JP5736159B2 - Gift management device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize management device that is installed in a game store and collects exchange results based on exchange of prizes and game media.

The game store is provided with a prize counter for exchanging a game medium (for example, a pachinko ball) acquired by a customer for a prize. The customer brings a receipt or card recording the number of pachinko balls acquired (number acquired) to the prize counter. A prize management device is installed in the prize counter (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
The prize management device manages prize payout and prize inventory by exchanging prizes and game media. The giveaway management device can read the number obtained from the customer's receipt or card. After the prize management device reads the acquired number, the clerk of the game store selects the type of prize that the customer desires and inputs the number of prizes to the prize management device. When paying out, the number of pachinko balls required to exchange for the prize is subtracted from the number of customers acquired and the prize inventory is updated.

JP 2010-22508 A

  Usually, the store clerk calculates the number of exchangeable prizes desired by the customer from the number of acquired customers and inputs it to the prize management device. For this reason, there is a case where a mental calculation is mistaken and a number exceeding the original exchangeable number is input to the prize management device. In this case, an error occurs and the prize management device does not accept the input number. Then, the store clerk must mentally calculate the number of exchangeable prizes again. Depending on the type of prize, there is a predetermined limit (upper limit) on the number that can be exchanged, and the store clerk inadvertently inputs the number exceeding the limit without being aware of it. May end up.

In this way, the store clerk thinks about the number of items that can be exchanged and inputs them to the prize management device. Because it has to be, it is not easy to use.
The present invention has been made under such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a prize management device capable of improving usability with respect to the input of the number of exchanged prizes.

The invention described in claim 1 is an apparatus that is installed in a game store and performs processing for exchanging game media and prizes, and at least displays various data necessary for the confirmation and operation of the store clerk. A display unit, a processing unit for performing arithmetic processing, an input operation unit connected to the processing unit for a store clerk to perform an input operation, and a storage medium associated with the number of game media possessed by the customer In the prize management device having a possible reading unit, the game medium is acquired in response to the fact that the number of game media possessed by the customer is obtained from the storage medium read by the reading unit and the type of the prize to be exchanged is specified a replaceable number display control means for displaying an exchangeable number is the number of the prize which can be exchanged by the number on the display unit, the prize number is selected to exceed the interchangeable number, it changes the prize itself If, correct to exchangeable number the number that has been selected, characterized in that it comprises means for performing said replacement processing based on exchangeable number, a prize management device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the present invention, the exchangeable number display control means displays a replaceable number button in a pop-up screen format on the display unit.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the display unit includes a touch panel switch stacked on the display unit, and functions as the input operation unit by pressing a replaceable number button displayed in the pop-up screen format. The prize management device according to claim 2, wherein:

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the number of prizes displayed by the exchangeable number display control means includes a display of the maximum number that can be exchanged. This is a free gift management device.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the type of the specified prize is a prize provided with an exchange limit number, the number of exchangeable prizes displayed by the exchangeable number display control means is not exchangeable. The premium management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a limited number is included.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the case where the specified prize type is a prize provided with an exchange limit number, the upper limit number of prizes that can be exchanged according to the number of game media and the exchange limit number And means for displaying a smaller one of the upper limit number and the exchange limit number as the maximum exchangeable number on the display unit. The prize management device according to the above.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the prize management device, the display unit displays various data necessary for the store clerk, and the processing unit performs arithmetic processing. A store clerk can perform an input operation on the prize management device by an input operation unit connected to the processing unit. The storage medium associated with the number of game media possessed by the customer is read by the reading unit.
In the prize management device, the exchangeable number display control means obtains the number of game media possessed by the customer from the storage medium read by the reading unit, and responds to the fact that the type of prize to be exchanged is specified, depending on the number of game media. The number of exchangeable prizes is displayed on the display unit.

  As a result, the exchangeable number of prizes corresponding to the number of game media of the customer is calculated on the prize management device side and automatically displayed on the display unit, so the store clerk does not have to mentally calculate the exchangeable quantity and display it. Within the range of the exchangeable number displayed in the section, the exchange number of prizes can be input to the prize management device. Therefore, an error does not occur when the number of exchanges exceeding the exchangeable number is input to the prize management device.

