JP2009112838A - Game medium dispensing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game medium dispensing device capable of correctly dispensing tokens. <P>SOLUTION: The token dispensing section 6 of a token dispensing machine 1 has a dispensing out test button 60b. The dispensing out test button 60b outputs signals commanding for examining whether or not the token dispensing section 6 normally operates when being pushed. The signals are transmitted from a connecter 60c to a main control section 4. A counter sensor 60e is constituted of a photosensor, arranged on a route where tokens are sent out from a token tank 64 to a token discharging opening 60a, and outputs signals showing to have detected the tokens when detecting the tokens passing through the route. The signals are transmitted from the connecter 60c to the main control section 4 and used for counting the number of the tokens dispensed by the token discharging section 6 in the main control section 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium lending device that lends game media such as medals used in pachislot machines to players.

  Conventionally, there have been many applications for preventing anomalies in game machines such as medal lending machines and other game medium lending devices, or pachinko machines and pachislot machines equipped with this game medium lending device.

As an application for performing abnormality determination, for example, in a pachinko machine including a pachinko machine control unit and a card unit, an abnormality occurs on the pachinko machine control unit side, and the pachinko machine control device provided in the pachinko machine control unit displays a pachinko machine ready signal. When the card unit control device on the card unit side detects that the L is changed from L to H, a pachinko machine is known that performs processing for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the pachinko machine control unit on the card unit side (patent) Reference 1)
In addition, if noise is mixed in detection signals from various sensors such as a prize ball detection sensor or a rental ball detection sensor, an abnormal determination is made. In order to prevent this, noise is detected between the control device and various sensors. A pachinko machine to which a reduction capacitor is connected is known (Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, abnormal control may be performed by abnormal radio waves from the outside. To prevent this, a control device and a radio wave detection device that detects illegal radio waves are configured integrally, and A game medium lending apparatus is known in which a control device prohibits lending of game media by a game medium lending machine when a game medium is detected (Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent No. 3087039 JP 2001-190748 A JP 2001-259120 A

  However, in conventional game media lending devices, etc., the signal or information for controlling the lending of game media is protected from noise, signal interference, or the influence of the peripheral device operation process, and efficient medal lending control without errors. Could not be performed.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the signal or information for performing the game media lending control is protected from noise, signal interference or the influence of the operation process of the peripheral device, and the game medium capable of performing the effective medal lending control without error. An object is to provide a lending device.

The present invention for solving the above problems is as follows.
A game media lending device for lending game media,
While having a main control unit that executes processing for controlling the game medium lending device,
Based on the action of a count sensor that detects the number of game media that have been paid out by being driven by a hopper drive motor housed in the housing of the game media lending device, and a payout test button that is connected to the main control unit, Display means for displaying the occurrence of the payout test and the number of game media paid out by the payout test is provided, while the number of game media paid out by the payout test of the game media and the number of payout tests are displayed. A game medium lending apparatus comprising a payout operation restricting means for restricting and a payout test prohibiting condition setting means for setting a predetermined condition for restricting the payout test.

  In addition, the predetermined condition that is set is illegal during the initial operation of the game medium lending device when the decrease in the power supply voltage is detected, from the determination of the genuine note signal until the payout of the game medium for the inserted bill is completed. The game medium lending device is characterized in that one or more of the game medium lending device is in the reset operation and clear control when the abnormality is detected.

In the game medium lending device, the occurrence of the payout test and the number of game media paid out by the payout test are displayed together on the display means, so it is possible to see at a glance what the state of the game medium lending device is. It becomes like this. For example, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a failure such as a failure due to the execution of a payout test regardless of the control process related to the rental of game media, or the delivery of game media leading to illegal payout of game media. it can.
It is possible to prevent unnecessary game media from being paid out by executing the payout test, and to prevent a failure in regular payout control.
(1-1)
The bill handling unit 2 includes means for outputting a genuine note signal (VEND signal) to the main control unit 4 when the inserted bill is a genuine note, and the main control unit 4 serves as a genuine note signal as a protection means. A means for outputting a genuine note confirmation signal (OKRTN signal) that is a control signal indicating that a genuine note has been detected after a predetermined time (80 s) has elapsed since the (VEND signal) was output. (S340). If the output of the genuine note signal (VEND signal) is stopped, the output of the genuine note confirmation signal (OKRTN signal) may be stopped immediately.

In this way, since the genuine note confirmation signal (OKRTN signal) is output after a predetermined time has elapsed since the genuine note signal (VEND signal) is input, interference of other signal data and the influence of noise are generated. It is possible to exchange a genuine note confirmation signal (OKRTN signal).
(1-2)
As shown for the sales output signal in FIG. 17 (b), the game medium lending control information forming means adds the number of accepted bills after the genuine note is determined, and after a genuine note signal (VEND) is determined for a certain period of time (2 Seconds) later, a sales information output means for outputting a sales signal for the amount of bills inserted may be provided in the external game hall management device 110.

In this way, a sales signal is output after the genuine note signal (VEND) determination is finalized, and the deposit process performed in conjunction with the medal lending by the medal lending machine 1 is counted as authentic without error. can do.
(1-3)
The game medium lending control information forming means is provided with a sales signal output means for outputting a sales output after a certain time (after 2 seconds) from the determination when a genuine note signal (VEND) is determined, and pulse output by turning on / off the relay contact. May be. In FIG. 17 (b), the sales output signal is output every 100 ms. Here, this output signal is referred to.

  In this way, since it is possible to perform arithmetic processing using the pulse input as a digital signal, there is no error associated with signal conversion, and transmission between the medal lending machine 1 and the game hall management device is hardly affected by noise. Therefore, the deposit process performed in conjunction with the medal lending by the medal lending machine 1 can be made appropriate without error.

In addition, in this way, calculation control can be performed as it is as a digital signal convenient for counting calculation, and the game hall management device is often installed far away from the medal lending machine, so the sales signal is converted into a pulse signal in this way. By doing so, it is possible to exchange sales signals that are not affected by other signal data buffers or noise.
(1-4)
In the game medium lending control information forming means, when the count sensor 60e incorporated in the hopper of the medal payout unit 6 counts the count pulses to determine the number of payout medals, and when a predetermined count pulse is counted (S416). : YES) While controlling the stop of the hopper (S417), the stop of the hopper may be configured by providing a medal payout stop control means for determining and executing every falling of the predetermined number of medal count pulse waves. (If it is within the width of the pulse, there will be a gap in the detection time. The falling edge of the waveform is determined instantly.)
As a result, the medal payout accuracy is improved and the payout operation can be immediately stopped.
(1-5)
In the game medium lending control information forming means, the medal count determination is made when one medal is determined normally when the HI level of the medal count pulse wave formed by the hopper operation continues for a certain time (10 ms) (S414). It is also possible to provide a medal counting control means for turning off the hopper driving signal and stopping the hopper driving motor 62a based on the detection of the falling edge of the medal count pulse wave.

  Based on the game medium lending control information formed by the game medium lending control information forming means, a lending abnormality determining means for determining an abnormality related to the input of the valuable medium or the supply control of the game medium is provided, and is determined by the lending abnormality determining means. Depending on the presence or absence of abnormality or the type of abnormality, game medium control switching means for switching the control contents of the valuable medium or the game medium by the game medium lending control after the valuable medium is inserted may be provided.

Thereby, since the medal lending control can be appropriately switched based on the control information formed by the game medium lending control information forming means, it is possible to prevent the medal lending operation from performing an abnormal lending control. .
(2-1)
In the lending abnormality determination means, a bill conveyance operation in-progress signal from the bill handling unit 2 is continuously detected for one second, and after a presence signal (HI) is detected, a conveyance operation in-progress signal (BUSY) and a genuine note signal (VEND) are simultaneously received. You may comprise as a genuine note determination control means to determine with a genuine note signal only when it detects (FIG. 17 (a)).

As a result, an effect of accurately determining the genuine note is produced.
(2-2)
The lending abnormality determining means includes a predetermined number of count sensors 60e when a blank of input of the count sensor 60e for a predetermined time (2 seconds) or more occurs for a predetermined number of times (5 times) during paying out 1,000 yen medals If the number of medals is counted (five), a fraud determination control means (S671: YES) may be configured to determine fraud. It is possible to accurately determine a genuine note.

As a result, illegal supply of medals can be prevented.
(2-3)
The lending abnormality determining means may be provided with banknote full control means (S530) for executing the banknote full control when the banknote handling unit 2 detects a banknote full signal for a predetermined time (100 ms) or longer. It is possible to prevent the medal lending process from being executed in an indeterminate state including a state in which the bill is not full.
(2-4)
The lending abnormality determining means determines the lack of medals based on the detection of lack of medals by the medal presence sensor and the predetermined number of payouts (S610), and displays the lack of medals (S611). It is good also as a structure which has a deficiency determination display control means.

Thereby, the presence / absence of medals and the satisfaction of the amount of medals are displayed separately, and the amusement hall can appropriately respond to the lack of medals.
(2-5)
The lending abnormality determining means is a medal clogging determination control means that determines a medal clogging when the count sensor 60e remains at LO or HI for a certain time (3 seconds) while the hopper is activated (S640). May be provided.

By configuring the medal clogging determination control means and determining the medal clogging determination under each of a plurality of conditions, it is possible to prevent leakage of the medal clogging determination.
(2-6)
In the game medium control switching means, when the true note cannot be determined by the true note determination control means, or when the fraud determination is determined by the fraud determination control means (S670, S671), or the bill full control means determines that the bill is full. If it is determined (S530), from the lending abnormality determining means when the medal shortage determination display control means (S613, S614) determines the medal shortage, the medal clogging determination control means (S640) determines the medal clogging, etc. A deposit prohibiting unit that prohibits deposit based on the abnormality determination regarding the medal lending control may be configured.

As a result, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent a deposit process that is not compatible with the medal payout control from being executed despite the use of counterfeit bills, fraud or failure. (2-7)
The game medium control switching means has a sales output means for allowing a case where the inserted bill amount is allowed to be output to the game hall management device 110 even when an abnormality determination is made by the lending abnormality determination means. It is good. If fraud is determined or a genuine note signal is not determined, a sales signal is not output to the game hall management device 110. If it is determined that a medal is insufficient, the game hall management device 110 waits for a medal to be satisfied. Sales signals can be made without any problem, and efficient medal lending control can be realized.
(2-8)
The game medium control switching means may be provided with a lending control recovery means for performing a recovery process in response to the abnormality determination by the lending abnormality determination means.
(2-9)
The lending control recovery means may be provided with a plurality of reset means including a reset switch 45 and a power switch. In this way, returning the medal lending machine to the initial state in the event of an abnormality has the effect of selecting any one that can cope with the situation of the failure of the medal lending machine and restoring it.
(2-10)
The lending control recovery means may be configured with a payout test button 60b.

In this way, it is possible to easily determine whether the medal payout operation is normal or abnormal and to check the details of the abnormality.
(2-11)
Under the condition that a payout test by the payout test button 60b is set in advance, a payout test prohibition condition setting means for prohibiting the payout of medals may be provided in the medal lending machine 1. In this way, it is possible to prevent unnecessary medals from being paid out due to execution of the payout test, and to prevent troubles in regular payout control.
(2-12)
The payout prohibition condition set by the payout test prohibition condition setting means is the detection of a drop in the power supply voltage in the medal lending machine 1, the initial operation of the medal lending machine 1 (S200), and the medal payout for the inserted banknote from the determination of the genuine note signal. Until completion of the payment (S300 to S400), when an abnormality is detected due to fraud (S500, S600), the payout test may be prohibited during reset and clear processing in the medal lending machine 1. .

In this way, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a failure such as a failure due to execution of the payout test regardless of the control process related to other medal lending, and the medal that leads to illegal payout of medals. be able to.
(2-13)
The payout test by the payout test button 60b may have a payout operation restricting means for restricting the number of test payouts and the number of medal payouts during the test.

In this way, it is possible to prevent unnecessary medals from being paid out due to the execution of the payout test and the occurrence of a failure in regular payout control.
(2-14)
The lending control restoration means may be provided with a payout signal re-output means for re-outputting a payout control signal that has not been executed due to a decrease in power supply voltage.

In this way, even if the medal payout is not activated due to a power supply voltage drop that is difficult or unpredictable, and is interrupted in the middle of the payout, it corresponds to the bill (payment amount) inserted by re-outputting the payout signal. Since the payout of the medal is executed, it is not necessary to replay the bill insertion and the medal payout control again, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of trouble between the player who inserted the bill and the game hall side where the medal is paid out. it can.
(2-15)
The lending control recovery means may have remaining medal payout control means for paying out the remaining payout medals corresponding to the recovery after a power failure during payout.

Thereby, at the time of recovery from the abnormality of the medal lending machine 1, it is possible to prevent the medal to be paid out from being paid out and causing an unexpected disadvantage to the player and causing trouble.
(2-16)
When the abnormality determination result by the lending abnormality determination means is determined that the medal is clogged or the bridge is caused by a plurality of medals due to the lock of the hopper driving motor 62a or the medal empty payout operation, etc. The medal lending machine 1 having a medal payout abnormality canceling means (S641) for solving the problem may be configured.

In this way, there is an effect that the medal payout failure can be easily canceled and efficient medal lending control can be performed without performing the repair work of removing the medal from the medal payout portion by manual work.
(2-17)
The medal lending machine 1 includes medal payout abnormality canceling means (S451 to S454) that reversely drive the hopper drive motor 62a, stop, forwardly rotate, and execute a payout abnormality eliminating operation including the reverse rotation and stop operations a plurality of times. May be. In this way, the release action force for the jammed medals is applied from a plurality of forward and reverse directions, and once the release action is stopped, the release action is again urged from different directions, which is extremely difficult. The medal clogging can be easily released.
(2-18)
If the clogging of the medal is not released even after the hopper driving motor 62a serving as the payout motor is executed a plurality of times (twice) (S460: NO), the medal clogging abnormality is displayed and the hopper is stopped. It is good also as a structure which provides a control means. In this way, it is possible to quickly and accurately determine the clogging of medals that cannot be released, notify the manager of the medal lending machine 1 of the repair or replacement of the medal paying unit, and perform efficient maintenance work of the medal paying device 6. Produces the effect of executing.
(2-19)
The lending abnormality determining means determines the lack of medals based on the detection of the absence of medals by the medal presence / absence sensor 64a and the predetermined number of payouts (S610), displays the lack of medals, and displays a medal replenishment request signal to the medal replenishment device 130. It is good also as a structure which has a medal shortage determination control means which outputs. In this way, it is possible to request replenishment of medals resulting from a payout operation executed before the medals waiting for payout at the medal lending machine 1 are insufficient, and quick and efficient medal replenishment can be performed. Even if there are no medals, the medal replenishment request generated by the medal lending machine 1 can be output to the medal replenishing device 130, and the presence / absence and lack of medals can be displayed on the medal lending machine 1. This produces an effect that can also be displayed.
(2-20)
The lending abnormality determining means detects the banknote jam signal (JAM signal) and the genuine note signal (VEND signal) at the same time after the bill is pulled out after the genuine note signal (VEND signal) is determined and the medal payout is completed. Alternatively, when a bill jamming signal (JAM signal) and a conveyance operation in-progress signal (BUSY signal) are detected at the same time (S523, S524), a medal lending provided with a bill withdrawal judgment control means for judging a bill withdrawal abnormality. The configuration of the machine 1 may be used. If it does in this way, the effect which can prevent beforehand generation | occurrence | production of the disorder | damage | failure in the medal lending machine 1 by the operation | movement withdrawing the illegal banknote from the medal lending apparatus or the banknote withdrawal operation to the medal lending machine 1 is produced.
(3)
A connection type-specific medal lending control switching means for switching control contents between the medal lending machine 1 and the banknote transporting device 120 depending on whether or not the banknote transporting device 120 that can be connected to the medal lending machine 1 is connected may be provided.

