JP2010131072A - Prize putout machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prize putout machine capable of improving a customer service by putting out prizes even in the middle of performing prize counting processing. <P>SOLUTION: The prize putout machine storing a plurality of prize housing bodies housing prizes includes: a counter for counting the number of prizes housed in each prize housing body; a counting processing means for counting the number of the prizes housed in all or some of the prize housing bodies by utilizing the counter when a prescribed condition is established; and a means for performing prize putout processing corresponding to a prize putout command after interrupting the counting processing by the counting processing means when the prize putout command is supplied in the middle of performing the counting processing by the counting processing means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize dispenser for paying out prizes to be exchanged for game media such as pachinko balls.

  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, in the conventional prize dispensing system, in order to manage the inventory of prizes and prevent fraud, the clerk handles the total number of prizes in the prize dispenser at each timing of the opening process, the changing of the clerk, and the closing process. I try to count by work. In this type of prize dispenser, as described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, generally, a plurality of prize cassettes are stored. Since it is necessary to take out the cassette and count the number of prizes stored in each prize cassette, it takes time and effort. In particular, when performing counting work of the total number of prizes during business hours, such as when a staff member is changed, the player is kept waiting.

  Therefore, the applicant installs a counting device for counting the number of prizes for each prize cassette in the prize dispenser, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the applicant uses all the prize cassettes or one of the prize cassettes. There has already been proposed a prize dispenser that can simplify and shorten the prize counting process in the prize dispenser by automatically counting the number of prizes in each prize cassette. However, a prize dispenser having such a prize counting function is not known at the time of filing this patent application.

  With a prize dispenser equipped with a prize counting function, if a prize counting process is being performed, the prize cannot be paid out, so it is desired to pay out a prize when the prize counting process is being performed. When a customer appears, the customer is made to wait.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a prize dispenser that can dispense a prize even during the prize counting process and can improve customer service.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a prize dispenser in which a plurality of prize containers containing prizes are stored, a counting device for counting the number of prizes stored in each prize container, When the condition is satisfied, the counting device uses the counting device to count the number of prizes contained in all the prize containers or a part of the prize containers, and the counting process is performed by the counting process means. In the course of being performed, when a prize payout command is given, the counting process by the counting processing means is interrupted, and thereafter a means for performing a prize payout process corresponding to the prize payout command is provided. To do.

  The “prize container” may be a “cassette” in which a plurality of prizes are accommodated, or a “unit (dispensing unit)” in which a plurality of cassettes are mounted. “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.

  The invention described in claim 2 is the prize dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of prize containers housed in the prize dispenser have two or more prizes in which different types of prizes are stored. A container is included.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the premium dispenser according to the first or second aspect, the present invention further comprises means for restarting the counting process by the counting process means after the premium dispensing process is completed. And

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a counting device for counting the number of prizes accommodated in each prize container, in a prize dispenser in which a plurality of prize containers in which prizes are accommodated are stored. When the condition is satisfied, the counting device is used to count the number of prizes contained in all the prize containers or a part of the prize containers, and the counting process is performed by the counting process means. In the middle of the process, when a prize payout command is given, the current counting process is a partial counting process in which the counting process is performed only for a part of the prize containers, and the prize is not performed. Determining means for determining whether or not the parallel processing condition is satisfied that the prize corresponding to the prize payout command can be paid out only with the container, and the determination means determines that the parallel processing condition is satisfied The, in parallel with the counting process by the counting processing unit, characterized in that it comprises means for performing the prize payout processing corresponding to the prize payout command.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the prize dispenser according to the fourth aspect, two or more prizes in which different types of prizes are accommodated in the plurality of prize containers accommodated in the prize dispenser. A container is included.

    According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the prize dispenser according to the fourth or fifth aspect, when the determination unit determines that the parallel processing condition is not satisfied, the counting processing by the counting processing unit is interrupted. And a means for performing a prize payout process corresponding to the prize payout command, and a means for restarting the counting process by the count processing means after the prize payout process is completed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to pay out prizes even during the process of counting prizes, thereby improving customer service.

  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. Then, a prize payout command including a payout number for each determined prize type is transmitted to the prize payer 103. The prize payer 103 pays out a prize in accordance with a prize payout command 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 of the prize dispenser 103 and a plurality of dispensing units (premium containers) 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. The cabinet 3 is provided with a door open / close detector 308 (see FIG. 9) for detecting the open / closed state of the door 5.
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 prize 2 is 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 in FIGS. 2 and 3, a drawer detector is provided for detecting whether the drawer 20 is in the closed position or released from the closed position. The drawer detectors provided in each of the payout units 4 in the first to seventh lanes are denoted by reference numerals 321 to 327 in FIG.

