JP2012061100A - Device and system for counting game medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and a system for counting game mediums equipped with a user-friendly small-prize exchange mechanism.SOLUTION: The number of balls for exchange which is required for obtaining the prizes specified by a prize specifying button, by the quantity specified by a quantity specifying button is specified. During small-prize exchange processing, the number of required balls which is a difference between the number of balls for exchange and the number of counted game mediums is calculated, and the number of the calculated required balls is updated and displayed in a required-ball display part 43. Consequently, a value of the display part 43 is counted down in accordance with the progress of the counting by a counting mechanism.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium counting device and a game medium counting system for counting game media.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, game medium counting devices for counting game media such as game balls (pachinko balls) and game medals are known. The game medium counting device is installed, for example, on an island edge of a gaming machine island in a game store.
2. Description of the Related Art A game medium counting device is known that has a function of exchanging small prizes for exchanging with small prizes such as cigarettes and drinks. In this small-value prize exchange function, a count receipt in which information specifying the small-value prize is recorded is issued. As an example of this small-value gift exchange function, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  In the small amount prize exchange function of Patent Document 1, when one of a plurality of cigarette brands displayed on the prize selection screen of the display unit is selected and the acquired game medium is inserted into the slot, the game that has been inserted The medium is counted by a counting mechanism. During counting, the counted number of game media is displayed on the display unit. When the number of counted game media reaches the number of game media required to exchange for the selected brand of cigarettes, the ticket issuing button that has been disabled until then is activated. Is done. Thereafter, when the ticketing button is pressed, a count receipt in which the selected tobacco brand is recorded is issued from the receipt issuing unit.

JP 2008-79795 A

However, the small gift exchange function provided in the game medium counting device of Patent Document 1 is inconvenient for the player as described below.
That is, the number of game balls that have already been counted is only displayed on the display section that is counting. Therefore, the player cannot directly know how many remaining game balls need to be inserted in order to reach the number of exchanged balls.

Further, only one prize can be exchanged in one small prize exchange process. Therefore, a player who desires to exchange the acquired game medium for a plurality of small prizes needs to repeat the small prize exchange process many times.
Furthermore, even if the number of game media at the slot has reached the number of exchanged balls, it was not possible to exchange small prizes without pressing the ticketing button.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a game medium counting device and a game medium counting system having an easy-to-use small amount prize exchange function.

  The invention according to claim 1 specifies the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize designated means (25A to 25H, 35A to 35D) for designating a desired prize and the prize designated by the prize designation means. Exchange medium number specifying means (11) to perform, difference number display means (7, 11) for displaying the difference between the number of game media necessary for exchange and the number of game media already counted, and the number of game media necessary for exchange Is counted, the game medium counting device (1) includes replacement recording medium issuing means (8, 11) for issuing a replacement recording medium associated with the designated prize.

The numbers in parentheses represent corresponding components in the embodiments described later, but are not intended to limit the scope of the claims to the embodiments. The same applies hereinafter.
According to this configuration, the number of differences between the number of game media required for exchange and the number of game media already counted is displayed. Therefore, the player can directly know the number of game media that need to be inserted before reaching the number of game media required for exchange. Thereby, the convenience of the player is improved.

The exchange recording medium may be associated with the number of game media specified by the exchange medium number specifying means together with the prize. The exchange recording medium may be associated with the type and number of prizes as prizes.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the difference number display means may display the difference number in a countdown manner in conjunction with a counting operation.

According to this configuration, the player can insert the game medium while viewing the difference number displayed in a countdown manner. This further improves the usability of the player.
A counting mechanism (6) for counting the number of game media to be inserted is further included as defined in claim 3, wherein the difference number display means includes a display unit (7) and a game already counted by the counting mechanism. Calculation means (11) for calculating the difference between the number of media and the number of game media specified by the exchange medium number specifying means, and display control means (11) for displaying the difference number obtained by the calculation means on the display unit. 11) may be included.

  The invention according to claim 4 is a prize type designation means (25A to 25H) for designating a desired prize type, a prize number designation means (35A to 35D) for designating the number of the prizes, and a designation. The exchange medium number specifying means (11) for specifying the number of exchange media necessary for exchanging the designated number of prizes of the designated type, and the number of game media necessary for exchange are counted, The game medium counting device (1) includes replacement recording medium issuing means (8, 11) for issuing a replacement recording medium associated with the type and number.

According to this configuration, it is possible to specify the number of prizes. In addition, the type and number of designated prizes are associated with the issued replacement recording medium. That is, even when exchanging with a plurality of prizes, one counting process is sufficient, and it is not necessary to perform the counting process a plurality of times. Thereby, the convenience of the player is improved.
The exchange recording medium may be associated with the number of exchange media together with the type and number of the prizes.

  The invention according to claim 5 specifies the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize designated means (25A to 25H, 35A to 35D) for designating a desired prize and the prize designated by the prize designation means. And a replacement recording medium issuing means (8, 11) for issuing a replacement recording medium associated with the prize in response to counting the number of game media necessary for replacement. 11) and a game medium counting device.

