JP2019042443A - Each machine device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide each machine game capable of preventing a storage medium in an extraction waiting state from being pushed out by a storage medium discharged later and from falling outside.SOLUTION: An inter-machine card processing machine 5 includes a card processing part 22 and a control part 29. The card processing part 22 includes: a storage chamber capable of storing a plurality of cards; an entrance that faces the outside of the inter-machine card processing machine 5 and discharges cards; a transfer mechanism for moving cards from the storage chamber to the entrance; and a reader/writer part for reading information from the cards and/or writing information to the cards. The control part 29 limits operation regarding cards for discharging the cards within the storage chamber to the entrance when the cards are present in the entrance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to each device provided corresponding to a gaming machine in order to lend gaming media based on valuable values such as cash and prepaid value.

  In game facilities such as pachinko parlors, in order to rent game media such as pachinko balls and medals to game machines such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines, an inter-card card processing machine as each machine is attached to the game machine.

  Cash (banknotes) and cards are inserted into the inter-card processing machine. A prepaid value or the like is associated with the card as a valuable value. When a player first inserts cash or a card into the intermediary card processing machine and then performs an operation for lending out the game media, the intermediary card processing machine performs the rental processing of the game media, and the lending processing is performed. The valuable value for the quantity of game media is subtracted from the original valuable value.

  When the player finishes playing on the gaming table, if the inter-card card processing machine has residual value, the player can return them by performing an operation for returning the card. . The inter-card processing machine has a storage unit in which a plurality of cards for associating valuable values are stored, and the residual value can be associated with a card stored in advance in the storage unit and discharged. . In addition to the prepaid value, the value associated with the card includes the number of gaming media counted by a counting device provided by the player for each unit or the number of gaming media obtained by electronically adding the number of gaming media acquired by the gaming unit ( Hereinafter, it may be referred to as “the number of holding balls”).

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes an example of the inter-card card processing machine as described above.

JP 2007-37702 A

  When the card is ejected to the entrance / exit of the inter-card processing machine, when the card is held at the entrance / exit, it is in a state of waiting for the card to be removed. Even in such a card waiting state, a case where a new card is discharged can be assumed. For example, after the previous card is returned, the game media acquired on the gaming table may be discharged in association with the card. In this case, if a new card is unconditionally ejected to the entrance / exit, there is a risk that the previous card that was waiting for extraction will be pushed out by the new card and fall outside the inter-card processing machine, The card may be lost or damaged.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide each apparatus that can reduce the risk that a storage medium waiting to be removed is lost or damaged.

  A main aspect of the present invention relates to each device provided corresponding to a game machine in order to perform a game medium lending process based on a valuable value. Each stand device according to the present aspect, a storage portion that can store a plurality of storage media, a discharge port through which the storage medium is discharged facing the outside of each stand device, and a movement from the storage portion to the discharge port And a storage unit that reads and / or writes information with respect to the storage medium, and causes the storage medium in the storage unit to be discharged to the discharge port when a storage medium exists in the discharge port. An operation restriction unit for restricting an operation related to the storage medium.

  According to said structure, in the state in which the storage medium exists in the discharge port, the operation | movement which the storage medium in a storage part newly discharges to a discharge port is restrict | limited. As a result, it is possible to reduce the risk that the storage medium waiting for extraction is pushed out to a new storage medium and dropped to the outside.

  In each stand apparatus according to this aspect, the operation restriction unit transports the storage medium to an information processing position where the information processing unit can perform reading and / or writing even when the operation related to the storage medium is restricted. When the storage medium is positioned at this information processing position, the front end portion of the storage medium is not in contact with the rear end portion of the storage medium at the discharge port.

  According to the above configuration, the information processing unit can read and / or write the storage medium ejected from the storage unit while waiting for the storage medium at the discharge port to be removed. After the customer pulls out the storage medium from the outlet, a new storage medium can be quickly discharged to the outlet.

  In each stand apparatus according to this aspect, the operation restriction unit is provided in association with the storage unit, and the storage unit removes the storage medium from the storage unit while the storage medium is present at the discharge port. A blocking part for blocking may be included.

  According to the above configuration, the storage medium in the storage unit can be prevented from being newly discharged to the discharge port while the storage medium exists in the discharge port, so that the storage medium waiting for extraction is pushed out to the new storage medium. To prevent it from falling outside.

  In each stand apparatus according to this aspect, the operation restriction unit may be configured to release the restriction of the operation when the storage medium is extracted from the discharge port.

  According to the above configuration, when the storage medium is extracted from the discharge port, the recording medium in the storage unit can be newly discharged to the discharge port.

  Each stand apparatus according to this aspect may be configured to further include a detection unit for detecting whether or not the storage medium has been removed from the discharge port.

  According to said structure, it can be determined whether the storage medium was extracted from the discharge outlet by the detection result of a detection part.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, each stand apparatus which can reduce the risk that the storage medium in the extraction waiting state will be lost or damaged can be provided.

  The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example when the present invention is implemented, and the present invention is not limited to what is described in the following embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a gaming system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the pachinko machine and the inter-card card processor according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the inter-card card processing machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the card processing unit according to the embodiment. FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining a return operation of the card processing unit, which is an operation when the card is drawn out from the storage unit and discharged to the entrance / exit, according to the embodiment. FIGS. 6A to 6C are diagrams for explaining an accepting operation of the card processing unit, which is an operation when the card is taken in from the entrance and stored in the storing unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the card return process according to the embodiment. FIGS. 8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating examples of a sampling notification screen, a return confirmation screen, and a ball payout screen displayed on the operation display unit, respectively, according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the card collection process according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a card collection screen displayed on the operation display unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the banknote acceptance process according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sampling reminder screen displayed on the operation display unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 13A is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the counting process according to the embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the payout process according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the card return process according to the first modification. FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the card processing unit according to the second modification. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing drive control of the take-out prevention device according to the second modification. FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating the card processing unit in a state in which the take-out prevention device is turned on according to Modification Example 2, and FIG. 17B is a state in which the take-out prevention device is turned on according to Modification Example 2. It is a figure which shows a card | curd process part, when an entrance / exit mechanism operate | moved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the following embodiments, the pachinko machine 4 corresponds to the “game machine” described in the claims. Further, the inter-card card processor 5 corresponds to “each apparatus” recited in the claims. Furthermore, the entrance / exit 22a corresponds to an “exhaust port” described in the claims. Further, the control unit 29 corresponds to an “operation restriction unit” described in the claims. Further, the storage chamber 108 corresponds to a “storage unit” recited in the claims. Further, the reader / writer unit 111 corresponds to an “information processing unit” recited in the claims. Furthermore, the in / out detection sensor 121 corresponds to a “detection unit” recited in the claims. Furthermore, the take-out prevention device 122 corresponds to a “blocking unit” and an “operation restriction unit” recited in the claims. Furthermore, the transfer mechanism T corresponds to a “transfer unit” recited in the claims. Further, the card C corresponds to a “storage medium” recited in the claims.

  However, the above description is only for the purpose of associating the configuration of the claims with the configuration of the embodiment, and the invention described in the claims is incorporated into the configuration of the embodiment by the above association. It is not limited at all.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gaming system 1 according to the present embodiment. The gaming system 1 is configured in a gaming facility, for example, a pachinko parlor store, and includes a management device 2, a plurality of island controllers 3, a plurality of pachinko machines 4, and a plurality of inter-card card processors 5. In the store, a plurality of game islands including a plurality of sets of pachinko machines 4 and inter-card card processing machines 5 are provided. And the island controller 3 is arrange | positioned for every game island. The management device 2, the island controller 3, and the inter-card card processor 5 are communicably connected via a network line 6 such as an in-store LAN. The pachinko machine 4 and the inter-card card processor 5 are communicably connected via a wireless line or a wired line.

  The management device 2 has a valuable value such as a prepaid value and a number of balls associated with the card received by the inter-card card processing machine 5 or the card in the inter-card card processing machine 5 from each inter-card card processing machine 5. , And is notified together with an ID which is identification information of the card. The management device 2 stores the notified valuable value in association with the card ID in an internal database (not shown) so that the valuable value received by each inter-card card processor 5 can be centralized. to manage. Further, in the case where the card is a membership card to be described later, the management device 2 also stores the number of stored balls, which is the number of game media deposited by the player at the store.

  The island controller 3 relays communication data between the management device 2 and the inter-card card processor 5. The island controller 3 also has a function of partially backing up valuable value data by retaining the contents of communication data for a predetermined period. The pachinko machine 4 is a game machine for a player to play a pachinko game.

  The inter-card card processor 5 is installed for each pachinko machine 4 in a one-to-one correspondence. The inter-card card processing machine 5 has a lending processing function for providing game media (pachinko balls) to a player who uses the pachinko machine 4 based on the prepaid value associated with cash or a card. The inter-card processing machine 5 may have a counting function for counting the number of pachinko balls acquired by the player at the pachinko machine 4.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the pachinko machine 4 and the inter-card card processor 5 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 5 according to the present embodiment.

