JP2010017285A - Premium putout machine and premium putout system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a premium putout machine which allows efficiently premium replenishing work when replenishing premiums in additional warehousing or the like. <P>SOLUTION: The premium putout machine storing a plurality of cassettes housing premiums includes: a display device 312 for displaying the stock condition of the premiums inside the premium putout machine 103; a counting device 30 for counting the number of the premiums housed in the respective cassettes 11; counting processing means 300 for counting the number of the premiums housed in the respective cassettes utilizing the counting device 30 when a stock confirmation command is given; and display control means 300 for making the display device 312 display the stock condition on the basis of the number of the premiums for the respective cassettes 11 counted by the counting processing means 300. The display control means 300 makes the display device 312 display the stock condition including the number of the premiums that can be replenished for each prescribed cassette number unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize dispensing machine and a prize dispensing system for dispensing prizes to be exchanged for game media such as pachinko balls.

  2. Description of the Related Art In game facilities such as pachinko parlors, a prize dispensing system is known that includes a prize dispenser and a prize management machine electrically connected to the prize dispenser. The prizes handled by the prize dispenser are valuable card bodies that are exchanged according to the number of game media such as pachinko balls acquired by the player at the game facility, and are also called special prizes. This gift is generally a resin card having a thickness of about 1 to 3 mm. In the prize, an object having a predetermined monetary value is built in, and for example, there are three types according to the monetary value such as 200 yen, 1000 yen and 5000 yen.

  In such a prize payout system, pachinko balls and other game media acquired by the player are exchanged for prizes and handed to the player, and the player carries the received prize to the prize purchase place. Go and get a free gift there.

  The player puts the game media such as pachinko balls acquired by the player into a counter installed in the game facility. The counter counts the inserted game media and issues a receipt on which a barcode representing the counting result is printed. The player brings the receipt issued by the counter to the prize counter and hands it to the staff. The clerk causes the prize management machine to read the counting result recorded in the barcode on the receipt received from the player. The prize management machine determines the type and number of prizes to be paid out based on the read counting result, and instructs the prize dispenser to pay out prizes according to the determined contents. The clerk hands the prize paid out from the prize dispenser to the player. The player brings the received prize to a prize exchange installed outside the game facility and exchanges it for cash equivalent to the value of the prize at the prize exchange.

  By the way, since prizes have the same value as cash, it is necessary to strictly manage inventory from the viewpoint of fraud prevention. Conventionally, inventory management is performed as follows.

(A) Warehousing: At the time of preparation for opening a store, the clerk replenishes a free gift dispenser with an empty free gift, and inputs the number of replenishment for each free gift type into the free gift management machine and the free gift dispenser. The prize management machine and the prize dispenser store the inputted number of supplements for each prize type as inventory data.
(B) Delivery (Payout): At the time of prize payout, the prize management machine and the prize dispenser update the inventory data by subtracting the number of prizes (number of delivery) paid out to the player from the inventory data.
(C) Additional warehousing: During business hours, the clerk inputs the number of supplements for each type of prize into the prize management machine and the prize dispenser when the prize is additionally supplemented. The prize management machine and the prize dispenser update the inventory data by adding the input number of supplements for each prize type to the inventory data.
(D) Closing processing: After closing the store, the clerk prints out the inventory data with the prize management machine, collects and counts the prize (actual) from the prize dispenser, and compares the inventory data with the actual count result. Match. After the comparison / collation is completed, the collected giveaway (actual item) is stored in a safe or the like, so that the giveaway machine is empty.

  Even during business hours, when the staff in charge of the prize payout system changes, processing similar to the closing process is performed to compare and collate the inventory data with the actual count results. However, in this case, the clerk returns the collected prize (actual item) to the prize dispenser after the comparison / collation is completed.

Generally, a plurality of cassettes are accommodated in this type of prize dispenser as described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. A plurality of prize dispensers are installed in the game facility.
Japanese Patent No. 3722878 JP 2008-73169A JP 2002-200310 A

  As described above, in the prize dispensing system, the prize dispenser is additionally replenished (additional warehousing) during the business. Conventionally, at the time of additional warehousing, information on how much premium should be replenished in each cassette of each premium dispenser has not been given to the staff, so it has been difficult to efficiently replenish the premium. .

  An object of the present invention is to provide a prize dispenser and a prize management system capable of efficiently performing a prize replenishment operation when a prize is replenished at the time of additional warehousing.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the prize dispenser in which a plurality of cassettes containing prizes are accommodated, a display device for displaying the stock status of the prizes in the prize dispenser is accommodated in each cassette. Counting device for counting the number of prizes, counting processing means for counting the number of prizes stored in each cassette using the counting device when an inventory confirmation command is given, and counting by the counting processing means Display control means for displaying the inventory status on the display device based on the number of prizes for each cassette is provided. The display control means displays the inventory status including the number of gifts that can be replenished for each predetermined number of cassettes on the display device. It is characterized by making it.

  The invention according to claim 2 is a prize dispenser in which a plurality of cassettes containing premiums are stored, and the plurality of cassettes include two or more cassettes storing different types of premiums. In the above, a display device for displaying the stock status of the prizes in the prize dispenser, a counting device for counting the number of prizes stored in each cassette, and a counting device is used when an inventory check command is given. Counting processing means for counting the number of prizes stored in each cassette, and display control means for displaying the stock status on the display device based on the number of prizes for each cassette counted by the counting processing means. The display control means causes the display device to display a stock status including the number of premiums that can be replenished for each predetermined number of cassettes and / or the number of premiums that can be supplemented for each type of premium.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the prize dispenser system comprising a prize dispenser storing a plurality of cassettes containing prizes and a prize management machine capable of communicating with the prize dispenser, , A counting device for counting the number of prizes stored in each cassette, and when a stock confirmation command is given, the number of prizes stored in each cassette is counted using the counting device, and the counting result The prize management machine includes a display device for displaying a stock status of a prize in the prize dispenser, a means for sending an inventory confirmation command to the prize dispenser, and a prize. The display control means for receiving the counting result transmitted from the dispenser and displaying the inventory status on the display device based on the obtained counting result is provided. The display control means is a prize for each predetermined number of cassettes. Replenishment Wherein the displaying the availability including ability number on the display device.

  The invention according to claim 4 is a prize dispenser in which a plurality of cassettes containing premiums are stored, and the plurality of cassettes includes two or more cassettes storing different types of premiums. And a prize dispensing system comprising a prize management machine capable of communicating with the prize dispensing machine, the prize dispensing machine is provided with a counting device for counting the number of prizes stored in each cassette, and an inventory confirmation command. A counting device is used to count the number of prizes stored in each cassette, and the counting result is transmitted to the prize management machine. The prize management machine has an inventory of prizes in the prize dispenser. A display device for displaying the status, means for transmitting an inventory confirmation command to the prize dispenser, and a count result transmitted from the prize dispenser are received, and the inventory status is determined based on the obtained count result. display Display control means for displaying on the display, and the display control means causes the display device to display the stock status including the number of premiums that can be replenished for each predetermined number of cassettes and / or the number of premiums that can be replenished for each premium type. Features.

  The invention according to claim 5 is a prize dispensing system comprising a plurality of prize dispensing machines storing a plurality of cassettes containing prizes, and a prize management machine capable of communicating with the plurality of prize dispensing machines. Each prize dispenser counts the number of prizes stored in each cassette by using a counting device for counting the number of prizes stored in each cassette, and when a stock confirmation command is given. A means for counting and sending the counting result to the prize management machine is provided. The prize management machine displays a stock status of prizes in each prize dispenser, and a stock confirmation command to each prize dispenser. And a display control means for receiving the count result transmitted from each premium dispenser and displaying the inventory status on the display device based on the obtained count result. , Gift dispenser Wherein the display of the display device availability including prize inventory and the prize refillable number.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the display control means is configured such that the display priority control unit assigns each of the prize dispensers a replenishment priority based on the number of prize stocks or the number of prizes that can be replenished. And the stock status of each prize dispenser is displayed on the display device in the order according to the determined replenishment priority.