The invention according to claim 6 further includes a counting mechanism (6) for counting the number of game media to be inserted, wherein the replacement recording medium issuing means is configured to count the number of game media required for replacement. The game medium counting device according to claim 5, wherein the replacement recording medium is issued in response to a count output from the counting mechanism being absent for a predetermined period.
According to these configurations, a replacement recording medium is issued in response to the end of counting the number of game media necessary for replacement. Therefore, there is no operation required for the player to issue the replacement storage medium other than the insertion of the game medium. Thereby, the convenience of the player is improved.

The exchange recording medium may be associated with the number of game media specified by the exchange medium number specifying means together with the prize. The exchange recording medium may be associated with the type and number of prizes as prizes.
The invention according to claim 7 specifies the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize designated means (25A to 25H, 35A to 35D) for designating a desired prize and the prize designated by the prize designation means. Exchange medium number specifying means (11) to perform, difference number display means (7, 11) for displaying the difference between the number of game media necessary for exchange and the number of game media already counted, and the number of game media necessary for exchange The game medium counting system includes replacement recording medium issuing means (8, 11) for issuing a replacement recording medium associated with the designated prize when the number of the prizes is counted.

  According to this structure, there exists an effect similar to the effect demonstrated in relation to Claim 1.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game system incorporating the game media counting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game media counting apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the prize exchange table shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the small amount prize exchange process performed by the game media counter shown in FIG. 1 (the 1). It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the small amount prize exchange process performed by the game media counting apparatus shown in FIG. 1 (the 2). It is a figure which shows the standby screen displayed on the operation display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the prize selection screen displayed on the operation display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the number selection screen displayed on the operation indicator shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the screen during the count displayed on the operation indicator shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the count receipt for small amount prize exchanges issued from the receipt issuing part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the count receipt for normal count issued from the receipt issuing part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the memory content of the memory of the game media counting device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game system in which a game medium counting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated.
A game system is provided in the game store. The gaming system includes one or more game medium counting devices 1, one or more prize management machines 2, a prize dispenser 3 connected to each prize management machine 2, each game medium counting apparatus 1 and each prize management. And a management device 4 connected to the machine 2. The game medium counting device 1 is installed on the island edge of the game island in the game store. The prize manager 2 and the prize dispenser 3 are installed in a prize exchange counter (not shown). The management device 4 is installed in an office in the amusement store.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the game medium counting device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The game medium counting device 1 counts game balls (pachinko balls) as game media. The game medium counting device 1 is a counting receipt (a replacement recording medium) in which a counting function for counting game balls acquired by a player, and counting information (including premium information described later) including a counting result are barcode-printed. This is an integrated type equipped with a receipt issuing function for issuing counting receipts 50 and 60 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) described later.

The game medium counting device 1 includes a main body casing (not shown) having a slot 5, a counting mechanism 6, an operation indicator (display unit) 7, a receipt issuing unit (replacement recording medium issuing means) 8, and a return. And a mechanism 9.
An upper end of a substantially cylindrical hopper (not shown) is connected to the periphery of the insertion port 5. A counting mechanism 6 is disposed below the hopper. The insertion port 5 is provided with a shutter 10 for opening and closing the insertion port 5. When the shutter 10 is in the open state, the insertion slot 5 is opened, and a game ball can be inserted into the insertion slot 5. On the other hand, when the shutter 10 is in the closed state, the insertion slot 5 is closed, and a game ball cannot be inserted into the insertion slot 5.

The operation display 7 is a touch panel type liquid crystal display. The operation display 7 displays the operation status of the game medium counting device 1 and displays a button for operating the game medium counting device 1.
The return mechanism 9 is for returning to the player the game balls that are excessively inserted by the player. When the return mechanism 9 is driven, a game ball is paid out to a ball outlet (not shown).

  The game medium counting device 1 includes a control unit (exchange medium number specifying means, calculation means, display control means, replacement recording medium issuing means) 11. The controller 11 is constituted by a microcomputer, for example. Connected to the control unit 11 are an operation indicator 7, a counting mechanism 6, a return mechanism 9, a receipt issuing unit 8, a memory 12, an I / F unit 13, a shutter driving mechanism (not shown) for driving the shutter 10, and the like. Has been.

The receipt issuing unit 8 includes a drive circuit for a mechanism for printing a barcode or the like on the count receipts 50 and 60 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) and a mechanism for transporting the count receipt.
The I / F unit 13 is a communication interface for communicating with the management device 4 and the prize management machine 2.
The memory 12 stores a small gift exchange table 14 in which data relating to the following small gift exchange processing is stored. The registration and content change of the small prize exchange table 14 may be performed by operating the game medium counting apparatus 1 or by operating the prize management machine 2 or the management apparatus 4.