As a result, it is possible to improve usability with respect to the input of the number of exchanged prizes.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the replaceable number display control means displays the replaceable number button in a pop-up screen format on the display unit. That is, the exchangeable number of prizes is displayed prominently on the pop-up screen, so that the store clerk can easily grasp the exchangeable number by looking at the number button on the pop-up screen. For this reason, it is possible to further improve usability with respect to the input of the number of exchanged prizes.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, the display unit includes a touch panel switch stacked on the display unit, and functions as an input operation unit by pressing a replaceable number button displayed in a pop-up screen format. Accordingly, the store clerk can reliably input the number of exchanged prizes to the prize management device by selecting and pressing the exchangeable quantity button. For this reason, it is possible to further improve usability with respect to the input of the number of exchanged prizes.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the number of prizes displayed by the exchangeable number display control means includes a display of the maximum number of exchangeable goods. The value can be grasped promptly. As a result, the store clerk can reliably prevent an error from occurring when the number of exchanges exceeding the maximum value is input to the prize management device. For this reason, it is possible to further improve usability with respect to the input of the number of exchanged prizes.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the specified type of the prize is a prize provided with the exchange limit number, the number of exchangeable prizes displayed by the exchangeable number display control means is not exchangeable. Since the limit number is included, the clerk can quickly grasp the replacement limit number from the display on the display unit. Thereby, it is possible to reliably prevent the store clerk from inputting a replacement number exceeding the replacement limit number to the prize management device. For this reason, it is possible to further improve usability with respect to the input of the number of exchanged prizes.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, when the type of the specified prize is a prize provided with an exchange limit number, the prize management device allows the upper limit number of the prizes that can be exchanged according to the number of game media. And the exchange limit number are compared, and the smaller of the upper limit number and the exchange limit number is displayed on the display unit as the maximum exchangeable number. Therefore, in the case of a prize provided with the exchange limit number, the store clerk can input the maximum number of correct values to the prize management apparatus within a range not exceeding the exchange limit number, which is convenient.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a prize counter K in a game store. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the prize management device 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the prize management device 2. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the prize management device 2. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the store side display unit 14 of the prize management device 2. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the store side display unit 14 of the prize management device 2. FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the store side display unit 14 of the prize management device 2. FIG. 5D is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the store side display unit 14 of the prize management device 2. FIG. 5E is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the store side display unit 14 of the prize management device 2. FIG. 5F is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the store side display unit 14 of the prize management device 2. FIG. 5G is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the store side display unit 14 of the prize management device 2. FIG. 5H is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the store side display unit 14 of the prize management device 2.

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a prize counter K in a game store.
Referring to FIG. 1, for example, at a game store such as a pachinko store, a prize counter K for exchanging game media (here, pachinko balls) such as pachinko balls and medals obtained by playing on a game machine with prizes. Is provided. A shelf T is arranged behind the prize counter K, and so-called general prizes such as cigarettes, sweets and juices are displayed on the shelf T. A store clerk at the game store stands between the prize counter K and the shelf T to serve customers.

On the prize counter K, a prize payout apparatus 1 and a prize management apparatus 2 are arranged.
Here, in addition to the general prize described above, there is a card-like special prize in which valuables such as precious metals are incorporated. The prize payout device 1 is for paying out a special gift incorporated therein to a customer.
The gift management device 2 is also called POS. The prize management device 2 is communicably connected to the prize payout device 1 and a terminal controller (not shown) in the game store via a communication line (not shown).

The prize management device 2 manages the inventory of prizes (including general prizes and special prizes). The prize management device 2 mainly has a function of performing a process for exchanging the pachinko ball acquired by the customer with the prize.
The outline of the function of the prize management device 2 will be described. First, pachinko balls acquired by a customer are counted by a counter (not shown), and the number of pachinko balls acquired (number of game media) as the counting data is as follows. It is stored in a game medium number storage medium such as a receipt or a card (here, a card). Examples of the card include an IC card (here, an IC card) including a magnetic card and an IC chip. Count data may be stored in the card itself, or count data may be stored in a database in a terminal controller (not shown) in association with an ID (identification number) assigned to each card. In any case, the counting data possessed by the customer is associated with the card or the receipt.

