JP2010131071A - Prize management machine and prize putout system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prize management machine capable of determining a putout number for each prize kind after substitution as prize putout instruction contents when the prizes of the prize kind which are running short of can be substituted with another prize kind even in the case that the stock quantity of the prizes for at least one prize kind is insufficient for the putout number for each prize kind determined on the basis of the number of game media acquired by a player. <P>SOLUTION: Whether or not there is the prize kind insufficient for the putout number for each prize kind determined by a putout number determination means is discriminated, and when there is not insufficient prize kind, the putout number for each prize kind determined by the putout number determination means is determined as the prize putout instruction contents. When there is the insufficient prize kind, whether or not the prize kind can be substituted with another prize kind is discriminated, and when it can be substituted, the putout number for each prize kind after the substitution is determined as the prize putout instruction contents. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize management machine capable of communicating with a prize dispenser in which a plurality of types of prizes are stored, and having a function of managing the number of prize stock for each prize type in the prize dispenser, and a prize dispenser and a prize management machine The present invention relates to a premium payout system including

  In game facilities such as pachinko parlors, a prize dispensing system is known that includes a prize dispenser (see Patent Documents 1 and 2) and a prize management machine (see Patent Document 3) electrically connected to the prize dispenser. Yes. 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, game media such as pachinko balls acquired by the player are exchanged for prizes and handed to the player as follows, and prizes received by the player are purchased at the prize exchange. .

  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 purchases the prize at a value equivalent to 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 process (final closing process): After closing the store, the clerk prints out the inventory data by the prize management machine, collects and counts the prize (actual item) from the prize dispenser, and stores the inventory data and the actual item. Compare and collate the counting results. 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 person in charge of the prize payout system changes, the same processing as the closing process (intermediate closing process) is performed, and the inventory data and the actual counting result are compared and verified. Yes. However, in this case, the clerk returns the collected prize (actual item) to the prize dispenser after the comparison / collation is completed.
Japanese Patent No. 3722878 JP 2008-73169A JP 2002-200310 A

  As described above, at the time of paying out the prize, the prize management machine determines the type and number of prizes to be paid out based on the counting result (number of game media) read from the receipt, and in accordance with the determined contents, the prize The dispenser is instructed to pay out premiums. The prize dispenser dispenses prizes according to the number of prizes received by prize type received from the prize management machine.

  However, the prize management machine determines the type and number of prizes to be paid out without considering the number of stocks for each prize type in the prize dispenser. Therefore, depending on the prize type, the prize management machine instructs In some cases, the stock quantity is less than the number of payouts. In such a case, even if the prize dispenser can transfer the prize of the missing prize type to another prize type, the prize type empty error is displayed without performing the prize dispensing process. The management machine is notified. For this reason, it becomes impossible to pay out the prize until the clerk replenishes (additional storage) the prize of the missing prize type into the prize dispenser.

  The present invention relates to a prize management machine capable of communicating with a prize dispenser storing a plurality of types of prizes and having a function of managing the number of prize stocks according to prize types in the prize dispenser. Even if there is a shortage of the free gift inventory for at least one free gift type with respect to the number of payouts for each free gift type determined based on the number of media, the free gift type of the shortage free gift type is replaced with another free gift type. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a prize management machine that can determine the number of payouts for each prize type after the transfer as the contents of a prize payout instruction.

  The present invention also determines whether or not there is a prize type that is insufficient with respect to the number of payouts for each prize type determined based on the number of game media acquired by the player, and there is an insufficient prize type. If it is possible to transfer the prize type to another prize type, and if the prize of the missing prize type can be transferred to another prize type, the prize after the transfer It is an object of the present invention to provide a premium payout system that allows the prize management machine to determine the number of payouts for each type.

  The invention described in claim 1 is a prize management machine capable of communicating with a prize dispenser storing a plurality of types of prizes and having a function of managing the number of prize stocks by prize type in the prize dispenser. Based on a given number of game media, so as to reduce the total number of prizes to be paid out, the payout number determining means for determining the number of payouts for each prize type of the prize to be paid out, the prize type determined by the payout number determining means The number of payouts for each prize type determined by the above-mentioned payout quantity determination means is insufficient based on the number of payouts for each prize and the number of prize stocks for each prize type in the prize dispenser managed by itself. It is determined whether or not there is a prize type, and if there is no missing prize type, the number of paid-outs for each prize type determined by the above-mentioned number-of-payout determining means is determined as the prize payout instruction content. If there is a prize type, it is determined whether the prize type can be transferred to another prize type. If transfer is possible, the number of payouts for each prize type after transfer is determined. And a means for transmitting the prize payout instruction content determined by the instruction content determination means to the prize dispenser.

