JP2791721B2 - Premium exchange system terminal - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for automatically exchanging game media and prizes acquired by a player without the intervention of a clerk at a pachinko game hall or the like.
About Minar.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional prize exchange in a pachinko game hall or the like has been carried out by hand by a clerk except for a specific type of prize.

[0003]

As a result, labor saving at pachinko game arcades has been hindered, and there has been a possibility that prizes may be exchanged erroneously due to human error of a clerk.

The present invention has been made in view of such conventional circumstances, and is a system for exchanging prizes in a game arcade only by a player's operation, which can be smoothly performed by a simple operation by the player. It is intended to realize a prize exchange system in which prize exchange is performed.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To achieve the above object, the gist of the present invention is to provide a prize automatic payout machine which pays out a predetermined number of predetermined prizes in response to a payout signal received as an infrared signal. Also, in a prize exchange system in a game arcade, a portable terminal for outputting the payout signal to the prize automatic dispensing machine.
An acquisition quantity receiving means for receiving an acquisition quantity of the game medium as an infrared signal, a visual record reading means for reading a visual record including a landscape type as recording information, and a command for paying out a predetermined number of premiums. Payout command input means, a payout signal processing unit for outputting a predetermined payout signal based on the inputs of the obtained quantity receiving means, the visual record reading means and the payout command input means, and the payout signal output by the payout signal processing unit And a payout signal transmitting means for transmitting a payout signal as an infrared signal, wherein the acquired quantity receiving means, the payout signal transmitting means and the visual record reading means are arranged adjacent to each other. .

2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein
A terminal comprising a solar cell for supplying power to itself.

[0007]

According to the terminal of the prize exchange system of the present invention, the acquired quantity counted by the counter is input to the payout signal processing section as an infrared signal through the acquired quantity receiving means,
If the payout signal processing unit instructs the payout type to be paid out to the payout signal processing unit by the visual recognition record reading means, and the payout signal input unit instructs the payout signal processing unit to pay out a predetermined amount, the payout signal corresponding to these commands is output from the payout signal processing unit. Is output. Then, when the payout signal is input to the automatic prize dispenser by an infrared signal via the payout signal transmitting means, the automatic prize dispenser pays out a predetermined amount of a predetermined prize.

[0008] Therefore, the above operation is performed by each player at the time of prize exchange, and the prize exchange can be fully automated. In addition, since communication using infrared signals is widely used, including remote control operation of home electric appliances, and reading operation of visual record is also widely used, the operation is extremely easy for anyone.

In addition, since the acquired quantity receiving means, the payout signal transmitting means and the visual record reading means are arranged adjacent to each other, the input of the acquired quantity, the input of the payout signal or the input of the landscape type is performed. In any case, the terminal posture is almost the same for the operator.

In addition, if the terminal is provided with a solar cell for supplying power to the terminal itself, the power is supplied by the solar cell. Therefore, it is necessary to connect a power cable which is troublesome to route. You don't have to.

[0011]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The prize exchange system of this embodiment is for a pachinko game arcade, and as shown in FIG. 1, a counter 1 for counting the number of pachinko balls (game media) acquired, and an acquisition device counted by the counter. A communication unit for transmitting a quantity, a portable terminal 10 capable of inputting a signal of the acquired quantity transmitted from the communication unit and being portable, and a terminal 1
The prize automatic dispensing machine 30 pays out a predetermined number of predetermined prizes in response to a payout signal output from 0.

The counter 1 is a so-called jet counter.
The basic structure is the same as that called, and if the acquired balls are put together, the number of the balls is counted in a short time and the result (acquired quantity) is output. The counter 1 is preferably provided with a display means for displaying the counting result.

The communication unit 5 is connected to the counter 1 by a communication line, and has a terminal 10 mounted on the upper surface as shown in FIG. 2, and the terminal 10 in the mounted state. An acquisition quantity transmitting means 6 (shown in FIG. 7 and omitted in FIGS. 1 and 2) for outputting the acquired quantity as an infrared signal is disposed at a position facing a receiving means 17a described later.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 7, the terminal 10 has an outer shape similar to that of a well-known touch-type bar code reader. Input means 12, storage means 13, payout signal processing section 14, issue signal processing section 15, display processing section 16, transmission / reception means 17
(Acquired quantity receiving means 17a, payout signal transmitting means 17b)
And display means 18 and a solar cell 21a.

The reading means 11 reads bar codes 35 and 45 (visual records) of the automatic prize dispensing machine 30 to be described later and inputs them to the storage means 13. For example, a well-known touch-type bar code is used. -It has the same basic configuration as the leader. The reading means 11 is provided on the distal end side of the terminal 10 and, as shown in FIG.
The entrance and exit of the emitted light and reflected light for reading the code)
It is located at the tip end surface of the terminal 10 and adjacent to the transmitting / receiving means 17. In the case of the present embodiment, the reading means 11 constitutes necessary quantity input means and scene type input means.

The operation input means 12 comprises, for example, a key input switch and includes a payout command input means 19 and an issue command input means 20. As shown in FIG. Are located. The payout command input means 19 is, for example, a numerical value input key composed of a plurality of key switches.
Is output to The issuance command input means 20 is, for example, a single key switch, and when operated, inputs a receipt issuance command to the display processing unit 16.

The payout command inputting means 19 and the issuing command inputting means 20 are not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned constructions. The payout amount is set in advance, and a normal premium or special premium is paid out or issued. After the setting is made, a common switch (for example, an exchange switch) is pressed to finally issue a predetermined number of payouts of a predetermined premium and issuance of a receipt.

The storage unit 13, the payout signal processing unit 14, the issuance signal processing unit 15, and the display processing unit 16 are means configured as internal functions of the processing device 21. The processing device 21
For example, it is a so-called one-chip microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output port and the like.

Here, the storage means 13 stores the obtained quantity counted by the counter 1, the required quantity input by the reading means 11, and a required quantity described later input from the payout signal processing section 14. This is a RAM for storing values.
It is needless to say that the storage means 13 does not necessarily need to be configured as an internal one of a one-chip microcomputer or the like, but it is preferable to configure the storage means 13 with a nonvolatile memory. This is because even if the power of the terminal 10 is accidentally turned off, it is not necessary to input the obtained quantity or the like again.

The payout signal processing unit 14 is designated by comparing the obtained quantity counted by the counter 1 and stored in the storage means 13 with the required quantity input to the storage means 13 by the reading means 11. After judging that the payout of the specified quantity of the given prize is permitted by the obtained quantity, the designated prize is designated according to the instructions of the reading means 11 (prize type input means) and the payout instruction input means 19. It outputs a payout signal for paying out a quantity.

Here, the required quantity is the number of balls required for paying out a prize, and is set at the game store for each type of prize. In the case of the present embodiment, the information on the required quantity is recorded in barcodes 35 and 45 described later, but may be registered in the storage means 13 in advance for each type of premium.

Specifically, the payout signal processing unit 14
In the first payout, the required number of balls for paying out one prize designated by the reading means 11 is multiplied by the payout quantity of the prize designated by the payout command input means 19, and the result of the calculation is the obtained quantity. Judgment is made as to whether or not it exceeds, and if it does, the designated payout signal is not output, and only if not, the payout signal is output.

The payout signal processing section 14 has a function of accumulating the number of balls used for paying out prizes and registering the number in the storage means 13, that is, a value obtained by multiplying the payout amount of the output payout signal by the required amount. Is accumulated and input to the storage means 13. In the second and subsequent payouts, the determination is made for the remaining quantity obtained by subtracting this accumulated value from the acquired quantity, and a payout signal is output. As the payout signal, a signal including information for instructing the payout amount and a command for unlocking the designated prize door 32 which is a door 32 of the prize automatic dispensing machine 30 to be described later is output.

The issuance signal processing unit 15 receives the command from the issuance command input unit 20 and stores the accumulated value of the number of balls in the storage unit 13.
, And calculates the surplus number of balls by subtracting the accumulated value from the obtained quantity, and outputs an issue signal including the surplus quantity as information.

The issuance signal processing section 15 has a function of changing the setting of the accumulated value in the storage means 13 so as to be equal to the obtained quantity when the issuance signal is output.

The display means 18 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, which can display at least a numeral, and is arranged on the upper surface of the terminal 10 above the operation input means 12.

The display processing unit 16 calculates an allowable quantity of payout of the prize based on the obtained quantity stored in the storage means 13 and the required quantity of the designated prize, and displays the allowable quantity. Is displayed. In addition,
In this case, if it is determined that no prize can be paid out, the display processing unit 16 may cause the display unit 18 to display a message indicating that the acquired quantity is insufficient. Good.

When the payout command is output from the payout command input means 19, the display processing unit 16 reads the cumulative value of the number of balls from the storage means 13 in response to the payout command and outputs the cumulative value from the acquired quantity. Calculate the remaining quantity of the deducted ball,
It also has a function of displaying the surplus quantity on the display means 18.

Transmission / reception means 17 is an infrared signal transmission / reception means which receives the acquired quantity signal transmitted from the transmission means 6 of the communication unit 5 and inputs the acquired quantity signal to the storage means 13; And a payout signal transmitting unit 17b for transmitting a signal output from the processing unit 14 and the issued signal processing unit 15 as an infrared signal. The transmission / reception means 17 is disposed at the tip of the terminal 10, and at least a transmission / reception part (a part where infrared rays are incident or emitted) is disposed adjacent to the reading part of the reading means 11. In the case of the present embodiment, the acquired quantity receiving means 17a constitutes the acquired quantity receiving means of the present invention, and the payout signal transmitting means 17b constitutes the payout signal transmitting means of the present invention.

The solar cell 21a is disposed on the top surface of the terminal 10 and on the front end side thereof.
8 and the processing device 21.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the automatic prize dispensing machine 30 includes a prize dispensing section 31 and a receipt issuing section 41. The prize payout unit 31 includes a door 32 provided for each type of prize for taking out a prize, a payout signal receiving unit 33 provided for each door 32, and the payout signal.
When a unique unlock command is input to each of the payout signal receiving means 33, a door lock mechanism (not shown) for unlocking the door to which the unlock command is input, and a payout signal receiving means together with the unlock command are provided. A prize delivery mechanism 34 for sequentially delivering the prize K of the door 32 unlocked by the payout amount input to the front door in the front row of the door 32, and adjacent to the payout signal receiving means 33 on the surface of each door 32. A label of a bar code 35 (visual record) including, as record information, a variety of the prize in the door, the required quantity, and the unlocking instruction unique to the door is recorded at the position where the prize is stored. is there.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the prize feeding mechanism 34 has a partition 37 for partitioning prizes on the surface of a belt 36 which circulates with the prizes mounted thereon. Only take-out is allowed, and the prizes are fed out one by one to the front row of the door 32 one by one as the belt 36 operates intermittently, and the prizes are replenished from the side of the last row.

The receipt issuing section 41 also functions as a special prize payout machine, and the receipt output from the payout signal processing section 14 or the issue signal processing section 15 through the payout signal transmitting means 17b. Receiving means 42 (paying signal receiving means) for receiving the payout signal and the payout signal, a receipt issuing port 43, and a special prize payout port 44, and records a variety of the special prize and the required quantity. A bar code 45 (visual record) containing information is formed at a position adjacent to the receiving means 42. When the receipt issuing signal is input to the receiving means 42, the receipt issuing unit 41 issues a receipt printed with the surplus included in the receipt issuing signal, and provides a special prize. When the designated payout signal is input, the special prize is paid out to the special prize payout port 44 by the payout amount included in the payout signal.

Next, the operation procedure and operation of the above-mentioned premium exchange system will be described with reference to FIG. The terminal 10 is taken out from the terminal storage space 50,
It is set on the communication terminal 5 and the obtained ball is put into the counter 1. Then, the obtained quantity is calculated by the counter 1, and this numerical information is inputted to the storage means 13 via the obtained quantity transmitting means 6 of the communication terminal 5 and the obtained quantity receiving means 17a of the terminal 10. For this reason, the operator cannot change the data and input the data, and the input of the illegal acquisition quantity is not allowed.

The terminal 10 is taken out to the dispensing machine 30 and the prize door 32 of the prize to be dispensed is covered with a bar code.
The terminal 35 is read by the reading means 11 of the terminal 10. As a result, the required quantity of the prize is input to the storage means 13, and the varieties to be paid out are instructed to the payout signal processing section 14,
The display processing unit 16 calculates the allowable number of payouts from the required quantity and the acquired quantity registered in the storage unit 13 and causes the display unit 18 to display the number.

If the payout amount is designated by the payout command input means 19 by designating the payout quantity within the allowable quantity range, the payout signal processing section 15 sends the payout signal transmitting means 17b.
The payout signals corresponding to these instructions are output via the control unit. If the payout signal transmitting means 17b is directed to the payout signal receiving means 33 of the door 32 to be paid out at this time, the payout signal is output from the door. 32 is input to the payout signal receiving means 33 and the door is unlocked. Further, when the prizes in the front row in the door are sequentially taken out, the prizes are successively paid out, and the payout of a predetermined number of prizes is completed.

To continue paying out another prize, the above operation may be repeated. Reading means 1
Since the reading unit 1 and the transmitting / receiving unit of the transmitting / receiving unit 17 are arranged adjacent to each other, the above-described series of operations can be performed while keeping the attitude of the terminal 10 substantially constant, that is, the terminal 1
The operation can be easily performed by operating the operation input means 12 with the other hand while holding 0 with one hand as shown in FIG.

When paying out special prizes,
The bar code 45 of the receipt issuing unit 41 is changed to a terminal 10.
Is read by the reading means 11 and received in the same manner as in the above operation.
The payout signal is input to the receiving unit 42 of the issuing unit 41. Then, the special prize is provided in the specified amount in the special prize payout exit 44.
Will be paid out. Each time the payout signal is output, the display processing unit 16 calculates the surplus number of balls at that time and displays the result on the display unit 18.

When the issuing command input means 20 is operated with the payout signal transmitting means 17b facing the receiving means 42, the issued signal processing section 15 can output the surplus amount at this time via the payout signal transmitting means 17b. Is output to the receipt issuing port 43, and the remaining rate with the remaining quantity printed at this time is output.

Then, after the remainder is issued,
By the function of the issuance signal processing unit 15, the accumulated value in the storage means 13 is set equal to the acquired quantity, and the surplus quantity becomes "0", so that the subsequent payout is not allowed.

As described above, according to the above-mentioned prize exchange system, even a person who does not specialize in the operation of this kind of electronic equipment can easily pay out a desired amount of desired prizes by operating the portable terminal 10. It is also possible to exchange prizes and receive a surplus, and furthermore, it is impossible to illegally issue or issue a receipt exceeding the range that can be paid out depending on the quantity obtained.

Therefore, the prize exchange can be completely automated by performing all the above operations by the player. Accordingly, labor saving in the amusement arcade is achieved, and there is an effect that erroneous prize exchange due to a mistake of a clerk is eliminated.

Furthermore, since all of these inputs made by the player are for portable terminals, the player can perform these input operations in advance even if the automatic prize dispensing machine 30 is used by another player. It is possible to go to another place, and the time that the automatic prize dispensing machine is used by one player is at most a short time required to input the payout signal and take out the prize. I'm done. Therefore, by installing a large number of terminals 10 or counters 1 and installing a small number of automatic prize dispensing machines 30, efficient unmanned prize exchange can be performed at low cost.