  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 by focusing on one payout unit 4 (the payout unit 4 in the first lane).

  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. At this time, the drawer detector 321 detects that the drawer 20 has been released from the closed position. 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 drawer detector 321 detects that the drawer 20 has been closed. 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, drawer detectors 321 to 327 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 prize counting process 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 inventory confirmation processing is performed using the counting device 30 (steps S2 and S9 in FIG. 11). 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.

  In this embodiment, in order to efficiently perform the prize counting process executed in the inventory check process (the processes in steps S2 and S9 in FIG. 11), the number of stocks may have changed after the previous inventory check process is completed. The counting process is performed only for the characteristic lane (payout unit 4). In order to determine a lane in which the number of inventory may have changed after the previous inventory check process is completed, the control unit 300 of the prize management machine 103 stores the following information in the storage unit 314.

  That is, the control unit 300 stores the start time and end time in the storage unit 314 as the time when the inventory confirmation process is performed each time the inventory confirmation process (the processes of steps S2 and S9 in FIG. 11) is performed. . In addition, whenever a prize payout process (in addition to the prize payout process in step S8 in FIG. 11, a prize payout process (steps S38 and S43 in FIG. 13) performed during the inventory check process) is performed, its start time In addition, the number of payouts for each cassette is stored in the storage unit 314 as the time when the premium payout process is performed and the payout content. Furthermore, based on the drawer detectors 321 to 327, the time when the drawer section 20 of each lane is released from the closed position and the time when the drawer section 20 is closed from the open state are stored in the storage section 314 as opening / closing information of the drawer section 20 of each lane. Remember.

[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”, “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 “inventory management control process” is a process executed when inventory management data is received from the prize dispenser 103 when the “premium dispense control process” is not executed.

  The control unit 200 of the prize management machine 102 has a function of transmitting an inventory confirmation command to the prize dispenser 103 when an inventory confirmation key on the operation unit 205 is operated. Moreover, the free gift management machine 102 has a function of printing the stock management data of the free gift 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 prize management machine 102 has read the number of game media recorded in the barcode on the receipt. . 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 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.

  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.

  As described above, in this embodiment, in order to efficiently perform the prize counting process executed in the inventory confirmation process, the lane (payout unit) in which the inventory quantity may have changed after the previous inventory confirmation process has been completed. The prize counting process is performed only for 4).

  When replenishing a cassette in the payout unit 4 or repairing a jam in the payout unit 4 or the like, it is necessary to pull out the drawer 20 of the payout unit 4. The control unit 300 of the prize dispenser 103 stores the opening / closing information of the drawer unit 20 of each lane in the storage unit 314 based on the drawer detectors 321 to 327. For this reason, the control part 300 can confirm when the drawer part 20 of which lane was pulled out.

  In addition, the control unit 300 stores in the storage unit 314 the start time at which the premium payout process (step S8 in FIG. 11 and steps S38 and S43 in FIG. 13) was performed and the number of payouts for each cassette. Therefore, the control unit 300 can confirm from which lane when the prize is paid out. Furthermore, the control unit 300 stores the start time and end time of the inventory check process (the processes of steps S2 and S9 in FIG. 11) in the storage unit 314. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the stock confirmation processing in step S2 or step S9 in FIG. 11, after the previous stock confirmation processing is completed, there is no premium payout processing, and the withdrawal unit 20 is also withdrawn. For lanes that are not, the prize counting process is made efficient by omitting the prize counting process.

  In the inventory confirmation process, first, the lane (payout unit 4) to be subjected to the prize counting process is determined (step S31). That is, after the previous inventory check process is completed, the lane in which the prize payout process has been performed and the lane in which the drawer unit 20 is being drawn out are determined as lanes to be subjected to the prize counting process. However, if the current inventory check process is an inventory check process performed due to the power being turned on (the inventory check process in step S2 in FIG. 11), all the lanes perform the prize counting process. It is determined as the power lane.

  Then, the prize counting process is started for the lane to be subjected to the prize counting process determined in step S31 (step S32). This prize counting process is automatically performed using a counting device 30 provided in the payout unit 4.