  A game board 11 is provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine 4. A large number of obstacle nails are planted in the game board 11, and pachinko balls laid out by the player flow down between the obstacle nails from the upper surface of the game board 11. Further, the game board 11 is provided with a plurality of predetermined areas through which pachinko balls can pass. The predetermined area includes an area referred to as a gate and an area referred to as a prize opening, and the area referred to as a gate is provided with a sensor that detects passage of a pachinko ball to the area on the board surface. When a pachinko ball is passed to the gate, a random number is acquired and a normal design random number is drawn. In an area called a prize opening, an opening for guiding the pachinko ball from the board surface to the outside of the board surface is provided, and a sensor for detecting the passage of the pachinko ball is provided inside. When the sensor detects that a pachinko ball has entered the winning opening, a predetermined number of balls are awarded to the player as a prize. In addition, when the sensor detects that a pachinko ball has entered the winning opening called the starting winning opening, a random number is also obtained in addition to the number of balls as a prize. The lottery will be held. On the board near the starting prize opening, there is an accessory device (such as a device called an electric tulip) that can easily move pachinko balls into the starting prize opening. When hit, the accessory device is activated. In addition, when the lottery of special symbol random numbers is won, it will be possible to enter pachinko balls by opening a prize opening called a big prize opening which is closed in the normal state, and there are many balls as a prize A so-called “big hit game” is made available. In the vicinity of the center of the game board 11, an effect symbol display device composed of a large liquid crystal display device or the like is attached, and when the special symbol random number lottery is a big hit, this display device is "7, 7, 7". A big hit is displayed by displaying a set of three numbers. In addition, when the number of balls as a prize is given to the player by entering a pachinko ball into the winning opening, a safe pulse indicating the number of balls given as a prize is output every predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls). To do. In addition, an out port 12 is provided in the lower part of the game board 11, and balls that have not won the prize opening out of the balls that the player has stepped out are discharged from the out port 12 to the outside of the board surface, and further, the pachinko machine from the discharge port It is discharged into the island outside of 4. An external device called an outbox is attached to the island outside the outlet, and the ball discharged from the outlet (the ball discharged from the winning port and the outlet to the outside of the board) is used as an internal out-ball detection sensor. And count. The out box outputs an out pulse indicating a pachinko ball detected by the out ball detection sensor for each predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls).

  Further, an upper plate 13 and a lower plate 14 are provided below the game board 11 on the front surface of the pachinko machine 4. Pachinko balls are paid out to the upper plate 13 through a payout opening 16 from a payout mechanism 15 provided inside the pachinko machine 4 when winning (pachinko ball entering a winning opening). Pachinko balls are temporarily stored in the upper plate 13, and when the pachinko balls are full in the upper plate 13, the pachinko balls are stored in the lower plate 14.

  On the front surface of the upper plate 13, a rental button 17, a return button 18, and a display unit 19 are provided. The lending button 17 is used for a lending operation for lending a pachinko ball. The return button 18 is used for a return operation for returning a card associated with a valuable value as the game ends. The display unit 19 displays the remaining number of cards. The lending button 17, the return button 18, and the display unit 19 are attached to the pachinko machine 4, but are provided on a common interface board, and the interface board is a control unit 29 of the inter-card card processing machine 5. The control unit 29 of the inter-card card processing machine 5 performs input / output and control.

  The inter-card card processor 5 is provided on the left side of the pachinko machine 4 and has a box shape that is elongated vertically. In the inter-card processor 5, a card C as a storage medium is handled in addition to cash (banknotes). The card C is, for example, an IC card. The card C stores the ID of the card C. The card C is associated with a valuable value. As types of the card C, there are a membership card possessed by a player who has registered as a member and a general card issued to a player who does not possess a membership card. The valuable value associated with the general card includes a prepaid value and the number of possessed balls. The value associated with the membership card includes the prepaid value, the number of balls, and the number of stored balls. Also, a password (password) is given to the membership card.

  If the pachinko ball acquired by the player on the game of the day has the counting unit 23, the counting unit 23 counts the number of pachinko balls to make the number of balls identifiable. The number of possessed balls, which is the number, can be associated with the card C as a possessed ball. If it is on that day, the holding ball performs processing (hereinafter also referred to as “replay”) to allow the inter-card processing machine 5 to accept the card C and use it again in the game, A prize management apparatus (not shown) can receive a card C and perform a prize exchange process for exchanging it with a prize. The holding balls associated with the general card are invalidated when the business operation of the day ends and the management device 2 performs a closing process. When using the ball associated with the membership card after the next day, it can be deposited in the store as a stored ball by performing a deposit operation with a prize management device or the like. Further, when the business day ends and the management device 2 performs a store closing process in a state where the possession balls are associated with the membership card, the possession balls are automatically transferred to the storage balls. In this case, the number of stored balls is associated with the membership card, and pachinko balls can be lent or exchanged based on the number of stored balls.

  In the present embodiment, the value that can be specified in the card C is stored in the card C itself, so that the value is associated with the card C. Furthermore, the valuable value is associated with the card C by storing information capable of specifying the valuable value in association with the ID of the card C in the database of the management device 2. Thus, since the valuable value is stored in both the card C and the management device 2, even if the storage of the valuable value is lost in either one, the loss of the valuable value can be prevented. The present invention is not limited to this, and the card C itself may be configured to store only the ID, and the database of the management device 2 may store information that can identify the valuable value in association with the ID. It is possible to specify the value currently held by accumulating information indicating the valuable value added in association with the ID and the used valuable value without directly storing the current valuable value. It may be a simple configuration.

  The inter-card processing machine 5 includes a banknote processing unit 21, a card processing unit 22, a counting unit 23, an operation display unit 24, a replay button 25, a status display lamp 26, a remote control light receiving unit 27, and communication. Unit 28, control unit 29, and storage unit 30.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the front surface of the inter-card card processing machine 5, in order from the top, a status display lamp 26, a remote control light receiving unit 27, a bill insertion slot 21a of the bill processing unit 21, an operation display unit 24, and a replay button. 25, a card C entrance / exit 22a of the card processing unit 22 is provided. The counting unit 23 is provided at the lowermost part of the inter-card card processing machine 5, and the ball tray unit 31 is connected to the front surface thereof. In the present embodiment, the lending button 17 and the return button 18 are attached to the gaming table 4, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the lending button 17 and the return button 18 are inter-card processing. It may be provided on the machine 5 side, or may be provided only on the inter-card card processor 5 side.

  When it is detected that the banknote is inserted into the insertion slot 21a, the banknote processing unit 21 takes in the banknote and the denomination of the banknote is any one of 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen. And the control unit 29 is notified of the identified denomination. The banknote processing unit 21 returns the inserted banknote to the insertion slot 21a when the banknote is not authentic as any of the above denominations. The identified banknote identified as a genuine banknote is delivered to a transport mechanism (not shown) in the island connected to the inter-card processing machine 5, and the banknote collection provided in the store through the transport mechanism Part (not shown). The insertion slot 21a is provided with an insertion detection sensor 21b for detecting the insertion of banknotes. The input detection sensor 21b is made of, for example, a photo interrupter.

  When the card processing unit 22 detects that the card C has been inserted into the doorway 22a, the card processor 22 takes in the card C and stores information such as ID, valuable value (prepaid value, number of possessed balls, number of stored balls) stored in the card C. , And notifies the control unit 29 of the read information. The control unit 29 transmits information indicating the ID read from the card C to the management device 2, and requests information indicating the value managed in the management device 2 in association with the ID of the card C. And when the information which shows the valuable value corresponding to ID of the card | curd C is transmitted from the management apparatus 2, it memorize | stores in the memory | storage part 30. FIG. When a card C return operation is performed, the card processing unit 22 writes (stores) information such as the balance of the valuable value (residual valuable value) stored in the storage unit 30 in the card C, and the management device 2 is notified of the information indicating the ID of the card C and the balance of the valuable value stored in the storage unit 30, and the information on the valuable value stored in the storage unit 30 is invalidated (cleared). Return to the entrance 22a. In the card processing unit 22, a plurality of cards C serving as general cards are stored in advance. When the inter-card processing machine 5 accepts cash (banknotes) without accepting the card C from the outside, and the operation of returning the card C is performed, the card processing unit 22 stores the card stored in advance. A prepaid value corresponding to the balance is stored in C, and issuance processing for returning the card C as a general card to the gateway 22a is performed. The detailed configuration of the card processing unit 22 will be described later.

  The pachinko balls that have fallen from the lower plate 14 of the pachinko machine 4 are aligned and introduced into the counting unit 23 through the ball receiving plate unit 31. The counting unit 23 detects and counts the introduced pachinko balls with an internal counting sensor, stores them, and notifies the control unit 29 of the number of balls. The control unit 29 adds and updates the number of possessed balls stored in the storage unit 30 based on the number of possessed balls notified from the counting unit 23. Although not shown, the counting unit 23 has a unit structure that can be detached from the inter-card card processor 5 and does not perform counting operation (each unit counting operation) for each pachinko machine 4. In this case, the operation without a counting function is possible by removing the ball receiving plate 31 and the counting unit 23 from the inter-card processing machine 5. When performing an operation without a counting function, the player counts the number of balls acquired by a counter provided on the island edge or the like and associates it with a card C or a receipt. When the number of balls counted by the counter is associated with the card C, replay on the inter-card card processor 5 is possible.

