JP2021159148A - Storage medium processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a storage medium processing device capable of adding to a storage medium a value of a valuable value price that is effectively available to a game.SOLUTION: A ticket machine 3 as a storage medium processing device is a device for issuing a game card 10. The ticket machine 3, on the basis of the minimum lending unit price, calculates the maximum valuable value price whose value can be added within a range of a price of coins received by the ticket machine 3 and adds the value to the game card 10. A balance, a price obtained by subtracting a price corresponding to a prepaid value price whose value is added to the game card 10 from the price of the received coins, is returned to a game player using a possessed game medium or a possessed game medium and coins.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a storage medium processing device that processes a storage medium such as a game card.

The following Patent Document 1 discloses a counting device provided in a game store so as to have a one-to-one relationship with each game table. The counting device has a function of lending a game medium such as a pachinko ball for playing on a corresponding game table and a function of counting pachinko balls acquired from the game table by the game. In connection with the function of lending pachinko balls, the front of the counting device is provided with a card doorway for inserting and removing game cards with a prepaid value. When the player inserts the game card into the card entrance and then presses the rental button of the game table, the pachinko balls are paid out to the upper plate of the game table as rental balls. Along with this, the prepaid value amount of the game card is subtracted according to the number of balls to be rented.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-172751

In the counting device of Patent Document 1, by pressing the lending button, the valuable value amount (prepaid value amount) valued in the storage medium (game card) is deducted, and the pachinko ball corresponding to the deducted valuable value amount is generated. It is paid out as a ball rental. The minimum amount (minimum lending unit amount unit) that a player can use to pay out balls is set for each game store, and the value amount of a fraction less than the minimum lending unit amount unit is used for the game card. Even if it is valued, the valuable amount of the fraction cannot be used by the game. The only way to handle the value of a fraction is to settle the game card.

If the value of the fraction is not generated, the value of the storage medium can be used to the maximum for the game.
The inventors of the present application are studying an improvement of a storage medium processing apparatus that accepts input money and processes the storage medium. In the storage medium processing device, it is desired to store the valuable value amount that can be effectively used for the game in the storage medium without generating the valuable value amount for the fraction.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium processing device capable of valuing a storage medium with a valuable amount that can be effectively used for a game.

According to the present invention, the amount of money received by the money receiving means is based on the money receiving means for receiving the inserted money and the minimum lending unit amount which is the minimum amount that the player can use to lend the game medium. Provided is a storage medium processing apparatus characterized by including a valuable value calculating means for calculating a valuable value within a range and a valuable value valuating means for valuing the calculated valuable value on a storage medium. do.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the value value calculating means calculates the maximum value value that can be valued within the range of the money amount received by the money receiving means.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage medium processing device is calculated by the valuable value amount calculating means from the amount of money received by the money receiving means based on the game unit set in the game medium. Within the range of the remaining amount after deducting the valuable value amount, the number of possessed game media calculation means for calculating the number of possessed game media, the amount corresponding to the number of possessed game media calculated by the number of possessed game media calculation means, and the amount corresponding to the number of possessed game media. A determination means for determining the number of game media and the amount of money returned so that the total amount of the amount returned in money and the amount of money returned is the balance, and the game possession determined by the determination means. It further includes a balance processing means for valuing the number of media to the storage medium and returning the money of the money return amount determined by the determination means.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the means for calculating the number of game media possessed includes a means for calculating the maximum number of game media possessed that can be valued within the range of the remaining amount.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the denomination-added determining means for determining the number of game media and the amount of money returned by the determining means in consideration of the denomination and the number of coins received by the currency receiving means. including.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the denomination addition determining means can cover the denomination and the number of coins of the money return amount within the range of the denomination and the number of coins accepted by the money receiving means. Includes means for determining the number of game media and the amount of money returned.

According to the present invention, the amount of valuable value valued in the storage medium is calculated based on the minimum lending unit amount. Therefore, it is possible to value the storage medium with a valuable value that is an integral multiple of the minimum lending unit amount. In this case, since the value value of the storage medium is divisible by the minimum lending unit amount, all the value value of the storage medium can be used up in the game, and the value value of the fraction is reduced in the subsequent game. It does not occur. As a result, the valuable amount that can be effectively used for the game can be valued in the storage medium.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the storage medium is valued at the maximum value value that can be valued within the amount of money inserted. Since the maximum valuable amount is valued in the storage medium, the amount of money inserted can be used to the maximum for the game.
By the way, in the method of returning all the remaining amount (the amount of money input minus the valuable value valued in the storage medium) in money, the amount of money less than the minimum lending unit amount is valued in the storage medium. I can't attach it.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a part or all of the remaining amount is valued in the storage medium as the number of game media, and the amount of money returned by subtracting the amount corresponding to the number of game media from the balance is money. Will be returned. Since a part or all of the remaining amount is valued to the storage medium as the number of game media, the amount of money less than the minimum lending unit amount can be valued to the storage medium as the number of game media. Therefore, the amount of money inserted can be used more effectively for the game.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the maximum number of game media that can be valued within the balance is valued for the storage medium. Since the maximum number of game media is valued in the storage medium, the amount of money returned can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of money inserted can be used even more effectively for the game.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of game media to be valued in the storage medium and the amount of money returned are determined in consideration of the denomination and the number of money inserted. Since the number of game media and the amount of money returned are determined in consideration of the denomination and the number of money inserted, it is possible to return a part of the amount of money returned using the inserted money. In this case, since the reserve amount of the return money can be suppressed to a small extent, it is possible to suppress an increase in the burden on the staff required for filling the return money and the like.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, since the denomination and number of coins to be returned can be covered within the range of the denomination and number of coins inserted, it is possible to return money using the coins inserted. can. In this case, it is not necessary to prepare the return money. Therefore, since it is not necessary to provide a device for preparing the return money, it is possible to prevent an increase in cost, and it is possible to prevent an increase in the burden on the staff required for filling the return money.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the storage medium processing system including the ticket vending machine to which the storage medium processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the storage medium processing system. It is a flow chart which shows the flow of the ticket selling process performed by the ticket vending machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the input amount, the prepaid value amount and the number of balls possessed, and the coin return amount valued to a game card (No. 1). It is a figure which shows the ticket selling screen displayed in the display operation part shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the input amount, the prepaid value amount and the number of balls possessed, and the coin return amount valued to a game card (No. 2). It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the input amount, the prepaid value amount and the number of balls possessed, and the coin return amount valued to a game card (No. 3). It is a schematic diagram which shows the ticket vending machine to which the storage medium processing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention is applied. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the input amount, the prepaid value amount and the number of balls possessed, and the coin return amount valued to a game card (No. 4). It is a figure which shows the relationship between the game corner of a game store and the availability of the prepaid value amount valued in a game card.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a storage medium processing system 1 including a ticket vending machine 3 to which the storage medium processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the storage medium processing system 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, an example of a game store is a pachinko parlor, and the inside thereof is divided into a game hall in which a plurality of game machines 2 such as pachinko machines are installed and an office for staff of the game store. ing.