Thereby, the same medal lending machine 1 configures a game hall facility system that can perform the lending control of medals that are linked to the banknote transport device 120 to transport and store banknotes in the safe 121a provided on the island of the game hall. In addition, the medal lending machine 1 can be used for any of the banknote handling forms of the amusement hall that stores the banknotes inserted in the medal lending machine 1 and stores them in the safe 121a manually. There is an effect that the setting can be changed as appropriate according to the form and request of the game facility on the game hall side.
(3-1)
By changing the setting of the dip switch 46, the medal lending control switching means for each connection type for switching the control contents between the medal lending machine 1 and the banknote conveying apparatus 120 depending on whether or not the banknote conveying apparatus 120 that can be connected to the medal lending machine 1 is connected. The configuration may be changed. Thereby, by any operation of the dip switch 46, a bill handling form of a game hall that stores bills inserted in the medal lending machine 1 and stores them in a safe by manual operation is configured. The medal lending machine 1 can be changed quickly and easily according to the form and demand of the amusement hall facility.
(3-2)
When the bill transport device 120 is connected, if a bill jam signal (JAM signal) is input from the start of medal payout to completion after the genuine bill signal (VEND signal) is input (S504), it is determined that the bill is jammed. On the other hand, when the bill transport device 120 is not connected, the medal lending control switching means for each connection type that determines that the bill is jammed (S503) if the receipt storage signal cannot be detected within a predetermined time after the genuine bill signal (VEND signal) is input. May be provided. Thereby, even when the banknote transport device 120 is connected to the medal lending machine 1 and automatically transported to a safe provided in the game hall, the banknote handling unit 20 is not connected and is stored in the banknote handling unit 2 of the medal lending machine 1. Also in the case of doing so, the effect of being able to determine each banknote jam corresponding to the banknote transfer mode in the medal lending machine 1 is produced.
(3-3)
As shown in FIG. 7B, when the banknote transport device 120 is not connected, after the banknote is determined to be a genuine note, it is stored in the medal lending machine 1 and a receipt confirmation signal (END signal) is received. As soon as it is detected, the hopper drive motor 62a is activated. When the receipt confirmation signal (END signal) is not detected, the hopper drive motor 62a is activated for a certain time (after 2 seconds), while FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, when the banknote transport device 120 is connected, the medal lending control switching means for each connection type having medal payout start control means for starting the hopper drive motor 62a immediately after the banknote is determined to be a genuine note. The medal lending machine 1 provided with In this way, if it is determined that the bill is inserted into the medal lending machine 1 and is a genuine note, the medal lending control is started, and even when the bill is stopped in the medal replenishing device 130 due to bill jamming or the like. Since the medal can be paid out without delay, there is an effect that the game using the player's medal is not hindered.
(4)
When a passage for supplying medals from the medal replenishing device 130 is connected to the medal lending machine 1 and the medal replenishment request contact is switched to the signal output enabled side, the medal presence sensor 64a detects that there is no medal for a certain period of time. In this case, the medal request signal is output to the medal replenishment device 130, and when the medal replenishment request contact is switched to the signal output disabled side, the output of the medal request signal is prohibited. It is also possible to have a medal lending control switching means for each connection type that performs only the medals, and the medal lending control switching means for each connection type is linked to the medal lending machine 1 by setting the dip switch to change the medal lending device 130 to a medal. System configuration of amusement hall equipment that automatically replenishes the lending machine 1, and medal lending machine 1 by manually replenishing medals It may be configured to be assumed to change the game field equipment for a medal request signal to Luo medal supply apparatus 130 as invalid.

  As a result, the medal lending machine 1 can be installed in any game hall that is provided with an automatic medal replenishment facility and in any game arcade that does not have an automatic medal replenishment facility. The medal lending machine 1 that can also cope with the system configuration has the effect of being installed in the game hall.

The medal lending machine 1 is connected to a path for supplying medals from the medal replenishing device 130, and the medal replenishment request output contact provided in the medal lending machine 1 is switched to enable signal output. The medal lending machine 1 having a medal lending control switching means for each connection type that enables the medal replenishment request signal to be output to the medal replenishment device 130 when the presence / absence sensor 64a detects that there is no medal for a predetermined time (2 seconds). Good.
(5)
When the medal lending machine 1 is connected to the passage for supplying medals from the medal replenishing device 130 and the medal presence sensor 64a detects a lack of medals, the medal lending machine 1 provides a medal replenishment request output terminal. It is good also as a structure which has a medal request signal switching setting means (medal replenishment request output circuit 56) which outputs the signal form which can be output as a signal which suits the signal form of the different special medal replenishment apparatus 130 to be connected.

Thereby, the same medal lending machine 1 is connected to a different medal replenishing device 130 by switching to the signal format corresponding to each medal replenishing device 130 of the game hall to which the medal lending machine 1 is connected. A medal lending system capable of automatic replenishment can be configured.
(Other)
Using the 7-segment LED 41, the central controller 50 displays the number of medals in blue when normal, red when abnormal (S731), and yellow when medal payout test (S458). At a glance.

  The central controller 50 performs a process of erasing the display of the number of inserted banknotes after the display of the number of inserted banknotes by the process of S741 to S761 after 5 seconds. As described above, the display relating to the number of inserted bills is limited and displayed within a certain time range, so that it is possible to maintain the privacy of the player regarding the medal lending and reduce the power consumption in the 7-segment LED 41 for a long time. It is possible to reduce the maintenance cost of the medal lending machine 1 that continues to be operated in the game hall over time.

  The supply lamp 43 is turned on when the medal shortage process (S431 to S436) is being executed, and the stop lamp 42 is also turned on after a predetermined time after the supply lamp 43 is turned on. For this reason, the medal lending machine 1 can display a guide indicating that the medals for lending in the medal lending machine 1 are insufficient and the lending of medals is stopped. Therefore, if this medal lending machine 1 is used, both the store clerk and the player can confirm why the medal lending timing is delayed because the medal lending timing is delayed due to the replenishment of medals. Can be handled appropriately.

  The medal lending machine 1 is configured such that when the medal presence sensor 64a continuously detects a medal shortage for 2 seconds, the replenishment lamp 43 blinks and lights up, and prompts the store clerk to replenish medals (S411 to S431). That is, the medal lending machine 1 not only lights up the replenishment lamp 43 but also blinks it, so that the notification effect of notifying that there are insufficient medals can be achieved compared to the case where the lamp is simply turned on. Can do.

  In the standby state, the medal lending machine 1 detects a JAM signal for a certain time (100 ms) or more (S510), detects a VEND signal for a certain time (451 ms) or more (S513), or detects an END signal for a certain time (S510). 100 ms) or more (S514), it is determined that the banknote determination is abnormal. In this way, the medal lending machine 1 can communicate signals related to medal jamming while protecting it from interference of other signal data and the influence of noise, and detect or determine medal jamming based on the signals. It can be performed properly.

  The medal lending machine 1 detects that the banknote stored in the banknote handling unit 2 is full by the banknote storage sensor 30e, and outputs a FULL signal indicating that the banknote is full for a predetermined time (100 ms) or more. In this case, it is determined that the bill is full (S530).

  Since the banknote handling unit 2 is connected to the medal paying unit 6 and the banknote handling unit 2 is not connected (S341), the store where the banknote handling unit 2 is installed is also switched. It can also be installed in stores that are not installed.

It is a perspective view of a medal lending machine of this embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of the medal rental machine of this embodiment. It is a perspective view of the banknote handling part 2, and has shown a mode that the front cover part 21, the back cover part 22, and the upper cover part 23 were opened, and the center cover part 24 was removed. It is a perspective view of the banknote handling part 2, and has shown a mode that the upper cover part 23 was opened. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing internal configurations of a bill handling unit 2, a main control unit 4, and a medal paying unit 6. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the main control part 4, (a) is a front view, (b) is a back view. In the perspective view of the medal payout portion 6, (a) is a view looking down obliquely from the upper left side when viewing the medal payout portion 6 from the insertion direction side into the housing 10, (b), FIG. 6C is a timing chart for operating the medal delivery motor when executing the medal clogging process (S451 to 464) described later, obliquely looking down from the upper right side. It is explanatory drawing of a signal. It is a list of error codes. It is a schematic diagram of in-store equipment. It is a block diagram of in-store equipment. It is a perspective view of the connection part of medal machine 1 and in-store facilities (100-130). It is a flowchart of main control. It is a flowchart of a communication establishment process (S100). It is a flowchart of a mechanical process (S200). It is a flowchart of insertion banknote processing (S300). (A) When the banknote transport apparatus 120 is connected, a timing chart of signals communicated when the processes from S340 to S400 are executed, and (b) when the banknote transport apparatus 120 is not connected, It is a timing chart of the signal communicated when the process from S340 to S400 is executed. It is a flowchart of medal payout processing (S400). It is a flowchart of the monitoring process (S500) of the banknote handling part 2. FIG. It is a flowchart of the monitoring process (S600) of the medal payout part 6. It is a flowchart of abnormality display processing (S700).

  The best mode to which the present invention is applied will be described below.

[Medal rental machine 1]
Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the medal lending machine of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the medal lending machine.

  In the medal lending machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the front portion of the housing 10 of the medal lending machine 1 is opened, and the opening 10a is formed between the upper lid 11 and the middle as shown in FIG. Covered by a lid 12 and a lower lid 13. And as shown in FIG. 2, the banknote handling part 2, the main-control part 4, and the medal payout part 6 are accommodated from the top in the inside of the housing | casing 10 of the part covered with each lid | cover 11-13. Among these, the banknote handling part 2 is accommodated in the part covered with the upper lid 11, the main control part 4 is accommodated in the part covered with the inner lid 12, and the medal payout part 6 is in the part covered with the lower lid 13. It is stored. Each lid 11 to 13 is provided with a key hole α. When the key is locked using the key hole α, each lid 11 to 13 is fixed to the housing 10. The lids 11 to 13 are fixed to the housing 10, so that the units 2 to 6 are also fixed in the housing 10.

  The upper lid 11 is provided with an opening window at a portion where the insertion port 25 and the guide rod 26 provided in the banknote handling unit 2 face each other when the banknote handling unit 2 is stored in the housing 10. And in the medal lending machine 1 of this embodiment, when the banknote handling part 2 is accommodated in the housing 10 and the upper lid 11 is attached, the guide rod 26 protrudes from the upper lid 11 toward the front side and the insertion port 25. Is exposed. Therefore, in the banknote handling unit 2 of the present embodiment, even when the upper lid 11 is closed, it is possible to insert a banknote into the banknote handling unit 2 using the insertion port 25 and the guide rod 26.

  When the main controller 4 is housed in the housing 10, the inner lid 12 has an opening window at a portion where the 7-segment LED 41, the stop lamp 42 and the replenishment lamp 43 provided in the main controller 4 face each other. Is provided. In the medal lending machine 1 of this embodiment, when the main control unit 4 is housed in the housing 10 and the inner lid 12 is attached, the 7-segment LED 41, the stop lamp 42, and the replenishment lamp 43 are exposed. Therefore, in the banknote handling unit 2 of the present embodiment, even when the upper lid 11 is closed, the display of the 7-segment LED 41, the stop lamp 42, and the replenishment lamp 43 can be confirmed.

  The lower lid 13 includes a tray 13 a that stores medals discharged from the medal payout unit 6.

  The casing 10 is formed of a plate-like material on five surfaces other than the opening 10a. Among these, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of communication connectors β are installed on the inner wall of the plate-like material facing the opening 10a to which the lids 11 to 13 are attached. It is installed in each position which opposes the part in which -6 is accommodated. When each part 2-6 is guided by a guide rail (not shown) and stored in the housing 10, it is stored in a state of being connected to these connectors β. And if each lid | cover 11-13 mentioned above is fixed to the housing | casing 10 using a key, each part 2-6 will be fixed in the housing | casing 10 in the state connected to the connector (beta). In addition, by connecting each of the units 2 to 6 to the connector β, the units 2 to 6 can communicate with each other and can communicate with the outside. Moreover, since each part 2-6 differs in the length along the accommodation direction to the housing | casing 10 of each apparatus, when each connector (beta) 6 is accommodated in the accommodation position in the housing | casing 10, In order to be connected to each connector β, it is installed in a state in which the height is adjusted using connector support bases γ having different heights.

  The medal lending machine 1 includes a power supply unit 8 that takes in power from a commercial power source and supplies power to the medal lending machine 1. The power supply unit 8 is installed below the connector support base γ that supports the connector β to which the medal payout unit 6 is connected. The power supply unit 8 includes a noise removing device 80, and can supply two types of power, DC 24V for a motor and the like, and AC 5V for an electronic circuit such as the central control device 50, through the noise removing device 80. .

In the medal lending machine 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, when the parts 2 to 6 are taken out from the housing 10 and then stored in the housing 10 again, the parts 2 to 6 are guided to a rail (not shown). Each part 2-6 can be accommodated in the state fixed in the housing | casing 10 in the state connected to each connector (beta) only by making it push in individually and closing the lid | covers 11-13. Conventionally, one end of the communication line is fixed to the housing 10 side, and a connector is attached to the free end side which is drawn out from a drawing point which is a fixed portion. Therefore, when housing each part 2 to 6 in the housing 10, the connector is pulled toward the opening 10 a, the parts 2 to 6 are first connected to the connector, and then each part 2 to 6 is housed in the housing 10. It was. In the case of such a configuration, since the communication line may be located at the storage position of each part 2 to 6, the communication line may be disconnected by being sandwiched between a rail (not shown) and each part 2 to 6. However, in the medal lending machine 1 of the present embodiment, the connector β is fixed, and the communication line is wired between the connector β and the drawing point of the housing 10 and is located at the storage position of each part 2-6. Since there is no, there is no disconnection with a communication line between each part 2-6 and the rail.
[Bill Handling Department 2]
Next, each part 2-6 is demonstrated.

  In the following description, the opening 10a side of the housing 10 will be described as the front.

Here, FIGS. 3 and 4 are both perspective views of the banknote handling unit 2, and in FIG. 3, the front lid portion 21, the rear lid portion 22, and the upper lid portion 23 are opened, and the central lid portion 24 is opened. The state which removed from the upper cover part 23 is shown. FIG. 4 is a view in which the upper lid portion 23 is opened.
{External configuration}
As shown in FIG. 3, the banknote handling unit 2 includes a banknote handling unit body 20 that stores banknotes, a front lid 21 that opens and closes the front side of the banknote handling unit body 20, and a rear side of the banknote handling unit body 20. The rear cover part 22 which opens and closes and the upper cover part 23 which opens and closes the upper side of the banknote handling part main body 20 are provided. In addition, an observation window 23a capable of observing a state in which a bill is inserted is formed in the central portion of the upper lid portion 23, and the central lid portion 24 is fitted in the observation window 23a. The central lid portion 24 is configured to be removable from the upper lid portion 23. Further, a bill insertion slot 25 is opened above the front side surface of the bill handling part main body 20 and a guide rod 26 is provided so as to project forward from the lower edge of the slot 25. Is provided. In the banknote handling unit 2, when a banknote is placed on the guide rod 26 and the tip of the banknote is pushed toward the insertion slot 25, the banknote can be smoothly inserted into the insertion slot 25.
(Partition plate 27-detection unit 20a, storage unit 20b)
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the banknote handling unit 2 is formed with a partition plate 27 that divides the banknote handling unit 2 into upper and lower parts from above the banknote handling unit body 20. Hereinafter, among the portions partitioned by the partition plate 27, the upper side is referred to as a detection unit 20a, and the lower side is referred to as a storage unit 20b (see FIG. 3). Among these, the detection unit 20a is opened on the front side when the aforementioned inlet 25 is formed, and the rear side is directed to the lower storage unit 20b by a delivery port 28 (see FIG. 3) penetrating the partition plate 27. Open. Therefore, when the bill is inserted into the detection unit 20 a from the insertion port 25, the bill passes through the detection unit 20 a and is stored in the storage unit 20 b through the delivery port 28. Moreover, the banknote stored in the storage unit 20b in this way can be taken out by opening the front lid part 21. Moreover, this banknote handling part 2 may be connected to the banknote conveying apparatus 120 mentioned later, and when this banknote conveying apparatus 120 is connected, the banknote thrown into the detection part 20a passes the sending / outlet 28. Then, it is conveyed outside by the banknote conveying device 120.

The partition plate 27 is provided with a pair of conveyor belts 29 for sending the bills inserted into the detection unit 20a from the insertion port 25 to the delivery port 28, and various sensors 30. Among these, the conveyance belt 29 is a part along the conveyance direction (direction which goes to the delivery port 28 from the insertion port 25) of the upper cover part 23 of the part which specifically hits the window frame of the observation window 23a. On the partition plate 27 facing 23b and 23c, it is each installed along the conveyance direction. Further, there are three types of sensors 30 attached to the partition plate 27, which are installed at positions facing the central lid portion 24, and two types of sensors (a banknote discrimination sensor 30a and a positioning sensor 30b), In the vicinity of the conveyor belt 29, there is an input detection sensor 30c attached to the input port 25 side along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt 29.
(Front lid part 21)
The front lid 21 is an opening provided on the front side surface of the banknote handling unit main body 20 and capable of opening and closing an opening (hereinafter referred to as “front opening”) leading to the storage unit 20b. This front opening opens below the guide rod 26 and is formed in such a size that a plurality of bills inserted into the storage portion 20b can be taken out at a time. And the front cover part 21 is formed in the magnitude | size which can open and close this front opening. Moreover, the front lid part 21 is connected to the lower end of the front side surface of the bill handling part main body 20 so as to be rotatable. At the upper end of the front lid portion 21, a catching opening 21a for catching a finger is formed. Therefore, the front lid portion 21 can open the front opening when a finger is put on the hook 21a and pulled forward.
(Rear cover 22)
The rear cover part 22 is formed in a size that covers the entire rear side surface of the banknote handling part body 20. In addition, the lower end of the rear lid portion 22 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the rear side surface of the banknote handling unit main body 20. Moreover, the accommodating part 20b is also opened on the rear side, and the rear lid part 22 can open and close this opening. When the banknote is jammed at the delivery port 28, the delivery port 28 is provided on the rear side. Therefore, if the rear lid 22 is opened, the banknote jammed at the delivery port 28 is removed from the storage unit 20b side. be able to. Moreover, when attaching the banknote conveying apparatus 120 mentioned later, if this back cover part 22 is opened, a banknote handling will be performed by connecting the edge part of the banknote conveying apparatus 120 in the accommodating part 20b from the back side of the banknote handling part 2. The unit 2 and the banknote transport device 120 can be connected.
(Upper lid part 23)
The upper lid portion 23 is formed in a size that allows the entire detection portion 20a to be opened upward. As for this upper cover part 23, the back side edge part is connected with respect to the back side of the banknote handling part main body 20 so that rotation is possible. Therefore, the upper lid part 23 can open the detection part 20a when the front end side is pulled upward. When the upper lid 23 is thus opened, the banknote can be directly removed when the banknote is jammed by the detection unit 20a.

Further, on the back surface of the upper lid portion 23, a conveyance roller 29 a is rotatably installed at a position facing the conveyance belt 29. The transport rollers 29 a are installed at substantially equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the transport belt 29. The transport roller 29a contacts the transport belt 29 when the upper lid portion 23 is closed, and rotates according to the movement of the transport belt 29. Therefore, when a bill is inserted from the observation window 23a, the bill is sandwiched between the transport belt 29 and the transport roller 29a and transported toward the delivery port 28.
(Central lid 24)
The central lid portion 24 is a lid portion that is detachably attached to the observation window 23 a provided in the upper lid portion 23. Since the observation window 23a described above is installed between the conveyance belt 29 and the conveyance roller 29a, even if the central lid portion 24 is opened, the banknotes inserted into the detection unit 20b are conveyed to the conveyance belt 29 and the conveyance roller 29a. It is still sandwiched between. Therefore, when an operation test or the like is performed, if the central cover portion 24 is opened and the transport belt 29 is operated, it is possible to observe how bills are being transported without the detection unit 20a. Moreover, since the observation window 23a is formed to be large enough to take out a banknote, even if a paper jam occurs in the detection unit 20a by removing the central lid 24, the banknote can be removed. Can be removed.

Moreover, the banknote discrimination | determination sensor 30a is provided in the position which opposes each banknote discrimination | determination sensor 30a provided in the partition plate 27 also to the detection part 20a side of this center cover part 24. FIG.
{Internal structure}
Next, the internal configuration of the banknote handling unit 2 will be described.

  Here, FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the banknote handling unit 2, the main control unit 4, and the medal payout unit 6. In FIG. 5, the banknote transport device 120, the medal replenishment device 130, and the stored ball member management device 140 are indicated by dotted lines, but these devices 120, 130, and 140 are connected to the medal lending machine 1. It shows that the medal lending machine 1 can be used even without it.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the banknote handling unit 2 includes a banknote discrimination sensor 30a, a positioning sensor 30b, an insertion detection sensor 30c, a banknote full sensor 30d, a banknote storage sensor 30e, and a banknote storage sensor 30f. ing. Furthermore, although not shown, the bill handling unit 2 includes a conveyance belt motor 31 that drives a conveyance belt 29 (see FIG. 4), a connector 33, and a control device 35. And the banknote discrimination | determination sensor 30a, the position determination sensor 30b, the insertion detection sensor 30c, the banknote full sensor 30d, the banknote storage sensor 30e, the banknote storage sensor 30f, the conveyance belt motor 31, and the control apparatus 35 are connected to the connector 33 via the bus 39. It is connected.

  The bill discriminating sensor 30a is a magnetic sensor for discriminating the authenticity of bills, and a pair of opposing ones provided on the central lid portion 24 and the partition plate 27 function. If this banknote discrimination | determination sensor 30a is used, when a banknote is passed between the banknote discrimination | determination sensor 30a which becomes a pair provided in these center cover parts 24 and the partition plate 27, between these sensors 30a with the magnetic ink of a banknote. Since the magnetic resistance changes, it is possible to determine whether or not the bill inserted into the detection unit 20a is genuine by reading the magnetic ink pattern of the bill based on the change in the magnetic resistance.

  The position determination sensor 30b is a photo sensor that mainly detects whether or not the banknote determination sensor 30a has reached an appropriate position for detecting a change in magnetic resistance. The positioning sensor 30b is disposed between the transport belt 29 and slightly closer to the insertion slot 25 than the banknote discrimination sensor 30a. The positioning sensor 30b emits detection light upward, receives the reflected light, and outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of light received. When a banknote is inserted into the banknote handling unit 2 and reaches above the positioning sensor 30b, the detection light is reflected by the banknote. Then, the amount of light received by the positioning sensor 30b differs between the case where the detection light is reflected by the banknote and the other cases, so that the banknote is positioned by detecting the change in the amount of received light. It is determined whether or not it has reached the upper side of.

  The insertion detection sensor 30 c is a photosensor that is attached to the leading end of the conveyance belt 29 on the insertion opening 25 side and mainly detects whether or not a bill has been inserted from the insertion opening 25. The operation principle of the insertion detection sensor 30c is the same as that of the positioning sensor 30b.

  The banknote full sensor 30d is a level sensor provided in the storage unit 20b of the banknote handling unit 2, and is a sensor that detects whether or not the banknotes stored in the storage unit 20b are full.

  The banknote storage sensor 30e is a photosensor provided in the storage unit 20b of the banknote handling unit 2, and is a sensor that detects whether or not a banknote is stored in the storage unit 20b. The operation principle of the bill storage sensor 30e is the same as that of the position determination sensor 30b.

  The banknote transport sensor 30 f is a photosensor attached to the banknote transport apparatus 120 and is a sensor that detects whether or not a banknote is moving from the banknote handling unit 2 to the banknote transport apparatus 120. The principle of operation of the bill conveyance sensor 30f is the same as that of the position determination sensor 30b.

  The conveyor belt motor 31 is a motor that can rotate the conveyor belt 29 forward or backward. When the conveyor belt motor 31 receives a forward rotation signal, an inversion signal, or a stop signal, the conveyor belt motor 31 rotates forward, reverses, or stops, and rotates the conveyor belt 29 in the direction in which the banknotes are stored or in the reverse direction to take in banknotes, It can be discharged or stopped during storage.

  The control device 35 is a control device that controls the bill handling unit 2 and includes a computer device.

  The connector 33 is installed on the rear lid portion 22 on the back side of the bill handling unit main body 20 so that the connector 33 is connected to the bill β when the bill handling unit 2 is stored in the housing 10.

[Main control unit 4]
Here, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the main control unit 4, (a) is a front view, and (b) is a back view. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the main control unit 4.

{External configuration}
As shown in FIG. 6A, the main control unit 4 includes a 7-segment LED 41, a stop lamp 42, a replenishment lamp 43, a display button 44, A reset switch 45 is installed. Among them, the 7-segment LED 41 is installed at the approximate center of the front side surface of the housing 40, the stop lamp 42 and the replenishment lamp 43 are installed above the 7-segment LED 41, and the display button 44 and the reset switch 45 are 7-segment. It is installed on the right side of LED41. Furthermore, the stop lamp 42 and the replenishment lamp 43 are arranged on the left side of the stop lamp 42 and on the right side of the supply lamp 43. The display button 44 and the reset switch 45 are arranged on the upper side toward the display button 44 and on the lower side toward the reset switch 45.

  The 7-segment LED 41 displays a predetermined symbol indicating the number of medals to be paid out when a lack of medals, medals are jammed, banknotes jammed, cheating, etc. . The light emitted from the 7-segment LED 41 is emitted to the outside through a lens cover disposed on the front side of the 7-segment LED 41. The 7-segment LED 41 can display red, blue, and yellow colors, red when an abnormality such as clogging of medals occurs, blue when normal, such as when paying out medals normally, Lights yellow during the payout test.

  The stop lamp 42 and the replenishment lamp 43 are light emitting diodes. When the stop lamp 42 is lit, it indicates that the payout of medals has stopped, and the replenishment lamp 43 indicates that replenishment of medals is necessary. The stop lamp 42 is used when the power supply voltage of the medal lending machine 1 is lowered, during communication establishment processing (S100), during the mechanical processing (S200) described later, medal shortage processing (S431 to S436), and medal clogging processing (S451 to S451). 464) or the like, or when any abnormality occurs in the medal lending machine 1, the medal lending cannot be normally performed, so that the light is turned on when the medal lending is stopped. The supply lamp 43 blinks and lights up when the medal shortage process (S431 to S436) is being executed.

  The display button 44 is used to instruct the main control unit 4 to switch the content displayed on the 7-segment LED 41 when pressed. When the display button 44 is pressed, the contents displayed on the 7-segment LED 41 can be changed one after another.

  The reset switch 45 instructs the main control unit 4 to initialize the medal lending machine 1 by pressing the reset switch 45. When the reset switch 45 is pressed, various data stored in the main control unit 4 can be reset.

  Since the display button 44 and the reset switch 45 are usually covered with the inner lid 12, when the buttons 44 and 45 are operated, the inner lid 12 is unlocked and operated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the main control unit 4 includes two types of dip switches 46 described later on the back surface of the housing 40. The dip switch 46 includes a plurality of operable switches, and the function of the medal lending machine 1 can be designated by a combination of turning on and off of the switches.

  In the present embodiment, when each dip switch 46 is switched, the function of the medal lending machine 1 can be specified as follows.

  In the present embodiment, there are two types of dip switches 46.

  Here, Table 1 shows the function when each switch constituting the DIPSW 46a which is one of the DIP switches 46 is switched.

In the main control unit 4 of the medal lending machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in Table 1, four types of resistance values can be set.

  That is, the main control unit 4 sets a resistance value of 1 kΩ by turning ON all of No. 1 to 4 by turning ON all of No. 1 to 4 with 1.8 kΩ for No. 1 of DIPSW 46 a, 3.3 kΩ for No. 2 only, and No. 3 Can do. Thus, the disconnection detection resistor can adjust the accuracy of the disconnection detection in the medal lending machine 1 connected to the game hall management device by switching the resistance value stepwise by the switching operation of the dip switch 46a as described above. it can. Thereby, the disconnection detection level can be appropriately adjusted according to the installation environment of the medal lending machine 1 and the state or distance of the transmission system between the game hall management device 110 and the distance. This DISP 46a is equivalent to the sales signal output unit in FIG.

  Next, Tables 2 and 3 show the functions when the switches constituting the DIPSW 46b, which is one of the DIP switches 46, are switched.