  The “number of game media” is given, for example, by reading the number of game media from a recording medium on which the number of game media acquired by the player is recorded.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the prize management machine according to claim 1, wherein the instruction content determination means clearly indicates the missing prize type and the prize type when the prize type can be transferred. A confirmation screen is displayed as to whether or not the transfer can be performed, and when there is a confirmation input that the transfer can be performed, the number of payouts for each gift type after the transfer is determined as the prize payout instruction content. Features.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the premium management machine according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the premium dispenser is a counting device for counting the number of premium inventory for each premium type, and a predetermined condition is established. A counting processing means for counting the number of prize stocks for each prize type using the counting device, and a means for transmitting the counting result obtained by the counting processing means to the prize management machine, The prize management machine includes means for managing the number of prize stocks for each prize type in the prize dispenser based on the counting result sent from the prize dispenser.

  “When a predetermined condition is satisfied” means, for example, when a counting command is input based on a manual operation, when a reserved time is reached, when a counting command is received, from a predetermined detector This is when the detection signal is input.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a prize dispensing system including a prize dispenser that stores a plurality of types of prizes and a prize management machine that can communicate with the prize dispenser. A counting device for counting the number of premium stocks by type, a counting processing unit for counting the number of premium stocks for each premium type using the counting device when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a counting processing unit Means for transmitting the obtained counting result to the premium management machine, the premium management machine for each prize type in the premium dispensing machine based on the counting result sent from the premium dispensing machine. Means for managing the number of prizes in stock; means for determining the number of prizes to be paid out for each kind of prize to be paid out based on a given number of game media; Decision The number of payouts for each prize type determined by the above-mentioned payout number determination means based on the number of payouts for each prize type determined by the means and the number of prize stocks for each prize type in the prize dispenser managed by the means Whether or not there is a prize type that is insufficient, and if there is no prize type that is insufficient, the payout number for each prize type determined by the above-mentioned payout number determining means If there is a prize type that is missing, it is determined whether or not the prize type can be transferred to another prize type. An instruction content determining means for determining the number of payouts as a prize payout instruction content, and a means for transmitting the prize payout instruction content determined by the instruction content determination means to a prize dispenser.

  According to the first to third aspects of the present invention, the number of premium inventory for at least one premium type is insufficient with respect to the number of payouts for each premium type determined based on the number of game media acquired by the player. Even in such a case, if the prize of the missing prize type can be transferred to another prize type, the payout number for each prize type after the transfer can be determined as the prize payout instruction content. Become. Therefore, since the probability of giving out premiums without replenishing premiums is increased, it is possible to improve the efficiency of customer payout processing and to improve customer service.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the prize type can be transferred, the lacking prize type is clearly indicated and a confirmation screen asking whether or not the prize type may be transferred is displayed. Therefore, by transferring the prize type, the clerk can recognize the prize type to be replenished even when the prize is paid out. For this reason, the efficiency of the premium replenishment work can be improved.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the prize management machine can manage the quantity of prize stock in each prize type in the prize dispensing machine with high accuracy. For this reason, the reliability of the premium payout instruction content determined by the instruction content determination means is increased.

  According to the invention as set forth in claim 4, in a prize dispensing system comprising a prize dispenser storing a plurality of types of prizes and a prize management machine capable of communicating with the prize dispenser, the game medium obtained by the player Determine whether there is a prize type that is insufficient with respect to the number of payouts for each prize type determined based on the number. If there is a prize type that is insufficient, change that prize type to another prize type. The prize management machine side determines whether it is possible to transfer, and if the prize of the missing prize type can be transferred to another prize type, determines the number of payouts for each prize type after the transfer. Can be done at.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[1] Configuration of a prize paying system FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a prize paying system provided in a game facility.
The prize payout system includes a prize management machine (POS terminal) 102 and a prize dispenser 103 connected to the prize management machine 102. 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 and is installed in the prize counter. The prize management machine 102 has a function of managing inventory of the prize dispenser 103 and a function of displaying and printing inventory management data of the prize dispenser 103.

  The prizes handled by the prize dispenser 103 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. 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 (Recording medium) is issued from the counter. Instead of such a receipt, a recording medium such as 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. In addition, the counting result is stored in a portable telephone owned by the player, or an ID for identifying the telephone is read from the portable telephone owned by the player, and the counting result is related to the read ID. You may make it save to.

  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 (the number of game media) recorded in the barcode on the receipt. The prize management device 102 determines the number of prizes to be paid out for each prize type so that the total number of prizes to be paid out decreases based on the read counting result.

  In this embodiment, the prize management machine 102 manages the inventory of the prize dispenser 103, and the prize dispenser for each prize type calculated from the counting result read from the receipt and the prize dispenser managed by itself. Based on the number of prize stocks for each prize type in 102, it is determined whether or not there is a prize type that is insufficient with respect to the number of payouts for each prize type. The number of payouts for each prize type is determined as the prize payout instruction content, and if there is an insufficient prize type, it is determined whether or not the prize type can be transferred to another prize type. If it is possible, the number of payouts for each prize type after transfer is determined as the prize payout instruction content. Then, the determined prize dispensing instruction content is transmitted to the prize dispenser 103.

