JP5572475B2 - Game medium lending device and game medium lending system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium lending device and a game medium lending system provided in correspondence with a game machine, and in particular, in the case of lending all received money (mainly 1,000 yen) in one lending operation, and a game to lend The present invention relates to a game medium lending device and a game medium lending system that can lend without causing overflow even if the amount of the medium exceeds the storage amount of the game table top plate.

  Conventionally, there has been known a game media lending device that is attached to a game machine such as a pachinko machine installed in various game stores represented by a pachinko store, accepts money such as banknotes and coins, and lends game media such as a pachinko ball. It has been.

  Such a game medium lending device converts the quantity of game media to be rented from the value of money inserted by the player and the unit price per game medium set by the game store (hereinafter referred to as “rate”). . Lending is performed by paying out such media to the top plate of the game stand.

  In addition, in recent years, such game medium lending devices are compatible not only with money but also with a medium (hereinafter referred to as “valuable medium”) on which information capable of specifying a monetary value such as a magnetic card or an IC card is recorded. is there. In addition, models that support high-priced denominations such as 10,000-yen bills have appeared, and recording the balance information of games on valuable media saves you the trouble of handling cash and contributes to improving the operating rate of amusement stores ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

  By the way, in recent years, as a service that a game store provides to a player, there is a low rate correspondence of game media. For example, if the pachinko ball exchange rate is set as low as 4 yen per ball, the amount of pachinko balls that can be lent increases if the ball is set as low as 1 yen per ball, so that the player can stay in the store longer. The effect is anticipated.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-081462

  However, when such a low rate correspondence is performed, there is a new problem that the number of game media may exceed the amount stored in the upper dish. This is because the amount of game media lent out inevitably increased as the rate was lowered.

  For example, if you receive a loan of 1,000 yen for 1 yen per ball, the number of pachinko balls to be loaned reaches 1000. In this case, in the case of a game media lending device that does not support high-priced denominations and does not record the balance information on valuable media, that is, does not handle the balance, all of these 1000 pachinko balls are collectively To be paid out.

  And generally, since the storage amount of the upper plate of the pachinko machine is about 250 pieces, 1000 pachinko balls to be paid out in a lump in such a case will exceed the storage amount of the upper plate and overflow. .

  When such overflow occurs, for example, a game medium lending device that pays out from the nozzle causes clogging of the nozzle and places a load on the payout mechanism (such as a solenoid for a ball lending machine). It can be.

  In addition, since the technique of Patent Document 1 is not a technique corresponding to an increase in the number of game media due to a low rate, such a problem similarly occurs. Furthermore, this technique has a problem that it is not suitable for application to a low-priced apparatus.

  In addition, it is expected that players will not be able to enjoy the amusement and convenience of the game, which will increase the number of inquiries to employees. If employees are chased by the response, it will be a cause of a decline in the operating rate of the amusement store.

  Furthermore, since the low-rate support of game stores itself is an important service for acquiring customers in sales and improving the occupancy rate, it is also fundamental to deal with operations such as not supporting low rates. It does not solve the problem.

  Therefore, even when all the deposits are lent out, and even if the amount of game media to be lent exceeds the amount stored on the platform, the game can be lent without causing overflow. How to realize a medium lending device or a game medium lending system is a big issue.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, in the case of renting out all the deposits, and in the case where the number of gaming media to be lent exceeds the storage amount of the gaming platform top plate. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game medium lending device and a game medium lending system that can lend without causing overflow.

  In addition, as the definition of terms in the following description, “the act of injecting game media from the operation handle mechanism of the game machine onto the game board surface” is simply referred to as “launching game media”. The act including the process until the game medium falls into the outbox, which is the counting mechanism on the back of the game machine, via the game board surface, is simply referred to as “pushing game medium”.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a gaming medium lending device provided corresponding to a game machine, wherein a plurality of paying out amounts of gaming media lent to a player are divided into a plurality of paying units. From the dividing means for dividing, the storage amount determining means for determining the time when the payout amount of the payout unit does not exceed the storage amount of the gaming machine top plate as the payout time for each payout of the payout unit, and the signal received from the game machine The payout for each payout of the payout unit by comparing the calculated game media pay-in difference with a predetermined threshold or by comparing a predetermined time with a timer value including a continuous game time on the game stand of the player. And a storage amount determination means for determining a payout time that does not exceed the storage amount of the game table top plate.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the dividing means divides into the payout units, instructs the payout unit for the first time, and notifies the presence / absence of unpaid portion of the payout unit. It is characterized by performing.

Further, the present invention includes a receiving means for receiving the automatic dispensing operation automatically pay out a predetermined number of game media before Symbol amusement machine, when receiving the automatic dispensing operation by the receiving unit, by the storage amount judgment means The system further comprises automatic payout control means for controlling to automatically pay out the game medium of the payout unit at the determined payout time .

Further, the present invention, in the above invention, further comprises a type accepting unit for accepting a type of game medium to be automatically paid out, wherein the automatic payout control unit receives an automatic payout operation by the accepting unit, and controls automatically paid out as a game medium of the dispensing unit of the type accepted by the accepting unit type.

  Further, in the present invention according to the above invention, the storage amount determination means receives the signal from the gaming table, and outputs an out signal that is the number of game media that the player has driven in, and the player has launched the signal. Based on the safe signal that is the number of game media to be paid out when the game media enters the winning slot of the game table, the game media upper and lower plates are calculated based on the game input / output difference. It is characterized in that a time that does not exceed the storage amount is determined as a payout time.

  Further, the present invention, in the above invention, further comprises a detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of game media remaining on the path using a sensor provided on the game medium payout path of the game medium lending device, The storage amount determination means is characterized in that a time that does not exceed the storage amount of the game table top plate is determined as a payout time based on the presence or absence of a residual game medium detected by the detection means.

  The present invention is the gaming medium lending system according to the above invention, wherein the gaming medium lending device provided corresponding to the gaming table and the management device that manages the gaming medium lending device lend gaming media. The management device includes storage means for storing divided payout information including a payout division number associated with the game medium lending device, and the game medium lending device stores a batch payout of game media to be rented to a player. Dividing means for dividing the payout unit into a plurality of payout units based on the payout information, and a storage amount for determining a time when the payout amount of the payout unit does not exceed the storage amount of the game table top plate as the payout time And determining means.