  During the prize counting process, it is monitored whether or not a prize payout command is received from the prize management machine 102 (steps S33 and S34). If all the prize counting processing for the lane determined in step S31 is completed without receiving a prize payout command from the prize management machine 102 (YES in step S34), inventory management data is created and stored in the storage unit 314. Store (step S35). That is, “the number of prize stocks for each cassette” obtained by the prize counting process for the lanes for which the prize counting process has been performed, and the latest “for each cassette held for the lanes for which the prize counting process has not been performed. Based on the information related to the “Premium inventory quantity”, the “Premium inventory quantity by lane” is calculated, and the “Premium type” is calculated based on the calculated “Plane inventory quantity by lane” and the contents of the “Plane type table by lane”. Calculate “the number of other premiums in stock”. 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 (“stock quantity by cassette”, “stock quantity by lane” and “stock quantity by premium type”) calculated in step S35 is transmitted to the prize manager 102 (step S36). ). Then, the current inventory confirmation process is terminated. 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 S36. 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 S36.

  If a prize payout command is received from the prize management machine 102 before the prize counting process for the lane determined in step S31 is completed (YES in step S33), the payout for each prize type included in the prize payout command is issued. Based on the number of sheets, it is determined whether or not a prize corresponding to the prize payout command can be paid out using only the lane where the prize counting process is not performed (step S37).

  When it is determined that a prize corresponding to the prize payout command can be paid out using only the lane where the prize counting process is not performed, the cassette to which the prize should be paid out within the range of the lane where the prize counting process is not executed, and The prize payout number from the cassette is determined, and the prize payout process is started (step S38). Thereafter, it waits for completion of both the prize counting process started in step S32 and the prize payout process started in step S38 (step S39).

  When both the premium counting process and the premium payout process are completed (YES in step S39), the inventory management data after the premium is paid out is created and stored in the storage unit 314 (step S40). That is, first, information on the latest “Present quantity for each cassette” held for the lane where the prize counting process has not been performed, the cassette to which the prize determined in step S38 is to be paid out, and the cassette from the cassette. Based on the number of prizes to be paid out, the “number of prizes in each cassette” after the prize is paid out is calculated for each lane where the prize counting process has not been performed. Then, “the number of premiums for each cassette” calculated after the payout is calculated for the lanes for which the premium counting process has not been performed, and the “for each cassette” obtained by the premium counting process for the lanes for which the premium counting process has been performed. Based on “the number of premiums in stock”, “the number of premiums in each lane” after paying out the premiums is calculated. Further, based on the calculated “number of freebies by lane” after paying out the free gift and the contents of the “lane freebie type table”, the “number of freebies by type of free gift” after paying out the freebie is calculated. Stored as the history data of the number of prizes stocked together with the date and time, the "number of prize stocks per cassette", "the number of prize stocks by lane" and "the number of prize stocks by kind of prize" after the prizes are obtained. Stored in the unit 314.

  Next, the stock management data (“stock quantity by cassette”, “stock quantity by lane”, and “stock quantity by prize type”) after the prize payout calculated in step S 40 is transmitted to the prize management machine 102. (Step S41). Then, the current inventory confirmation process is terminated.

  In step S37, if it is determined that the prizes corresponding to the prize payout command cannot be paid out using only the lanes on which the prize counting process is not executed, the currently executed prize counting process is interrupted (step S37). S42). Then, the cassette to which the prize is to be paid out and the number of payouts are determined, and the prize payout process is started (step S43). When the prize payout process started in step S43 ends (YES in step S44), a process for resuming the prize counting process is performed (step S45). In principle, the prize counting process interrupted in step S42 is resumed. That is, the counting process is performed on the cassettes for which the prize counting process has not been completed in each payout unit 4 in which the prize counting process has been interrupted. However, for the lane from which the prize is paid out by the prize payout process started in step S43, the prize count process is started again regardless of whether or not the lane is determined to be subjected to the prize count process in step S31. I do. Therefore, in this case, there is a possibility that the prize counting process is also performed for lanes other than the lanes determined to be subjected to the prize counting process in step S31.

  When the prize counting process is completed (YES in step S46), inventory management data after giving out the prize is created and stored in the storage unit 314 (step S47). That is, “the number of prize stocks for each cassette” obtained by the prize counting process for the lanes for which the prize counting process has been performed, and the latest “for each cassette held for the lanes for which the prize counting process has not been performed. Based on the information related to “the number of premiums in stock”, “the number of premiums in each lane” after the prize is paid out is calculated. Further, based on the calculated “number of freebies by lane” after paying out the free gift and the contents of the “lane-by-lane freebie type table”, the “number of freebies by type of freebie” after paying out the freebie is calculated. Stored as the history data of the number of prizes stocked together with the date and time, the "number of prize stocks per cassette", "the number of prize stocks by lane" and "the number of prize stocks by kind of prize" after the prizes are obtained. Stored in the unit 314.

  Next, the stock management data (“stock quantity by cassette”, “stock quantity by lane”, and “stock quantity by prize type”) calculated in step S 47 is sent to the prize management machine 102. (Step S48). Then, the current inventory confirmation process is terminated.

