JP2019118704A - Game medium supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent shortage of game media in a game medium use machine.SOLUTION: A game medium supply system 10 performs normal supplement for supplying game media when a number of game media stored in the game medium use machine becomes equal to or less than a prescribed number, and preliminary supplement for supplying game media regardless of a number of game media stored in the game medium use machine when the game media are delivered from the game medium use machine. In the system, preferential supplement for preferentially supplying game media to the game medium use machine may be performed when the game media are delivered from the game medium use machine in a normal supplement execution standby state. The preliminary supplement is performed in a period when there is no affection to the normal supplement and preferential supplement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming medium replenishment device that replenishes gaming media to gaming media using machines or an island passing relay box.

Conventionally, in a gaming medium replenishing device for replenishing gaming media to gaming media using machines (for example, gaming machines and gaming media lending machines, etc.), the number of gaming media stored in the gaming media using machine is less than a predetermined number. In response to the near end signal transmitted in the case, the game medium is supplied to the game medium using machine.
For example, in the following Patent Document 1, in order to replenish and store game media of a proper amount for a plurality of game media using machines, the upper portion of the replenishment hopper mounted on these game media using machines ( There is disclosed a gaming medium supply system in which the first sensor is disposed in the storage amount decrease detection) and the second sensor is disposed in the lower portion (near end detection). In this game medium supply system, priority is given to the supply of the game medium using machine whose lower second sensor detects the near end over the game medium using machine whose upper storage sensor detects a decrease in storage amount, and the lower process. In the state where the second sensor of the is detecting the near end, the game medium is replenished with top priority to the game medium using machine emitting the jackpot signal or the sales signal (FIG. 2 (b) of Patent Document 1) reference).
Further, the following Patent Document 2 discloses a replenishment control device for suppressing the spread of damage when an illegal game medium payout operation is performed on a game medium lender. In this replenishment control device, even if it is detected by the near-end sensor that the remaining amount of gaming media is less than the predetermined amount, the total number of gaming media lent out from the gaming media lending machine main body is predetermined. If the cumulative number is not reached, the replenishment is not performed (S5 to S6 in FIG. 9 of Patent Document 2).
Further, Patent Document 3 below discloses a gaming medium replenishment system for replenishing gaming media so that each slot machine and a token lending machine (hereinafter referred to as a gaming device) are promptly, rationally, and not mistaken. It is done. As invention 2 in this game medium supply system, when a shortage signal of game medium is output from a plurality of individual tanks provided in parallel to the supply conveyor, the game medium is prioritized over the individual tank existing at the farthest position. The invention of performing refueling is disclosed. In addition, as invention 3 in this game medium replenishment system, when the shortage signal of game media in the individual tank and the payout signal of the gaming apparatus are detected, the payout signal is more than the individual tank corresponding to the shortage signal. An invention is disclosed in which priority is given to replenishment of the output game device (see paragraphs 0014, 0015 and 0209 of Patent Document 3).

JP 2005-192963 A JP, 2010-005294, A JP, 2008-194513, A

In recent years, gaming media lending machines having a counting function have counting hoppers mounted inside a thin casing, and therefore, gaming media for payout are stored as compared to gaming media lending machines having no counting function. The capacity of the tank for storing is small and the number of game media that can be stored is small.
In addition, the number of game arcades that use low-priced game media is increasing, and the number of game media payouts per time tends to increase. In addition, in the game arcade for equivalent exchange, there are also game customers who pay out game media many times in advance and prepare many game media and then play a game.
Under such circumstances, automatic replenishment of gaming media to gaming media using machines is not in time, and gaming media shortage occurs in gaming media using machines, resulting in a situation where payout errors are likely to occur. When a payout error occurs, it is necessary for the employee of the game arcade to take action such as error cancellation and manual game medium replenishment, which causes a problem that the operation efficiency of the game arcade is lowered.
Moreover, in order to solve the above problems, it may be considered to increase the number of supplied gaming media per time, but it is possible that the time for one replenishment operation will be extended and the supply to other replenishment locations may not be in time. There is.
In addition, in order to adopt the gaming media replenishment system described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to dispose two storage sensors in the upper part (storage amount decrease detection) and the lower part (near end detection) of the replenishment hopper. It is difficult to adopt the game media supply system described in Patent Document 1 because there are no models in which two storage sensors are provided in the currently commonly available gaming machines and gaming media lending machines. It has become.
In addition, the invention of the replenishment control device described in Patent Document 2 is for suppressing the spread of damage when an illegal game medium payout action is performed, and the problem of the present invention is solved. Can not.
In addition, since the game medium supply system described in Patent Document 3 is configured to give priority to the supply of the game apparatus which has output the payout signal over the individual tank which has output the shortage signal, the present invention is effective. It is not possible to solve the problem of preventing a shortage of game media without disturbing the order of replenishment of game media based on the near-end signal as the problem.
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to prevent the shortage of gaming media in gaming media using machines.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the gaming media replenishment device according to the invention of claim 1 is a gaming media replenishment device for replenishing gaming media to a gaming media using device, wherein the gaming media using device stores the gaming media A normal replenishment setting unit for setting ordinary replenishment for replenishing the gaming media to the gaming media using machine based on a regular replenishment request generated when the number of media becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number, and from the gaming media using machine A reserve supply setting unit for setting a reserve supply for replenishing the game medium regardless of the number of game media stored by the game medium using device based on the reserve supply request generated when the game medium is paid out And a replenishment control unit configured to control the supply of the gaming medium to the gaming medium using device according to the replenishment setting of the gaming medium.
A game medium replenishing apparatus according to the invention of claim 2 is directed to a reserve replenishment request unit for generating the reserve replenishment request when there is a payout of the game medium from the game medium using unit, and to the game medium using unit. The apparatus further comprises a reserve replenishment counting unit which counts the number of times the reserve replenishment is set and calculates the count value, and the reserve replenishment request unit is configured to calculate the count value of the reserve replenishment counted by the reserve replenishment counting unit. When the number of times is equal to or more than a predetermined number, generation of the reserve supply request is not performed.
The gaming medium replenishing apparatus according to the invention of claim 3 is characterized in that the spare replenishment counting unit resets the count value when the normal replenishment to the gaming medium using machine is set.
The gaming media replenishment device according to the invention of claim 4 is characterized in that the gaming media usage device is generated based on the priority replenishment request generated when the gaming media is paid out from the gaming media usage device in the normal replenishment execution waiting state. And a priority supply setting unit configured to set priority supply to preferentially supply the game medium.
The gaming media replenishment device according to the invention of claim 5 is for replenishing the gaming media to a plurality of gaming media using machines, and for determining the order of replenishment of the gaming media for the plurality of gaming media using machines. The apparatus further comprises an order determination unit, and the replenishment order determination unit holds, for each type of replenishment, a table storing an identifier of the gaming medium using machine waiting for a replenishment execution of the gaming medium, and the same table is used in different tables. And storing the identifier of the gaming medium using machine, storing the identifier only in the table with the highest priority.
The gaming medium replenishment device according to the invention of claim 6 is an island passing relay box for replenishing and recovering gaming media to another gaming island, and a gaming media replenishment device for replenishing gaming media to a gaming medium using machine. And the island passing relay box or the game medium using machine based on a normal replenishment request generated when the number of game media stored by the island passing relay box or the game medium using machine becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number. The normal setting supply unit for setting the normal supply for supplying the game medium, and the reserve supply request generated when the game medium is paid out from the island passing relay box or the game medium using machine A reserve supply setting unit for setting a reserve supply for replenishing the game medium regardless of the number of island game relay boxes or the game medium stored by the game medium using machine Characterized by and a supply control unit for controlling the supply of the game media for the island pass relay box or the game medium used machine in accordance with the setting of the replenishment of the game medium.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the vacancy where the refueling operation of the normal refueling is completed without interrupting the operation of the normal refueling performed when the number of game media stored in the game media using machine becomes equal to or less than the predetermined number Since the game medium is replenished to the game medium using machine for which the game medium was paid out using the time, it is possible to always secure a fixed amount of game medium in the operating state of the game medium, It is advantageous in preventing the shortage of game media.
According to the invention of claim 2, when the number of times of preliminary replenishment is equal to or more than the predetermined number, a request for preliminary replenishment is not made, which is advantageous in preventing excessive supply of gaming media to gaming media using machines. It becomes.
According to the invention of claim 3, when the normal supply is performed, the count value of the auxiliary supply is reset and the auxiliary supply is performed again, so that the game medium can be prevented while preventing the excessive supply of the game medium. It is advantageous in preventing the shortage of
According to the invention of claim 4, when there is a payout of gaming media from the gaming media using machine in the normal replenishment execution waiting state, priority replenishment is performed with higher priority than the regular replenishment, so that a payout error is likely to occur. The gaming media can be replenished quickly to gaming media using machines in the state, which is advantageous in preventing the occurrence of a payout error.
According to the invention of claim 5, in the case where a supply execution waiting table is provided for each type of supply and the same game medium using machine identifier is stored in different tables, only the table having the highest priority is given. Store the identifier. This is advantageous in early supply of gaming media to gaming media using machines having a high priority replenishment request, and in preventing excessive replenishment.
According to the invention of claim 6, when replenishing or collecting game media to another game island using the island passing relay box, the shortage of game media to be supplied to the other islands can be prevented, which is efficient. It is advantageous in circulating game media.

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of a game medium replenishment system 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the gaming medium replenishment system 10. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the relay substrate 20. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the relay substrate 20. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the relay substrate 20. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the relay substrate 20. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the relay substrate 20. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the replenishment device 16; 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the replenishment device 16; 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the replenishment device 16; 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the replenishment device 16; 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the replenishment device 16; 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the replenishment device 16; 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the replenishment device 16; It is a figure which shows an example of a replenishment execution waiting table. It is a figure explaining the difference with the number of storing game media at the time of using the prior art, and the number of storing game media in the case of using the game medium replenishment apparatus 11 which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a process of the replenishment apparatus 16 when not providing the relay board | substrate 20. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory view of a gaming medium replenishment system 10 provided with an inter-island transport unit 42. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of a game medium replenishment system 10 according to the embodiment. Further, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game medium replenishment system 10. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming medium replenishment system 10 according to the embodiment is configured to include a gaming island 12, a replenishment conveyor 14, a replenishment device 16, a guiding means 18, and a relay board 20. . In the present embodiment, the game apparatus replenishing device 11 and the relay substrate 20 cooperate to realize the game medium replenishing apparatus 11 according to the claims.
In the game island 12, a plurality of units U in which a game machine 28, which is a game medium using machine, and a game medium lending machine (inter-day rental machine) 30 correspond to each other and are combined are juxtaposed.
In the present embodiment, the game medium is a medal (coin), the game machine 28 is a slot machine, and the game medium lending machine 30 is a medal lending machine. The type of gaming medium lending machine 30 is not limited.

<Description of the game machine 28>
The gaming machine 28 is for the player to play a game by using a gaming medium.
As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 28 is configured to include a first storage unit 2802, a first storage amount detection sensor 2804, and a first payout information output unit 2808.
The first storage unit 2802 stores gaming media to be replenished via the replenishment conveyor 14, and the stored gaming media are paid out in accordance with the operation of the gaming machine 28.
The first storage amount detection sensor 2804 detects the storage amount of gaming media in the first storage unit 2802. In the present embodiment, the first storage amount detection sensor 2804 detects that the number of gaming media in the first storage unit 2802 is less than or equal to a predetermined number (for example, 250 or less remaining medals), and the near end signal Toward the relay board 20 and output.

The first payout information output unit 2808 outputs information on the payout (outflow) state of the gaming media paid out from the gaming machine 28.
The first payout information output unit 2808 outputs an IN signal indicating the inflow number of gaming media and an OUT signal indicating the outflow number. In the relay board 20 described later, when the difference between the IN signal and the OUT signal is a negative value, it can be determined that payout is being performed. Also, it is possible to use a value obtained by subtracting the number of credits (such as 50) in the gaming machine 28.

<Description of gaming media lending machine 30>
The gaming medium lending machine 30 is provided side by side with the gaming machine 28 and pays out (including lending) gaming media to the player.
As shown in FIG. 1, a bill insertion slot 3008A, a card insertion slot 3008B, and an operation panel 3014 provided with a liquid crystal panel for displaying various information, various operation buttons and the like are provided on the front of the gaming medium lending machine 30; A payout opening 3016 or the like from which gaming media are paid out is provided.
Then, a predetermined number of units of gaming media can be paid out from the payout opening 3016 according to the lending operation to the operation panel 3014 or the like on the condition that a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 3008A or a card is inserted into the card insertion slot 3008B. .
Further, in the present embodiment, an insertion slot 3018 for inserting game media when counting the game media acquired by the player is provided on the front of the game media lending machine 30. The gaming media inserted into the insertion slot 3018 are guided to a not-shown counter built in the gaming media lending machine 30, and the number thereof is counted. The gaming media for which counting has been completed are collected by the replenishment device 16 through the collection conveyor.
The above-mentioned counter is not limited to one built in to the game medium lending machine 30. The counter may be provided in the vicinity of the gaming machine 28 for each gaming machine 28, or may be provided on the island end of the gaming island and commonly used by a plurality of players. It may be.

As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming medium lending machine 30 includes a second storage unit 3002, a second storage amount detection sensor 3004, a coin slot 3008, a coin sensor 3010, and a second payout information output unit. And 3012 are included.
The second storage unit 3002 stores gaming media to be replenished via the replenishment conveyor 14, and along with the operation of the gaming medium lending machine 30, gaming media are paid out from the second storage unit 3002.
The second storage amount detection sensor 3004 detects the storage amount of gaming media in the second storage unit 3002. In the present embodiment, the second storage amount detection sensor 3004 detects that the number of gaming media in the second storage unit 3002 is less than or equal to a predetermined number (for example, 250 or less remaining medals), and the near end signal Toward the relay board 20 and output.

A money insertion slot 3008 corresponds to the bill insertion slot 3008A and the card insertion slot 3008B, and receives money inserted by the player in order to receive the payout of game media. In the present embodiment, a bill and a card (prepaid card) are taken as an example of money, but as money, a coin, an IC card with an electronic money function, etc., which has monetary value (or mediates monetary value), etc. Means of payment may be used.
The money sensor 3010 detects money inserted into the money insertion slot 3008, and detects the authenticity of money, the type (denomination) of money, the card balance, and the like.
The type or card balance of money detected by the money sensor 3010 is displayed, for example, on the operation panel 3014 described above, and a game medium of a predetermined number of units is displayed according to the operation on the operation panel 3014 or the bill insertion by the player. It is paid out from the payment outlet 3016.
The money inserted into the money insertion port 3008 is stored in a money storage unit (not shown) or is carried out to an external transport device. If there is a possibility that the money is not genuine, the money is discharged from the money insertion slot 3008 and returned to the player.

The second payout information output unit 3012 outputs a signal relating to a payout state to the relay board 20 or the like when performing a payout operation of gaming media from the gaming media lending machine 30 (second storage unit 3002).
It should be noted that, in the payout of gaming media from gaming media lending machine 30, the cash lending to pay out gaming media in response to the money insertion into money insertion slot 3008, and the game media inserted and counted into insertion slot 3018 There are types such as a medal re-play to pay back to the player's medals, and a stored medal re-play to pay out the possessed game media at the time of the previous game recorded on the membership card. The second payout information output unit 3012 can also combine the information of the type of the current payout and output it to the relay board 20. Also, these various types of payout processing will be collectively referred to simply as "payout".

<Description of Relay Board 20>
The relay board 20 monitors the state of the connected gaming medium using machine (game machine 28 and gaming medium lending machine 30), and supplies the game medium to the replenishment device 16 according to the state of each gaming medium using machine. Output request signal.
The relay substrate 20 includes a microcomputer.
The microcomputer includes a CPU, a ROM for storing and storing control programs, a RAM as an operation area of the control programs, an EEPROM for rewritably holding various data, and an interface unit for inputting and outputting information with peripheral circuits and the like. And so on.
Note that the game medium replenishment process may be executed by directly connecting the game medium using machine and the replenishment device 16 without using the relay substrate 20. In this case, the functions of the relay substrate 20 described below can be realized by a configuration mounted on the game medium using machine side, or can be realized by a configuration mounted on the replenishment device 16 side.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the microcomputer in the relay board 20 executes the control program, the functions of the replenishment request unit 200 and the preliminary replenishment counting unit 208 can be realized.
The replenishment request unit 200 further includes a normal replenishment request unit 202, a backup replenishment request unit 204, and a priority replenishment request unit 206.
The normal replenishment request unit 202 generates a normal replenishment request for replenishing the gaming medium using the gaming medium when the number of gaming media stored by the gaming medium using machine becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number. When the near-end signal is output from the first storage amount detection sensor 2804 of the gaming machine 28 or the second storage amount detection sensor 3004 of the gaming medium lending device 30, the normal replenishment request unit 202 While setting, the normal supply request generated based on the normal supply request flag is output to the supply device 16 as a supply request signal.

When there is a payout of gaming media from the gaming media using machine, the preliminary replenishment request unit 204 generates a preliminary replenishment request for replenishing gaming media regardless of the number of gaming media stored by the gaming media using machine.
In the preliminary replenishment, gaming media are replenished in advance by using spare time (such as standby time) in which the regular replenishment and the later-described priority replenishment are not performed, and the medals in the gaming medium using machine are prevented It is
Although the details will be described later, the reserve replenishment request unit 204 monitors information on the payout status outputted from the first payout information output unit 2808 of the gaming machine 28 and the second payout information output unit 3012 of the gaming media lending machine 30. Then, when the payout of gaming media is executed from the gaming media using machine, the preliminary replenishment request flag (= preparatory replenishment request) is set, and the information is output to the replenishment device 16 as a replenishment request signal.
Further, in the present embodiment, the reserve replenishment request is generated also at the time of completion of the normal replenishment and the later-described priority replenishment, so that the storage amount of game media is allowed to have a margin.

When there is a payout of gaming media from gaming media using machines in the normal replenishment execution waiting state, the priority replenishment requesting unit 206 gives priority refilling request for preferentially replenishing gaming media to the gaming media using machines. Generate The gaming medium using machine in the normal replenishment execution waiting state has a small storage number of gaming media, and if there is further payout of gaming media in this state, there is a high possibility that a payout error such as running out of medals will occur. Therefore, the game media are replenished with the highest priority (prior to the normal replenishment waiting).
Although the details will be described later, when the priority replenishment request unit 206 outputs a signal indicating that payout of gaming media has occurred from the gaming media use machine in the normal replenishment execution waiting state, the priority replenishment request flag (= priority replenishment request (= priority replenishment) Request is set, and the information is output to the refilling device 16 as a refilling request signal.

The preliminary replenishment counting unit 208 counts the number of times the preliminary replenishment request has been set for each gaming medium using machine. In the case where the number of preliminary replenishment requests counted by the preliminary replenishment counting unit 208 reaches a predetermined upper limit, the preliminary replenishment request unit 204 may be configured not to perform the setting process of the preliminary replenishment request more than the upper limit number of times. it can.
This is to prevent the number of gaming media in the gaming media using machine from being excessively replenished by a plurality of preliminary replenishments, thereby preventing the occurrence of medals and the like.
The reserve replenishment counting unit 208 may be configured to reset the count value of reserve replenishment when the gaming medium using machine is normally replenished. This is because normal replenishment is performed when the number of gaming media in the gaming media use machine is less than or equal to a predetermined number, and it is confirmed that the number of gaming media in the gaming media use machine is not in an oversupply state. It is for.

  A plurality of relay boards 20 are provided on the game island 12, and the plurality of relay boards 20 and the replenishment device 16 are connected in series by a communication line 40. An identifier (ID) is assigned to each relay board 20, and in the signals exchanged between the relay board 20 and the replenishment device 16, information corresponding to the identifier of the relay board 20 to be the source or destination It is included.

<Description of the replenishment device 16>
The replenishment device 16 manages the order of replenishment in accordance with the replenishment request information received from the relay substrate 20 or the like, and sends the game medium onto the replenishment conveyor 14.
In addition, the replenishment device 16 outputs drive information of the guiding means 18 corresponding to the gaming machine 28 or the gaming medium lending machine 30 requiring replenishment.
By operating the guiding means 18 based on the drive information, the game medium can be guided from the supply conveyor 14 toward the game machine 28 or the game medium lending machine 30 to realize the supply.

As shown in FIG. 1, the supply conveyor 14 is provided on the game island 12 and transports the game medium to a game medium using machine such as the game machine 28 or the game medium lending machine 30.
The replenishment conveyor 14 is disposed extending above and behind each unit U along the direction in which the units U are juxtaposed, and a predetermined amount of gaming media discharged from the replenishment device 16 is arranged along the juxtaposition direction. It is transported in the horizontal direction.

The replenishment device 16 is provided at the island end of the gaming island 12 and sends out a predetermined amount of gaming media to the upper part of the upstream end of the replenishment conveyor 14.
As shown in FIG. 2, the replenishment device 16 is configured to include a replenishment tank 1602, a tank conveyor 1604, and a control unit 1606.
The replenishment tank 1602 stores gaming media before replenishment.
The tank conveyor 1604 supplies a predetermined amount of gaming media from the supply tank 1602 onto the supply conveyor 14.
The control unit (supply control unit) 1606 manages the order of supply based on a supply request signal (information including various supply request flags) transmitted from the relay substrate 20, and controls the tank conveyor 1604. That is, the control unit 1606 replenishes the game medium to the game medium using machine in response to the game medium replenishment request.

The control unit 1606 further includes a normal supply setting unit 1608, a reserve supply setting unit 1610, a priority supply setting unit 1612, a supply order determination unit 1614, and a supply control unit 1616.
The normal replenishment setting unit 1608 sets a normal replenishment request flag when the number of gaming media stored by the gaming medium using machine becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number, and the normal replenishment request unit 202 outputs the normal replenishment request based on the normal replenishment request. It sets up the normal supply which supplies game media to the game medium using machine.
The reserve replenishment setting unit 1610 sets the reserve replenishment request flag when there is a payout of the game medium from the gaming medium using machine, and based on the reserve replenishment request output from the reserve replenishment request unit 204, the game medium using machine The setting of the preliminary replenishment for replenishing gaming media regardless of the number of gaming media to be stored is performed.
The priority replenishment setting unit 1612 sets the priority replenishment request flag based on the priority replenishment request output from the priority replenishment request unit 206 when gaming media are discharged from the gaming medium using machine in the normal replenishment execution waiting state. The priority replenishment setting for preferentially replenishing the gaming media to the gaming media using machine is set.

The replenishment order determination unit 1614 determines the replenishment order of gaming media for a plurality of gaming media using machines. In this embodiment, there are three types of priority supply, normal supply, reserve supply, and supply, and the priority is higher in the order of priority supply, normal supply, and reserve supply. Although the details will be described later, the replenishment order determination unit 1614 holds, for each type of replenishment, a table storing an identifier of gaming media using machines waiting for replenishment execution of gaming media. Then, when the same identifier of the gaming medium using device is stored in different tables, the identifier of the gaming medium using device is stored only in the table with the highest priority.
The replenishment control unit 1616 controls the supply of gaming media to gaming media using machines according to the replenishment setting of gaming media. That is, the replenishment control unit 1616 controls the driving of the tank conveyor 1604 and the replenishment conveyor 14 and the shutter mechanism of the guiding unit 18 described later.

<Description of the guiding means 18>
The guiding means 18 operates the shutter mechanism based on the drive information outputted from the relay substrate 20, and the game medium conveyed on the supply conveyor 14 requires the supply of the game medium 28 or the game. It is directed to the medium lending machine 30.
The guiding means 18 is configured to include a shutter mechanism (not shown) provided at a predetermined position on the supply conveyor 14. The guiding means 18 is arranged corresponding to each gaming machine 28 and each gaming medium lending machine 30.
The shutter mechanism corresponding to the gaming machine 28 can be selectively switched to the following two states.
(1) An on state in which the game media conveyed on the supply conveyor 14 are directed from the supply conveyor 14 to the supply chute 1804A by changing the direction of the flow toward the supply chute 1804A.
(2) The off state in which the game medium conveyed on the supply conveyor 14 is passed without being guided to the game machine 28 and conveyed to the downstream side in the conveyance direction as it is.
Further, the shutter mechanism corresponding to the gaming medium lending machine 30 is selectively switched to the following two states.
(1) The game medium being conveyed on the supply conveyor 14 is directed to the game medium lending machine 30 by changing the flow direction from the supply conveyor 14 toward the supply chute 1804B.
(2) The off state in which the game medium conveyed on the supply conveyor 14 is passed without being guided to the game medium lending machine 30 and conveyed as it is to the downstream side in the conveyance direction.

The shutter mechanism of the guiding means 18 can use various conventionally known mechanisms such as flapper switching by an electromagnetic solenoid.
It should be noted that an island passing relay box 46 (see FIG. 18) may be provided at the downstream end of the feeding conveyor 14 in the transport direction, for feeding and collecting game media to and from other game islands. The gaming medium supply device 11 can control the supply of gaming media by treating the island passing relay box 46 as a form of gaming media using machine.

Next, processing performed by the relay substrate 20 and the replenishment device 16 will be described.
<Description of Processing Executed by Relay Board 20>
3 to 7 are flowcharts showing the process performed by the relay board 20. FIG. 3 shows the entire flow (main routine) of the processing executed by the relay substrate 20, and FIGS. 4 to 7 show the detailed processing (subroutine) of each step of FIG.
First, the process shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
When the relay board 20 is powered on in step S2102 "power on", the process proceeds to the next step S2104 "use machine check", and the cash lending from the connected game medium using machine and the medals are paid out, Operation check processing based on stored medal replay, game medium insertion or payout information, and other various information is performed on each game medium using machine (see FIG. 4 for details).
In the next step S2106 “refill request set”, generation processing of various refill requests such as a reserve refill request, a normal refill request, and a priority refill request is performed based on various information acquired from the connected gaming medium using machine, This is performed for each gaming medium using machine (see FIG. 5 for details).
In the next step S2108 “communication processing”, transmission / reception processing of various information with the replenishment device 16 is performed (see FIG. 6 for details).
In the next step S2109 "refilling completion process", drive instruction of the guiding means 18 based on the instruction of the refilling operation to each gaming medium using machine, clear processing of various refilling requests, and spare refilling upon completion of normal refilling or priority refilling. It performs request generation processing (see FIG. 7 for details).
In the next step S2110 "disbursement completion flag clear", the processing for clearing the payout completion flag in each gaming medium using machine, which is used for the generation condition of the priority replenishment request and the reserve replenishment request, is performed. Thereafter, the relay substrate 20 repeats the processes of steps S2104 to S2110 until the power is turned off.

<Description of machine check processing>
With reference to FIG. 4, the details of the process of “use machine check” in step S2104 illustrated in FIG. 3 will be described.
Whether or not the payout operation in progress flag indicating that the game media using operation is being carried out is set for the relay substrate 20 for the connected game media using machine in the determination of the step S2202 “payout operation presence / absence flag” To judge. If the in-payout flag is set, the process branches to step S2204 "payout complete?". On the other hand, when the in-payout operation flag is not set, the process proceeds to the next step S2208 "Loan / Exist".
In step S2204 "disbursement end?", It is determined whether or not the payout processing has been completed for the gaming medium using machine. If the payout process has not been completed, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, when it is determined that the payout process is completed, the process branches to step S2206 "during payout flag clear payout cumulative number added count addition payout flag set" and the payout operation flag in the game medium using machine Each processing of the clear processing of, the cumulative payout amount addition processing, and the payout completion flag setting processing is performed, and the processing returns to the main routine.
The cumulative payout number addition process executed in S2206 is a process of integrating the cumulative value (the cumulative payout number) of the number of payouts recorded for each gaming medium using machine. An error notification (at a later stage) is not performed for the gaming medium using machine (S2316 described later) which outputs a near end signal although the accumulated payout number does not exceed a predetermined threshold. It is a count value which participates when performing S2319 to be described. (The accumulated payout number is used in the same application as the "cumulative number of game media M to be lent out" described in the abstract of Patent Document 2) In the present invention, in addition to preventing the shortage of gaming media in gaming media using machines, a function is also added to suppress detection and expansion of damage when a fraudulent act is performed on gaming media using machines. It is possible to do.).
In the determination of the next step S2208 "loose presence", step S2212 "payout presence", and step S2214 "replay presence", the gaming medium using machine is based on the signal regarding the payout state acquired from the gaming medium using machine It is determined whether or not the payout operation has been performed (S2208: determination of presence or absence of cash lending, S2212: determination of presence or absence of medals having a medal, S2214: determination of presence or absence of stored medal replay). If one of these payout operations is being performed, the processing proceeds to step S2210 "payout flag setting", the payout operation flag for the gaming medium using machine is set, and the processing returns to the main routine. When the gaming medium using machine is a gaming machine, the payout operation in progress flag can be set based on the payout of the gaming medium and the information on the jackpot.
Further, in the gaming medium using machine, when no payout operation is performed, the processing returns to the main routine.

<Description of supply request set processing>
A detailed process of the process of step S2106 "replenishment request set" shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S2302 "payout flag", step S2304 "refill flag", step S2306 "refill wait timer" determination, the relay board 20 is the game medium payout mechanism flag, refilling It is determined whether the flag (see step S2409 shown in FIG. 7) or the replenishment wait timer (see step S2426 shown in FIG. 7) is set. If any of these is set, the process returns to the main routine without generating a priority replenishment request, a normal replenishment request, or a reserve replenishment request.
In addition, when none of the payout operation flag, the replenishment operation flag, and the replenishment weight timer is set (steps S2302, S2304, and S2306: none), the processing performed by the relay substrate 20 is the next step S2308 ". The process proceeds to the determination of “normal supply request presence / absence”, and it is determined whether the normal supply request for the gaming medium using machine is set.

  If it is determined in step S2308 "normal supply request presence / absence" that the normal supply request is set, the process performed by the relay substrate 20 branches to the determination in step S2310 "payout completion flag presence / absence", It is determined whether a payout completion flag is set for the gaming medium using machine. If it is determined at S2310 that the payout completion flag is set, then the process proceeds to step S2312 "priority supply request set normal supply request clear" processing. The state where the processing has reached step S2312 is a state in which payout is further performed with a small amount of gaming media stored in the gaming media using machine, and there is a possibility that medals will run out, so in S2312, a priority replenishment request is required. Generate and set In the present embodiment, the normal replenishment request is cleared. If it is determined in the previous determination of S2310 that the payout completion flag is not set, the process returns to the main routine.

If it is determined in the previous step S2308 "normal supply request presence / absence", it is determined that the normal supply request is not set, the process proceeds to the next step S2314 "near end signal output presence / absence" determination, and the game medium It is determined whether the near-end signal is output from the use machine.
If it is determined in S2314 that the near-end signal is output, the process proceeds to step S2316 to determine "the total number of payouts> the threshold", and the total number of payouts for gaming machine using machines exceeds the predetermined threshold. Determine if there is. In this way, checking the accumulated payout number is not normally performed if it is possible that the game media may be removed from the game media using machine by an unauthorized method. It is to suppress the spread of damage.
If it is determined at S2316 that the cumulative total number of payouts exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to step S2318 "total number of payouts, assuming that the medal storage amount is reduced as a result of executing normal payout. Clear Normal Supply Request Set Clear Spare Supply Request Clear Go to “Prepare Supply Request Count Clear”. Then, the value of the cumulative payout number is cleared, and a normal supply request is generated and set. In addition, it clears the low priority reserve supply request and clears the reserve supply count.
In addition, if it is determined that the cumulative payout number does not exceed the predetermined threshold in the determination of S2316 (Step S2316: No), it is assumed that it does not correspond to the decrease of the medal storage amount based on the normal payout operation. For example, the process proceeds to step S2319 "error notification" to notify an employee of the game arcade of an error, and the process returns to the main routine.

If it is determined in the previous step S2314 "near-end signal output presence / absence" that no near-end signal is detected, the process proceeds to the next step S2320 "preparatory supply presence / absence request presence / absence determination", and the gaming medium using machine It is determined whether or not the reserve supply request for is set. If it is determined in S2320 that the reserve supply request has been set, the supply request has already been set, so the process returns to the main routine.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S2320 that the reserve supply request has not been set, the process proceeds to the next step S2322 "disbursement completion flag presence / absence determination", and it is determined whether or not the dispensing completion flag is set. to decide.
If it is determined in S2322 that the payout completion flag is not set, the payout process in the gaming medium using machine has not been completed, so the process is performed without setting the spare supply request. Return to the routine.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2322 that the payout completion flag is set, the process proceeds to the determination of next step S2324 "preliminary replenishment count>threshold". Then, it is determined whether the number of times of preliminary replenishment counted by the preliminary replenishment counting unit 208 is equal to or more than a predetermined number.
If it is determined in the determination of S2324 that the number of times the preliminary replenishment is performed is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, there is a possibility that the replenishment will be excessive, and the process returns to the main routine without setting the preliminary replenishment request.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S2324 that the number of times of implementation of the preliminary replenishment is less than the predetermined number, the process branches to the process of step S2326 "preparatory replenishment count + 1 preliminary replenishment request set" The count value is incremented by 1 to set a reserve supply request. Thereafter, the process returns to the main routine.

<Description of Communication Processing in Relay Board 20>
With reference to FIG. 6, the details of “communication processing” (communication processing with the replenishment device 16) shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
If it is determined in step S2402 that “the transmission flag is present”, the relay substrate 20 receives a request for a preliminary replenishment request, a normal replenishment request, a priority replenishment request, and other flags to be transmitted from the replenishment device 16, step S2404 “various Processing branches to “processing of information transmission”, and processing of transmitting those data to the replenishment device 16 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S2405 "reception data presence / absence" determination. Also, if it is determined in step S2402 that there is no flag to be transmitted by the relay substrate 20, the process proceeds to step S2405.
If it is determined in step S2405 “reception data existence” that the relay substrate 20 has reception data from the replenishing device 16, the process branches to step S2406 “reception of various information” to receive various data. Remember. Thereafter, the process returns to the main routine. Also, when the relay board 20 determines that there is no data to be received and transmitted in the determination of S2405, the processing returns to the main routine.

<Description of the supply completion process>
With reference to FIG. 7, the details of the “supply completion process” in step S <b> 2109 shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
Step S2408 "Refilling operation in progress" is determined, the relay substrate 20 is set to the replenishment operation flag indicating that replenishment of gaming media is performed from the replenishment device 16 to the corresponding gaming media using machine. Determine if there are any. If it is determined that the corresponding gaming medium use machine is in the process of supplying, the process branches to the process of step S2409 "refilling flag set", and the process of setting the under-supply flag is performed, and the next step S2410 is performed. Proceed to the determination of "branch unit drive instruction presence or absence".
If it is determined in step S 2410 that “split unit drive instruction is present”, it is determined that there is a drive instruction of the shutter mechanism in the guiding means 18 corresponding to the corresponding gaming medium using machine from the replenishment device 16, the process is the next step In step S2411 "branch unit ON", the shutter mechanism of the corresponding guiding means 18 is turned ON. When the process in step S2411 ends, the process returns to the main routine. Also, when it is determined in the previous determination of S2410 that there is no drive instruction of the corresponding induction means 18, the processing returns to the main routine.
If it is determined in the previous step S2408 that "refilling operation is being performed" that the gaming medium is not being refilled, that is, if the refilling operation is on standby or the refilling operation is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S2412 " The process proceeds to the process of “clearing flag under supply / branch unit off”, and turns off the flag under supply, and turns off the shutter mechanism of the corresponding guiding means 18.
If it is determined in the next step S 2414 “preferential supply completion completion” that the preferential supply in the corresponding gaming medium using machine is in the completed state, the process branches to step S 2416 “preferential supply request clear”. Process to clear the priority supply request. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S2422 "preparing replenishment count + 1 preparatory replenishment request set replenishment wait timer set", the counting value of the number of times of preparatory replenishment is incremented by 1, and the preparatory replenishment request is set in response to completion of high priority replenishment. At the same time, set the replenishment wait timer. The replenishment weight timer is to set a waiting time for stopping replenishment until the state of the gaming medium after replenishment is stabilized in the gaming medium using machine and the storage amount detection sensors 2804 and 3004 can be correctly detected. When the process in S2422 ends, the process returns to the main routine.
If it is determined in the previous step S 2414 “preferential supply completion completion” that the priority supply in the corresponding gaming medium using machine is not completed, the process proceeds to the next step S 24 18 “normal supply completion presence or absence”. Proceed to judgment. If it is determined at S2418 that the refilling completed this time is normal refilling, the process branches to the process of "clear normal refilling request" at step S2420 to clear the normal refilling request. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S2422 in the same manner as when the priority replenishment is completed, the count value of the number of times of preliminary replenishment is incremented by 1, the preliminary replenishment request is set, the replenishment wait timer is set, and the process returns to the main routine.
If it is determined that the normal replenishment in the corresponding gaming medium using machine is not completed at the previous S2418, the process proceeds to the determination of the next step S2424 "presence or absence of completion of spare replenishment".
If it is determined at S2424 that the refilling completed this time is the spare refilling, the process branches to the processing of step S2426 "Prepare refilling request clear Replenishment wait timer set" to clear the spare refilling request. , And performs processing to set the replenishment wait timer. When the process in S2426 ends, the process returns to the main routine.
Also, when it is determined in the previous step S2424 "preliminary replenishment completion / nonexistence" that the preliminary replenishment in the corresponding gaming medium using machine is not completed, the processing returns to the main routine.
Instead of executing the process of generating the priority replenishment request, the normal replenishment request, and the reserve replenishment request shown in FIG. 3 and the process of transmitting the information to the replenishment device 16 with the relay substrate 20, the game medium using machine The configuration to be implemented can also be used.

<Description of the process which the replenishment apparatus 16 performs>
FIGS. 8 to 14 are flowcharts showing the process executed by the replenishing device 16. FIG. 8 shows the entire flow (main routine) of the process executed by the replenishing device 16 and FIGS. It shows about the detailed processing (subroutine) of each step.
First, the process shown in FIG. 8 will be described.
When the power is turned on in the replenishing device 16 in step S2502 "power on", the process proceeds to the next step S2506 "communication process", and flags, data, and the like with all the connected relay boards 20 Processing of transmission and reception of information (refer to FIG. 9 for details).
In the next step S 2510 “refilling order table processing”, rewriting processing of the replenishment order table (queue) in which the replenishment order of gaming medium using machines is recorded is executed for priority replenishment, normal replenishment and reserve replenishment (details will be described) 10 to 12).
In the next step S 2512 “reserve destination determination”, the game media using device of the refill destination is determined according to the priority order of priority refilling, normal refilling, and reserve refilling, and processing for deleting the refilling destination determined from the queue is performed. . (For details, refer to FIG. 13).
In the next step S 2514 “refilling operation processing”, drive control of the tank conveyor 1604 for transferring a predetermined amount of medals from the replenishment tank 1602 to the replenishment conveyor 14, the guiding means 18 disposed corresponding to each gaming medium using machine The drive control of the shutter mechanism and the drive control of the replenishment conveyor 14 are performed (see FIG. 14 for details). Thereafter, the replenishment device 16 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S2506 to S2514 until the power is turned off.

<Description of Communication Processing in Supply Device 16>
With reference to FIG. 9, the details of “communication processing” (communication processing with each relay board 20) shown in FIG. 8 will be described.
In step S2802 "Transmission Time UP?", The replenishment device 16 determines whether or not transmission timing of predetermined data has come. If it is determined that the predetermined data transmission timing has come, the process branches to step S2804 "transmission of various information" to transmit various information such as a shutter mechanism drive instruction and a replenishment completion flag to the relay substrate 20. Do. If transmission processing of various information is completed, it will progress to judgment of Step S2806 "reception data existence". Even when it is determined in the previous S2802 that the transmission timing of the predetermined data has not come, the processing proceeds to S2806.
In step S2806 "Receiving data presence / absence", the replenishing device 16 determines whether there is data received from the relay board 20 or not. If data is received from the relay substrate 20, the process branches to step S2808 "receive various information", and stores the received various information such as a replenishment request. Then, the process returns to the main routine. Also, if it is determined in S2806 that no data has been received from the relay board 20, the process returns to the main routine.

<Description of replenishment order table processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 and FIG. 15, the details of the “replenishment order table process” at step S2510 shown in FIG. 8 will be described.
Here, the replenishment order determination unit 1614 of the replenishment device 16 has a table (queue) storing the identifiers of gaming media using machines waiting for replenishment execution of gaming media for each type of replenishment.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the supply execution waiting table.
As shown in FIG. 15A, the replenishment execution waiting table includes a priority replenishment execution waiting table T1, a normal replenishment execution waiting table T2, and a spare replenishment execution waiting table T3. The waiting number of each table indicates that the replenishment request has been generated in this order. For example, in the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1, as for the priority replenishment request generated next, the identifier of the gaming medium using machine is set in the row of the waiting number 4th.

Also, when the replenishment order determination unit 1614 newly stores the identifier of the gaming medium using machine in the table, it is determined whether the identifier of the gaming medium using machine is stored in the plurality of tables, If the identifier of the gaming medium using machine is stored, the identifier is stored only in the table with the highest priority.
For example, in the state where the table shown in FIG. 15A is set, when there is a payout in the 110th gaming medium using machine waiting for the next normal supply, the relay substrate 20 requests the 110th replenishment request. The normal replenishment request is switched to the priority replenishment request (see S2312 shown in FIG. 5). As a result, as shown in FIG. 15B, the replenishment order determination unit 1614 adds 110th to the fourth of the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1, and deletes the 110th from the normal replenishment execution waiting table T2.

With regard to the order of actually replenishing gaming media to the gaming medium using machine, the replenishment order determining unit 1614 refers to the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1, the normal replenishment execution waiting table T2, and the spare replenishment execution waiting table T3 in this order. Determine the next supply destination. At this time, the replenishment order determination unit 1614 determines the replenishment destination for the gaming medium using machine in the table by FIFO (first-in first-out).
For example, as shown in FIG. 15C, when the table is set, the first 100th of the waiting number 1 of the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1 becomes the replenishment destination, and the 101st, 102th is next when the replenishment to the 100th is completed. Supply is performed in the order of waiting numbers in the order of the boxes.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 15D, when the identifier of the gaming medium using machine set in the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1 disappears, the normal replenishment execution waiting table T2 is referred to, and the gaming media of the 111th block of waiting number 1 is referenced. The machine used becomes the supply destination, and thereafter, the 112 number is supplied in order of the waiting number.
After that, when all the replenishment to the gaming medium using machine set in the normal replenishment execution waiting table T2 ends, and the identifier of the gaming medium using machine in the normal replenishment execution waiting table T2 disappears as shown in FIG. 15E, Next, with reference to the preliminary replenishment execution waiting table T3, when the gaming medium using machine of the 120th block of waiting number 1 becomes the replenishment destination and the replenishment for this 120th block is finished, the 121st and 122nd units are ordered in the waiting number order thereafter. Supply is done.
As described above, with regard to the preliminary replenishment, the replenishment operation is performed using the vacant time after the end of the priority replenishment or the normal replenishment. For this reason, the shortage of game media can be prevented without affecting the conventional supply that has been conventionally performed.