  The DIPSW 46b is composed of seven switches.

  Of these, functions 1 to 5 and 6 to 7 have different functions and will be described separately.

  When the switches 1 to 5 of the DIPSW 46b are switched, the function of the medal lending machine 1 can be changed as shown in Table 2 below.

No. 1 of the DIPSW 46b is a switch for determining a bill withdrawal abnormality determination method in a monitoring process (S500) to be described later. When the central control device 50 receives the JAM signal and the VEND signal at the same time (S523), It can be set so that it is determined that the banknote is being withdrawn abnormally. On the other hand, when this switch is turned OFF, it can be set to determine that the banknote is being withdrawn abnormally when the central controller 50 receives the JAM signal and the BUSY signal at the same time (S524).

  No. 2 (46b-2) of the DIPSW 46b is a switch that determines the type of signal indicating whether or not the bill inserted into the bill handling unit 2 is a genuine note. When the number 2 of the DIPSW 46b is turned OFF, when the bill is a genuine note, ten short pulses are output to the outside as a sales signal. On the other hand, when No. 2 of the DIPSW 46b is turned ON, when a banknote is a genuine note, one long pulse is output to the outside as a sales signal.

  No. 3 of the DIPSW 46b is a switch for setting the size of a medal paid out from the medal paying unit 6, that is, the size of a medal detected by a count sensor 60e described later. When the DIPSW 46b No. 3 is turned OFF, a medal with a diameter of 25 mm is set to be detected. When the DIPSW 46b No. 3 is turned on, a medal with a diameter of 30 mm is set to be detected.

  That is, when the medal diameter is 25 mm, the count pulse is input from the medal paying unit 6 with an average HI signal (medal detection) having a pulse width of 24 ms from the medal payout unit 6 at an average 62 ms interval (medal non-detection LO). No. 3 of DIPSW 46b is set to OFF so that medals can be counted when a simple signal is received. On the other hand, when the medal diameter is 30 mm, since the HI signal having an average pulse width of 16 ms is input at an average interval of 106 ms, the count pulse has 3 DIPSW 46b so that the medal can be counted when such a signal is received. No. is set ON.

  No. 4 of the DIPSW 46b is a switch for switching a setting for collecting bills inserted into the bill handling unit 2. When No. 4 of the DIPSW 46b is turned OFF, the manual collection is set. On the other hand, when the DIPSW 46b No. 4 is turned ON, the bill transport device 120 is set to automatically collect the bills.

  No. 5 of the DIPSW 46b is a switch for setting whether or not the bill handling unit 2 permits insertion of 2000 yen bills. When the number 5 of the DIPSW 46b is turned on, the insertion of 2000 yen bills is permitted. When the DIPSW 46b is turned off, the 2000 yen bills cannot be accepted.

  Next, the 6th to 7th DIPSWs 5 will be described.

  When the 6th to 7th switches of the DIPSW 46b are switched, the function of the medal lending machine 1 can be changed as shown in Table 3 below.

These DIPSWs 6 to 7 are used to switch the number of medals paid out per 1000 yen. This is because the number of medals to be paid out needs to be changed in response to changes in the medal unit price and the consumption tax rate.

  In the present embodiment, 46 is set when both 6 and 7 are set to ON, 47 is set when OFF is set to 7 and 6 is set OFF, 48 is set when ON is set to 7 and OFF is set to 48, and 6 is set to 7 When both numbers are set to OFF, 50 medals are set to be paid out.

{Internal structure}
Next, the internal configuration of the main control unit 4 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the main control unit 4 includes a dip switch 46, a connector 47, a reset switch 45, a 7-segment LED 41, a stop lamp 42, a supply lamp 43, a display button 44, and a reset switch 45. And a central controller 50. The 7-segment LED 41, the stop lamp 42, the replenishment lamp 43, the display button 44, the reset switch 45, the dip switch 46, the stored ball member switching unit 54, the medal replenishment request output circuit 56, and the central controller 50 are connected via the bus 49. Are connected to the connector 47. The main control unit 4 has a structure that cannot be tampered with, but a detailed description of the structure is omitted.

  The central control device 50 is a computer device that includes a CPU 50a, a ROM 50b, a RAM 50c, and the like, and executes various controls that will be described later.

  The central controller 50 is provided with a program ROM 50a for storing various programs to be described later. The program ROM 50a is configured to be detachable from the main control unit 4. Therefore, the central control device 50 can perform control by the changed program only by replacing the program ROM 50a.

  In addition, the central control device 50 stores data relating to the handling of banknotes (data relating to the number of banknotes taken in, the number of banknotes stored, the number of banknotes conveyed, etc.), the number of medals paid out by the medal payout unit 6, and the like. A storage device 50d is provided that can retain data even when the power is turned off. The storage device 50d may be anything such as a non-volatile memory as long as it can retain data even when the power is turned off.

In order to connect the medal lending machine 1 to the stored ball member management device 140 and to receive the medal lending without inserting banknotes by using the stored ball data stored and authenticated by the stored ball member management device 140, The medal lending machine 1 is provided with a stored-ball member switching unit 54 that enables transfer of stored-ball data to and from the stored-ball member management device 140.

  When a medal lending request signal is received from the medal lending machine 1 by the switching operation of the stored ball member switching unit 54, a medal corresponding to the medal lending request signal is paid out from the medal paying unit 6. .

  In this case, since the medal is not lent based on the insertion of the banknote into the medal lending machine 1, no sales signal is output from the medal lending machine 1 to the game hall management device 110 that also serves as a sales calculation means.

The main control unit 4 includes an output circuit (not shown) that allows the bill transport device 120 to be connected, and outputs a medal supply request output circuit 56 that outputs a medal supply signal in response to the connection of the medal supply device 120. Have By the switching operation of the switch 46b-2 of the medal replenishment request output circuit 56, the normally closed contact and the normally open contact are converted. When replenishment is requested, two forms of medal replenishment request signals, HI or replenishment request LO, are sent. The medal lending machine 1 can be set to correspond to the medal supply device connected to the machine.
[Medal paying part 6]
{External configuration}
Here, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the medal payout portion 6, and FIG. 7A is a view obliquely looking down from the upper left side when the medal payout portion 6 is viewed from the insertion direction side into the housing 10. (B) is the figure which looked down diagonally from the right side upper side. FIG. 7C is a timing chart for operating the medal sending motor when executing a medal clogging process (S451 to 464) described later.

  The medal payout unit 6 is a device that temporarily stores medals replenished from the outside and then pays out medals.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the medal payout unit 6 mainly includes a base unit 60, a connecting unit 62, and a medal tank 64. In the medal payout portion 6, a connecting portion 62 formed in a short neck shape supports the medal tank 64 above the base portion 60 with the base portion 60 as a base. The connecting portion 62 stores a hopper that separates and feeds out medals stored in the medal tank 64 one by one. Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, a medal discharge port 60a is formed on the front side of the base portion 60 (the side facing the opening when being stored in the housing 10 of the medal lending machine 1). In addition, a payout test button 60b is provided. Further, a connector 60c is provided on the rear side of the base portion 60 as shown in FIG. The connector 60c can be connected to the connector β on the housing 10 side. When the connector 60c is coupled to the connector β, the connector 60c is electrically connected to the connector β.

If the payout test button 60b is provided in the operation unit of the main control unit 4 instead of the medal payout unit 6, the structure of the medal lending machine 1 as a whole is convenient. See FIG.
{Internal structure}
Next, the internal configuration of the medal payout unit 6 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the payout test button 60b, a noise canceller 60d and a count sensor 60e are provided. The connecting portion 62 includes a hopper drive motor 62a, and the medal tank 64 includes a medal presence / absence sensor 64a. The payout test button 60b, the count sensor 60e, the hopper drive motor 62a, and the medal presence / absence sensor 64a are connected to the bus 69 and to the connector 60c.

  When the payout test button 60b is pressed, the payout test button 60b outputs a signal for instructing whether or not the medal payout unit 6 operates normally. This signal is transmitted from the connector 60c to the main control unit 4.

  The count sensor 60e is composed of a photo sensor, and is installed on a route through which medals are sent from the medal tank 64 to the medal discharge port 60a. When a medal passing through the route is detected, a signal indicating the detection is output. . This signal is transmitted from the connector 60 c to the main control unit 4, and is used for counting the medals paid out by the medal paying unit 6 in the main control unit 4.

  The hopper drive motor 62a is a device that sends out medals stored in the medal tank 64 to the medal discharge port 60a using a hopper. When the hopper drive motor 62a receives a signal for instructing to start discharging the medal from the main control unit 4 via the connector 60c and the noise canceller 60d, the hopper driving motor 62a executes the operation of sending out the medal and stops discharging the medal. When the signal for instructing is received, the operation of sending out medals is stopped.

The medal presence sensor 64a is installed in the medal tank 2 and includes a signal electrode plate and a ground electrode plate. When the medal presence / absence sensor 64a detects that there is no medal in the medal tank 64 based on the contact resistance value between them, that is, no medal is stored, the medal presence / absence sensor 64a gives a signal to instruct the medal tank 64 to supply the medal. Output. This signal passes through the noise canceller 60d, is transmitted from the connector 60c to the main control unit 4, and is used in the main control unit 4 to instruct the medal replenishing device described later to supply medals to the medal lending machine 1. It is done.
[Communication signal]
Next, signals communicated by the medal lending machine 1 will be described. In the following description, only main signals and information (equivalent to game medium lending control information) are listed, but the present invention is not limited to these.

  Here, FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing various signals communicated in the medal lending machine 1. Table 1 is a list of signals communicated by the banknote handling unit 2.

  As shown in Table 4, the bill handling unit 2 communicates with “JAM”, “VEND1000”, “VEND2000”, “INH1000”, “FULL”, “END”, “BUSY”, “INH2000”, “OKRTN”, and the like. In addition, below, the process which the control apparatus 35 of the banknote handling part 2 performs is also touched simply.

The JAM signal indicates that a photo sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of banknotes, such as the positioning sensor 30b and the insertion detection sensor 30c, continues for a predetermined time or more and that the banknotes are positioned in the detection unit 20a, that is, the banknotes are paper This signal is output to the main control unit 4 when it is detected that the blockage has occurred. This signal is output from the banknote handling unit 2 to the main control unit 4 using the terminal 1. When the control device 35 determines that banknote jam has occurred, the control device 35 transmits a JAM signal to the main control unit 4 and stops the conveyor belt motor 31.

  The VEND 1000 signal is a signal that is output from the banknote handling unit 2 to the main control unit 4 when the control device 35 determines that the change pattern of the magnetic resistance detected by the banknote discrimination sensor 30a is a genuine 1000 yen bill. It is. This signal is output from the banknote handling unit 2 to the main control unit 4 using the terminal 2.

  The VEND2000 signal communicated at the VEND2000 terminal is sent from the banknote handling unit 2 to the main control unit when the control device 35 determines that the magnetic resistance change pattern detected by the banknote discrimination sensor 30a is a genuine 2000 yen bill. 4 is a signal to be output. This signal is output from the banknote handling unit 2 to the main control unit 4 using the terminal 3.

  When the positioning sensor 30b detects the insertion of the banknote, the control device 35 operates the conveyor belt motor 31 to draw the banknote into the detection unit 20a. Then, at the time of the withdrawal, the banknote discrimination sensor 30a reads the magnetic ink pattern of the banknote. If the pattern is a genuine note, the control device 35 outputs the VEND1000 or 2000 signal to the main control unit 4. The

  The INH1000 signal communicated at the INH1000 terminal is opened when the acceptance of 1000 yen bills is prohibited, and is connected to the GND side when no failure is permitted, when a failure occurs during the control process of the medal lending machine 1 or fraud. This is a reception prohibition signal that is output to the banknote handling section of the reception prohibition information for 1000 yen bills. This signal is output from the main control unit 4 to the banknote handling unit 2 using the terminal 5.

  The INH2000 signal communicated at the INH2000 terminal is opened when the acceptance of 2000 yen bills is prohibited, and is connected to the GND side when no failure is permitted, when a failure occurs during the control process of the medal lending machine 1 or fraud. This is a reception prohibition signal for outputting reception prohibition information of 2000 yen bills to the banknote handling unit. This signal is output from the main control unit 4 to the banknote handling unit 2 using the terminal 8.

  When the banknote handling unit 2 receives these INH1000 and 2000 signals, even if it is determined that the banknote inserted by the banknote discrimination sensor 30a is a genuine note, the conveyor belt motor 31 is reversed to remove the inserted banknote. The product is discharged from the inlet 25.

  The FULL signal communicated with the FULL terminal is a signal output from the banknote handling unit 2 to the main control unit 4 when the banknote full sensor 30d detects that the banknote stored in the storage unit 20b is full. . Communication is performed using the terminal 6.

  The END signal communicated at the END terminal is a signal output from the banknote handling unit to the main control unit when the banknote storage sensor 30e does not connect the banknote transport device 120 to the medal lending machine having the main control unit. Communication is performed using the terminal 7.

  The BUSY signal communicated at the BUSY terminal indicates that the banknote transport operation is performed when the banknote transport apparatus 120 is connected to the medal lending machine 1 having the main control unit 4 and the banknote handling unit 2. 2 is a signal output from 2 to the main control unit 4. Similar to the END signal, communication is performed using the terminal 7. The BUSY signal is output immediately when a bill is inserted into the bill handling unit 2 and a bill is detected by the bill transport sensor 30f.

  The OKRTN signal is a signal output from the main control unit 4 to the banknote handling unit 2 when the bill inserted into the banknote handling unit 2 is a genuine bill of any of the 1000 yen bills and 2000 yen bills. is there. Communication is performed using the terminal 9.

  The terminals 4 and 10 are used as terminals for supplying power from the main control unit 4 to the banknote handling unit 2.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the medal payout unit 6 transmits signals to the main control unit 4 from the count sensor 60e and the medal presence / absence sensor 64a. An operation signal for the payout test button 60b is also transmitted. The power of the hopper drive motor 62 a is supplied from the main control unit 4 to the medal payout unit 6.

  Next, when the stored ball member management device 140 is installed in the store, the stored ball member information is input from the stored ball member management device 140 to the main control unit 4, and the main control unit 4 sends the stored ball member management device 140 to the stored ball member management device 140. Will output the accumulated ball member information.

  Next, the sales signal and the preliminary sales signal are output from the main control unit 4 between the game hall management device 110 and the main control unit 4.

  Next, between the medal supply device 130 and the main control unit 4, a medal supply request signal described later is output from the main control unit 4.

Next, between the banknote conveyance apparatus 120 and the main control part 4, the main control part 4 inputs / outputs a signal related to the conveyance of banknotes (banknote conveyance signal).
[error indication]
Next, error codes displayed on the 7-segment LED 41 will be described.

  Here, FIG. 9 is a list of error codes.

