JP4795732B2 - IC coin processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an IC coin processing apparatus that performs processing such as data acquisition and update on an IC coin, which is a coin-type information recording medium, and processing such as returning and collecting inserted IC coins and issuing IC coins. More specifically, IC coin processing suitable for incorporation into a game media lending machine that lends game media used in gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines based on the recorded contents of IC coins held by the player Relates to the device.

  Generally, in halls where gaming machines such as pachinko machines, slot machines or amusement machines are installed, game media such as pachinko balls and medals used for games are lent out as players insert cash or prepaid cards. A gaming medium lending machine called a pedestal machine is provided adjacent to each gaming machine.

  By the way, in recent halls where a customer membership system is introduced, instead of using a conventional prepaid card or membership card such as a magnetic card, a highly secure IC chip with a data protection measure is sealed with a resin material. There has been proposed a system that employs IC coins formed in a shape as a money substitute medium (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this system, the price data recorded on the IC coin is consumed and a game medium such as a pachinko ball is lent to the player (a prepaid function), or the player is placed in the hall based on the member ID read from the IC coin. You can authenticate as a member and provide services (member service function). For example, even a non-member player can be used repeatedly in the game by charging the price data to the IC coin, and the player who is authenticated as a member by the IC coin can replay the stored ball, exchange the prize You can receive services such as point addition and campaign information from the hall. As described above, in the gaming industry, the use of IC coins that can provide various high-quality services is expected to be expanded.

  An IC coin can record (write) and reproduce (read) data without contact with an IC chip embedded therein by performing a predetermined communication procedure via electromagnetic waves. For example, a unitized IC coin processing device having a function of recording and reproducing IC coin data is incorporated in the above-described inter-machine, and when the IC coin is inserted, information such as price data or member ID is read, Further, at the time of settlement, the unused portion is recorded on the IC chip and returned to the player as a reusable IC coin. Further, this processing apparatus is required to have a function of temporarily storing used IC coins (value data is zero) and recording and issuing new value data on the stored IC coins (for example, patents). Reference 2). That is, it is to allow a player who has put cash into the inter-bank machine to return the change with IC coins instead of cash at the time of payment.

JP 2003-019341 A JP 2001-331834 A

  As described above, an IC coin processing device provided in a pedestal machine (game media lending machine) or the like is stored in order to perform stable issuance processing without requiring supply of a shortage of IC coins. The larger the capacity to be, the better. On the other hand, the structure is also required to be compact so that it can be incorporated into a limited installation space in the game medium lending machine.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and provides an IC coin processing device suitable for incorporation into a game medium lending machine or the like with a compact structure while ensuring a sufficient capacity for storing IC coins. The purpose is to do.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is an IC coin that performs data reading and writing processing by wireless communication with respect to an IC coin that is an information recording medium formed in a coin shape with a built-in IC chip. A processing device, a lead provided with an introduction path for guiding an IC coin inserted from an insertion slot to the inside, and a transmission / reception unit connected to the introduction path for reading and writing data with respect to the IC coin A write processing unit, a return path that branches from the read / write processing unit and leads to a return port that discharges IC coins, communicates with the read / write processing unit and can be conveyed in an upright state, and stacked in a row A stock path that can store a plurality of sheets is formed on the same surface, and can be reciprocated along the stock path and stacked in a row in the stock path. The supporting pusher can support the lowermost IC coin was stored Te provided, rotation of the arm member by driving means provided with the support member on the distal end side of the arm member having a rotation shaft proximally The corner is controllable, and the stock path is formed in an arc shape along the rotation trajectory of the support member .

  According to the IC coin processing device of claim 1, the uppermost IC coin is supported by supporting the lowermost IC coin with the support member while stacking and storing a plurality of IC coins in a line on the stock path. The coin is held in a read / write processing unit communicating with the stock path, and data processing is performed via the transmission / reception unit. Further, by retracting (lowering) the support member while supporting the IC coins stacked and stored in the stock path, the IC coins held in the read / write processing unit are interlocked and stored in the stock path. Further, when the support member is advanced (raised), the IC coins stacked in a line in the stock path are pushed forward, and the uppermost IC coin stored therein is held in the read / write processing unit for data processing. . In addition, the IC coin held and processed in the read / write processing unit is guided to the return path and discharged from the return port. Thus, processing functions such as data processing, storage, and issuance (return) of IC coins can be realized by a simplified mechanism, and the apparatus can be configured compactly.

In addition, since the support member is provided on the distal end side of the arm member whose rotation angle can be controlled by the driving means , and the stock path is formed in an arc shape along the rotation locus of the support member, the arm member is moved in the forward and reverse directions. When the rotation control is performed, the support member can be reciprocated along the stock path, and can be held at an arbitrary position. As a result, processing functions such as data processing, storage, and issuance (return) of IC coins can be realized with a simplified mechanism, and the apparatus can be configured compactly.

The invention according to claim 2 is the IC coin processing device according to claim 1 , wherein a recovery path for discharging and recovering the IC coins stored in the stock path is provided at the end of the stock path. It is characterized by that.