  The operation display unit 24 is constituted by, for example, a touch panel capable of multicolor display, accepts various input operations to the inter-card card processor 5, is specified based on the accepted card C, and is stored in the storage unit 30. Various information such as the prepaid value, the number of possessed balls, and the number of stored balls are displayed. Although not shown, the display surface of the operation display unit 24 is installed so as to face a direction inclined by a predetermined angle toward the corresponding pachinko machine 4 side. The replay button 25 is a button that is operated to replay, and is operated in common when replaying the stored ball and replaying the holding ball. In the present embodiment, the physical replay button 25 is attached. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the replay button is displayed on the operation display unit 24, and the area of the displayed replay button is displayed. Replay may be performed when operated. In this case, depending on the mode of the replay button, if the display of the replay button when accepting the replay of the stored ball is different from the display of the replay button when accepting the replay of the holding ball, It becomes possible to clearly recognize whether or not replay can be performed.

  The status display lamp 26 informs the status of the inter-card card processor 5, for example, whether there is an abnormality, by the color and lighting state. The remote control light receiving unit 27 receives an infrared operation signal from a remote control (employee terminal) carried by an attendant at the game facility. When the remote control light receiving unit 27 receives an operation signal from the remote control, the control authority is determined from the remote control ID of the transmission source by the scrambled code included in the signal received by infrared communication, and there is an operation authority. Only in this case, the operation in response to the operation signal is performed. The operations performed by the operation signal from the remote controller include removal of the counting unit 23, removal from the mounting frame of the main body of the inter-card card processing machine 5, collection / replenishment of the card C, and the number of holding balls stored in the storage unit 30. Clearing, unlocking the banknote stack part in the case of having a banknote stack part for stacking accepted banknotes.

  The communication unit 28 includes a communication device such as a LAN board, and performs data communication with the management apparatus 2 and the pachinko machine 4.

  The storage unit 30 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, stores an operation program of the control unit 29, and is used as a work area when the control unit 29 performs control processing.

  The control unit 29 includes an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and in accordance with an operation program stored in the storage unit 30, each component of the inter-card card processing machine 5 (the banknote processing unit 21, the card processing unit 22, (Counting unit 23, operation display unit 24, replay button 25, status display lamp 26, remote control light receiving unit 27, communication unit 28, etc.) are controlled.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the card processing unit 22 according to the present embodiment.

  The card processing unit 22 includes a transport path 101 extending rearward from the entrance 22a on the front side. The card C is transported in the transport path 101 in a state where the card C is erected so that the longitudinal direction thereof is the front-rear direction. A transport mechanism 102 for transporting the card C is provided in relation to the transport path 101. The transport mechanism 102 includes two first rollers 103 that can be rotated around a vertical axis and arranged in front and rear on the left side of the transport path 101, and a first endless belt 104 that is stretched between the two first rollers 103. Two second rollers 105 that are arranged on the right side of the conveyance path 101 and that are rotatable around the vertical axis, a second endless belt 106 that is stretched between the two second rollers 105, and a right side of the conveyance path 101. And a conveyance motor 107 that rotationally drives the first roller 103. Part of the first roller 103 and the first endless belt 104 is exposed in the conveyance path 101 from the left side, and part of the second roller 105 and the second endless belt 106 is exposed in the conveyance path 101 from the right side. A gap enough to sandwich the card C is provided between the first endless belt 104 and the second endless belt 106. When the first roller 103 is rotationally driven by the transport motor 107, the first endless belt 104 rotates.

  A storage chamber 108 for storing the card C is provided behind the transport path 101. The rear side of the right side surface of the storage chamber 108 is formed as an inclined surface 108a that extends obliquely to the rear right. A support plate 109 having substantially the same shape as the card C is disposed in the storage chamber 108. The support plate 109 is pressed toward the inclined surface 108 a by two springs 110 disposed between the rear portion of the support plate 109 and the left side surface of the storage chamber 108. In the storage chamber 108, a plurality of cards C are stored in a slightly tilted state by being sandwiched between the support plate 109 and the inclined surface 108a.

  On the left side of the transport path 101, a reader / writer unit 111 is disposed behind the transport mechanism 102. The reader / writer unit 111 performs information processing for reading and writing information such as valuable value with respect to the card C. The transport mechanism 102 moves the card C inserted into the entrance / exit 22a to a position where the reader / writer 111 can process information (hereinafter referred to as a processing position), and moves the card C at the processing position to the entrance / exit 22a. Note that the reader / writer unit 111 also identifies whether the inserted card C is a member card or a general card, and whether the card C is a regular card (usable card). Further, since the card C is temporarily held at the processing position, the processing position is also a temporary holding position.

  A shutter lever 112 is disposed on the right side of the conveyance path 101. The shutter lever 112 has a detection portion 112a that extends in the front-rear direction and projects to the left at the rear end portion. The shutter lever 112 is supported by a swing shaft 113 extending in the vertical direction. A small piece of shutter 114 is attached to the front end of the shutter lever 112. The shutter lever 112 can swing around the swing shaft 113 from an inclined position where the rear end portion is inclined leftward with respect to the front-rear direction as shown in FIG. 4 to a parallel position substantially parallel to the front-rear direction. When the shutter lever 112 is in the inclined position, the detection unit 112a is in a state of being advanced into the storage chamber 108, and the shutter 114 is in a state of being retracted from the conveyance path 101. When the shutter lever 112 swings to the parallel position, the shutter 114 advances into the transport path 101, and the detection unit 112a retracts from the storage chamber 108.

  In relation to the storage chamber 108, a loading / unloading mechanism 115 is provided for taking the card C at the processing position in the transport path 101 into and out of the storage chamber 108. The entry / exit mechanism 115 includes a take-in part 116, a feed-out part 117, a lift part 118, and a drive motor 119.

  The take-in part 116 and the feeding part 117 are arranged on the right side of the transport path 101 and below the shutter lever 112. The intake portion 116 has an arm shape extending in the front-rear direction. A halfway portion of the take-in portion 116 is bent to the right side and then bent to the rear side, and the rear end portion is bent to the left side to form a recess 116a that is recessed to the right side on the rear side. In addition, an intake claw 120 is attached to the front end portion of the intake portion 116 so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 116b extending vertically. As shown in FIG. 4, the take-in claw 120 takes a tilting form that tilts along the front-rear direction (solid line in the figure) and an upright form that stands up along the left-right direction (broken line in the figure).

  The feeding portion 117 has an arm shape extending in the front-rear direction, and is connected to the capturing portion 116 behind the capturing portion 116. The front end portion 117a of the feeding portion 117 is bent to the right side and fitted into the recess 116a of the take-in portion 116 from the left side. The front end portion 117a can move in the front-rear direction within the recess 116a, and the feeding portion 117 can move in the front-rear direction with respect to the take-in portion 116 within the movement range of the front end portion 117a. In addition, a flat surface 117b is formed at the rear end portion of the feeding portion 117, and a feeding claw 117c is formed behind the flat surface 117b.

  The intake part 116 and the feeding part 117 can move in the front-rear direction. When the take-in part 116 moves rearward from the position shown in FIG. 4, when the take-in part 116 reaches a predetermined standing position (a position ahead of the card C in the processing position), the take-in claw 120 is tilted. Switches from standing to standing.

  The lift portion 118 is disposed behind the inclined surface 108a of the storage chamber 108, and is moved in the left-right direction between the retracted position retracted from the storage chamber 108 and the advanced position advanced into the storage chamber 108 as shown in FIG. Can be moved to.

  The drive motor 119 is connected to the take-in unit 116, the feed unit 117, and the lift unit 118 via a transmission mechanism (not shown) including a gear, a cam, and the like, and moves the take-in unit 116 and the feed unit 117 in the front-rear direction. And lift unit 118 is moved in the left-right direction.

  In the vicinity of the entrance / exit 22a, an entrance / exit detection sensor 121 for detecting that the card C is present at the entrance / exit 22a, that is, detecting whether or not the card C is extracted from the entrance / exit 22a is arranged. The in / out detection sensor 121 is configured by, for example, a photo interrupter.

  The transport mechanism 102 and the entrance / exit mechanism 115 take out the card C from the storage chamber 108 and move it to the entrance / exit 22a, and move the card C at the entrance / exit 22a to the storage chamber 108 and take it into the storage chamber 108. Configure. Control of the operations of the transport mechanism T (the transport mechanism 102 and the entry / exit mechanism 115) and the reader / writer unit 111 is performed by the control unit 29.

  FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining the return operation of the card processing unit 22 as the operation when the card C is drawn out from the storage chamber 108 and discharged to the entrance / exit 22a according to the present embodiment. is there. Hereinafter, the return operation of the card processing unit 22 will be described.