  The giveaway machine 103 pays out a prize in accordance with the contents of the prize payout instruction sent from the prize management machine 102. 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 purchases the prize at a value equivalent to 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 dispensing units 4 housed in the cabinet 3. In FIG. 2, only one payout unit is shown, but in reality, seven payout units 4 are stored in the cabinet 3 in a state of being arranged in the width direction. The seven payout units 4 housed in the cabinet 3 are referred to as payout units in the first lane, the second lane,.

  The plurality of payout units 4 are stored in the cabinet 3 in a state of being arranged in the width direction. 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 payout 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 prizes 2 are stored in a plurality of cassettes 11 in one payout unit 4. For example, the three payout units 4 in the first to third lanes store 5000 yen prizes, the two payout units 4 in the fourth to fifth lanes store 5000 yen prizes, and the sixth ~ The two payout 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 dispensing outlet 7 is formed at a position above each dispensing unit 4. A plurality of payout ports 7 are formed according to the number of payout 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] Dispensing unit 4
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dispensing unit 4. FIG. 3 (a) shows a state in which the drawer 20 is in the closed position, and FIG. 3 (b) shows a state in which 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 payout unit 4 has a hollow box shape that is slightly thin in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the payout unit 4 is provided with a casing 10 that forms an outer shell thereof, a drawer portion 20 that can be pulled out from the casing 10, and a drawer portion 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. Although not shown, there is provided a drawer detection means for detecting whether the drawer 20 is in the closed position or released from the closed position.

  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). Accordingly, a maximum of 500 prizes 2 can be stored in one payout 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.

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

  In each feeding mechanism 14, the feeding roller 19 is disposed at a position closer to the opening 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 holding portion 28 is formed below the opening 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 payout unit 4.

  First, after the door 5 of the cabinet 3 is opened, the drawer 20 of the dispensing unit 4 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 exit 7 through the opening 15 of the payout 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 dispensing 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 dispensing unit 4.

  Each payout 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, two counting devices 30 are provided at intervals in the front-rear direction in each dispensing unit 4. 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 dispensing unit 4 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The dispensing 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 (see FIG. 4B) 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 prize dispense control, prize counting control, prize inventory quantity management, 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 control unit 300 includes a payout control unit 300a that executes a payout process for a prize and a count control unit 300b that executes a process for counting a prize when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  The storage unit 314 is provided with a prize type table for each lane that stores the type of prize for each lane (each payout unit 4). Further, the storage unit 314 stores information (stock management data) related to the number of premium stocks in the premium dispenser 103. The types of inventory management data include “the number of premium inventory for each cassette”, “the number of premium inventory for each lane (for each payout unit)” and “the number of premium inventory for each premium type”. These inventory management data are newly created each time a prize is paid out or when an inventory check process is performed using the counting device 30. In this embodiment, every time inventory management data is newly created, the created inventory management data is additionally stored in the storage unit 314 together with the creation date and time. That is, individual inventory management data created at a plurality of different timings is stored in the storage unit 314 as history data representing the transition of the number of premium inventory.

[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 includes a control unit 200 that performs free gift payout control for the free gift dispenser 103, counting control for the free gift dispenser 103, management of the free gift inventory of the free giver 103, communication with the free giver 103, and the like. Yes. 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 control unit 200 includes a payout control unit 200a that causes the prize payer 103 to execute a prize payout process, and a count control part 200b that causes the prize payer 103 to execute a prize counting process.

  Similar to the prize dispenser 103, the storage unit 204 stores information (stock management data) related to the number of prize stock in the prize dispenser 103. As described above, the types of inventory management data include “the number of premium inventory for each cassette”, “the number of premium inventory for each lane (for each payout unit)”, and “the number of premium inventory for each premium type”.

[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 an inventory confirmation key. Similarly, the operation unit 205 of the prize management machine 102 is provided with an inventory confirmation key, a numeric keypad, and the like.

  The prize dispenser 103 performs a “prize dispensing process” for dispensing prizes, an “inventory management process” for managing inventory, and the like.

  The free gift management machine 102 performs “free gift payout control processing”, “first stock management control processing”, “second stock management control processing”, and the like. “Premium payout control process” is a process executed when the number of game media recorded in the barcode on the receipt is read. The “first inventory management control process” is a process executed when an inventory confirmation key on the operation unit 205 of the prize management machine 102 is operated. The “second inventory management control process” has received the inventory management data from the prize dispenser 103 when the “premium dispensing control process” and the “first inventory management control process” are not executed. It is a process executed in this case.