  The invention described in claim 7 is a prize dispensing system comprising a plurality of prize dispensers storing a plurality of cassettes containing prizes, and a prize management machine capable of communicating with the plurality of prize dispensers. Each prize dispenser counts the number of prizes stored in each cassette by using a counting device for counting the number of prizes stored in each cassette, and when a stock confirmation command is given. A means for counting and sending the counting result to the prize management machine is provided. The prize management machine displays a stock status of prizes in each prize dispenser, and a stock confirmation command to each prize dispenser. And a display control means for receiving the count result transmitted from each premium dispenser and displaying the inventory status on the display device based on the obtained count result. , Each prize payment Characterized in that causes the display device to display the availability containing prize inventory and prize refillable number of predetermined number of cassettes each unit of the inner.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the display control means according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is configured so that the display control means determines each predetermined number of cassettes based on the number of premiums stock or the number of premiums that can be replenished for each predetermined number of cassettes in each premium dispenser. The replenishment priority is determined for each unit, and the stock status is displayed on the display device for each predetermined number of cassettes in the order according to the determined replenishment priority.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claims 5 to 8, wherein the prize payout system includes a plurality of prize management machines, and at least one prize management machine is related to the other prize management machines. The present invention is characterized by comprising means for acquiring the counting result obtained by another premium management machine by communication and giving it to the display control means.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a premium is replenished at the time of additional warehousing or the like, the number of premiums for each cassette stored in the premium dispenser is counted, and a predetermined number is determined based on the counting result. The stock situation including the number of replenishable prizes per unit of cassette number can be displayed on the prize dispenser. For this reason, it becomes possible to perform the premium replenishment work efficiently.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when a premium is replenished at the time of additional warehousing or the like, the number of premiums for each cassette stored in the premium dispenser is counted, and a predetermined number is determined based on the counting result. It is possible to display the stock status including the number of premiums that can be replenished for each number of cassettes and / or the number of premiums that can be supplemented for each type of premium on the prize dispenser. For this reason, it becomes possible to perform the premium replenishment work efficiently.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when a premium is replenished, such as at the time of additional warehousing, the number of premiums for each cassette stored in the premium dispenser is counted by the premium dispenser and the counting result Can be transmitted to the prize manager, and the prize manager can display the stock status including the number of prizes that can be replenished for each predetermined number of cassettes. For this reason, it becomes possible to perform the premium replenishment work efficiently.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when a prize is replenished as in the case of additional warehousing, the number of prizes for each cassette stored in the prize dispenser is counted by the prize dispenser and the counting result is obtained. Can be transmitted to the free gift management machine, and the free stock management machine can display the stock status including the free gift replenishment number for each predetermined number of cassettes and / or the free gift replenishment number for each free gift type. For this reason, it becomes possible to perform the premium replenishment work efficiently.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when a premium is replenished at the time of additional warehousing or the like, a plurality of premium dispensers are made to count the number of premiums for each cassette in the premium dispenser and the counting result Can be transmitted to the prize management machine, and the prize management machine side can display the stock status including the number of prize stocks and the number of prizes that can be replenished for each prize dispenser. For this reason, it becomes possible to perform the premium replenishment work efficiently. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the replenishment priority is further determined for each premium dispenser, and the stock status of each premium dispenser is displayed on the display device in the order according to the supplement priority. be able to. Furthermore, in the invention according to claim 9, it is possible to acquire the counting result obtained by another premium management machine and reflect it in the inventory status display.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when a prize is replenished as in the case of additional warehousing, etc., a plurality of prize dispensers are made to count the number of prizes for each cassette in the prize dispenser and the counting result Can be transmitted to the prize management machine, and the prize management machine side can display the stock status including the number of prize stocks for each predetermined number of cassettes and the number of prizes that can be replenished in each prize dispenser. For this reason, it becomes possible to perform the premium replenishment work efficiently. According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the replenishment priority is determined for each predetermined number of cassettes, and the inventory status of the predetermined number of cassettes is displayed on the display device in the order according to the determined replenishment priority. Can be displayed. Furthermore, in the invention according to claim 9, it is possible to acquire the counting result obtained by another premium management machine and reflect it in the inventory status display.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[1] Configuration of Management System FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the management system provided in the game facility.

  The management system includes a store management computer 101, one or more premium management machines (POS terminals) 102 connected to the store management computer 101, and one or more premium dispensers 103 connected to each premium management machine 102. It is configured. The prize manager 102 and the prize dispenser 103 constitute a prize dispensing system.

  The plurality of free gift management machines 102 includes a single parent machine 102_M and another child machine 102_S. In this example, up to two prize dispensers 103 can be connected to each prize management machine 102.

  The store management computer 101 manages the entire gaming facility and is installed in an office in the gaming facility. The store management computer 101 performs, for example, game machine management, sales management, member management, premium management, and the like. The prize dispenser 103 is for giving away prizes, and is installed in a prize counter. The prize dispenser 103 has a counting function for counting the number of prizes in units of cassettes and an inventory management function.

  The prize manager 102 controls the prize dispenser 103 under its control, and is installed in the prize counter. The free gift management machine 102 has a function of performing inventory management of the subordinate prize dispenser 103, and a function of displaying and printing stock management data of the subordinate premium dispenser 103. Note that the master unit 102_M has a function of communicating with other slave units 102_S to acquire inventory management data of the prize dispenser 103 under the control of the slave units 102_S, and the prize dispenser under its control. In addition to the inventory management of 103, it is also possible to perform inventory management of the gift dispenser 103 under the slave.

  The prize 2 handled by the prize dispenser 103 is a valuable card body that is exchanged according to the number of game media such as pachinko balls acquired by the player at the game facility, and is also called a special prize. As shown in FIG. 4B, the giveaway 2 is generally a resin card having a thickness of about 1 to 3 mm. The prize 2 contains an object having a predetermined monetary value. For example, there are three types according to the monetary value, such as 200 yen, 1000 yen, and 5000 yen. In addition, the prize 2 may have a built-in RFID tag or the like for identifying its type, or may be subjected to processing for preventing fraud such as forgery.

  When a game medium such as a pachinko ball acquired by a player is inserted into a counter (not shown) installed in the game facility, the inserted game medium is counted and a receipt printed with a bar code representing the counting result Is issued from the counter. Instead of such a receipt, a magnetic card on which the counting result is magnetically recorded or an IC card including an IC chip on which the counting result is recorded may be issued.

  When the player brings the receipt issued by the counting machine to the prize counter, the attendant causes the prize management machine 102 to read the counting result recorded in the barcode on the receipt. The prize management machine 102 determines the type and number of prizes to be paid out based on the read counting result, and instructs the prize dispenser 103 under the prize to pay out prizes according to the determined contents. To do. The clerk hands the prize paid out from the prize dispenser 103 to the player. The player brings the received prize to the prize exchange, and receives cash corresponding to the value of the prize at the prize exchange.

[2] Mechanism of Premium Dispenser 103 [2-1] Overall Configuration FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the premium dispenser 103 as viewed from the front side (side on which the clerk operates). This figure shows a state in which the door 5 on the side surface of the clerk side is opened in the prize dispenser 103. In FIG. 2, arrows (direction arrows) pointing in the up / down / front / back / left / right directions are shown, and these direction arrows are referred to when specifying the direction (the same applies to each of FIGS. Here, the left-right direction and the width direction are synonymous. The horizontal direction includes the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

  The customer who receives the payout of the free gift is located on the rear side of the free gift dispenser 103, and the staff (employee) is located on the front side of the free gift dispenser 103 to serve the customer.

  The prize dispenser 103 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped cabinet 3 that forms an outline thereof, and a plurality of drawer units 4 that are housed in the cabinet 3 so as to be drawable. In FIG. 2, only one drawer unit is illustrated, but actually, seven drawer units 4 are stored in the cabinet 3 in a state of being arranged in the width direction. The seven drawer units 4 housed in the cabinet 3 are referred to as lane 1, lane 2,..., Lane 7 drawer units in order from the left side.

  The plurality of drawer units 4 are housed in the cabinet 3 in a state of being aligned in the width direction. The drawer unit 4 can be pulled out of the cabinet 3 by opening the door 5 on the employee side (front side) in the cabinet 3. A door open / close detector 308 (see FIG. 9) for detecting the open / closed state of the door 5 is attached to the cabinet 3.

  Each drawer unit 4 accommodates a plurality (four in this example) of premium cassettes 11 (see FIG. 4). In the prize cassette 11, the prizes 2 are stored in a stacked state. In this embodiment, the same type of prize 2 is stored in a plurality of cassettes 11 in one drawer unit 4. For example, the three drawer units 4 in the first to third lanes store 5000 yen prizes, the two drawer units 4 in the fourth to fifth lanes store 1000 yen prizes, and the sixth ~ The two drawer units 4 in the seventh lane store 200 yen prizes.

  A display unit 6 is provided on the upper surface of the cabinet 3. The display unit 6 includes a customer display unit 311 and an attendant display unit 312 (see FIG. 5). Next to the display unit 6, an operation unit 310 including a plurality of operation keys operated to control the operation of the prize dispenser 103 is provided.

  On the upper surface of the cabinet 3, a payout opening 7 is formed at an upper position of each drawer unit 4. A plurality of discharge outlets 7 are formed according to the number of the drawer units 4. Each payout port 7 communicates with the inside of the cabinet 3. Each payout port 7 is provided with a shutter 8. The shutter 8 opens and closes the payout opening 7 by being slid back and forth by a delivery mechanism described later.

[2-2] Drawer unit 4
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the drawer unit 4. FIG. 3A shows a state where the drawer 20 is in the closed position, and FIG. 3B shows a state where the drawer 20 is in the open position. Show. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the cassette 11, and FIG. 4B shows a state where the prize 2 is fully stored in the cassette 11.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, each drawer unit 4 has a hollow box shape that is slightly thin in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the drawer unit 4 is provided with a casing 10 that forms an outer shell thereof, a drawer part 20 that is provided in the casing 10 so as to be able to be drawn out, and a drawer part 20 that is slidable in the front-rear direction. A carrier 12 and a plurality (four in this example) of cassettes 11 detachably attached to the carrier 12 are provided.

  The drawer 20, the cassette 11, and the carrier 12 are normally housed in the casing 10 as shown in FIG. The carrier 12 integrally holds the four cassettes 11 in a state where they are aligned in the front-rear direction. The four cassettes 11 arranged in the front-rear direction may be distinguished from the cassette 11A, the cassette 11B, the cassette 11C, and the cassette 11D in order from the front. A longitudinal opening 21 is formed in the front wall of the casing 10 in the vertical direction. The opening 21 communicates with the inside of the casing 10.

  The drawer 20 includes a front plate 22, a rear plate 23, and a bottom plate 24 integrally. The front plate 22 is long in the vertical direction when viewed from the front side, and has a size that can just block the opening 21 of the casing 10. The rear plate 23 extends continuously from the front plate 22 to the rear side. The bottom plate 24 connects the lower end of the front plate 22 and the lower end of the rear plate 23.

  The rear plate 23 is supported by a rail (not shown) provided on the inner surface of the left side wall 10A of the casing 10 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. Thereby, the drawer | drawing-out part 20 is slidable to the front-back direction. In detail, the drawer | drawing-out part 20 can slide between a closed position (refer Fig.3 (a)) and an open position (refer FIG.3 (b)). As shown in FIG. 3A, when the drawer 20 is in the closed position, the front plate 22 blocks the opening 21 of the casing 10 from the front side. When the drawer 20 in this state is pulled out by a predetermined amount to the front side, the drawer 20 is arranged at the open position shown in FIG. When the drawer portion 20 is in the open position, the front plate 22 is positioned in front of the opening 21 to open the opening 21, and almost all of the rear plate 23 is drawn to the front side.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the carrier 12 is integrally provided with a plurality of partitions 17. These partitions 17 have a plate shape extending in the vertical direction, and are arranged along the front-rear direction with a predetermined interval. Each cassette 11 is held by the carrier 12 by being sandwiched between two adjacent partitions 17. The carrier 12 is supported by the rear plate 23 of the drawer 20 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. Here, with respect to the relative position of the carrier 12 with respect to the rear plate 23, the position of the carrier 12 at the most front side is referred to as the front position (see FIG. 5B), and the carrier 12 at the most rear side is positioned. The position is referred to as a rear position (see FIG. 5A).

  As shown in FIG. 3B, a slide mechanism 9 that slides the carrier 12 back and forth is provided below the carrier 12. The slide mechanism 9 is configured by, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism that is driven by a slide motor 305 (see FIG. 9), and is fixed to the bottom plate 24 of the drawer 20.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the cassette 11 is longitudinal in the vertical direction, and its flat cross section has a substantially U shape with the right side cut away. The upper surface and the bottom surface of the cassette 11 are open. The right side surface of the cassette 11 is opened over the entire range in the vertical direction so as to form the above-described substantially U shape, and the opened portion is referred to as an opening portion 25. The opening portion 25 is continuous with both the top surface and the bottom surface opened in the cassette 11. The cassette 11 can store a maximum of, for example, 125 sheets of a plurality of prizes 2 of a predetermined type in a stacked state in which they are stacked in the vertical direction (see FIG. 4B). Therefore, a maximum of 500 prizes 2 can be stored in one drawer unit 4. In order to prevent the prize 2 from falling off from the lower end of the cassette 11, an inward turning portion 26 is formed at the lower end of the cassette 11.

[2-3] Mechanism for Distributing Premiums FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams schematically showing a longitudinal section of the premium dispenser 103. FIG.

  As a mechanism for paying out the prize 2 stored in the prize dispenser 103, a prize mechanism 2 for lifting the prize 2 stored in the cassette 11 upward, and a prize 2 lifted by the lift mechanism 27 are paid out. A payout mechanism 14 for paying out to the exit 7 side, a holding part 28 for holding the prize 2 drawn out by the payout mechanism 14 below the payout opening 7, and a prize 2 held in the holding part 28 An elevator mechanism 29 for lifting the prize 2 toward the upper side of the cabinet 3 is provided. The sending mechanism 31 is a mechanism for sliding the shutter 8 described above. As each of these mechanisms, for example, the mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be used.

  The lift mechanism 27, the feeding mechanism 14, the elevator mechanism 29, and the delivery mechanism 31 are a lift motor 301 (see FIG. 9), a delivery motor 302 (see FIG. 9), an elevator motor 303 (see FIG. 9), and a delivery motor 304, respectively. (See FIG. 9).

  As shown in FIG. 5, two lift mechanisms 27 are provided in the casing 10 with an interval in the arrangement direction (front-rear direction) of the cassettes 11. Each lift mechanism 27 is provided with a lift 13 that can be lifted by placing the prize 2 in the cassette 11 and can be retreated from the cassette 11 to a lower position. The lift 13 is supported by the casing 10 and is moved up and down by the lift motor 301 in the casing 10. The standby position of the lift 13 is near the bottom wall of the casing 10 (see the lift 13 indicated by a dotted line).

  In the casing 10, the feeding mechanism 14 is disposed above each lift mechanism 27. That is, two feeding mechanisms 14 are provided according to the number of lift mechanisms 27. The feeding mechanism 14 is disposed adjacent to the upper wall of the casing 10 and is supported by the casing 10.

  Each feeding mechanism 14 includes a moving body 18 that is slidably supported in the front-rear direction and a pair of feeding rollers 19 that are rotatably supported. The moving body 18 and the feeding roller 19 are driven by a feeding motor 302. On the bottom surface of the moving body 18, a claw 18A protruding downward is integrally provided.

  A hole 15 is formed in a portion located between the two feeding mechanisms 14 on the upper wall of the casing 10. The hole 15 communicates with the inside of the casing 10. In a state where the drawer unit 4 is housed in the cabinet 3, the hole 15 of the casing 10 faces the corresponding outlet 7 in the cabinet 3 from below.

  In each feeding mechanism 14, the feeding roller 19 is disposed closer to the hole 15 than the moving body 18 in the front-rear direction. Here, as described above, regarding the position of the movable body 18 that is slidable in the front-rear direction, the position of the movable body 18 when it is closest to the feeding roller 19 is referred to as the advance position, and the movement when it is farthest from the feeding roller 19. The position of the body 18 is referred to as a retracted position. In FIG. 5, the moving body 18 in the retracted position is shown, and the retracted position becomes the standby position of the moving body 18.

  In the casing 10, a retaining portion 28 is formed below the hole 15. The holding unit 28 is provided with the elevator mechanism 29 described above. The elevator mechanism 29 includes an elevator 16 for lifting the prize 2 reserved in the storage unit 28. The elevator 16 is supported by the casing 10 and is moved up and down by the elevator motor 303 in the casing 10. When the elevator 16 is in the standby position, the upper surface of the elevator 16 is at a position lower than the feeding roller 19 of the feeding mechanism 14.

  Next, the payout operation of the prize 2 by the prize dispenser 103 will be described focusing on one drawer unit 4.

  First, the door 5 of the cabinet 3 is opened, and the drawer unit 4 is exposed to the clerk side (front side) (see FIG. 2). Next, in the drawer unit 4, the drawer 20 is pulled out to the open position as shown in FIG. In this state, four cassettes 11 (see FIG. 4B) that fully store the same type of prize 2 are inserted into the carrier 12 from above and are held by the carrier 12. Then, the drawer | drawing-out part 20 is pushed into a closed position (refer Fig.3 (a)), and is accommodated in the casing 10 with the cassette 11 and the carrier 12. FIG. At this time, the carrier 12 is assumed to be in the rear position (see FIG. 5A). When the door 5 (see FIG. 2) is closed, the prize 2 can be paid out by the prize dispenser 103.

  Thus, when the drawer | drawing-out part 20 exists in a closed position and the carrier 12 exists in a rear position, as shown to Fig.5 (a), two lifts 13 mentioned above are in a standby position (in Fig.5 (a)) (See lift 13 indicated by dotted line). Specifically, among these lifts 13, the bottom surface of the first cassette 11 </ b> A from the front is positioned above the front lift 13, and the top of the third cassette 11 </ b> C from the front is above the rear lift 13. The bottom is located.

  When the carrier 12 moves from this state to the front position, the four cassettes 11 move relative to the front side relative to the lift 13 as shown in FIG. In this case, the bottom surface of the second cassette 11B from the front is located above the front lift 13, and the bottom surface of the fourth cassette 11D from the front is located above the rear lift 13. (Refer to the lift 13 indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 5B).

  When the carrier 12 is in the rear position, the prize 2 can be paid out from either or both of the cassette 11A and the cassette 11C (see FIG. 5A). When the carrier 12 is in the front position, the prize 2 can be paid out from either or both of the cassette 11B and the cassette 11D (see FIG. 5B). From which cassette 11 the prize 2 is paid out can be arbitrarily set.

  Next, taking the cassette 11A as an example, a procedure for paying out the prize 2 from the cassette 11 will be specifically described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5A, the lift 13 located below the cassette 11A ascends through the inside of the cassette 11A from the opened bottom surface of the cassette 11A, as indicated by a solid line. As a result, the entire prize in the cassette 11 </ b> A is pushed up by the lift 13.

  When the highest prize 2 is pushed up to the feeding mechanism 14, the lift 13 stops rising, and the feeding mechanism 14 feeds the highest prize 2. Specifically, the moving body 18 at the retreat position moves to the advance position. In the case of the cassette 11A, the moving body 18 moves backward toward the advance position. At this time, the claw 18 </ b> A of the moving body 18 is caught by the highest prize 2, and the prize 2 is conveyed between the pair of feeding rollers 19. Thereafter, the moving body 18 immediately returns to the retracted position. Then, the prize 2 is discharged to the elevator 16 (holding portion 28) side at the standby position by a pair of rotating feed rollers 19 and is placed on the upper surface of the elevator 16.

  Then, the lifting of the lift 13 and the feeding of the prize 2 by the feeding mechanism 14 are repeated for each prize 2, and the prizes 2 in the cassette 11 </ b> A are stacked on the elevator 16 in order from the top and temporarily stored in the holding unit 28. Deferred. In addition, the elevator 16 is appropriately lowered from the standby position so that the prize 2 can be stacked on the elevator 16 satisfactorily. Specifically, every time one prize 2 is placed on the elevator 16, the elevator 16 may be lowered, or even if the elevator 16 is lowered after a predetermined number of prizes 2 are stacked on the elevator 16. Good.

  Further, not only the prize 2 of the cassette 11A but also the prize 2 of the cassette 11C may be stacked on the elevator 16 in the same procedure as in the case of the cassette 11A. When there is no prize 2 in the cassette 11A and the cassette 11C, the carrier 12 moves from the rear position to the front position (see FIG. 5B), and the prize 2 in the cassette 11B and the cassette 11D is the same as in the case of the cassette 11A. Are stacked on the elevator 16 by the following procedure.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the number of prizes 2 required for payout are stacked on the elevator 16, the corresponding shutter 8 moves to the front side above the elevator 16 on the upper surface of the cabinet 3. Open the outlet 7. Along with this, the elevator 16 rises to the payout opening 7 through the hole 15 of the drawer unit 4. Then, when the elevator 16 is raised until the upper surface of the elevator 16 is flush with the upper surface of the cabinet 3, the shutter 8 moves rearward to close the outlet 7, and at that time, the shutter 16 is stacked on the upper surface of the elevator 16. The given prize 2 is pushed out to the upper surface of the cabinet 3. Thereby, the prize 2 is paid out to the customer side (rear side).

[2-4] Counting Device FIG. 6 is a view in which the drawer unit 4 is partially cut away so that the inside is exposed in FIG. FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the inside of the drawer unit 4.

  Each drawer unit 4 is provided with a counting device 30 for counting the number of prizes 2 stored in a stacked state in the cassette 11 for each cassette 11.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in each drawer unit 4, two counting devices 30 are provided at intervals in the front-rear direction. The front counting device 30 is disposed at a position that substantially matches the front lift 13 in the front-rear direction, and the rear counting device 30 is disposed at a position that substantially matches the rear lift 13 in the front-rear direction. Yes. In FIG. 6, only the rear counting device 30 is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the counting device 30 is supported on the inner surface of the right side wall 10B of the casing 10 of the drawer unit 4 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The drawer unit 4 is provided with a counting device motor 306 in association with each counting device 30. The timing belt or the like is driven by driving the counting device motor 306, and thereby the corresponding counting device 30 slides in the vertical direction. That is, the counting device motor 306 is a mechanism that relatively displaces the counting device 30 in the vertical direction, and is a part of the counting device 30.

  Further, as described above, while the standby position of the lift 13 is near the bottom wall of the casing 10 (FIG. 7 shows the lift 13 in the standby position), the counting device 30 in the standby position is 7, near the upper wall of the casing 10 and above the lift 13. In addition, since the counting device 30 and the lift 13 are in positions shifted from each other in the left-right direction, the counting device 30 and the lift 13 do not interfere with each other during operation.

  The corresponding lift 13 is also supported on the inner surface of the right side wall 10B, like the counting device 30, and a lift motor 301 for raising and lowering the lift 13 is attached to the right side wall 10B. When the lift motor 301 is driven, a timing belt or the like is driven, whereby the lift 13 moves up and down.

  The counting device 30 is disposed on the right side of the cassette 11 accommodated in the casing 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the counting device 30 faces the open portion 25 (see FIG. 4) of the corresponding cassette 11.

  FIG. 5B shows a state in which the carrier 12 holding the cassette 11 is in the front position. In this state, the front-side counting device 30 coincides with the second cassette 11B from the front in the front-rear direction. The counter unit 30 can be opposed to the opening part 25 of the lever 11B, and the counter device 30 on the rear side can be opposed to the opening part 25 of the cassette 11D so as to coincide with the fourth cassette 11D from the front in the front-rear direction.

  When the carrier 12 moves from the front position to the rear position, as shown in FIG. 5A, the four cassettes 11 move relative to the counter device 30 to the rear side. Therefore, in this state, the front-side counting device 30 can coincide with the first cassette 11A from the front in the front-rear direction and can face the open portion 25 of the cassette 11A. The first cassette 11C can be opposed to the open portion 25 of the cassette 11C in the front-rear direction.

  Here, the front-rear direction position of the cassettes 11A to 11D when the carrier 12 is at the rear position is defined as the first position (see FIG. 5A), and the front-rear direction of the cassettes 11A to 11D when the carrier 12 is at the front position. The position is set as the second position (see FIG. 5B). As the carrier 12 slides in the front-rear direction between the rear position and the front position, the cassettes 11A to 11D are integrated with each other with respect to the counting device 30 between the first position and the second position. Move relative to the front and back.

  When the counting device motor 306 is driven, the counting device 30 slides up and down while facing the opening portion 25 of the corresponding cassette 11. At this time, the counting device 30 counts the number of prizes 2 exposed from the opening 25 in the cassette 11. Specifically, when the cassettes 11A to 11D are in the first position (see FIG. 5A), the counting device 30 counts the number of the prizes 2 stored in the cassettes 11A and 11C, and the cassettes 11A to 11D When it is in the second position (see FIG. 5B), the number of prizes 2 stored in the remaining cassettes 11 (that is, cassettes 11B and 11D) is counted. Therefore, the number of prizes 2 stored in all four cassettes 11 can be counted by the two counting devices 30 without increasing the number of counting devices 30 according to the number of cassettes 11. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced. Since each counting device 30 counts the number of prizes 2 for each cassette 11, it is possible to grasp how many prizes 2 are stored in which cassette 11.

An example of the counting device 30 will be described.
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the counting device 30. FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining how the counting device 30 counts the number of prizes 2.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the counting device 30 includes a frame 35, a pair of front and rear alignment rollers 36 (alignment mechanism) rotatably supported by the frame 35, and a photoelectric detector attached to the frame 35. 307.

  The pair of front and rear alignment rollers 36 are disposed on the left side of the frame 35 (the side facing the opening 25 of the cassette 11), and are rotatably supported on the frame 35 via a shaft extending in the front-rear direction. Has been.

  The photoelectric detector 307 is attached to the left side surface of the frame 35 above the alignment roller 36. The photoelectric detector 307 is a so-called reflective sensor, and includes a light-emitting element (not shown) and a light-receiving element (not shown) that receives light reflected by a detected object out of light emitted from the light-emitting element.

  The counting operation by the counting device 30 will be described. Referring to FIG. 8B, first, the counting device 30 slides downward from the standby position. Here, the right side surface 2A of all the prizes 2 stored in the cassette 11 in a stacked state is collectively referred to as a stacked side surface 2B. When the counting device 30 slides downward, the aligning roller 36 contacts the prize 2 stacked on the cassette 11 in order from the upper prize 2 from the right side through the opening portion 25 of the cassette 11. Thereby, the prize 2 is pressed against the inner surface of the left wall of the cassette 11 in order from the prize 2 on the upper side. At this time, the photoelectric detector 307 is opposed to the stacked side surface 2B from the right side with a predetermined interval.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the counting device 30 moves downward until the aligning roller 36 has contacted all the prizes 2, the right edge of the prize 2 adjacent to the upper and lower sides in the cassette 11 is aligned with the aligning roller. 36, they are aligned in a straight line along the vertical direction.

  Thereafter, the counting device 30 slides upward toward the standby position. As the counting device 30 slides upward, the photoelectric detector 307 rises in a state of facing the laminated side surface 2B of the prize 2 from the right side at a predetermined interval. In the process in which the photoelectric detector 307 is raised, the light emitting element of the photoelectric detector 307 projects in order from the lower prize 2 toward the right side 2A of the prize 2, and on the right side 2A of the prize 2 The reflected light that is reflected is received by the light receiving element of the photoelectric detector 307. When the light from the light emitting element is applied to the boundary X of the right side 2A of the prize 2 adjacent to the top and bottom, the amount of reflected light (received light) received by the light receiving element compared to the case where the light is applied to the right side 2A of the prize 2 Amount) changes. Therefore, in the photoelectric detector 307, every time the amount of light received by the light receiving element changes, the counting device 30 counts that there is one prize 2. In this way, the counting device 30 counts the prizes 2 one by one from the lower prize 2 and counts the number of the prizes 2, and when returning to the standby position, counts all the prizes 2 in the cassette 11. To complete.

[3] Electrical configuration of the prize dispenser 103 FIG. 9 shows an electrical configuration of the prize dispenser 103.

  The prize dispenser 103 includes a control unit 300 that performs management of prize stock quantity, prize dispense control, communication with the prize manager 102, and the like. The control unit 300 includes a lift motor 301 included in the lift mechanism 27, a supply motor 302 included in the supply mechanism 14, an elevator motor 303 included in the elevator mechanism 29, and the delivery mechanism 31. A feed motor 304, a slide motor 305 included in the slide mechanism 9, a counting device motor 306, a photoelectric detector 307, a door open / close detector 308, a communication unit 309, an operation unit 310, a customer display unit 311, An attendant display unit 312, a clock unit 313, a storage unit 314, and the like are connected.

  The storage unit 314 stores a “type of prize type table for each lane (each drawer unit 4)” and a “cassette” that stores the number of prizes in each lane (each drawer unit 4). A separate inventory number table, a “lane inventory number table” that stores the number of premium inventory for each lane, and a “stock number table by premium type” that stores the number of premium inventory for each premium type are provided.

[4] Electrical Configuration of the Premium Manager 102 FIG. 10 shows an electrical configuration of the premium manager 102.

  The free gift management machine 102 manages the free gift inventory of the subordinate free gift dispenser 103, the free giveout control for the free giveaway machine 103, the free giveaway machine 103, the other free gift management machines 102, and the store management computer 101. A control unit 200 that performs communication and the like is provided. When the free gift management machine 102 is the parent machine, the control unit 200 communicates with the free gift management machine 102 of another child machine to acquire inventory management information, or is subordinate to the free gift management machine 102 of the other child machine. The premium inventory quantity of the premium dispenser 103 is also managed. Connected to the control unit 200 are a communication unit 201, a barcode reader 202, a printing unit 203, a storage unit 204, an operation unit 205, a customer display unit 206, a staff display unit 207, and the like.

  The storage unit 204 stores, for each subordinate prize dispenser 103, an inventory quantity table of the same type as the inventory quantity table provided in the prize dispenser 103 ("stock quantity table by cassette", "stock quantity table by lane", “Inventory table by type of prize”) is provided. Further, the storage unit 204 is provided with an “integrated prize type inventory quantity table” that stores the inventory quantity for each prize type for the entire prize dispenser under the prize management machine 102. When the free gift management machine 102 is a parent machine, a similar stock quantity table is also provided for free gift dispensers managed by other child machines.

[5] Processing by the prize dispenser 103 and the prize management machine 102 The operation unit 310 of each prize dispenser 103 is provided with a first inventory confirmation key and a second inventory confirmation key. Similarly, a first stock confirmation key and a second stock confirmation key are also provided on the operation unit 205 of each premium management machine 102. In addition to the first inventory confirmation key and the second inventory confirmation key, a third inventory confirmation key is provided in the operation unit 205 of the premium management machine 102_M as the parent machine.

  The prize dispenser 103 performs a process for paying out prizes (a prize delivery process), a process for managing inventory (inventory management process), a process for preparing for warehousing (a warehousing preparation process), and the like. The warehousing preparation process refers to a process of counting the current inventory number by the counting device 30 and displaying the current inventory status when performing additional warehousing. The first inventory confirmation key is provided for executing the inventory management process manually, and the second inventory confirmation key and the third inventory confirmation key are provided for executing the warehousing preparation process. Yes.

  The free gift management machine 102_M of the parent machine includes a “free gift delivery control process”, a “first inventory management control process”, a “second inventory management control process”, a “first warehousing preparation control process”, Perform “second warehousing preparation control process” and the like. The gift management machine 102_S of the child machine is configured to execute "premium payout control process", "first inventory management control process", "second inventory management control process", "first warehousing preparation control process", " The third warehousing preparation control process "is performed.

  “Premium payout control process” is a process executed when a count result recorded in a barcode on a receipt is read. The “first inventory management control process” is a process executed when the first inventory confirmation key on the operation unit 205 of the prize management machine 102 is operated. The “second inventory management control process” executes any of the “free gift delivery control process”, the “first inventory management control process”, and the “first to third warehousing preparation control processes”. This is a process executed when inventory management data is received from the prize dispenser 103 when not in the middle.

  The “first warehousing preparation control process” is a process executed when the second stock confirmation key on the operation unit 205 of the prize management machine 102 is operated. The “second warehousing preparation control process” is a process executed by the master unit 102_M when the third inventory confirmation key on the operation unit 205 of the master unit 102_M is operated. In the “second warehousing preparation control process”, the parent device 102_M transmits a warehousing preparation command to the child device 102_S. The “third warehousing preparation control process” is a process executed by the child device 102_S when the child device 102_S receives the warehousing preparation command from the parent device 102_M.

  The prize management machine 102 has a function of printing the inventory management data of the subordinate prize dispenser 103 using the printing unit 203 based on the operation of the staff.

  Further, the premium management machine 102_M of the parent device has a function of communicating with the premium management machine 102_S of the other child devices and acquiring inventory management data of the gift dispenser 103 under the control of those child devices, In addition to inventory management of the prize dispenser 103 under its own control, it is also possible to perform inventory management of the prize dispenser 103 under the slave.

[5-1] Processing of the prize dispenser 103 FIG. 11 shows a procedure of processing executed by the prize dispenser 103.

  When the power is turned on (step S1), an inventory confirmation process for inventory management is performed (step S2). The inventory confirmation process is a process involving an automatic counting process using the counting device 30. Details of the inventory confirmation process will be described later.

  When the stock confirmation processing in step S2 is completed, it is determined whether or not a prize dispensing command from the prize management machine 102 has been received (step S3), and whether or not it has been detected that the door 5 of the prize dispensing machine 103 has been closed from the open state. (Step S4), whether the time set by the timer reservation setting (timer reservation time) has come (step S5), whether the first stock confirmation command has been input (step S6), the prize management machine 102 Whether the first stock confirmation command is received (step S7), whether the second stock confirmation command is input (step S8), whether the second or third stock confirmation from the prize management machine 102 It is monitored whether a command has been received (step S9). Such monitoring is performed until the power is turned off. If the power is shut off (YES in step S14), the process ends.

  The prize payout command from the prize management machine 102 in step S3 is the result of the counting result recorded in the barcode on the receipt being read by the prize management machine 102 that manages the prize delivery machine 103. Sent from the gift manager 102. Whether or not it is detected that the door 5 has been closed from the open state in step S4 is determined based on the output of the door opening / closing detector 308. The timer reservation setting in step S5 is a function that can be used to make a reservation setting for the time at which inventory confirmation processing in step S11 described later is performed, and is performed by an operator operating the operation unit 310 of the gift dispenser 103.

  The first stock confirmation command in step S6 is input by operating the first stock confirmation key on the operation unit 310 of the gift dispenser 103. The first stock confirmation command in step S7 is caused by the operation of the first stock confirmation key on the operation unit 205 of the prize management machine 102 that manages the prize dispenser 103. 102. The second stock confirmation command in step S8 is input by operating the second stock confirmation key on the operation unit 310 of the gift dispenser 103.

  The second stock confirmation command in the step S9 is caused by operating the second stock confirmation key on the operation unit 205 of the prize management machine 102 that manages the prize dispenser 103. 102. In the third stock confirmation command in step S9, the third stock confirmation key on the operation unit 205 of the parent device 102_M is operated when the gift management device 102 that manages the gift dispenser 103 is the parent device. Is transmitted from the parent device 102_M.

  When a prize payout command is received from the prize management machine 102 (YES in step S3), a prize payout process is performed (step S10). This prize payout process is almost the same as in the prior art. Details of the premium payout process will be described later. When the gift payout process in step S10 ends, the process proceeds to step S4.

  When it is detected that the door 5 of the prize dispenser 103 is closed from the open state (YES in step S4), when the current time becomes the timer reservation time (YES in step S5), the first stock confirmation command is issued. When it is input (YES in step S6) or when the first inventory confirmation command is received from the prize management machine 102 (YES in step S7), an inventory confirmation process is performed (step S11). This inventory confirmation process is the same as the inventory confirmation process in step S2, and details thereof will be described later. When the inventory confirmation process in step S11 is completed, the process proceeds to step S8.

  When the second stock confirmation command is input (YES in step S8), a first warehousing preparation process is performed (step S12). Details of the first warehousing preparation process will be described later. When the first warehousing preparation process in step S12 ends, the process proceeds to step S9.

  When the second inventory confirmation command or the third inventory confirmation command is received from the free gift management machine 102 (YES in step S9), a second warehousing preparation process is performed (step S13). Details of the second warehousing preparation process will be described later. When the second warehousing preparation process in step S13 ends, the process proceeds to step S14.