  From the state shown in FIG. 4, first, the card C in the storage chamber 108 is taken out to the processing position of the transport path 101 by the access mechanism 115. That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the take-in portion 116 and the feeding portion 117 are moved backward to a position where the feeding claws 117c of the feeding portion 117 are located behind the plurality of cards C in the storage chamber 108. To do. At this time, the rear portion of the leftmost card C is supported by the flat surface 117b of the feeding portion 117, and the plurality of cards C are in a state along the front-rear direction.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the taking-in portion 116 and the feeding portion 117 move forward, the rear end of the leftmost card C is pushed forward by the feeding claw 117c, and the card C is Move forward. Thereby, one card C is taken out from the storage chamber 108 to the processing position of the transport path 101. In the present embodiment, since the size of the card processing unit 22 in the front-rear direction is small, the rear portion of the card C enters the storage chamber 108 even when the card C is taken out of the storage chamber 108 and is in the processing position.

  When the card C is in the processing position, the shutter 112 is swung to a parallel position by pressing the detection unit 112 a against the card C, and the shutter 114 moves into the transport path 101 to close the transport path 101. As a result, another card C cannot be inserted into the entrance 22a.

  When information such as valuable value is written on the card C by the reader / writer unit 111, the transport mechanism 102 operates and the card C is transported by the transport mechanism 102 to the entrance / exit 22a. That is, the first endless belt 104 moves in the direction of moving the card C forward, and the card C moves toward the entrance / exit 22a through the gap between the first endless belt 104 and the second endless belt 106. When the shutter 114 is pushed at the front end of the card C in a state where the detection unit 112a is not pushed by the movement of the card C, the shutter 114 is retracted and the conveyance path 101 is opened. As shown in FIG. 5C, when the card C reaches the entrance / exit 22a and the front portion of the card C is exposed to the outside, the transport mechanism 102 stops. At this time, the rear end portion of the card C is in a state of being hooked between the first endless belt 104 and the second endless belt 106. This state is a drawing waiting state for waiting for the card C to be drawn from the entrance 22a.

  Depending on the structure of the card processing unit 22, such as the length in the front-rear direction being long, when the card C is taken out to the processing position of the transport path 101, the entire card C can be out of the storage chamber 108.

  FIGS. 6A to 6C are diagrams for explaining the receiving operation of the card processing unit 22 which is an operation when the card C is taken from the entrance 22a and stored in the storage chamber 108 according to the present embodiment. is there. Hereinafter, the reception operation of the card processing unit 22 will be described.

  The state where the card C is inserted into the entrance / exit 22a is similar to the state shown in FIG. When the card C is inserted into the entrance / exit 22a, the transport mechanism 102 operates, and the card C is transported to the processing position of the transport path 101 by the transport mechanism 102. That is, the first endless belt 104 moves in the direction of moving the card C backward, and the card C moves toward the processing position through the gap between the first endless belt 104 and the second endless belt 106. When the card C reaches the processing position, the transport mechanism 102 stops.

  When information such as valuable value is read from the card C by the reader / writer unit 111, the card C is stored in the storage chamber 108 by the loading / unloading mechanism 115. That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, the taking-in part 116 moves rearward with the feeding part 117 stopped, and the taking-in claw 120 in the standing form is applied to the front end of the card C. Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the taking-in part 116 and the feeding part 117 move backward, the front end of the card C is pushed backward by the taking-in claw 120, and the card C moves backward. To do. As a result, the card C is stored in the storage chamber 108. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6C, the lift part 118 moves to the advanced position, and the rear parts of the cards C in the storage chamber 108 are separated from the flat surface 117 b of the feeding part 117 by the lift part 118. To the left. In this state, the taking-in part 116 and the feeding part 117 move forward, so that the taking-in claw 117c does not hit the card C, and the taking-in part 116 and the feeding part 117 return to the front position (see FIG. 4). .

  The card C stored in advance in the storage chamber 108 is a general card. When the card C is a membership card, the card C inserted into the entrance / exit 22a by the accepting operation of the card processing unit 22 is transported to the processing position in the transport path 101, and information such as valuable value is read by the reader / writer unit 111. Remains in the processing position. At the time of return, the card C in which information such as valuable value is written is conveyed from the processing position to the entrance / exit 22a by the return operation of the card processing unit 22.

  In the above example, when the card C inserted into the entrance / exit 22a is a general card, after the information such as the valuable value is read from the card C at the processing position in the transport path 101, the card C is stored in the storage chamber. It is stored in 108. However, the card processing unit 22 temporarily holds the card C in the processing position, and only when the card C does not need to be returned, for example, all the valuable values associated with the card C are lost. May be stored in the storage chamber 108.

  Next, the operation of the inter-card card processor 5 will be described.

  When the player starts the game on the pachinko machine 4 and does not have the card C, the player inserts cash (banknote) into the insertion slot 21a of the banknote processing unit 21. The card processing unit 22 inserts / removes the card C that can be issued next out of the plurality of cards C stored in the storage chamber 108 into the storage chamber 108 at regular time intervals, and sets the ID of the card C to the reader / writer. The data is read by the unit 111 and stored in the storage unit 30 (hereinafter, this process may be referred to as “preparation read”). The control unit 29 stores the amount of inserted cash in the storage unit 30 in association with the ID stored in the storage unit 30 as the ID of the card C that can be issued next by the preparation lead, and the management device 2 In order to manage, the ID and the amount information stored in the storage unit 30 are sent to the management device 2 via the network line 6.

  On the other hand, when the player possesses a card C (member card, general card) associated with a valuable value such as a prepaid value or the number of possessed balls, the player inserts the card C into the entrance 22a of the card processing unit 22. The control unit 29 causes the card processing unit 22 to perform the above-described receiving operation (see FIGS. 6A to 6C), and associates the valuable value read from the card C with the ID of the card C. The information is stored in the storage unit 30 and the ID and valuable information are sent to the management apparatus 2 via the network line 6.

  Next, the player performs a lending operation using the lending button 17 of the pachinko machine 4 in order to lend a pachinko ball. When a lending operation is performed with the lending button 17, the operation signal is input to the control unit 29 of the inter-card card processing machine 5, and the inter-card card processing machine 5 receives the lending request signal toward the pachinko machine 4 in response thereto. Send. This lending request signal is transmitted once every predetermined number (for example, 25 balls), and when the pachinko machine 4 receives the lending request signal, it returns a lending approval signal to the inter-card card processor 5. After this transmission / reception is performed for the number of pachinko balls to be lent out (for example, when 125 balls are lent out, five times), the pachinko machine 4 is driven and the payout mechanism 15 is driven to rent out the corresponding number of pachinko balls.

  When the inter-card card processing machine 5 receives the lending approval signal for the lending request signal, it corresponds to the number of pachinko balls lent from the valuable value (here, the amount of cash or the prepaid value) stored in the storage unit 30. The valuable value is subtracted, and the valuable value after the subtraction is stored in the storage unit 30 and sent to the management device 2.

  When the number of stored balls (limited to membership cards) or the number of coins is associated with the inserted card C, the player receives a pachinko ball that is a stored ball or a coin, so that the inter-card processing machine 5 There is a case where a payout operation by the replay button 25 is performed. First, when the number of possessed balls is associated with the card C, when the inter-card processing machine 5 receives the card C, the card ID is transmitted to the management apparatus 2 to request the number of possessed balls. Then, the management device 2 transmits the number of balls associated with the card ID to the inter-card processing machine 5 and clears the number of balls managed by the own device in association with the card ID to 0. . Then, the inter-card card processing machine 5 stores the transmitted number of possessed balls in the storage unit 30. When the replay button 25 is operated to pay out the ball, every time the replay button 25 is operated, a predetermined number (for example, 125 balls) of payout processing is performed. When the number is less than the predetermined number, the payout processing of all the number of possessed balls is performed. When performing a payout process for holding balls, a multiple of a certain number (25 balls) that can be paid out from the pachinko machine 4 is executed by issuing a payout instruction to the pachinko machine 4, and the number of balls that does not reach the given number. Performs a payout process by the payout mechanism of the inter-card card processing machine 5. Then, the number of possessed balls stored in the storage unit 30 is subtracted according to the payout process. When the card C is ejected from the inter-card processor 5, the number of balls remaining in the storage unit 30 is transmitted to the management device 2, and the ball possessed by the management device 2 is managed again.

  When the card C is a membership card and the number of stored balls is associated with the card C, when the inter-card processing machine 5 receives the card C, the card ID is transmitted to the management device 2 to request the number of stored balls. . Then, the management device 2 transmits the number of stored balls associated with the card ID to the inter-card card processing machine 5. The inter-card card processing machine 5 stores the transmitted number of stored balls in the storage unit 30 as a reference value. Then, when paying out the stored balls by operating the replay button 25, each time the replay button 25 is operated, the management device 2 is requested to withdraw a predetermined number of stored balls (for example, 125 balls). If the balance managed by the management device 2 exceeds a predetermined number, the management device 2 subtracts the predetermined number from the balance and responds with the completion of withdrawal. When there is a withdrawal completion response from the management device 2, the inter-card processing machine 5 issues a predetermined number of pachinko balls by issuing a payout instruction to the pachinko machine 4, and the stored balls stored in the storage unit 30. Subtract a predetermined number from the number. A pachinko ball of a quantity based on the payout instruction is paid out from the pachinko machine 4 which has received the payout instruction when performing the payout processing of the holding balls / storing balls.