According to the present invention, the game media corresponding to the player's own device divides the collective payout amount of game media lent to the player into a plurality of payout units, and the game media input / output difference calculated from the signal received from the game console Even if the payout is made for each payout in the payout unit by comparing with a predetermined threshold or by comparing a predetermined time with a timer value including the continuous game time of the player at the game stand, Since it is decided to determine the time of payment that does not exceed the storage amount, even if all of the deposit is lent out, and even if the amount of game media to be lent exceeds the storage amount of the game table top plate, overflow will occur There is an effect that it is possible to lend without. In addition, it is possible to prevent the payout of unpaid game media while the player is away, and to improve the convenience of the player.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the batch payout of game media is divided into a plurality of payout units, the first payout of the payout unit is instructed, and the presence / absence of the unpaid portion of the payout unit is instructed. As a result, it is possible for the player to know whether or not there is an unpaid portion of the game medium, and to improve the convenience of the player.

In addition, according to the present invention, when an automatic payout operation for automatically paying out a predetermined number of game media to a gaming table is accepted, control is made so that game media in a payout unit is automatically paid out at the determined payout timing. Since it was comprised, it can prevent the overflow of the game medium from the tray accompanying payout of a game medium, and can improve the operativity of a player.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the type of game media to be automatically paid out is received, even if a predetermined number of game media of the received type are paid out, the allowable amount of game media on the gaming platform top plate Since the control is made so that the predetermined number of game media are automatically paid out when the time does not exceed the limit, the operability when using various game media types such as ball lending, holding balls, and storage balls is improved. Can do.

  In addition, according to the present invention, a game table signal is received, and an out signal, which is the number of game media typed in by the player, and a game media typed out by the player are paid out by entering the winning hole of the game table. Calculating a game medium entry / exit difference based on the safe signal that is the number of game mediums to be determined, and determining, based on the entry / exit difference, a timing that does not exceed the storage amount of the gaming table top plate as a payout timing; Therefore, it is possible to prevent the overflow of the game table top plate and improve the convenience of the player. In addition, by using the existing game table signal, there is an effect that it can contribute to an improvement in cost effectiveness of the game store.

  According to the present invention, a sensor provided on the game medium payout route of the game medium lending device is used to detect the presence or absence of game media remaining on the route, and based on the result, Since it is determined that the time when the stored amount does not exceed is determined as the time of payout, it is possible to prevent clogging of the nozzle and reduce the load on the payout mechanism (ball lending machine solenoid or the like). In addition, by using existing sensors, it is possible to improve the cost effectiveness of the amusement store.

  Further, according to the present invention, the management device for managing each game medium lending device provided corresponding to the gaming table stores the divided payout information including the number of payout divisions associated with each game medium lending device, Each game media lending device divides the collective payout of game media lent to the player into a plurality of payout units based on the divided payout information, and even if payout is made for each payout of the payout unit, Since it is determined that the time when the amount of storage does not exceed is determined as the time of payment, even if all of the deposit is lent out and the amount of game media to be lent exceeds the amount stored on the table top, it will overflow. There is an effect that it is possible to lend without causing it. In addition, there is an effect that the divided payout information suitable for the specifications of each game medium lending device and each game table can be centrally managed on the management device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a game medium lending method according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a network environment to which the game medium lending device according to the first embodiment is connected. FIG. 3 is an external view of the game medium lending device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game medium lending device. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a detection example of the in-nozzle sensor. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting information. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the payout time correction unit. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the storage amount determination method based on the difference in and out of game media. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a storage amount determination method using an in-nozzle sensor. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the automatic ball payout process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an external view of the counter unit with counter used in the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the counter unit with counter shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for automatically paying out the holding balls while determining the storage amount based on the difference in and out of game media. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for automatically paying out the holding balls while determining the storage amount by the in-nozzle sensor.

  Embodiments of a game medium lending device and a game medium lending system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, a game media lending device (hereinafter referred to as a “between machine”) that is attached to a pachinko machine installed in a pachinko store and pays out pachinko balls from a nozzle is a game media lending processor. The case where it is is demonstrated.

  In addition, as a definition of terms in the following description, “a sensor provided on a game medium payout path in a nozzle” is simply “in-nozzle sensor”, “payout unit” is “set”, and “split payout information”. Are described as “setting information”.

  First, prior to detailed description of the embodiment, an outline of a game medium lending method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a game medium lending method according to the present invention. Incidentally, (A) in the figure shows a conventional lump-sum payment example, and (B) in the figure shows a processing procedure of the game medium lending method according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, it is assumed that a thousand-yen bill is inserted into the one-yen inter-unit apparatus 10 (see (A-1) in FIG. 1). In this case, the number of pachinko balls that are rented gaming media reaches 1000, but according to the conventional method, all of these 1000 pachinko balls are paid out collectively (see (A-2) in the figure). ).

  And generally, since the storage amount of the upper plate of the pachinko machine that is a gaming table is about 250 pieces, 1000 pachinko balls to be paid out in a lump in such cases exceeds the storage amount of the upper plate, Overflow (see (A-3) in the figure).

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1B, in the game medium lending method according to the present invention, the batch payout is divided into a plurality of sets. Then, by determining the storage amount of the upper plate, it was decided to optimize the dispensing time of each set. The determination of the amount stored in the upper plate means, for example, determining whether or not the number of game media stored in the upper plate is less than the maximum amount stored in the upper plate.

  Specifically, when money such as a thousand-yen bill is inserted, a process of dividing the batch payout into a plurality of sets is performed (see (B-1) in the figure). Then, after the division, a process of paying out the first set is performed (see (B-2) in the figure). At this time, a notification unit (not shown) is notified that there is an unpaid set. Thereby, the player can know that there is an unpaid portion of the game medium.

  Subsequently, when the next set of payouts is performed, the payout time is optimized so as not to exceed the storage amount of the upper plate (see (B-3) in the figure). Here, in the game medium lending method according to the present invention, the following two methods are employed as such optimization methods.

  First, in the first method, by using a game medium entry / exit difference (hereinafter referred to as “difference ball”) calculated based on a game table signal, a time when the stored amount of the upper dish is not exceeded is determined. This time is set as the payout time (see (B-3a) in the figure).

  In the second method, the presence or absence of remaining game media is detected by an in-nozzle sensor, and a timing that does not exceed the storage amount of the upper plate is determined based on the detection result, and is set as a dispensing timing ((( B-3b)).

  In the game medium lending method according to the present invention, after the next set payout timing is optimized as described above, a process for paying out the next set is performed (see (B-4) in the figure). Thereafter, by repeating the procedures (B-3) to (B-4) in the figure, all sets are paid out, and there is no unpaid set for the not-shown notification unit, that is, payout is completed. Notify that. Thereby, the player can know that there is no unpaid portion of the game medium.

  Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the game medium lending system to which the game medium lending method described with reference to FIG. 1 is applied will be described in detail. In the first embodiment described below, a game medium lending system including the inter-device 10 and the management device 200 will be described.

  First, a network environment to which the inter-device apparatus according to the first embodiment is connected will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a network environment to which the inter-device apparatus according to the first embodiment is connected. As shown in the figure, the inter-device 10 provided for each gaming table 100 is connected to each device such as a management device 200 and an island controller 300 via a network such as an in-store LAN (Local Area Network) 20. .

  The island controller 300 is a relay device provided for each gaming island on which the inter-device 10 and the gaming table 100 are installed. For example, between the management device 200 / the inter-device 10 or the management device 200 / the gaming table. Relay communication data such as between 100.

  In addition, the management device 200 receives a gaming table signal such as an out signal or a safe signal transmitted for each gaming machine 100, and processes and manages it into information related to the operation of the gaming shop, such as a difference ball or an operating rate of the gaming machine. . In addition, the difference management DB 201 included in the management device 200 is a database that manages information about the difference.

  Here, the inter-device device 10 can directly receive the game table signal of the game table 100 by branching the communication path between the management device 200 and the game table 100. Accordingly, the inter-table device 10 can directly obtain information regarding the difference balls of the gaming table 100 in which the own device is provided without referring to the information of the difference ball management DB 201 included in the management device 200.

  In addition, although the present Example 1 demonstrates the case where the inter-device 10 acquires the information regarding the difference ball of the game machine 100 directly from the game machine 100 with which the own apparatus is attached, the difference ball management which the management apparatus 200 has is demonstrated. Information in the DB 201 may be referred to.

  Next, the inter-device 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is an external view of the inter-device 10. In the figure, the gaming table 100 provided with the inter-device device 10 is indicated by a broken line. Moreover, although the inter-device 10 which receives only a banknote is shown in the same figure, it is good also as providing the unit for coin reception.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-device 10 includes a state display unit 51 that displays the device state of the inter-device 10 by turning on or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color, and bill insertion that accepts various bills for renting out game media. Unit 52 and an informing unit 53 for notifying the presence or absence of an unpaid set.

  The inter-device 10 includes a payout unit 54 that pays out game media to be lent. The payout unit 54 includes a payout unit nozzle 54a that guides the game medium to the upper plate 101 of the game table 100. The game medium paid out from the payout unit 54 passes through a payout path inside the payout unit nozzle 54a, The game table 100 is stored in the upper plate 101.

  Although not shown here, there is a lending method that does not use a nozzle, in which a game medium is paid out from a medium payout unit built in the game machine 100 when a lending button provided in the game machine 100 is pressed.

  Next, the configuration of the inter-station apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the inter-device apparatus 10. In the figure, only components necessary for explaining the characteristics of the inter-device 10 are shown, and descriptions of general components are omitted.

  As shown in the figure, the inter-device 10 includes a management device communication unit 11, a notification unit 12, a payout unit 13, a game table communication unit 14, an in-nozzle sensor unit 15, a control unit 16, and a storage. Part 17. The control unit 16 further includes a setting unit 16a, a dividing unit 16b, a payout instruction unit 16c, a storage amount determination unit 16d, and a payout time correction unit 16e, and the storage unit 17 includes setting information 17a. Remember.

  The management device communication unit 11 includes a communication device such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board, and receives data of the setting information 17a from the management device 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 via a network such as the in-store LAN 20.

  The alerting | reporting part 12 is comprised by the output device for alert | reporting the presence or absence of an unpaid set. In addition, the alerting | reporting part 12 is good also as a blink lamp which only notifies presence or absence, and is good also as a display which displays detailed character information. Also, a notification instruction is received from the dividing unit 16b, and notification processing corresponding to the instruction content is performed.

  The payout unit 13 is a device that pays out game media to a player. A payout instruction is received from the payout instruction unit 16c, and a payout process corresponding to the instruction content is performed.

  The gaming table communication unit 14 is configured by a communication device such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board, and receives gaming table signals such as an out signal and a safe signal from the gaming table 100 in which the inter-device 10 is provided.

  The in-nozzle sensor unit 15 is a detection device provided on the game medium payout path in the nozzle. The presence / absence of game media remaining on the route is detected, and the detection content is notified to the storage amount determination unit 16d.

  The control unit 16 performs processing such as dividing into a plurality of sets for the batch payout shown in FIG. 1B and paying out the first set, optimizing the next set payout time, and paying out the next set. It is.

  The setting unit 16 a is a processing unit that performs processing for storing the setting information 17 a received from the management device 200 via the management device communication unit 11 in the storage unit 17. Here, the timing for receiving the setting information 17a from the management device 200 may be a predetermined timing such as when the inter-table device 10 is installed or before the amusement store is opened.

  When the banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion section 52 shown in FIG. 3, the dividing section 16b divides the batch payout amount of the game media into a plurality of sets based on the setting information 17a, and performs the first one set payout. It is a processing unit that performs processing for instructing the payout instruction unit 16c.

  In addition, the division unit 16b may be a processing unit that performs a process of instructing the notifying unit 12 to confirm the presence / absence of an unpaid out set after receiving the processing result of the payout instructing unit 16c and to notify the contents thereof. is there. The relationship between the operation of the dividing unit 16b and the setting information 17a will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The payout instruction unit 16c is a processing unit that performs processing for instructing the payout unit 13 to pay out based on the payout instruction including the payout time received from the dividing unit 16b, the storage amount determination unit 16d, and the payout time correction unit 16e. is there. Further, it is also a processing unit that performs processing for notifying the division unit 16b of the processing result.

  The storage amount determination unit 16d is a processing unit that performs a process of determining a time that does not exceed the storage amount of the upper plate 101 as a time for paying out the next set.

  Here, in the method of determining the payout timing, a timing that does not exceed the storage amount of the upper plate 101 is determined from the difference ball calculated based on the gaming table signal received from the gaming table communication unit 14 and the setting information 17a. There are a method and a method for determining when the amount of storage in the upper plate 101 is not exceeded based on the notification of the detection content received from the in-nozzle sensor unit 15.

  In addition, the storage amount determination unit 16d is also a processing unit that performs a process of instructing the determined dispensing timing to the dispensing instruction unit 16c. The relationship between the operation of the storage amount determination unit 16d and the setting information 17a will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Here, a detection example of the in-nozzle sensor in the case where the amount of storage of the upper plate is determined based on the notification of the detection content received from the in-nozzle sensor unit 15 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a detection example of the in-nozzle sensor. Note that (A) in the figure shows an example when a ball remaining is detected, and (B) in the same figure shows an example when no ball remaining is detected.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the in-nozzle sensor unit 15 detects that there is a remaining game medium on the payout path inside the payout part nozzle 54a, the game medium is in the payout path of the payout part nozzle 54a. Is clogged. Therefore, prior to paying out the next set, it is necessary to wait until at least the in-nozzle sensor unit 15 detects that there is a game medium remaining in the same path. This point will be described later in the description of the processing procedure using FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, even if the in-nozzle sensor unit 15 does not detect a game medium remaining on the payout path inside the payout part nozzle 54a, the game is in the middle of the payout path of the payout part nozzle 54a. Media may remain. Therefore, when paying out the next set, it is necessary to wait for a process until it is determined that the stored amount of the upper plate 101 is not exceeded. This point will also be described later in the description of the processing procedure using FIG.

  As described above, in the game medium lending method according to the present invention, the presence or absence of the game medium remaining on the payout path in the nozzle is monitored, so that the nozzle can be prevented from clogging, and the payout mechanism (ball lending) The cause of the failure can be eliminated.

  Further, since the in-nozzle sensor is an existing detection mechanism built in the inter-bed apparatus 10, the introduction of the game medium lending method according to the present invention can be dealt with only by means of software. Therefore, there is an effect that it can contribute to an improvement in cost effectiveness of the amusement store.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 4, the payout time correction unit 16e will be described. Based on the gaming table signal received from the gaming table communication unit 14, the payout time correction unit 16e indicates the time during which the player has driven in the gaming medium without leaving the seat (hereinafter simply referred to as “continuous gaming time”). It is a processing unit that performs processing for accumulation. The payout time correction unit 16e is also a processing unit that performs a process of correcting the payout time determined by the storage amount determination unit 16d based on the continuous game time from the previous payout and the setting information 17a.

  The payout time correction unit 16e is also a processing unit that performs processing to instruct the payout instruction unit 16c of the payout time corrected in the above. The relation between the operation of the payout time correction unit 16e and the setting information 17a will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The storage unit 17 is a storage unit configured by a storage device such as a hard disk drive or a nonvolatile memory, and stores setting information 17a. The setting information 17a is definition information that is referred to in each processing unit of the division unit 16b, the storage amount determination unit 16d, and the payout time correction unit 16e.

  Next, the relationship between the operation of each processing unit and the setting information 17a will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of setting information.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the setting information 17 a includes a “unit number” item, a “rate” item, a “number of payout divisions” item, a “difference threshold” item, and a “monitoring timer threshold” item. It is included information.

  Here, the “unit number” item is an item in which a unit number for identifying each gaming table 100 in which each inter-device device 10 is provided is stored. Each processing unit refers to each item of the record of the machine number corresponding to the gaming machine 100 in which the inter-device device 10 is provided.

  The “rate” item is an item in which the rental rate of game media in each inter-device 10 is stored. If it is determined that it is not necessary to make installment payments based on the specifications of each inter-device device 10 and the lending rate for this item, setting of other items may be omitted. It is possible (see the record of “unit number 201” in the figure).

  The “number of payout divisions” item is an item in which the number of divisions for batch payout in each inter-device 10 is stored. The dividing unit 16b refers to this item, and performs a dividing process into a plurality of sets for a batch payout. For example, when a thousand-yen bill is deposited, in the inter-unit device 10 corresponding to the record of “unit number 101” in FIG.

  In addition, in the “number of payout divisions” item, it is also possible to set the number of divisions suitable for the specifications of each inter-unit device 10 (the “unit number 101” and “unit number 102” records in FIG. reference). In the figure, the “number of payout divisions” item shows an example as a single item, but it may be provided as a plurality of items for each denomination handled by the inter-device 10.

  The “difference threshold value” item is an item in which a threshold value of the number of game media determined not to exceed the storage amount of the upper plate 101 is stored even if the next set of payouts is performed. In addition, it is good also as storing the maximum storage amount of the top plate 101 of each game stand 100 with which each inter-device apparatus 10 is attached.

  The storage amount determination unit 16d refers to the “difference threshold value” item described above, and determines when the storage amount of the upper plate 101 does not exceed the storage amount based on the difference ball calculated from the game table signal. That is, it is determined that the next set of payouts can be made when the difference from the previous payout exceeds the value stored in the corresponding item.

  The “monitoring timer threshold value” item is an item in which a threshold value of the continuous game time from the previous payout is stored. This item can also store a value suitable for the specifications of each gaming machine 100 provided with each inter-device device 10.

  For example, when the gaming table 100 has a performance of launching 100 game media per minute and a storage amount of a maximum of 200 upper plates 101, it is determined that all of the game media of the upper plate 101 are ejected in 2 minutes. , A threshold value of 120 seconds can be stored in this item (see the record of “unit number 101” in the figure).

  The “monitoring timer threshold” item shows an example in which a value in seconds is stored in the figure. However, if more precise control is required, a value in milliseconds or the like may be stored. Good.

  Next, the operation of the dispensing time correction unit 16e will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the payout time correction unit.

  First, the payout time correction unit 16e determines the gaming state of the player in the gaming table 100 based on the state pattern shown in FIG. That is, it is assumed that the game is in the case where at least one of the out signal and the safe signal is input.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5A, the payout time correction unit 16e determines that it is necessary to monitor the continuous game time timer at least when an out signal is input. This is because the case where an out signal is input refers to a case where a player is driving a game medium without leaving his seat, and there is a possibility that the storage amount of the game medium in the upper plate 101 may be reduced.

  Following this, the payout time correction unit 16e accumulates the continuous game time. Then, the time when the continuous game time exceeds the value stored in the “monitoring timer threshold” item shown in FIG. 6 is corrected as the next payout time. That is, the payout time correction unit 16e adjusts the next set of payout time so that the player is not away.

  In FIG. 7B, the accumulated values of “T1”, “T2”, and “T3” indicating the continuous game time exceed the monitoring timer threshold value, and the time is corrected as the “next payout” timing. It means that it will be done.

  Next, a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. First, the processing procedure of FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the storage amount determination method based on the difference in and out of game media.

  As shown in FIG. 8, triggered by the insertion of money (step S <b> 101), a process for dividing the batch payout of game media into a plurality of sets is performed (step S <b> 102). Then, the first set of payouts is performed (step S103), and it is notified that there is an unpaid set (step S104).

  Subsequently, the gaming machine signal of the gaming machine 100 is received (step S105). Then, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress based on the received game table signal (step S106). Here, the case where the game is in progress refers to a case where at least one of the out signal and the safe signal is input. This is because if any one of the signals is input, a difference ball is generated and the next set may be required to be paid out.

  If it is determined that the game is in progress (step S106, Yes), it is determined whether or not there is an out signal input based on the gaming machine signal (step S107). Here, the case where there is an out signal input indicates a case where it is determined that the next set of payouts is necessary. This is because the amount of game media stored in the upper plate 101 may be reduced if an out signal is input since the previous payout.

  And when it determines with there being an out signal input (step S107, Yes), the difference ball from the time of last payment is calculated based on an out signal and a safe signal (step S108).

  On the other hand, if the determination condition in step S107 is not satisfied (No in step S107), that is, if no out signal is input since the previous payout, it is determined that the storage amount of the game medium in the upper plate 101 has not decreased. Therefore, it is determined that the next set of payouts is unnecessary. And the process after step S105 is repeated.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the difference ball exceeds a predetermined threshold (step S109). Here, the case where the difference ball exceeds a predetermined threshold is a case where it is determined that the amount of game media stored in the upper plate 101 has decreased by the amount that requires the next set of payouts since the previous payout. Point to.

And when it is determined that the difference ball has exceeded a predetermined threshold (step S109, Yes),
The next set of payouts is performed (step S110), and it is further determined whether or not there is an unpaid set (step S111). If it is determined that there is no unpaid set (step S111, No), the fact that the payout has been completed is notified (step S112), and the process is terminated.

  By the way, when the determination condition of step S106 is not satisfied (step S106, No), when the determination condition of step S109 is not satisfied (step S109, No), when the determination condition of step S111 is not satisfied (step S111, In Yes), the processing after step S105 is repeated.

  Next, the processing procedure of FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a storage amount determination method using an in-nozzle sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 9, triggered by the insertion of money (step S <b> 201), a process of dividing the batch payout amount of game media into a plurality of sets is performed (step S <b> 202). Then, the first set of payouts is performed (step S203), and it is notified that there is an unpaid set (step S204).

  Subsequently, the gaming machine signal of the gaming machine 100 is received (step S205). Then, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress based on the received game table signal (step S206). Here, the case where the game is in progress refers to the case where at least one of the out signal and the safe signal is input as already shown in FIG.

  If it is determined that the game is in progress (step S206, Yes), it is determined whether or not there is an out signal input based on the gaming machine signal (step S207). Here, the case where there is an out signal input refers to the case where timer monitoring is necessary, as already shown in FIG. That is, the payout time correction unit 16e accumulates the continuous game time.

  If it is determined that there is an out signal input (step S207, Yes), it is determined whether the in-nozzle sensor unit 15 has detected a game medium remaining on the payout path (step S208).

  Here, when the remaining game medium is detected by the in-nozzle sensor unit 15 (step S208, Yes), as already shown in FIG. 5A, the game medium is clogged in the payout path of the payout part nozzle 54a. Therefore, the process of step S208 is repeated until the in-nozzle sensor unit 15 no longer detects the remaining game media.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no remaining game medium (No in step S208), it is determined whether the in-game state has continued for a predetermined time, that is, whether the continuous game time has exceeded the monitoring timer threshold value of the setting information 17a. (Step S209). This is because, as already shown in FIG. 5B, there is a possibility that the game medium remains in the middle of the payout path even when the game medium remaining on the payout path of the payout nozzle 54a is not detected. Therefore, when paying out the next set, it is necessary to wait for processing until it is determined that at least the storage amount of the upper plate 101 is not exceeded.

  Here, when it is determined that the predetermined time has not been continued (No at Step S209), the payout time correction unit 16e accumulates the continuous game time, and until it is determined that the predetermined time has continued, Step S209. Repeat the process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the gaming state has continued for a predetermined time (step S209, Yes), the next set of payouts is performed (step S210), and it is further determined whether or not there is an unpaid set. (Step S211). If it is determined that there is no unpaid set (step S211, No), the fact that the payout has been completed is notified (step S212), and the process ends.

  By the way, when the determination condition of step S206 is not satisfied (step S206, No), when the determination condition of step S207 is not satisfied (step S207, No), when the determination condition of step S211 is not satisfied (step S211, In Yes), the processing after step S205 is repeated.

  Although FIG. 9 shows the case where the detection result of the in-nozzle sensor is used together with the game machine signal, the next set payout timing may be determined based only on the detection result of the in-nozzle sensor. In this case, the next set may be paid out after a predetermined time since the in-nozzle sensor has finally detected the game medium. Further, the sensor may be provided on the upper plate of the game table instead of in the nozzle, and the detection result may be received from the game table.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the first set of payouts is unconditionally performed has been described. However, for the first set of payouts, the storage amount of the upper plate is determined to optimize the payout timing. It is good as well.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the dividing unit divides the batch payout amount of game media lent to the player into a plurality of payout units, and the storage amount determination unit pays out each payout of the payout unit. The inter-device is configured so that the time when the stored amount of the game table top plate does not exceed the amount of the game table is determined as the payout time. Therefore, even when all the deposits are lent out, and even when the number of game media to be lent exceeds the storage amount of the game platform upper plate, it is possible to lend without causing overflow.

  By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, a case has been described in which a pachinko machine installed in a pachinko parlor and provided with a pachinko ball paying out from a nozzle is a gaming medium lending processor. However, the present invention is applied to a lending type inter-table device (CR unit) that does not use a nozzle and issues a payout instruction to a medium payout unit built in the game stand triggered by pressing a lending button provided in the game stand. It may be applied.

  In addition, the inter-device and the game medium lending system according to the first embodiment described above are a high-priced inter-unit apparatus that has a function of handling high-priced denominations and recording information that specifies game balance information and the like on a valuable medium, and It may be applied to a game medium lending system. In this case, when the return button of the valuable medium is pressed, information including the presence / absence of unpaid game media is recorded in the valuable medium.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the inter-device and the game medium lending system when lending pachinko balls as game media have been described, but the present invention may also be applied to cases where medals are lent.

  In the above-described first embodiment, a case has been described in which a single payout is divided into a plurality of payout units, and game media of each payout unit is paid out. It may be replaced with a payout.

  Specifically, in recent years, a so-called “counter counter” has also appeared in the inter-devices, in which the game media obtained by the player are counted by each counter counter provided for each device. Have been doing. Then, the game media counted by the inter-table device are managed as a game media value called a so-called ball. As a method for paying out the holding balls, there is known a method of paying out a predetermined amount of game media to the upper plate of the game table when a reuse button provided on the table device or the game table is pressed.

  Here, a case will be described in which the inter-device apparatus accepts a new 1000-yen bill when there is no holding ball and lends 1000 pachinko balls at a 1-yen rate. In this case, the inter-bed apparatus divides a predetermined quantity that does not overflow from the upper plate, for example, 200 pieces as the first payout unit, and actually pays out the game media. Then, the remaining 800 pieces may be converted into holding balls and paid out in accordance with the above-described holding ball dispensing method. By doing in this way, the problem of the upper plate overflow in Example 1 mentioned above does not generate | occur | produce.

  In addition, when such a lending device performs the same lending in the presence of a ball, the remaining 800 items described above are added to the existing ball and are paid out according to the method for dispensing a ball described above. And it is sufficient.

  By the way, in the first embodiment, the case where the number of game media lent to the player is divided into a plurality of payout units has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the case of automatically paying out the balls. It can also be applied. For this reason, in the second embodiment, when the player automatically presses the holding ball payout button and the game medium on the upper plate of the gaming table is reduced, the case where the holding ball is automatically paid out will be described. To do.

  First, the concept of the automatic ball payout process according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the automatic ball payout process according to the second embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the player already holds a ball.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (A), when the player automatically presses the holding ball automatic payout button provided on the counter-equipped inter-device, as shown in FIG. 10 (B), The apparatus automatically carries out the ball payout process while determining the storage amount of the game medium located on the upper plate of the game table. When the automatic ball withdrawal button is pressed again, or when there are no remaining balls, the automatic ball dispensing process ends.

  This point will be described in detail. First, the counter-equipped device has a predetermined number (for example, 200 balls) of holding balls through the nozzle when the automatic ball dispensing button is pressed. (See FIG. 10B-1). Specifically, since the number of possessed balls is managed by the management device, when the retained ball automatic payout button is pressed, a predetermined number of balls are subtracted from the counter-equipped device to the management device. When an instruction is given and the management device has subtracted the ball, the counter unit with a counter will pay out the ball through the nozzle on the upper plate of the game table.

  Thereafter, the counter unit with a counter performs a process of determining the storage amount of the game medium located on the upper plate of the game table (see FIG. 10B-2). Specifically, as in the first embodiment described in detail above, there are a case where the storage amount is determined based on the game table signal and a case where the storage amount is determined by the in-nozzle sensor.

  That is, when determining the storage amount based on the game table signal, the difference of the game media calculated based on the game table signal is counted, and even if a predetermined number of balls are paid out, the number of game media remains the upper plate. The timing that does not exceed the allowable amount is determined (see FIG. 10 (B-2a)). Further, when determining the storage amount by the sensor in the nozzle, the presence or absence of the remaining game medium is detected by the sensor in the nozzle, and the timing that does not exceed the allowable amount of the upper dish is determined based on the detection result ( (See FIG. 10 (B-2b)).

  And if the storage amount of the game medium on the upper plate of the game table decreases, and even if the predetermined number of balls are paid out, if the allowable amount of the upper plate of the game table is not exceeded, the predetermined number of balls will be passed through the nozzle. It is automatically paid out to the top plate of the game stand (see FIG. 10 (B-3)).

  Next, the counter unit with counter shown in FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 11 is an external view of a counter-equipped device 400 used in the second embodiment. In the figure, a gaming table 500 provided with a counter-to-table device 400 is indicated by a broken line. Moreover, in the same figure, although the counter apparatus 400 with a counter which receives only a banknote is shown, the unit for coin reception can also be provided in the counter apparatus 400 with a counter.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the counter-equipped device 400 includes a status display unit 401 that displays the device status of the counter-equipped device 400 by lighting or blinking a predetermined color lamp, and for lending game media. Data transmission / reception is performed between a bill insertion unit 402 that accepts various bills, a remote control light receiving unit 403 that accepts a trial hitting mode start / cancel instruction from a remote controller carried by an employee of a game shop, and a mobile portable terminal such as a cellular phone. A portable communication unit 404.

  In addition, the counter-equipped device 400 includes a payout unit 405 for paying out game media that make up the ball. The payout unit 405 includes a payout unit nozzle 405a that guides the game medium to the upper plate 501 of the game table 500, and the game medium paid out from the payout unit 405 passes through a payout path inside the payout unit nozzle 405a. The game table 500 is stored in the upper plate 501.

  In addition, the counter-equipped device 400 includes an operation display unit 406 including a display unit such as a display and an operation unit such as a numeric keypad. The counter-equipped device 400 includes a card insertion unit 407 that accepts and returns a membership card and a possession card, a counting unit 408 that counts the possession balls, and a ball storage unit 409 that stores the actual possession balls. And.

  Here, the game medium dropped from the lower plate 503 of the game table 500 is guided to the counting unit 408 via the ball storage unit 409, and the quantity is counted. The counted game media are discharged to a game media collection path (not shown) formed in the game island, but the count results are stored inside the counter-equipped device 400.

  Further, the counter unit with counter 400 is provided with a ball dispensing button 409 a on the front surface of the ball storage unit 409. This ball payout button 409a is a button that is pressed when a predetermined number of balls are paid out. Each time this ball payout button 409a is pressed, a predetermined number of balls are stored in the gaming table 500. It is thrown into the upper plate 501.

  Here, in the inter-counter-equipped device 400 according to the second embodiment, a ball automatic payout button 502 is provided in addition to the ball payout button 409a. When the player automatically depresses the ball holding automatic payout button 502, a predetermined number of balls are automatically paid out when the game medium stored in the upper plate 501 of the gaming table 500 is reduced. . The automatic ball payout process is terminated when the player automatically depresses the ball holding automatic payout button 502 or when the ball has run out.

  Next, the internal configuration of the counter-equipped device 400 shown in FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the counter-equipped device 400 shown in FIG. In the figure, only the components necessary for explaining the ball payout process by the counter-equipped device 400 are shown, and descriptions of general components are omitted. Moreover, about the functional part similar to the inter-station apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 4, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted as attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the counter-equipped device 400 includes a management device communication unit 11, a ball payout unit 410, a game table communication unit 14, an in-nozzle sensor unit 15, a control unit 430, and a storage. Part 17. The control unit 420 further includes a setting unit 16a, a ball payout instruction unit 421, a storage amount determination unit 16d, and a payout time correction unit 16e, and the storage unit 17 stores setting information 17a. .