  By the way, at the time of preparation for opening a store, if the warehousing is performed with the power off, the inventory check process in step S2 is performed when the power is turned on. The number of goods received) is confirmed. At the time of preparation for opening a store, if the warehousing is performed with the power turned on, when the warehousing operation is completed and the door 5 is closed from the opened state, the inventory check process in step S11 is performed. The number of stocks (number of warehousing) is confirmed by the gift dispenser 103. That is, the number of prizes replenished to each cassette from the empty state at the time of opening preparation is automatically counted and acquired by the time of opening.

  When additional warehousing is performed during business hours, when the additional warehousing operation is completed and the door 5 is closed from the open state, the inventory check process in step S11 is performed. Is completed, the number of stocks after additional warehousing is confirmed by the prize dispenser 103.

  Conventionally, in the tightening process that was performed after closing the store or the tightening process that was performed due to the change of the staff during business hours, the staff performed the counting work manually. Then, in order to reduce labor and time, the counting device 30 automatically performs counting. Therefore, in the present embodiment, at the timing when the conventional tightening process is to be performed, the clerk uses the first stock confirmation key provided on the operation units 310 and 205 of the prize dispenser 103 or the prize management machine 102. The first inventory check command is input by operating. As a result, at the timing at which the conventional tightening process is to be performed, YES is obtained in step S6 or step S7, and the stock confirmation process in step S11 is performed.

  In addition, at any timing other than the timing at which the conventional tightening process should be performed, the clerk operates the first inventory confirmation key provided on the prize dispenser 103 or the prize management machine 102 to input an inventory confirmation command. When the timer reservation time set in advance by the clerk is reached, the inventory check process in step S11 is performed. Therefore, at the arbitrary timing or the preset reservation time, the stock quantity checker 103 can check the inventory quantity. Is possible.

  Furthermore, when performing additional warehousing, the clerk uses a second stock confirmation key provided on the operation unit 310 of the giveaway machine 103 in order to grasp the accurate inventory status at that time (before additional warehousing). Then, the second or third inventory confirmation key provided on the operation unit 205 of the prize management machine 102 is operated. When the second stock confirmation key provided on the prize dispenser 103 is operated, the second stock confirmation command is input, and thus the first warehousing preparation process in step S12 is performed. When the second or third stock confirmation key provided in the free gift management machine 102 is operated, the second or third stock confirmation command is received, so the second warehousing preparation process in step S13 above. Is done.

[5-1-1] Giveaway Disbursement Process FIG. 12 shows the procedure of the giveaway payout process executed in step S3 of FIG.

  In the prize payout process, first, based on the number of payouts for each prize type sent from the prize management machine 102, one or a plurality of cassettes to which the prizes are to be paid out and the number of payouts from each cassette are determined. The prize is paid out according to the determined content (step S21).

  Thereafter, the inventory management data is updated based on the number of payouts for each prize type sent from the prize management machine 102 and the number of payouts for each cassette from which the prize is paid out (step S22). Specifically, the contents of the “cassette stock quantity table”, “lane stock quantity table” and “gift type stock quantity table” are updated.

  Next, the updated inventory management data, that is, the updated data of the “cassette inventory table”, the “lane inventory table”, and the “gift type inventory table” is transmitted to the prize manager 102. (Step S23). When the prize manager 102 receives these data, it updates the contents of the corresponding table. Furthermore, the prize manager 102 also updates the contents of the “integrated prize type inventory quantity table” based on the received data. When the process of step S23 ends, the process returns to step S4 of FIG. Note that the processing in step S23 may be omitted.

[5-1-2] Stock Check Process FIG. 13 shows the procedure of the stock check process executed in step S2 or step S11 of FIG.

  In the inventory confirmation process, first, a prize counting process is performed (step S31). In other words, using the counting device 30, the number of premium inventory for each lane cassette is counted. When the counting process is completed, the inventory management data is updated (step S32). In other words, based on the “quantity inventory quantity for each lane cassette” obtained by the counting process, “the prize inventory quantity for each lane” is calculated, and “the prize inventory quantity for each lane cassette” and “for each lane” Based on the contents of the “prize type table”, “the number of premium stocks by premium type” is calculated. Further, the contents of the “stock quantity table for each cassette” are updated based on the “stock quantity stock for each cassette in each lane”. Further, the content of the “lane stock quantity table” is updated based on the calculated “lane prize premium quantity”. Also, the contents of the “stock quantity table by prize type” are updated based on the calculated “stock quantity by prize type”.

  Next, the inventory management data display process (step S33) is performed. In this display process, the updated display section 312 displays the updated “Premium inventory quantity for each cassette in each lane”, “Premium inventory quantity by lane”, or “Premium inventory quantity by prize type”. Is possible. These three types of inventory management data may be displayed at the same time, or these three types of inventory management data may be switched and displayed based on the operation of the staff.

  Next, the updated inventory management data, that is, the updated data of the “cassette inventory table”, the “lane inventory table”, and the “product type inventory table” is transmitted to the prize manager 102. (Step S34). When the prize manager 102 receives these data, it updates the contents of the corresponding table. Furthermore, the prize manager 102 also updates the contents of the “integrated prize type inventory quantity table” based on the received data.

  If the current inventory confirmation process is the inventory confirmation process in step S2 in FIG. 11, the process returns to step S3 in FIG. 11 after the process in step S34. If the current inventory confirmation process is the inventory confirmation process in step S11 in FIG. 11, the process returns to step S8 in FIG. 11 after the process in step S34.

  It should be noted that, as a key for inputting an inventory confirmation command at a timing at which the conventional tightening process is to be performed, a dedicated key (hereinafter referred to as a tightening process timing key) is a prize dispenser 103 and a prize management machine 102. By operating the tightening process timing key, an inventory confirmation command for the tightening process is input to the prize dispenser 103, or an inventory confirmation command for the tightening process is issued by the prize management machine. In the case where it is sent from 102 to the prize dispenser 103, the prize dispenser 103 executes the inventory check process similar to the above step S2 or S11, but the inventory management data obtained by this inventory check process, If the previous inventory management data does not match, the previous inventory management data and the inventory management data after the current inventory check are It may be to inform the attendant that does not match.

[5-1-3] First warehousing preparation process FIG. 14 shows the procedure of the first warehousing preparation process executed in step S12 of FIG.

  In the first warehousing preparation process, first, similarly to step S31 of FIG. 13, a prize counting process using the counting device 30 is performed (step S41). When the counting process ends, the inventory management data update process is performed (step S42), as in step S32 of FIG. Next, for additional warehousing, the stock status including the number of gifts that can be replenished is displayed on the staff display unit 312 (step S43).

  FIG. 15 shows a display example of the inventory status displayed in step S43. In the example of FIG. 15, the number of current prizes and the number of replenishable items for each lane (lanes 1 to 7), the total number of current prizes, and the total number of replenishable items are displayed. It should be noted that the current number of prizes and the number of replenishable items for each cassette in each lane may be displayed. In addition, the number of present prizes and the number of supplements may be displayed for each kind of prize.

[5-1-4] Second warehousing preparation process FIG. 16 shows the procedure of the second warehousing preparation process executed in step S13 of FIG.

  In the second warehousing preparation process, first, similarly to step S31 of FIG. 13, a prize counting process is performed (step S51). When the counting process ends, the inventory management data update process is performed (step S52), as in step S32 of FIG. Next, the updated inventory management data is transmitted to the premium management machine 102 as in step S34 in FIG. 13 (step S53).

[5-2] Processing by the free gift management machine 102 As described above, the free gift management machine 102_M of the parent machine performs the “free gift payout control process”, the “first stock management control process”, and the “second stock management”. Control process "," first storage preparation control process "," second storage preparation control process ", and the like. The child machine free gift management machine 102_S performs “premium payout control processing”, “stock management control processing”, “first warehousing preparation control processing”, “third warehousing preparation control processing”, and the like.

  Hereinafter, "Premium Dispensing Control Process", "First Inventory Management Control Process", "Second Inventory Management Control Process", "First Receipt Preparation Control Process", "Second Receipt Preparation" The “control process” and the “third warehousing preparation control process” will be described.

[5-2-1] Control process for giving out a prize FIG. 17 shows a procedure of control process for giving out a prize.

  The prize payout control process is executed when the count result recorded in the barcode on the receipt is read. The number of game media is acquired by reading the barcode printed on the receipt (step S61). Next, the number of payouts for each prize type is determined based on the acquired number of game media (step S62). Then, a prize payout command including the determined content is transmitted to the prize payer 103 (step S63). The prize dispenser 103 that has received this prize dispensing command performs the prize dispensing process described with reference to FIG.

  When the process of step S63 is completed, the process waits for inventory management data to be sent from the gift dispenser 103 that has transmitted the gift dispensing command (step S64). When the inventory management data from the prize dispenser 103 is received (YES in step S64), the inventory management data for the prize dispenser 103 is updated (step S65). That is, based on the received data, the contents of each table for the gift dispenser 103 are updated. Specifically, based on the received inventory management data, the “stock quantity table by cassette”, “stock quantity table by lane” and “gift type” related to the corresponding gift dispenser 103 in the storage unit 204 of the prize management machine 102. The contents of the “stock number table by different prize type” are updated, and the contents of the “stock quantity table by integrated prize type” are updated based on the received prize management data. Then, the present prize payout control process ends. In addition, when the process of step S23 of FIG. 12 is omitted, the processes of step S64 and step S65 are also omitted.