According to the IC coin processing apparatus of the second aspect , the IC coin is transported to the collection path at the end of the stock path by moving the support member backward while supporting the IC coin stacked and stored in the stock path, and finally The IC coins on the side are discharged and collected in order. Thereby, processing functions such as data processing, storage, issuance (return) and collection of IC coins can be realized by a simplified mechanism, and the apparatus can be configured compactly.

The invention according to claim 3 is the IC coin processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the lowermost ICs stored in a row in the stock path by raising the support member stepwise. Returning means that pushes up coins and sequentially conveys them from the uppermost IC coin to the return path, and lowering the support member stepwise causes the lowermost IC coin stored in the stock path to be transferred to the stock path. And a recovery means for transporting to the end, releasing the support state, and discharging from the recovery path.

According to the IC coin processing apparatus of the third aspect , the return means pushes up the lowermost IC coins stored in a line in the stock path by raising the support member stepwise, and the uppermost The IC coins are sequentially transported and returned to the return path. The collecting means lowers the support member in stages, thereby transporting the lowermost IC coin stored in the stock path to the end of the stock path, releasing the support state, and discharging it from the collection path. To do. As a result, functions such as storing, issuing (returning) and collecting IC coins can be realized by a simple operation of only the position control of the support member, and the apparatus can be simplified and compactly configured.

  According to the IC coin processing apparatus of the present invention, the simple position of the support member that reciprocates in the stock path for various functions such as data processing and storage of the inserted IC coin and issuance and collection of the stored IC coin. This can be realized by control, and the apparatus can be configured compactly while ensuring the storage capacity of IC coins. Therefore, it is suitable for incorporation into a device such as a game medium lending machine that handles IC coins as a money substitute medium.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a description will be given of a gaming facility that is provided in a gaming store such as a pachinko hall and includes an interbank ball lending machine in which an IC coin processing device according to the present invention is incorporated.

  FIG. 1 is a network system diagram showing a configuration of a game facility provided in a pachinko hall or the like. Generally, a pachinko machine amusement island is provided in the gaming space of a hall by installing a plurality of pachinko machines 10 and inter-ball ball lending machines 20 for paying pachinko balls to the gaming machines adjacent to each pachinko machine 10. It is configured. In addition, the slot machines 30 are also provided with an inter-unit medal lending machine 40 adjacent to each other to form an amusement island. At one end of the gaming island where a plurality of gaming machines are arranged in a row, an island edge box 15 that houses an island control device that monitors the operating state of each gaming machine such as a jackpot and counts the sales etc. by each inter-banking machine. , 35 are installed. The island control device also functions as a repeater for connecting each inter-vehicle machine to the communication line 50 laid in the hall.

  At an appropriate place in the game space, an IC coin issuing machine 60 that records and issues the amount of inserted cash as value data (electronic money) in an IC coin, and an IC coin that reimburses the value held by the IC coin in cash. A checkout machine 70 is installed. The IC coin issued by the IC coin issuing machine 60 has a prepaid function, and it is possible to acquire a game medium such as a pachinko ball using the IC coin regardless of a member or a non-member of the hall. Although details will be described later, the inter-ball ball lending machine 20 including the IC coin processing device 100 according to the present invention also has a function of newly issuing an IC coin.

  In addition, a member management computer 80, a ball counter 81, a POS terminal 82, etc. for realizing services for members such as replay of storage balls, management of mileage points, and prize exchange are mutually connected via the communication line 50. Is connected to the line.

  The member management computer 80 records and manages, in an information recording device such as a magnetic disk device, a member management file created by associating attribute information for each member ID of each member, for example. The attribute information of a member to be recorded and managed includes the data of the deposits that the member has put in the hall for replay, the mileage points that are added each time the game is played, and the password (password) for personal authentication of the member In addition to member information such as), personal information such as name, date of birth, e-mail address, and hobbies are also included.

  The ball counting machine 81 is a device for depositing surplus pachinko balls in the hall as replayable storage balls at the end of the game. The player possesses a counting unit that counts the number of inserted pachinko balls at high speed. And an IC coin processing unit that reads the member ID from the IC coin for the member. That is, when a player sets IC coins in the ball counting machine 81 and inserts surplus pachinko balls from the ball slot on the upper surface, the number of pachinko balls counted by the counting unit and the member ID read by the IC coin processing unit The information is added and a signal for requesting a storage ball is transmitted to the member management computer 80. In response to receiving the storage request, the member management computer 80 updates the member management file by adding only the received count value to the number of stored balls based on the member ID. As a result, the player member can store surplus pachinko balls in the hall, and receive services such as replay and prize exchange using the stored balls later.

  The POS terminal 82 is usually installed at a prize exchange counter in a hall, and is, for example, a cash register machine having a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit, a keyboard, and a barcode reader. A member authentication machine 82a for authenticating as a member is connected.

  For example, when a player member exchanges a stored ball for a free gift, an IC coin owned by the principal for the member is set in the member authentication machine 82a, and a password is input to the keyboard. The POS terminal 82 adds the member ID read from the IC coin by the member authenticator 82a and the password input to the keyboard, and transmits an authentication request signal to the member management computer 80. The member management computer 80 collates the received member ID and password with reference to the above-described member management file, and authenticates the player as a member if they have a corresponding relationship. Then, the number of stored balls held by the member is returned from the member management file to the POS terminal 82 together with the member information.