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

[5-1] Processing by 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 a prize 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 the door 5 of the prize dispensing machine 103 has been closed from the open state is detected. (Step S4), whether the time set by the timer reservation setting (timer reservation time) has come (step S5), whether an inventory check command has been input (step S6), stock from the prize management machine 102 It is monitored whether or not a confirmation command has been received (step S7). Such monitoring is performed until the power is turned off. If the power is shut off (YES in step S10), the process ends.

  The prize payout command from the prize management machine 102 in step S3 is transmitted from the prize management machine 102 because the number of game media recorded in the receipt on the receipt is read by the prize management machine 102. This prize payout command includes information regarding the type and number of prizes to be paid out. 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 allows reservation setting of the time for performing the inventory check process, and is performed by an operator operating the operation unit 310 of the gift dispenser 103.

  The stock confirmation command in step S6 is input by operating the stock confirmation key on the operation unit 310 of the gift dispenser 103. The stock confirmation command in step S7 is transmitted from the free gift management machine 102 due to the operation of the stock confirmation key on the operation unit 205 of the free gift management machine 102.

  When a prize payout command is received from the prize management machine 102 (YES in step S3), a prize payout process is performed (step S8). This prize payout process is almost the same as in the prior art. Details of the prize payout process will be described later. When the premium payout process in step S8 ends, the process proceeds to step S4.

  When it is detected that the door 5 of the prize dispenser 103 has been closed from the open state (YES in step S4), when the current time reaches the timer reservation time (YES in step S5), an inventory confirmation command is input. Time (YES in step S6), or when an inventory confirmation command is received from the prize management machine 102 (YES in step S7), inventory confirmation processing is performed (step S9). 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 S9 is completed, the process proceeds to step S10.

  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 S9 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 the inventory check process is performed by the prize dispenser 103, the inventory management data after the inventory confirmation is transmitted from the prize dispenser 103 to the prize manager 102 as will be described later. Inventory management data after inventory confirmation can be acquired.

  When the prize payout process in step S8 is performed, the inventory management data after the prize payout is transmitted from the prize dispenser 103 to the prize management machine 102, as will be described later. Inventory management data can be acquired.

  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 confirmation process in step S9 is performed. Is completed, the number of stocks after additional warehousing is confirmed by the prize dispenser 103. Also in this case, since the inventory management data after the additional warehousing is transmitted from the prize dispenser 103 to the prize management machine 102, the prize management machine 102 can acquire the inventory management data after the additional warehousing.

  Conventionally, in the tightening process that was performed after closing the store or the tightening process that was performed at the time of the change of staff during business hours, the clerk manually performed the counting work. In order to reduce the time and reduce the time, the counting device 30 automatically performs counting. For this reason, in the present embodiment, at the timing when the conventional tightening process is to be performed, the clerk operates the inventory confirmation key provided on the operation units 310 and 205 of the prize dispenser 103 or the prize management machine 102. Then, input the inventory check command. 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 process proceeds to step S9.

  It should be noted that at any timing other than the timing at which the conventional tightening process is to be performed, when an attendant confirms a stock confirmation command by operating an inventory confirmation key provided on the prize dispenser 103 or the prize management machine 102, Even when the timer reservation time set in advance by the attendant is reached, the inventory check process in step S9 is performed, so that the giveaway machine 103 can check the stock quantity at an arbitrary timing or at a preset reservation time. . Furthermore, the inventory check process may be performed at a timing when the number of the prize payout process reaches a predetermined number (for example, 20) from the previous inventory check process. Note that the timing for performing the inventory check process is not limited to the present embodiment, and can be set freely.

[5-1-1] Giveaway Disbursement Process FIG. 12 shows the procedure of the giveaway payout process executed in step S8 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, based on the number of payouts for each cassette from which premiums are paid out, inventory management data after the payout of premiums is created and stored (step S22). That is, the “stock quantity by cassette”, “stock quantity by lane”, and “stock quantity by prize type” after the payout are obtained and stored in the storage unit 314 together with the date and time.

  Next, the inventory management data (“stock quantity by cassette”, “stock quantity by lane”, and “stock quantity by prize type”) after giving out the prize is transmitted to the prize management machine 102 (step S23). When the process of step S23 ends, the process returns to step S4 of FIG.