In addition, the memory 12 is set with an upper limit number of balls that can be counted in a small gift exchange process described later. The registration or change of the upper limit number of balls in the memory 12 may be performed by operating the game medium counting device 1, or may be performed by operating the prize management machine 2 or the management device 4.
Furthermore, the count value by the counting mechanism 6 is stored in the memory 12 during the counting process.
The game balls thrown into the slot 5 are guided to the counting mechanism 6 via a hopper (not shown). The counting mechanism 6 includes a counting sensor (not shown) that detects the passage of game balls at a predetermined position of the ball flow path in the counting mechanism 6. Each time the counting sensor detects one game ball, it outputs a detection signal to the control unit 11 (counting output). The game balls after counting are discharged out of the machine (the ball collection path in the game island).

In this game medium counting apparatus 1, two counting processes, a normal counting process and a small-amount prize exchange process, are prepared.
The normal counting process is a counting process performed to count game balls acquired from gaming machines in the game store. The operation of the normal counting process is permitted only to the employees of the amusement store in order to prevent fraud. That is, the player cannot perform the normal counting process. Specifically, when the game medium counting device 1 is in a standby state, the shutter 10 is closed, and the employee authentication is performed by holding an IC card for an employee over a reader (not shown) provided in the game medium counting device 1. When performed, the control unit 11 controls a shutter driving mechanism (not shown) so that the shutter 10 is in an open state, and opens the insertion port 5. Moreover, the control part 11 switches the display of the operation indicator 7 to the display for normal counting (not shown). Thereafter, game balls are inserted into the insertion slot 5 and counted by the counting mechanism 6. In this normal counting process, there is no upper limit to the number of game balls that can be counted in one counting operation. When the receipt issuing button (not shown) displayed on the operation display 7 is pressed by the player's touch operation after the normal counting process is finished, the counting receipt 60 (see FIG. 11) is received from the receipt issuing unit 8. publish. Thereafter, if the next counting operation is not performed within a predetermined time, the shutter 10 is closed and the standby state is restored.

On the other hand, in the small gift exchange process, the game balls are exchanged for small gifts such as cigarettes and drinks (beverages) within the upper limit number of balls (for example, 300 in this embodiment). Employee authentication is not required to start executing the small gift exchange process. In other words, the small gift exchange process can be executed by an operation by the player.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the small gift exchange table 14.

  The small prize exchange table 14 includes a plurality of types of prize names (in this embodiment, where the prize is a cigarette, a cigarette brand is equivalent) and the number of game balls required for exchanging each prize (hereinafter, unit). The number of exchange balls) is stored. In this embodiment, prizes (small prizes) stored in the small prize exchange table 14 are divided into three categories (groups) of “cigarette”, “drink”, and “others”. As shown in FIG. 3, the small gift exchange table 14 includes, for example, a plurality of types of cigarettes (brands “cigarette A”, “cigarette B”, “cigarette C”, “cigarette” as prizes included in the classification of “cigarette”). D ”,“ Tobacco E ”,“ Tobacco F ”, etc.) are stored. In addition, in the small gift exchange table 14, “69 balls”, “76 balls”, “87 balls”, “83 balls”, “56 balls”, “59 balls” are listed as the number of unit replacement balls corresponding to each cigarette. Etc. are stored.

Although not shown in FIG. 3, in the small gift exchange table 14, a plurality of types of prizes are also stored in the “drink” and “other” categories.
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the small amount prize exchange process performed by the game medium counting device 1.
The controller 11 constantly monitors whether or not the game medium counting device 1 is in a standby state (step S1). When the game medium counting device 1 is not in a standby state (NO in step S1), other processes such as a normal counting process are being executed.

When the game medium counting device 1 is in a standby state (YES in step S1), a standby screen described below is displayed on the operation display 7 (step S2). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a standby screen displayed on the operation display 7. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6.
This standby screen includes a horizontally long message display area 16 provided at the upper part of the screen, a first button display area 17 provided at the lower part of the screen, and a second button display area provided at the right end of the screen. 18.

In the message display area 16, a message “Please call a staff member” is displayed in large size characters. Such a message is mainly for prompting the player to call the employee when performing the normal counting process.
The first button display area 17 is provided with buttons for designating a prize classification desired by the player, that is, a cigarette classification button 19, a drink classification button 20, and other classification buttons 21.

  The cigarette classification button 19 is a button that is pressed to designate exchange with a free gift classified as “cigarette”. The drink classification button 20 is a button that is pressed to designate exchange with a prize classified as “drink”. The other classification button 21 is a button that is pressed to designate an exchange with a prize classified as “others”, which is another prize for exchanging small amount prizes. In FIG. 6, the background image is not shown on the screen, but the background image may be displayed on the screen.

  In the second button display area 18, an attendant call button 22 for calling an employee and a deposit associated with a card or a mobile phone (medium) owned by the player are drawn out so that the member can play again. There are provided a replay button 23 that is pressed for the purpose, and a card return button 24 that is pressed to return the card for the member inserted in a card insertion slot (not shown). In the second button display area 18, a message “Please press the clerk call button to count” is displayed.