  The POS terminal 82 causes the cash register to display the received number-of-balls data and also displays a list of prizes that can be exchanged within the range of the number of balls. The POS terminal 82 manages the membership by selecting a prize desired from the prize list displayed by the player as a member on the touch panel or reading the barcode of the prize offered by the player with a barcode reader. A signal is transmitted to the computer 80 for requesting settlement of the stored ball (consumption of stored ball number data corresponding to the exchange price of the prize). Then, when the POS terminal 82 receives a payment completion signal from the member management computer 80, the prize is delivered to the player and the exchange is established.

  The IC coin processing device according to the present invention is incorporated in a device such as the above-described IC coin issuing machine 60, IC coin settlement machine 70, ball counting machine 81, and member authentication machine 82a attached to the POS terminal 82 for handling IC coins. Although applicable, here, as an example, a description will be given of an embodiment built in the inter-bed ball lending machine 20 that lends pachinko balls based on price data recorded on IC coins.

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing the front appearance of the pedestal ball lending machine 20, and FIG. 3 is a side view showing the internal configuration of the pedestal ball lending machine 20. In addition, the pedestal ball lending machine 20 includes a vertically long front mask 21 integrally formed as a front decorative plate, and a rectangular housing 29 made of a metal frame.

  First, with reference to FIG. 2, the front structure of the interstitial ball lending machine 20 will be described. In the upper position of the front mask 21 of the inter-ball ball lending machine 20, when a player acquires a pachinko ball, a bill insertion slot 22 for inserting a bill, and an IC coin insertion slot 23 for inserting an IC coin. And are formed. An IC coin return slot 24 for discharging the IC coins returned or issued is arranged below the IC coin slot 23, and the upper side is opened and held so that the player can easily take out the received IC coins and take them out. A portion 24a is formed.

  Also, below the IC coin return port 24, a balance display unit 25 composed of a 7-segment LED for displaying a balance of money that can be used at present by inserting bills or IC coins (in the case of abnormality, an error code, etc.), and a pachinko ball A lending switch 26, which is a pressing switch for instructing lending of the money, and a return switch 27, which is a pressing switch for instructing to return the IC coin instead of change by adjusting the balance, are arranged.

  A ball dispensing nozzle 28 for discharging a predetermined number of pachinko balls to a tray of the pachinko machine (10) in accordance with a lending operation is mounted at a position substantially in the middle of the front mask 21 so as to be swingable in the horizontal direction. .

  With reference to FIG. 3, a bill identifying device 230 for identifying the authenticity and the amount of the bill inserted from the bill insertion slot 22 is provided in the upper portion of the housing 29 of the interbank ball lending machine 20. On the back side of the banknote identification device 230, a banknote outlet 231 for discharging the banknote identified as authentic and discharging it to a banknote transport apparatus (not shown) which is one of the island facilities is formed.

  Below the banknote identification device 230, the IC coin processing device 100 according to the present invention is arranged. Although details will be described later, the IC coin processing apparatus 100 has a function of reading price data recorded by the inserted IC coin, and stores (stocks) up to a predetermined number of IC coins, and collects overflowed IC coins in a lower collection tank. It has a function of dropping it to 190 and collecting it, a function of recording the balance as value data and issuing an IC coin, and the like. The operation of the IC coin processing apparatus 100 is controlled by a microcomputer-based IC coin control board 180 that mounts a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like on a circuit board.

  In the lower space in the housing 29, a ball dispensing unit 220, a ball dispensing control board 210, and a communication unit 240 are arranged. The ball payout control board 210 is also a control board formed from a microcomputer including electronic components such as a CPU 211, a ROM 212, and a RAM 213, and mainly controls the payout of pachinko balls to the ball payout unit 220.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration between the above-described device units built in the inter-ball ball lending machine 20. According to the figure, the ball payout control board 210 includes a bill recognition device 230, an IC coin control board 180, a ball payout unit 220, a communication unit 240, and other equipment units, a balance display unit 25 arranged on the front mask, a loan The switch 26, the return switch 27, and the like are electrically connected via a harness. The IC coin processing apparatus 100 is connected to the ball payout control board 210 via the IC coin control board 180. Further, the ball payout control board 210 is also connected to the pachinko machine (10) adjacent to the inter-ball ball lending machine 20 so as to be able to transmit and receive control signals, and is provided on the pachinko machine side, for example, not shown. Switch signals (lending switch signal, return switch signal) such as switches and return switches are input. Here, an embodiment is described in which the ball dispensing control board 210 drives the ball dispensing unit 220 and discharges the pachinko balls from the ball dispensing nozzle (28) to the gaming machine side during the lending operation. The ball payout control board 210 outputs a ball payout control signal to the gaming machine side in accordance with the form of the gaming machine system to be played, so that the pachinko balls can be released inside the gaming machine.

  The outline | summary of operation | movement of the pedestal ball lending machine 20 of this structure is demonstrated. When a player inserts a banknote from the banknote slot 22, the banknote identification device 230 determines the authenticity of the banknote and identifies its amount. If the banknote identification device 230 determines that the banknote is authentic, it transmits a genuine note signal indicating the amount information to the ball payout control board 210. Specifically, the genuine note signal is output as a pulse signal of the number of times corresponding to the amount of money. The CPU 211 of the ball payout control board 210 counts the genuine note signal and adds it to the balance data stored in a predetermined memory area such as a RAM. In other words, the balance data corresponds to the monetary value that the player has deposited with the daitama ball lending machine 20 in order to acquire the pachinko balls.

  When an IC coin is inserted into the IC coin processor 100 from the IC coin insertion slot 23, the IC coin control board 180 reads the price data recorded on the IC coin and transmits it to the ball payout control board 210. To update the balance data. Note that the available amount information stored as balance data is displayed to the player by the balance display unit 25.

  When the CPU 211 of the ball payout control board 210 detects the operation of the lending switch 26 provided on the front mask 21 (or a lending switch signal), the CPU 211 controls the ball paying unit 220 to pay out a predetermined number of pachinko balls. That is, the ball dispensing control board 210 rotates and drives a ball dispensing rotor, which is a ball dispensing means that sequentially releases pachinko balls one by one, and is detected by a ball dispensing sensor provided at the outlet of the ball dispensing rotor. When the number of balls paid out reaches the above number, control is performed to stop the driving of the ball payout rotor.

  Further, the CPU 211 of the ball payout control board 210 transfers a return switch signal generated by pressing the return switch 27 to the IC coin control board 180, and returns an IC coin to be described later to the IC coin processing apparatus 100. Execute the process.

  The communication unit 240 is connected to the local communication line 50 of the hall, and information related to sales such as deposits and withdrawals in the interbank ball lending machine 20 is transmitted to a management control device such as a hall computer as needed. It is like that.

  Here, the structure of the IC coin that is the object handled by the IC coin processing apparatus 100 of the present invention will be described slightly. An IC coin 90 having an outer shape shown in FIG. 5A is a coin that is widely used by sealing with an IC chip 91 sandwiched between two resin disks made of, for example, ABS (acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene). And an information recording medium formed with substantially the same dimensions. The resin alone is lighter than ordinary coins, so there is a problem that the rolling property is insufficient and the end portion is easily chipped. Therefore, the outer peripheral edge is made of a nonmagnetic metal material such as stainless steel or brass. An annular coating is formed.

  The IC chip 91 embedded in the substantially central portion of the IC coin 90 is formed by bonding or thick film printing a copper wiring pattern on the surface of a thin substrate member made of ceramics, and an MPU (microprocessor), nonvolatile memory, or the like. A bare chip IC and an antenna member formed by winding a fine conductive wire in a coil shape are mounted and modularized.

  That is, the IC chip 91 includes an antenna 92, a modulation / demodulation circuit (CODEC) 93, an MPU 94, a memory 95 which is a flash memory such as an EEPROM, and the like as shown in FIG. 5B, for example. ing. When the MPU 94 receives a read request signal from the outside through the antenna 92, the MPU 94 encodes the data stored in the memory 95 by the modulation / demodulation circuit 93 in a predetermined modulation method, and transmits the data to the outside through the antenna 92. Further, when receiving a predetermined write request signal, the MPU 94 performs control to decode the data by the modem circuit 93 and store it in the memory 95. As a result, the IC coin 90 can read and write stored data from the outside in a non-contact manner using electromagnetic waves.

  The memory 95 is a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM that can continue to hold data without supplying a backup current, and the power required for the data read / write operation is electromagnetic induction via the antenna 92. Supplied from outside by action. For this reason, the IC coin 90 is configured to be used semi-permanently without mounting a battery.

  Next, the structure of the IC coin processing apparatus 100 of the present invention will be described. Here, FIG. 6A is a side view of the IC coin processing apparatus 100, and FIG. 6B is a side view of the IC coin processing apparatus 100 mainly showing the internal structure with the side cover removed. is there.

  The IC coin processing apparatus 100 includes a rectangular base 101 and a side cover 150 that is a plate member attached to face one side of the base 101. A concave groove having a width corresponding to the diameter of the IC coin and a depth corresponding to the thickness of the IC coin is continuously defined on the surface of the base 101 on the side cover 150 is attached. By attaching the side cover 150 to the opening, the opening side of the groove is closed. As a result, a coin path is formed in which both sides of the IC coin are sandwiched between the bottom surface of the groove and the side cover 150, and the IC coin can be conveyed along the continuous direction of the groove in an upright posture.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the coin path has an introduction path 110 that starts from an IC coin insertion slot 111 that opens to the front surface and has a slight downward slope and goes down into the apparatus, and an IC that communicates with the introduction path 110. A transmission / reception antenna 171 for performing data communication with a coin is provided on an RW (read / write) processing unit 170 provided on the bottom surface of the groove, and a return port 131 branched from the RW processing unit 170 and formed below the insertion port 111 described above. A return path 130 that communicates with a downward slope, a stock path 120 that is connected to the rear end of the above-described RW processing unit 170 and has a constant radius of curvature, and an arc-shaped continuous path, and a lowermost end of the stock path 120 The recovery path 140 is connected to and communicates with the recovery port 141 below.

  A plurality of pin-shaped stoppers 112, 113, and 142 are provided on the bottom surface of the groove of the base 101 constituting the coin path so as to be able to project and retract into the coin path, and in the projected state, restrict the conveyance of the IC coin. Yes. In other words, an insertion port stopper 112 for prohibiting the insertion of an IC coin is provided at a position close to the insertion port 111, and an IC coin toward the introduction path 110 side is provided at a boundary position between the introduction path 110 and the RW processing unit 170. A reverse flow prevention stopper 113 is provided for preventing the reverse flow, and a recovery port stopper 142 is provided at a boundary position with the recovery path 140 on the end side of the stock path 120.

  The insertion port stopper 112 and the backflow prevention stopper 113 are always urged by a spring or the like (not shown) in the direction of retreating from the coin passage, and the collection port stopper 142 is always urged in a state of protruding into the coin passage. . Each stopper is controlled to project or retract by a direct acting solenoid (not shown) attached to the base 101. That is, by supplying and driving a required current to each solenoid, the insertion port stopper 112 and the backflow prevention stopper 113 project into the coin passage, and the recovery port stopper 142 operates to retreat from the coin passage. In the drawing, for convenience of explanation, a state in which these stoppers 112, 113, and 142 are retracted from the coin passage is shown in white, and a state in which the stopper 112, 113, 142 protrudes into the coin passage is shown in black.

  On the bottom surfaces of the grooves constituting the introduction path 110, the return path 130, and the recovery path 140, an input port sensor 114, a return port sensor 132, and a recovery port sensor 143 that are reflective optical sensors are provided. . These sensors operate by receiving light reflected by the IC coin. That is, the insertion port sensor 114 detects an IC coin that passes through the introduction path 110, and similarly, the return port sensor 132 detects an IC coin that passes through the return path 130, and the recovery port sensor 143 detects an IC coin that passes through the recovery path 140. Detect each.

  In addition, a return gate 133 that is a plate member that is controlled to be able to protrude and retract into the return path 130 is provided at a lower position of the RW processing unit 170, that is, on an oblique line that crosses the start end of the return path 130. Yes. The return gate 133 is always urged to the side protruding into the coin passage by a spring or the like, and in this state, the IC coin is supported as the lower passage wall of the RW processing unit 170 and the IC coin falls to the return passage 130 side. To regulate. Then, the connected solenoid (not shown) is driven to retreat, and the IC coin in the RW processing unit 170 is dropped onto the return path 130.

  Further, a recovery gate 144 that is a plate member that is controlled so as to be able to protrude and retract into the recovery path 140 is provided at the lowermost end of the stock path 120 and across the starting end of the recovery path 140. The collection gate 144 is normally biased to protrude into the coin passage by a spring or the like, and is configured to retreat from the collection path 140 and open the collection path 140 by driving a connected solenoid (not shown). Has been.

  For convenience of explanation, in the drawing, the state where the return gate 133 and the collection gate 144 are retracted from the coin passage is shown in white, and the state of protruding into the coin passage is shown in black.

  The base member 101 is rotatably provided with an arm member 162 having a rotation axis that coincides with the center of an arcuate stock path 120 having a certain radius. A support pin 161 that protrudes into the stock path 120 through an opening 151 formed in the side cover 150 is fixed to the distal end side of the arm member 162.

  The arm member 162 has a rotation shaft at a base end thereof fitted to a drive shaft of a rotation motor 160 that is, for example, a stepping motor provided on the other side of the base 101. That is, the rotation angle of the arm member 162 is controlled by the rotation motor 160, and the stock path 120 is formed in an arc shape along the rotation locus of the support pin 161 provided on the distal end side of the arm member 162. Yes. By thus controlling the rotation of the arm member 162, the support pin 161 can be reciprocated in the stock path 120 and positioned and controlled at an arbitrary position in the stock path 120.

  In addition, a disk 163 having a plurality of notched grooves (or through-holes) 163a formed at equal intervals on the periphery is provided on the rotation shaft of the arm member 162 in conjunction with the arm member 162. Further, an optical sensor 164 for detecting the notch groove 163a of the disk 163 is fixed to the base 101 side, and the disk 163 and the optical sensor 164 are used to detect and control the rotation angle of the arm member 162. An angle sensor 165 is configured.

  Further, the arm member 162 is held stepwise at any rotation angle (RWP, S1P, S2P, S3P, SMP, COP) shown in FIG. 6B, for example. Here, the rotation angle at which the arm member 162 is held in stages is defined as follows, and will be referred to in the following description.

  In other words, the rotation angle RWP is such that the arm member 162 is positioned at the start end of the stock path 120, and one IC coin is supported by the support pin 161 at the lower outer peripheral edge thereof, and the RW processing unit 170 capable of data processing. The rotation angle can be held at the position.

  The rotation angle S1P is a rotation angle in which one IC coin is supported by the support pins 161 and stored in the stock path 120. The rotation angle S2P is a rotation angle that stacks in the IC coin radial direction in the stock path 120, supports the lower IC coin with the support pin 161, and stores two IC coins. The rotation angle S3P is a rotation angle that stacks in the IC coin radial direction in the stock path 120 and similarly supports the lowermost IC coin and stores three IC coins. The rotation angle SMP is a rotation angle at which the lowest IC coin stacked in the stock path 120 is supported by the support pins 161 and the maximum number of IC coins (four in this embodiment) is stored.