[5-1-2] Stock Check Process FIG. 13 shows the procedure of the stock check process executed in step S2 or step S9 in 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 created and stored (step S32). In other words, based on the “quantity stock quantity for each cassette” obtained by the counting process, “the prize stock quantity for each lane” is calculated, and the calculated “stock quantity for each lane” and “the prize type table for each lane” are calculated. "Premium inventory quantity by type of premium" is calculated based on The storage unit 314 stores the “freebie inventory quantity for each cassette”, the “freebie inventory quantity by lane”, and the “freebie inventory quantity by prize type” obtained in this way, together with the date and time, as history data of the premium inventory quantity. Let

  Next, the inventory management data display process (step S33) is performed. In this display process, the clerk display unit 312 displays “the number of premiums stock for each cassette”, “the number of premiums stock for each lane” or “the number of premiums stock for each type of premium” calculated in step S32. It 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 inventory management data ("stock quantity by cassette", "stock quantity by lane", and "stock quantity by premium type") calculated in step S32 is transmitted to the prize management machine 102 (step S34). ).

  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 S9 in FIG. 11, the process returns to step S10 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 gift dispenser 103, the gift dispenser 103 executes the inventory check process similar to the above step S2 or S9, 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 will be consistent with the warning display, warning sound, etc. It may be notified to the staff that you do not.

[5-2] Processing by the free gift management machine 102 As described above, the free gift management machine 102 performs the “free gift payout control process”, the “first stock management control process”, and the “second stock management control process”. ”Etc. Hereinafter, these processes will be described.

[5-2-1] Control process for giving out a prize FIG. 14 shows a procedure of control process for giving out a prize.

  The prize payout control process is executed when the number of game media recorded on the receipt is read. By reading the barcode printed on the receipt, the number of game media acquired by the player is acquired (step S41). At this time, the number of read game media is displayed on the attendant display unit 207. Next, based on the acquired number of game media, the number of payouts for each prize type is determined (step S42). At this time, the determined number of payouts for each prize type is displayed on the clerk display unit 207. In step S42, the number of payouts for each prize type is determined so that the sum of the number of prizes to be paid out becomes as small as possible without considering the prize stock status of the prize dispenser 103.

  Next, based on the number of prizes to be paid out for each prize type determined in step S42 and the quantity of prize stock for each prize type in the prize dispenser 103 managed by the prize management machine 102, a prize payout instruction content determination process is performed. Is performed (step S43). In the prize payout instruction content determination processing, it is determined whether or not there is a prize type that is insufficient with respect to the number of prizes to be paid out for each prize type determined in step S42. The number of payouts for each prize type determined in step S42 is determined as the prize payout instruction content, and if there is an insufficient prize type, it is possible to transfer the prize type to another prize type. If transfer is possible, the number of payouts for each prize type after transfer is determined as the prize payout instruction content. Details of the premium payout instruction content determination process will be described later.

  When the premium payout instruction content determination process in step S43 ends, the value of flag F is determined (step S44). The flag F is set to one of 0, 1, 2, and 3 in the prize payout instruction content determination process. F = 0 indicates that it is determined that the prize can be paid out in the prize payout instruction content determination process. F = 1 indicates that in the prize payout instruction content determination process, it is determined that the prize payout is impossible due to the lack of large prizes. F = 2 represents that in the prize payout instruction content determination process, it is determined that the prize payout is impossible due to the lack of the middle prize. F = 3 represents that in the prize payout instruction content determination process, it is determined that the prize payout is impossible due to the shortage of small prizes.

  If it is determined in the above step S44 that F = 1, an error screen indicating that it is necessary to replenish large prizes is displayed on the staff display unit 207 (step S45), and the present prize payout control is performed. The process ends. If it is determined in step S44 that F = 2, an error screen indicating that the middle prize needs to be replenished is displayed on the staff display unit 207 (step S46), and the present prize payout control is performed. The process ends. If it is determined in step S44 that F = 3, an error screen indicating that it is necessary to replenish small prizes is displayed on the staff display unit 207 (step S47), and the present prize payout control is performed. The process ends.

  If it is determined in step S44 that F = 0, a prize payout command including the prize payout instruction content determined in the prize payout instruction content determination process is transmitted to the prize payer 103 (step S48). When receiving the prize payout command, the prize payer 103 performs the prize payout process described with reference to FIG.

  When the process of step S48 is completed, the process waits for inventory management data to be sent from the gift dispenser 103 (step S49). When the inventory management data from the prize dispenser 103 is received (YES in step S49), the received inventory management data is stored in the storage unit 204 as the history data of the premium inventory quantity together with the date and time (step S50). Then, the present prize payout control process ends.

  FIG. 15 shows the procedure of the premium payout instruction content determination process in step S43 of FIG. In the following description, a large prize represents a 5000 yen prize, a middle prize represents a 1000 yen prize, and a small prize represents a 200 yen prize. Let X, Y, and Z be the stock quantities of large prizes, middle prizes, and small prizes in the prize dispenser 103. Let x, y, and z be the number of payouts of the large prize, middle prize, and small prize determined in step S52.