  The possession ball dispensing unit 410 is a processing unit that dispenses a predetermined number of possession balls to the upper plate 501 of the game table 500. A ball payout instruction is received from the ball payout instruction unit 421, and a ball payout process corresponding to the instruction content is performed.

  The control unit 420 is a control unit that performs overall control of the counter-equipped platform device 400, and is a control unit that performs automatic payout control of the holding balls shown in FIG. The internal ball payout instruction unit 421 is a processing unit that issues an internal ball payout instruction to the internal ball payout unit 410 based on the payout instruction including the payout time received from the storage amount determination unit 16d and the payout time correction unit 16e. is there.

  The storage amount determination unit 16d is a processing unit that performs a process of determining a time that does not exceed the storage amount of the upper plate 501 of the gaming table 500 as a payout time. As already described in FIG. 4, the storage amount determination unit 16 d does not exceed the storage amount of the upper plate 501 from the difference ball calculated based on the game table signal received from the game table communication unit 14 and the setting information 17 a. There are a method for determining a time and a method for determining a time that does not exceed the storage amount of the upper plate 501 based on the notification of the detection content received from the in-nozzle sensor unit 15.

  The payout time correction unit 16e is a processing unit that performs a process of accumulating the continuous game time in which the game player is driving in the game medium without leaving the seat, based on the game table signal received from the game table communication unit 14. Then, the payout time correction unit 16e performs a process of correcting the payout time determined by the storage amount determination unit 16d based on the continuous game time from the previous payout and the setting information 17a.

  Also, the payout time correction unit 16e instructs the payout instruction unit 16c of the corrected payout time. The relationship between the operation of the payout time correction unit 16e and the setting information 17a is as already described with reference to FIGS.

  Next, a description will be given of a processing procedure for automatically paying out the holding balls while determining the storage amount based on the difference in and out of game media. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for automatically paying out the holding balls while determining the storage amount based on the difference in and out of game media. Here, the description will be made on the assumption that there is a holding ball.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when a player presses down the automatic ball payout button 502 of the counter-equipped device 400, and the counter-equipped device 400 accepts the automatic ball payout start operation (step) (S301, Yes), a predetermined number (for example, 200) of balls are paid out to the upper plate 501 of the game table 500 through the nozzle 405a (step S302).

  After that, the counter-equipped device 400 receives the game table signal of the game table 500 (step S303). Then, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress based on the received game table signal (step S304). Here, the case where the game is in progress refers to a case where at least one of the out signal and the safe signal is input. This is because if any one of the signals is input, a difference ball is generated and the game medium may need to be paid out.

  If it is determined that the game is being played (step S304, Yes), it is determined whether or not there is an out signal input based on the gaming table signal (step S305). Here, when there is an out signal input, it indicates a state in which the game medium of the upper plate 501 is reduced, so it is necessary to determine whether or not it is necessary to pay out the game medium as a holding ball.

  For this reason, when it is determined that there is an out signal input (step S305, Yes), a difference between entrance and exit from the previous payout, that is, a difference ball is calculated based on the out signal and the safe signal (step S306).

  On the other hand, if no out signal is input since the previous payout and the determination condition of step S305 is not satisfied (No at step S305), it is determined that the storage amount of the game medium in the upper plate 501 has not decreased. Therefore, it is determined that payout of the holding ball is unnecessary.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the difference ball exceeds a predetermined threshold (step S307). Here, when the difference ball exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the storage amount of the game medium in the upper plate 501 has decreased since the previous payout, and the storage amount of the upper plate 501 is allowed even if a predetermined number of balls are paid out. It means not exceeding the capacity.

  For this reason, when it is determined that the difference ball has exceeded the predetermined threshold (step S307, Yes), a predetermined number of balls are paid out (step S308). Then, it is determined whether or not an operation for automatically ending the owning ball has been performed (step S309), and if an operation for ending the automatic ball payout has been performed (step S309, Yes), the process ends. On the other hand, when the operation for automatically ending the holding ball is not performed (No at Step S309), the process proceeds to Step S303. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is determined whether or not the operation for automatically ending the holding ball has been performed. However, the automatic payout processing for the holding ball is also ended when there is no longer any holding ball.

  Next, a processing procedure for automatically paying out the holding balls while determining the storage amount by the in-nozzle sensor will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for automatically paying out the holding balls while determining the storage amount by the in-nozzle sensor 15.

  As shown in FIG. 14, if the player presses down the automatic ball payout button 502 of the counter-equipped device 400 and the counter-equipped device 400 accepts the automatic ball payout start operation ( In step S401, Yes), a predetermined number (for example, 200 balls) of balls are paid out to the upper plate 501 of the game table 500 through the nozzle 405a (step S402).

  After that, the counter-equipped device 400 receives the game table signal of the game table 500 (step S403). Then, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress based on the received game table signal (step S404). Here, the case where the game is in progress refers to a case where at least one of the out signal and the safe signal is input. This is because if any one of the signals is input, a difference ball is generated and the game medium may need to be paid out.

  If it is determined that the game is in progress (step S404, Yes), it is determined whether or not there is an out signal input based on the gaming table signal (step S405). Here, when there is an out signal input, it indicates a case where timer monitoring is necessary. That is, the payout time correction unit 16e accumulates the continuous game time.

  For this reason, when it is determined that there is an out signal input (step S405, Yes), it is determined whether the in-nozzle sensor unit 15 has detected a game medium remaining on the payout path (step S406).

  Here, when the game medium in which the in-nozzle sensor unit 15 remains is detected (step S406, Yes), since the game medium is clogged in the payout path of the payout unit nozzle 405a, the game in which the in-nozzle sensor unit 15 remains. The processing in step S406 is repeated until no medium is detected.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no remaining game medium (No in step S406), it is determined whether or not the in-game state has continued for a predetermined time, that is, whether or not the continuous game time has exceeded the monitoring timer threshold of the setting information 17a. Is performed (step S407). This is because even when game media remaining on the payout path of the payout section nozzle 405a is not detected, game media may remain in the payout path. Therefore, when paying out the holding balls, it is necessary to wait for processing until it is determined that at least the amount stored in the upper plate 501 is not exceeded.

