JP2007282846A - Game medium replenishing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game medium replenishing device capable of specifying a game medium using machine, in which fraudulence is easily performed, for the prohibition of replenishment based on the judgement by a user, and replenishing the game medium using machine specified for the prohibition of replenishment with game media if game media run short in the specified game medium using machine based on the confirmation by a hall staff that fraudulence is not performed in the game medium using machine. <P>SOLUTION: The game medium replenishing device comprises a replenishing means 6 for replenishing the game medium using machine with game media 2, a control part 31 for controlling the replenishing means 6, and an input means (an operating part 32) capable of inputting the specification for prohibition of replenishment and specification for permission of replenishment in the control part 31. The control part 31 controls the replenishing means 6 not to replenish the game medium using machine 3 specified for the prohibition of replenishment with game media 2 even if a request for replenishment is generated in the game medium using machine 3, and to replenish the game medium using machine 3 specified for the permission of replenishment with game media 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium supply device that automatically supplies game media such as medals to a game medium use machine such as a slot machine.

  As a game medium supply device for automatically supplying game media to a game medium use machine such as a slot machine, it receives a supply request signal transmitted from the game medium use machine and plays a game medium based on the supply request. 2. Description of the Related Art A game medium supply device that supplies a medium use machine is known.

As such a game medium supply device, for example, in Patent Document 1, even if the game medium use machine does not satisfy the supply conditions, the operation unit instructs the control unit to forcibly and automatically. A technology of a game medium supply device configured to be able to supply game media is disclosed.
JP 2003-284859 A

  However, the game medium replenishment device disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is not configured to designate replenishment permission again for what has been designated to prohibit replenishment in advance, for example, as part of so-called unauthorized use countermeasures. That is, as long as there is a supply prohibition designation, there is a problem that the control flow is such that supply processing is not performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to designate supply prohibition at the discretion of a user such as hall staff for a game media use machine that requires so-called illegal use countermeasures, as well as supply prohibition designation. A game medium replenishing device capable of replenishing a game medium use machine designated for replenishment prohibition after hall staff confirms that fraud has not been performed when there is a shortage of game medium in the game medium use machine. It is an issue to provide.

  The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a game medium supply device for supplying game media to a plurality of game media using machines capable of receiving game media, and the game media among the plurality of game media using machines A replenishing means for replenishing a game medium to a game medium using machine for which a replenishment request has occurred, a control section for controlling the replenishing means, and an input means for inputting conditions relating to the control of the control section to the control section The input means controls, as at least one desired game medium use machine, a supply prohibition designation indicating that the game medium use machine is prohibited from replenishment of game media as a condition relating to control. The supply prohibition designation is supplemented to at least one desired game medium using machine among the game medium using machines input to the control unit as a control condition. A replenishment permission designation indicating that the game medium use machine is permitted to be input to the control unit as a control condition, and the control unit is transmitted from each game medium use machine. In response to receiving the supply request signal, the supply means is controlled so that the game medium is supplied to the game medium using machine in the order in which the supply request signal is received. For a game medium use machine designated for replenishment that is input to the control unit as a condition, the replenishment means is controlled so that no game medium is replenished even if a replenishment request is issued to this game medium use machine, and replenishment is performed at the input means. For a game medium use machine designated for replenishment prohibition, which is input to the control unit as a condition related to permission control, when a replenishment request is transmitted from this game medium use machine, As feed, a game medium supplying apparatus which is characterized in that controls the supply means.

  According to the present invention, the replenishment prohibition-designated game medium use machine for which the replenishment prohibition designation has been input by the input means is provided with the replenishment means so that the game medium is not replenished even if a replenishment request is issued to the game medium use machine. For a game medium use machine that is controlled and supplied with a supply permission designation at the input means, the game medium is replenished when a supply request is sent from the game medium use machine. At the discretion of the correct user, it is possible to set a supply prohibition designation for a game media use machine that requires countermeasures against unauthorized use, such as a model that is prone to fraud or a trendy model. If there is a shortage of game media in use, the hall staff will confirm that no fraud has occurred and Such as replenishing the game media, it is possible to perform a fine-grained response.

  Here, the input means, for at least one desired game medium use machine, is a supply priority designation indicating that the game medium use machine is preferentially supplied with game media over other game medium use machines. The control unit is configured so that it can be input to the control unit as a condition relating to the control. When the replenishment priority designation is input to the control unit as a condition relating to the control for the game medium use machine designated for replenishment prohibition from the input unit, the control unit is controlled. However, with respect to the game medium using machine for which the supply priority designation is input to the control unit as a condition relating to the control, the game with the supply priority designation as the game medium using machine for which the supply permission is designated. From the body using machine when replenishing request originated, so as to supply the game medium, it is preferable to control the replenishing means.