  The main control unit 4 displays 10 symbols represented by En, that is, “E1” “E2” “E3” “E4” “E5” “E6” “E7” “E8” “E9” “E0”. When it occurs, it is displayed as an error code.

  E1 indicates that medals in the medal payout unit 6 are insufficient.

  E2 indicates that the medal payout portion 6 is not connected to the connector β.

  E3 indicates that the count sensor 60e has failed or does not function normally.

  E4 indicates that medals are jammed in the medal paying unit 6.

  E5 indicates that the bill cannot be identified.

  E6 indicates that the banknotes stored in the banknote handling unit 2 are full.

  E7 shows the excessive discharge | release which the medal paying part 6 paid out more than necessary medals.

  E8 shows the storage abnormality which was not able to accommodate | store a banknote normally with respect to the banknote handling part 2, such as a tear of a banknote and a conveyance position shift.

  E9 indicates a banknote withdrawal abnormality in which the banknote transport device 120 has failed to withdraw a banknote from the banknote handling unit 2.

  E0 indicates that an illegal act has occurred.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 11, the display of E1, E2, and E6 can be prevented from being performed by performing a clear operation in which the display button 44 and the reset switch 45 are simultaneously pressed.

  The display of E1, E3, E4, E5, E6, E8, and E0 indicates that when a payout test button 60b of the medal payout unit 6 is pressed, a payout test for discharging two medals can be performed. When testing is performed, these indications can be prevented.

  The display of E3, E4, E6, E7, and E8 can be stopped when the power is turned off.

  The display of E3, E4, E6, E7, E8, E0 can be stopped by pressing the reset switch 45.

  The display of E1, E2, and E9 is stopped when the display is automatically restored by various processes shown below.

E5 is returned to when the reset switch is operated when the END signal is detected for 100 ms or more during standby when an abnormality is detected in the banknote discrimination sensor provided in the banknote handling unit.
[In-store facilities]
Next, in-store facilities of the pachinko parlor where the above-described medal rental machine 1 is installed will be described.

Here, FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the in-store facilities, (A) is a schematic diagram of an island where neither the banknote transport device 120 nor the medal replenishment device 130 is attached, and (B) is the banknote transport device 120 attached. (C) is a schematic diagram of the island to which the medal replenishing device 130 is attached, and (D) is a schematic diagram of the island to which both the banknote transport device 120 and the medal replenishing device 130 are attached. It is. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the in-store equipment.
{Outline configuration}
In this embodiment, as an in-store facility, as shown in FIG. 10, four islands 100 are provided.

  As described with reference to FIG. 5, the medal lending machine 1 of the present embodiment can be used even when the banknote transport device 120, the medal transport device 130, and the like are not provided. Therefore, FIG. 10 also shows a case where these are not provided ((A) to (C)). In the following description, for simplicity of explanation, (D) the bill transport device 120 and the medal supply device 130 Both will be explained to the main island.

In the island 100 of the present embodiment, a plurality of slot machines 101 are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the island 100 on both sides along the longitudinal direction. On the left side of each slot machine 101, a medal lending machine 1 that lends medals used in each slot machine 101 is installed. Therefore, in each island 100, the medal lending machine 1 and the slot machine 101 are arranged in the order of the medal lending machine 1, the slot machine 101, the medal lending machine 1, and the slot machine 101 in order from the left side facing the longitudinal surface of each island. Established.
[Medal Supply Device 130]
The medal lending device, which is an example of the game medium lending device constituting the present invention, that is, the medal lending machine 1 is configured to automatically replenish from the medal replenishing device 130, and the lid is unlocked to rotate and open. The medal tank 64 can be replenished with medals using a mug-shaped replenishment box, and a medal replenishment mode suitable for a game system in which the medal lending machine 1 is installed can be constructed. It ’s like that.

  The island 100 includes a medal replenishing device 130 that supplies medals to each medal lending machine 1. The medal supply device 130 includes a medal supply control device 131, a medal supply path 132, a medal supply distribution path 133, and a distribution basket 134.

  The medal supply control device 131 is provided at one end of the island 100 in the longitudinal direction. The medal supply path 132 is installed in the center of the island 100 in the width direction along the longitudinal direction of the island 100, and sends out the medals discharged from the medal supply control device 131 along the longitudinal direction of the island 100. A plurality of medal supply distribution paths 133 branched from the medal supply path 132 are attached to the medal supply path 132, and each medal supply distribution path 133 receives medals sent by the medal supply path 132. Supply to each medal lending machine 1. Further, a distribution basket 134 (see FIG. 12) is provided in the medal replenishment path 132 for each medal lending machine 1 and switches the medal transport direction sent by the medal replenishment path 132 to face the medal replenishment distribution path 133.

  When this medal replenishment device 130 receives a medal replenishment request signal from the medal lending machine 1, the medal replenishment device 130 supplies medals to the medal replenishment path 132, and also distributes 134 corresponding to the medal lending machine 1 that sent the medal supply instruction. Switch. Then, the medal sent from the medal supply device 130 is supplied to the medal lending machine 1.

The medal replenishing device 130 includes a cleaning unit (not shown) that purifies the medals collected after being used in the amusement hall by pressing them with a sponge roller impregnated with soapy water. The medals replenished to the medal lending machine 1 are transported by the medal replenishing device 130 after being cleaned by the cleaning unit.
[Banknote Transfer Device 120]
The medal lending device which is an example of the game medium lending device constituting the present invention, that is, the medal lending machine 1, is a safe 121a provided with valuable media such as banknotes inserted into the medal lending machine 1 by the banknote transport device 120 on the island. In addition to the automatic collection, the banknotes are stored in the storage unit 20b provided in the banknote handling unit, while the lid is unlocked to rotate and open, and the banknotes stored in the storage unit 20b are recovered. It can be set as a structure, and it has comprised so that the collection | recovery form of the banknote suitable for the system of the game hall which installs the medal rental machine 1 can be comprised.

  The island 100 includes a banknote transport device 120.

  The banknote transport device 120 includes a banknote transport control device 121 and a banknote transport path 122.

The banknote transport control device 121 is installed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the island 100 and on the side where the medal supply device 130 is attached. And the banknote conveyance path 122 is extended from this banknote conveyance control apparatus 121 along the longitudinal direction of the island 100. FIG. The bills inserted into each medal lending machine 1 are transported to the bill transport control device 121 by the bill transport device 120 and stored in a safe 121 a provided in the bill transport control device 121.
[Amusement center management device 110]
In this store, in addition to the medal replenishment device 130 and the bill transport device 120 described above, a game hall management device 110 configured to be able to communicate with these devices 120 and 130 and each medal lending machine 1 and the slot machine 101 is provided. I have. This game hall management device 110 collects and manages medal supply information, sales information, and the like on each island 100, and when there is an irregularity or abnormality in the medal lending machine 1, this information is wirelessly owned by the store clerk. Process and manage a lot of information, such as communicating with devices.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the medal lending machine 1 of the present embodiment includes an interface unit 90, and the medal lending machine 1 is connected to the game hall management device 110, the banknote transport device 120, the medal via the interface unit 90. The same applies to the case of communicating with the replenishment device 130 and also including the storage member management device 140 and the storage medium input device 150 provided outside.

  In FIG. 10, although there are descriptions of a display unit and an operation unit, these are equivalent to a 7-segment LED 41, a stop lamp 42, a supply lamp 43, a display button 44, a reset switch 45, etc. It is equivalent to the central controller 50.

  The medal storage unit and the medal payout unit are equivalent to the medal tank 64, the hopper drive motor 62a, and the like, respectively.

Further, the medal lending machine 1 may include a recording medium input device 150. The recording medium referred to here is, for example, an IC card, an IC coin, a prepaid card, or the like.
{Composition of connection part}
Next, the configuration of the connection portion between the in-store equipment and the medal lending machine 1 will be specifically described.

  Here, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a connection portion between the medal lending machine 1 and the in-store facilities (100 to 130).

  As shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of distribution rods 134 are installed in the medal supply path 132 constituting the medal supply device 130. The distribution basket 134 is specifically installed on the back side of each medal lending machine 1. Further, on the back side of each medal lending machine 1, a medal replenishment distribution path 133 for supplying medals from the side of the medal replenishment path 132 to the medal paying unit 6 of each medal lending machine 1 is installed. When the medal replenishment device 130 receives a medal replenishment command from the medal lending machine 1, the medal replenishment device 134 operates as shown in FIG. Guide to the opening of the open medal supply distribution path 133. Then, medals are supplied to the medal payout unit 6 through the medal supply distribution path 133. Thereafter, when the replenishment of medals to the medal payout unit 6 is completed, the distribution basket 134 moves to a position where the medals flowing through the medal replenishment path 132 are flown downstream.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 12, the banknote conveyance branch path 123 is provided toward the banknote conveyance path 122 of the banknote conveyance apparatus 120 from the back surface side of the banknote handling part 2 of the medal lending machine 1. And the banknote holding part 124 which hold | maintains the banknote sent from the banknote handling part 2 is provided in the part where the banknote conveyance branch path 123 is connected to the banknote conveyance path 122. FIG. The banknotes inserted into the banknote handling unit 2 from the insertion port 25 are transported to the banknote storage unit 124 via the banknote transport branch path 123 and are made to wait here. The banknotes stored in the banknote storage unit 124 are banknote transport paths. 122 is conveyed by the banknote conveying apparatus 121.
[Various processing]
Next, various processes executed by the control device 35 of the banknote handling unit 2 and the central control device 50 of the main control unit 4 constituting the medal lending machine 1 will be described below. In the following description, unless the order of processing is particularly indicated, it is assumed that the step numbers from the smallest to the largest are executed in order.
[Main control]
First, main control will be described.

  Here, FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the main control.

  In this main control (S1), as shown in FIG. 13, the following four processes (S100 to S400) are executed.

  In S100, the central controller 50 executes communication establishment processing for establishing communication with the in-store facilities 110 to 150, and in S200, a hopper drive motor 62a for driving a hopper for paying out medals, or a conveyor belt motor. The disturbance of the control of the driving means that generates a large amount of electromagnetic noise such as 31 at the time of activation is initialized to a stable standby state without any obstacles in the medal payout or banknote transport operation, and in some cases during the control operation A mechanical control means is configured to initialize the driving means and the control information in a stopped state and execute preparation for mechanical medal lending processing. Thereafter, in S300, central controller 50 executes inserted banknote processing on the banknotes inserted into banknote handling unit 2, and in S400, executes medal payout processing related to medal payout, and then executes S300 again. .

Hereinafter, processing performed in each step of each main control will be described in detail.
[S100]
The communication establishment process of S100 is a process for establishing communication between the medal lending machine 1 and the in-store facilities 110 to 150.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the communication establishment process.

  This communication establishment process (S100) is executed when the power is turned on, and as shown in FIG. 14, the central controller 50 of the medal lending machine 1 first executes the process of S110.

  In S110, the central controller 50 determines whether or not communication with the medal supply device 130 is possible. In this determination, the process waits until it is determined that communication is possible (S110: NO). If it is determined that communication is possible (S110: YES), the process of S111 is executed.

In S111, the central controller 50 executes a replenishment setup process. This process performs communication for testing whether or not the communication for replenishing medals is performed accurately with the medal replenishing device 130. In S120, the central controller 50 determines whether the dip switch 46 It is determined whether the switch 4 of the DIPSW 46b is ON or OFF. If the switch 4 of the DIPSW 46b is OFF, the process of S130 is executed. If the switch 4 of the DIPSW 46b is ON, the process of S121 is executed. In this S120, regarding the collection of banknotes, the switch 4 is turned on, that is, the banknotes are automatically collected by the banknote transport device 120, or the switch 4 is turned off, that is, the banknotes stored in the banknote handling unit 2 are collected manually. Accordingly, the setting of processing performed by the central controller 50 is changed.

  In S121, the central controller 50 determines whether or not communication with the banknote transport device 120 is possible. In this determination, the process waits until it is determined that communication is possible (S121: NO). If it is determined that communication is possible (S121: YES), the process of S122 is executed.

  In S122, the central controller 50 executes banknote collection setup processing. In this process, communication for testing whether or not communication for collecting banknotes is accurately performed with the banknote transport device 120 is performed. When the test communication for collecting banknotes is completed by the process of S122, the process of S130 is executed.

  In S130, the central controller 50 determines whether or not communication with the game hall management device 110 is possible. In this determination, the process waits until it is determined that communication is possible (S130: NO). If it is determined that communication is possible (S130: YES), the process of S131 is executed.

In S131, the central controller 50 executes a setup process. This process is a process for testing whether or not sales data and the like are accurately exchanged with the game hall management apparatus 110. Then, when the process of S131 is completed, the main process is executed.
[S200]
The mechanistic control means of S200 also performs the process of checking whether the mechanical mechanism of the medal lending machine 1 operates normally in addition to the initialization process described above, and in principle the power of the medal lending machine 1 is turned on. However, it is of course possible to employ a configuration in which an initial control is performed periodically when some abnormality occurs.

  Here, FIG. 15 shows an example of a change in the flowchart of the mechanical process.

  When this mechanical process (S200) is executed, the central controller 50 of the medal lending machine 1 first executes the process of S201 as shown in FIG.

  In S201, the central controller 50 executes a standby display process indicating that the 7-segment LED 41 is on standby. Specifically, the display of sequentially lighting each segment of the 7-segment LED 41 one by one is executed.

  In S202, the central control device 50 operates the transport belt motor 31 and the control device 35 operates the hopper drive motor 62a and the like to execute an initial operation.

In S203, the central controller 50 determines whether any trouble has occurred in the medal lending machine 1 or in-store facilities (110 to 130). If an abnormality has occurred in this determination (S203: NO), a display indicating the abnormality that has occurred is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41 (S204), and the main control is terminated. On the other hand, if no abnormality has occurred (S203: YES), the process returns to the main process (S1).
[S300]
The inserted bill processing at S300 is a flowchart showing the control process and means for checking whether the mechanism of the bill taking-in device incorporated in the medal lending machine 1 operates normally and processing the bill to display and output signals. It was.

  Here, FIG. 16 is a flowchart of inserted banknote processing. FIG. 17A is a timing chart when processing from S340 to S400 is executed when the banknote transport apparatus 120 is connected, and FIG. 17B is a case where the banknote transport apparatus 120 is not connected. It is a timing chart.

  When this inserted banknote process (S300) is executed, as shown in FIG. 16, the central control device 50 of the main control unit 4 first executes the process of S310.