  In the present embodiment, with respect to a multiple of a certain number (25 balls) that can be paid out from the pachinko machine 4 in the payout process of the holding balls / storing balls, the payout process is performed by issuing a payout instruction to the pachinko machine 4 and the fixed number As for the number of balls less than 3, the payout mechanism of the inter-card card processing machine 5 is shown as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. A payout mechanism may perform the payout process. Further, when the card C is a membership card, replay is possible on condition that authentication is performed with a password registered in advance at the time of membership registration (for example, a 4-digit number arbitrarily determined by the member). For authentication, when the card C, which is a member card, is received, the management device 2 displays a message prompting the user to input a password that is the same as the password stored in association with the ID in advance, via the operation display unit 24. When the input is accepted and the authentication is normally performed, the replay may be performed, or when the card C as the membership card is received, the authentication is not performed, and the authentication is performed when the replay button 25 is operated. You may do it. When authentication is performed when the replay button 25 is operated, when authentication is normally performed in the first replay operation, authentication is performed while the same card C is received. The authenticated state may be stored, and the next replay operation may be replayed without performing authentication processing. Further, the authenticated state may be canceled after a predetermined time.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the number of possessions is associated with the card C, the management apparatus 2 transmits the number of possessions associated with the card ID to the inter-card card processing machine 5 and the own apparatus. Clears the number of balls managed in association with the card ID to 0, and after the card C is ejected from the inter-card card processor 5, the inter-card card processor 5 transfers the number of balls to the management device 2. When it is transmitted, the ball is managed again. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the case where the number of possessed balls is associated with the card C is not the above-described method, but the same method as when the number of accumulated balls is associated with the card C, Each time the inter-card processing machine 5 requests the management device 2 to withdraw a predetermined number of balls, a method may be used in which the management device 2 subtracts the predetermined number from the balance and responds to the completion of the withdrawal.

  The inter-card processing machine 5 can accept a replay operation using a mobile phone of a player who is a member, that is, a payout operation for a stored ball. That is, in the inter-card card processing machine 5, after the mobile phone replay button displayed on the operation display unit 24 is pressed, the password set at the time of member registration is input, and the replay button on the front of the inter-card card processing machine 5 is input. The IC chip unique identification information (IDm) is read and stored as terminal identification information for identifying the mobile phone from the IC chip built in the mobile phone by a mobile reading unit (not shown) provided at the lower part of 25. IDm is transmitted to the management apparatus 2, and the member information managed in association with the IDm is requested. When the password number included in the member information matches the entered password number, the control unit 29 sends a payout instruction to the pachinko machine 4 so that the payout process similar to the replay of the stored ball using the member card is performed. Is called. This replay process can also be performed by a method in which the IDm is read first by the portable reading unit and the password is subsequently input. Pachinko balls are paid out from the pachinko machine 4, and the management device 2 subtracts the number of stored balls of the member who has performed the replay operation with the mobile phone by the number of paid-out pachinko balls. The IDm read by the portable reading unit is stored while being stored for a certain period, and if the IDm of the same mobile phone is read within the certain period, it can be replayed without inputting a personal identification number. .

  In the middle of the game, when the pachinko machine 4 is in a state where a large number of pachinko balls such as a big hit can be obtained and the player flows the pachinko balls from the lower plate 14 of the pachinko machine 4 to the counting unit 23, the control unit 29 The number of possessed balls counted by the counting unit 23 is added to the number of retained balls stored in the storage unit 30.

  When the player finishes the game on the pachinko machine 4, when the player has a residual value (cash or prepaid value balance) or has a ball, the player performs a return operation using the return button 18 on the pachinko machine 4. .

  In the inter-card processing machine 5, when the control unit 29 receives an operation signal based on the return operation, after writing the remaining valuable value (remaining cash, prepaid value, holding ball, etc.), the card ID and the remaining valuable value are written. To the management device 2, clears the value of residual value stored in the storage unit 30, and returns the card C. When the card C is a general card and the prepaid value and the number of possessed balls are both 0, the general card is collected by the inter-card processing machine 5 and the return process is not performed. When the card C is a membership card, the stored value of the remaining valuable value is not written to the card C, and the balance of the stored value is not notified to the management device 2. Returning this card C includes issuing a new general card. As for the general card, “the number of cards that can be returned” is set and stored with respect to the value of the possession associated with the general card. The number of cards that can be returned is a value that can be set by the store operator as the number of cards that will not be returned if the number of possessed balls is less than that number. For example, the card C can be set in accordance with the value of the card C so that the store operation is not hindered when the card C is discarded or lost. The number of cards that can be returned is a value (general value of prepaid value consumed for lending per pachinko ball) of game media for which the inter-card processing machine 5 performs payout processing (general value) (Referred to as "rate") and can be set differently. In the inter-card processing machine 5, when the return operation is performed, if the prepaid value is 0 and the number of possessed balls is less than the number of cards that can be returned, the card C is not returned, but instead The number of pachinko balls corresponding to the number is paid out. In this case, since it is not necessary to return the card C, it is not essential to pay out the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the number of balls, for example, it is recognized that the card cannot be returned without performing a return operation. The possible display may be performed on the operation display unit 24. In addition, even when the prepaid value is not 0 and the number of held balls is less than the number of cards that can be returned, if the return operation is performed, the card C is not returned, and instead, the number of pachinko machines corresponding to the number of held balls A ball payout process is performed. In this case, when the return operation is performed again after the pachinko ball payout process, the card C associated with the prepaid value is discharged. Instead of the above process, when the prepaid value is not 0, a process of discharging the card C in which the prepaid value and the number of balls are associated may be performed according to the return operation regardless of the number of balls. In the above processing, the “returnable card number” is set, and the process of restricting the return of the card C when the number is less than (less than) the number is shown as an example. May be a process for restricting the return of the card C when the number of cards cannot be returned is less than the number, and is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to suppress the issuance of a general card associated with a ball having a certain standard or less. When the card C is a membership card, the card C is returned in response to the return operation regardless of the setting of the number of cards that can be returned.

  In the inter-card processing machine 5, the card C is discharged from the card processing unit 22 as well as the case where the card C is returned (including new issuance) as described above, and is also collected from the remote controller carried by the attendant. The card C may be collected based on the operation. For example, an appropriate number of cards C stored in the storage chamber 108 of the card processing unit 22 is predetermined by the gaming facility. When it is found that more than the appropriate number of cards C are stored in the storage chamber 108, a recovery operation is performed, and a predetermined number of cards C are recovered from the card processing unit 22. Note that the card C is also returned from the card processing unit 22 when the management device 2 performs the store closing process.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the card return process according to this embodiment. FIGS. 8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating examples of the sampling notification screen S1, the return confirmation screen S2, and the ball payout screen S3 displayed on the operation display unit 24 according to the present embodiment, respectively.

  In order to return the card C from the card processing unit 22 based on the return operation, a card return process is executed by the control unit 29.

  In the inter-card card processing machine 5 of the present embodiment, when the card C returned to the entrance 22a of the card processing unit 22 is in a state of waiting for removal, the card C in the storage chamber 108 is not newly discharged to the entrance 22a. By doing so, the card C waiting to be removed is pushed out to a new card C so as not to fall outside.

  Referring to FIG. 7, control unit 29 monitors whether a return operation has been performed (S101). When a return operation is performed using the return button 18 (S101: YES), the control unit 29 determines whether or not the number of possessed balls stored in the storage unit 30 is 0 (S102), and the number of retained balls is 0. If so (S102), it is determined whether or not the prepaid value stored in the storage unit 30 is 0 (S103).

  When the prepaid value is not 0 (S103: NO), the controller 29 determines that the inter-card processing machine 5 is waiting for extraction of the card C previously discharged to the entrance 22a based on the detection result of the entrance / exit detection sensor 121. It is determined whether or not (S104). If the previously discharged card C remains at the entrance / exit 22a, it is determined that the inter-card card processor 5 is in a state of waiting for removal of the card C (S104: YES). In this case, the control unit 29 invalidates the return operation by the return button 18, returns to the process of S101, and monitors the return operation again. As a result, the card C is not returned to the entrance / exit 22a despite the return operation. In this case, the method is not particularly limited as long as the operation of returning the card C can be suppressed, and the return operation is not invalidated, but the process corresponding to the operation is not performed after the return operation is accepted. Good.

  On the other hand, when the inter-card card processing machine 5 is not in a state of waiting for removal of the card C (S104: NO), the control unit 29 determines whether the return confirmation mode is set (S105). In the inter-card card processing machine 5, as a return operation, in addition to the operation of the return button 18 of the pachinko machine 4, a return confirmation mode for requesting an operation on the operation display unit 24 of the inter-card card processing machine 5 can be set. .

  When the return confirmation mode is not set (S105: NO), the control unit 29 causes the card processing unit 22 to perform the return operation described with reference to FIGS. That is, the control unit 29 operates the loading / unloading mechanism 115 to take out the card C from the storage chamber 108 and move it to the processing position (S106). The reader / writer unit 111 stores information such as the remaining valuable value on the card C. After writing (S107), the transport mechanism 102 is operated to discharge the card C on which information is written to the entrance / exit 22a (S108). Furthermore, the control unit 29 causes the operation display unit 24 to display a sampling notification screen S1 instead of a screen such as a standby screen (not shown) that has been displayed so far (S109). The sampling notification screen S1 is, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 8A, and prompts the player to withdraw the card C from the entrance 22a. Thereafter, the control unit 29 returns to the process of S101 and monitors the return operation again. The withdrawal notification screen S1 continues to be displayed on the operation display unit 24 until the entrance / exit detection sensor 121 detects that the card C has been removed from the entrance / exit 22a.