  In this way, when a supply priority designation is input for a game medium use machine designated for replenishment, the game medium is replenished as if supply allowance is designated for the game medium use machine designated for replenishment priority. In addition, since the control unit controls the replenishment means, for example, the game medium is replenished first for a game medium use machine that tends to be insufficient among the plurality of game medium use machines at the judgment of a user such as a hall staff. You can take action.

  The input means is composed of a display terminal capable of selecting a touch screen type control screen. The control screen includes an area for inputting the replenishment prohibition designation by touching the control screen, and the replenishment prohibition designation. And an area for displaying the attribute of the game medium using machine to which is input.

  In this way, the input means is composed of a display terminal that can select a touch screen type control screen, and the control screen touches the control screen to input a replenishment prohibition designation, and this replenishment prohibition. And an area for displaying the attributes of the game media use machine to which the designation is input, so that a user such as a hall staff can easily operate by remote operation with little effort.

  As described above, according to the present invention, replenishment prohibition is required for game media using machines that require countermeasures against unauthorized use, such as models that are likely to be fraudulent or trendy models at the discretion of users such as hall staff. When the game media of the game media using machine set to this supply prohibition specification runs short, the hall staff confirms that no fraud has been made, There is a remarkable effect that it is possible to take fine measures such as replenishing the game medium using the game medium use machine.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a game medium supply device 1 and a game medium use machine 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a game medium payout device for a game machine provided in the game machine 4. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of 4a. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a rental machine gaming medium payout device 5 a provided in the gaming medium rental machine 5.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a game medium supply device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of game medium use machines 3 (in this embodiment, a game machine 4 and a game medium rental machine that can receive a game medium 2). 5) and a game medium 2 (FIGS. 2 and 3).

  In the present embodiment, a coin-shaped medal is adopted as the game medium 2 as a medium used in the gaming machine 4.

  The gaming medium using machine 3 is a device that can receive the gaming medium 2. In the present embodiment, a plurality of gaming machines 4 and a plurality of gaming medium rental machines 5 are targeted.

  Here, a plurality of gaming machines 4 (corresponding to one gaming medium using machine 3) are devices for gaming such as slot machines in this embodiment, and are usually called slots for short.

  The gaming machine 4 can start a game when the user inserts the gaming medium 2 composed of medals into the gaming machine 4, and when the game ends, the gaming medium is determined according to whether the game is won or lost. 2 can be paid out from the gaming machine 4. The gaming machine 4 is equipped with game machine payout devices 4a for gaming machines for paying out the game media 2 supplied from the game media supply device 1, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a gaming medium payout device 4a for a gaming machine includes a bracket 4c attached to the peripheral portion of the hopper 4b, and two electrode rods extending from the bracket 4c toward the bottom of the hopper 4b. 4d and 4e, and these two electrode rods 4d and 4e are configured to function as a near-end sensor that detects that the game medium 2 in the hopper 4b is remaining.

  That is, the game medium 2 is stored in the hopper 4b, and the electrode rods 4d and 4e are connected through the game medium 2, whereby the presence of the game medium 2 is detected. When the game medium 2 in the hopper 4b is paid out to some extent by the payer 4f provided at the lower part of the game medium payout device 4a for gaming machines, the continuity between the electrode bars 4d and 4e is lost. It is detected that the remaining game media 2 in 4b is low (near end), and a replenishment request is issued from the gaming machine 4.

  The plurality of game medium lending machines 5 (corresponding to the other game medium using machine 3) are called so-called sand that lends a game medium 2 (not shown), which is the game medium 2, to the user prior to the start of the game. A rectangular parallelepiped device is provided between each of the plurality of gaming machines 4. The game medium lending machine 5 has a lending machine game medium payout device 5a for supplying the game medium 2 supplied with the game medium supply device 1 respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine payout device 5a for rental machine includes an electrode plate 5c extending from the peripheral portion of the hopper 5b and an electrode plate 5d located at the bottom of the hopper 5b. The plate 5c and the electrode plate 5d are configured so as to function as a near-end sensor of the rental game medium dispensing device 5a.

  That is, the presence of the game medium 2 is detected by storing the game medium 2 in the hopper 5b and conducting between the electrode plates 5c and 5d via the game medium 2. When the game medium 2 in the hopper 5b is paid out to some extent by the payer 5f provided at the lower part of the game medium payout device 5a for rental machine, the continuity between the electrode plates 5c and 5d is lost. It is detected that the remaining game media 2 in 4b is low (near end), and a replenishment request is issued from the game media rental machine 5.

  The game medium supply device 1 according to the present embodiment supplies the game medium 2 to a plurality of game medium use machines 3 (in this embodiment, the game machine 4 and the game medium rental machine 5) that can receive the game medium 2. And a supply means 6 (FIG. 1) for supplying the game medium 2 to the game medium using machine 3 and a control device 30 (FIG. 6) for controlling the supply means 6.

  FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the replenishing means 6 and shows the replenishing means 6 of FIG. 1 as viewed from the left side. FIG. 5 is a top view showing the configuration of the distribution unit 7 of the supply means 6.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 to 5, the replenishing means 6 stores the game medium 2 and pays out the main tank 8, and the game medium 2 and main tank collected by the collection unit 9. A storage unit 10 for storing the game medium 2 paid out from 8, a lift unit 11 for transporting the game medium 2 stored in the storage unit 10, and a game medium 2 transported by the lift unit 11, A distribution unit 12 that distributes to the distribution unit 7 side and the main tank 8 side, a game medium cleaning machine 13 that cleans and supplies the game media 2 distributed to the main tank 8 side by the distribution unit 12 to the main tank 8; A case 14 is provided for housing each component of the replenishing means 6.

  The replenishing means 6 includes a counter 15 that counts the number of game media 2 from the player, a primary tank 16 that stores the game media 2 that has passed through the counter 15, and the primary tank 16 and the main tank 8. An overflow tank 17 that receives the game medium 2 that overflows from the game machine, a supply rod 18 that supplies the game medium 2 in the primary tank 16 to the storage unit 10, and a cleaning liquid tank 19 that stores the cleaning liquid to be circulated to the game medium cleaning machine 13. ing.

  Then, the game medium 2 stored in the storage unit 10 is lifted by the lift unit 11, and the game medium 2 is supplied to the distribution unit 12.

  The distribution unit 12 includes a belt conveyor that circulates in the forward and reverse directions, and distributes the game media 2 to the distribution unit 7 and the receiving unit 6.

  Further, one game medium 2 distributed to the distribution unit 7 is supplied to the gaming machine 4, and the other game medium 2 distributed to the receiving unit 6 by the distribution unit 12 includes the game medium washing machine 13 and the main tank. It circulates so that it may return to the accommodating part 10 through 8.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the distribution unit 7 includes a transport belt conveyor 21 that transports the game media 2, and a guide unit 22 is provided so as to be movable up and down with respect to the transport belt conveyor 21. . The guide means 22 swings the guide portion 22a to the right or left about the vertical axis, and when it is in the lowered state, the game medium 4 transported on the conveyor belt conveyor 21 is back-to-back. In addition, guidance is provided to the medal capturing unit 4h and the medal capturing unit 5h provided corresponding to the game medium lending machine 5.

  Further, the collection unit 9 becomes excessive in excess of the storage capacity in the gaming machine 4, and is guided from the end of the distribution unit 7 to the beginning of the collection unit 9 by the game medium 2 discharged from the gaming machine 4 and the shooter 23. It is a belt conveyor that collects the game media 2 in the storage unit 10.

  Next, the control device 30 of the game medium supply device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The control device 30 is a device that controls the replenishing means 6 described above, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 30.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 30 of the game medium supply device 1 includes a control unit 31 that controls the supply unit 6, and an operation unit 32 that can input conditions related to the control of the control unit 31 to the control unit 31. (Corresponding to input means) and a storage unit 33.

  The control unit 31 operates the replenishing means 6 so as to replenish the game medium using machine 3 in response to the game medium using machine 3 for which the replenishment request has occurred, and is a computer having a CPU. A near-end sensor (S1, respectively) in the game medium payout device 4a for game machines or the game medium payout device 5a for rental machines provided in each game medium use machine 3 (game machine 4 or game medium rental machine 5). Based on the request for replenishment of the game medium 2 based on the signal from S2,... Sn, and the setting condition by the operation unit 32, the shutter unit of the guide means 22 corresponding to the game medium using machine 3 (Ul, respectively) U2... Un) and the belt conveyor of the distribution unit 12 of the replenishing means 6, the lift unit 11, the conveyor belt conveyor 21 of the distribution unit 7, etc. Perform the operation.

  The operation unit 32 (input unit) is a device that inputs conditions related to the control of the control unit 31 to the control unit 31. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 32 is composed of a display terminal that can select a touch screen control screen. Has been. Then, by touching the control screen of the touch screen type, it is possible to input control conditions to the control unit 31.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a control screen 34 for selecting a supply prohibition number among the touch screen type control screens of the operation unit 32. The operation unit 32 can instruct the control unit 31 to specify prohibition of supply to the desired game medium using machine 3 from this control screen.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the operation unit 32 displays a slot / sand classification display label 34a, a machine number / automatic supply setting display area 34b, A display switching button 34c, a simultaneous permission / prohibition button 34d, and a setting menu button 34e are provided.

  Here, the slot / sand classification display label 34a is a label for dividing the slot (game machine 4) and the sand (game medium lending machine 5), and indicates that the slot is displayed on the left side and the sand is displayed on the right side. Yes.