  The rotation angle COP of the arm member 162 is a rotation angle that is further retracted by one step from the rotation angle SMP. When the arm member 162 is held at the rotation angle COP, the lowermost IC coin stored in the stock path 120 is allowed to move to the end of the stock path 120, that is, the position where the recovery path 140 is formed. can do.

  Next, a control system of the IC coin processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. According to FIG. 7, the IC coin control board 180 includes a data reading unit 172 that performs processing for obtaining recording data from the IC coin 90 held in the RW processing unit 170 via the transmission / reception antenna 171, and the IC A data writing unit 173 that performs a process of recording data on the coin 90 is connected. The IC coin control board 180 includes a motor control unit 166 for controlling a rotation motor 160 as a driving unit for the arm member 162 and a rotation angle sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the arm member 162. The optical sensor 164 is connected to each of the solenoids 174 to 178 for driving the return gate 133, the recovery gate 144, the inlet stopper 112, the backflow prevention stopper 113, and the recovery outlet stopper 142. Further, the IC coin control board 180 is connected with an insertion port sensor 114, a return port sensor 132, and a recovery port sensor 143, and an IC coin detection signal from these sensors is input.

  In addition, as already described, the ball payout control board 210 of the pedestal ball lending machine 20 is communicably connected to the IC coin control board 180 and the lending switch 26 is operated, and the return switch 27 is operated. A return switch signal or the like due to the operation of the button is input to the IC coin control board 180 via the ball payout control board 210. Conversely, the IC coin control board 180 transmits the price data read from the IC coin by the data reading unit 172 to the ball payout control board 210 to update the balance data, and displays the updated balance data on the balance display unit 25 as a numerical value. Let

  Next, the operation of the IC coin processing apparatus 100 having such a structure will be described with reference to a flowchart. The IC coin control board 180 that controls the IC coin processing apparatus 100 executes processing such as ball payout by the inter-bed ball lending machine 20 in cooperation with the ball payout control board 210. Accordingly, here, the operation of the IC coin processing device 100 will be described in connection with the operation of the inter-ball ball lending machine 20.

  FIG. 8 shows a processing flow of a program that is started when one IC coin is inserted through the IC coin insertion slot 23 of the interstitial ball lending machine 20. FIG. 9 (a) is a side view of the IC coin processing device 100 showing the operation when the IC coin is inserted, and FIG. 9 (b) shows the operation of storing (stocking) the IC coin. FIG.

  First, FIG. 9A shows an example in which three IC coins C1, C2, and C3 are stored in the stock path 120. In this case, the arm member 162 is held at the rotation angle S3P. The lowermost IC coin C3 is supported by the support pins 161, and the uppermost IC coin C1 stacked and stored in the stock path 120 is supported at a position subsequent to the RW processing unit 170 described above. Although not shown in the drawings for all the states, the arm member 162 is determined in accordance with the number of IC coins stored in the stock path 120 (0, 1, 2, 3, 4). By gradually controlling the rotation angle (RWP, S1P, S2P, S3P, SMP), in any state, the inserted IC coin is temporarily supported by the RW processing unit 170 at a position where data processing is performed. Like to do.

  When the IC coin C0 is inserted, the IC coin C0 falls while rolling on the introduction path 110, and the insertion port sensor 114 detects this (step S101). The CPU 181 of the IC coin control board 180 drives the solenoids 176 and 177 to cause the insertion port stopper 112 and the backflow prevention stopper 113 to protrude into the coin path (step S102), thereby temporarily prohibiting further insertion of the IC coin.

  The inserted IC coin C <b> 0 is held at the position of the RW processing unit 170 with the uppermost IC coin C <b> 1 stored in the stock path 120 coming into contact with the outer peripheral edges.

  The data reading unit 172 of the IC coin control board 180 reads recorded data such as price data and member ID from the IC coin C0 held in the RW processing unit 170 via the transmission / reception antenna 171 (step S103). When the data communication is not successful or when the read data is inappropriate (step S104: NO), the CPU 181 drives the solenoid 174 to open the return gate 133 (step S105), and leads the IC coin C0 to the return path 130. Then, it is discharged to the outside through the return port 131 and the IC coin return port 24. And when the action | operation of the return port sensor 132 is detected (step S106: YES), the solenoid 174 is turned off, the return gate 133 is protruded, and the return path 130 is closed (step S107).

  When the CPU 181 determines that the read data has a predetermined format (format) and is a regular IC coin (step S104: YES), the CPU 181 transmits the value data to the ball payout control board 210 (step S108). At this time, the ball payout control board 210 updates the balance data stored in the predetermined memory area by adding the amount indicated by the value data.

  Further, the data writing unit 173 of the IC coin control board 180 performs a process of clearing the price data of the IC coin C0 to zero (step S109). Then, a stock and recovery processing program, which will be described later, is started (step S110), and the arm member 162 is controlled to be retracted by one step, and the inserted IC coin C0 is stored in the stock path 120 (FIG. 9). (See (b)).

  In this way, IC coins holding price data are accepted, or banknotes are inserted into the interbank ball lending machine 20, and usable balances are stored in the RAM (balance data) of the ball payout control board 210. In the case (step S111: YES), when the ball dispensing control board 210 detects the operation of the lending switch 26 (step S112: YES), the ball dispensing unit 220 is controlled as described above, and a predetermined number of pachinko balls are placed. Release to the pachinko machine 10 through the ball dispensing nozzle 28 (step S113). Then, the amount consumed by lending is subtracted from the balance data and updated.