  The database (not shown) is not limited to the number of pachinko balls acquired on the day (so-called “mochidama”), but pachinko balls registered by members of the game store before the previous day. The number of balls (so-called “chodama”) is also managed as counting data. When the count data is stored (recorded) on the receipt, a barcode indicating the count data is printed on the receipt.

The customer brings this card into the prize counter K. The prize management device 2 reads the count data stored in the card brought in, or calls the count data associated with the ID of the card from a database (not shown) of the terminal controller. Get owner (customer) count data.
In the case of a general prize, when a general prize that can be exchanged within the range of the counting data (number of pachinko balls acquired) is selected, when the general prize is paid out to a customer by a store clerk, the prize management device 2 Update inventory for general prizes that have been paid out. In the case of special prizes, when a special prize that can be exchanged within the range of the count data is selected, the prize management device 2 transmits a special prize payout instruction to the prize payout device 1 and the special prize to be paid out. Update inventory. The prize payout device 1 pays out special prizes to customers in accordance with instructions from the prize management device 2.

The update of the prize inventory is an exchange result based on the exchange of the prize and the pachinko ball, and the prize management apparatus 2 repeatedly updates the inventory of the prize and collects the exchange results by repeating the exchange of the prize.
Next, details of the prize management device 2 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the prize management device 2.

FIG. 2 shows the prize management device 2 as viewed from a clerk at the prize counter K.
Referring to FIG. 2, the prize management device 2 includes a main body 3, a display 4, an IC card reader 5 (reading unit), and a barcode reader 6 (reading unit).
The main body 3 has a box shape that is flat vertically. A keyboard 7 (keyboard input device, input unit) is provided on the upper surface of the main body 3. The keyboard 7 constitutes an input operation unit for the store clerk to input a data signal (input operation) to the prize management device 2. The keyboard 7 mainly includes a numeric keypad 8 and a general prize selection key 9. Many general prize selection keys 9 are provided, and the name of one of the general prizes or the number of pachinko balls (medals) necessary for exchanging with the prize is written on each surface. . By operating the keyboard 7, desired instructions and information can be input to the prize management device 2, which is easy to use.

Further, on the upper surface of the main body 3, an area other than the keyboard 7 is provided with a mode switching unit 10 and a paper discharge port 11.
The mode switching unit 10 is a cylinder lock in which a key hole 10 </ b> A is formed at a position exposed on the upper surface of the main body 3. By inserting a dedicated key (not shown) into the keyhole 10A and rotating the mode switching unit 10 by a predetermined angle, the operation mode of the prize management device 2 is other than the prize exchange mode for giving away prizes or the prize exchange mode. The mode can be switched to. As a mode other than the prize exchange mode, a setting mode for changing the setting contents in the prize management device 2, a member processing mode for changing the registered contents of the member customers, a counting mode for counting the inventory of prizes, and a change of inventory data Etc., and a clear mode for clearing inventory data and the like. The mode switching unit 10 constitutes an input operation unit for a store clerk to input (input operation) a signal for mode switching to the prize management device 2.

The paper discharge port 11 has an elongated slit shape. For example, when the inventory of premiums is totaled, the paper on which the totalization result is written is discharged from the inside of the main body 3 to the paper discharge port 11.
In the main body 3, a power switch 12 and a medium insertion port 13 are provided on the front side end face in FIG. 2. By operating the power switch 12, the prize management device 2 can be turned on / off. The media insertion port 13 has a slit shape that forms a U-shape that is recessed toward the back side. When taking out the data in the free gift management device 2 to the outside or when taking external data into the free gift management device 2, the medium (not shown) storing the data is inserted into and removed from the media insertion port 13. Is done.

  The display 4 has a plate shape and extends from the back end portion of the main body 3 so as to incline upward to the back side with reference to the posture in FIG. In the display 4, a substantially rectangular store-side display unit 14 is provided on the side surface on the near side in FIG. 2. The store side display unit 14 is a liquid crystal display, and a transparent touch panel switch 15 is laminated thereon. The touch panel switch 15 is included in the store side display unit 14. The store side display unit 14 faces the store clerk side of the gift counter K. Various data necessary for the confirmation and operation of the store clerk are displayed on the store side display unit 14 (described later). In addition, various buttons and keys (described later) are displayed on the touch panel switch 15, and the touch panel switch 15 functions as an input operation unit that is input by a store clerk.