  The machine number display switching button 34c is a button for switching the machine number displayed in the machine number / automatic supply setting display area 34b (page up with ▲, page down with ▼).

  The simultaneous permission / inhibition button 34d is a button for enabling the simultaneous permission / inhibition function for the table selected in the supply prohibition selection table number display. The simultaneous permission / prohibition function is enabled by pressing the slot / sand classification display label 34a while the button is pressed.

  The menu button 34e is a button for canceling the process and returning to the previous control screen.

  The machine number / automatic replenishment setting display area 34b (corresponding to an area for displaying the attributes of the game medium using machine 3 to which supply prohibition designation is input) is a game machine 4 (slot) and a game medium rental machine 5 of each machine number. This is an area for displaying the (sand) machine number and the state relating to the automatic supply of the machine number, and each state of “automatic” and “prohibited” can be displayed.

  Here, “automatic” indicates a state in which automatic replenishment is being set. In this state, the game medium 2 is replenished in the order in which the replenishment requests from the game machines 4 or the game medium lending machines 5 of the respective machine numbers are generated.

  Further, “prohibited (indicated by hatching in the drawing)” indicates a state in which automatic supply prohibition is set. This state is a state in which automatic replenishment is prohibited. In this state, even if a replenishment request is generated, the game medium 2 is not replenished.

  Then, in this machine number / automatic replenishment setting display area 34b, by pressing the display area of that machine number (corresponding to the area for inputting the replenishment prohibition designation), the respective settings and displays are “automatic” and “prohibited”. Therefore, by this operation, it is possible to designate or cancel a machine number for which supply of a slot (game machine 4) or sand (game medium rental machine 5) is prohibited.

  As described above, the operation unit 32 displays an area for inputting the supply prohibition designation and the attribute of the game medium using machine 3 to which the supply prohibition designation has been input on the control screen 34 for selecting the supply prohibition number. And the game medium 2 is replenished for at least one desired game medium using machine 3 by pressing the display area of the number in the number / automatic replenishment setting display area 34b and switching to “prohibited”. The supply prohibition designation indicating that the game medium use machine 3 is prohibited from being input to the control unit 31 as a control condition.

  In addition, by pressing the display area of the machine number in the machine number / automatic replenishment setting display area 34b and switching it to “automatic”, this supply prohibition designation is input to the control unit 31 as a control condition. For at least one desired game medium using machine 3, a supply permission designation indicating that the game medium using machine 3 is permitted to supply the game medium 2 to the control unit 31 as a condition for control. It is configured to allow input.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a control screen 35 for selecting a priority supply number among the touch screen type control screens of the operation unit 32. The operation unit 32 can instruct the control unit 31 to specify the supply priority for the desired game medium using machine 3 from the control screen.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, here, the operation unit 32 displays the slot / sand classification display label 35a, the unit number / automatic supply state display area 35b, and the priority supply on the priority supply number selection control screen 35. A selected car number display area 35c, a car number display switching button 35d, a priority replenishment car number determination button 35e, a prioritized replenishment carousel selection button 35f, and a menu button 35g are provided.

  Here, the slot / sand classification display label 35a is a label for dividing the slot (game machine 4) and the sand (game medium lending machine 5), and indicates that the slot is displayed on the left side and the sand is displayed on the right side. Yes.

  The priority supply selection stand number display area 35c is an area for displaying the selected priority supply stand numbers in the order of selection.

  The machine number display switching button 35d is a button for switching the machine number displayed in the priority supply selection machine number display area 35c (page up with ▲ and page down with ▼).

  The priority replenishment table number determination button 35e is a button for determining execution of priority replenishment for the table selected for the priority replenishment selection number display.

  The priority replenishment selection table number clear button 35f is a button for clearing the number selected in the priority replenishment selection number display.

  The menu button 35g is a button for canceling the process and returning to the previous control screen.

  The machine number / automatic replenishment state display area 35b (corresponding to the area for displaying the attributes of the game medium using machine 3 to which the priority replenishment designation is input) is the game machine 4 (slot) and the game medium rental machine 5 of each machine number. This is an area that displays the (sand) machine number and the status related to automatic supply of that machine number, and displays the "automatic", "prohibited 1", "prohibited 2", "standby", and "replenished" states, respectively. Be able to.

  Here, “automatic” indicates a state in which automatic replenishment is being set. In this state, the game medium 2 is replenished in the order in which the replenishment requests from the game machines 4 or the game medium lending machines 5 of the respective machine numbers are generated.

  “Prohibition 1 (indicated by hatching in the drawing)” indicates a state in which automatic replenishment prohibition is set. This state is a state where automatic replenishment is prohibited by the above-described replenishment prohibition number setting screen provided separately. In this state, even if a replenishment request is generated, the game medium 2 is not replenished.