As described above, the game medium counting apparatus 1 cannot perform the normal counting process unless it is performed by an employee operation. When a player who wants to perform the normal counting process presses the clerk call button 22, a call lamp (not shown) in the game store is activated, and an employee in the game store is called.
When the above-described employee authentication is performed (YES in step S3), the control unit 11 controls the shutter driving mechanism so that the shutter 10 is opened (step S4), and opens the insertion port 5. Thereafter, a normal counting process is executed by the employee.

On the other hand, when the tobacco classification button 19, the drink classification button 20, or the other classification button 21 is pressed by the player's touch operation (YES in step S5), the control unit 11 displays the premium selection screen described below on the operation display 7. Is displayed (step S6).
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a prize selection screen displayed on the operation display 7. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 4 and 7.

  On the prize selection screen, one or more types of prizes included in the classification selected by the classification buttons 19, 20, and 21 are displayed as a list as a prize selection button. Specifically, the control unit 11 refers to the small-amount gift exchange table 14 and acquires the type of the prize included in the selected classification and the number of unit exchange balls of each prize, and the name of the prize and the unit exchange The number of balls is displayed on the prize selection screen (that is, the operation display 7). In the small amount prize exchange process, the game balls are exchanged for prizes within the range of the upper limit number of balls, so the value of the unit exchange number of prizes stored in the small amount prize exchange table 14 exceeds the upper limit number of balls. If it exists, the name of the prize and the number of unit exchange balls are not displayed on the prize selection screen shown in FIG.

  When the cigarette classification is selected on the standby screen shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of (for example, eight in this embodiment) premium selection buttons (premium type designation means, premium designation means) are displayed on the premium selection screen shown in FIG. ) 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 25E, 25F, 25G, 25H are displayed. Each of the prize selection buttons 25A to 25H has a one-to-one correspondence with the prizes included in the small amount prize exchange table 14 of FIG. On each of the prize selection buttons 25A to 25H, the name of the prize (cigarette brand) and the number of unit exchange balls of each prize are displayed. Here, an image of each cigarette package may be displayed.

A message display area 32 is displayed in the upper part of the prize selection screen. In the message display area 32, a message “Please select a prize” is displayed in large size characters. Such a message prompts the player to press the prize selection buttons 25A to 25H.
In the lower part of the prize selection screen shown in FIG. 7, a return button 29 is pressed to return the display of the operation display 7 from the current prize selection screen to the previous screen (the standby screen shown in FIG. 6). And an up scroll button 30 for scrolling the screen upward and a down scroll button 31 for scrolling the screen downward.

  When a prize selection button 25A to 25H (for example, a prize selection button 25A for cigarette A) desired by the player is designated by a touch operation on the prize selection screen shown in FIG. 7 (YES in step S7), the control unit 11 Controls the shutter drive mechanism so that the shutter 10 is open (step S8), and opens the insertion port 5. Thereby, the game balls can be counted thereafter. When the prize selection buttons 25A to 25H are pressed, the control unit 11 switches the display on the operation display 7 to the number selection screen shown in FIG. 8 (step S9).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a number selection screen displayed on the operation display 7. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 4, 7 and 8.
The number selection screen displays the counted number of game balls display section 33 for displaying the number of game balls already counted, the name of the designated prize (cigarette brand), and the number of unit exchange balls of the prize. Exchange prize content display section 34, and one or more (for example, four in FIG. 8) number selection buttons (premium number designation means, prize designation means) 35A, 35B for designating the number of prizes desired by the player , 35C, and 35D.

  In this embodiment, there is an upper limit to the number of prizes that can be specified, and the maximum number is, for example, four. Therefore, the number selection buttons 35A to 35D provided on the number selection screen are four. Specifically, a single selection button 35A for designating the number of designated prizes as “1”, and a two selection button 35B for designating the number of designated prizes as “2”. The number selection button 35C for designating the number of designated prizes as "3" and the four selection button 35D for designating the number of designated prizes as "4" Provided as a button.

On each of the number selection buttons 35A to 35D, a designated number and the number of game balls necessary for exchanging the designated number of designated prizes (in other words, the designated prize and the designated number). Product) is displayed.
The number of prizes that can be specified by the number selection buttons 35A to 35D is the number of game balls (hereinafter referred to as “exchange ball number”) required for exchanging the specified prize for the specified number. For example, it is limited to those within the range of 300). For example, when “cigarette A” is designated as a prize, if the number of prize “cigarette A” is four (four boxes), 276 are included in the upper limit number of balls. However, when “cigarette B” (number of unit replacement balls: 76) is designated as a prize, if there are four prizes “cigarette B”, the number is 304, which falls outside the range of the maximum number of balls. In such a case, the number selection button (for example, the four selection button 35D when “cigarette B” is designated as a free gift) corresponding to the number when the number of exchanged balls is out of the upper limit number of balls is invalidated. .

In this case, the number selection button corresponding to the number (for example, the four selection buttons 35D when “cigarette B” is selected as a prize) may not be displayed from the beginning.
A message display area 39 is displayed in the upper part of the number selection screen. In the message display area 39, a message “Please select the number of prizes” is displayed in large size characters. Such a message prompts the player to specify the number selection buttons 35A to 35D.