  In S310, the central controller 50 determines whether or not insertion of banknotes into the banknote handling unit 2 is prohibited. The case where the insertion of banknotes is prohibited is one in which (a) the power supply voltage of the medal lending machine 1 is lower than a predetermined value. Others include (b) a payout test, (c) a mechanistic process (S200) being executed, (d) a medal is being paid out, (e) reset or clear During processing, (f) banknotes stored in the banknote handling unit 2 are full, (g) medals are insufficient, (h) 500 ms have passed after completion of payout of medals. Or when there is other (i) abnormality. In these cases, some operations overlap with other operations or do not operate normally, and the medal lending machine 1 does not operate normally, and the medals are normally paid out to the inserted bills. In this S310, it is determined whether or not the above cases (a) to (h) occur. When the deposit is prohibited in this determination (S310) (S310: YES), the process waits until the prohibition of the deposit is released, and when the deposit is not prohibited (S310: NO), a bill is inserted. After executing the process (S311) for displaying on the 7-segment LED 41 that it is in a standby state waiting for the process, S320 is executed.

  In S320, it is determined by the control device 35 of the banknote handling unit 2 whether or not a banknote has been inserted into the banknote handling unit 2. Specifically, the control device 35 determines whether or not a bill has been inserted by the player from the insertion slot 25 and the insertion detection sensor 30c has detected the bill. In this determination, while it is determined that it has not been detected that a piece of paper has been inserted (S320: NO), it stands by, and when it is determined that a bill has been inserted (S320: YES), the process proceeds to S321. Execute the process.

  In S321, the control device 35 operates the conveyor belt motor 31, rotates the conveyor belt 29 and the conveyor roller 29a, and attracts the banknotes into the detection unit 20a. And if a banknote is accommodated until the position determination sensor 30b is located, the authenticity determination of the banknote by the banknote discrimination sensor 30a will be started, and also a banknote will be sent to the sending-out port 28 side, and the position determination sensor 30b will be in a position. If it passes, the process which stops the conveyance belt motor 31 once will be performed. Also. In S320, the control device 35 executes a process of stopping the standby display displayed on the 7-segment LED 41 by executing the process of S311 and executes S330.

  In S330, the central controller 50 determines whether or not the signal is normal. Specifically, it is determined whether the JAM signal, the FULL signal, the END signal, or the BUSY signal is 100 ms or longer, and in the case of the VEND signal, whether it is 80 ms or longer and 450 ms or shorter. If it is determined in this determination that it is normal, the process of S340 is executed, and if it is determined that it is not normal, the main process (S1) is terminated.

  By the way, when it determines with the banknote having been inserted in S320 and the process of S321 is performed, as shown to Fig.17 (a), when the banknote conveying apparatus 120 is connected to the banknote handling part 2, banknote conveyance. A banknote is detected by the sensor 30f, and a BUSY signal is output from the control device 35. Also, as shown in FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b), the inserted banknote is regardless of whether or not the banknote transport apparatus 120 is connected. If it is a genuine note, a VEND signal that is a genuine note signal is output from the control device 35.

  In S340, the central controller 50 determines whether or not the VEND signal has been received, and waits when the VEND signal is not input (S340: NO), and when the VEND signal is input (S340: YES), A process of displaying the amount of money indicated by the VEND signal and the number of coins corresponding to the setting of the 6th and 7th switches of the DIPSW 46b on the 7-segment LED 41 (S341), and the bills inserted into the bill handling unit 2 Processing for accumulating the number of sheets is executed (S342).

  In S350, when the banknote transport device 120 is connected, the central controller 50 determines whether or not 80 ms has passed since the VEND signal was input, as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not 1 second or more has elapsed since the start of reception of the bill, and if the bill transport device 120 is not connected, the bill is stored by the bill storage sensor 30e as shown in FIG. Since the END signal is stored in the unit 20b and output from the control device 35, it is determined whether or not the END signal has been received. In this determination, the central controller 50 waits until an affirmative determination is made (S350: NO). If an affirmative determination is made (S350: YES), if the banknote transport apparatus 120 is connected, the process of S360 is performed. If the connection is not established, the present process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the main process.

  In S360, the central controller 50 transmits a genuine note confirmation signal (OKRTN signal) to the banknote handling unit 2. Then, the control apparatus 35 of the banknote handling part 2 which received this OKRTN signal stops transmission of a VEND signal.

  In S361, the main control unit 4 determines whether or not the input of the VEND signal is stopped. When the VEND signal is input, the main control unit 4 waits (S361: NO), and when the input of the VEND signal is stopped (S361: YES), the process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the main process.

  When the bill transport device 120 is not connected and the VEND signal is input in S340, the central control device 50, two seconds later, regardless of whether the END signal is input, separately from the main processing, A process of outputting a sales signal at 100 ms intervals with a pulse width of 100 ms to the game hall management apparatus 110 is executed. In this embodiment, by turning off the switch 2 of the DIPSW 46b, 10 pulses are output per 1000 yen, and 20 pulses are output when 2000 yen is input. It outputs a pulse by sales signal wave and relay contact ON / OFF.

  When the receipt confirmation signal END is not detected, it is determined that the banknote transport device 120 is connected to the medal lending machine 1, and when the BUSY signal is confirmed, the medal lending machine 1 receives a medal from the banknote transport device 120. Passing control may be executed.

  When the genuine note signal VEND is detected, the hopper drive motor 62a of the medal payout unit 6 is activated to move to the medal payout control.

  When the receipt confirmation signal END is detected, it is determined that the banknote transport device 120 is not connected to the medal lending machine 1, and the banknote discrimination and accommodation processing may be executed in the medal lending machine 1. .

  If it is determined that 2 seconds have elapsed since the detection of the genuine note signal VEND, the hopper driving motor 62a of the medal payout unit 6 may be activated to perform medal payout control.

  The medal payout control is executed in parallel with the banknote storing process in the banknote medal lending machine 1 or the banknote feeding process to the banknote transport device 120.

  The medal payout operation by the hopper drive motor 62a is counted by the count sensor 64a provided in the medal payout unit 6, and the medal is subtracted from the medal payout number corresponding to the inserted bill, and the processing is performed when the set number of medal payouts are completed. Exit.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of inserted banknotes, the added banknote number is added, and the number of medals corresponding to the calculated banknote amount is paid out.

  At the same time, sales data corresponding to the number of inserted bills is output from the medal lending machine 1 to the game hall management device 110.

On the other hand, when it is determined that medals are jammed or an abnormality such as a full banknote is determined during the payout of medals, a corresponding error code is displayed on the display unit (7-segment LED 41) of the medal lending machine 1. When an abnormality is detected and the payout of medals stops, the number of unpaid medals is displayed blinking.
[S400]
S400 is a payout process for paying out medals.
(S400)
Here, FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the payout process.

In this payout process (S400), first, it is determined whether or not the contact resistance value of the medal presence / absence sensor 64a is 80 kΩ or less (S411). If the central controller 50 determines that the contact resistance value is not 80 kΩ or less in this determination (S411: NO), a medal shortage process (S431 to S436) described later is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in this determination that the contact resistance value is greater than 80 kΩ (S411: YES), it is determined whether or not 30 ms or more has elapsed since the start of the determination in S411 (S412). Waiting (S412: NO), if it has elapsed, it is determined that there is a medal, and the hopper drive motor 62a is operated (S413). Then, since the medal is discharged from the medal tank 64 to the medal payout unit 6, the discharged medal is detected by the count sensor 60e (S414). When the count sensor 60e detects a medal, the output signal becomes HI level. Therefore, in S414, it is determined whether the HI level output signal has detected a HI level signal signal of about 10 ms, or has detected a LO level signal or a HI level signal that continues for 3 seconds or more. If it is determined in this determination that a HI level signal of about 10 ms has been detected (S414: HI level), the display of the number of paid-out medals displayed on the 7-segment LED 41 is changed to a number reduced by “1”. (S415) is executed to determine whether or not the remaining number of medals is “0” (S416). If it is not “0” (S416: NO), the process of S414 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined as “0” in the determination in S416 (S416: YES), the hopper drive motor 62a is stopped (S417), and it is determined whether or not 5 seconds have elapsed from the processing in S416 (S418). When 5 seconds are stopped, the display of “0” is stopped (S419), and the process returns to the main process (S1). On the other hand, if it is determined that a signal of LO level or HI level is detected for 3 seconds or more (S414: LO level), it is determined that the token is jammed, and medal jamming processing (S451 to 464) is executed. Note that the determination in S416 may be performed by counting the number of medals that have been paid out and determining whether or not the pulse wave that counts the last medal among the medals to be paid out has fallen.
(Medal shortage processing)
The medal shortage process (S431 to S436) performed in the payout process (S400) will be described.

  The medal shortage process (S431 to S436) is a process executed when it is determined in S411 that no medal is stored in the medal tank 64 (S411: NO).

When this medal shortage process (S431 to S436) is started, first, it waits for 2 seconds (S431). Next, “E1” indicating that there is a medal shortage is displayed using the 7-segment LED 41 and the replenishment lamp 43 is turned on (S432), and the medal replenishment device 130 prepares for replenishment of medals. Is executed (S433). Specifically, an operation of arranging the distribution basket 134 and the like so that the medals flowing through the medal supply path 132 are directed to the medal supply distribution path 133 is performed. Then, the central controller 50 transmits a signal instructing the medal replenishing device 130 to replenish medals (S434). Then, since medals are replenished from the medal replenishing device 130, it is determined whether or not a replenishment completion signal notifying that the replenishment of medals has been completed from the medal replenishing device 130 (S435), and the replenishment completion signal is received. (S435: YES). On the other hand, when the replenishment completion signal is received in this determination (S435), the process of displaying that the medal is insufficient (E1 display and the replenishment lamp 43) is stopped (S436), and the process of S411 is executed again. The medal shortage process (S431 to S436) is terminated.
(Medal clogging process)
The medal clogging process (S451 to 464) performed in the payout main process (S410) will be described.

  The medal clogging process (S451 to 464) is a process executed in S414 when the HI level signal continues for 3 seconds or more.

  When the medal clogging process (S451 to 464) is started, the central controller 50 first stops the normally rotating hopper drive motor 62a for 1 second (S451), as shown in FIG. After reversing for 2 seconds (S452), it is stopped again (S453), and further forwardly rotated for 3 seconds (S454). Then, the central controller 50 determines whether or not the series of operations (S451 to S454) has been performed twice (S455), and if not performed twice (S455: NO), the operations of (S451 to S454) are performed again. Is executed twice (S455: YES), it is determined whether or not the clogging of medals has been resolved (S460). That is, in this S460, the central controller 50 determines whether or not the LO level has reached 20 ms or more in the determination in S460. If the medal jam is resolved in this determination (S460: YES), the processing of S411 is executed again. On the other hand, if the medal clogging is not resolved (S460: NO), “E4” indicating that the medal clogging has occurred is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41 (S461). Then, the hopper drive motor 62a is stopped (S462). Thereafter, an operation for clearing the clogged medal is performed by the operator's hand (S463), and an operation indicating that the clogged medal is cleared is performed on the medal lending machine 1, and a signal output from the count sensor 60e is 20 ms. If it is maintained at LO (S464), the process of S411 is executed again.

Note that as an operation for clearing a clogged medal, there is a payout test performed by pressing the payout test button 60b. This payout test is a test for paying out medals on a trial basis. When the payout test button 60b is pressed by an operator to perform the payout test, a yellow 2 is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41, and the hopper The drive motor 62a operates to pay out two medals. At this time, when a medal is detected by the count sensor 60e, a process of reducing the number of medals displayed on the 7-segment LED 41 by 1 is also performed here. No. 6 can be confirmed that medals are not jammed and that the medals to be paid out are properly counted using the count sensor 60e.
[Monitoring process (S500)]
Next, the monitoring process (S500) of the banknote handling unit 2 executed in parallel with the main control (S100) will be described.

  Here, FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the monitoring process (S500) of the banknote handling unit 2.

  The monitoring process (S500) of the banknote handling unit 2 is started when the power of the medal lending machine 1 is turned on.

  When the monitoring process (S500) is started, first, as shown in FIG. 19, a process of determining whether or not the banknote is set to be stored in the banknote handling unit 2 is executed (S501). This process can be determined by detecting whether the switch 4 of the DIPSW 46a is ON or OFF. In this determination, when it is determined that the type is stored in the banknote handling unit 2 (S501: YES), in the case where the banknote is stored in the banknote handling unit 2 of the medal lending machine 1, a genuine note signal is determined. If the END signal cannot be detected within 3 seconds from the start, it is determined that the banknote is abnormal (S503), and "E8" is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41. On the other hand, if it is determined that the type is not stored in the banknote handling unit 2 (S501: NO), it is determined whether or not the JAM signal is input after the VEND signal is input until the medal payout is completed. (S504). If a JAM signal is detected in this determination (S504: YES), it is determined that there is a banknote storage abnormality. On the other hand, if a JAM signal is not detected, the process of S510 is executed.

  In S510, the central controller 50 determines whether or not the JAM signal has been continuously input for 100 ms or more during the standby period after the input of the VEND signal until the end of the medal payout. If it is determined in this determination (S510) that the JAM signal has been continuously input for 100 ms or longer (S510: YES), it is determined that the banknote determination is abnormal, and if it is determined that the JAM signal is not input (S510: NO). , S512 is executed.

  In S512, it is determined whether or not the 2000 yen return mode for returning 2000 yen. If this determination is made based on whether or not the dip switch DIPSW 46b No. 5 is turned off, a 2000 yen bill cannot be used in the medal lending machine, and only 1000 yen can be set in the medal lending machine. . The medal lending machine can be configured so that a plurality of types of banknotes can be used and in an unusable state by switching the DIP switch. For example, the 5th pin of the DIP switch shown in Table 2 is turned ON / OFF to enable or disable the insertion of 5000 yen bills, or to enable and disable the insertion of 10,000 yen bills. It can be set by switching. In this case, the bill discriminating sensor serving as the bill discriminating means of the bill handling unit can be made possible by mounting a genuine note discriminating function for 5000 yen or 10,000 yen. If it is determined by this determination (S512) that the mode is 2000 yen return mode (S512: YES), the determination of S514 is executed, and if it is determined that the mode is not 2000 yen return mode (S512: NO), S513 Execute the judgment.

  In S513, it is determined whether the VEND signal is input for 451 ms or more. In this determination S513, an abnormality is determined by detecting the VEND signal for 451 ms or longer, and the VED signal is determined to be normal within the range of 450 ms to 80 ms. As a result, only when the genuine note signal is detected within a predetermined detection time, the genuine note signal is handled as a genuine one in the control, and the VEND signal receives the interference of other signals such as noise, and the bill discriminating means is activated. It can prevent inputting into the main control part from the banknote handling part which has.

  If it is determined in this determination (S513) that the VEND signal has not been detected for 451 ms or longer (S513: NO), it is determined that the banknote discrimination is abnormal, and “E5” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41, and the VEND signal is 451 ms or longer. If it determines with having detected (S513: YES), determination of S514 will be performed.

  In the determination in S514, it is determined whether or not the JAM signal is continuously detected for 100 ms or more during the standby period after the detection of the VEND signal until the end of the medal payout. If it is determined in this determination (S514) that the JAM signal has been continuously input for 100 ms or longer (S514: YES), it is determined that the banknote determination is abnormal, and if it is determined that the JAM signal is not input (S514: NO). , S520 is executed.

  In the determination of S520, it is determined whether the period is from the input of the VEND signal to the end of medal payout. If it is determined in this determination that this period is not (S520: NO), the determination of S530 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that this period is (S520: YES), whether or not the first switch of the DIPSW 46b is ON is determined. Determination is made (S521).

  If it is determined in S521 that the first DIPSW 46b is not ON (S521: NO), it is next determined whether the first DIPSW 46b is OFF (S522), while the first DIPSW 46b is ON. (S521: YES), the determination of S523 is executed.

  In the determination of S522, if it is determined that the first DIPSW 46b is OFF (S522: YES), the determination of S524 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first DIPSW 46b is not OFF (S522: NO), the determination of S530 is performed. Execute.

  In the determination in S523, it is determined whether or not a bill jam signal (JAM signal) and a genuine note signal (VEND signal) are detected at the same time. If it is determined that they are detected at the same time (S523: YES), a bill withdrawal operation is performed. In other words, it is determined that the banknote has been withdrawn abnormally, and “E9” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41.

  In the determination of S524, it is determined whether or not a banknote jam signal (JAM signal) and a signal (BUSY signal) indicating that the banknote transport apparatus 120 is operating are detected at the same time. S524: YES), if it is determined that it is a banknote withdrawal abnormality and, on the other hand, if it is determined that they are not detected at the same time, the process of S530 is executed.

In determination of S530, it is determined whether the banknote accommodated in the banknote handling part 2 became full during standby. In this determination, if the central controller 50 receives the FULL signal from the banknote handling unit 2 and determines that the storage unit 20b is full (S530: YES), it is determined that the banknote is full, and 7 segments. When “E6” is displayed on the LED 41 and it is determined that the LED 41 is not full (S530: NO), this monitoring process (S500) is repeatedly executed.
[Monitoring process of medal payout unit 6]
Next, the monitoring process (S600) for monitoring the medal payout unit 6 will be described.

  Here, FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the monitoring process (S600) of the medal payout unit 6.

  The monitoring process (S600) of the medal payout unit 6 is started when the power of the medal lending machine 1 is turned on and when various abnormalities described below occur and are reset.

  When this monitoring process (S600) is started, first, the determination of S610 is executed as shown in FIG.

  In S610, the central controller 50 determines whether or not the medal presence sensor 64a detects that there are no medals continuously for 2 seconds when the power is turned on, that is, whether or not medals are insufficient. Specifically, this determination is made based on whether or not the medal presence / absence sensor 64a continues for 2 seconds when the contact resistance value is 80 kΩ or less. If it is determined that this has continued for 2 seconds (S610: YES), it is determined that there are not enough medals. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are medals within 2 seconds (S610: NO) ), The determination of S612 is executed.

  In S612, the central controller 50 determines whether or not 350 medals have been paid out after the medal presence / absence sensor 64a detects that there is no medal for 2 seconds continuously. If it is determined in this determination that 350 sheets have not been paid out (S612: NO), the determination in S613 is executed, and if it is determined that the payout has been made (S612: YES), the determination in S614 is executed.

  In S613, the central controller 50 determines whether or not the medal presence sensor 64a detects that there are no medals continuously for 2 seconds, that is, whether or not medals are insufficient, in the same manner as in S610. If it is determined that this has continued for 2 seconds (S613: YES), it is determined that there are not enough medals. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are medals within 2 seconds (S613: YES) ), The determination of S620 is executed.

  In S614, the central controller 50 determines whether or not the medal presence sensor 64a detects that there are no medals continuously for 2 seconds, that is, whether or not medals are insufficient, in the same manner as in S610. If it is determined that this has continued for 2 seconds (S614: YES), it is determined that there are not enough medals, and “E1” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41, while medals are displayed for 2 seconds. If it is determined that there is (S614: NO), the determination of S612 is executed again. As a result, the lack of medals in the medal payout unit 6 provided in the medal lending machine 1 is determined with an elapsed time of 2 seconds. Due to the phenomenon that a gap is created between medals, no medals or a medal shortage signal is output, or a medal shortage signal is illegally formed due to noise or interference from others, and unnecessary medal replenishment control is executed. This can be prevented.

  In S620, the central controller 50 determines whether or not there is an input of a confirmation signal indicating that the count sensor 60e is operating normally for 100 ms or more during standby except during the medal payout, and inputs the confirmation signal. If there is no error (S620: YES), it is determined that the connection is abnormal, and “E2” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41. On the other hand, if a confirmation signal is input (S620: NO), the process of S630 is executed. As a result, it is determined that the electrical components constituting the medal lending machine 1 are not connected and a disconnection has occurred, using a predetermined elapsed time as a confirmation time, so noise, interference from others, etc. Thus, it is possible to solve the problem that incorrect disconnection information is formed due to and that unnecessary assembly work is instructed or displayed.

  In S630, the central controller 50 determines whether or not the count sensor 60e has detected a medal while 50 ms or more elapses and 500 ms elapses after the medal is paid out. As a result of this determination, if a medal is detected in the meantime (S630: YES), it is determined that the medal is excessively released, and “E7” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41. On the other hand, if no medal is detected during that time (S630: NO), the process of S640 is executed. As a result, the medal payout is not completed within a preset predetermined elapsed time (50 ms to 500 ms), that is, within the normally set medal payout time, resulting in noise or other interference or failure occurrence. It can be determined that the medals have been unnecessarily paid out, and it is possible to reliably determine and control whether or not the medals have been invalidated and whether or not the medal payout unit has failed.

  In S640, the central controller 50 determines whether the count sensor 60e remains at the LO or HI level for 3 seconds or more during the operation of the hopper drive motor 62a. If it is determined in this determination that there is no change for 3 seconds (S640: YES), the same medal clogging elimination process as in S452 to S455 is executed twice, and it is determined whether this process is completed (S641), and the process ends. If not (S641: NO), the process of S641 is executed again to stand by, and if it is determined that the medal clogging elimination process has been performed twice (S641: YES), a medal clogging has occurred in the medal payout unit 6. And “E4” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41. On the other hand, if it is determined in S640 that there has been a change within 3 seconds (S640: NO), the processing of S650 is executed assuming that the medal clogging in the medal payout unit 6 has been resolved. As a result, a series of medal payout failure canceling control of medal clogging elimination processing and medal clogging elimination determination corresponding to medal clogging determination and medal clogging in the medal lending machine 1 is performed by the operation signal and the count sensor According to the elapsed time of detection by 60e, it is possible to execute efficiently without error without being illegally damaged by noise or signal interference from other sources.

  In S650, the central controller 50 determines whether or not the count sensor 60e continuously outputs a HI level signal for 200 ms or more during the operation of the hopper drive motor 62a. If it is determined in this determination that the output has continued for 200 ms or longer (S650: YES), it is determined that the count sensor 60e is abnormal, and “E3” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41. On the other hand, if it is determined that the output has not been continued for 200 ms or longer (S650: NO), the process of S660 is executed.

  In S660, the central controller 50 determines whether or not a medal is paying out. If the medal is not paying out (S660: NO), the process ends (S600) and if the medal is paying out ( (S660: YES), the process of S670 is executed.

In S670, the central controller 50 determines whether or not a blank of the detection signal input from the count sensor 60e has occurred for 5 seconds or more for 2 seconds or more, and if it is determined that it has occurred (S670: YES), fraud has occurred. If it is determined that it has not occurred (S670: NO), the process of S671 is executed. In S671, the central controller 50 determines whether or not the count sensor 60e has counted five medals during standby, and determines that fraud has occurred when the five medals are counted. If “E0” is displayed and the counting is not performed (S671: NO), the present processing (S600) is executed again. If the counting is performed (S671: YES), it is also determined that fraud has occurred. As a result, since the number of detection signals detected by the sensor, which is one aspect of the combination of detection signals, is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and the detection time of the detection signal by the sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, fraud is determined. Further, it is possible to prevent the execution of the medal lending control with an error such that the normal medal payout control is determined to be invalid due to noise or signal interference from other sources.
[Abnormal display processing]
Next, an abnormality display process for displaying the occurrence of abnormality on the 7-segment LED 41 using the display button 44 will be described.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the abnormality display process.

  This abnormality display process is started when the power is turned on, and the process of S710 is first executed.

  In S710, the central controller 50 determines whether or not the display button 44 has been pressed once. If it is determined that the button is not pressed (S710: NO), the process waits. If it is determined that the button is pressed (S710: YES), the process of S720 is executed.

  In S720, the central controller 50 determines whether or not any abnormality has occurred. If there is an abnormality, the process of S730 is executed, and if there is no abnormality, a blinking display indicating “standby” for a predetermined time is displayed. This is performed for the segment LED 41 (S721).

  In S730, the central controller 50 determines whether or not medals have not been paid out. If it is determined in this determination that there is no unpaid medal (S730: YES), a process of blinking and displaying the unpaid number on the 7-segment LED 41 is executed (S731), and the process of S740 is executed. On the other hand, if there is no unpaid (S730: NO), the process of S740 is executed.

In S740, the central controller 50 determines whether or not the operation of the display button 44 has been performed again within 5 seconds after the operation of the display button 44 has been performed in S710. And when it determines with operation not being performed by this determination, the number of the banknotes thrown into the banknote handling part 2 is displayed on 7 segment LED41 (S741), and the process of S760 is performed.
On the other hand, if it is determined that no operation has been performed, the process of S750 is executed.

  In S750, the central controller 50 determines whether or not a flag (an amount corresponding to E1 to E0) indicating an abnormality other than medal unpaid is set. And if it determines with there being abnormality by this determination (S750: NO), the number of the banknotes thrown into the banknote handling part 2 will be displayed on 7 segment LED41 (S741), and the process of S770 will be performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no abnormality (S750: YES), one of the abnormality displays indicated by En is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41 (S751), and the determination of S740 is executed again. Then, when repeating the determination from S740 to S751, in S751, among the abnormal indications indicated by EN, the numbers indicated by n are displayed in order from the smallest to the 7-segment LED 41, and when n = 0 is displayed again, When the display button 44 is pressed in S740, the smallest abnormality display of n is performed.

In S760, the central controller 50 executes a process of displaying the number of banknotes stored in the banknote handling unit 2 on the 7-segment LED 41. After the display process in S760, the previous display button 44 is operated. It is determined whether or not the display button 44 has been operated once again within 5 seconds (S761). If it is determined in this determination that no operation is performed (S761: NO), the display of the 7-segment LED 41 is stopped (S762), and the process of S710 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined in this determination that an operation is being performed (S761: YES), the process of S730 is executed again. Thus, after the display button is operated, another abnormality and the medal payout number (the remaining number of medals not paid out in the embodiment) are switched depending on whether the display button is operated again within a predetermined time. It is possible to display.
[Other controls]
(1) When a power failure occurs in the middle of paying out medals, the driving of the medal paying unit 6 is stopped. In preparation for such a case, in the present embodiment, it is preferable to execute a process of constantly storing the number of unpaid medals in, for example, the storage device 50d. In this case, when the medal lending machine 1 recovers from the power failure and the power is turned on again, the medal payout data for the unpaid portion stored in the central control device 50 is read, and the medal payout unit 6 is activated. What is necessary is just to comprise so that a medal may be paid out.

It should be noted that the medal payout at the time of a power failure is preferably set to be executed only once. Moreover, it is preferable to execute only for 2 seconds after the power failure ends. If the abnormality is not canceled by this, the driving of the medal payout unit 6 is preferably stopped. This allows medal payouts during power outages to be kept within an extremely limited number of medal payouts, reduces damages caused by unauthorized acts that may occur in the event of a power outage, Enable recovery.
(2) When the payout test button 60b is operated in the medal payout unit 6, the central controller 50 executes a medal payout operation for paying out two medals. However, the operation of the payout test button 60b is permitted only up to five times. The fifth and subsequent medals payout using the payout test button 60b are set so that they cannot be performed unless the power of the medal lending machine 1 is turned on again. As a result, it is possible to promptly restore the medal lending machine and promptly perform repair work. The payout test performed by operating the payout test button 60b is set in the medal lending machine 1 of the present embodiment so that it cannot be executed in the following cases. In the following cases, when the power supply voltage in the medal lending machine 1 decreases, when the medal lending machine 1 is in the mechanistic operation, it is determined that the signal is a genuine note signal and the medal payout is completed (S340 to S417). ) And a reset process including a clear operation. It is possible to prevent a medal lending machine including a medal payout unit from being induced by performing a medal payout test under a situation where the control in the medal lending machine is unstable.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the display board to which the 7-segment LED 41 is attached and the main board to which the central controller 50 and other devices are attached may have a structure in which flat plates are assembled at right angles. The display substrate and the main body substrate may be formed on a single circuit board using a flexible substrate.

  (2) Although the 7-segment LED 41 is used in the above embodiment, a color liquid crystal display panel may be used. When this color liquid crystal display panel is used, various control situations including an abnormality in the medal lending machine 1 may be displayed as a moving image (a detected abnormality is notified by spoken language). If this liquid crystal type screen is used, it is possible to improve the display function by enhancing the attention-inducing function for the player and the store clerk in detail and clearly. A touch panel may be used instead of the 7-segment LED 41, the display button 44, and the reset switch 45.

  (3) The central control device 50 stores the data used by the various controls of the medal lending machine 1 of the above embodiment, as well as the signals detected by the magnetic sensor and other illegal signals in a timely manner. You may perform the process to do.

  (4) In S201 of the mechanical process, in order to display that it is on standby, in the above embodiment, the display of sequentially lighting each segment of the 7-segment LED 41 one by one was executed. Using a liquid crystal display panel, for example, a display such as “Prepare for inserting banknotes” may be performed.

(5) When the display button 44 and the reset switch 45 are operated at the same time, the medal lending machine 1 of the present embodiment clears the deposit data (data relating to the number of bills inserted and the amount of money, etc.) to 0 You may comprise so that the process made into a value may be performed. Further, the medal lending machine 1 of this embodiment may be configured to display payout data (the number of medals paid out) when the display button 44 is operated within 2 seconds after the operation of the reset switch 45. In this way, when it is configured to perform the display as described above in combination with a plurality of operation buttons, it is possible to perform the display as described above by operating each single operation button. In comparison, the area of the operation panel of the medal lending machine 1 can be made compact, the number of parts of the switch can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. The operation of the reset switch 45 is performed by the medal shortage process (S431 to S436). ) Is executed when the connection of the medal payout unit 6 is abnormal, the banknote stored in the banknote handling unit 2 is full, and on the other hand, when the count sensor 60e is abnormal, a clogged medal occurs. When the banknote cannot be discriminated, when the medal is over-released, when the banknote is not stored due to a paper jam, etc., the banknote transport device 12 When the withdrawal of banknotes by 0 is not successful, or when fraud occurs, it may not be accepted.