  In addition, “prohibition 2” is a state in which a replenishment request is generated in the gaming machine 4 or the game medium lending machine 5 in a state where automatic replenishment prohibition is set.

  In addition, “standby” indicates a state in which a supply request is generated and the game machine 4 or the game medium lending machine 5 of each machine number set to automatic supply is in a supply standby state.

  “Supply” indicates a state in which the game medium 2 is being replenished in each game machine 4 or game medium lending machine 5.

  Then, by pressing the display area (corresponding to the area where the supply prohibition designation is input) in the machine number / automatic replenishment state display area 35b, each priority replenishment setting is switched. It is possible to designate or cancel a machine number to be preferentially replenished in the slot (game machine 4) or sand (game medium rental machine 5).

  As described above, the operation unit 32 displays an area for inputting the supply priority designation and the attribute of the game medium using machine 3 to which the supply priority designation is input on the control screen 35 for selecting the priority supply number. And, for at least one desired game medium use machine 3, supply priority designation indicating that the game medium use machine 3 is supplied with game media 2 preferentially over other game medium use machines 3 Is input to the control unit 31 as a condition relating to control.

  In the present embodiment, the operation unit 32 is configured so that a plurality of supply priority designations can be input, and the game medium 2 is preferentially supplied in the order in which the priority supply designation is input. The controller 31 controls the replenishing means 6.

  The storage unit 33 is a device configured to store information related to the control of the control unit 31 in addition to the information related to the supply prohibition designation and the priority supply specification input from the operation unit 32. The control unit 31 is configured by a storage device such as a hard disk attached to a computer.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7 to FIG. 11, the control procedure of the game medium supply device 1 of the present embodiment by the control device 30 and its operation will be described.

  First, in the game medium supply device 1 of the present embodiment, normally, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 3, a game in the hopper 4b is provided by a payout machine 4f provided at the lower part of the game medium payout device 4a for gaming machines. When the medium 2 is paid out to some extent, the continuity between the electrode rods 4d and 4e is lost, so that it is detected that the game medium 2 in the hopper 4b is low (near end).

  Further, if the game medium 2 in the hopper 5b is paid out to some extent by the payer 5f provided at the lower part of the game medium payout device 5a for rental machine, the continuity between the electrode plates 5c and 5d is lost. It is detected that the remaining game media 2 in 5b is low.

  When the near end of the game medium 2 is detected, a replenishment request is issued from that point (game medium using machine 3), and the control unit 31 controls the replenishing means 6 to perform a replenishment operation.

  Then, when the game medium 2 is supplied to the hoppers 4b and 5b via the medal take-in portions 4h and 5h, the near-end sensor detects the game medium 2 again, and after a predetermined time (in this example, about 15 seconds later). ), The supply of the game medium 2 is stopped, whereby sufficient game medium 2 is stored in the hoppers 4b and 5b.

  As described above, the control unit 31 normally receives the replenishment request signals transmitted from the respective game medium use machines 3, and in the order in which the replenishment request signals are received, The replenishing means 6 is controlled so as to replenish.

  Next, the procedure for setting the supply prohibition in the operation unit 32 is as follows.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the operation unit 32 is configured by a touch screen type display terminal, and can display an operation status, an error message, and the like on the control screen. In addition, the operating conditions can be set by touching the control screen.

  Then, each setting and display is switched by pressing the display area of the machine number / automatic replenishment setting display area 34b. Therefore, it is possible to designate a machine number for which slot or sand supply is prohibited. it can.

  In addition, you can select multiple numbers of machine numbers, but if you want to select all of the displayed machine numbers and prohibit replenishment, press the simultaneous allow / inhibit button 34d to allow or forbid replenishment all at once. You can do it.

  As described above, the control unit 31 supplies the game medium using machine 3 to the game medium using machine 3 for which the supply prohibition specification is input to the control unit 31 as a condition related to the control in the operation unit 32. The supply means 6 is controlled so that the game medium 2 is not supplied even if a request occurs.

  Next, the procedure for specifying supply priority in the operation unit 32 is as follows.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the operation unit 32 is configured by a touch screen type display terminal, and can display an operation status, an error message, and the like on the control screen. In addition, the operating conditions can be set by touching the control screen.

  Then, by pressing the display area of the machine number in this machine number / automatic replenishment state display area 35b, the setting and display are switched, so that this operation can designate the machine number for which slot or sand is to be preferentially replenished. it can.

  At this time, it can be specified in an arbitrary order, but it is possible to select only the machine number in which the status display is prohibited 2 or in the standby state, that is, the supply request is generated.

  Further, a plurality of priority numbers can be selected (in this example, up to 5 points), displayed in the priority replenishment selection number display area 35c in the order of selection (S indicates a sand number), and then By pressing the enter button, the priority replenishment process is executed in this order (at this time, the screen returns to the main screen, not shown, and the replenishment and replenishment waiting states are displayed).