The lower part of the number selection screen shown in FIG. 8 is a return button that is pressed to return the display of the operation display 7 from the current number selection screen to the previous screen (the prize selection screen shown in FIG. 7). 40 is provided.
When an acquired game ball is inserted in a state where the number selection screen is displayed on the operation display 7, the number selection screen is displayed in accordance with the progress of counting of game balls (to be described later) by the counting mechanism 6 (in conjunction with the counting operation). The value of the counted number of game balls display section 33 is counted up.

  When the number selection buttons 35A to 35D (for example, two selection buttons 35B) are pressed by the player's touch operation on the number selection screen shown in FIG. 8 (YES in step S10), the control unit 11 displays the small amount prize exchange table. Based on the contents of 14 and the number of designated prizes, the number of exchanged balls (the number of game balls necessary for exchanging the designated number of designated types of prizes. When two cigarettes A are designated 138) is obtained by calculation and determined (specified) (step S11). Further, when the number selection buttons 35A to 35D are pressed by the player, the operation display unit 7 starts displaying the counting screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a counting screen displayed on the operation display 7. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9.
On the counting screen, the number of game balls display section 41 for displaying the number of game balls counted by the counting mechanism 6, the designated prize name (cigarette brand), and the number of unit exchange balls of the prize The exchange prize content display section 42 is displayed. The counted game ball number display unit 41 is the same as the counted game ball number display unit 33 shown in FIG. 8, and the exchange prize content display unit 42 is the same as the exchange prize content display unit 34 shown in FIG. is there.

On the counting screen, the required number of balls (the number of gaming balls required to reach the number of replacement balls. In other words, the replacement balls are the difference between the number of exchanged balls and the counted number of game media. A required ball number display section 43 for displaying the number of game balls deficient with respect to the number is provided.
A message display area 44 is displayed in the upper part of the counting screen. In this message display area 44, a message “Please throw the ball” is displayed in large size characters. This message is for urging the player to insert the acquired ball into the insertion slot 5.

In addition, a cancel button 45 for interrupting the small gift exchange process by the counting mechanism 6 is provided in the lower part of the counting screen.
When the player inserts the acquired game ball into the insertion port 5 after the insertion port 5 is opened, the inserted game balls are counted by the counting mechanism 6 (step S13). The counting sensor of the counting mechanism 6 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 11 every time one game ball is detected. When the detection signal from the counting mechanism 6 is input to the control unit 11, the count value stored in the memory 12 is incremented (+1). Based on the count value stored in the memory 12, the control unit 11 calculates the required number of balls, which is the difference between the number of exchanged balls and the number of game media that have already been counted (step S14). The required number of balls is updated and displayed on the required number of balls display section 43 (step S15). As a result, the value of the required ball number display unit 43 is counted down (countdown display) as the counting mechanism 6 advances (in conjunction with the counting operation).

Further, the control unit 11 displays the count value obtained by the counting mechanism 6 on the counted game ball display unit 41. Thus, the value of the counted number of game balls display unit 41 is counted up (count-up display) as the counting by the counting mechanism 6 proceeds (in conjunction with the counting operation).
When the counted number of game balls reaches the number of exchange balls (the number of game balls necessary for exchanging the designated number of prizes of the designated type) (YES in step S16), the control unit 11 performs the operation. A warning display including a message such as “The number of inputs required for replacement has been reached” is displayed on the display 7 (step S17).

  When the counted number of game balls reaches the number of replacement balls, the value of the required ball number display section 43 becomes zero. Even if game balls are counted thereafter, the value of the required ball number display section 43 remains zero. That is, the countdown display in the required ball number display unit 43 is stopped. In contrast, the value of the counted number of game balls display unit 41 and the count value updated and stored in the memory 12 are counted even after the number of game balls already counted reaches the number of exchanged balls. Will continue to count up.

  After the number of game balls counted by the counting mechanism 6 reaches the number of exchanged balls (the number of game balls necessary for exchanging a designated number of prizes of a designated type), a detection signal from the counting mechanism 6 Is not input to the control unit 11 for one second or longer (YES in step S18), the control unit 11 drives the shutter so that the shutter 10 is closed, assuming that the game ball has been inserted into the insertion port 5 is completed. The mechanism is controlled (step S19). Thereby, the insertion port 5 is closed.

  If the counted number of game balls exceeds the number of exchanged balls (YES in step S20), the control unit 11 controls the return mechanism 9 so that the number of game balls corresponding to the excess is obtained. , Paying out to the ball outlet (step S21). Thereafter, the control unit 11 causes the receipt issuing unit 8 to issue a counting receipt 50 (see FIG. 10) on which the name of the prize (cigarette brand) or the like is printed (step S22).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a count receipt 50 for exchanging small gifts issued from the receipt issuing unit 8. The counting receipt 50 includes a counting ball number 51 by the game medium counting device 1, a prize name (cigarette brand) 52 designated by the player, a number 53 of prizes designated by the player, and prize information (players). Are printed on the bar code 54 for causing the prize management machine 2 to read the type and number of prizes and the number of counting balls).