  Here, when it is determined that the predetermined time has not been continued (No at Step S407), the payout time correction unit 16e accumulates the continuous game time, and until it is determined that the predetermined time has continued, Step S407 is performed. Repeat the process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the gaming state has continued for a predetermined time (step S407, Yes), a predetermined number of balls are paid out (step S408). Then, it is determined whether or not an operation for automatically ending holding balls has been performed (step S409), and if an operation for ending automatic holding balls has been performed (step S409, Yes), the processing is ended. On the other hand, when the operation for automatically ending the holding ball is not performed (step S409, No), the process proceeds to step S403. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is determined whether or not the operation for automatically ending the holding ball has been performed. However, the automatic payout processing for the holding ball is also ended when there is no longer any holding ball.

  Although the case where the detection result of the in-nozzle sensor and the game table signal are used in combination is shown here, it is possible to determine when a predetermined number of holding balls are paid out based only on the detection result of the in-nozzle sensor. In this case, a predetermined number of balls may be paid out after a predetermined time since the in-nozzle sensor 15 has finally detected the game medium. In addition, a sensor may be provided on the upper plate 501 of the game table 500 instead of in the nozzle, and the detection result may be received from the game table 500.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, if the automatic ball payout button 502 of the counter unit with counter 400 is pressed, the storage amount of the upper plate 501 of the gaming table 500 decreases, and a predetermined amount. Even if the holding balls are paid out, the predetermined amount of holding balls is automatically paid out when the upper plate 501 does not exceed the allowable amount, so that the game medium from the upper plate 501 when the holding balls are paid out Overflow can be prevented and the operability of the player can be improved.

  In the second embodiment, when the own ball automatic payout operation is performed, the first ball payout process is unconditionally performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first ball upper payout process is performed from the first time. It can also be configured to pay out in consideration of the situation of the plate 501.

  In the second embodiment, the case where the ball is paid out from the counter-equipped device 400 to the upper plate 501 of the game table 500 through the nozzle 405a is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, the present invention can be applied when paying out a ball to the upper plate 501 from the inside of the game table 500. When paying out from the inside of the game table 500, the normal game table 500 pays out in units of 25 balls. Therefore, for the fractions of 24 balls or less, the nozzle or the fraction ball-dedicated mechanism already described. You may make it pay out.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the holding ball is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the case where the game medium is automatically lent or the game medium is automatically stored. It can also be applied when paying out. In the case of automatically paying out game storage media, a storage ball automatic replay button having a function similar to the automatic ball payout button 502 is provided on the counter-equipped device 400 with a counter, and a predetermined amount of balls is stored in the upper plate 501. Will be automatically discharged.

  In addition, when associating balls, holding balls, and saving balls with one member card, it is possible to select the type of game medium to be paid out first by the player and automatically pay out the selected type of game medium. it can. In this case, a type selection button and an automatic payout button are provided one by one, and a new type acceptance unit is provided in the counter-equipped device 400, and the player presses the automatic payout button after selecting the type selection button. Will be operated.

  As described above, the gaming medium renting apparatus and the gaming medium renting system according to the present invention are when renting out all the deposits and even when the number of lent gaming media exceeds the storage amount of the game table top plate. This is useful when it is desired to lend without causing overflow, and is particularly suitable for application to a system of a game store that operates a game medium corresponding to a low rate.

10 inter-device 20 LAN in store
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Management apparatus communication part 12 Notification | reporting part 13 Payout part 14 Game stand communication part 15 In-nozzle sensor part 16 Control part 16a Setting part 16b Division | segmentation part 16c Discharge instruction | indication part 16d Storage amount determination part 16e Discharge time machine correction | amendment part 17 Memory | storage part 17a Setting information DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 51 Status display part 52 Banknote insertion part 53 Notification part 54 Discharge part 54a Discharge part nozzle 100 Game stand 101 Top plate 200 Management apparatus 201 Difference ball management DB
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 300 Island controller 400 Counter unit with a counter 401 Status display part 402 Bill insertion part 403 Remote control light-receiving part 404 Portable communication part 405 Discharge part 405a Discharge part nozzle 406 Operation display part 407 Card insertion part 408 Count part 409 Ball storage part 409a Holding Ball payout button 410 Ball payout unit 420 Control unit 421 Ball payout instruction unit 500 Game table 501 Upper plate 502 Automatic ball release button 503 Lower plate

Claims (7)

A game medium lending device provided corresponding to a game machine,
A dividing means for dividing a collective payout of game media lent to a player into a plurality of payout units;
By comparing the game medium input / output difference calculated from the signal received from the game table and a predetermined threshold value, or by comparing the timer value including the continuous game time in the game table of the player with a predetermined time, A game medium lending apparatus comprising: a storage amount determination means for determining a time of payout that does not exceed a storage amount of a game table top plate even if each payout is made for each payout unit. The dividing means includes
2. The game medium lending according to claim 1, wherein the payout unit is divided into payout units, the payout unit is instructed to be paid for the first time, and an instruction to notify whether the payout unit has not been paid out is given. apparatus. A receiving means for receiving the automatic dispensing operation automatically pay out a predetermined number of game media before Symbol amusement machine,
When receiving the automatic dispensing operation by the receiving unit, further comprising a an automatic dispensing control means for controlling so as to pay out a game medium of the dispensing unit automatically dispensing timing which is determined by the storage amount judgment means The game medium lending device according to claim 1 or 2 . Further comprising a type receiving means for receiving a type of game media to be automatic dispensing, the automatic dispensing control means, wherein when receiving the automatic dispensing operation by the reception means, wherein said received by type receiving unit type game media lending apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller controls so as to pay out a game medium of dispensing units automatically. The storage amount determination means includes
The number of game media to be paid out by receiving the signal from the gaming machine and being the number of game media that the player has typed in, and the game media that the game player has entered enter the winning hole of the game machine Based on the safe signal, the game medium is calculated based on the difference between the game media, and based on the input / output difference, a time that does not exceed the storage amount of the gaming table upper plate is determined as a payout time. The game medium rental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . Detecting means for detecting presence or absence of game media remaining on the path using a sensor provided on the game medium payout path of the game medium lending device;
The storage amount determination means includes
5. The timing according to claim 1 , wherein a time that does not exceed a storage amount of the game table top plate is determined as a payout time based on the presence or absence of a residual game medium detected by the detection means. Game media lending device. A game medium lending system that lends game media between a game medium lending device provided in correspondence with a game table and a management device that manages the game medium lending device,
The management device
Storage means for storing split payout information including the payout split number associated with the game medium lending device;
The gaming medium lending device
Dividing means for dividing a collective payout amount of game media lent to a player into a plurality of payout units based on the split payout information;
A game medium lending system comprising: a storage amount determination means for determining a time when the payout amount of each payout unit does not exceed the storage amount of the game table top plate as a payout time.

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