  On the other hand, when the return confirmation mode has been set (S105: YES), the control unit 29 causes the operation display unit 24 to display the return confirmation screen S2 instead of the previous screen (S110). The return confirmation screen S2 is, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 8B, and includes a return confirmation button B1 and a cancel button B2.

  When the player approves the return of the card C, the player presses the return confirmation button B1. When the return confirmation button B1 is pressed (S111: YES), the control unit 29 moves to a return operation by the card processing unit 22 (S106 to S108). In addition, when the player stops returning the card C, the player presses the cancel button B2. When the cancel button B2 is pressed (S112: YES), the control unit 29 returns to the process of S101 and monitors the return operation again. At this time, in the operation display unit 24, the return confirmation screen S2 is closed, and a screen such as a standby screen is displayed.

  If the return button 18 is operated in a state where the prepaid value and the number of balls are both 0, it is determined in S103 that the prepaid value is 0. When such a determination is made (S103: YES), the control unit 29 invalidates the return operation, returns to the process of S101, and monitors the return operation again.

  Regardless of whether the prepaid value is 0 or not, if the return button 18 is operated in a state where the number of balls is not 0, it is determined in S102 that the number of balls is not 0. Determines whether the number of holding balls is equal to or greater than the returnable number (S113). If the number of holding balls is equal to or greater than the number that can be returned (S113: YES), the controller 29 determines whether or not the inter-card processing machine 5 is in a state of waiting for extraction of the card C previously discharged to the entrance / exit 22a. Determine (S104). On the other hand, if the number of balls is less than the number that can be returned (S113: NO), the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the number of balls is paid out (S114). Furthermore, the control unit 29 displays the ball payout screen S3 on the operation display unit 24 (S115). The ball payout screen S3 is a screen as shown in FIG. 8C, for example, and includes a display of the number of pachinko balls to be paid out.

  When the payout of the pachinko balls is completed, the control unit 29 returns to the process of S101 and monitors the return operation again. At this time, the operation display unit 24 closes the ball payout screen S3 and displays a screen such as a standby screen.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the card collection process according to this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the card collection screen S4 displayed on the operation display unit 24 according to the present embodiment.

  In order to collect the card C from the card processing unit 22 based on the collection operation, a card collection process is executed by the control unit 29.

  In the inter-card card processing machine 5 of the present embodiment, when the card C returned to the entrance 22a of the card processing unit 22 is in a waiting state for withdrawal before the collection operation is performed, the card is stored even if the card collection operation is performed. By preventing the card C in the chamber 108 from being newly discharged to the entrance / exit 22a, the card C waiting to be removed is not pushed out by the new card C and dropped to the outside.

  Referring to FIG. 9, control unit 29 monitors whether a collection command has been received (S201). When a collection operation is performed with the clerk's remote control, a collection command is sent to the inter-card processing machine 5. In the collecting operation, the number of cards C to be collected is designated, and information on the designated number of cards C is also sent to the inter-card card processor 5. When the collection command is received (S201: YES), the control unit 29 determines whether or not the inter-card card processor 5 is in a state of waiting for extraction of the card C discharged to the entrance 22a before receiving the collection command ( S202). When the inter-card card processing machine 5 is in the state of waiting for removal of the card C (S202: YES), the control unit 29 invalidates the collection command, that is, the collection operation by the remote controller, returns to the process of S201, and again collects the collection command. To monitor. As a result, the card C is not discharged to the entrance / exit 22a despite the collection operation.

  On the other hand, when the inter-card card processing machine 5 is not in the state of waiting for removal of the card C (S202: NO), the control unit 29 causes the operation display unit 24 to display the card collection screen S4 in place of the previous screen (see FIG. S203). The card collection screen S4 is a screen as shown in FIG. 10, for example, and includes information on the number of cards C to be collected. Next, the control unit 29 operates the access mechanism 115 to take out the card C from the storage chamber 108 and move it to the processing position (S204). Further, the control unit 29 operates the transport mechanism 102 to discharge the card C to the entrance / exit 22a (S205).

  Next, the control unit 29 determines whether or not the specified number of cards C have been collected (whether or not they have been discharged to the entrance / exit 22a) (S206: YES). If the designated number of cards C has not been collected (S206: NO), the control unit 29 monitors whether or not the card C has been removed from the entrance / exit 22a (S207). When the card C is discharged to the entrance / exit 22a, the clerk extracts and collects the card C. When the card C is extracted from the entrance / exit 22a (S207: YES), the control unit 29 returns to the process of S204, operates the entrance / exit mechanism 115 and the transport mechanism 102, and takes out a new card C from the storage chamber 108, It discharges to the entrance / exit 22a (S204, S205). Thus, when the collection of the specified number of cards C is completed (S206: YES), the control unit 29 ends the current collection process, returns to the process of S201, and again monitors the collection command. At this time, in the operation display unit 24, the card collection screen S4 is closed and a screen such as a standby screen is displayed.

  In this way, in the card return process and the card collection process, while the card C is present at the entrance / exit 22a, the accepted return operation and collection operation are invalidated so that the card C is transferred by the transfer mechanism T. And the new card C in the storage chamber 108 is not discharged to the entrance / exit 22a. When the card C is extracted from the entrance 22a, the return operation and the collection operation are not invalidated, the restriction of the transfer of the card C by the transfer mechanism T is released, and a new card C in the storage chamber 108 is transferred to the entrance 22a. It will be discharged.

  In the card return process and the card collection process, the card C is extracted from the entrance / exit 22a based on the determination that the inter-card processing machine 5 is in the card C extraction waiting state (S104: YES, S202: YES). It may be notified that the return operation or the collection operation is not valid because the operation is not performed by a screen display on the operation display unit 24 or a sound from a sound notification unit (not shown) such as a speaker.

  Now, when the inter-card card processor 5 is in a state of waiting for the card C to be removed, in many cases, it can be considered that the current player continues to play on the pachinko machine 4. On the other hand, the act of inserting a banknote into the insertion slot 21a of the banknote processing unit 21 can be regarded as an act of a new player starting play. Therefore, it is not always desirable for the inter-card card processing machine 5 to accept the banknote inserted into the insertion slot 21a when the inter-card card processing machine 5 is in a state of waiting for removal of the card C. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the inter-card card processing machine 5 is in a state of waiting for the card C to be removed, the banknote processing unit 21 does not accept banknotes.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the bill acceptance process according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the sampling reminder screen S5 displayed on the operation display unit 24 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 11, control unit 29 monitors whether or not a bill has been inserted into insertion slot 21a by insertion detection sensor 21b (S301). When inserted into the insertion slot 21a (S301: YES), the control unit 29 determines whether or not the inter-card card processing machine 5 is in a state of waiting for removal of the card C (S302). When the inter-card processing machine 5 is not in the state of waiting for the card C to be removed (S302: NO), the control unit 29 operates the banknote processing unit 21 to take in banknotes into the banknote processing unit 21 (S303), The seeds are identified (S304). On the other hand, when the inter-card card processing machine 5 is not in a waiting state for removing the card C (S302: NO), the control unit 29 does not operate the banknote processing unit 21. Thereby, banknotes are not taken into the banknote processing unit 21. At this time, the control unit 29 causes the operation display unit 24 to display a sampling reminder screen S5 instead of the sampling notification screen S1 (S305). The sampling reminder screen S5, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, such as a background image of the sampling alert screen S1 or a screen in which characters are changed to a more conspicuous color, attracts attention of the player, and the card C is strongly attracted. It can be a screen like this. Of course, the sampling reminder screen S5 may be a screen having a content that is significantly different from the sampling notification screen S1.

  When the player notices that the card C has not been removed by notification or the like on the withdrawal reminder screen S5, the player removes the card C from the entrance 22a. At this time, if the card C remains inserted in the insertion slot 21a, it is determined that the inter-card processing unit 5 is not in a state of waiting for removal of the card C in S302 (S302: NO), and the banknote processing unit 21. Is accepted (S303, S304).

  With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a game from being started by a new player while waiting for the card C to be removed.

  In this way, it is desirable to limit the acceptance of banknotes that are regarded as a new player's play start act. On the other hand, the act of counting the pachinko balls acquired from the pachinko machine 4 and holding them, and paying out the pachinko balls that are the possessions (replaying action) is regarded as the act of the current player continuing the game. I can do it. Therefore, although it is an action that leads to the start of the game, it is desirable that the counting and the payout of the ball be allowed even while waiting for the card C to be removed. However, even when pachinko balls are held out, the withdrawal of stored balls by replay operation (payout operation) using a mobile phone that can be performed while the card C is being removed is the same as the insertion of banknotes. Since a new player can be regarded as an act of starting a game, it is not desirable to be allowed. Further, after the counting or paying out of the ball, a new card C may be returned. Therefore, it is desirable that the waiting for removal of the card C is eliminated by this return.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 29 executes counting processing and payout processing in consideration of such problems.

