown. However, the guidance unit is not provided, and voice guidance means or the like is provided so that guidance information is provided to the customer by voice. You may make it notify, You may provide both the guidance part 12 and the said audio | voice sounding means, and you may make it notify a customer of guidance information using both.

In the above-described embodiment, the selection button 11 has a button for lending medals having a number equal to or less than the allowable amount that the medal take-out port 15 or the cup X can store medals, and a button for lending a number of medals exceeding the allowable amount. However, the selection button 11 is not provided with a button for lending medals having a number equal to or less than the allowable amount, and is a button for lending medals having a number equal to or greater than the allowable amount. It may be configured to provide only the above.

  In such a configuration, for example, in the flow of FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 and FIG. 11 described above, it is determined whether or not the designated number or the remaining number in S103, S203, S303, and S703 is equal to or less than a predetermined number. As a separate determination process (S), each time the divided discharge process (including the first time) is performed, the remaining number of discharged sheets (including the designated number of sheets specified for the first time) is equal to or less than a predetermined number set in advance. It changes to the process which determines whether or not. In the separate determination process (S), if the remaining number of discharged sheets is not less than or equal to the predetermined number (NO), the subsequent process when “NO” is determined in the above-described determination process (S103, S203, S303, S703). On the other hand, if the remaining number of discharged sheets is equal to or less than the predetermined number (YES), the process of paying out all the remaining sheets at that time is performed.

  Further, in the flow of FIGS. 8 to 10 and FIG. 12 described above, the determination process for determining whether or not the specified number of sheets in S403, S503, S603, and S803 is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number is deleted. The processes in S504, S604, and S804 are also deleted. After that, the same processing is performed.

  Further, the number of premiums (service medals) shown in the above-mentioned embodiment may not be displayed so that the customer can understand the number of premiums (service medals) as shown in the selection button as shown in FIG. In other words, the regular number of sheets (for example, the number corresponding to the amount of money set by setting one sheet at 10 yen) “500 yen / 50 sheets”, “1000 yen / 100 sheets”, “2000 yen / 200 sheets” , “3000 yen / 300 sheets”, “5000 yen / 500 sheets”, etc., and change the number of premium (service medals) by year, month, day, and time according to the service type of the store. The total number of discharges in the above-described embodiment is handled by adding the premium (service medal) number of sheets set for the medal lending machine and the number of sheets set for each selection button. Alternatively, the number of users (for example, the 100th person) may be given a premier.

  That is, according to the present invention, when the total number of discharged sheets corresponding to the designated number exceeds the predetermined number (the medal allowable amount of the medal outlet or the cup), when discharging in multiple times, each time The discharge process may be controlled so that the number of discharged sheets does not exceed the predetermined number.

  According to the configuration described above, even when a large number of game media are paid out, it is possible to prevent the game media from overflowing from the take-out port or the container and jumping out of the device. It is possible to prevent the game medium from being clogged inside the passage for guiding the game medium. Specifically, device size reduction, device installation area reduction, manufacturing cost reduction, the average number of game media purchasers who wish to purchase at a time, and medals using cups When renting more than the allowable amount of game media in the game media outlet and game media container without changing the size of the game media outlet and game media container, considering the convenience of purchasers, etc. In addition, it is possible to prevent the game medium from overflowing from the outlet and the container and jumping out of the device, and to prevent the game medium from being clogged inside the passage leading the game medium for paying out to the outlet and the container. Can be prevented.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance schematic structure of the medal lending machine to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the internal schematic structure seen when the front door of the medal lending machine shown in FIG. 1 is opened. It is a figure which shows the structure at the time of blocking the function of the medal lending machine shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2. It is a figure which shows the payout medal number for every button of a selection button. It is a figure which shows processing operation by this invention. It is a figure which shows the processing operation by this invention. It is a figure which shows processing operation by this invention. It is a figure which shows the processing operation by this invention. It is a figure which shows processing operation by this invention. It is a figure which shows processing operation by this invention. It is a figure which shows the processing operation by this invention. It is a figure which shows the processing operation by this invention. It is a figure which shows the processing operation by this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Medal lending machine 11 ... Selection button 12 ... Guidance part 13 ... Coin deposit port 14 ... Bill inlet / outlet 15 ... Medal throwing port 16 ... Throw button 17 ... Cup throwing part 18 ... Cup detection sensor 19 ... Medal taking port 20 ... coin processing unit 21 ... banknote processing unit 22 ... control unit 23 ... timer unit 24 ... power supply unit X ... cup Y ... medal