  First, it is determined whether or not a large prize is sufficient (step S61). That is, it is determined whether or not the stock X of large prizes is equal to or greater than the number of large prize payouts x (X ≧ x). If X ≧ x, it is determined whether or not the medium prize is sufficient (step S62). That is, it is determined whether or not the stock amount Y of the middle prize is equal to or more than the number of middle prize payout number y (Y ≧ y). If Y ≧ y, it is determined whether or not there are enough small and medium prizes (step S63). That is, it is determined whether or not the number Z of small prizes in stock is greater than or equal to the number z of small prizes to be paid out (Z ≧ z). If Z ≧ z, the value of the flag F is set to “0” which is a value indicating that the prize can be paid out, and the number of payouts according to the prize type determined in step S42 is used as the prize payout instruction content. Determine (step S64). And it transfers to step S44 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S61 that X <x, it is determined whether or not transfer is possible (step S65). In other words, if it is determined in step S61 that there is a shortage of large prizes, the missing large prizes are transferred to other premium types (in this example, middle prizes), so that in step S42. It is determined whether or not a prize payout equivalent to the determined number of payouts for each prize type is possible. If it is determined that the transfer is not possible, the process proceeds to step S69, and the value of the flag F is a value indicating that it has been determined that the prize cannot be paid out due to the lack of large prizes. Set to. And it transfers to step S44 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S65 that the transfer is possible, the missing gift type is clearly indicated, and a confirmation screen is displayed on the clerk display unit 207 for the clerk to approve the transfer. (Step S66). After this, if there is a confirmation input by the clerk within a certain time (YES in step S67), the value of the flag F is set to “0” which is a value indicating that the prize can be paid out, and after the transfer The number of payouts for each prize type is determined as the prize payout instruction content (step S68). In addition, the number of payouts according to the prize type after the transfer is displayed on the clerk display unit 207. And it transfers to step S44 of FIG.

  If there is no confirmation input by the clerk within a certain time after the confirmation screen is displayed in step S66 (NO in step S67), the process proceeds to step S69, and the value of the flag F is set to the value of the large prize. Is set to “1”, which is a value indicating that it is determined that the prize payout is impossible. And it transfers to step S44 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S62 that Y <y, it is determined whether or not transfer is possible (step S70). In other words, if it is determined in step S62 that the middle prize is insufficient, the prize determined in step S42 is transferred by transferring the missing middle prize to another prize type (small prize). It is determined whether or not a prize payout equivalent to the number of payouts by type is possible. If it is determined that the transfer is not possible, the process proceeds to step S74, and the value of the flag F is a value representing that it is determined that the prize payout is impossible due to the lack of the middle prize. Set to. And it transfers to step S44 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S70 that the transfer is possible, the insufficient gift type is clearly indicated, and a confirmation screen is displayed on the clerk display unit 207 for the clerk to approve the transfer. (Step S71). After this, if there is a confirmation input by a clerk within a certain time (YES in step S72), the value of the flag F is set to “0” which is a value indicating that the prize can be paid out, and after the transfer The number of payouts for each prize type is determined as the prize payout instruction content (step S73). In addition, the number of payouts according to the prize type after the transfer is displayed on the clerk display unit 207. And it transfers to step S44 of FIG.

  If there is no confirmation input by the clerk within a certain period of time after the confirmation screen is displayed in step S71 (NO in step S72), the process proceeds to step S74 and the value of the flag F is set to be insufficient for the intermediate prize. It is set to “2”, which is a value indicating that it is determined that the prize payout is impossible due to And it transfers to step S44 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S63 that Z <z, the value of the flag F is set to “3”, which is a value indicating that the prize payout is determined to be impossible due to a shortage of small prizes. Set (step S75). And it transfers to step S44 of FIG.

FIG. 16 shows a specific example of the gift payout control process.
For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that there are two large prizes (5,000 yen prizes) and 15 middle prizes (1,000 yen prizes) in the prize dispenser 103.

  The number of game media “abcd” recorded in the receipt on the barcode is read by the prize management machine 102 (sequence number [1]). The read number of game media “abcd” is displayed (sequence number [2]). The prize management machine 102 calculates the number of payouts for each prize type from the read number of game media “abcd” and displays the calculation result (sequence number [3]). In this example, three large prizes are paid out. The prize management machine 102 performs a prize payout instruction content determination process based on the calculated number of payouts for each prize type and the quantity of prize inventory for each prize type in the prize dispenser 103 managed by the prize management machine 102.

  In this example, since only two large prizes remain in the prize dispenser 103, the number of large prizes in stock is smaller than the number of dispensed sheets. Therefore, it is determined whether or not transfer is possible. One large prize is equivalent to five middle prizes, and there are 15 middle prizes, so in this example, it is determined that transfer is possible. A confirmation screen is displayed for identifying the missing prize type and having the staff approve the transfer (sequence number [4]).