  FIG. 13A is a flowchart showing the control operation of the counting process according to the present embodiment.

  With reference to Fig.13 (a), the control part 29 monitors whether the pachinko ball flowed into the counting part 23 (S401). When the pachinko ball flows into the counting unit 23 (S401: YES), the control unit 29 determines whether or not the inter-card card processing machine 5 is in a state of waiting for removal of the card C (S402). When the inter-card processing machine 5 is not in a state of waiting for removal of the card C (S402: NO), the control unit 29 counts the pachinko balls that have flowed in by the counting unit 23 (S403).

  On the other hand, when the inter-card card processing machine 5 is in a state of waiting for removal of the card C (S402: YES), the control unit 29 causes the operation display unit 24 to replace the sampling notification screen S1 with a sampling prompt screen S5 (see FIG. 12). ) Is displayed (S404). As a result, the player is strongly urged to remove the card C. And the control part 29 counts the pachinko ball which flowed in by the counting part 23 (S403).

  FIG. 13B is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the payout process according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 13A, the control unit 29 monitors whether or not a payout operation has been performed using the replay button 25 or the mobile phone storage button on the operation display unit 24 (S501). When a payout operation is performed (S501: YES), the control unit 29 determines whether or not a pachinko ball can be paid out (S502). When it is determined that the player has a possession ball or a storage ball (limited to members) and can be paid out (S502: YES), the controller 29 puts the inter-card card processing machine 5 into a state of waiting for withdrawal of the card C. It is determined whether or not there is (S503). When the inter-card card processor 5 is not in a state of waiting for removal of the card C (S503: NO), the control unit 29 sends a payout command to the pachinko machine 4 and pays out pachinko balls (S504).

  On the other hand, when the inter-card card processing machine 5 is in a state of waiting for removal of the card C (S503: NO), the control unit 29 causes the operation display unit 24 to replace the sampling notification screen S1 with the sampling reminder screen S5 (see FIG. 12). ) Is displayed (S505). As a result, the player is strongly urged to remove the card C. Next, the control unit 29 determines whether or not the present payout operation is performed by the replay button 25 (S506). When the present payout operation is performed by the replay button 25 (S506: YES), that is, when the ball is paid out, the control unit 29 pays out the pachinko ball (S504). On the other hand, when the current payout operation is not performed by the replay button 25 but by the mobile phone storage ball button (S506: NO), that is, when the storage ball is paid out using the mobile phone, the control unit 29 The payout operation is invalidated, the process returns to S501, and the payout operation is monitored again. As a result, pachinko balls are not paid out.

  In the counting process and the payout process, the sampling prompt screen S5 continues to be displayed on the operation display unit 24 until the card C is extracted from the entrance 22a.

  With such a configuration, even if the card C is waiting to be taken out, the current player can count the pachinko balls acquired and pay out the balls (replay with the balls). Can continue. In addition, the card C remaining at the entrance 22a is easily extracted by the player before the return of the new card C after counting or paying out the balls. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the start of a game based on the payout of a stored ball using a mobile phone by a new player.

  When receiving a store closing notification and a download notification from the management device 2 (higher model) that can be made when there is no player in the gaming facility, the inter-card card processing machine 5 Even when the card C is waiting for removal, processing based on these notifications may be performed. When the closing notification is received, the counting result, the payout result, the sales, etc. in the inter-card card processing machine 5 for one day are notified from the inter-card card processing machine 5 to the management device 2. When the download notification is received, the version of the inter-card card processor 5 is updated.

  Further, as described above, a replay operation using a mobile phone is not accepted. However, it is preferable that an operation for providing game information using a mobile phone is accepted and necessary game information is displayed on the operation display unit 24.

<Effect of embodiment>
According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

  Even if a return operation or a collection operation is performed in a state where the card C is present at the entrance / exit 22a, these operations are invalidated, and the card C in the storage chamber 108 is not newly ejected to the entrance / exit 22a. This prevents the card C waiting for extraction from being pushed out by the new card C and falling outside.

  Further, when a return operation or a collection operation is performed in a state where the card C is present at the entrance / exit 22a, the new card C is held in a state of being stored in the storage chamber 108. For this reason, unlike the case where the new card C is not moved to the entrance 22a but is once withdrawn from the storage chamber 108, the player can return the card C after the card C is removed from the entrance 22a. Even if the operation is stopped, an operation for returning the new card C into the storage chamber 108 does not occur.

  In the above-described embodiment, the counting unit 23 can perform the counting process even when the inter-card card processing machine 5 is in the card C withdrawal waiting state. In some cases, the counting process by the counting unit 23 may be limited. For example, when the counting process by the counting unit 23 is performed and the card C can be returned (the number of possessed balls is equal to or greater than the number of cards that can be returned), the card C is taken out from the storage chamber 108 to the reader / writer unit 111. When the card is transferred and prepared for the subsequent issuing process, the card C waiting to be removed at the entrance / exit 22a by the counting process by the counting unit 23 and the card C newly taken out from the storage chamber 108 interfere with each other. Therefore, it is preferable to limit the counting process itself when it is in a waiting state for extraction. Further, when the card C is in a state where it can be returned when it is not in the waiting state for extraction, the card issuance speed can be improved by transferring the card C to the reader / writer unit 111. In addition, as a mode for limiting the counting process, a method of prohibiting counting by blocking the received game medium by a shutter (not shown) provided therein, and when the game medium is a medal, the medal is counted. There is a method of prohibiting counting by controlling so as not to perform physical operations, a method of giving a warning by displaying on the inter-card card processor 5 or notifying the host device when counting is performed, etc. However, there is no particular limitation as long as the counting can be limited.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not restrict | limited at all by the said embodiment, Moreover, various changes besides the above are possible also for embodiment of this invention as shown below. It is.

<Modification 1>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the card return process according to the first modification. In addition, in the card return process of this modified example, the process of S103 is deleted and the process of S121 is inserted between the process of S106 and the process of S107 when compared with the card return process of the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. Is done.

  In the above embodiment, when the return operation is performed in a state where the card C is present at the entrance / exit 22a, the new card C remains stored in the storage chamber 108.

  On the other hand, in this modified example, when a return operation is performed in a state where the card C exists at the entrance 22a, the new card C is pulled out from the storage chamber 108 to the processing position, and information is written. After that, the card is held at that position until the preceding card C is removed from the gateway 22a.

  That is, in this modified example, if it is determined in S103 that the prepaid value is not 0 (S103: NO), the process proceeds to S105 without determining whether or not to wait for the card C to be removed. Thereafter, the control unit 29 takes out the card C from the storage chamber 108 and moves it to the processing position (S106). After the reader / writer unit 111 writes information to the card C (S107), the inter-card card It is determined whether or not the processor 5 is in a state of waiting for removal of the card C (S121). If the inter-card card processor 5 is in a state of waiting for removal of the card C (S121: YES), the control unit 29 holds the card C at the processing position. When the card C is removed from the entrance 22a and the withdrawal waiting state is resolved (S121: NO), the control unit 29 causes the card C on which information is written to be ejected to the entrance 22a (S108).

  According to the configuration of this modified example, even if the preceding card C is in the state of waiting for removal, the new card C is removed from the storage chamber 108 and the writing of information is completed. After the card is extracted from the entrance / exit 22a, a new card C can be quickly discharged to the entrance / exit 22a.

  In the card collection process shown in FIG. 9 as well, the card removal waiting determination process in S202 is deleted, and the card removal waiting determination process is performed after the card C is removed from the storage chamber 108 in S204. Changes may be made such that In this case, while waiting for removal of the card C, the card C is waited at the processing position and is not discharged to the entrance / exit 22a.

<Modification 2>
FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the card processing unit 22 according to the second modification.

  In the present modification, the card processing unit 22 is provided with a removal prevention device 122 for preventing removal of the card C from the storage chamber 108. The take-out preventing device 122 includes a solenoid 122a and a plunger 122b that is taken in and out of the storage chamber 108 by an on / off operation of the solenoid 122a. The take-out prevention device 122 is driven and controlled by the control unit 29.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing drive control of the take-out prevention device 122 according to the second modification. FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating the card processing unit 22 in a state in which the removal prevention device 122 according to the second modification is turned on, and FIG. 17B is a diagram illustrating the removal prevention device 122 according to the second modification. It is a figure which shows the card | curd process part 22 when the entrance / exit mechanism 115 operate | moves in the ON state.

  Referring to FIG. 16, control unit 29 determines whether inter-card card processing machine 5 is in a state of waiting for removal of card C (S601). When the inter-card processing machine 5 is not in a state of waiting for removal of the card C (S601: NO), the control unit 29 turns off the removal preventing device 122, that is, the solenoid 122a (S602). As shown in FIG. 15, the plunger 122b does not protrude into the storage chamber 108, and the movement of the card C supported by the support plate 109 is not blocked by the plunger 122b. For this reason, when the loading / unloading mechanism 115 is operated based on the return operation or the collection operation, the card C is taken out from the storage chamber 108 and processed in the same manner as the return operation of the above-described embodiment shown in FIGS. After being moved to the position, the taken out card C is transported by the transport mechanism 102 and discharged to the entrance / exit 22a.