Further, according to the above system, the required quantity is input each time the player operates the reading means 11 of the terminal 10 to read a predetermined bar code. It is not necessary to register the required quantity for each type of prize in the storage means. Therefore, the storage unit 13
The capacity of the payout machine 30 can be minimized, and even if the required quantity for each prize is changed, it is not necessary to input the number for each of a large number of terminals.
There is an effect that only the codes 35 and 45 need to be replaced.

Further, since communication using infrared signals is widely used, including remote control operation of home electric appliances, the input operation of the payout signal is extremely easy for anyone. Further, a series of input operations can be performed while maintaining the terminal attitude substantially constant. Further, the terminal 10 is supplied with power from a solar cell, and does not need to be connected to a power cable which is troublesome to route and does not need to mount a heavy-weight dry battery, and is lightweight and easy to handle. Therefore, there is an effect that the prize exchange can be performed extremely smoothly, without the player being confused by the operation of the system and taking time.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment,
Various variations are possible. For example, the required quantity input means and the scene type input means may be constituted by a terminal key input switch. In this case, it is necessary for the clerk or the like to input the required quantity in advance for all the varieties.

Also, special prizes may be paid out by the prize payout section 31 having a plurality of doors.

The bar codes 35 and 45 are provided by the dispensing machine 3.
It may be formed on a board or the like different from 0 for each scene type and read from this.

The display processing section 16 includes a display means 18.
Alternatively, not only the payout allowable quantity or surplus quantity but also operation guidance and the like may be displayed.

[0051]

According to the terminal of the prize exchange system of the present invention, it is possible to completely automate the prize exchange by performing all necessary operations at the time of prize exchange by the player. Accordingly, labor saving in the amusement arcade is achieved, and there is an effect that erroneous prize exchange due to a mistake of a clerk is eliminated.

Further, the time required for the automatic prize dispensing machine to be used by one player is at most a short time required for inputting the payout signal and extracting the prize. Therefore, by installing only a large number of terminals and installing a small number of automatic prize dispensers, efficient unmanned prize exchange can be performed at low cost.

Further, the above operation is very easy for any person, and a series of input operations can be performed while keeping the terminal posture almost constant.
There is an effect that prizes can be exchanged smoothly without the player having to be confused or troublesome in operating the system. .

Further, when the terminal is supplied with power by a solar cell, there is no need to connect a power cable which is troublesome to route and no need to mount a heavy-weight dry battery, and it is lightweight and easy to handle. Becomes

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an operation procedure and operation of a premium exchange system.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a terminal and a communication unit.

FIG. 3 is a view of the terminal as viewed from an end face side.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal.

FIG. 5 is an external view showing a prize automatic dispensing machine.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing a payout mechanism of the automatic gift dispensing machine.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the entire premium exchange system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Counter 6 ... Acquired quantity transmission means 10 ... Terminal 11 ... Visible record reading means 13 ... Storage means 14 ... Payout signal processing unit 15 ... Issue signal processing unit 16 ... Display processing unit 17a ... Acquired quantity receiving means 17b ... Payout signal receiving means 18 Display means 19 Payout input means 20 Issue command input means 21a Solar cell 32 Door 33, 42 Payout signal receiving means 34 Premium delivery mechanism 35, 45 Visual record 41 Reci Issuer

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A prize exchange system in a game arcade, comprising: a prize automatic payout machine for paying out a predetermined number of predetermined prizes in response to a payout signal received as an infrared signal. An acquisition quantity receiving means for receiving an acquisition quantity of game media as an infrared signal, a visual record reading means for reading a visual record including a scene type as record information, and a predetermined number of A payout command inputting means for instructing a payout of a prize, a payout signal processing section for outputting a predetermined payout signal based on the inputs of the obtained quantity receiving means, the visual record reading means and the payout command inputting means; And a payout signal transmitting means for transmitting the payout signal output by the processing unit as an infrared signal. Other prize exchange system in which a recording and reading means, characterized in that disposed adjacent - Terminal. 2. The terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a solar cell for supplying power to the terminal.
Minar.