  After this, if there is a confirmation input by a staff member within a certain time, the number of payouts according to the type of prize after transfer is displayed (sequence number [5]), and a prize payout instruction is given to the prize dispenser 102 ( Sequence number [6]). If there is no confirmation input by the clerk within a certain period of time, an error screen specifying the type of scenery to be replenished is displayed (sequence number [7]).

  In the above embodiment, the prize payout instruction content determination process (step S43 in FIG. 14 and FIG. 14) after determining the payout quantity for each prize type (see step S42 in FIG. 14) so that the sum of the prize payout numbers is as small as possible. 15), it is determined that there is a prize type that is insufficient with respect to the number of payouts determined for each prize type determined in step S42, and that the missing prize type can be transferred to another prize type. In the case (YES in steps S65 and S70 in FIG. 15), a confirmation screen is displayed (steps S66 and S71 in FIG. 15), and only when a confirmation input is made by an attendant within a certain time (step in FIG. 15). YES in S67 and S72), the number of payouts for each type of prize after transfer is determined as the prize payout instruction content, and the number of payouts for each type of prize after transfer is displayed. That (step S68, S73 in FIG. 15).

  However, when it is determined that there is a prize type that is insufficient with respect to the number of payouts determined for each prize type determined in step S42, and that the missing prize type can be transferred to another prize type. (YES in steps S65 and S70 in FIG. 15), payout according to the gift type after the transfer without displaying the confirmation screen in steps S66 and S71 in FIG. 15 or waiting for confirmation input in steps S67 and S72 in FIG. In addition to displaying the number of copies, a confirmation message is also displayed, and when there is a confirmation input by a staff member within a certain period of time, the number of payouts for each type of prize after transfer is determined as the giveaway payout instruction content You may make it transmit to the apparatus 103. FIG.

  Specifically, it is determined that there is a prize type that is insufficient with respect to the number of payouts determined for each prize type determined in step S42, and that the missing prize type can be transferred to another prize type. In this case, the sequence numbers [3] and [4] in FIG. 16 are omitted, the sequence number [2] in FIG. 16 is shifted to the sequence number [5], and the number of payouts according to the prize type after transfer is determined. indicate. However, in the sequence number [5], along with the contents after the transfer, for example, a confirmation message such as “Large premiums are insufficient and transferred. Are you sure?” Is also displayed. Then, when there is a confirmation input by a staff member within a certain period of time, the number of payouts according to the prize type after the transfer is determined as the prize payout instruction content and transmitted to the prize payer 103.

  In addition, when it is determined that there is a prize type that is insufficient with respect to the number of payouts for each prize type determined in step S42, and it is possible to transfer the insufficient prize type to another prize type. 16 omits the sequence numbers [3] and [4] in FIG. 16 and shifts from the sequence number [2] to the sequence number [5] in FIG. 16 to display the contents after transfer, the sequence number [5] ], Without displaying a confirmation message and waiting for confirmation input by a staff member, the number of payouts for each type of prize after transfer may be determined as the prize payout instruction content and transmitted to the prize dispenser 103.

[5-2-2] First Inventory Management Control Process FIG. 17 shows the procedure of the first inventory management control process.

  The first inventory management control process is executed when an inventory confirmation key on the operation unit 205 of the prize management machine 102 is operated.

  When the inventory confirmation key on the operation unit 205 is operated, an inventory confirmation command is transmitted to the gift dispenser 103 (step S81). When receiving the stock confirmation command, the prize dispenser 103 performs the stock confirmation processing described with reference to FIG. When the process of step S81 is completed, the process waits for inventory management data to be sent from the gift dispenser 103 (step S82).

  When the inventory management data from the prize dispenser 103 is received (YES in step S82), the received inventory management data is stored in the storage unit 204 as the history data of the premium inventory quantity together with the date and time (step S83). The received inventory management data may be displayed on the staff display unit 207. After the process of step S83, the current first inventory management control process is terminated.

[5-2-3] Second Inventory Management Control Process FIG. 18 shows the procedure of the second inventory management control process.
The second inventory management control process is executed when the inventory management data from the prize dispenser 103 is received when the premium dispensing control process and the first inventory management control process are not being executed. That is, when the stock confirmation process of step S2 in FIG. 11 is performed by the gift dispenser 103, or when YES in steps S4, S5, and S6 of FIG. 11 and the stock confirmation process of step S9 is performed, When the inventory management data sent from the prize dispenser 103 is received, the second inventory management control process is executed.

  When the stock management data from the free gift dispenser 103 is received when the free gift delivery control process and the first stock management control process are not being executed (YES in step S91), the received stock management data is given together with the date of the free stock. The number is stored in the storage unit 204 as history data (step S92). At this time, the received inventory management data may be displayed on the staff display unit 207.