Details of step S 2510 “replenishment order table process” (storage and deletion of identifiers in the replenishment execution waiting table based on each replenishment request) shown in FIG. 10 will be described.
In the determination of “presence or absence of priority replenishment request” in step S 2812, the replenishment order determination unit 1614 determines whether or not there is a priority replenishment request among the replenishment requests received from the relay substrate 20. If it is determined that the priority replenishment request has been received, the process proceeds to step S2814 "queue setting", and the identifier of the gaming medium using machine requesting the priority replenishment is a queue of priority replenishment execution waiting table T1. Set to When the queue setting process is completed, the process proceeds to step S2820 "normal supply request presence / absence" determination.
If it is determined in the previous step S2812 "preferential supply request presence / absence", it is determined that the preferential supply request has not been received, the process proceeds to the next step S2816 "queue clear" and game media use for which the preferential supply is not requested A machine identifier is deleted from the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1. When the queue clear process is completed, the process proceeds to step S2820 to determine "normal supply request presence / absence".

<Description of queue set processing>
Next, the details of the queue set process executed in step S2814 “queue set” shown in FIG. 10 will be described using FIG. The same process is applied to the queue set process of step S2822 executed when there is a normal replenishment request shown in FIG. 10 and the queue set process at step S2830 executed when there is a reserve replenishment request. Do.
In step S2602 "compare received data with queue" shown in FIG. 11, the replenishment order determination unit 1614 determines the identifier of each gaming medium using machine received in step S2506 "communication processing" shown in FIG. And the identifier of the gaming medium using machine stored in
In the determination of S2602, if it is determined that the same identifier as the identifier of the gaming medium using device with the received priority replenishment request is not stored in the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1 (in the case of noncoincidence), In order to store the identifier, the process proceeds to the next step S2604 "set refill requested place at the end of the queue". Then, processing is performed to set an unmatched identifier (supply request location) at the end of the supply execution waiting table, and the process returns to the original routine.
On the other hand, when it is determined in S2602 that the same identifier as the received identifier of the gaming medium using machine is already stored in the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1, the main data is not changed in the queue. Return to the routine.

<Specific Example of Set Process of Supply Request Location for Supply Request Execution Wait Table>
For example, in the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1 shown in FIG. 15A, identifiers in the 110s are not stored. When the priority replenishment request is generated for the 110th series, the normal replenishment request of the 110th series is determined to be "presence" in the judgment of step S2812 "precedence replenishment request presence / absence" of FIG. 10, and the process of step S2814 "queue set" In step S2602 shown in FIG. 11, the process proceeds to the determination of "compare received data with queue".
Since the 110th table is not stored in the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1 shown in FIG. 15A in the determination of step S2602, it is determined to be "mismatched" and step S2604 "set of replenishment request location at the tail end of the queue" The process of step 110 is performed to set 110th to No. 4 of the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1 shown in FIG. 15A. Then, the storage mode of the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1 shown in FIG. 15B is obtained.

<Specific example of processing that does not change the replenishment request execution waiting table>
For example, in the case of the storage mode shown in FIG. 15B, an identifier of 110s is already stored in No. 4 of the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1.
In this case, it is determined that the priority replenishment request in the 110th series is “present” in the determination of “presence or absence of priority replenishment request” in step S2812 in FIG. 10, and the process proceeds to step S2814 “queue set” and step S2602 shown in FIG. Go to the "compare received data with queue" section. At this time, since the 110th is already stored in No. 4 of the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1 shown in FIG. 15B, it is judged as “matched” in S2602 and the storage mode of the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1 shown in FIG. Remains unchanged, and processing returns to the original routine.
Thus, the storage mode of the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1 shown in FIG. 15B is maintained.

<Description of queue clear processing>
Next, the queue clear processing executed in step S2816 “queue clear” shown in FIG. 10 will be described using FIG. The same process is performed in the queue clearing process of step S2824 executed when there is no normal replenishment request shown in FIG. 10, and the queue set process in step S2832 executed when there is no spare replenishment request. .
In step S2702 "compare received data with queue" shown in FIG. 12, the replenishment order determination unit 1614 waits for priority replenishment execution waiting for the identifier of each gaming medium using machine identifier received in step S2506 "communication processing" in FIG. The gaming medium using machine identifier stored in the table T1 is compared.
In the process of S2702, if it is determined that the same identifier as the identifier of the gaming medium using machine other than the received priority replenishment request is stored in the corresponding priority replenishment execution waiting table T1 (in the case of coincidence), In order to delete the identifier from the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1, the process proceeds to the next step S2704 "clear replenishment request and pack ahead". Then, the identifier of the gaming medium using machine other than the matching priority replenishment request is deleted from the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1, and the process of packing the subsequent lines in the higher rank is performed, and the process returns to the original routine.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2702 "compare received data with queue" that the same identifier as the identifier of the received gaming medium using machine is not stored in the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1, Return to the original routine without changing data.

<Specific example of clear processing of supply request place for supply request execution waiting table>
Here, as a specific example of the clearing process of the replenishment request in S2704, the clearing process of the replenishment request part in the normal replenishment execution waiting table T2 will be described.
For example, an identifier of 110s is stored in No. 1 of the normal replenishment execution waiting table T2 shown in FIG. 15A. In this state, as a result of the payout process of gaming media being performed in the 110's, it is assumed that the 110's supply request is upgraded from the normal supply request to the priority supply request.
Then, since the replenishment request of the 110th unit received in step S2506 "communication processing" of FIG. 8 changes from the normal replenishment request to the priority replenishment request, the normal of 110th is determined in the determination of "normal replenishment request presence / absence" of FIG. The supply request is determined to be "absent", and the process proceeds to step S2824 "queue clear" processing.
Then, the process proceeds to determination of step S2702 "compare received data with queue" shown in FIG. In step S2702 here, since the 110s remain in No. 1 of the normal replenishment execution waiting table T2 shown in FIG. 15A, it is determined to be "matched" and step S2704 "clear the replenishment request and pack it forward" Then, the No. 1 to No. 110 series of the normal replenishment execution waiting table T2 shown in FIG. 15A is cleared. Then, the storage mode of the normal replenishment execution waiting table T2 shown in FIG. 15B is obtained.

  The replenishment order determination unit 1614 performs the same processing as described above for each of the priority replenishment request (step S2812), the normal replenishment request (step S2820) and the preliminary replenishment request (step S2828), and updates the replenishment order table.

<Description of the supply destination determination process>
Details of step S 2512 “supply destination determination process” shown in FIG. 8 will be described using FIG. 13.
In the case where it is determined in step S2902 "refill operation flag present?", The replenishing device 16 determines whether the refill operation flag is set and determines that the refill operation flag is set. Since the replenishment operation has been started, the process returns to the main routine without setting a new replenishment.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S2902 that the refilling operation in progress flag is not set, the flow proceeds to determination of step S2906 "preferential refill request presence / absence". In the determination of S2906, first, with reference to the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1, whether or not the identifier of the gaming media using machine is set in the table, that is, whether or not the gaming media using machine waiting for priority replenishment execution is stored. To judge.
If it is determined in S2906 that the identifier of the gaming medium using machine is set in the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1, the process branches to the processing of step S2908 "priority replenishment set" (priority replenishment setting unit 1612). Then, the supply location (the identifier of the gaming medium using machine) having the smallest waiting number in the table is acquired and set, and the supply time according to the supply location is specified and set.
In the next step S2910 "queue clear", the identifier of the gaming medium using machine is deleted (cleared) from the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1, and processing for setting the subsequent lines to the top is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the identifier of the gaming medium using machine is not set in the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1 in the previous determination of S2906 (if the priority replenishment execution waiting table T1 is empty), the next step S2912 Proceeding to the determination of "normal supply request presence / absence", the normal supply execution waiting table T2 is referred to, and it is determined whether the identifier of the gaming medium using machine is set in the table.
If it is determined in step S2912 that the identifier of the gaming medium using machine is set in the normal replenishment execution waiting table T2, the process branches to step S2914 "normal replenishment set" (normal replenishment setting unit 1608). Then, while obtaining and setting the replenishment point (the identifier of the gaming medium using machine) with the smallest waiting number in the ordinary replenishment waiting table T2, the replenishment time corresponding to the replenishment point is specified and set.
In the next step S2916 "queue clear", the identifier of the gaming medium using machine is deleted (cleared) from the normal replenishment execution waiting table T2, and processing for setting the subsequent lines to the top is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2912 that the identifier of the gaming medium using machine is not set in the normal replenishment execution waiting table T2 (if the priority replenishment execution waiting table T2 is empty), the next step S2918 is performed. Proceeding to the determination of "preparatory supply request presence / absence", it is determined whether or not the identifier of the gaming medium using machine is set in the table with reference to the preliminary replenishment execution waiting table T3.
If it is determined in step S 2918 that the identifier of the gaming medium using machine is set in the preliminary replenishment execution waiting table T 3, the processing of step S 2920 “preparatory replenishment request set” (preliminary replenishment setting unit 1610) is performed. Branching, the supply location (the identifier of the gaming medium using machine) with the smallest waiting number in the spare supply waiting table T3 is acquired and set, and the supply time according to the supply location is specified and set.
In the next step S2922 "queue clear", the identifier (supplement request) of the gaming medium using machine is deleted (cleared) from the preliminary replenishment execution waiting table T3, and processing for setting the subsequent lines to the top is performed.

  When the queue is cleared in any of the previous steps S2922, S2916, or S2910, the process proceeds to the process of the next step S2924 "refilling flag set tank conveyor, supply conveyor drive", and the supply device 16 supplies In operation, the flag is set, and the replenishment conveyor 14 and the tank conveyor 1604 are driven to start transporting the gaming medium toward the gaming medium using machine (resupply control unit 1616). Then, the process returns to the main routine.

<Description of supply operation processing>
Details of step S 2514 “supply operation process” (supply control unit 1616) shown in FIG. 8 will be described using FIG. 14.
When the process proceeds to step S 2514 “replenishment operation process” of the main routine shown in FIG. 8, the process of step S 3002 “tank conveyor drive time Time UP?” Shown in FIG. 14 is executed.
In step S3002 "tank conveyor drive time TimeUP?", The replenishment device 16 determines whether the tank conveyor drive time determined according to the number of game media to be replenished this time has elapsed (for example, 30 sheets / sec. Such). If the driving time of the tank conveyor has elapsed, the process branches to Step S3004 "Stop tank conveyor", stops the tank conveyor that was being driven, and determines the next step S3006 "Shutter mechanism driving timing?" Go to On the other hand, if it is determined in S3002 that the driving time of the tank conveyor has not ended, the process proceeds to step S3006.
In step S3006 "shutter mechanism drive timing?", The position of the guiding means 18 corresponding to the gaming medium using machine to be the replenishment destination is specified, and the gaming medium conveyed from the replenishment tank 1602 to the replenishment conveyor 14 is derived. It is determined whether it is the timing (shutter drive timing) at which the position of the means 18 is reached. Then, if it is determined that it is the shutter drive timing, the process branches to step S3008 "shutter mechanism on instruction", and the guidance means 18 of the corresponding position is maintained in the on state to play the game medium in the game medium using machine To be supplied. Then, the process proceeds to the determination of step S3010 "refilling conveyor TimeUP?".
On the other hand, if it is determined in S3006 that the shutter drive timing has passed, the process proceeds to the next Step S3009 "shutter mechanism off instruction" to output an instruction to turn off the guiding means 18 of the corresponding position. Then, the process proceeds to the determination of the next step S3010 "refilling conveyor drive time TimeUP?".
In step S3010 "refilling conveyor drive time TimeUP?", It is determined whether or not the drive time of the refilling conveyor 14 for transporting the game media to the corresponding gaming medium using machine has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined drive time of the supply conveyor has elapsed, the process proceeds to the process of step S3012 "supply conveyor stop / supply completion flag set" to stop the supply conveyor 14 and set the supply completion flag. And clear the in-progress flag. Then, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, when it is determined in S3010 that the drive time of the supply conveyor 14 has not elapsed, the process returns to the main routine.

As described above, according to the gaming medium replenishment system 10, the normal replenishment is replenished without interfering with the normal replenishment operation performed when the number of gaming media stored in the gaming medium using machine becomes equal to or less than the predetermined number. Since spare media is replenished to the gaming medium using machine for which gaming media have been paid out using idle time after completion of the operation, a certain amount of gaming medium is always secured in the gaming medium using machine in the operating state. This is advantageous in preventing the shortage of game media.
In addition, by setting an upper limit on the number of times of preliminary replenishment, it is advantageous in preventing excessive supply of gaming media to gaming media using machines.
In addition, when the normal supply is performed, the count value of the preliminary supply is reset and the preliminary supply is performed again, so that it is possible to prevent the shortage of the game medium while preventing the excessive supply of the game medium. It is advantageous.
In addition, when there is a payout of gaming media from gaming media using machines in the normal replenishment execution waiting state, priority replenishment with higher priority than normal refilling is performed, so it is possible to use gaming media using machines in a state in which payout errors easily occur. On the other hand, game media can be replenished quickly, which is advantageous in preventing the occurrence of a payout error.
In addition, when a replenishment execution waiting table is provided for each type of replenishment and the identifier of the gaming medium using device is newly stored in the replenishment execution waiting table, the identifier of the gaming medium using device is included in a plurality of tables. If the identifier of the gaming medium using machine is already stored, the identifier is stored only in the table having the highest priority. As a result, game media can be replenished at an early stage to gaming media using machines requiring refilling with high priority. In particular, since the reserve supply is set to the lowest priority, the reserve supply can be performed without affecting the normal supply or the priority supply.

<Description of the function of the invention>
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the difference between the number of stored game media when using the prior art and the number of stored game media when using the game medium replenishment device according to the present invention.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, it is assumed that the storage amount detection sensors 2804 and 3004 output near-end signals when the number of stored gaming media in the gaming media using machine becomes 250 or less. In addition, the number of paid-out game media per one time is 200, the number of normal replenishment sheets per one time is 300, and the number of preliminary replenishment sheets per one time is 150.

FIG. 16A shows the number of stored gaming media in the gaming media using machine according to the prior art.
In the initial state of S10, since the number of stored gaming media is zero, the near end signal is detected, and normal replenishment is started in the next S12. Since the number of replenished game media at the time of normal replenishment is 300, the number of stored game media is 300 in S14. In this state, when the payout command shown in S16 is issued and 200 payouts are made, the number of stored game media becomes 100 as shown in S18.
At this time, since the number of stored game media is less than the detected number of near-end (250 remaining medals) in S18, normal replenishment is started in S20, and the number of stored game media becomes 400 as shown in S22. In this state, a payout error due to lack of medals does not occur.
Here, it is assumed that a payout command is issued again in S24 before the normal replenishment in S20 is started or completed. Then, since the number of stored game media (100) in S24 is smaller than the payout number of 200, the medals run out as shown in S26, and a payout error occurs.

FIG. 16B shows the number of stored gaming media in the gaming media using machine when the gaming media replenishment device of the present invention is used.
If the number of stored gaming media is zero in the initial state of S30, a near end signal is detected, and normal replenishment is started in the next S32. Further, since the preliminary replenishment is also set at the same time as the normal replenishment, the preliminary replenishment to the gaming medium using machine is started in S34 if there is no high priority replenishment request for the other gaming medium using machine. . A total of 450 pieces of replenishment game media at the time of normal replenishment and 150 pieces of game media at the time of preliminary replenishment are performed, and the number of stored game media becomes 450 at S36.
In this state, when a payout command is issued in S38 and 200 payouts are made, the number of stored game media becomes 250 as shown in S40.
Further, since the reserve supply is set by the payout, if there is no priority supply request for the other game medium using machine, as shown in S42, the reserve for the game medium using machine is reserved. Supply is started. By this preliminary replenishment, the number of stored game media becomes 400 as shown in S44.
In this state, when a payout command is issued again in S46, as shown in S48, the number of stored gaming media becomes 200, which is less than 250 of the near-end detection number. Therefore, normal replenishment is started in S50, and the number of stored game media increases to 500 as shown in S52. Further, since the preliminary replenishment is also set at the same time as the normal replenishment, the preliminary replenishment is started in S52 if there is no high priority replenishment request for another game medium using machine. Then, the number of stored game media at S 54 is 650, which is the total of 300 replenished game media at the time of regular replenishment and 150 at the time of preliminary replenishment. Therefore, a payout error due to lack of medals does not occur.
On the other hand, even if a payout command is issued again in S56 before the normal replenishment of S50 is started or completed, the number of stored gaming media is the same as the payout number of 200, so the stock is stored in S58. Although the number of game media is zero, since priority supply is to be performed thereafter, a payout error due to lack of medals does not occur.
As described above, by performing the preliminary replenishment, it becomes easy to maintain the state in which a fixed number of gaming media are stored in the gaming media using machine, it is possible to reduce the possibility of occurrence of a payout error.