  In addition, the count receipt 50 issues, as additional information, a message 55 of “valid only for the day of the store” and a count receipt 50 that urges attention that the count receipt 50 is valid only on the day of the game. The transaction date and time of the transaction to be triggered (in the case of FIG. 10, “August 5, 2010, 20:31”) 56, the machine number of the game medium counting device 1 that issued the counting receipt (in the case of FIG. 10, “0001 No.) 57, the transaction number of the transaction in the game medium counting device 1 (in the case of FIG. 10, “No. 001”) 58, and the employee code of the employee who performed the counting process (however, FIG. In this case, “00”) 59 indicating that the player himself has performed the counting process is described. Such information is also included in the barcode.

  The player brings the counting receipt 50 issued by the gaming medium counting apparatus 1 to the prize exchange counter and hands it to the employee. The employee causes the prize management machine 2 to read the barcode 54 of the counting receipt 50 received from the player. The giveaway management machine 2 identifies the type and number of small amount prizes based on the count information read from the count receipt 50 and displays them on the display unit (not shown) of the prize management machine 2. The employee looks at the screen of the display unit, takes out the specified number of prizes from the display shelf etc., and hands them to the player. Thereafter, when an employee presses a confirmation button (not shown) of the prize management machine 2, data processing relating to prize exchange is executed, and the exchange process is completed.

In addition, without having the prize management machine 2 read the counting receipt 50, the employee can take out the prize from the display shelf or the like based on the type and number of the prizes described in the counting receipt 50 and hand them to the player. .
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a counting receipt 60 for normal counting issued from the receipt issuing unit 8.

The counting receipt 60 is printed with a counting ball count 61 and a barcode 64 for causing the prize management machine 2 to read the gaming ball count.
In addition, the count receipt 60 includes, as additional information, a message 65 “valid for the day of the shop”, transaction date and time 66 of the transaction, the machine number 67 of the game media counting device 1 that issued the count receipt, and the game media count. The transaction number 68 of the transaction in the apparatus 1 and the employee code 69 of the employee who performed the counting process are described.

By the way, in the game medium counting device 1 described above, the shutter 10 is opened in response to the designation of the prize on the prize selection screen (YES in step S7 shown in FIG. 4), and the slot 5 is opened. Therefore, even when the number of prizes is not specified, the insertion slot 5 is opened, and when a game ball is inserted into the insertion slot 5 in this state, game balls are counted.
In this case, when the counted number of game balls exceeds the number of exchangeable balls when the maximum number of prizes that can be designated (for example, 4) is designated, it is considered that the maximum number is designated as the number of prizes. Specifically, after the prize “cigarette A” is designated on the prize selection screen shown in FIG. 7, when the game balls are inserted into the slot 5 and the game balls are counted, the number of game balls that have been counted. Exceeds 276 (69 (number of cigarette A unit exchange balls) × 4 (maximum number of prizes that can be designated)), the number of prizes is automatically designated as four.

As described above, according to this embodiment, on the counting screen of the operation indicator 7, the required number of balls, which is the difference between the number of exchanged balls and the number of game balls already counted, is displayed in a countdown manner in conjunction with the counting operation. . Therefore, the player can directly know the number of game balls to be inserted into the insertion slot 5 in order for the counted number of game balls to reach the number of exchange balls. Thereby, the convenience of the player is improved.
Further, the number of prizes can be designated, and the type and number of designated prizes are associated with the issued count receipt 50. That is, the counting operation in the game medium counting apparatus 1 necessary for exchanging with a plurality of prizes is sufficient. Thereby, the convenience of the player is improved.

  Further, in response to the number of game balls counted by the counting mechanism 6 reaching the number of exchanged balls and the detection signal from the counting mechanism 6 being absent for a predetermined period (for example, 1 second), the receipt issuing unit 8 counts receipts. 50 is issued. Therefore, there is no operation required for the player to issue the counting receipt 50 other than the insertion of the necessary game balls into the insertion slot 5. Thereby, the convenience of the player is improved.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the contents stored in the memory 12A of the game medium counting device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
In the second embodiment, parts corresponding to those shown in the embodiment (first embodiment) shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment and described. Omitted. The memory 12A is used in place of the memory 12 shown in FIG.

The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the upper limit number of balls stored in the memory 12A and the unit exchange ball according to the rental rate of game balls thrown into the game medium counting device 1 The point is that the number is different.
For example, it is assumed that the game shop adopts a business form in which a game ball is lent to a player at any one of a plurality of loan rates. The normal loan rate (hereinafter referred to as “normal rate”) is, for example, 4 yen / 1 ball (4 yen rate). In addition to the normal rate, the loan rate lower than the normal rate (hereinafter referred to as “low rate”) is For example, it is 1 yen / 1 ball (1 yen rate). In the amusement store, there are a dedicated game stand that can be played only with balls lent at a normal rate and a dedicated game stand that can be played only with balls lent at a low rate.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the upper limit ball number of the normal rate and the upper limit ball number of the low rate are separately stored in the memory 12A.
Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, the small amount prize exchange table 14A stored in the memory 12A includes a plurality of prizes (names), the number of unit exchange balls at the normal rate of each prize, The number of unit exchange balls at a low rate is stored. The small gift exchange table 14A stores both the number of unit exchange balls at the normal rate and the number of unit exchange balls at the low rate as the number of unit exchange balls, and the small gift exchange table 14A shown in FIG. It is different.

The memory 12A stores model rate information indicating whether the game medium counting device 1 is for a normal rate or a low rate.
In the small amount prize exchange process in the game medium counting device 1, the game medium counting device 1 corresponding to the normal rate is based on the upper limit ball number and the unit exchange ball number for the normal rate, while the game corresponding to the low rate. In the medium counting device 1, the upper limit number of balls for low rate and the number of unit exchange balls are used as a reference.

As mentioned above, although two embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can be implemented also with another form.
For example, the count receipt 50 may be issued from the receipt issuing unit 8 only in response to the number of game balls counted by the counting mechanism 6 reaching the number of exchanged balls.
In each of the above-described embodiments, the warning display is displayed on the operation display 7 in response to the counted number of game balls reaching the number of replacement balls (step S17). When the number of game balls reaches the number of exchange balls, no warning is given, and the warning display is operated in response to the counted number of game balls exceeding the upper limit (or reaching the upper limit) It may be displayed on the display unit 7. Further, instead of / in combination with these warning indications, a sound output means (not shown) may issue a report. Further, in response to the counted number of game balls exceeding the upper limit ball count (or reaching the upper limit ball count), the prize management machine 2 or the management device 4 or a call lamp (for example, a game stand in a game store) The employee may be notified by outputting a signal to an external device such as a corresponding arrangement (not shown). Furthermore, these warning indications may be a notification (image display or notification) of the excess number of balls instead of / in addition to the message as described in the first embodiment.

  In addition, inventory information for each type of premium (small premium) is managed by the premium management machine 2 or the management device 4, and information regarding the stock of premiums such as out-of-stock information indicating that the stock is out of stock at a predetermined timing. It is good also as a structure which can be transmitted to the counting device 1. In this case, a prize that is out of stock may not be displayed on the prize selection screen shown in FIG. 7, or a display that the prize is out of stock may be displayed in the prize selection screen shown in FIG. . Or the structure which invalidates the prize selection buttons 25A-25H corresponding to the prize concerned may be sufficient.

In addition, among the prizes stored in the small prize exchange tables 14 and 14A, only one or a plurality of types of prizes determined in advance can be selected, and the number of other prizes cannot be selected. Good.
In the number selection screen, the number selection buttons 35A to 35D are provided in a number corresponding to the maximum number (for example, “4”), but may be a predetermined number smaller than the maximum number. Alternatively, the number selection buttons 35 </ b> A to 35 </ b> D may be omitted, and the desired number of prizes may be input numerically.

In addition, the game medium counting device 1 may be switchable between a state in which the number can be selected and a state in which the number cannot be selected with respect to the small amount prize exchange process. In this case, when the game medium counting device 1 is set in a state in which the number cannot be selected, the number selection screen can be hidden on the operation display 7.
Moreover, in the small amount prize exchange table 14 of the above-described embodiment, a case where a prize (56 balls to 87 balls) having a relatively small number of unit exchange balls is stored is taken as an example. Of course, a prize having a relatively large number of unit exchange balls may be stored. In this case, if the value of the unit exchange ball number of the prize selected on the prize selection screen is relatively large, and the number of prizes specified is two or more, the number of exchanged balls is out of the range of the upper limit number of balls (for example, upper limit If the number of balls is set to 300 and the number of units exchanged for the designated prize is 180 (balls), the number selection step is omitted (the number selection screen is not displayed on the operation display 7). ).

In each of the above-described embodiments, the count receipt is taken as an example of the replacement recording medium. However, a storage medium such as a mobile phone with an IC chip or an IC card can be used as the replacement recording medium. In this case, it goes without saying that reading means corresponding to each storage medium is mounted on the prize management machine 2 side.
Further, a premium (small premium) may be paid out from the vending machine 100 (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1). In this case, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the vending machine 100 is connected to the game medium counting device 1, the prize management device 2, and the management device 4. The vending machine 100 has a receipt reader function. In this case, the player causes the vending machine 100 to read the counting receipt 50 (bar code 54) issued by the gaming medium counting apparatus 1. The vending machine 100 pays out a product (small amount prize) corresponding to the prize information read from the counting receipt 50. A player can receive a product (a small gift) from the vending machine 100. When a vending machine slave (not shown) is connected to the vending machine 100, if the vending machine has a receipt reader function, the vending machine has several receipts 50. The vending machine 100 may pay out a product (small amount prize) corresponding to the prize information based on the prize information read from.