  (6) When the medal lending machine 1 detects or determines a control failure, fraud, lack of medals, or the like in various detections and determinations executed by the main control unit 4, the data relating to these detections and determinations is abnormal data. The main control unit 4 may be configured to execute an abnormal process for recording or analyzing as described above, or a storage process for accumulating logs relating to abnormal data.

  (7) When the banknote transport device 120 is connected to the medal lending machine 1, medals that are control information and control signals related to medal lending from the banknote handling unit 2 and the medal payout unit 6 via the main control unit 4 The lending control information, the medal lending control signal, and the like are output from the medal lending machine 1 to the banknote transport device 120. The main control unit 4 stores the game medium lending control information related to the lending of medals from the banknote transport device 120 as necessary. It is good also as a structure which inputs into.

  (8) The medal lending machine 1 of the above embodiment includes the banknote handling unit 2, but instead of this or when installed together with the device 2, an IC card, an IC coin or a prepaid card is inserted, Of course, it is possible to provide a storage medium inserting device for transmitting the money information stored in these cards instead of the genuine note information. In this case, medals are lent based on the money information. See FIG.

  (9) The medal lending machine 1 of the above embodiment includes the banknote handling unit 2, but instead of this, an IC card in which ID information is recorded is inserted, or a predetermined ID code is input. You may provide the member rental apparatus which can input information. In this case, the medal lending machine 1 is configured such that the ID code is sent from the member lending device to the main control unit 4 and is transmitted from the main control unit 4 to the storage member management device 140 installed as in-store equipment. The The stored ball member management device 140 is a device that accumulates and stores as a stored ball data the number of medals acquired as a result of a game when a game in a gaming machine such as a slot machine is terminated. In FIG. 11, the storage medium insertion device 150 is configured to accept a member IC card.

  When such a device is provided, a medal lending request signal is transmitted from the member lending device to the savings member management device 140 by inserting an IC card or the like and operating a specific button, and a response signal to the signal is sent. When the medal lending machine 1 receives the number of medals corresponding to the medal lending request signal, the medal paying unit 6 pays out. In this way, the medal lending machine 1 can be connected to the stored ball member management apparatus 140, and the medal lending can be received without throwing in banknotes using the stored ball data stored in the stored ball member management apparatus 140.

  In this case, since the medal is not lent based on the insertion of the banknote into the medal lending machine 1, no sales signal is output from the medal lending machine 1 to the game hall management device 110.

  (10) In this medal lending machine 1, even if an abnormality is detected, if the display button 44 is not operated, an error display that does not indicate the type of error may be displayed. For example, the 7-segment LED 41 may display En. If a plurality of types of abnormalities are detected, the En display may be displayed blinking.

  (11) When the main control unit 4 cannot confirm the signal of the count sensor 60e for 100 ms or more during standby, the central control device 50 of the medal lending machine 1 determines that the medal payout unit 6 has a connection abnormality. This connection abnormality turns off the connection abnormality display of the medal payout unit 6 in response to the return of the power source and the signal line.

(12) In the medal lending machine 1, when a medal jam occurs, “E4” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41 (S461), but when the medal payout unit 6 detects a medal jam, a payout test button When the medal payout unit 6 is operated by operating 60b to eliminate the medal jam (S463), the medal jam display may be turned off.
(13) After taking out the medals in the medal payout unit 6, the medal payout unit 6 is started for 3 seconds by operating the reset switch 45 or the payout test button 60b or turning on the power again, and then the count sensor 60e. If the medal count based on can be determined, it is determined that the recovery process has been successful, and if there are unpaid medals, payout control of the remaining medals may be executed. After processing the count sensor, operate the reset switch or payout test button or turn on the power again to activate the medal payout unit 6 for 2 seconds and recover if the count sensor signal input is maintained at LO for 20 ms or longer. If there are unpaid medals, the remaining medals can be paid out as a result of successful processing.

(14) When an abnormality of the count sensor 60e is detected such that the count sensor 60e is out of order or does not function normally, and “E3” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41 to that effect, a medal is paid out. In some cases, the main control unit 4 may determine that the payout has not been paid out or that the medal has been paid out but has not been paid out.
In such a case, for the banknotes stored in the banknote handling unit 2, there is a discrepancy between the number of medals to be paid out and the number of medals actually paid out. Therefore, in this embodiment, in such a case, the data regarding the counted number of medals may be deleted.

  (15) When the banknotes stored in the banknote handling unit 2 are full and E6 is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41, the banknotes are removed from the banknote handling unit 2 and the reset switch 45 is pressed, or the power switch When the power is turned off and re-inserted, the main control unit 4 is set so as to perform a process of setting the data related to the number of banknotes stored in the banknote handling unit 2 to 0 value among the data stored in the main control unit 4. May be.

  By setting in this way, normal deposit processing can be resumed even when a full banknote is removed.

  (16) When an abnormality occurs in the count sensor 60e, when a medal is jammed in the medal payout unit 6, or when an illegality is detected by the medal lending machine 1, the 7 segment LED 41 has E3, E4, E0. However, these displays may not be displayed by operating the reset switch 45 or the payout test button 60b.

  (17) Even if the disconnection of the medal paying unit 6 is determined, the abnormality of the medal paying unit 6 connection is not immediately determined, and the main control unit 4 inputs the signal of the count sensor for a certain time (100 ms) or more during standby of the medal paying unit 6. If it is not confirmed, the connection abnormality of the medal paying unit 6 is not determined, and even if the medal paying unit 6 is connected, the medal paying unit 6 is kept waiting for a predetermined time (100 ms) or more from the count sensor 60e. If no signal is detected, the connection of the medal payout unit 6 may not be completed. By doing so, the medal lending machine 1 can communicate signals related to disconnection and connection of the medal payout unit 6 while protecting from the interference of other signal data and the influence of noise. Detection or determination of clogging can be performed properly.

  (18) Examples of fraud that occurs in the medal lending machine 1 include cases where medals are paid out even though no banknotes are inserted, and fraudulent extraction of banknotes that have been inserted into the medal lending machine 1 In some cases, a medal is extracted from the medal payout unit 6. The cheating illustrated here cannot be performed unless the lids 11 to 13 and the keyhole α are opened. However, when an illegal act is performed, the medal lending machine 1 is destroyed or the medal lending machine 1 is opened by some method, or the lids 11 to 13 of the medal lending machine 1 are not opened. By performing the operation, the banknotes are extracted. Therefore, the medal lending machine 1 determines that fraud has occurred when the opening of the lids 11 to 13 and the operation of the keyhole α are not detected, and when a signal for extracting the medal or bill is detected. Thus, it may be set to display “E0” on the 7-segment LED.

  Further, the medal lending machine 1 is used when a medal is paid out without a signal indicating that a bill has been inserted, when a medal payout exceeding the set number of medal payouts is made for the inserted bill, Of course, it may be set to display “E0” on the 7-segment LED 41 by determining that fraud has occurred, for example, when the banknote is determined as a fake banknote.

  Regarding the display of the fraud determination, the display is not performed by pressing the reset switch 44 or the payout test button 60b of the medal lending machine 1 or operating the power switch (not shown) to turn on the power again. Good.

  (19) A sensor that determines that a bill withdrawal operation has been performed may be provided on a path from the detection unit 20a of the bill handling unit 2 of the medal lending machine 1 to the storage unit 20b. If this sensor is provided, it is possible to detect unauthorized withdrawal of banknotes.

  (20) When the medal replenishing device 130 is not connected, the store clerk directly replenishes the medal payout unit 6 with medals. At this time, the medal presence / absence sensor 64a may be configured such that when the lower lid 13 is locked by the key hole α, the central control device 50 detects whether or not the medal is output from the medal presence / absence sensor 64a.

  (21) In S751, the central control unit displays an error from the smallest number, but may display from the highest priority according to a predetermined priority order, or the order in which errors occurred. They may be displayed in the reverse order.

  (22) An opening / closing lid that allows the insertion of banknotes is provided in the insertion port 25, and when depositing is prohibited (S310: YES), the insertion port 25 may be controlled to be closed with the opening / closing lid. In this case, it may be configured such that the opening / closing lid can be opened when the deposit prohibition is lifted (S310: NO).

  (23) If an abnormality is detected while a medal is being paid out, the remaining number of medals that have not been paid out before the occurrence of an abnormality is displayed on the 7-segment LED 41 until the abnormality is cleared. May be. In this case, the remaining number of medals may be displayed using display means other than the 7-segment LED 41.

  When abnormality is determined, the medal lending machine 1 may store the accumulated data for the current day (such as banknote number data).

  You may provide the structure which can collate the banknote number data memorize | stored in the medal lending machine 1, and the sales data memorize | stored in the game hall management apparatus 110. FIG.

  The game hall management device 110 accumulates and stores the sales data of each medal lending machine 1 for the day when the game hall is closed, and after a certain period of time (3 hours after closing, 3 days after closing). The sales data may be deleted from the medal lending machine 1. In this way, the sales data can be backed up by the game hall management apparatus 110 over a plurality of days, so that restoration after backup is appropriate even if a holiday is present.

  The game hall management device 110 accumulates the sales data of each medal lending machine for the day at the end of the game hall closing, and stores the sales data at a predetermined time (1:00 am, 06 am). A configuration for erasing from the machine 1 may be provided.

In addition, when the medal lending machine 1 transmits the sales data to the game hall management device 110, the medal lending machine 1 returns the number of accepted (banknotes) to 0 value, or pays out the medal stopped in the medal payout unit 6. You may comprise so that it may perform.
(1) When using the medal lending machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, since the protection means for protecting from the influence of other signal data interference and noise is provided, between the devices included in the medal lending machine 1 Therefore, it is possible to transmit an accurate signal and to generate an accurate detection signal by various detections performed by each device. Therefore, when the medal lending machine 1 according to the present embodiment is used, accurate control is performed even if noise occurs, so that medals can be paid out accurately.

Specifically, as the protection means, the noise removal device 80 provided in the power supply unit 8, the noise canceller 60d, or an 80 ms time lag until the genuine note confirmation signal (OKRTN signal) is output after the genuine note is determined in S320. If a JAM signal or END signal is detected during standby in S510 or S540, it is not determined that the banknote discrimination is abnormal.
The central control device 50 that performs various determinations by providing a time lag that is less affected by noise, such as a process of determining a banknote discrimination abnormality after 100 ms from the detection of the signal and the END signal, is applicable. .

  The medal lending machine 1 includes a bill insertion means (conveyance belt 29 or the like) for storing or conveying an inserted bill to the outside, and a bill determination means (a bill discrimination sensor for detecting the authenticity of the inserted bill). 30a etc.), the medal paying unit 6 for paying out medals, and the valuable information such as the amount of banknotes inserted into the banknote handling unit 2, corresponding to the valuable information from the medal paying unit 6 What is provided with the main control part 4 which performs the process (S300-S400) which pays out the number of medals to perform is preferable.

  Game medium lending control means for controlling the medium for determining and transferring or storing the value medium and supplying and paying out the game medium for the value medium and the game medium lent based on the input of the value medium. The relationship or combination of the presence / absence of a game medium lending control signal acquired by each sensor provided in the banknote handling unit and the medal dispensing unit, the elapsed time with and without the game medium lending control signal, and a plurality of types of game medium lending control signals Based on the above, the game medium lending control information is formed in the game medium lending control information forming means for forming in the banknote handling unit, the medal paying unit and the main control unit as genuine game medium lending control information. Method.

  Signals or information for performing gaming medium lending control are protected from the effects of noise, signal interference or the operation process of peripheral devices, and efficient medal lending control is executed without error.

1 ... Medal machine,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Housing | casing, 10a ... Opening part, 11 ... Upper lid, 12 ... Middle lid, 13 ... Lower lid, 13a ... Saucer,
2. Banknote handling department
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Banknote handling part main body, 20a ... Detection part, 20b ... Storage part, 21 ... Front lid part, 21a ... Hook, 22 ... Back lid part, 23 ... Upper lid part, 23a ... Observation window, 24 ... Center lid , 25 ... slot, 26 ... guide rod, 27 ... partition plate, 28 ... delivery port, 29 ... transport belt, 29a ... transport roller, 30 ... sensor, 30a ... banknote discrimination sensor, 30b ... positioning sensor, 30c ... Insertion detection sensor, 30d ... bill full sensor, 30e ... bill storage sensor, 30f ... bill transport sensor, 31 ... transport belt motor, 33 ... connector, 35 ... control device, 39 ... bus,
4 ... main control part,
40 ... Case, 42 ... Stop lamp, 43 ... Supply lamp, 44 ... Display button, 45 ... Reset switch, 46 ... Dip switch, 46a ... Dip switch, 47 ... Connector, 49 ... Bus, 50 ... Central control unit, 50d ... Storage device 54 ... Storage ball member switching unit 56 ... Changeover switch when banknote transport device is connected,
6 ... Medal payout department,
60 ... Base part, 60a ... Medal discharge port, 60b ... Discharge test button, 60c ... Connector, 60d ... Noise canceller, 60e ... Count sensor, 62 ... Connection part, 62a ... Hopper drive motor, 64 ... Medal tank, 64a ... Medal Presence sensor, 69 ... bus
8 ... power supply,
80 ... noise removing device,
90 ... interface part,
100 ... Island,
101 ... Slot machine,
110 ... Amusement center management device,
120 ... bill transport device,
121 ... bill conveyance control device,
121a ... safe,
122 ... bill conveyance path,
123 ... banknote conveyance branch,
124 ... bill holding part,
130: Medal supply device,
131: Medal supply control device,
132: Medal supply route,
133: Medal supply branch,
134: Dispensing bowl,
140 ... Satama member management device,
150 ... Storage medium input device

Claims (2)

A game media lending device for lending game media,
While having a main control unit that executes processing for controlling the game medium lending device,
Based on the action of a count sensor that detects the number of game media that have been paid out by being driven by a hopper drive motor housed in the housing of the game media lending device, and a payout test button that is connected to the main control unit, Display means for displaying the occurrence of the payout test and the number of game media paid out by the payout test is provided, while the number of game media paid out by the payout test of the game media and the number of payout tests are displayed. A game medium lending apparatus comprising: a payout operation restricting means for restricting; and a payout test prohibition condition setting means for setting a predetermined condition for restricting the payout test. The game medium lending device according to claim 1,
The predetermined condition that is set is an incorrect determination during the initial operation of the gaming medium lending device when a decrease in power supply voltage is detected, from the determination of the genuine note signal until the dispensing of the gaming medium for the inserted banknote is completed. A gaming medium renting apparatus, wherein the gaming medium renting apparatus is any one or a plurality of devices during the reset operation and clear control when the abnormality is detected.