  On the other hand, when the inter-card card processing machine 5 is in the state of waiting for removal of the card C (S601: YES), the control unit 29 turns on the removal prevention device 122, that is, the solenoid 122a (S603). As illustrated in FIG. 17A, the plunger 122 b protrudes into the storage chamber 108. Thereby, when the loading / unloading mechanism 115 is operated based on the return operation or the collection operation, the movement of the tip portion of the card C toward the outlet of the storage chamber 108 is prevented by the protruding plunger 122b as shown in FIG. Is done. Therefore, the card C is not taken out from the storage chamber 108 and is not discharged to the entrance / exit 22a.

  According to this modified example, the removal preventing device 122 provided in association with the storage chamber 108 allows a new card C to be removed from the storage chamber 108 by the entrance / exit mechanism 115 while the preceding card C is present at the entrance / exit 22a. Removal is blocked. This prevents the card C waiting for extraction from being pushed out by the new card C and falling outside.

<Other changes>
In the card return process of the above embodiment, after the return operation is accepted in S101, it is determined in S104 that the card C is waiting to be removed. However, in the card return process, the sampling waiting determination process in S104 may be performed before the process in S101. In this case, while the card C is waiting to be removed, the return operation in S101 is not monitored (accepted). Similarly, in the card collection process, the determination process for waiting for extraction in S202 may be performed before the process in S201. In this case, while the card C is waiting to be removed, the collection command is not monitored (accepted) in S201.

  In the card return process of the above embodiment, when it is determined in S104 that the card C is waiting to be removed, the process returns to S101. In this case, the player needs to perform the return operation again after removing the card C from the entrance 22a. Therefore, when it is determined in step S104 that the card C is waiting to be removed, the process waits in that state (repeating the determination of the waiting for removal) instead of returning to the processing in step S101, and the removal waiting state is released. The card return process may be changed so that the process proceeds to S105 when the process is performed. In this way, since the return operation of the card C is automatically resumed, the player need not perform the return operation again after removing the card C from the entrance 22a. Similarly, in the card collection process, when it is determined in S202 that the card C is waiting for removal, the process waits in that state, and when the removal waiting state is canceled, the process proceeds to S203. May be changed. In this way, the attendant need not perform the collection operation again after removing the card C from the entrance 22a.

  Further, in the first modification, after the card C is taken out from the storage chamber 108 and moved to the processing position, and information is written to the card C by the reader / writer unit 111 at the processing position, the card C is waiting to be removed. Judgment was made. However, if the card C is left unattended at the entrance / exit 22a, the card C may be lost. Therefore, for example, when the waiting time for extraction becomes long, the card C is once taken into the card processing unit 22. It is also possible to adopt. In such a case, if a new card C has been moved to the processing position, there is a possibility of interfering with the card C taken in. Although it is possible to prevent interference between the cards C by increasing the length of the front and rear of the card processing unit 22, in this case, there is a possibility that the inter-card card processing machine 5 becomes large.

  Therefore, in consideration of such points, a position closer to the storage chamber 108 than the processing position is set as a temporary holding position, the card C taken out from the storage chamber 108 is moved to the temporary holding position, and then the card C It may be determined whether to wait for sampling. In this configuration, when the card C is waiting to be removed, the card C is temporarily kept at the temporary holding position, and when the removal waiting is canceled, the card C is moved to the processing position and information is written. In this way, even if the card C waiting for extraction is returned to the card processing unit 22, interference between the card C and the new card C can be avoided.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the entrance / exit detection sensor 121 is arranged to detect whether or not the card C has been removed from the entrance / exit 22a. However, the means for detecting whether or not the card C has been extracted from the entrance / exit 22a may be any other means. For example, since the card C discharged to the entrance / exit 22a is sandwiched between the first roller 103 and the second roller 105 on the front side of the transport mechanism 102, the card C is stopped by being pulled out. When the first roller 103 and / or the second roller 105 rotates, it may be detected that the card C has been removed.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the predetermined condition is satisfied without removing the card C after the card C is discharged to the entrance 22a, the card C remains discharged by the control unit 29. A process for notifying the effect may be performed, or a process for taking the card C into the card processing unit 22 may be performed. The predetermined condition is, for example, the elapse of a predetermined time limit, or the end of the game on the pachinko machine 4 by the player. When the state in which no out pulse and safe pulse are output from the pachinko machine 4 side continues for a predetermined time, it can be considered that the game has ended.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the risk of loss or the like by continuing to leave the card C in the gateway 22a.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, as an example of each stand apparatus of the present invention, a pachinko ball is fired, and a lottery is performed by the ball of the hit pachinko ball entering a predetermined part of the board surface, and a pachinko ball as a prize An inter-card card processing machine 5 for providing a pachinko ball lending process, which is attached to the pachinko machine 4 as a ball game machine for performing a ball game that grants a ball, is mentioned. However, each base device of the present invention accepts a predetermined number of game media as game media for performing a unit game, performs rotation of a spinning cylinder with a symbol by a start operation, performs lottery, and then performs rotation. A pachislot machine, which is a revolving game machine that performs a revolving game that gives a game medium as a prize when a stop pattern set on the revolving cylinder is received and a predetermined symbol combination is aligned The present invention can also be applied to an inter-card processing machine that performs a lending process of medals as game media. In addition, when applied to the inter-card card processor attached to the pachi-slot base, an insertion (in) signal is issued when a medal is inserted from the pachi-slot base, and a payout (out) when the medal is paid out to the outside. ) Signal is output, the input signal can be used instead of the out pulse in the above embodiment, and the payout signal can be used instead of the safe pulse.

  Furthermore, each device of the present invention has a game medium enclosed in the machine, so that the game medium is restricted from touching from the outside, and the game card data is exchanged as electronic data with the inter-card card processor. The present invention can also be applied to an inter-card processing machine that lends a medium-enclosed gaming machine. In a system including such a gaming machine, the inter-card card processing machine specifies and stores the prepaid value, the number of possessed balls, the number of accumulated balls, etc. from information stored in the card. The gaming machine has a storage unit that stores the number of balls that can be played. When a lending operation or a replay operation is performed, the inter-card processing machine subtracts the stored valuable value and transmits information that can specify the number of balls corresponding to the subtracted valuable value to the gaming machine. . The gaming machine adds the number of balls specified from the information sent from the inter-card processing machine to the number of balls that can be played stored in the machine. In the gaming machine, a game is played using this number of balls. In addition, in the gaming machine, it is possible to receive a transition operation for shifting the management of the number of balls and shift the management of the number of balls that can be played in the gaming machine to the inter-card card processing machine. When a transfer operation for transferring management is performed, the number of balls on the gaming machine side is subtracted, and information that can specify the number of balls for subtraction is transmitted to the inter-card card processor. In the inter-card processing machine, the number of balls specified from the information sent from the gaming machine is added to the number of balls. In addition, game machines such as jackpots, probability fluctuations, and the number of balls held in the storage unit of the game machine are notified at regular time intervals, so based on information notified from these game machines The discharge control of the recording medium can be performed. In such a system including a game medium-enclosed type gaming machine, the game medium used for the game is not paid out, but is electronically given as data. Since the provision mode is different, it can be applied without any problem by replacing the payout with electronic grant.

  In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately changed within the scope of the claims. Each illustrated configuration is schematic in function, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally / physically distributed / integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

4 Pachinko machines (game machines)
5 inter-card processing machines (each unit)
22a Entrance / exit
29 Control unit (operation restriction unit)
108 Storage room (storage part)
111 Reader / Writer Unit (Information Processing Unit)
121 In / out detection sensor (detection unit)
122 Extraction prevention device (blocking unit, operation limiting unit)
T transfer mechanism (transfer section)
C card (storage medium)

Claims (5)

In order to perform the gaming media lending process based on the valuable value, in each device provided corresponding to the gaming table,
A storage unit capable of storing a plurality of storage media; and
A discharge port that faces the outside of each of the table devices and discharges the storage medium;
A transfer unit for moving a storage medium from the storage unit to the discharge port;
An information processing unit for reading and / or writing information on a storage medium;
An operation restriction unit for restricting an operation related to the storage medium for discharging the storage medium in the storage unit to the discharge port when a storage medium exists in the discharge port;
Each stand apparatus characterized by comprising. The operation restriction unit allows the storage medium to be transferred to an information processing position where reading and / or writing can be performed by the information processing unit even when the operation related to the storage medium is restricted. When the storage medium is positioned, the front end portion thereof does not contact the rear end portion of the storage medium at the discharge port.
Each stand apparatus of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. The operation restriction unit is provided in association with the storage unit, and includes a blocking unit that prevents the transfer unit from taking out the storage medium from the storage unit while the storage medium is present at the discharge port.
Each stand apparatus of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. The operation restriction unit cancels the restriction of the operation when the storage medium is removed from the discharge port.
Each stand apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. A detection unit for detecting whether or not the storage medium is removed from the discharge port;
Each stand apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned.

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