[6] Modification The shape of the prize is not limited to a card shape. The counting mechanism and the counting method are not limited. A method of reading an IC incorporated in a prize may be used.

  When executing the inventory confirmation process, the inventory confirmation process (counting process) is performed for all lanes, but from which lane (which dispensing unit 4) the prize is paid out is recognized, Since the withdrawal detection means (not shown) detects which lane withdrawal portion 20 has been withdrawn, no prize payout processing has been performed since the previous inventory check processing, and the withdrawal portion 20 is also withdrawn. The inventory confirmation process (counting process) may be omitted for lanes that are not. That is, at the time of the inventory confirmation process, the counting process may be performed only for the lanes in which the number of prizes may have changed.

  The counting process is executed based on the opening / closing detection of the door 5 of the prize dispenser 103, but not only the opening / closing detection of the door 5 but also that the drawer 20 is pulled out while the door is opened / closed. You may make it add. That is, the counting process is not executed simply by opening and closing the door 5, but the counting process is executed when it is detected that the door 5 is opened and closed and the drawer 20 is pulled out during that time. It may be.

  Although one free gift dispenser 10 is connected to the free gift management machine 102, two or more free gift dispensers 103 may be connected to the free gift management machine 102. That is, the prize management machine 102 may control and manage a plurality of prize dispensers 103. Also, a plurality of prize management machines 102 are provided in the game facility, and one of the prize management machines 102 is connected to each prize management machine 102 by communicating with other prize management machines 102. The inventory management data regarding all the gift dispensers 103 that are present may be integrated and managed.

  The present invention can also be applied to a prize management machine that manages and controls a desktop type prize dispenser as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-73169 (Patent Document 2).

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. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a dispensing unit 4. 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 partial cutaway view showing a payout unit 4. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the inside of the dispensing 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 FIG.11 S8. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the stock confirmation process performed by step S2 or step S9 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 prize payout instruction | indication content determination process of FIG.14 S43. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the specific example 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.

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 (4)

In the prize management machine capable of communicating with a prize dispenser storing a plurality of types of prizes and having a function for managing the number of prize stocks according to prize types in the prize dispenser,
A payout number determining means for determining the payout number for each prize type of the prize to be paid out so that the total number of prizes to be paid out is reduced based on the given number of game media;
The prize type determined by the payout number determination means based on the number of payouts for each prize type determined by the payout number determination means and the number of prize stocks by type of prize in the prize dispenser managed by itself It is determined whether or not there is a prize type that is insufficient with respect to each payout number. If there is no prize type that is insufficient, the number of payouts for each prize type determined by the payout number determination means is determined. If there is an insufficient prize type, it is determined whether or not it is possible to transfer the prize type to another prize type. Instruction content determining means for determining the number of payouts for each prize type as the prize payout instruction content, means for transmitting the prize payout instruction content determined by the instruction content determining means to the prize dispenser;
A prize management machine characterized by comprising: When the prize type can be transferred, the instruction content determination means clearly displays the missing prize type and displays a confirmation screen as to whether or not the prize type may be transferred. 2. The prize management machine according to claim 1, wherein when a confirmation input is received, the number of payouts for each prize type after transfer is determined as a prize payout instruction content. The prize dispenser is a counting device for counting the number of prize stocks for each prize type, and a counter for counting the number of prize stocks for each prize type using the counting apparatus when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Processing means, and means for transmitting the counting result obtained by the counting processing means to the premium management machine,
2. The prize management machine comprises means for managing the number of prize stocks for each prize type in the prize dispenser based on the counting result sent from the prize dispenser. The premium management machine according to ~ 2. In a prize dispensing system comprising a prize dispenser that stores a plurality of types of prizes and a prize management machine that can communicate with the prize dispenser.
The above prize dispenser is
A counting device for counting the number of prize stocks for each prize type,
Count processing means for counting the number of prize stock for each prize type using the counting device when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and means for transmitting the count result obtained by the count processing means to the prize management machine The premium management machine is
Means for managing the number of prize stocks by type of prize in the prize dispenser based on the counting result sent from the prize dispenser;
A payout number determining means for determining the payout number for each prize type of the prize to be paid out so that the total number of prizes to be paid out is reduced based on the given number of game media;
The prize type determined by the payout number determination means based on the number of payouts for each prize type determined by the payout number determination means and the number of prize stocks by type of prize in the prize dispenser managed by itself It is determined whether or not there is a prize type that is insufficient with respect to each payout number. If there is no prize type that is insufficient, the number of payouts for each prize type determined by the payout number determination means is determined. If there is an insufficient prize type, it is determined whether or not it is possible to transfer the prize type to another prize type. Instruction content determining means for determining the number of payouts for each prize type as the prize payout instruction contents, and means for transmitting the prize payout instruction contents determined by the instruction content determining means to the prize dispenser A premium payout system characterized by