  At this time, when a car number for which replenishment is prohibited is selected, replenishment is permitted for that car number, and replenishment is performed only once according to the priority replenishment order (forced replenishment).

  After priority replenishment, the machine number that has been set to prohibit replenishment returns to the prohibited state, and the rest returns to the automatic state.

  In addition, when canceling the priority replenishment of a certain point before pressing the enter button, it is specified by pressing a desired car number displayed in the priority replenishment selection car number display area 35c, and then the clear button is pushed. Thus, the corresponding machine number can be deleted.

  In the display area after deletion, the machine numbers are displayed in a state where the priorities are reduced. In addition, the number designated for priority replenishment is mainly that of the game table in which the game medium 2 is cut (or likely to be), for example, when the game medium 2 is cut, the player presses the call button and the call lamp lights up. Etc. Further, since the consumption amount of the game medium 2 is larger in the game machine 4 than in the game medium rental machine 5, it may be considered to give priority to this.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for recognizing the priority supply number in the control unit 31 of the control device 30.

  That is, since the user first selects the first priority supply number on the priority supply number selection screen 35 (FIG. 8), is there a first point selection as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not (step S1).

  If there is no first point selection, the process returns to step S1. If there is a first point selection, it is next determined whether or not there is a selection of a second number for priority supply, that is, a second point selection (step S2-2).

  If there is a second point selection, it is sequentially determined in the same manner whether or not the nth point selection has been made (step S2-n).

  Incidentally, in this embodiment, n = 5, that is, supply priority designation up to 5 points is possible. If there is an n-th point selection, it is subsequently determined whether or not there is a machine number designation for canceling priority replenishment, that is, a point designation for deletion (step S3).

  If it is determined that there is no point selection in any of the second to nth, the process proceeds to step S3, and whether or not there is a designation of a machine number for canceling priority replenishment, that is, designation of a point to be deleted. Is determined (step S3).

  If there is a point designation to be deleted in step S3, it is subsequently determined whether or not the clear button 35f has been pressed (whether or not it has been deleted) (step S4), and if the clear button 34f has been pressed, Further, it is determined whether or not the determination button 35e has been pressed (whether or not the priority supply table number has been determined) (step S5).

  If it is determined in step S3 that there is no designation of points to be deleted, the process proceeds to step S5, and it is determined whether or not the determination button 35e has been pressed (whether or not the priority supply number has been determined).

  Finally, if the determination button 35e is pressed, the selection order for the above points is set as the priority replenishment order. When there are deleted points, the priority replenishment order is set with the corresponding ranks reduced (step S6).

  Further, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for the control unit 31 in the control device 30 to control the game medium supply device 1.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 10, first, in any one of the gaming machine 4 and the gaming medium rental machine 5, whether or not there is a supply request for the gaming medium 2 to the gaming medium supply device 1. Is determined (step S11).

  At this time, if there is no replenishment request, the process proceeds to step S14.

  If there is a replenishment request, it is determined whether or not the replenishment request has been registered in the replenishment waiting information stored in the storage unit (step S12).

  At this time, if the replenishment request has already been registered in the replenishment waiting information stored in the storage unit, the process proceeds to step S14.

  If not already registered, the supply request is registered at the end of the supply waiting information (step S13).

  In step S14, it is determined whether or not the game medium 2 is in the process of being replenished in response to the replenishment request (step S14). If the replenishment process is in progress, the process returns to step S11.

  If replenishment processing is not in progress, it is further determined whether or not replenishment priority is specified (step S15).

  At this time, if there is a replenishment priority designation, the replenishment order is changed, and the top point of priority replenishment is set to the next replenishment destination (step S16).

  Then, replenishment processing is performed for the priority replenishment point (step S17).

  On the other hand, if there is no replenishment priority designation in step S15, the top point of the replenishment waiting information is set to the replenishment destination as usual (step S18), the process proceeds to step S17, and replenishment processing is performed for that point.

  Then, it is determined whether or not replenishment processing has been performed (step S19). If the replenishment processing has been completed, it is further determined whether or not replenishment priority designation has been made (step S20). If there has been designation, the process returns to step S16. Thus, priority supply operation is performed.

  If not specified, the process returns to step S11 and the above control is repeated.

  In this way, the control unit 31 receives the supply request signal transmitted from each game medium use machine 3, and supplies the game medium 2 to the game medium use machine 3 in the order in which the supply request signal is received. Thus, the replenishment means 6 is controlled, and the game medium use machine 3 for which the priority replenishment designation is input in the operation unit 32 is replenished so that the replenishment order is replaced and the game medium 2 is replenished preferentially. The means 6 is controlled.

  At that time, a plurality of game medium use machines 3 for which priority supply is designated can be selected, and priority supply processing is executed in the order of selection.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the supply priority designation is input to the control unit 31 as a condition relating to control for the game medium using machine 3 for which supply prohibition is specified from the operation unit 32, the control unit 31 determines that the supply priority is specified. A supply request is transmitted from the game medium use machine 3 with the supply priority specified to the game medium use machine 3 for which supply permission is specified, to the game medium use machine 3 whose designation is input to the control unit 31 as a condition relating to control. When it is done, the supply means 6 is controlled so that the game medium 2 is supplied.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, by specifying priority supply to the supply prohibition set point, it is possible to automatically specify supply permission once for the supply prohibition set point in the priority order. It has become.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for the control unit 31 in the control device 30 to control the game medium supply device 1 based on the priority supply specification (supply permission specification).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, first, the control unit 31 determines whether or not there is a request for supplying medals in each game medium using machine 3 (game machine or medal lending machine) (step S21).

  If there is no medal supply request, the process returns to step S21 to determine again whether there is a medal supply request. If there is a medal supply request, the process proceeds to step S22.

  Next, in step S22, it is determined whether or not the gaming medium using machine 3 is set to prohibit supply. If supply prohibition is not set at this time, the process proceeds to step S24 to perform supply processing. . On the other hand, if the game medium using machine 3 is set to prohibit supply, the process proceeds to step S23.

  Then, in step S23, it is determined whether or not the replenishment permission designation is made only once at the operation unit. When there is a refilling permission designation only once, that is, in the present embodiment, for the game medium using machine 3 If priority supply is specified, supply processing (step S24) is performed.

  If there is no supply permission designation only once, that is, in this embodiment, if there is no priority supply designation for the game medium using machine 3, the process returns to the first step S21.

  Then, after the replenishment process (step S24), it is determined whether or not the replenishment is completed (step S25), and when it is completed, the process returns to the first step S21. On the other hand, if not completed, the replenishment process (step S24) is continued.

  As described above, when the one-time supply permission designation is selected for the game medium use machine 3 for which supply prohibition is set, that is, when priority supply is designated for the game medium use machine 3 in this embodiment. The game medium use machine 3 is released from the supply prohibition setting, and is supplied only once according to the priority supply designation order. Thereafter, the game medium use machine 3 for which the supply permission designation is selected is prohibited again. Return to the set state.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the replenishment permission designation is input to the control unit 31 as the control condition based on the priority replenishment designation in the operation unit 32, and the replenishment permission designation is input to the control unit 31 as the control condition. The game medium use machine 3 designated to be resupplied is characterized in that the supply means 6 is controlled so that the game medium 2 is replenished when a supply request is sent from the game medium use machine 3. This is a game medium supply device 1 to be played.

  As described above, according to the game medium supply device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the game medium use machine 3 for which supply prohibition designation is input in the operation unit 32 is used for this game medium use. The replenishment prohibition-designated game medium use machine 3 in which the replenishment means 6 is controlled so that the game medium 2 is not replenished even if a replenishment request is generated in the machine 3 and the replenishment permission designation is input in the operation unit 32 is described. When the supply request is sent from the game medium use machine 3, the game medium 2 is supplied. Therefore, for example, a model that is likely to be fraudulent or a fashionable model, etc. Can be set to supply prohibition designation for the game medium use machine 3 that requires the game, and when the game medium 2 of the game medium use machine 3 set to the supply prohibition designation is insufficient, That it is not done on the hall staff was confirmed, the game medium used machine 3 of the supply prohibition specified, such as replenishing the game media 2, it is possible to perform fine-grained support.

  In addition, when a supply priority designation is input for the game medium use machine 3 designated for replenishment, the game medium 2 is resupplied as having been designated for replenishment for the game medium use machine 3 designated for replenishment priority. Since the control unit 31 controls the replenishing means 6, for example, among the plurality of game medium using machines 3, the game medium 2 that tends to be insufficient is first determined by a user such as a hall staff. It becomes possible to take measures such as replenishment.

  The operation unit 32 includes a display terminal that can select a touch screen type control screen 34. The control screen 34 touches the control screen 34 to input a replenishment prohibition designation, and the replenishment prohibition. And an area for displaying the attributes of the game medium use machine 3 to which the designation is input, so that a user such as a hall staff can easily operate by remote operation with little effort.

  The above-described embodiment is merely a preferred specific example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  For example, the gaming medium using machine 3 is not limited to the gaming machine 4. The present invention can also be applied to the game media rental machine 5.

  Next, the game medium supply device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a game medium 2 as a plurality of game medium use machines 3 capable of receiving the game medium 2 in both the game machine 4 and the game medium rental machine 5. It is not limited to what replenishes. You may comprise so that only one of the game machine 4 and the game media rental machine 5 may be replenished. In addition, any device that can accept the game medium 2 can be applied to various game medium use machines.