[5-2] Processing by the free gift management machine 102 As described above, the free gift management machine 102 performs “free gift payout control processing”, “inventory management control processing”, and the like. 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 S51). 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 S52). At this time, the determined number of payouts for each prize type is displayed on the clerk display unit 207.

  A premium payout command including the payout number for each determined premium type is transmitted to the premium payer 103 (step S53). When the free gift dispenser 103 receives the free gift payout command when the stock confirmation process is not executed, the free gift dispenser 103 performs the processes of steps S21 to S23 in FIG. When the free gift dispenser 103 receives the free gift payout command while executing the stock confirmation process, the free gift dispenser 103 performs the processes of steps S37 and S38 to S41 or steps S37 and S42 to S47 of FIG.

  When the process of step S53 is completed, the process waits for inventory management data to be sent from the gift dispenser 103 (step S54). When the inventory management data from the prize dispenser 103 is received (YES in step S54), 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 S55). Then, the present prize payout control process ends.

[5-2-2] Inventory Management Control Process FIG. 15 shows the procedure of the inventory management control process.

  The inventory management control process is executed when inventory management data is received from the prize dispenser 103 when the premium payout control process is not being executed. That is, when the inventory management data transmitted from the gift dispenser 103 in step S36 in FIG. 13 is received, the inventory management control process is executed.

  When the stock management data from the free gift dispenser 103 is received when the free gift payout control process is not being executed (YES in step S61), the received stock management data is stored in the storage unit 204 as the free stock history data together with the date and time. Store (step S62). 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.

  In the above embodiment, the prize dispenser 103 can recognize the cassette from which the prize has been paid out, and can recognize the lane (payout unit 4) that may have been supplemented by the drawer detectors 321 to 327. In the inventory confirmation process, the prize counting process is performed only for the lane (the payout unit 4) whose inventory number may have changed after the previous inventory confirmation process. In order to further increase the efficiency of the prize counting process, by providing a detection means for detecting that there is a possibility that a prize has been replenished in each cassette, the inventory after the previous inventory check process is completed. The prize counting process may be performed only for a cassette whose number 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.

  In the above embodiment, the prize management machine 102 determines the number of payouts for each prize type based on the number of game media read from the receipt in the prize payout control process (see step S52 in FIG. 14). Although the prize payout command including the payout number for each is transmitted to the prize payer 103 (see step S53 in FIG. 14), the prize management machine 102 reads from the receipt without determining the payout number for each prize type. A prize payout command including a payout value obtained from the number of game media or the number of game media read from the receipt may be transmitted to the prize payer 103. In this case, the prize payer 103 determines the number of payouts for each prize type based on the number of game media or the payout value included in the prize payout command. In other words, in this case, the number of payouts for each type of prize is determined on the side of the prize dispenser 103.

  The present invention can also be applied to a desktop type gift dispenser as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application 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 control process for 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 321-327 Drawer detector

Claims (6)

In the prize dispenser in which a plurality of prize containers containing prizes are stored,
A counting device for counting the number of prizes stored in each prize container,
Counting means for counting the number of prizes stored in all the prize containers or a part of the prize containers when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and counting by the counting process means Means for performing a prize payout process corresponding to the prize payout command after interrupting the counting process by the counting processing means when a prize payout instruction is given in the middle of the processing,
A gift dispenser characterized by comprising: 2. The prize payout according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of prize containers stored in the prize dispenser includes two or more prize containers in which different types of prizes are stored. Machine. 3. The prize dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising means for restarting the counting process by the counting process means after the prize dispensing process is completed. In the prize dispenser in which a plurality of prize containers containing prizes are stored,
A counting device for counting the number of prizes stored in each prize container,
Counting processing means for counting the number of prizes stored in all the prize containers or a part of the prize containers when the predetermined condition is established,
When a prize payout command is given while the counting process is being performed by the counting processing means, the current counting process is a partial counting process in which the counting process is performed only for some prize containers. A determination means for determining whether or not a parallel processing condition is satisfied that a premium corresponding to the premium payout command can be paid out only by a premium container that is not counted and the parallel processing condition is determined by the determination means; Means for performing a prize payout process corresponding to the prize payout instruction in parallel with the counting process by the counting process means,
A gift dispenser characterized by comprising: 5. The prize payout according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of prize containers stored in the prize dispenser includes two or more prize containers in which different types of prizes are stored. Machine. If it is determined by the determining means that the parallel processing condition is not satisfied, the counting process by the counting processing means is interrupted, and then a means for performing a prize payout process corresponding to the prize payout command, and a prize payout process are Means for restarting the counting processing by the counting processing means after completion;
The prize dispenser according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising: