JP2013009791A - Bill conveyance system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bill conveyance system that can improve convenience while preventing worsening of a jam when the bill conveyance jam occurs.SOLUTION: The bill conveyance system 10 is applied to a bank 100 of game machines which includes a plurality of game machines 1 and inter-stand machines 2. The bill conveyance system 10 includes: a bill conveyance passage 20 for receiving and conveying bills S charged from the inter-stand machines 2; a jam sensor 54 for detecting a bill conveyance jam in the predetermined position of the bill conveyance passage 20; and a bill conveyance controller 13. The bill conveyance controller 13, in response to the detection of the bill conveyance jam by the jam sensor 54, outputs a bill reception stop signal to the inter-stand machines 2. The inter-stand machines 2 has information of the number of bills that can be additionally charged after receiving the bill reception stop signal.

Description

  The present invention relates to a banknote transport system applied to a game island including a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of banknote insertion machines.

In game stores such as pachinko parlors, there are game islands configured by arranging a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of banknote throwing machines side by side. A transport device is provided. A banknote conveyance apparatus conveys the banknote thrown into the banknote insertion machine to the collection | recovery warehouse of a banknote.
The banknote conveying apparatus of the following patent documents 1 and 2 connects the some conveyance unit which bears a banknote conveyance of predetermined distance, comprises a conveyance path of a banknote, and conveys the banknote received by the interstitial ball lending machine adjacent. By sequentially transferring to the unit, it is conveyed to the bill storage unit.

  The banknote transport apparatus is provided with a transport control means for controlling the transport of banknotes by each transport unit. When detecting a jam in any of the transport units, the transport control unit stops the transport unit in which the jam has occurred and a transport unit group upstream of the transport unit. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the jam from deteriorating due to the bills being transported indefinitely from the upstream side of the jam occurrence location, even after the jam has occurred.

JP-A-5-17041 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-17049

  Even if a jam occurs, the banknote can be transported on the upstream side of the jam occurrence location in the banknote transport path for a while. Nevertheless, in the banknote transport apparatuses of Patent Documents 1 and 2, banknote transport immediately upstream of the jam occurrence location in the transport path is immediately stopped in response to the occurrence of a jam. For this reason, the acceptance of banknotes to the interbank ball lending machine connected to the upstream side of the jam occurrence location in the transport path is also immediately stopped. Then, for customers who are trying to deposit banknotes into the interstitial ball lending machine, as soon as a jam occurs, it becomes impossible to deposit money, and there may be a disadvantage that a game cannot be played on the gaming machine.

  The present invention has been made under such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a banknote transport system capable of improving convenience while preventing a jam from occurring when a banknote transport jam occurs. And

  The invention according to claim 1 is a banknote transport system applied to a game island including a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of banknote insertion machines, extending along the length direction of the game island, and the banknote insertion machine A banknote transport path for receiving and transporting banknotes inserted from the banknote, jam detecting means for detecting a banknote transport jam at a predetermined position of the banknote transport path, and responding to the fact that the jam detection means has detected a banknote transport jam. A bill transport controller that outputs a bill acceptance stop signal to the bill thrower, wherein the bill thrower has bill number information that can be additionally inserted after receiving the bill acceptance stop signal. It is a banknote conveyance system.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the banknote insertion machine upstream of the predetermined position in the transport direction receives the banknote acceptance stop signal, when the additional banknotes are inserted, the banknote is inserted. The banknote transport system according to claim 1, wherein the banknote transport system is prohibited.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of banknote insertion machines are arranged at intervals in the transport direction upstream of the predetermined position in the transport direction. Each of the plurality of banknote insertion machines has means for outputting the number information to the banknote transport controller each time a banknote is inserted after receiving the banknote acceptance stop signal. The banknote transport controller sums up the number information given from each banknote insertion machine, and outputs a banknote insertion prohibition signal to each banknote insertion machine at the same time in response to the fact that the value has reached the number of additional insertions possible. It is a banknote conveyance system of Claim 1 which has a means to do.

The invention according to claim 4 is the bill transport system according to claim 1, wherein the bill transport controller can change the number information of bills that can be additionally inserted to be included in the bill acceptance stop signal.
The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the jam detection means is attached to each banknote insertion machine, and detects a banknote jam at a position on the banknote conveyance path corresponding to the position where the banknote insertion machine is installed. It is a banknote conveyance system of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In the invention according to claim 6, in response to the detection signal of the jam sensor detecting the banknote transport jam changing to the jam non-detection state, the banknote transport controller changes the detection signal to the non-detection state. 6. A bill transport system according to claim 5, further comprising means for outputting a signal for canceling prohibition of bill insertion to a bill insertion machine disposed upstream in the transport direction from the position of the jam sensor. It is.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a bill conveyance jam occurs, a bill acceptance stop signal is input to the bill insertion machine from the bill conveyance controller. This banknote insertion machine has the number information of banknotes that can be additionally inserted into the banknote insertion machine as long as the jam does not deteriorate after receiving the signal.
Therefore, when the banknote insertion machine is a banknote insertion machine on the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the jam occurrence position, as in the invention described in claim 2, the banknote insertion machine is after the banknote conveyance jam has occurred. However, it is possible to accept the insertion of a new banknote from the receipt of the banknote acceptance stop signal until the additional banknotes that can be inserted are inserted.

Alternatively, as in the third aspect of the invention, in the case where a plurality of banknote insertion machines are arranged on the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the generation position of the banknote conveyance jam, these banknote insertion machines are configured as a banknote conveyance jam. Even after the occurrence, the insertion of new banknotes can be accepted until the total number of additional banknotes received reaches the number of additional insertions possible.
As a result, when a banknote jam occurs, the banknote can be continuously inserted into the banknote insertion machine upstream in the transport direction from the position where the banknote jam occurs, so that the jam is prevented from deteriorating. , The convenience can be improved.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the number of banknotes that can be additionally inserted into a banknote insertion machine (in particular, a banknote insertion machine upstream in the conveyance direction from the position where the jam occurs) after the banknote conveyance jam occurs, It is easy to use because it can be set arbitrarily according to
According to invention of Claim 5, since each of several jam sensor detects the banknote conveyance jam of the area | region in charge in a banknote conveyance path, the generation | occurrence | production position of the banknote conveyance jam in a banknote conveyance path | route can be detected accurately.

  According to invention of Claim 6, if a banknote conveyance jam is eliminated, the banknote insertion machine of the conveyance direction upstream rather than the generation position of a banknote conveyance jam will return to a normal state, and can accept a banknote.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan sectional view of one amusement island 100 in a game store. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the banknote transport system 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the inter-station machine 2 at the time of activation. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the island controller 14 when the inter-vehicle machine 2 is activated. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining communication among the banknote transport controller 13, the island controller 14, and the interframe machine 2 in the banknote transport system 10 at the time of startup and normal operation. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the inter-vehicle machine 2 during normal operation. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the island controller 14 during normal operation. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the management table 60 stored in the memory unit 43 of the island controller 14. FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing a procedure of a first process executed by the banknote transport controller 13 during normal operation. FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing a procedure of second processing executed by the banknote transport controller 13 during normal operation. FIG. 10 shows a state where a banknote transport jam has occurred in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first process executed by the interstage machine 2 when a bill conveyance jam occurs. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first process executed by the island controller 14 when a bill conveyance jam occurs. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining communication among the banknote transport controller 13, the island controller 14, and the interframe machine 2 in the banknote transport system 10 when a jam occurs. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the bill transport controller 13 when a bill transport jam occurs. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a management table 70 stored in the memory unit 31 of the banknote transport controller 13. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a second process executed by the island controller 14 when a bill conveyance jam occurs. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining communication among the banknote transport controller 13, the island controller 14, and the interstage machine 2 in the banknote transport system 10 when a jam occurs. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the second process executed by the inter-station machine 2 when a banknote jam occurs. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first process executed by the interstage machine 2 at the time of releasing the banknote jam. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first process executed by the island controller 14 at the time of releasing the banknote jam. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the banknote transport controller 13 when the banknote jam is released. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the second process executed by the island controller 14 at the time of releasing the banknote jam. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the second process executed by the inter-machine 2 when the banknote jam is released. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining communication among the banknote transport controller 13, the island controller 14, and the interstage machine 2 in the banknote transport system 10 at the time of jam release.

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan sectional view of one amusement island 100 in a game store.
Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of gaming machines 1 such as pachinko machines are arranged in a game shop such as a pachinko shop. A plurality of gaming machines 1 are grouped for each predetermined number, and a group of the predetermined number of gaming machines 1 constitutes one gaming island 100. In the amusement store, a plurality of amusement islands 100 are provided.

In one gaming island 100, a plurality of gaming machines 1 constituting the gaming island 100 have a predetermined direction X (left and right direction in FIG. 1) such that each front 1A (surface facing the player) is substantially flush. ) Are arranged side by side. Therefore, in the plurality of gaming machines 1, the respective back surfaces 1B are arranged along the predetermined direction X. The length direction of the game island 100 coincides with the predetermined direction X.
The amusement island 100 includes amusement island 100 located near the wall of the amusement shop and amusement island 100 located away from the edge of the amusement shop. FIG. 1 shows an amusement island 100 located away from the wall of the amusement store.

On the amusement island 100 located near the wall of the amusement store, all the gaming machines 1 are arranged in a predetermined direction X with the back facing the amusement store wall. On the other hand, on the gaming island 100 located away from the wall of the game store, as shown in FIG. 1, two gaming machines 1 are arranged back to back to form one set, and a plurality of sets have a predetermined direction X Are lined up.
A thin plate-shaped table between the left and right sides of each gaming machine 1 (in FIG. 1, the left side of the gaming machine 1 when the player views the gaming machine 1 from the front) Machine 2 (banknote insertion machine) is arranged. Each inter-machine 2 is a dedicated machine for the gaming machine 1 next to it (in FIG. 1, the right next to the front as viewed from the front), and accepts the banknote S from the player so as to play with the corresponding gaming machine 1. Lending game media (pachinko balls, etc.) to players. Each intercom machine 2 is disposed between adjacent gaming machines 1 in a predetermined direction X, except for the intercom machine 2 located at the left end when the gaming island 100 is viewed from the front. The plurality of inter-vehicle machines 2 together with the plurality of gaming machines 1 constitute an amusement island 100. In this embodiment, one gaming island 100 includes eight gaming machines 1 and eight inter-vehicle machines 2 each.

  A bill insertion slot 3 is formed on the front surface 2 </ b> A of the inter-machine 2. The bill insertion slot 3 is a vertically long slit as viewed from the front. A receiving path 4 extending continuously from the bill insertion slot 3 toward the back surface 2 </ b> B side of the billboard machine 2 is formed inside the bed machine 2. The receiving path 4 is exposed from the back surface 2 </ b> B of the interstage machine 2. A pair of receiving rollers 5 are arranged inside the inter-machine 2 in contact with each other. Each of the pair of receiving rollers 5 faces the receiving path 4, and a contact portion of these receiving rollers 5 is located in the receiving path 4.

  A player who wants to play a game on the gaming machine 1 deposits the banknote S necessary for playing a game by inserting it into the banknote slot 3. The bill S inserted into the bill insertion slot 3 enters the contact portion of the pair of receiving rollers 5. Along with this, the pair of receiving rollers 5 rotates to receive the banknote S into the receiving path 4. Then, the intermediary machine 2 lends to the player a number of game media that can be lent within the range of the amount of the accepted bill S. Specifically, the intercom machine 2 pays out the number of game media to be rented directly to the player, or issues a command to the game machine 1 to pay out the number of game media to be lent out.

A banknote transport system 10 is provided on the amusement island 100. The banknote transport system 10 includes the above-described inter-table machines 2, a banknote transport apparatus 11, a storage 12, a banknote transport controller 13, and an island controller 14.
The banknote transport device 11 is a device that transports the banknotes S deposited in the inter-table machine 2 in order to play the game machine 1. The banknote transport apparatus 11 is long in the predetermined direction X. The dimension of the banknote transport device 11 in the predetermined direction X is substantially the same as the dimension of the game island 100 in the predetermined direction X. The banknote transport device 11 is disposed along the back surface 1 </ b> B of the plurality of gaming machines 1 arranged in the predetermined direction X on the gaming island 100. As shown in FIG. 1, when a set of two gaming machines 1 arranged back to back on the gaming island 100 is lined up in a predetermined direction X, the banknote transport device 11 is located between two gaming machines 1 arranged back to back. Is arranged.

The banknote transport apparatus 11 includes an apparatus main body 19, a banknote transport path 20, a pair of support rollers 21, and a single belt 22.
The apparatus main body 19 constitutes substantially the entire banknote transport apparatus 11 and is long in the predetermined direction X.
The banknote conveyance path 20 receives the banknote S thrown from each inter-table machine 2 and conveys it in the predetermined direction X, and is formed in the apparatus main body 19. The banknote conveyance path 20 has a substantially U shape extending in the predetermined direction X in plan view. In FIG. 1, the banknote transport path 20 extends from the lower left upstream end 20 </ b> A to the right side along the predetermined direction X and then makes a U-turn so as to curve upward, and thereafter extends to the left side along the predetermined direction X. It reaches the downstream end 20B in the upper left. The banknote conveyance path 20 conveys the banknote S counterclockwise in FIG. 1 between the upstream end 20A and the downstream end 20B.

  In the apparatus main body 19, a plurality of joint channels 23 connected to the banknote transport path 20 are formed. The number of combined passages 23 is the same as the number of inter-machines 2. Each combined flow path 23 is continuous from the receiving path 4 of the corresponding intermediary machine 2, and merges with the banknote transport path 20 while curving along the transport direction of the banknote S in the banknote transport path 20. These combined flow paths 23 are along the banknote transport path 20 with an interval in the transport direction of the banknote S. Accordingly, on the gaming island 100, a plurality of (in this case, eight) inter-machines 2 are arranged along the banknote transport path 20 with an interval in the transport direction of the banknote S. In the following, the eight inter-machines 2 are arranged in order from the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the banknotes S. 1, no. 2 ... No. They may be distinguished by an identification number of 8. Further, in the following, when simply referred to as “upstream side” or “downstream side”, it indicates the upstream side or the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the banknote S.

  The pair of support rollers 21 has a cylindrical shape or a columnar shape extending vertically (in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 1), and is supported by the apparatus main body 19 so as to be rotatable about the center of the circle. Of the pair of support rollers 21, one support roller 21 </ b> A is provided at one end (left end in FIG. 1) in the predetermined direction X of the apparatus main body 19, and the other support roller 21 </ b> B is in a predetermined direction of the apparatus main body 19. It is provided at the other end of X (the right end in FIG. 1). The apparatus main body 19 is provided with a drive motor 24. When the drive motor 24 generates a driving force, the support roller 21A rotates.

  The belt 22 is an endless flat belt (endless belt), and is wound around a pair of support rollers 21. The belt 22 has an elongated ring shape along the predetermined direction X in the plan view shown in FIG. The belt 22 is arranged in the banknote transport path 20 except for the portion that is wound around the support roller 21 </ b> A and is along the banknote transport path 20. As described above, when the support roller 21A is rotated by the drive motor 24 generating a drive force, the support roller 21A becomes a drive roller and the support roller 21B becomes a driven roller, so that the belt 22 rotates. That is, the drive motor 24 moves the belt 22 around. The circumferential direction of the belt 22 is one direction, and is a counterclockwise direction in plan view. Therefore, the banknote transport path 20 transports the banknotes S in the counterclockwise direction in FIG.

  The storage 12 is provided at the end of the game island 100 in the predetermined direction X. The storage 12 is connected to the end (the left end in FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body 19 of the banknote transport apparatus 11. A recovery port 25 that communicates with the downstream end 20 </ b> B of the banknote transport path 20 is formed in a portion connected to the apparatus main body 19 in the storage 12. A collection chamber 26 and a collection path 27 are provided inside the storage box 12. The collection chamber 26 is a space that can accommodate a large number of banknotes S. The collection path 27 allows the collection port 25 and the collection chamber 26 to communicate with each other. Inside the storage 12, for example, in the vicinity of the collection port 25, a pair of intake rollers 28 are arranged in contact with each other. Each of the pair of take-in rollers 28 faces the collection path 27, and the contact portion of these take-in rollers 28 is located in the collection path 27. The storage 12 is provided with an intake motor 29 that rotationally drives a pair of intake rollers 28.

Referring to FIG. 1, the second intermediary machine 2 from the left in the four intermediary machines 2 arranged on the lower side, and the second intermediary machine 2 from the right in the four intermediary machines 2 arranged on the upper side. An outline of the flow of banknotes S on the game island 100 will be described. In FIG. 1, thick dashed arrows indicate the flow of banknotes S.
First, as described above, when the player inserts the banknote S into the banknote slot 3 of the intermediary machine 2 (deposits), the banknote S inserted into the banknote slot 3 is brought into contact with the pair of receiving rollers 5. A pair of receiving rollers 5 entering and rotating are received in the receiving path 4. In this state, the rotation of the pair of receiving rollers 5 is temporarily stopped, and the conveyance of the banknote S is temporarily stopped in the receiving path 4.

Then, in response to the completion of the rental of the game medium to the player, the pair of receiving rollers 5 rotates again. As a result, the banknote S present at the contact portion of the pair of receiving rollers 5 enters the banknote transport path 20 after passing through the combined flow path 23.
The belt 22 exposed in the banknote transport path 20 starts rotating when the banknote S enters the banknote transport path 20. The banknote S that has entered the banknote transport path 20 is transported in the banknote transport path 20 along the circulation direction of the belt 22 by being pulled by the belt 22 that moves around. A plurality of guide rollers (not shown) are arranged opposite to each other on the surface of the belt 22, and the bill S is sandwiched between the belt 22 that moves around and each guide roller (not shown). Be transported. Note that the belt 22 may always continue to move around.

  Here, the banknote S received by the second platform machine 2 from the left in the four platform machines 2 arranged on the lower side in FIG. By being pulled, it is transported in a direction (right side in FIG. 1) once away from the storage box 12 along the predetermined direction X. And the banknote S which reached | attained the right end of the banknote conveyance path 20 makes a U-turn in the curved part (right end part in FIG. 1) in the banknote conveyance path 20 which makes a substantially U shape. And this banknote S is continuously pulled by the belt 22, and this time along the predetermined direction X, it is conveyed in the direction (left side in FIG. 1) approaching the storage 12 this time.

On the other hand, the banknote S received by the second platform machine 2 from the right in the four platform machines 2 arranged on the upper side in FIG. 1 enters the banknote transport path 20 and is then pulled by the belt 22. As a result, the paper is immediately conveyed in the direction approaching the storage 12 (left side in FIG. 1) along the predetermined direction X.
And the banknote S conveyed in the direction approaching the storage 12 in the banknote conveyance path 20 by being pulled by the belt 22 enters the recovery port 25 of the storage 12 at the downstream end 20 </ b> B of the banknote conveyance path 20. . The bill S enters the contact portion of the pair of take-in rollers 28 and is received in the collection path 27 by the rotating pair of take-in rollers 28. The banknotes S that have passed through the collection path 27 are stored in the collection chamber 26.

The banknotes S stored in the collection room 26 are taken out by a store clerk at a predetermined timing and stored in a safe placed at a game store office or the like.
The banknote conveyance controller 13 is attached to the storage 12, for example. The banknote transport controller 13 controls the driving of the drive motor 24 of the banknote transport apparatus 11 and the take-in motor 29 of the storage 12 and manages the flow of banknotes S in the entire banknote transport system 10.

  The island controller 14 is attached to the end (right end in FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body 19 of the banknote transport apparatus 11, for example. The island controller 14 is a device that relays communication between each inter-frame machine 2 and the banknote transport controller 13, and transmits an instruction from the banknote transport controller 13 to each inter-stage machine 2 or from each inter-stage machine 2. A signal is transmitted to the banknote transport controller 13. Further, the island controller 14 not only functions to control such communication within the gaming island 100 but can also communicate with a host device (so-called terminal computer) in the gaming store. In addition, between the banknote conveyance controller 13 and the island controller 14, or between the island controller 14 and each inter-vehicle machine 2, for example, a serial communication line (refer to a thin broken line in FIG. 1, the same applies to FIG. 10 described later). Connected with.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the banknote transport system 10.
With reference to FIG. 2, each electrical structure of the banknote conveyance controller 13, the island controller 14, and the inter-tablet machine 2 in the banknote conveyance system 10 is demonstrated in this order.
The banknote transport controller 13 includes a control unit 30. The control unit 30 is configured by a ROM, a RAM, and the like that store a CPU and its program, and executes predetermined processing such as arithmetic processing according to the program.

In the banknote transport controller 13, the memory unit 31, the banknote detection sensor 32, the first communication I / F (interface) unit 33, the second communication I / F unit 34, The third communication I / F unit 35 is electrically connected.
The memory unit 31 stores necessary information such as various setting information.
The bill detection sensor 32 is a joining portion G of the bill transport path 20 and the merge path 23 extending from the most downstream machine 2 (No. 1) in the bill transport direction in the bill transport apparatus 11. And the downstream end 20B of the banknote transport path 20 (see FIG. 1). The banknote detection sensor 32 is OFF when the banknote S is not present in the banknote transport path 20 in the area, but is turned ON when the banknote S transported from the upstream side reaches the area. , It is detected that the bill S has reached the area.

  The control unit 30 can communicate with the island controller 14 via the first communication I / F unit 33. The control unit 30 can communicate with the banknote transport device 11 via the second communication I / F unit 34 and controls the drive of the drive motor 24 of the banknote transport device 11 as described above. The control unit 30 can communicate with the storage 12 via the third communication I / F unit 35 and controls the driving of the take-in motor 29 of the storage 12 as described above. The control unit 30 drives the take-in motor 29 in response to the banknote detection sensor 32 being turned on, and thereby the take-in roller that rotates the banknote S that has reached the downstream end 20B of the banknote transport path 20. By 28, it collect | recovers to the collection | recovery chamber 26 of the storage 12 (refer FIG. 1).

The island controller 14 includes a control unit 40. The control unit 40 is configured by a ROM, a RAM, and the like that store a CPU and its program, and executes predetermined processing such as arithmetic processing according to the program.
In the island controller 14, the first communication I / F unit 41, the second communication I / F unit 42, and the memory unit 43 are mainly electrically connected to the control unit 40.

The first communication I / F unit 41 and the first communication I / F unit 33 of the banknote transport controller 13 are electrically connected, and the control unit 40 is connected to the banknote via the first communication I / F unit 41. Communication with the transport controller 13 is possible. The control unit 40 can communicate with each inter-vehicle device 2 via the second communication I / F unit 42. Necessary information such as various setting information is recorded in the memory unit 43.
Each inter-vehicle machine 2 includes a control unit 50. The control unit 50 is configured by a ROM, a RAM, and the like that store a CPU and its program, and executes predetermined processing such as arithmetic processing according to the program.

In each inter-machine 2, a communication I / F unit 51, a banknote processing unit 52, an insertion detection sensor 53, and a jam sensor 54 (jam detection means) are mainly electrically connected to the control unit 50. It is connected.
The communication I / F unit 51 and the second communication I / F unit 42 of the island controller 14 are electrically connected, and the control unit 50 of each inter-vehicle device 2 is connected via the communication I / F unit 51. It can communicate with the island controller 14.

The banknote processing unit 52 can control the rotational drive of the pair of receiving rollers 5 or identify the banknote S received in the receiving path 4 (see FIG. 1).
The insertion detection sensor 53 is provided in the vicinity of the bill insertion slot 3 in the interstage machine 2 (see FIG. 1). The insertion detection sensor 53 is turned ON when the tip of the bill S is inserted into the bill insertion slot 3 and detects that the bill S has been inserted into the bill insertion slot 3.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the jam sensor 54 has two locations of the joint channel 23 and the bill transport path 20 extending from each of the interstage machines 2 adjacent in the transport direction of the bill S in the apparatus main body 19 of the bill transport apparatus 11. Are arranged in a region between the merging portions G (strictly speaking, a position close to the merging portion G on the upstream side). In this embodiment, there are seven areas in total, and one jam sensor 54 is arranged in each area. Each jam sensor 54 is attached to the interstage machine 2 on the downstream side in the transport direction in the region where the jam sensor 54 is disposed. Therefore, no. 1-No. 7 is provided with a jam sensor 54. The eight intermediary machines 2 do not include the jam sensor 54.

  Each jam sensor 54 is OFF when the banknote S is not present in the banknote transport path 20 in the area where the jam sensor 54 is disposed, but is turned ON when the banknote S transported from the upstream side reaches the area. Thus, it is detected that the banknote S has reached the area. That is, the jam sensor 54 is configured such that the banknote S is in the banknote transport path 20 in the area between the intermediary machine 2 having the jam sensor 54 and the intermediary machine 2 adjacent to the intermediary machine 2 on the upstream side. Detect whether or not it exists. Therefore, this area becomes the detection range of the jam sensor 54. However, although the actual detection range of the jam sensor 54 depends on the detection capability of the jam sensor 54, it is generally a limited range around the jam sensor 54 in the region.

  Here, in the said area | region, banknote S may stay, without being conveyed downstream, and a banknote conveyance jam (it may abbreviate as "jam" below) may arise. When a jam occurs, the jam sensor 54 is continuously ON for a predetermined time or longer (for example, 5 seconds or longer). Therefore, the jam sensor 54 can detect a jam in the region (that is, a predetermined position of the banknote transport path 20) according to the time when the jam sensor 54 is turned on. The said area | region is a position on the banknote conveyance path | route 20 corresponding to the position in which the interstage machine 2 which has the jam sensor 54 which makes this area | region the detection range is installed. In this embodiment, the banknote conveyance path 20 is divided into a plurality of (seven) areas, and each of the seven jam sensors detects a jam in the area in charge of the banknote conveyance path 20. It is possible to detect the occurrence position of conveyance jam with high accuracy (without leakage).

Next, procedures of various processes executed by the banknote transport system 10 when the banknote transport system 10 is started and after startup will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the inter-station machine 2 at the time of activation.
Referring to FIG. 3, the control unit 50 (see FIG. 2) of each inter-vehicle machine 2 performs a start-up process (initial process) in response to turning on a power switch (not shown) (step S1). As activation processing, operation checks of the banknote processing unit 52, the insertion detection sensor 53, and the jam sensor 54 (see FIG. 2) are performed.

  If there is no problem in the operation check or the like and the operation can be normally started (YES in step S2), the control unit 50 transmits a signal indicating normal start (normal signal) to the island controller 14 (step S3). For the inter-vehicle machine 2 that has transmitted a normal signal to the island controller 14, a permission signal described later is transmitted from the island controller 14 as a response from the island controller 14 to the normal signal. When the control unit 50 receives a permission signal from the island controller 14 after transmitting the normal signal (YES in step S4), the control unit 50 enters a standby state (step S5). The stand machine 2 in the standby state is in a state where it can exert its function, and can accept the bill S from the bill insertion slot 3 (see FIG. 1).

On the other hand, when it cannot start normally (it is NO at step S2), the control part 50 alert | reports an error (step S6). By this error notification, the attendant at the amusement shop comes to the place between the machine 2 and cancels the error. If the error is released (YES in step S7), control unit 50 repeats the process of step S2.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the island controller 14 when the inter-vehicle machine 2 is activated.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit 40 (see FIG. 2) of the island controller 14 waits for normal signals from all the intermediary machines 2 that have performed the startup process (step S <b> 21). When the control unit 40 receives normal signals from all the intermediary machines 2 (YES in step S21), the control unit 40 transmits the fact (that all the intermediary machines 2 have been normally activated) to the banknote transport controller 13 (step). S22). As a response from the banknote transport controller 13 to this transmission, a permission signal is transmitted from the banknote transport controller 13 to the island controller 14. When receiving a permission signal from the banknote transport controller 13 (YES in step S23), the control unit 40 transmits a permission signal to each inter-vehicle machine 2 (step S24), and then enters a standby state (step S25).

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining communication among the banknote transport controller 13, the island controller 14, and the interframe machine 2 in the banknote transport system 10 at the time of startup and normal operation.
As described above, when normal signals are transmitted from all the intermediary machines 2 to the island controller 14, and that fact is transmitted from the island controller 14 to the banknote transport controller 13, refer to the upper part of FIG. A permission signal is transmitted from the banknote transport controller 13 to the island controller 14, and this permission signal is transmitted from the island controller 14 to all the interstage machines 2.

Next, a description will be given of the procedure of processing executed by the inter-machine 2, the banknote transport controller 13, and the island controller 14 when normal operation of each inter-machine 2 is started with the start of business at the game store.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the inter-vehicle machine 2 during normal operation.

With reference to FIG. 6, in each inter-vehicle machine 2 in the standby state (step S <b> 5 in FIG. 3), the control unit 50 determines whether or not the banknote S is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 3 (see FIG. 1). Monitoring is performed by the insertion detection sensor 53 (see FIG. 2) (step S31).
If the banknote S is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 3 (YES in step S31), the control unit 50 confirms whether or not the banknote S can be taken into the receiving path 4 (whether the banknote is accepted) (step). S32). In step S32, the control unit 50 determines that it is banknote fetching OK if the permission signal described above is received from the island controller 14.

  If the banknote is accepted (YES in step S32), the control unit 50 issues a command to the banknote processing unit 52 (see FIG. 2), rotates the receiving roller 5 (see FIG. 1), and inserts it into the banknote insertion slot 3. The taken banknote S is taken into the receiving path 4 (step S33). Thereby, the payment to the inter-vehicle machine 2 is confirmed. In step S33, the control unit 50 transmits to the island controller 14 payment information indicating how many types of banknotes S have been received. In this embodiment, it is assumed that only one predetermined type of banknote (for example, a thousand yen bill) can be deposited in the inter-machine 2. For this reason, the deposit information here includes only the number of deposits.

On the other hand, since the control part 50 has not received the permission signal from the island controller 14, if it is not banknote taking-in OK (it is NO at step S32), it will issue a command to the banknote processing part 52 and reversely rotate the receiving roller 5 Then, the banknote S inserted in the banknote insertion slot 3 is returned from the banknote insertion slot 3 (step S34).
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the island controller 14 during normal operation. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the management table 60 stored in the memory unit 43 of the island controller 14.

Referring to FIG. 7, control unit 40 of island controller 14 in the standby state (step S25 in FIG. 4) monitors whether or not the deposit information from inter-vehicle machine 2 has been received (step S41).
Here, the management table 60 shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the memory unit 43 (see FIG. 2) of the island controller 14. In the management table 60, the total (cumulative number of deposits) of banknotes S deposited in each inter-vehicle machine 2 from the time when the banknote transport system 10 is activated until the present time on the day when the game shop starts business. , No. 1-No. It is recorded for each of up to 8 inter-machines 2. For example, No. 1 on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the banknote S. No. 1 on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the banknote S has already received 5 banknotes S. The eight interbank machines 2 have already received four bills S. As described above, the island controller 14 manages the cumulative number of deposits of each inter-vehicle machine 2 in the management table 60.

  Returning to FIG. 7, when receiving the deposit information (YES in step S41), the control unit 40 updates the accumulated deposit number in the inter-vehicle machine 2 that has transmitted the deposit information in the management table 60 (step S42). For example, the control part 40 is No. In the case where the receipt information indicating that there is one deposit is received from the inter-vehicle machine 1 of No. 1, the No. 1 in the management table 60 is displayed. Increase (increment) the cumulative number of deposits for one inter-vehicle machine 2 by one. In the case of FIG. The cumulative number of deposits for one inter-machine 2 is increased from 5 to 6.

Returning to FIG. 7, when receiving the deposit information (YES in Step S <b> 41), the control unit 40 updates the accumulated deposit number for the inter-vehicle machine 2 that has transmitted the deposit information each time (Step S <b> 42).
When the predetermined timing is reached (YES in step S43), the control unit 50 transmits total deposit information including the latest accumulated deposit number in each inter-vehicle machine 2 to the banknote transport controller 13 (step S44). The total deposit information is the contents of the management table 60 in the latest state, and is information on how many sheets are accumulated in each inter-vehicle machine 2 at the present time (see FIG. 8).

The predetermined timing here may be a timing immediately after receiving the deposit information from the inter-machine 2 or periodically communicates between the island controller 14 and the banknote transport controller 13 to confirm the communication condition. It may be the timing of regular communication in some cases. Periodic communication is performed, for example, every 30 seconds.
In the lower part of FIG. 5, as the deposit is confirmed in each inter-vehicle machine 2, the deposit information is transmitted from the inter-machine 2 that has confirmed the deposit to the island controller 14, and from the island controller 14 at a predetermined timing. It is shown that the total deposit information is transmitted to the banknote transport controller 13.

FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing a procedure of a first process executed by the banknote transport controller 13 during normal operation.
With reference to FIG. 9A, the control part 30 (refer FIG. 2) of the banknote conveyance controller 13 is monitoring whether the total payment information was received from the island controller 14 (step S51). When receiving the total deposit information from the island controller 14 (YES in step S51), the control unit 30 stores the received total deposit information in the memory unit 31 (see FIG. 2) (step S52).

FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing a procedure of second processing executed by the banknote transport controller 13 during normal operation.
As described above, as the banknote S is taken in by the interstage machine 2 (step S33 in FIG. 6), the taken banknote S is transported through the banknote transport path 20 (see FIG. 1). 9B, the control unit 30 of the banknote transport controller 13 determines whether or not the banknote S has approached the downstream end 20B of the banknote transport path 20 (see FIG. 1). 2) (step S61). When the banknote detection sensor 32 detects that the banknote S has approached the downstream end 20B of the banknote conveyance path 20 (YES in step S61), the control unit 30 causes the take-in motor 29 (see FIG. 1) of the storage case 12 to move. Turn on (step S62). By this. Since the take-in roller 28 rotates and takes in the banknote S into the collection path 27, the banknote S is collected into the collection chamber 26 of the storage 12 (see FIG. 1).

The above is a series of flow from the start in the banknote transport system 10 to a normal banknote transport operation.
Next, the function of the banknote transport system 10 when a jam occurs in the banknote transport path 20 will be described.
FIG. 10 shows a state where a banknote transport jam has occurred in FIG. In FIG. No. 3 intermediary machine 2 merging portion G of merge channel 23 and banknote conveyance path 20, No. 4 from the position between the merged flow path 23 of the interstage machine 2 and the merged portion G of the banknote conveying path 20. No. 4 merging section G of the intermediary machine 2 and the bill transport path 20, A jam has occurred in a range J (hatched portion) up to a position between the merged flow path 23 of the interstage machine 2 and the merged portion G of the bill conveyance path 20.

This jam is no. 3 is within the detection range of the jam sensor 54 (see FIG. 2) of the inter-vehicle machine 2. The jam sensor 54 of the third inter-vehicle machine 2 detects this jam.
However, even if a jam has occurred, the belt S can be used even if the banknote S remains in the range J unless a large amount of the banknote S is jammed in the banknote transport path 20 in the jam generation range J. 22 continues to move around and can transfer the banknote S (excluding the accumulated banknote S) to the storage 12 side of the downstream end 20B.

Next, a process executed by the banknote transport system 10 when a jam occurs will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first process executed by the interstage machine 2 when a bill conveyance jam occurs.
Referring to FIG. 11, the control unit 50 (see FIG. 2) of each inter-vehicle machine 2 is in a standby state (step S <b> 5 in FIG. 3) or is performing a bill S taking-in process ( In FIG. 6), it is constantly monitored whether or not the jam sensor 54 detects a jam within the detection range of its own jam sensor 54 (step S71).

When the jam sensor 54 detects a jam (YES in step S71), the control unit 50 transmits jam detection information to the island controller 14 (step S72). The jam detection information includes the No. of the intermediary machine 2 having the jam sensor 54 that detects the jam. (Identification number) and the fact that a jam has occurred in the detection range of the jam sensor 54 are included.
In the example of FIG. No. 3 is detected within the detection range of the jam sensor 54. In response to the jam detection by the jam sensor 54 (YES in step S71), the control unit 50 of the third inter-vehicle machine 2 transmits jam detection information to the island controller 14 (step S72). In the case of FIG. Although the range extends to the detection range of the jam sensor 54 of the inter-vehicle machine 2, the possibility of the jam sensor 54 detecting the current jam is low because it is located away from the jam sensor 54. However, this jam is no. No. 4 if it advances to the jam sensor 54 side of the inter-machine 2. 3 as well as the jam sensor 54 of the inter-machine 2. The jam sensor 54 of the four inter-vehicle machines 2 also detects a jam.

In response to the occurrence of a jam, the jamming machine 2, the island controller 14, and the banknote transport controller 13 notify the store clerk that the jam has occurred and the location where the jam has occurred. Urge the store clerk.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first process executed by the island controller 14 when a bill conveyance jam occurs.

  Referring to FIG. 12, the controller 40 (see FIG. 2) of the island controller 14 constantly monitors whether jam detection information has been received from each inter-vehicle machine 2 (step S81). When the jam detection information is received from the inter-vehicle machine 2 (YES in step S81), the control unit 40 transmits the jam occurrence information to the banknote transport controller 13 according to the predetermined timing (YES in step S82). (Step S83).

The predetermined timing here may be a timing immediately after receiving the jam detection information from the inter-vehicle machine 2 or may be the timing of the regular communication described above. However, in order to prevent the jam from deteriorating, it is desirable that the predetermined timing is as early as possible after the control unit 40 receives the jam detection information from the inter-vehicle machine 2.
The jam occurrence information has almost the same content as the jam detection information, and the No. of the intermediary machine 2 having the jam sensor 54 that has detected the jam. (Identification number) and at least the fact that a jam has occurred within the detection range of the jam sensor 54 (that is, the jam occurrence location).

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining communication among the banknote transport controller 13, the island controller 14, and the interframe machine 2 in the banknote transport system 10 when a jam occurs.
The processes of FIGS. 12 and 13 are shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 14, when jam machine 2 detects a jam (YES in step S <b> 71 in FIG. 11), jam detection information is transmitted to island controller 14 (step S <b> 72 in FIG. 11), and island controller 14 performs periodic communication. The jam occurrence information is transmitted to the banknote transport controller 13 at a predetermined timing such as (step S83 in FIG. 12).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the bill transport controller 13 when a bill transport jam occurs.
With reference to FIG. 14, the control part 30 (refer FIG. 2) of the banknote conveyance controller 13 always monitors whether the jam generation information was received from the island controller 14 (step S91). When the control unit 30 receives the jam occurrence information (YES in step S91), based on the jam occurrence location included in the jam occurrence information, the increased number of accumulated deposits in the interstage machine 2 upstream from the jam occurrence location. Is monitored (step S92).

  As described above, the control unit 30 stores the total deposit information received from the island controller 14 (information on the accumulated deposit number of each inter-vehicle machine 2 at the present time) in the memory unit 31 (see FIG. 2) (see FIG. 2). Step S52 of 9A). Specifically, a management table 70 is stored in the memory unit 31, and total deposit information is stored in the management table 70.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a management table 70 stored in the memory unit 31 of the banknote transport controller 13.
Referring to FIG. 15, in the management table 70, the accumulated deposit number of each inter-vehicle machine 2 in the total deposit information received from the island controller 14 is stored as “accumulated deposit number immediately before occurrence of jam”. Each time the banknote transport controller 13 receives total deposit information from the island controller 14, the cumulative deposit number immediately before the occurrence of a jam in the management table 70 is updated.

In the management table 70, when the jam occurs, the information on the number of banknotes S that can be additionally inserted (paid) from the inter-machine 2 after the jam occurs is set as the “allowable number” as the inter-machine 2 (the inter-machine No. .) Is set in advance. In each inter-vehicle machine 2 after the occurrence of the jam, the jam does not deteriorate as long as additional payment within the allowable number range determined for each inter-machine 2 is made.
In FIG. 1 and no. The allowable number of two inter-machines 2 is four. 3 and no. No. 4 inter-vehicle machine 2 has an allowable number of three. 5 and no. The allowable number of the inter-machine 2 of No. 6 is two. 7 and no. The allowable number of eight inter-vehicle machines 2 is one. The allowable number is set so that the downstream side machine 2 close to the storage 12 is larger than the upstream side machine 2. This is because the banknotes S deposited in the downstream interstage machine 2 are collected relatively quickly in the storage 12 and are therefore less likely to cause a jam. On the other hand, since the banknote S deposited in the upstream machine 2 is likely to be a cause of worsening the jam, the upstream side is used to stop the deposit in the upstream machine 2 before the jam worsens. We want to reduce the allowable number of inter-machines 2 as much as possible.

  The permissible number of each inter-vehicle machine 2 can be freely changed according to the degree of jam, the business hours of the amusement store, and the like by operating an operation panel or the like (not shown) provided in the banknote transport controller 13. Therefore, it is easy to use. As an example of changing the allowable number, for example, if the business hours are immediately after opening, the allowable number is relatively large. Even if the degree of jam does not change, the allowable number of each inter-vehicle machine 2 may be appropriately changed according to the change of the jam occurrence position in the banknote transport path 20.

  When a jam occurs, the control unit 30 stops updating the “cumulative deposit number immediately before the occurrence of the jam”. Therefore, the cumulative number of deposits immediately before the occurrence of the jam does not change until the jam is resolved. Instead, when the banknote S is additionally deposited in each inter-vehicle machine 2 after the jam has occurred (step S33 in FIG. 6), when the banknote transport controller 13 newly receives total deposit information from the island controller 14 ( In each case, the control unit 30 separately stores the accumulated deposit number of each inter-vehicle machine 2 in the total deposit information in the management table 70 as “latest accumulated deposit number”. In the management table 70, the difference between the “cumulative deposit number just before the occurrence of jam” and the “latest accumulated deposit number” in each inter-vehicle machine 2 is managed as “increase number”. The increase number is the number of additional deposits of banknotes S to each inter-machine 2 after the occurrence of a jam. If the increase number exceeds the allowable number, the jam may be deteriorated.

  Returning to FIG. 14, in step S <b> 92, the control unit 30 monitors the increase in the interstage machine 2 upstream from the jam occurrence location. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when a jam occurs in the detection range of the jam sensor 54 of the inter-vehicle machine 2, the control unit 30 determines in step S <b> 92 that the No. 3 upstream of the detection range (jam occurrence location). 4-No. The number of increases in each of the eight inter-vehicle machines 2 is monitored. On the other hand, the control unit 30 does not monitor the increase number in the interstage machine 2 downstream from the jam occurrence location.

  When the control unit 30 newly receives the latest total deposit information from the island controller 14 (YES in step S93), the “latest accumulated deposit number” and “increase number” in the management table 70 are accordingly received. Update (see FIG. 15). If the updated increase number is less than the allowable number (NO in step S94), the control unit 30 returns to step S92 and continues to monitor the increase number in the intermediary machine 2 upstream from the jam occurrence location. However, the additional payment of the banknote S in the upstream interstage machine 2 is allowed.

On the other hand, when the updated increase number reaches the allowable number (YES in step S94), the control unit 30 transmits a prohibition signal to the island controller 14 (step S95). The prohibition signal is a signal for prohibiting additional payment in the inter-machine 2 that has reached the allowable number, and the No. of the inter-machine 2 that has reached the allowable number. (Identification number) and a prohibition order for additional payment.
In the case of FIG. 4 and no. In each of the interstage machines 2 of 7, the banknotes S are additionally deposited one by one, and the increase number is “1”. No. In the case of four inter-vehicle machines 2, since the increase number “1” is less than the allowable number “3” (NO in step S94), two more banknotes S can be additionally deposited. However, no. 7, since the increase number “1” has reached the allowable number “1” (YES in step S <b> 94), no further deposit of the banknote S can be performed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a second process executed by the island controller 14 when a bill conveyance jam occurs.
With reference to FIG. 16, the control part 40 (refer FIG. 2) of the island controller 14 is monitoring whether the prohibition signal was received from the banknote conveyance controller 13 (step S101). When the control unit 40 receives the prohibition signal (YES in step S101), the control unit 40 transmits the prohibition signal to the corresponding inter-vehicle machine 2 (having the No. designated by the prohibition signal) (step S102).

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining communication among the banknote transport controller 13, the island controller 14, and the interstage machine 2 in the banknote transport system 10 when a jam occurs.
The processing of FIGS. 14 and 16 is shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 17, when the banknote transport controller 13 transmits a prohibition signal to the island controller 14 (step S <b> 95 in FIG. 14), the island controller 14 transmits the received prohibition signal to the corresponding intermediary machine 2 ( Step S102 in FIG. 16).

The interstage machine 2 that has received the prohibition signal stops taking in the banknote S as will be described later.
Here, when the increase number after the occurrence of the jam reaches the allowable number, the banknote transport controller 13 transmits a prohibition signal via the island controller 14 to the intermediary machine 2 whose increase number has reached the allowable number. . This means that in response to the jam sensor 54 detecting the jam, the banknote transport controller 13 is provided for each of the inter-machines 2 with respect to the inter-machine 2 arranged upstream of the jam occurrence position in the transport direction. When additional deposits of banknotes S are accepted up to the assigned allowable number, a signal (banknote acceptance stop signal) to stop accepting subsequent banknotes S is output immediately after jam detection. . Since the allowable number included in the banknote acceptance stop signal is different between the upstream side machine 2 and the downstream side machine 2 as described above (see FIG. 15), a jam occurs on the banknote conveyance path 20. It is a value set for each pedestal machine 2 in consideration of the distance between the position and the pedestal machine 2.

The inter-machine 2 to which the banknote acceptance stop signal has been input from the banknote transport controller 13 receives the banknote acceptance stop signal even after the banknote transport jam has occurred, and the number of banknotes S that can be additionally inserted is Until it is inserted, a new bill S can be inserted.
As a result, when a jam occurs, the banknotes S can be continuously inserted into the intermediary machine 2 on the upstream side in the transport direction from the jam generation position within a range in which the jam does not deteriorate. It is possible to improve the performance.

  Then, the interstage machine 2 on the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the jam occurrence position receives a prohibition signal transmitted from the banknote conveyance controller 13 via the island controller 14 in response to the increase in the number after the jam occurrence has reached an allowable number. When received, the taking of the banknote S is stopped. This is because, when the inter-vehicle machine 2 receives the banknote acceptance stop signal immediately after jam detection, the number of banknotes that can be additionally inserted after receiving the stop signal after receiving the banknote acceptance stop signal ( This is substantially equivalent to prohibiting the additional insertion of banknotes S when the allowable number of banknotes S is inserted. Each inter-vehicle machine 2 may have in advance from the stage before receiving the stop signal by storing the allowable number allocated to itself in its own memory unit (not shown).

Further, in the above description, only the inter-machine 2 whose number of increase is equal to or greater than the allowable number is prohibited from additionally inserting the banknote S, but another process described below may be possible.
Specifically, when the intermediary machine 2 receives the aforementioned banknote acceptance stop signal immediately after jam detection, the banknote acceptance stop signal is sent to all intermediary machines 2 upstream from the jam occurrence location. Given.

  Each time the control unit 50 (see FIG. 2) of the intermediary machine 2 receives the banknote acceptance stop signal, each time the banknote S is inserted, information on the number of the inserted banknotes S is sent to the island controller 14. It transmits to the banknote conveyance controller 13 via. Here, in the memory unit 31 (see FIG. 2) of the banknote transport controller 13, the number of banknotes S that can be additionally inserted (can be additionally inserted) with respect to the whole of the interstage machine 2 upstream of the jam occurrence location. Number of sheets) is registered in advance. Therefore, the control part 30 (refer FIG. 2) of the banknote conveyance controller 13 totals the number information (for the additionally inserted banknote S) transmitted from the interstage machine 2 upstream from the jam occurrence location. In response to the fact that the total value has reached the number of sheets that can be additionally inserted, a bill insertion prohibition signal (the prohibition signal described above) is output to the inter-vehicle machines 2 upstream of the jam occurrence point. Thereby, the taking-in of the banknote S is stopped in all the interstage machines 2 upstream from the jam occurrence location.

  In other words, even after a jam has occurred, these inter-machines 2 accept the insertion of new banknotes S until the total number of additional banknotes S that each accepts reaches the additional possible number of sheets. Can do. As a result, when a jam occurs, the banknotes S can be continuously inserted into the intermediary machine 2 on the upstream side in the transport direction from the jam generation position within a range in which the jam does not deteriorate. It is possible to improve the performance.

  Here, the convenience of the customer can be improved by allowing the banknote S to be continuously inserted into the interstage machine 2 on the upstream side in the transport direction from the jam generation position. In addition, since the banknote S can be continuously inserted into the intermediary machine 2, transactions in the intermediary machine 2 can be continued during that time, and accordingly, the operating loss can be suppressed on the amusement store side. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent the deterioration of jams (expansion of damage), the amusement store can also improve convenience in that it can reduce the burden of the store clerk for releasing the jam. In addition, since the jam can be released while the interstage machine 2 on the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the position where the jam occurs, the transaction of each intermediary machine 2 is not interrupted even in this case. It will end.

  If the interbank machine 2 does not receive a bill acceptance stop signal immediately after jam detection, the control unit 30 of the bill transport controller 13 receives the jam occurrence information (YES in step S91 in FIG. 14). The increased number of inter-vehicle machines 2 upstream from the jam occurrence location is monitored (step S92). Then, if the total value of the increase numbers of each intermediary machine 2 upstream from the jam occurrence location reaches the additional insertable number (in other words, the total allowable number of these intermediary machines 2) (step S94). YES), a prohibition signal is simultaneously output to each of the upstream inter-vehicle devices 2 via the island controller 14 (step S95 in FIG. 14 and step S102 in FIG. 16).

  In any case, in the banknote transport system 10, when a jam occurs, the banknote transport controller 13 causes the jam generation place in the banknote transport path 20 and after the jam generation in the intermediary machine 2 upstream from the jam generation place. In consideration of the additional acceptance number (increased number) of banknotes S, the deposit transaction in the intermediary machine 2 upstream from the jam occurrence location is continued within a range where the jam does not deteriorate.

Next, a procedure for stopping the taking-in of the banknote S in response to the interstage machine 2 receiving the prohibition signal will be described.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the second process executed by the inter-station machine 2 when a banknote jam occurs.
Specifically, referring to FIG. 18, the control unit 50 (see FIG. 2) of the inter-vehicle machine 2 monitors whether or not a prohibition signal has been received (step S111). When the control unit 50 receives the prohibition signal (YES in step S111), the control unit 50 stops taking in the banknote S (step S112). Therefore, in the intermediary machine 2 which stopped taking in the banknote S, even if the insertion detection sensor 53 detects the banknote S from the banknote slot 3, the banknote S is not taken into the receiving path 4 (see FIG. 10). ). Even if it becomes impossible to take in the banknotes S in the machine 2, the game machine 1 corresponding to the machine 2 (see FIG. 10) continues the game as long as the rented game medium exists. it can.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first process executed by the interstage machine 2 at the time of releasing the banknote jam.
On the other hand, referring to FIG. 19, the control unit 50 of the inter-vehicle machine 2 that has detected the current jam monitors whether or not jam detection has been stopped after jam detection (YES in step S71 in FIG. 11). (Step S121). For example, when the banknote S staying at the jam occurrence place (range J in FIG. 10) flows again through the banknote transport path 20, the jam naturally disappears, or the jam is canceled (released) by a manual operation by a store clerk. In this case, the jam sensor 54 (see FIG. 10) of the inter-vehicle machine 2 that has detected the current jam is turned OFF, and the detection signal of the jam sensor 54 changes to a jam non-detection state. In response to this, the control unit 50 of the inter-vehicle machine 2 does not detect a jam.

When no jam is detected (YES in step S121), the control unit 50 of the inter-vehicle machine 2 transmits jam release information to the island controller 14 (step S122). The jam release information includes the No. of the inter-vehicle machine 2. (Identification number) is included at least.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first process executed by the island controller 14 at the time of releasing the banknote jam.

  Referring to FIG. 20, the control unit 40 (see FIG. 2) of the island controller 14 monitors whether jam release information has been received (step S131). When receiving the jam release information (YES in step S131), the control unit 40 transmits the jam release information to the banknote transport controller 13 (step S132). The timing at which the control unit 40 transmits the jam release information to the banknote transport controller 13 may be a timing immediately after receiving the jam release information, or may be the above-described regular communication timing.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the banknote transport controller 13 when the banknote jam is released.
Referring to FIG. 21, the control unit 30 (see FIG. 2) of the banknote transport controller 13 monitors whether jam release information has been received (step S141). When the control unit 30 receives the jam release information (YES in step S141), the control unit 30 stops monitoring the increase in the number of accumulated deposits performed in step S92 (see FIG. 14), and transmits a permission signal to the island controller 14. (Step S142). The permission signal indicates the No. of the machine 2 that resumes the deposit of the banknote S. (Identification number) and a command to resume the deposit of the banknote S are included.

  As the monitoring of the increase number is stopped, the control unit 30 resets “latest accumulated deposit number” and “increase number” for each inter-vehicle machine 2 to zero in the management table 70 shown in FIG. Renewal of the “cumulative number of deposits just before the occurrence of jam” is resumed. When resuming the update of the “cumulative deposit number just before the occurrence of jam”, the control unit 50 sets each value of the “latest accumulated deposit number” just before resetting to the “cumulative deposit number just before the jam occurrence” immediately after the resumption of update. Each value. Thereafter, each time the banknote transport controller 13 receives total deposit information from the island controller 14 (YES in step S51 in FIG. 9A), the cumulative deposit number immediately before the occurrence of jam in the management table 70 is updated (step S52 in FIG. 9A). .

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the second process executed by the island controller 14 at the time of releasing the banknote jam.
Referring to FIG. 22, the control unit 40 (see FIG. 2) of the island controller 14 monitors whether or not a permission signal has been received from the banknote transport controller 13 (step S <b> 151). When receiving the permission signal (YES in Step S151), the control unit 40 transmits the permission signal to the corresponding inter-machine 2 (No. included in the permission signal) (Step S152). The corresponding inter-machine 2 is the inter-machine 2 that has received the prohibition signal (step S111 in FIG. 18) and stopped taking in the banknote S (step S112 in FIG. 18).

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the second process executed by the inter-machine 2 when the banknote jam is released.
Referring to FIG. 23, control unit 50 (see FIG. 2) of intermediary machine 2 that has stopped taking in banknotes S monitors whether or not a permission signal has been received from island controller 14 (step). S161). When the control unit 50 receives the permission signal (YES in step S161), the control unit 50 cancels the cancellation of the bill S in response to the permission signal (step S162). As a result, the interbank machine 2 can take in the banknote S again.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining communication among the banknote transport controller 13, the island controller 14, and the interstage machine 2 in the banknote transport system 10 at the time of jam release.
The processing of FIGS. 18 to 23 is shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 24, when the jam machine 2 (No. 3) that detects the jam stops detecting the jam in response to the jam release, the jam release information is transmitted to the island controller 14 (step S122 in FIG. 19). . And the island controller 14 transmits jam cancellation | release information to the banknote conveyance controller 13 as early as possible at the time of regular communication etc. (step S132 of FIG. 20). The control unit 30 of the banknote transport controller 13 that has received the jam release information transmits a permission signal to the island controller 14 (step S142 in FIG. 21), and the island controller 14 captures the received banknote S until now. Is transmitted to the inter-vehicle machine 2 that has been prohibited (step S152 in FIG. 22). Then, the interstage machine 2 that has received the permission signal cancels the cancellation of the banknote S (step S162 in FIG. 23).

That is, in response to the detection signal of the jam sensor 54 detecting the jam being changed to the jam non-detection state, the control unit 30 of the banknote transport controller 13 has the detection signal changed to the non-detection state. A signal for canceling the prohibition of the insertion of the banknotes S is output to the inter-machine 2 arranged on the upstream side in the conveyance direction.
Of course, in the intermediary machines 2 upstream from the jam occurrence location, if the banknotes S in some of the intermediary machines 2 are prohibited from being taken in, the banknotes S in the partial intermediary machines 2 are prohibited. Although the cancellation of the pickup is canceled, if the pickup of the banknotes S is prohibited in all the intermediary machines 2 upstream from the jam occurrence location, the acquisition of the banknotes S is stopped in all the interstage machines 2. Canceled.

In any case, if the jam is resolved, the interstage machine 2 on the upstream side in the transport direction from the jam occurrence position can return to the normal state and accept the bill S.
The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.
For example, as another example of setting the allowable number (see FIG. 15) described above, the following two patterns can be additionally considered.
(1) Pattern 1: Since the permissible number can be set at each store of the amusement store, the permissible number of intermediary machines 2 connected to popular gaming machines 1 is greater than the permissible number of other intermediary machines 2 May be more. If the allowable number can be set for each model of the gaming machine 1 by the banknote transport controller 13 or the like, the allowable number can be arbitrarily determined according to the model.
(2) Pattern 2: The allowable number may be automatically set according to the operating rate of the gaming machine 1. Since the gaming machine 1 with a high operating rate is popular with customers, the allowable number of the intermediary machines 2 connected to the gaming machine 1 is connected to another gaming machine 1 with a low operating rate. The number is larger than the allowable number of inter-machines 2.

If the allowable number is set in the above two patterns, even if the above-described problems such as jams occur, the amusement shop can manage the hall more in response to the needs of the player.
The bills inserted into the inter-machine 2 are not limited to the above-mentioned “thousand-yen bills”, but may be any of “10,000-yen bills”, “5,000-yen bills”, and “2,000-yen bills”. .
Moreover, in embodiment mentioned above, although the banknote conveyance controller 13 is outputting the banknote acceptance stop signal immediately after jam detection with respect to the intermediary machine 2 arrange | positioned in the conveyance direction upstream rather than a jam generation position, The bill acceptance stop signal may be output not only to the intermediary machine 2 on the upstream side in the transport direction from the jam occurrence position but also to all intermediary machines 2.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Inter-machine 10 Banknote transport system 13 Banknote transport controller 20 Banknote transport path 30 Control part 50 Control part 54 Jam sensor 100 Game island S Banknote X Predetermined direction

Claims (6)

A banknote transport system applied to an amusement island including a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of banknote insertion machines,
A banknote transport path that extends along the length direction of the game island and receives and transports banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion machine,
Jam detection means for detecting a banknote jam at a predetermined position of the banknote transport path;
In response to the fact that the jam detection means has detected a bill conveyance jam, a bill conveyance controller that outputs a bill acceptance stop signal to the bill insertion machine;
Including
The banknote feeder has the number information of banknotes that can be additionally inserted after receiving the banknote acceptance stop signal.   The banknote insertion machine on the upstream side in the transport direction from the predetermined position prohibits the insertion of banknotes when the additional number of banknotes inserted is inserted after receiving the banknote acceptance stop signal. The bill conveyance system according to claim 1. A plurality of banknote throwing machines are arranged at intervals in the transport direction on the upstream side in the transport direction from the predetermined position,
The banknote acceptance stop signal is given to the plurality of banknote insertion machines,
Each of the plurality of banknote insertion machines has means for outputting the number information to the banknote transport controller each time a banknote is inserted after receiving the banknote acceptance stop signal,
The banknote transport controller sums up the number information given from each banknote insertion machine, and outputs a banknote insertion prohibition signal all at once to each banknote insertion machine in response to the value reaching the number of additional insertions possible. The banknote transport system according to claim 1, further comprising means.   The banknote transport system according to claim 1, wherein the banknote transport controller can change the number of banknote information that can be additionally inserted to be included in the banknote acceptance stop signal.   The jam detection means includes a plurality of jam sensors that are attached to each bill insertion machine and detect a bill conveyance jam at a position on a bill conveyance path corresponding to a position where the bill insertion machine is installed. The bill conveyance system according to claim 1.   In response to the detection signal of the jam sensor detecting the banknote transport jam being changed to the jam non-detection state, the banknote transport controller transports more than the position of the jam sensor where the detection signal is changed to the non-detection state. 6. The banknote transport system according to claim 5, further comprising means for outputting a signal for canceling the banknote insertion prohibition to the banknote insertion machine disposed upstream in the direction.

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