  When an operation signal (return switch signal) of the return switch 27 is input to the IC coin control board 180 via the ball payout control board 210, the CPU 181 activates a program for IC coin return processing described later. (Step S115), the balance data is settled and an IC coin is issued.

  Next, the details of the stock and recovery process activated in step S110 described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the stock and recovery process executed by the CPU 181 of the IC coin control board 180. With reference to the figure, when the program is started, the CPU 181 obtains the current rotation angle of the arm member 162 by the rotation angle sensor 165. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the largest number (four) of IC coins are stored in the stock path 120 and the arm member 162 is at the rotation angle SMP (step S201: YES), storage is performed. Overflows and the process proceeds to the IC coin collection process shown below.

  That is, the CPU 181 drives the solenoid 176 to retract the collection port stopper 142 (step S202), drives the rotation motor 160 to retract the arm member 162 by one step, and holds it at the rotation angle COP (step S203). ). At this time, the lowermost IC coin C4 stored in the stock path 120 is released from the support state by the support pins 161 and rolls and falls on the stock path 120 with its own weight, and the upper end of the recovery gate 144 is its final end. (See FIG. 11B). Accordingly, the stacked upper IC coins C0 to C3 are also moved downward by the coin diameter, whereby the inserted IC coin C0 is stored in the uppermost position of the stock path 120. (Refer FIG.11 (b)).

  The CPU 181 turns off the solenoid 176 to project the recovery port stopper 142 (step S204), thereby supporting the upper IC coins C0 to C3 in the stock path 120. Further, the solenoid 175 is driven to retract the collection gate 144, and the collection path 140 is opened (step S205). At this time, the IC coin C4 on the collection gate 144 falls through the collection path 140 and is collected through a collection port 141 to a collection tank (190) (not shown) provided below (see FIG. 11B).

  When the CPU 181 detects the operation of the recovery port sensor 143 (step S206: YES), the CPU 181 turns off the solenoid 175, causes the recovery gate 144 to protrude, and closes the recovery path 140 (step S207).

  Then, the CPU 181 drives the rotation motor 160 to move the arm member 162 forward by one step and return it to the rotation angle SMP (step S208).

  When the IC coin processing apparatus 100 is not in overflow, that is, when stock processing is performed with the arm member 162 held at any of the rotation angles RWP, S1P, S2P, and S3P (step S201: NO), the CPU 181 The rotation motor 160 is driven to retract (lower) the arm member 162 by one step (step S209). As a result, the IC coin C0 in the RW processing unit 170 is stored in the stock path 120.

  When the above stock and collection process is completed, the CPU 181 turns off the solenoids 176 and 177 to retract the insertion port stopper 112 and the backflow prevention stopper 113 from the coin path (S210), and a new IC Make coins acceptable.

  Next, the IC coin return process activated in step S115 shown in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the IC coin return process executed by the CPU 181 of the IC coin control board 180. FIG. 13 is a side view of the IC coin processing apparatus 100 showing the operation of returning (effectively issuing) the IC coin.

  When the return switch 27 is pressed and the return processing program is activated, the CPU 181 drives the rotation motor 160 to advance (raise) the arm member 162 by one step (step S301). As a result, the lowermost IC coin stored in the stock path 120 is pushed up against the support pin 161, and the uppermost IC coin C 0 reaches the RW processing unit 170 in conjunction with this.

  In this state, the CPU 181 of the IC coin control board 180 acquires balance data from the ball payout control board 210, converts it into price data, and records it in the IC coin C0 (step S302). At the same time, the CPU 211 of the ball payout control board 210 clears the balance data to zero.

  Then, the CPU 181 drives the solenoid 174 to open the return gate 133 (step S303), and discharges the IC coin to the player via the return port 131 and the IC coin return port 24. When the return port sensor 132 detects the IC coin C0 passing through the return path 130 (step S304: YES), the CPU 181 turns off the solenoid 174 to project the return gate 133 and close the return path 130 (step S305). Thus, if return operation is performed, it will return by issuing the IC coin which can be reused instead of the balance which was left in the stand ball lending machine 20 instead of cash.

  According to the IC coin processing device 100 of the present embodiment, the support pin 161 provided at the tip of the arm member 162 is moved into the stock path 120 by controlling the rotation angle of the arm member 162 driven by the rotation motor 160. The position is controlled so that reciprocation is possible.

  The inserted IC coin is directly supported by the support pin 161, or the lowermost IC coin stacked and stored in the stock path 120 is supported by the support pin 161, and the uppermost IC coin is transferred to the RW processing unit 170. By this, data processing such as data reading and writing can be performed on the IC coin. Further, the IC coins held in the RW processing unit 170 are stored in the stock path 120 by retracting (lowering) the support pin 161 one stage while supporting the IC coins stacked and stored on the stock path 120. can do.