In addition, the configuration in which the shutter 10 is automatically opened with respect to the opening of the insertion slot 5 prior to the small gift exchange process has been described, but instead of this configuration, the shutter 10 in the closed state is unlocked. It may be. In this case, it is necessary for the player who performs the small amount prize exchange process to manually open the shutter 10 and open the insertion slot 5.
In addition, it is possible to separately provide an insertion port for inserting game balls for exchanging small prizes and an insertion port for inserting game balls for normal counting processing. In this case, it is possible to provide a slot for exchanging small gifts in the shutter itself for opening and closing the slot for normal counting processing or in the vicinity of the shutter. In this case, at the time of the small amount prize exchange process, the game ball can be inserted from the insertion opening for the small amount prize exchange while keeping the shutter closed. Similar to the shutter 10 of each of the embodiments described above, this shutter is opened according to employee authentication. In this state, the input port for the normal counting process is opened.

Further, as the game medium counting device 1, a configuration in which a counting machine including the counting mechanism 6 and a receipt issuing machine including the receipt issuing unit 8 are separately provided and connected so as to be communicable with each other may be used.
Furthermore, the prize management machine 2 and the management apparatus 4 may be provided with a configuration corresponding to the small-amount prize exchange table 14. Then, the game medium counting device 1 may make an inquiry to the prize management machine 2 or the management apparatus 4 every time the small amount prize exchange process is performed.

Further, as the game medium counting device 1 or the game medium counting system, an example of counting the number of game balls such as pachinko balls has been taken as an example, but the present invention is a game medium counting device or game for counting the number of game medals. Needless to say, the present invention is applicable to a game medium counting system for counting medals.
When the counted number of game balls exceeds the number of exchange balls, the excess number of game balls may be displayed on the required ball number display unit 43. However, it is assumed that the display mode is different from the required number of balls in the required number-of-balls display section 43 so that it is understood that the number is the excess number of game balls (that is, the number of balls to be returned).

  Further, the display of the required number of balls (display of the difference number) may be performed without being interlocked with the progress of counting by the counting mechanism 6. For example, during the counting operation by the counting mechanism 6, the required number of balls display unit 43 is not displayed or the running number (pattern) is displayed on the required number of balls display unit 43, and the counting operation by the counting mechanism 6 is performed for a predetermined time (for example, When it is interrupted (for 2 to 3 seconds), the required number of balls (difference number) at that time may be displayed on the required ball number display unit 43.

  In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of matters described in the claims.

1 game medium counting device 6 counting mechanism 7 counting display (display unit)
8 Receipt issuing section (Replacement recording medium issuing means)
11 Control unit (exchange medium number specifying means, calculation means, display control means, replacement recording medium issuing means)
25A-25H Premium selection buttons (Premium type designation means, premium designation means)
35A-35D Number selection button (Premium number designation means, Premium designation means)

Claims (7)

A prize designation means for designating a desired prize;
Exchange medium number specifying means for specifying the number of game media required for exchanging with the prize specified by the prize specifying means;
Difference number display means for displaying the difference between the number of game media required for exchange and the number of game media already counted;
A game medium counting device comprising: a replacement recording medium issuing means for issuing a replacement recording medium associated with a designated prize when the number of game media required for replacement is counted.   2. The game medium counting device according to claim 1, wherein the difference number display means counts down the difference number in conjunction with a counting operation. It further includes a counting mechanism for counting the number of game media to be inserted,
The difference number display means includes
A display unit;
A calculating means for calculating a difference between the number of gaming media counted by the counting mechanism and the number of gaming media specified by the exchange medium number specifying means;
The game medium counting device according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for displaying a difference number obtained by the calculation means on a display unit. A prize type designation means for designating a desired prize type;
A prize number designation means for designating the number of prizes;
An exchange medium number specifying means for specifying the number of exchange media necessary for exchanging the designated number of prizes of the designated type;
A game medium counting device comprising: a replacement recording medium issuing means for issuing a replacement recording medium associated with the designated type and number of prizes when the number of game media required for replacement is counted. A prize designation means for designating a desired prize;
Exchange medium number specifying means for specifying the number of game media required for exchanging with the prize specified by the prize specifying means;
A game medium counting device comprising: a replacement recording medium issuing means for issuing a replacement recording medium associated with the prize in response to counting of the number of game media required for replacement. It further includes a counting mechanism for counting the number of game media to be inserted,
The replacement recording medium issuing means issues the replacement recording medium in response to a count output from the counting mechanism not having a predetermined period after the number of game media necessary for replacement is counted. 5. The game medium counting device according to 5. A prize designation means for designating a desired prize;
Exchange medium number specifying means for specifying the number of game media required for exchanging with the prize specified by the prize specifying means;
Difference number display means for displaying the difference between the number of game media required for exchange and the number of game media already counted;
A game medium counting system comprising: a replacement recording medium issuing means for issuing a replacement recording medium associated with a designated prize when the number of game media required for replacement is counted.

Images