<Example in the case where the function of the relay board 20 is mounted on the replenishment device 16>
In the above description, although the replenishment device 16 and the relay substrate 20 cooperate to realize the game medium replenishment device 11 according to the claims, the game medium using machine and the replenishment device do not go through the relay substrate 20. The game medium supply device 11 according to the claims of the present invention may be realized by connecting the device 16 directly with the supply device 16 alone.
In this case, the components of the relay substrate 20 shown in FIG.
The main routine of the replenishment device 16 is as shown in FIG. That is, when the power is turned on in step S3102 "power on", the replenishment device 16 proceeds to the process of the next step S3104 "use machine check", and the connected game medium use machine (the game machine 28 and the game medium) The check processing (see FIG. 4) of the lending machine 30) is executed. Thereafter, the process of step S3106 "refilling request set" (see FIG. 5), step S3108 "refilling order table process" (see FIGS. 10 to 12), the process of step S3110 "refilling destination determination" (see FIG. 13), S3112 "refilling operation processing" (see FIG. 14), step S3114 "refilling completion processing" (see FIG. 7), and step S3116 "disbursement completion flag clear" processing (the same processing as S2110 shown in FIG. 3) are performed. Thereafter, the replenishment device 16 repeats the processing of steps S3104 to S3116 until the power is turned off.

<Example in which the inter-island conveyance unit 42 is also subjected to preliminary replenishment and preferential replenishment>
Further, in the present embodiment, although the preliminary replenishment and the preferential replenishment are performed when the gaming medium is replenished to the gaming medium using machine, the spare for the inter-island transport unit connecting the plurality of gaming islands and transporting the gaming medium Supply and priority supply may be performed.
FIG. 18 is a schematic explanatory view of the gaming media replenishment system 10 provided with the inter-island transport unit 42. As shown in FIG.
In FIG. 18, parts similar to those in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1, and detailed description will be omitted.
The inter-island transport unit 42 is connected to the replenishment device 16 provided in the plurality of gaming islands 12 to enable transportation of gaming media between the gaming islands 12. Thereby, for example, when the operation rate of the gaming medium using machine is not uniform among the gaming islands 12, the gaming media can be replenished between the gaming islands 12, and the shortage of gaming media can be prevented.

The inter-island transport unit 42 includes an island conveyor 44 and an island delivery relay box 46 (one form of gaming medium using machine).
The island conveyor 44 is connected to a replenishment device 16 provided in another game island 12 to transport game media across adjacent game islands 12. Two or more island conveyors 44 may be provided.
The island passing relay box 46 has its case extending in the vertical direction of the deepest part (downstream end of the supply conveyor 14) of the gaming island 12 and has a medal tank (storage part) 4602, a level sensor (storage An amount detection sensor 4604, a tank conveyor 4606, and a lift conveyor 4608 are accommodated.
The medal tank 4602 stores game media supplied from the supply conveyor 14 or the island conveyor 44. The game media supplied from the supply conveyor 14 are guided to the medal tank 4602 by the first chute 4610. Also, the game media supplied from the island conveyor 44 are guided to the medal tank 4602 by the second chute 4612.
Level sensor 4604 detects the storage amount of gaming media in medal tank 4602. In the present embodiment, level sensor 4604 detects that the number of gaming media in medal tank 4602 is less than or equal to a predetermined number, and outputs a near end signal to gaming media supply device 11.

The tank conveyor 4606 transports the game medium in the medal tank 4602 to either the lift conveyor 4608 direction or the collection conveyor 48 direction. The gaming media conveyed in the direction of the lift conveyor 4608 are carried onto the island conveyor 44 via the lift conveyor 4608 and conveyed to the replenishment device 16 of another game island 12. The gaming media transported in the direction of the recovery conveyor 48 are transported to the replenishment device 16 of the gaming island 12 via the recovery conveyor 48.
The lift conveyor 4608 extends in the vertical direction in the island passing relay box 46, and lifts the gaming medium conveyed by the tank conveyor 4606 toward the island conveyor 44. The gaming media transported by the lift conveyor 4608 are guided to the island conveyor 44 by the third chute 4614.

When the tank conveyor 4606 of the island delivery relay box 46 transports game media and pays out the medals from the medal tank 4602, the island delivery relay box 46 outputs a payout signal to the replenishment device 16.
That is, the gaming medium replenishment device 11 handles the inter-island transportation unit 42 by treating the situation in which the inter-island transportation unit 42 transports the gaming media from its own island to another island in the same way as paying out with the gaming media using machine. It is possible to perform reserve supply, regular supply, and priority supply to the And, the shortage of game media in the medal tank 4602 can be prevented.

  By providing such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the shortage of game media supplied to other islands even when supplying game media between game islands 12 using the inter-island transport unit 42, and the entire game arcade Is advantageous in efficiently distributing game media.

10 game media replenishment system 11 game media replenishment device 12 game island 14 replenishment conveyor 16 replenishment device (game media replenishment device)
1606 Control Unit 1608 Normal Supply Setting Unit 1610 Spare Supply Setting Unit 1612 Priority Supply Setting Unit 1614 Supply Order Determination Unit 1616 Supply Control Unit 18 Guide Means 20 Relay Board (Game Media Supply Device)
200 replenishment request unit 202 normal replenishment request unit 204 reserve replenishment request unit 206 priority replenishment request unit 208 reserve replenishment counting unit 28 game machine 30 game media lending machine 40 communication line 42 inter-island transport unit 46 inter-island relay box

Claims (6)

A gaming media replenishment device for replenishing gaming media to gaming media using machines, comprising:
The normal replenishment setting for setting the ordinary replenishment for replenishing the gaming medium to the gaming medium using machine based on the normal replenishment request generated when the number of gaming mediums stored by the gaming medium using machine becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number Department,
Setting of the preliminary replenishment to replenish the gaming medium regardless of the number of gaming media stored by the gaming medium using machine based on the preliminary replenishment request generated when the gaming medium is paid out from the gaming medium using machine And a reserve supply setting unit for
A replenishment control unit that controls the supply of the gaming medium to the gaming medium using machine according to the replenishment setting of the gaming medium;
A game medium supply device comprising: A reserve replenishment request unit that generates the reserve replenishment request when the gaming medium is paid out from the gaming medium using machine;
The game machine further comprises a spare supply counting unit which counts the number of times the spare supply is set for the gaming medium using machine and calculates the count value.
The preliminary replenishment request unit does not generate the preliminary replenishment request when the preliminary replenishment count value counted by the preliminary replenishment counting unit is equal to or more than a predetermined number of times.
A game medium supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that. The spare supply counting unit resets the count value when the normal supply to the gaming medium using machine is set.
3. A game medium supply device according to claim 2, wherein: The priority supply of priority is given to the gaming media using the gaming media using the priority based on the priority replenishment request generated when the gaming media is paid out from the gaming media using machine in the normal replenishment execution waiting state The system further comprises a priority replenishment setting unit for setting.
4. A game medium supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The gaming media replenishment device is for replenishing the gaming media to a plurality of gaming media using machines,
The system further comprises a replenishment order determination unit that determines the replenishment order of the gaming media to the plurality of gaming media using machines,
The replenishment order determination unit holds, for each type of replenishment, a table storing an identifier of the gaming medium using machine waiting for a replenishment execution of the gaming medium, and the same table of gaming machine using the same gaming machine in different tables If the identifier is to be stored, the identifier is stored only in the table with the highest priority,
5. A game medium replenishment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that. An island passing relay box for replenishing and recovering game media to another game island, and a game medium replenishment device for replenishing game media to a game medium using machine,
The game medium is transmitted to the island passing relay box or the game medium using machine based on a normal replenishment request generated when the number of game media stored in the island passing relay box or the game medium using machine becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number. And a normal setting supply unit for setting a normal supply setting for supplying
Based on the number of game media stored by the island passing relay box or the game medium using machine based on the reserve replenishment request generated when the game medium is paid out from the island passing relay box or the game medium using machine A reserve supply setting unit for setting a reserve supply for replenishing the game medium regardless of
A replenishment control unit configured to control supply of the gaming medium to the island passing relay box or the gaming medium using device according to the setting of the replenishment of the gaming medium;
A game medium supply device comprising:

Images