  Also, the game medium 2 is not limited to medals. It can be applied to spherical and other various game media 2.

  And the supply means 6 is not limited to the structure of illustration. Various design changes are possible as long as the means for supplying the game media 2 to a plurality of game media use machines 3 capable of receiving the game media 2 is provided.

  Further, the control device 30 is not limited to the configuration of the block diagram of FIG. Various design changes are possible as long as the control unit 31 that controls the replenishing unit 6 and the input unit that can input the conditions related to the control of the control unit 31 to the control unit 31 are provided.

  Further, the operation unit 32 (input unit) is not limited to a display terminal that can select a touch screen type control screen. An area for inputting a supply prohibition designation and an area for displaying an attribute of the game medium using machine 3 to which the supply prohibition designation has been input are provided, and the game medium 2 is provided for at least one desired game medium use machine 3. Various design changes are possible as long as the device can input the supply prohibition designation indicating that the game medium using machine 3 is prohibited from being supplied to the control unit 31 as a control condition.

  In the present embodiment, the replenishment permission designation is input to the control unit 31 as a control condition based on the priority replenishment designation in the operation unit 32. However, the replenishment permission designation is not necessarily the priority replenishment designation. It is not necessary to correspond to. It is also possible to separately configure the replenishment permission designation as a condition relating to control to the control unit 31 independently.

  In addition, it goes without saying that various design changes are possible within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

It is a front view showing composition of a game media supply device and a game media using machine concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the game media payment apparatus for game machines provided in the game machine. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the game medium payout apparatus for rental machines provided in the game medium rental machine. It is the side view which shows the structure of a supply means, and the figure which looked at the supply means of FIG. 1 from the left side surface is shown. It is a top view which shows the structure of the distribution part of this supply means. The block diagram which shows the structure of this control apparatus is shown. It is explanatory drawing which shows the control screen of supply prohibition number selection among the touch screen type control screens of an operation part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the control screen of priority supply stand number selection among the touch screen type control screens of an operation part. It is a flowchart figure which shows the point in which a priority supply stand number is recognized in the control part of a control apparatus. It is a flowchart figure which shows the point in which a control part controls a game media supply apparatus in a control apparatus. It is a flowchart figure which shows the point which a control part controls a game media supply apparatus based on priority supply designation | designated (supply permission designation | designated) in a control apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game medium supply apparatus 2 Game medium 3 Game medium use machine 6 Supply means 31 Control part 32 Operation part (input means)
34 Control screen

Claims (3)

A game medium supply device for supplying game media to a plurality of game media use machines capable of receiving game media,
Replenishment means for replenishing game media to a game media use machine for which a game media supply request has occurred among the plurality of game media use machines,
A control unit for controlling the supply means;
An input means capable of inputting conditions relating to the control of the control unit to the control unit;
The above input means can input, to the control unit, a supply prohibition designation indicating that the game medium use machine is prohibited from replenishing a game medium for at least one desired game medium use machine as a control condition. In addition, for the at least one desired game medium using machine among the game medium using machines input to the control unit as the control condition, the game medium that is permitted to supply the game medium. The replenishment permission designation indicating that the machine is in use is configured to be input to the control unit as a control condition,
The control unit receives a replenishment request signal transmitted from each game medium use machine, and supplies replenishment means to replenish game media to the game medium use machine in the order in which the replenishment request signal is received. As well as control
For a game medium use machine with a supply prohibition designation input to the control unit as a condition related to control in the input means, replenishment so that no game medium is replenished even if a supply request is issued to this game medium use machine Control means,
In addition, with respect to a game medium use machine designated for supply prohibition, which is input to the control unit as a condition relating to control by the input means, the game medium is replenished when a replenishment request is transmitted from the game medium use machine. And a game medium supply device for controlling supply means. The above input means relates to control with respect to control for at least one desired game medium use machine, indicating that the game medium use machine is preferentially supplied with game media over other game medium use machines. It is configured to be input to the control unit as a condition,
The control unit controls the replenishing means so as to preferentially replenish the game media by changing the order of replenishment for the game medium using machine for which the priority replenishment designation is input by the input means,
When the supply priority designation is input to the control unit as a condition relating to control for the game medium use machine designated for supply prohibition from the input means, the control unit determines that the supply priority designation is a condition relating to control. In order to replenish a game medium when a replenishment request is transmitted from the refill priority designated game medium use machine as a game medium use machine designated for replenishment permission to the game medium use machine input to 2. The game medium replenishing device according to claim 1, which controls replenishing means. The input means comprises a display terminal capable of selecting a touch screen control screen,
The above control screen
An area for inputting the above-mentioned supply prohibition designation by touching the control screen,
3. The game medium supply device according to claim 1, further comprising an area for displaying an attribute of the game medium use machine to which the priority prohibition designation is input.

Images