[5-2-2] First Inventory Management Control Process FIG. 18 shows the procedure of the first inventory management control process.

  The first inventory management control process is executed when the first inventory confirmation key on the operation unit 205 of the prize management machine 102 is operated. In this example, when the first stock confirmation key on the operation unit 205 of the free gift management machine 102 is operated, the first stock confirmation command is sent to all the free gift dispensers 103 subordinate to the free gift management machine 102. The case where it will be described. It should be noted that it is also possible to cause a staff member to select a specific gift dispenser 103 from among the gift dispensers 103 under its control, and send the first stock confirmation command only to the prize dispenser 103 selected by the staff member. .

  When the first stock confirmation key on the operation unit 205 is operated, a first stock confirmation command is transmitted to the subordinate prize dispenser 103 (step S71). The prize dispenser 103 that has received the first inventory confirmation command performs the inventory confirmation process described with reference to FIG. When the process of step S71 is completed, the process waits for inventory management data to be sent from the gift dispenser 103 that has transmitted the first inventory confirmation command (step S72).

  When the inventory management data from the prize dispenser 103 is received (YES in step S72), the inventory management data for the prize dispenser 103 is updated (step S73). That is, based on the received data, the contents of each table for the gift dispenser 103 are updated. Specifically, based on the received inventory management data, the “stock quantity table by cassette”, “stock quantity table by lane” and “gift type” related to the corresponding gift dispenser 103 in the storage unit 204 of the prize management machine 102. The contents of the “stock number table by different prize type” are updated, and the contents of the “stock quantity table by integrated prize type” are updated based on the received prize management data. The updated inventory management data may be displayed on the staff display unit 207.

  Then, in this inventory management control process, it is determined whether or not inventory management data has been acquired from all subordinate prize dispensers 103 (step S74). If inventory management data has not been acquired from all subordinate prize dispensers 103, the process returns to step S72. If inventory management data has been acquired from all the gift dispensers 103 under its control, the current first inventory management control process is terminated.

[5-2-3] Second Inventory Management Control Process FIG. 19 shows the procedure of the second inventory management control process.

  The second stock management control process is a gift dispenser when none of the free gift payout control process, the first stock management control process, and the first through third warehousing preparation control processes is being executed. This process is executed when inventory management data is received from 103. That is, when the stock confirmation process of step S2 of FIG. 11 is performed by the giveaway machine 103, or when YES in steps S4, S5, and S6 of FIG. 11 and the stock confirmation process of step S11 is performed, When the inventory management data sent from the prize dispenser 103 is received, the second inventory management control process is executed.

  When inventory management data from the prize dispenser 103 is received when none of the premium payout control process, the first inventory management control process, and the first to third warehousing preparation control processes is being executed ( In step S75, the stock management data for the gift dispenser 103 is updated (step S76). That is, based on the received data, the contents of each table for the gift dispenser 103 are updated. At this time, the updated inventory management data may be displayed on the clerk display unit 207.

[5-2-4] First warehousing preparation control process FIG. 20 shows the procedure of the first warehousing preparation control process.

  The first warehousing preparation control process is executed when the second stock confirmation key on the operation unit 205 of the prize management machine 102 is operated.

  When the second stock confirmation key on the operation unit 205 is operated, the second stock confirmation command is transmitted to the subordinate prize dispenser (step S81). The prize dispenser 103 that has received the second inventory confirmation command performs the second warehousing preparation process described with reference to FIG. When the process in step S81 is completed, the process waits for inventory management data to be sent from the gift dispenser 103 that has transmitted the second inventory confirmation command (step S82).

  When inventory management data is received from the prize dispenser 103 (YES in step S82), the inventory management data for the prize dispenser 103 is updated (step S83). That is, based on the received data, the contents of each table for the gift dispenser 103 are updated.

  Then, in the current first warehousing preparation control process, it is determined whether or not inventory management data has been acquired from all subordinate prize dispensers 103 (step S84). If inventory management data has not been acquired from all the gift dispensers 103 under its control, the process returns to step S82. If inventory management data has been acquired from all of the subordinate premium dispensers 103, the inventory status including the number of supplements that can be supplemented is displayed on the clerk display unit 207 for additional warehousing (step S85).

  FIG. 21 shows a display example of the inventory status displayed in step S85. In the example of FIG. 21, for each subordinate prize dispenser under control, the current number of free gifts and replenishable number for each lane (lane 1 to lane 7), the total number of free gifts and the total number of replenishable items for the entire lane, In addition, the total number of present prizes and the total number of replenishable parts for all the prize dispensers under the control are displayed. In addition, you may make it display the present prize number and the replenishment possible number for every cassette of each lane. In addition, the present number of prizes and the number of supplements may be displayed for each kind of prize.

[5-2-5] Second and third warehousing preparation control processing FIG. 22 shows the procedure of the second warehousing preparation control processing.

  The second warehousing preparation control process is executed when a third stock confirmation key provided on the operation unit 205 of the premium management machine 102_M of the parent machine is operated. When the third stock confirmation key on the operation unit 205 is operated, a third stock confirmation command is transmitted to the subordinate prize dispenser (step S91). The prize dispenser 103 that has received the third inventory confirmation command performs the second warehousing preparation process described with reference to FIG. In addition, a warehousing preparation command is transmitted to the prize management device 102_S of each child device (step S92).

  FIG. 23 shows the procedure of the third warehousing preparation control process executed by the child device 102_S when the child device 102_S receives the warehousing preparation command from the parent device 102_M.

  When the receipt preparation command is received from the parent machine 102_M, the second inventory confirmation command is transmitted to the subordinate prize dispenser (step S110). The prize dispenser 103 that has received the second inventory confirmation command performs the second warehousing preparation process described with reference to FIG. When the process of step S110 is completed, the process waits for inventory management data to be sent from the gift dispenser 103 that has transmitted the second inventory confirmation command (step S111).

  When inventory management data from the prize dispenser 103 is received (YES in step S111), the inventory management data for the prize dispenser 103 is updated (step S112). That is, based on the received data, the contents of each table for the gift dispenser 103 are updated.

  Then, in this third warehousing preparation control process, it is determined whether or not inventory management data has been acquired from all subordinate prize dispensers 103 (step S113). If inventory management data has not been acquired from all subordinate prize dispensers 103, the process returns to step S111. If inventory management data has been acquired from all subordinate prize dispensers 103, the inventory management data of the subordinate prize dispensers 103 is transmitted to the parent machine 102_M (step S114). Then, the current third warehousing preparation control process is terminated.

  Returning to FIG. 22, the processes after step S92 of the second warehousing preparation control process will be described.

  When the master unit 102_M transmits the warehousing preparation command to each slave unit 102_S in step S92, whether or not the inventory management data from the subordinate prize dispenser 103 has been received (step S93), the inventory management from the slave unit 102_S is performed. It is monitored whether or not data has been received (step S94).

  When inventory management data is received from the prize dispenser 103 (YES in step S93), the inventory management data for the prize dispenser 103 is updated (step S95). Then, in the current second warehousing preparation control process, it is determined whether or not inventory management data has been acquired from all subordinate prize dispensers 103 (step S96). If inventory management data has not been acquired from all subordinate prize dispensers 103, the process returns to step S93. If inventory management data has been acquired from all the gift dispensers 103 under the control, after setting the first flag F1 (F1 = 1) (step S97), whether or not the second flag F2 is set. Is discriminated (step S98).

  As will be described later, the second flag F2 is a flag for storing whether or not inventory management data has been acquired from all the slave units. If the inventory management data has been acquired from all the slave units, the second flag F2 is set. (F2 = 1). If the second flag F2 is not set (F2 = 0), the process returns to step S93. When the second flag F2 is set, the process proceeds to step S103.

  If the inventory management data is received from the slave unit 102_S (YES in step S94), the inventory management data for the corresponding gift dispenser 103 is updated (step S99). Then, in this second warehousing preparation control process, it is determined whether or not inventory management data has been acquired from all the slave units 102_S (step S100). If inventory management data has not been acquired from all the slave units 102_S, the process returns to step S93. When inventory management data is acquired from all the slave units 102_S, after setting the second flag F2 (F2 = 1) (step S101), it is determined whether or not the first flag F1 is set. (Step S102).

  If the first flag F1 is not set (F1 = 0), the process returns to step S93. When the first flag F1 is set, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the first flag F1 and the second flag F2 are reset (F1 = F2 = 0). Then, for additional warehousing, the stock status including the number of gifts that can be replenished is displayed on the staff display unit 207 (step S104).

  FIG. 24 shows a display example of the inventory status displayed in step S104. In the example of FIG. 24, the stock status is displayed for each premium management machine 102. For one prize management machine 102, for each prize dispenser under the prize management machine, the current number of prizes and the number of supplements available for each lane (lanes 1 to 7), the total number of prizes in the entire lane And the total number of replenishable units, and the current total number of free items and the total number of replenishable units for all the gift dispensers under the control are displayed. In addition, you may make it display the present prize number and the replenishment possible number for every cassette of each lane. In addition, the present number of prizes and the number of supplements may be displayed for each kind of prize.

[6] Modified Example When the prize management machine 102 displays the stock status including the replenishable quantity in step S85 of FIG. 20 or step S104 of FIG. Hereinafter, the replenishment priority order may be determined in a priority order unit), and the inventory status may be displayed in the order according to the determined priority order.

  FIG. 25 shows the procedure of the display control process by the prize manager 102 when the priority unit is the prize dispenser unit.

  First, the replenishable number for each prize dispenser is compared with a preset threshold value, and it is determined whether or not there is a prize dispenser having a replenishable number equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S121). For example, the threshold value is set to 2000. If there is no prize dispenser having a replenishable number equal to or greater than the threshold value, an inventory status display that does not consider the replenishment priority (replenishment priority) is performed (step S122). If there is a prize dispenser having a replenishable number equal to or greater than the threshold value, the order of replenishment is determined for each prize dispenser, and the stock status is displayed from the prize dispenser having a higher replenishment priority (step S123). At this time, it is preferable to display the replenishment priority (replenishment priority). FIG. 26 shows a display example of the inventory status displayed in step S123 in consideration of the replenishment priority.

  FIG. 27 shows the procedure of display control processing by the prize manager 102 when the priority unit is the lane unit.

  First, the replenishable number for each lane for each prize dispenser is compared with a preset threshold value to determine whether or not there is a lane whose replenishable number is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S131). For example, the threshold value is set to 350. If there is no lane whose replenishable number is equal to or greater than the threshold value, an inventory status display not considering replenishment priority (replenishment priority) is performed (step S132). If there is a lane whose replenishable number is equal to or greater than the threshold, the replenishment priority is determined for each lane unit for each prize dispenser, and the stock status is displayed from the lane with the higher replenishment priority (step S133). At this time, it is preferable to display the replenishment priority (replenishment priority). FIG. 28 shows a display example of the inventory status in consideration of the priority order displayed in step S133.

  In the above embodiment, the free gift management machine 102_S of the child machine performs inventory management of the free gift dispensers 103 under its control, but only the free gift management machine 102_M of the parent machine manages the inventory management of all the free gift dispensers 103. You may make it perform. In that case, when the prize management machine 102_S of each child machine acquires the inventory management information regarding the prize dispenser 103 under its control, it transmits the acquired inventory management information to the prize management machine 102_M of the parent machine.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the management system provided in the game facility. It is a perspective view which shows the giveaway machine 103. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the drawer unit 4. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cassette 11. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows typically the longitudinal cross-section of the prize dispenser 103. FIG. FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway view showing the drawer unit 4. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the inside of the drawer unit 4. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the counting device 30, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the counting device 30 counts the number of prizes 2. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the prize dispenser 103. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a free gift management machine 102. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process performed by the giveaway machine 103. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the prize payout process performed by step S10 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the stock confirmation process performed by step S2 or step S11 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 1st warehousing preparation process performed by FIG.11 S12. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of the stock condition displayed by step S43 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 2nd warehousing preparation process performed by step S13 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control process for prize payout. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control process for 1st inventory management. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control process for 2nd inventory management. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a 1st warehousing preparation control process. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of the inventory condition displayed by step S85 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a 2nd warehousing preparation control process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a 3rd warehousing preparation control process. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of the stock condition displayed by step S104 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the display control process by the prize management machine 102 when a priority unit is a prize dispenser unit. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of the inventory condition in consideration of the priority displayed by step S123 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the display control processing by the prize management machine 102 when a priority unit is a lane unit. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of the stock condition in consideration of the priority displayed by step S133 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 102 Prize management machine 103 Prize giver 30 Counting device 200 Control part 201 Communication part 203 Printing part 204 Storage part 205 Operation part 207 Staff display part 300 Control part 308 Door opening / closing detector 309 Communication part 310 Operation part 312 Staff display part 314 storage unit

Claims (9)

In the prize dispenser in which a plurality of cassettes containing prizes are stored,
A display device for displaying the stock status of the prizes in the prize dispenser;
A counting device for counting the number of prizes contained in each cassette;
Based on the counting processing means for counting the number of prizes stored in each cassette using the counting device when the inventory confirmation command is given, and the number of prizes for each cassette counted by the counting processing means, It has display control means to display the stock status on the display device,
A prize dispenser characterized in that the display control means displays on the display device the inventory status including the number of replenishable prizes for each predetermined number of cassettes. In a prize dispenser in which a plurality of cassettes containing premiums are stored, and the plurality of cassettes includes two or more cassettes in which different types of premiums are stored.
A display device for displaying the stock status of the prizes in the prize dispenser;
A counting device for counting the number of prizes contained in each cassette;
Based on the counting processing means for counting the number of prizes stored in each cassette using the counting device when the inventory confirmation command is given, and the number of prizes for each cassette counted by the counting processing means, It has display control means to display the stock status on the display device,
The display control means causes the display device to display the stock status including the number of premiums that can be replenished for each predetermined number of cassettes and / or the number of premiums that can be supplemented for each type of premium. In a prize dispensing system comprising a prize dispenser storing a plurality of cassettes containing prizes and a prize management machine capable of communicating with the prize dispenser,
The gift dispenser
A counting device for counting the number of prizes stored in each cassette, and when a stock confirmation command is given, the number of prizes stored in each cassette is counted using the counting device, and the counting result is obtained. It has means to send to the free gift management machine,
The free gift management machine
A display device for displaying the stock status of the prizes in the prize dispenser;
Means for transmitting an inventory confirmation command to the prize dispenser, and display control means for receiving the count result transmitted from the prize dispenser and displaying the inventory status on the display device based on the obtained count result Has
The display control means causes the display device to display the stock status including the number of replenishable gifts for each predetermined number of cassettes on the display device. A plurality of cassettes containing premiums are stored, and the plurality of cassettes includes two or more cassettes storing different types of premiums, and a prize dispenser is communicable with each other. In the prize dispensing system equipped with a prize management machine,
The gift dispenser
A counting device for counting the number of prizes stored in each cassette, and when a stock confirmation command is given, the number of prizes stored in each cassette is counted using the counting device, and the counting result is obtained. It has means to send to the free gift management machine,
The free gift management machine
A display device for displaying the stock status of the prizes in the prize dispenser;
Means for transmitting an inventory confirmation command to the prize dispenser, and display control means for receiving the counting result transmitted from the prize dispensing machine and displaying the inventory status on the display device based on the obtained counting result. Has
The display control means causes the display device to display the stock status including the number of premiums that can be replenished for each predetermined number of cassettes and / or the number of premiums that can be supplemented for each type of premium. In a prize dispensing system comprising a plurality of prize dispensers storing a plurality of cassettes containing prizes, and a prize management machine capable of communicating with the plurality of prize dispensers,
Each giveaway machine
A counting device for counting the number of prizes stored in each cassette, and when a stock confirmation command is given, the number of prizes stored in each cassette is counted using the counting device, and the counting result is obtained. It has means to send to the free gift management machine,
The free gift management machine
A display device for displaying the stock status of prizes in each prize dispenser;
Means for sending an inventory confirmation command to each prize dispenser, and display control for receiving the count result transmitted from each prize dispenser and displaying the inventory status on the display device based on the obtained count result Means,
The display control means causes the display device to display a stock status including a free gift inventory number and a free gift replenishment number for each free gift dispenser. The display control means determines the replenishment priority for each premium dispenser based on the number of freebies in each premium dispenser or the maximum number of premiums that can be replenished, and each premium dispenser in the order according to the determined replenishment priority. The premium dispensing system according to claim 5, wherein a stock status of the product is displayed on a display device. In a prize dispensing system comprising a plurality of prize dispensers storing a plurality of cassettes containing prizes, and a prize management machine capable of communicating with the plurality of prize dispensers,
Each giveaway machine
A counting device for counting the number of prizes stored in each cassette, and when a stock confirmation command is given, the number of prizes stored in each cassette is counted using the counting device, and the counting result is obtained. It has means to send to the free gift management machine,
The free gift management machine
A display device for displaying the stock status of prizes in each prize dispenser;
Means for sending an inventory confirmation command to each prize dispenser, and display control for receiving the count result transmitted from each prize dispenser and displaying the inventory status on the display device based on the obtained count result Means,
The display control means causes the display device to display a stock status including a free gift inventory number and a free gift replenishment number for each predetermined number of cassettes in each free gift dispenser. The display control means determines the replenishment priority for each predetermined number of cassettes based on the number of freebies in stock or the number of replenishable gifts in each predetermined number of cassettes in each premium dispenser, and follows the determined replenishment priority. 8. The prize dispensing system according to claim 7, wherein the stock status is displayed on the display device for each predetermined number of cassettes in the order in which they are displayed. The prize payout system includes a plurality of prize management machines, and at least one prize management machine obtains a count result obtained by the other prize management machine from another prize management machine by communication and displays it as a display control means. The prize dispensing system according to claim 5, further comprising a giving unit.

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