Claims (12)

In a game media lending machine that performs a game media lending process in response to a lending request,
Setting means for setting a predetermined amount in advance;
A discharge processing unit that discharges the total amount of game media in a plurality of discharge operations when the total amount of game media to be lent in response to the loan request is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount set by the setting unit; A game medium lending machine comprising: The discharge processing means includes
In the case where the total amount of game media is discharged in multiple discharge operations, the game media is discharged within an amount that does not exceed the predetermined amount each time when a condition permitting discharge is detected each time. The game medium lending machine according to claim 1. In accordance with the total amount of game media to be lent in response to the lending request, further comprising a calculation means for calculating the amount of game media to be discharged each time not exceeding the predetermined amount,
The discharge processing means includes
The game medium lending machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the game medium is discharged every time according to the calculated value of the calculating means. When operated during a game medium discharge operation, the game medium further includes discharge stop instruction means for instructing to temporarily stop the discharge operation,
The discharge processing means includes
2. The game medium lending according to claim 1, wherein the discharge operation is temporarily stopped based on an instruction from the discharge stop instruction means, and the total amount of game media is discharged into a plurality of discharge operations. Machine. The discharge processing means further includes a detection means for detecting that a predetermined time has elapsed after each discharge operation performed in a plurality of times is performed,
The discharge processing means includes
The game medium lending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the next discharging operation is performed based on a detection output of the detection means. The discharge processing means further includes detection means for detecting that a predetermined operation has been performed after each discharge operation executed in a plurality of times is performed,
The discharge processing means includes
The game medium lending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the next discharging operation is performed based on a detection output of the detection means. The discharge processing means further includes detection means for detecting that the game medium discharged to the game medium outlet is removed after each discharge operation executed in a plurality of times is performed,
The discharge processing means includes
The game medium lending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the next discharging operation is performed based on a detection output of the detection means. Prior to discharging the game medium, the container for storing the game medium is thrown out to the game medium outlet, and the game medium is discharged and lent toward the discharged container.
The discharge processing means further comprises detection means for detecting that the container has been removed after each discharge operation executed in a plurality of times is performed,
The discharge processing means includes
The game medium lending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the next discharging operation is performed based on a detection output of the detection means. A determination means for determining whether or not the discharge amount of the remaining game media is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount after the discharge processing means has discharged a predetermined amount of game media not exceeding the predetermined amount;
The discharge processing means includes
When it is determined by the determination means that the amount of remaining game media discharged is not equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, a first discharge process is performed to discharge all the remaining amount of game media at once,
On the other hand, if it is determined by the determination means that the amount of the remaining game media to be discharged is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, a second discharge process for discharging the predetermined amount of game media is performed again.
9. Thereafter, the determination by the determination unit and the first discharge process or the second discharge process by the discharge processing unit accompanying the determination are executed. The described game media lending machine. 2. The game medium lending machine according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying a condition for discharging the remaining game media when the game media are discharged in a plurality of discharge operations. In a game medium lending processing method of a game medium lending machine that performs lending processing of game media in response to a lending request,
A process in which a predetermined amount is set in advance, and when the total amount of game media to be lent in response to the loan request is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, the total amount of game media is discharged in multiple discharge operations A game medium rental processing method comprising:   In the case where the total amount of game media is discharged in multiple discharge operations, the game media is discharged within an amount that does not exceed the predetermined amount each time when a condition permitting discharge is detected each time. The game medium lending processing method according to claim 12.

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