  Further, when the support pin 161 supporting the IC coin is advanced (raised) by one step, a plurality of IC coins stacked in a row in the stock path 120 are pushed forward, and the uppermost IC coin is moved to the RW processing unit. It is possible to return to 170 and perform processing such as update of recorded data. Further, the IC coin held in the RW processing unit 170 and subjected to data processing can be dropped onto the return path 130 and discharged from the return port 131 to issue (or return) the IC coin.

  Further, by retracting the support pin 161 to a position where the support of the IC coin is released, the IC coin is rolled by its own weight to the end side of the stock path 120. If the collection path 140 is opened in this state, the IC coin can be dropped and collected.

  In this way, processing functions such as data processing, storage, issuance (return), and collection for IC coins can be realized by simple position control of the support pins 161 that reciprocate in the stock path 120. The IC coin processing apparatus 100 can be made compact by simplifying the mechanism while ensuring the storage capacity of the IC coin. Therefore, even when it is installed in a constrained narrow space in the housing such as the ball lending machine 20 or the like, it can be suitably handled.

  In addition to game-related facilities, the IC coin processing device of the present invention can be used, for example, in a coin laundry where a point service function is added to IC coins, for example, a merchandise vending machine that handles IC coins as a money substitute medium, or a facility that provides services It can be widely applied.

FIG. 1 is a network system diagram showing a configuration of a game facility provided in a pachinko hall. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the front appearance of the daitama ball lending machine. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the internal configuration of the inter-ball ball lending machine. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration between the device units built in the inter-bed ball lending machine. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the appearance of an IC coin, and FIG. 5B is a circuit block diagram of an IC chip built in the IC coin. FIG. 6A is a side view of the IC coin processing device, and FIG. 6B is a side view showing the internal structure thereof. FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram showing a control system of the IC coin processing device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart mainly showing the operation of the IC coin processing device controlled according to the program activated when the IC coin is inserted. FIG. 9A is a side view of the IC coin processing device showing the operation when the IC coin is inserted, and FIG. 9B is a side view showing the operation of storing the IC coin. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the IC coin processing apparatus in the stock and recovery process. FIG. 11A is a side view of the IC coin processing device showing a state in which the largest number of IC coins are stored, and FIG. 11B is a side view of the IC coin processing device showing the operation of collecting the IC coins. It is. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the IC coin processing apparatus in the return process. FIG. 13 is a side view of the IC coin processing device showing the operation of issuing (returning) the IC coin.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine 20 ... Platform ball lending machine 21 ... Front mask 22 ... Banknote insertion slot 23 ... IC coin insertion slot 24 ... IC coin return slot 25 ... Balance display part 26 ... Lending switch 27 ... Return switch 28 ... Ball dispensing nozzle 29 ... Case 50 ... Communication line 60 ... IC coin issuing machine 70 ... IC coin settlement machine 80 ... Member management computer 81 ... Ball counter 82 ... POS terminal 82a ... Member authentication machine 90 ... IC coin 91 ... IC chip 100 ... IC Coin processing apparatus 101 ... Base 110 ... Inlet path 111 ... Inlet 112 ... Inlet stopper 113 ... Backflow prevention stopper 114 ... Inlet sensor 120 ... Stock path 130 ... Return path 131 ... Return port 132 ... Return port sensor 133 ... Return gate 140 ... Recovery path 141 ... Recovery port 142 ... Recovery port stopper 143 ... Recovery port sensor 144 ... Recovery 150, side cover 151, opening 160, rotation motor 161, support pin 162, arm member 163, disk 163a, notch 164, optical sensor 165, rotation angle sensor 166, motor control unit 170, RW processing unit 171 Transmission / reception antenna 172 Data reading unit 173 Data writing units 174 to 178 Solenoid 180 IC coin control board 181 CPU
182 ... ROM 183 ... RAM
210 ... ball payout control board 211 ... CPU
212 ... ROM 213 ... RAM
220 ... ball dispensing unit 230 ... banknote identification device

Claims (3)

An IC coin processing device that reads and writes data by wireless communication with respect to an IC coin, which is an information recording medium formed in a coin shape with a built-in IC chip,
An introduction path for guiding the IC coin inserted from the insertion slot to the inside; a read / write processing section provided with a transmission / reception section for communicating with the introduction path for reading and writing data to the IC coin; A return path that branches from the read / write processing unit and leads to a return port that discharges the IC coins, and can be conveyed in a state where the IC coins stand in communication with the read / write processing unit, and can be stacked and stored in a row. The stock road is formed on the same plane,
Provided is a support member capable of reciprocating along the stock path and supporting and pushing the lowermost IC coins stacked and stored in a row in the stock path ,
The support member is provided on the distal end side of an arm member having a pivot shaft on the base end side, and the rotation angle of the arm member can be controlled by a driving means, and the stock path is circled along the pivot locus of the support member. An IC coin processing apparatus characterized by being formed in an arc shape . 2. The IC coin processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a recovery path for discharging and recovering the IC coins stored in the stock path is provided at the end of the stock path. A return means for raising the lowermost IC coins stored in a line in the stock path by raising the support members in stages, and sequentially transporting them from the uppermost IC coin to the return path; and the support member And a recovery means for transporting the lowermost IC coin stored in the stock path to the end of the stock path, releasing the support state, and discharging it from the recovery path. The IC coin processing device according to claim 2 .

Images