The storage medium processing system 1 includes a ticket vending machine 3 installed in a game hall or the like, a management device 4 installed in an office, and a device corresponding to each machine 5 provided in a game hall on a one-to-one basis with each game table 2. And a checkout machine 7 installed in a game hall or the like.
The ticket vending machine 3 is a device that issues a storage medium. The storage medium in this embodiment is a game card 10 required for lending a game medium. Each game card 10 is assigned a different identification ID for each game card 10. The game card 10 is, for example, an IC card having an IC chip (not shown) built in, and at least an identification ID is stored in the IC chip. The game card 10 may be a magnetic card. The ticket vending machine 3 adds at least a prepaid value (valuable value) to the game card 10 to be exchanged for the game medium. As a method of valuing the prepaid value amount to the game card 10, the prepaid value amount is stored in the game card 10 itself (that is, the IC chip of the game card 10), or the prepaid value amount is linked to the identification ID of the game card 10. There is a method of attaching and storing it in the management device 4.

The prepaid value amount that can be valued to the game card 10 in the ticket vending machine 3 is equivalent to cash, and the unit of the prepaid value amount is "yen" as in cash. The ticket vending machine 3 supports not only banknotes but also coins, and is prepaid in units of the minimum lending unit amount A (see also FIG. 4, for example, 100 yen), which is the minimum amount that can be used for lending game media. The value amount C (see also FIG. 4 and the like) can be valued to the game card 10.

With respect to the game medium, a predetermined lending rate (game unit) is set for each game store. In the game store shown in FIG. 1, in the case of pachinko coins, the normal lending rate (hereinafter referred to as "normal rate") is set to, for example, 500 yen / 125 coins (that is, 4 (yen / coin)). In addition to the normal rate, a lending rate lower than the normal rate (hereinafter referred to as "low rate") is set to, for example, 500 yen / 500 coins (that is, 1 (yen / ball)).

In addition, a rental rate different from the normal rate and the low rate may be set in the game store. As another lending rate, a lending rate for game medals may be prepared. Further, a plurality of lending rates (normal rate and low rate) may be prepared as lending rates for game medals.
Further, only one rental rate may be set at the game store.

Information on all rental rates operated in the game store is managed by the management device 4. In addition, one of the rental rates is set for each game console 2, and each game console 2 can only play a game medium with the set rental rate. In the game hall, a game corner is formed by arranging a plurality of game tables 2 having the same rental rate.

Further, the game card 10 issued from the ticket vending machine 3 is valued not only with the prepaid value amount C but also with the number of game media D held (see also FIG. 4 and the like). As a method of valuing the possessed game medium to the game card 10, the possessed game medium is stored in the game card 10 itself (that is, the IC chip of the game card 10), or the possessed game medium is linked to the identification ID of the game card 10. There is a method of attaching and storing it in the management device 4.

The possession game medium is a game medium acquired on the day by a player playing a game on the game table 2, and is called a possession ball in the case of a pachinko ball and a possession medal in the case of a slot medal. The game medium is valid only on the day of the event and must be used for games or exchanged for prizes during the day. The mobile game medium exists for each of the above-mentioned lending rates. That is, there are a normal rate holding game medium and a low rate holding game medium. Since the value of the game medium is the same as the lending rate, the normal rate is 4 (yen / ball) and the low rate is 1 (yen / ball).

The game card 10 may be a general card for general customers or a membership card for member customers.
The ticket vending machine 3 includes, for example, a vertically long box-shaped main body 11. The main body 11 includes a housing 11a having an open front surface and a single-door main body door 11b capable of closing the front surface of the housing 11a. With the main body door 11b closed, the main body door 11b constitutes the front surface of the main body 11. On the front surface of the main body door 11b, a display operation unit 12, a bill deposit slot 13 and a coin deposit slot 14, a bill withdrawal port 15 and a coin withdrawal port 16, and a card entrance 17 are easily accessible to the player. It is provided in any layout. In the main body 11 (housing 11a), as shown in FIG. 2, as a control unit 20, a coin processing unit 21 that functions as a money receiving means and a balance processing means, and as a value valuation means and a balance processing means. A card processing unit 22 that functions, a bill processing unit 23 that functions as a money receiving means, a communication I / F unit 25, and a storage unit 28 are provided.

The control unit 20 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a timer, and the like. The same applies to other control units described later. The control unit 20 functions as a game medium number calculation means, a determination means, a balance processing means, a game medium number calculation means, a value value calculation means, and a denomination addition determination means.
Each of the display operation unit 12, the coin processing unit 21, the card processing unit 22, the bill processing unit 23, and the communication I / F unit 25 are electrically connected to the control unit 20.

The display operation unit 12 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal monitor with a touch panel. The same applies to other display operation units described later. Various information regarding the light emission of the game card 10 is displayed on the display operation unit 12. The control unit 20 controls the display contents of the display operation unit 12 and accepts the operation of the display operation unit 12 by a player or the like.
The coin processing unit 21 and the bill processing unit 23 are configured to settle the prepaid value amount selected by the operation of the display operation unit 12 by the player.

In relation to the coin processing unit 21, a plurality of coin storages 27 for storing coins by denomination are provided in the main body 11. The coin storage 27 and the coin deposit slot 14 are connected by a first coin transport path TP1, and the coin storage 27 and the coin withdrawal port 16 are connected by a second coin transport path TP2.
The coin processing unit 21 includes a coin identification unit 24, a coin counting unit 29, a first coin transport mechanism TM1, and a second coin transport mechanism TM2.

The coin identification unit 24 identifies the denomination and authenticity of the coin inserted into the coin deposit slot 14. The coin identification unit 24 is composed of a general sensor that identifies the denomination, positive / loss, authenticity, front / back, etc. of the coin.
The coin counting unit 29 counts the number of coins inserted into the coin deposit slot 14 by denomination.
The first coin transport mechanism TM1 transports coins from the coin deposit slot 14 toward the coin storage 27 through the first coin transport path TP1. The second coin transport mechanism TM2 transports coins from the coin storage 27 toward the coin withdrawal port 16 through the second coin transport path TP2. The first and second coin transport mechanisms TM1 and TM2 may include a transport member such as a belt or a roller and an actuator such as a motor for driving the transport member.

When a coin is inserted into the coin slot 14, the inserted coin is accepted, the denomination and authenticity of the inserted coin are determined by the coin identification unit 24, and the number of inserted coins is determined by the coin counting unit 29. It is counted by denomination. After the denomination determination and the number of coins have been counted, the coins are transported to the coin storage 27 by the first coin transport mechanism TM1 through the first coin transport path TP1.

When withdrawing coins from the coin withdrawal port 16, the second coin transport mechanism TM2 takes out the coins to be withdrawn from the coin storage 27 according to the number of withdrawals. The coins taken out are withdrawn from the coin withdrawal port 16 through the second coin transport path TP2.
In relation to the banknote processing unit 23, a single or a plurality of banknote storages 26 for storing banknotes by denomination are provided in the main body 11. The bill storage 26 and each of the bill deposit slot 13 and the bill withdrawal port 15 are connected by a bill transport path (not shown).

The bill processing unit 23 has a bill transport mechanism (not shown) that transports bills within the main body 11. The bill transport mechanism includes a transport member such as a belt or a roller, and an actuator such as a motor that drives the transport member.
Further, the bill processing unit 23 takes out the bills from the bill storage 26 by the bill transport mechanism and withdraws the bills to the bill withdrawal port 15 via the bill transport path. Further, the bill processing unit 23 also includes an identification unit for identifying the denomination and authenticity of the bill received in the bill deposit slot 13, a counting unit for counting the bills received in the bill deposit slot 13, and the like.

The card processing unit 22 is configured to process the game card 10. In relation to the card processing unit 22, a card storage 30 in which a plurality of new game cards 10 not belonging to a specific player are stocked, a card storage 30, and a card entrance 17 are provided in the main body 11. A connected card transport path (not shown) is provided. The card processing unit 22 has a card transfer mechanism (not shown) that conveys the game card 10 in the main body 11. The card transfer mechanism includes a transfer member such as a belt or a roller, and an actuator such as a motor for driving the transfer member. The card processing unit 22 uses the card transport mechanism to feed the new game card 10 in the card storage 30 into the card transport path and transport it to the card entrance / exit 17. The card processing unit 22 accepts the game card 10 inserted into the card entrance / exit 17 by a player or the like by taking it into the card transfer path by the card transfer mechanism. Further, the card processing unit 22 may also include a reading unit that reads information stored in the IC chip of the game card 10 in the card transport path, a writing unit that writes information to the IC chip, and the like.

The communication I / F unit 25 is an interface unit for the control unit 20 to communicate with the management device 4. The communication I / F unit 25 is connected to a LAN 34 configured by a wired or wireless communication line. The same applies to other communication I / F units described later.
The storage unit 28 stores various information. The same applies to other storage units described later.
The management device 4 is a higher-level device in the storage medium processing system 1 and is composed of a personal computer or the like. The management device 4 includes a control unit 40, a communication I / F unit 41, and a storage unit 42 (see FIG. 2). Each of the communication I / F unit 41 and the storage unit 42 is electrically connected to the control unit 40. The storage unit 42 stores a table (not shown). In the table (not shown), the card information related to each game card 10 issued from the ticket vending machine 3 is managed (linked) in association with the identification ID. The card information includes at least the prepaid value amount currently valued on the game card 10. The card information may include the number of game media held for each lending rate and the number of storage game media for each lending rate.

The device 5 corresponding to each machine is a dedicated machine for the game table 2 next to it (next to the right when viewed from the front in FIG. 1), is connected to the game table 2 in a communicable manner, and is connected to the game table 2 in a communicable manner. The lending process of lending the game medium to the player who plays the game is executed. A bill insertion slot 46, a display operation unit 47, and a card entrance / exit 48 are provided on the front surface of the main body 45 of the device 5 corresponding to each unit. After the player inserts the bill into the bill insertion slot 46 or inserts the game card 10 into the card entrance / exit 48, for example, the player presses the ejection button 50 provided on the upper plate 49 of the game table 2. Then, the game table 2 that receives the instruction from the device 5 corresponding to each device is prepaid, which is valued within the range of the banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 46 or the game card 10 inserted into the card entrance 48. Within the range of the value amount, a predetermined number of game media are ejected to the upper plate 49 for each push of the ejection button 50.

For each push of the throw button 50, the prepaid value amount is deducted by a predetermined withdrawal unit amount. This withdrawal unit amount is set for each game store. This withdrawal unit amount is required to be an integer (an integer of 1 or more) times the minimum lending unit amount A described below. This withdrawal unit amount may be set differently for each lending rate. Specifically, when the lending rate is the normal rate, the withdrawal unit amount is set to 500 yen (for example, 125 balls when converted to the number of pachinko balls). When the lending rate is low, the withdrawal unit amount may be 200 yen (for example, 200 balls when converted to the number of pachinko balls). Information on the withdrawal unit amount is managed by at least the storage unit 28 and the management device 4.

The minimum lending unit amount A is the minimum amount that a player can use to lend a game medium. This minimum lending unit amount A is set for each game store. Even in the same game store, the minimum lending unit amount A may differ depending on the lending rate. Operationally, this minimum lending unit amount A is required to be an integer (an integer of 1 or more) times 100 yen. If the minimum lending unit amount A is an integer multiple of 100 yen, it may be set to 100 yen or 500 yen for each game store and each lending rate, for example. The information of the minimum lending unit amount A for each lending rate is managed by at least the storage unit 28 and the management device 4.

The player can play on the game table 2 using the game medium thrown out on the upper plate 49 in this way. The game medium newly acquired by the game is accumulated in the lower plate 51 of the game table 2. Each stand-corresponding device 5 includes a saucer 52 arranged directly below the lower plate 51. By opening the bottom of the lower plate 51, the player can drop the game medium in the lower plate 51 onto the saucer 52. The game medium that has fallen on the saucer 52 is sent to the main body 45 of the device 5 corresponding to each device through the passage 53.

Each device 5 includes a control unit 55, a bill processing unit 56, a card processing unit 57, a counting unit 58, and a communication I / F unit 59, and can communicate with the management device 4 (FIG. 2). reference). Each of the display operation unit 47, the bill processing unit 56, the card processing unit 57, the counting unit 58, and the communication I / F unit 59 is electrically connected to the control unit 55.
The bill processing unit 56 identifies and stores the bills inserted in the bill insertion slot 46, and returns the bills to the bill withdrawal port 15. The card processing unit 57 reads at least the identification ID from the game card 10 inserted in the card entrance / exit 48, and ejects the inserted game card 10 from the card entrance / exit 48. The card processing unit 57 may accept the game card 10 in a non-contact manner and read the identification ID. The ticket vending machine 3 and the checkout machine 7 may also be able to read information from the game card 10 in a non-contact manner.

The counting unit 58 is a sensor that counts the game medium sent to the main body 45 of each device corresponding device 5 via the passage 53 after falling on the saucer 52. The game medium counted by the counting unit 58 becomes a holding game medium. When at least one of the possession game medium and the storage game medium is valued in the game card 10 inserted in the card entrance / exit 48, the player presses, for example, the payout button 60 provided on the saucer 52. Then, the game medium owned by the player is paid out to the upper plate 49 of the game table 2 through the nozzle 61 extending from the main body 45. The player can play on the game table 2 using the portable game medium paid out on the upper plate 49.

The checkout machine 7 is a device for settling the prepaid value amount valued on the player's game card 10 after the game is completed, and includes, for example, a vertically long box-shaped main body 71. On the front of the main body 71, a display operation unit 72, a card entrance / exit 73, a bill withdrawal port 74, and a coin withdrawal port 75 are provided in an arbitrary layout that is easy for the player to access. A control unit 76, a card processing unit 77, a settlement unit 78, and a communication I / F unit 79 are provided in the main body 71, and the settlement machine 7 can communicate with the management device 4 (FIG. FIG. 2). Each of the display operation unit 72, the card processing unit 77, the settlement unit 78, and the communication I / F unit 79 is electrically connected to the control unit 76.

The card processing unit 77 receives the game card 10 inserted into the card entrance / exit 73, reads at least the identification ID from the game card 10, and ejects the inserted game card 10 from the card entrance / exit 73. The settlement unit 78 is configured to settle the prepaid value amount valued in the game card 10 inserted in the card entrance / exit 73. In relation to the settlement unit 78, the main body 71 is provided with a single or multiple bill storage 80 for storing bills by denomination and a single or multiple coin storage 81 for storing coins by denomination. .. The bill storage 80 and the bill withdrawal port 74 are connected by a bill transport path (not shown), and the coin storage 81 and the coin withdrawal port 75 are connected by a coin transport path (not shown).

The settlement unit 78 has a money transport mechanism (not shown) that transports money within the main body 71. The money transfer mechanism includes a transfer member such as a belt or a roller, and an actuator such as a motor for driving the transfer member. The settlement unit 78 takes out the coins for settlement corresponding to the prepaid value amount valued in the game card 10 inserted in the card entrance 73 from the bill storage 80 or the coin storage 81 by the money transport mechanism, and the bills. The banknotes are transported to the bill withdrawal port 74 and the coin withdrawal port 75 via a transport path (not shown) or a coin transport path (not shown).

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the flow of ticket sales processing performed by the ticket vending machine 3. FIGS. 4, 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the input amount and the prepaid value amount C, the number of game media D, and the coin return amount E valued in the game card 10. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a ticket selling operation screen 85 displayed on the display operation unit 12.
The flow of issuing the game card 10 by the player in the ticket vending machine 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. 4 to 7 will be referred to as appropriate.

First, a player stands in front of the ticket vending machine 3 and deposits money into the bill deposit slot 13 and the coin deposit slot 14. That is, the ticket vending machine 3 accepts deposits at the bill deposit slot 13 and the coin deposit slot 14 (step S1 in FIG. 3). The coins inserted into the bill deposit slot 13 and the coin deposit slot 14 are sorted and stored in the bill storage 26 and the coin storage 27 by the coin processing unit 21 and the bill processing unit 23.

The control unit 20 refers to the minimum lending unit amount A (see FIG. 4 and the like) stored in the storage unit 28 for each lending rate (step S2 in FIG. 3). Then, based on the lending rate and the minimum lending unit amount A, the prepaid value amount C and the number of game media D to be valued to the game card 10 to be issued are calculated within the range of the amount of money received by the ticket vending machine 3. (Steps S3 and S4 in FIG. 3).

Specifically, the control unit 20 calculates the maximum prepaid value amount that can be valued within the range of the amount of money received by the ticket vending machine 3 as the prepaid value amount C based on the minimum lending unit amount A. (Step S3 in FIG. 3).
For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a case where 814 yen is invested will be examined. In this case, the amount of money accepted by the ticket vending machine 3 is 814 yen, and the breakdown of the denomination of the money is one 500-yen coin, three 100-yen coins, one 10-yen coin, and one yen. There are four balls. In the example of FIG. 4, the minimum lending unit amount A is 100 yen. Of the 814 yen, the maximum prepaid value that can be valued is 800 yen. Therefore, the control unit 20 calculates 800 yen as the prepaid value amount C to be valued for the game card 10. The balance of 814 yen received by the ticket vending machine 3 minus 800 yen, which corresponds to the prepaid value C, is 14 yen. The remaining amount of 14 yen will be returned to the player by the game medium, or by the game medium and coins.

Next, the control unit 20 determines the amount of money corresponding to the number of game media D valued in the game card 10 and the amount of money returned in coins (hereinafter referred to as "coin return amount (money return amount) E"). The number of game media D and the coin return amount E valued in the game card 10 are calculated so that the total amount is the remaining amount of 14 yen (step S4 in FIG. 3).
Specifically, the control unit 20 calculates the maximum number of game media that can be valued within the remaining amount, based on the number of game media that have the minimum value described below.

The number of minimum valued gaming media is related to the lending rate. When the lending rate is an integer such as 1 (yen / ball) or 4 (yen / ball), the game card 10 can be valued in units of 1 coin. At a game store where the consumption tax is set by the tax-excluded method, the lending rate may be less than a decimal point instead of being an integer, such as 4.31 (yen / ball). In this case, instead of valuing the possessed game medium to the game card 10 one by one, if the possessed game medium having a predetermined number of balls is valued to the game card 10, the game medium has just the right amount of money without any fraction. Can be valued. If the lending rate is 4.31 (yen / ball), the game medium with 29 balls will be 125 yen. The number of unit balls (29 balls in this case) in which the game medium can be valued on the game card 10 is defined as the minimum number of game media with value. The minimum number of value-added game media is set for each game store or for each rental rate. When the lending rate is an integer such as 1 (yen / ball) or 4 (yen / ball), the minimum value-added game medium number is 1 (ball).

As shown in FIG. 4, when the lending rate is 4 yen at the normal rate, the maximum number of game media that can be valued within the remaining amount is 3 balls. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, 3 balls are calculated as the number of game media D to be valued in the game card 10. Then, the coin return amount E is 2 yen, which is the amount obtained by subtracting 12 yen, which is the amount corresponding to the number of game media D (3 balls), from the remaining 14 yen.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when the lending rate is 1 yen at a low rate, as shown in FIG. 4, all the remaining 14 yen is valued to the game card 10 as the number of game media D. Can be done. In this case, the coin return amount E is 0 yen.
Then, the control unit 20 displays the ticket selling operation screen 85 on the display operation unit 12 (step S5 in FIG. 3). On the ticket sales operation screen 85, a selection key 82 for a normal rate, a selection key 83 for a low rate, and a return key 84 are displayed. On each of the selection keys 82 and 83, the calculated prepaid value amount C, the calculated number of game media D, and the calculated coin return amount E are displayed (described) inside the extension. ..

Then, when the player operates the selection keys 82 and 83 displayed on the display operation unit 12, the control unit 20 controls the contents selected by the selection keys 82 and 83 (prepaid value amount C, number of game media D and possession game medium D). The value of the game card 10 is determined by the coin return amount E). Then, the control unit 20 controls the card processing unit 22 to value the determined contents (prepaid value amount C and number of game media D) in one new game card 10 in the card storage 30. Attach (step S6 in FIG. 3).

When the return key 84 is selected on the ticket sales operation screen 85, the display of the display operation unit 12 returns from the ticket sales operation screen 85 to the default screen (not shown).
Here, as shown in FIG. 6, a case where 815 yen is invested will be examined. In this case, the amount of money accepted by the ticket vending machine 3 is 815 yen, and the breakdown is one 500-yen coin, three 100-yen coins, one 10-yen coin, and one 5-yen coin. be.

Regarding the calculation of the number of game media D and the coin return amount E in step S4 of FIG. 3, as described above, the control unit 20 determines the balance (from the amount of money accepted) based on the number of game media with minimum value. A calculation method for calculating the maximum number of game media that can be valued within the range (the amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the prepaid value C) (hereinafter referred to as "calculation method for the number of game media with priority type"). Use. When 815 yen is put into the ticket vending machine 3, the maximum number of game media that can be valued within the remaining amount of 15 yen is 3, so the number of game media D is 3. Then, the coin return amount E is 3 yen, which is the amount obtained by subtracting 12 yen, which is the amount corresponding to the number of game media D (3 balls), from the remaining 15 yen.

As shown in FIG. 1, after valuing the game card 10, the control unit 20 controls the card processing unit 22 to pay out one new game card 10 described above and convey it to the card entrance / exit 17. As a result, the game card 10 is issued from the card entrance / exit 17 (step S7 in FIG. 3).
Further, the control unit 20 controls the coin processing unit 21 to take out coins corresponding to the determined coin return amount E from the coin storage 27 and withdraw them to the bill withdrawal port 15 and the coin withdrawal port 16. (Step S8 in FIG. 3: Returning coins).

When the player takes out the game card 10 from the card doorway 17, the control unit 20 transmits the prepaid value C newly purchased in this transaction to the management device 4 in association with the identification ID of the game card 10. do. In the management device 4, the control unit 40 newly registers the prepaid value amount C and the identification ID received from the ticket vending machine 3 in the table (not shown) of the storage unit 42. The prepaid value amount registered in the table (not shown) of the storage unit 42 is the latest prepaid value amount. If the identification ID received from the ticket vending machine 3 is already registered in the table (not shown) of the storage unit 42, the control unit 40 sets the prepaid value amount corresponding to the identification ID from the ticket vending machine 3. The received prepaid value amount C is added (charged), and the added prepaid value amount is stored in a table (not shown) of the storage unit 42.

The player who has taken out the game card 10 from the ticket vending machine 3 goes to one of the game tables 2 (here, the game table 2 at the normal rate) for starting the game, and corresponds to the game table 2. The game card 10 is inserted into the card entrance 48 of the device 5 corresponding to each machine. Then, in the device 5 corresponding to each device, the card processing unit 57 that received the game card 10 at the card entrance / exit 48 reads the card ID from the game card 10, and the control unit 55 reads the card ID at the table of the storage unit 42. The prepaid value amount associated with is inquired to the management device 4, and the prepaid value amount and the corresponding lending unit are displayed on the display operation unit 47. Further, the prepaid value amount may be displayed on a dedicated display unit (not shown) provided on the upper plate 49 or the like of the game table 2.

Then, each time the player presses the ejection button 50, the control unit 55 pays out the game medium corresponding to the withdrawal unit amount (for example, 500 yen in the case of the normal rate) to the upper plate 49 as described above. , The prepaid value amount C is deducted by the deduction unit amount (for example, 500 yen in the case of the normal rate). That is, each time the control unit 55 withdraws the prepaid value C valued for the game card 10 received at the card entrance / exit 48 by the card processing unit 57 for each loan unit, the control unit 55 corresponds to a predetermined loan rate (here, a normal rate). Lend out a number of game media to players. The player can play on the game table 2 using the rented game medium.

If the game card 10 is valued with a prepaid value amount of the minimum lending unit amount A or more, the game medium can be lent out using the game card 10. The above-mentioned withdrawal unit amount is an upper limit value, and even if the prepaid value amount C valued on the game card 10 is less than the withdrawal unit amount, it is withdrawn as long as it can be withdrawn in the unit of the minimum lending unit amount A.

By the way, assuming that the prepaid value C remains in the game card 10 returned from the device 5 corresponding to each machine after the game on the game table 2, the player who owns the game card 10 pays the prepaid value. There is a need to. In particular, the prepaid value amount for fractions less than the minimum lending unit amount A cannot be used by the game and must be settled. In order to make a payment, the player needs to go to the payment machine 7, which is troublesome for the player to make a payment.

Based on the above, according to this embodiment, the prepaid value amount C valued for the game card 10 is calculated based on the minimum lending unit amount A. Therefore, it is possible to value the game card 10 with a prepaid value C that is an integral multiple of the minimum lending unit amount A. In this case, since the prepaid value C valued on the game card 10 is divisible by the minimum lending unit amount A, all the prepaid value C valued on the game card 10 can be used up in the game, and the fractional minutes in the subsequent game. Prepaid value C does not occur. As a result, the prepaid value C that can be effectively used for the game can be valued to the game card 10. Therefore, the amount of money received by the ticket vending machine 3 can be effectively used for the game. Therefore, it is not necessary to go to the settlement machine 7 to settle the prepaid value amount for a fraction less than the minimum lending unit amount A.

Further, the maximum prepaid value C that can be valued within the range of the amount of money received by the ticket vending machine 3 is valued to the game card 10. Since the maximum prepaid value amount is valued to the game card 10, the amount of money received by the ticket vending machine 3 can be used to the maximum for the game.
In addition, it is conceivable to return all of the remaining amount (the amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the prepaid value amount C valued on the game card 10 from the amount of money accepted) in coins. However, in this method, the amount of coins less than the minimum lending unit amount A cannot be valued to the game card 10.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, a part or all of the remaining amount is valued to the game card 10 as the number of game media D, and the coin return amount E obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the number of game media D from the balance is It will be returned in coins. Since a part or all of the remaining amount is valued to the game card 10 as the number of game media D, the amount of coins less than the minimum lending unit amount A can be valued to the game card 10 as the number of game media D. Therefore, the amount of money received by the ticket vending machine 3 can be used more effectively for the game.

Further, the maximum number of game media that can be valued within the remaining amount is valued to the game card 10. Since the maximum number of game media is valued for the game card 10, the coin return amount E can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of money received by the ticket vending machine 3 can be used even more effectively for the game.
The case where the normal rate set in the game store is 500 yen / 125 coins (that is, the lending rate is 4 (yen / ball)) has been described, but the normal rate is 500 yen / 116 coins (that is, the lending rate). The valuation of the prepaid value amount C and the number of game media D to the game card 10 when is 4.31 (yen / ball) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 7. At a game store where the consumption tax is set by the tax-excluded method, the lending rate may be less than a decimal point instead of being an integer, such as 4.31 (yen / ball).

In this case, since the number of balls per 100 yen is 23.2, if the minimum lending unit amount A at the normal rate is set to 100 yen or 200 yen, the number of balls will not be an integer. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 7, the minimum lending unit amount A of the normal rate is set to 500 yen, which corresponds to 116 coins. The withdrawal unit amount at the normal rate in this case is also 500 yen. On the other hand, the minimum lending unit amount A at a low rate remains 100 yen.

That is, in the same game store, the minimum lending unit amount A is set high (for example, 500 yen) corresponding to the normal rate, and the minimum lending unit amount A is set low (for example, 100 yen) corresponding to the low rate. Has been done.
The control unit 20 refers to the minimum lending unit amount A for each lending rate (see FIG. 4 and the like) and the lending rate for each lending rate (see FIG. 4 and the like) stored in the storage unit 28.

Regarding the calculation of the prepaid value C in step S3 of FIG. 3, the maximum prepaid value that can be valued is 500 yen within the range of the input amount of 814 yen. Therefore, the control unit 20 calculates 500 yen as the prepaid value amount C to be valued for the game card 10. The balance is 314 yen, which is obtained by subtracting 500 yen corresponding to the prepaid value C from 814 yen received by the ticket vending machine 3. The remaining amount of 314 yen will be returned to the player by the game medium, or by the game medium and coins.

As shown in FIG. 7, the lending rate is 4.31 yen at the normal rate. The minimum valued game medium is 29 balls (equivalent to 125 yen). When the balance is 314 yen and the minimum valued game medium number is 29 balls, the maximum valueable game medium number is 58 balls. Therefore, in the calculation of the number of possessed game media D and the coin return amount E in step S4 of FIG. 3, the control unit 20 calculates 58 balls as the number of possessed game media D to be valued to the game card 10. Then, the coin return amount E is 64 yen, which is the amount obtained by subtracting 250 yen, which is the amount equivalent to 58 balls, from the remaining amount of 314 yen.

On the other hand, in the case of a low rate, the lending rate is the same as in the example of FIG. 4 (1 yen), so the description in the case of a low rate will be omitted.
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a ticket vending machine 203 to which the storage medium processing device according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the input amount in the ticket vending machine 203, the prepaid value amount C valued in the game card 10, the number of game media D, and the coin return amount E.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, the parts common to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7 are designated by the same reference numerals as those of FIGS. 1 to 7, and the description thereof will be omitted.
The difference between the ticket vending machine 203 according to this embodiment and the ticket vending machine 3 according to the above-described embodiment is that the coins stored in the coin storage 27 cannot be used as return coins. That is, the coin storage 27 is used only for storing the coins inserted into the coin deposit opening 14. In the ticket vending machine 203, the second coin transport path TP2 and the second coin transport mechanism TM2 of the coin processing unit 21 are abolished.

In such a ticket vending machine 203, in order to return coins to the player in just proportion, the denomination and number of coins used for coin return (change return) within the range of the denomination and number of coins inserted. You need to cover everything.
As shown in FIG. 8, one end of the branch path 204 is branched and connected to the middle portion of the first coin transport path TP1. The other end of the branch path 204 is connected to the coin withdrawal port 16. An upstream portion (hereinafter, simply referred to as “upstream portion”) TP1a of the branch path 204 in the first coin transport path TP1 has been transported to the branch position 205 of the branch path 204 in the first coin transport path TP1. A coin temporary holding unit 206 for temporarily holding the coins is provided. By changing the posture of the built-in branch claw (not shown), the coin temporary holding portion 206 sets the transport destination of the coin carrying the upstream portion TP1a to the branch position in the first coin transport path TP1. It is possible to switch between the downstream portion TP1b of 205 and the branch path 204.

The flow of the ticket vending process performed in the ticket vending machine 203 is substantially the same as that of the ticket vending machine 3 described with reference to FIG. In the following, the ticket vending process performed by the ticket vending machine 203 will be mainly described as being different from the ticket vending process performed by the ticket vending machine 3.
In step S1 of FIG. 3, the ticket vending machine 203 accepts deposits at the bill deposit slot 13 and the coin deposit slot 14. The coins inserted into the coin deposit slot 14 are conveyed by the upstream portion TP1a and held in the coin temporary holding portion 206.

Then, the control unit 20 values the game card 10 to be issued within the range of the amount of money received by the ticket vending machine 3 based on the minimum lending unit amount A and the lending rate stored in the storage unit 28. The prepaid value amount C to be attached and the number of game media D to be attached are calculated (steps S2 to S4 in FIG. 3).
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a case where 815 yen is put into the ticket vending machine 203 will be examined. In this case, the amount of money accepted by the ticket vending machine 3 is 815 yen, and the breakdown of the denomination of the money is one 500-yen coin, three 100-yen coins, one 10-yen coin, and five yen. There is one ball.

If, in step S4 of FIG. 3, the calculation method of the number of possessed game media priority type is adopted to calculate the number of possessed game media D and the coin return amount E, as shown in FIG. 6, the number of possessed game media is calculated. D is 3 balls and the coin return amount E is 3 yen. However, in the ticket vending process this time, the ticket vending machine 203 does not accept the 1-yen coin and the 1-yen coin cannot be used as a return coin (change), so that the ticket vending machine 203 cannot return 3 yen.

In this way, if the number of game media D and the coin return amount E are calculated by adopting the calculation method of the number of game media priority type, the control unit 20 accepts the ticket vending machine 203 when the returned coins are insufficient. The number of game media D and the coin return amount E are calculated so that the denomination and number of returned coins can be covered within the range of the denomination and number of coins. Such a calculation method is called a reception denomination return type.

The balance is 15 yen, which is obtained by subtracting 800 yen, which is the amount equivalent to the prepaid value C, from 815 yen, which is the amount of money accepted. In order to return coins from the ticket vending machine 203 without excess or deficiency, the coin return amount E must be a multiple of "5", but 15 yen is a multiple of "5" and a game medium with a lending rate of 4 yen. When the coins are distributed to the coin return amount E, it is impossible to value the game card 10 with the game card 10, and the number of game media D becomes 0. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the number of game media D is 0 and the coin return amount E is 15 yen.

However, even in the ticket vending machine 203, if the returned coins are not insufficient even if the calculation method of the number of possessed game media priority type is adopted, the calculation method of the number of possessed game media priority type is adopted in step S4 of FIG. The number of game media D and the coin return amount E are calculated. When the amount of money accepted at the ticket vending machine 203 is 814 yen, the number of gaming media D is 3 and the coin return amount E is 2 yen, as in the case shown in FIG. ..

Regarding the withdrawal of coins in step S8 of FIG. 3, the coin processing unit 21 withdraws coins of the denomination and the number of coins corresponding to the coin return amount E among the coins held in the coin temporary holding unit 206. Withdraw money to the mouth 16 and store the remaining coins in the coin storage 27.
According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiment, the following effects are exhibited.

According to this embodiment, since the denomination and the number of coins with the coin return amount E can be covered within the range of the denomination and the number of coins inserted, the coins can be returned using the inserted coins. Even in the ticket vending machine 203 in which the second coin transport path TP2 and the second coin transport mechanism TM2 are not provided, the coins can be returned satisfactorily. Since the second coin transport path TP2 and the second coin transport mechanism TM2 can be abolished, it is possible to prevent an increase in cost and prevent an increase in the burden on the staff such as filling of return coins.

Although the two embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can also be implemented in other embodiments.
In the same game store, the minimum lending unit amount A is set high (for example, 500 yen) corresponding to the normal rate, and the minimum lending unit amount A is set low (for example, 100 yen) corresponding to the low rate. If so, that is, if the lending rate is different for each game corner, the following problems may occur.

When the game card 10 issued by selecting a low rate is used on the game table 2 corresponding to the normal rate, after playing on the game table 2, the game card 10 is charged with the minimum lending unit amount A corresponding to the normal rate ( There is a risk that a fractional prepaid value (for example, 200 yen) that is less than 500 yen will remain. This fractional prepaid value cannot be used on the game table 2 that supports the normal rate, and the player who owns the game card 10 needs to settle the prepaid value. In order to make a payment, the player needs to go to the payment machine 7, which is troublesome for the player to make a payment.

The game card 10 issued by selecting a low rate may not be accepted by the device 5 corresponding to the game table 2 corresponding to the normal rate. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to FIG.
In the example of FIG. 10, in the first game corner (corner 1) of the game store, a game table 2 corresponding to a normal rate (for example, 500 yen / 116 coins (that is, a rental rate of 4.31 (yen / ball)) is provided. A game table 2 corresponding to a low rate (for example, 500 yen / 500 coins (that is, a rental rate of 1 (yen / coin)) is installed in the second game corner (corner 2) of the game store. , In the game store of the example of FIG. 10, a lending rate lower than the normal rate but higher than the low rate (for example, 500 yen / 232 coins (that is, the lending rate is 2.16 (yen / ball)). "Rate") is set. In the example of FIG. 10, a game table 2 corresponding to a medium rate is installed in the third game corner (corner 3) of the game store. Normal rate and medium rate. In the case, the minimum lending unit amount A is set to 500 yen, and in the case of a low rate, the minimum lending unit amount A is set to 100 yen.

In this case, the game card 10 issued from the ticket vending machines 3, 203 can identify which lending rate is selected (in other words, which minimum lending unit amount A is used as the reference). ing. The prepaid value amount is valued in units of 500 yen for the game card 10 issued with the normal rate or the medium rate selected, and the prepaid value is given to the issued game card 10 for which the low rate is selected. The value is valued in units of 100 yen.

In FIG. 10, when the game card 10 is inserted into the card entrance 48, the case where the game medium is lent out based on the prepaid value amount is represented by “◯”, and the case where the game card 10 is returned is “ It is represented by "x".
When the game card 10 issued with the low rate selected is inserted into the card entrance 48 of the game table 2 corresponding to the normal rate or the game table 2 corresponding to the medium rate, the display operation unit A message such as "This card has a different minimum lending unit amount" or "This card cannot be used at this game console" is displayed on 47, and the game card 10 is returned from the card entrance 48. It may be.

On the other hand, when the game card 10 issued by selecting the medium rate or the normal rate is inserted into the card entrance 48 of the device 5 corresponding to the game table 2 corresponding to the low rate, the game card 10 is valued. The game medium is rented out based on the attached prepaid value. That is, each device 5 corresponding to the low rate compatible game table 2 accepts the game card 10 regardless of which lending rate is selected and issued. Even if the game card 10 inserted in the card entrance 48 has a prepaid value of 100 yen or a prepaid value of 200 yen, for example, the game card 10 is not returned and is based on the prepaid value. Game media will be rented out.

If the prepaid value value of the inserted game card 10 is equal to or greater than the minimum lending unit amount A (500 yen), as shown in FIG. 10 such as "600 yen" and "1100 yen", immediately The game card 10 is returned from the card entrance 48 when the prepaid value valued on the game card 10 becomes a fraction of the minimum lending unit amount A (500 yen) without being returned. It may be. At this time, along with the return of the game card 10, the display operation unit 47 may display a message such as "Insufficient card balance."

In these cases, the minimum lending unit amount A (500 yen) corresponding to the normal rate is applied to the game card 10 inserted into the card entrance 48 of the device 5 corresponding to the normal rate. Even if the amount of prepaid value that is less than the fraction remains, if the game card 10 is a membership card, it can be used by replaying the stored coins, so that it can be accepted by the device 5 corresponding to each machine. It may be.

Further, not only in the ticket vending machine 203 shown in FIG. 8, but also in the ticket vending machine 3 shown in FIG. E may be calculated.
In this case, unlike the above-mentioned accepted denomination return type, it is not necessary to cover all the denominations and the number of coins used for coin return within the range of the denomination and the number of accepted coins. However, the control unit 20 calculates the number of game media D and the coin return amount E so as to cover a part of the coin denomination and the number of coins used for coin return within the range of the accepted coin denomination and the number of coins. ..

In this case, since the number of game media D and the coin return amount E are calculated in consideration of the denomination and the number of coins inserted, a part of the coin return amount E should be refunded using the inserted coins. Is also possible. In this case, since the reserve amount of the return coins can be suppressed to a small extent, it is possible to suppress an increase in the burden on the staff required for filling the return coins and the like.
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, it has been described that both the operation of selecting the lending rate and the operation of determining the content such as the displayed prepaid value amount are performed by operating the selection keys 82 and 83 (). (See FIG. 5). However, in the ticket vending machines 3, 203, the operation of selecting the lending rate and the operation of determining the content such as the displayed prepaid value amount may be performed by using different keys. In this case, even if the key operation for selecting the lending rate is performed on the rate selection screen first, and then the key operation for determining the content such as the prepaid value amount is performed on the determination screen different from the rate selection screen. good.

Further, when the minimum lending unit amount is set for each lending rate in the game store, the ticket vending machines 3 and 203 correspond to the selected lending rate by the player performing the operation of selecting the lending rate. The prepaid value amount may be calculated based on the minimum lending unit amount, and the calculated prepaid value amount may be valued to the game card 10. Then, the ticket vending machines 3, 203 may be issued for the game card 10.

Further, in the ticket vending machines 3, 203, the number of game media D may be valued and issued to a game card different from the game card 10 to which the prepaid value C is valued. That is, the prepaid value amount C and the number of game media D may be issued separately.
Further, in the settlement machine 7, a part of the prepaid value C valued on the game card 10 to be settled may be refunded to the player as a game medium. That is, the settlement may be divided into cash (banknotes) and a game medium. For example, if the prepaid value C valued on the game card 10 is 1100 yen, 1000 yen out of 1100 yen that can be settled on the banknote is withdrawn as a banknote, and the remaining 100 yen is a mobile game medium. The game card may be valued and the game card may be issued. In this case, withdrawal by coins can be suppressed in the settlement machine 7. As a result, the reserve amount of the return coins can be suppressed to a small extent, so that the increase in the burden on the staff required for filling the return coins and the like can be suppressed.

Further, it may be possible to select whether or not the ticket vending machines 3 and 203 are issued separately for the game card and the payment machine 7 is divided and the payment is divided by the operation of the player.
Further, if the main body door 11b (see FIG. 1 etc.) is opened during the error down of the ticket vending machines 3 and 203, an error occurs among the units housed in the housing 11a (see FIG. 1 etc.). The unit may be pulled forward from its previous containment position and placed in an operable position.

To clear the error, the staff member needs to perform the error clearing operation. Although the operation procedure (release operation screen) of the error release operation is displayed on the display operation unit 12, there is a problem that the operation procedure is difficult to understand because it is explained using letters and numbers.
Therefore, when the main body door 11b is opened (when the opening degree of the main body door 11b exceeds a predetermined angle), a drive source for moving the unit in which the error has occurred (for example, an IC card corresponding to the card processing unit 22). When an error has occurred in the reader / writer unit, the motor for moving the IC card reader / writer unit) is driven, and the unit in which the error has occurred is pulled out to an operable position.

Then, in the pulled-out unit, the operation part to be operated next in order to clear the error may be turned on or blinked by the LED. In each unit, an LED is arranged at the operation part, and the LED corresponding to the operation part to be operated next is turned on or the like according to the progress of the error canceling operation in the pulled-out unit. As a result, the clerk can easily grasp the operation part to be operated next. The lighting of the LED or the like may be displayed together with the display of the operation procedure (release operation screen) of the error release operation in the display operation unit 12, or may be changed to the display of the operation procedure of the error release operation in the display operation unit 12. It may be displayed.

Further, in the ticket vending machine 3, the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 13 and the banknote withdrawal port 15 may be combined in the banknote deposit / withdrawal port. It may be put together.
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, a case where a part or all of the remaining amount is valued to the game card 10 as the number of game media to be held has been described as an example, but the remaining amount (prepaid value amount from the amount of received coins) has been described. You may return all of the amount (the amount after deducting the amount corresponding to C) in coins.

In addition, the various processes related to the prepaid value amount described above can be combined as appropriate. Further, as the valuable value amount valued to the game card 10, in addition to the prepaid value amount, electronic money and the like can be mentioned. Further, as the storage medium, a player's mobile terminal (smartphone or the like) may be used instead of the game card 10.
In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

3: Ticket vending machine (storage medium processing device)
10: Game card (storage medium)
20: Control unit (means for calculating the number of game media, determination means, balance processing means, means for calculating the number of game media, value calculation means, and denomination addition determination means)
21: Money processing department (money receiving means and balance processing means)
22: Card processing unit (value value valuation means and balance processing means)

Claims (6)

Money receiving means for accepting the inserted money,
A valuable value calculation means for calculating a valuable amount within the range of the amount of money received by the money receiving means based on the minimum lending unit amount which is the minimum amount that the player can use to lend the game medium. ,
A storage medium processing apparatus comprising: a valuable value valuation means for valuing the calculated valuable value to a storage medium. The storage medium processing according to claim 1, wherein the valuable value calculating means calculates the maximum valuable value that can be valued within the range of the amount of money received by the money receiving means. Device. Based on the game unit set in the game medium, the holding game is within the range of the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the valuable amount calculated by the valuable value calculation means from the amount of money received by the currency receiving means. A means for calculating the number of mobile game media for calculating the number of media, and
The number of game media so that the total amount of the amount corresponding to the number of game media calculated by the means for calculating the number of game media and the amount of money returned, which is the amount returned in money, is the balance. And the means for determining the amount of money returned,
It is characterized by further including a balance processing means for valuing the storage medium with the number of game media determined by the determination means and returning the money of the money return amount determined by the determination means. , The storage medium processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The storage medium processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the storage medium number calculation means includes a means for calculating the maximum number of game media that can be valued within the remaining amount. The determining means includes a denomination-added determining means for determining the number of game media and the amount of money returned by adding the denomination and the number of coins received by the currency receiving means. The storage medium processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. The number of game media and the money so that the denomination addition determining means can cover the denomination and the number of money of the money return amount within the range of the denomination and the number of money received by the money receiving means. The storage medium processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising means for determining the return amount.

Images