In the main body 3 and the display 4, a customer-side display unit 16 is provided on the back side surface in FIG. 2 (see also FIG. 1). The customer side display unit 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel and faces the customer side who has come to the prize counter K. The customer-side display unit 16 displays customer-oriented information.
The IC card reader 5 has, for example, a flat plate shape as shown in FIG. The IC card reader 5 is electrically connected to the main body 3 via the electric cable 17. The customer card (IC card) C described above is set on the IC card reader 5 by being placed on the upper surface of the IC card reader 5 by the customer himself or a store clerk who has deposited the card C from the customer. The IC card reader 5 recognizes that the card C is set by recognizing the IC chip of the card C, and reads the set card C. Regarding the reading of the card C, specifically, the IC card reader 5 reads the count data of the customer stored (associated) in the IC chip of the card C and inputs it to the main body 3. The IC card reader 5 can also rewrite data in the IC chip. The IC card reader 5 is not limited to a flat plate shape on which the card C is placed, but may be a holder (box) shape into which the card C can be inserted.

  The barcode reader 6 has a grip shape that can be gripped, and has a barcode reading unit 18 for reading a barcode at a tip portion thereof. The bar code reader 6 is electrically connected to the main body 3 via an electric cable 19. By reading the barcode of the receipt in which the count data is stored with the bar code reader 6, the count data can be input to the main body 3.

The count data can also be input to the main body 3 by operating the numeric keypad 8 of the keyboard 7.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the prize management device 2.
Referring to FIG. 3, the main body 3 of the prize management device 2 includes a control unit 30 (processing unit, replaceable number display control unit). The control unit 30 includes a CPU and a memory (ROM, RAM, etc.) that stores the program and the like, and executes predetermined processing such as arithmetic processing according to the program. The memory of the control unit 30 stores a stock of prizes handled at the game store (the number of stocks for each prize).

The control unit 30 includes the store-side display unit 14, the customer-side display unit 16, the power switch 12, the mode switching unit 10, the keyboard 7, the IC card reader 5 and the barcode reader 6, and the time measuring unit 31 ( Timing means) is electrically connected.
The IC card reader 5 reads the count data stored in the IC chip of the set card C and outputs it to the control unit 30. When the mode switching unit 10 and the keyboard 7 are operated, a signal is input to the control unit 30.

Further, the control unit 30 controls display on each of the store side display unit 14 and the customer side display unit 16.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the prize management device 2. 5A to 5H are diagrams showing examples of display on the store side display unit 14 of the giveaway management apparatus 2.
Next, processing executed by the prize management device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5A to 5H. In the following, it is assumed that the pachinko balls corresponding to the counted data (the number obtained) are exchanged for general prizes.

  First, when the prize management device 2 is in the prize exchange mode and is in a standby state where the process relating to the prize exchange is not performed, the store side display unit 14 displays the standby screen 35 and the selection as shown in FIG. 5A. The screen 36 is displayed side by side. The standby screen 35 is a rectangular screen, and only the title “standby screen” is displayed at the upper end thereof, and nothing is shown other than the title. The selection screen 36 is a vertically long rectangular screen displayed on the right side of the standby screen 35, and includes, for example, an enter key 37, a cancel key 38, an end key 39, and a menu key 40. Are displayed side by side. The decision key 37 is pressed to determine the selected content, the cancel key 38 is pressed to cancel the selected content, and the end key 39 is pressed to end the entire transaction in the prize management device 2 and is prepared in advance. The menu key 40 is pressed when it is desired to view the menu that has been displayed. The enter key 37, the cancel key 38, the end key 39, and the menu key 40 may be provided on the keyboard 7 (see FIG. 2) instead of on the screen of the store side display unit 14.

  Referring to FIG. 4, in the standby state, control unit 30 (see FIG. 3) sets card C in IC card reader 5, IC card reader 5 reads card C, and reads customer count data from card C. It is monitored whether it has been accepted (step S1). At this time, the control unit 30 also monitors whether the bar code reader 6 (see FIG. 2) has received the count data from the receipt by reading the bar code on the receipt (not shown). Further, when the count data is stored in the database (not shown) of the terminal computer in association with the ID of the card C, the control unit 30 stores the ID read from the card C by the IC card reader 5 in the database. An inquiry is made to monitor whether the count data of the ID can be received from the database (step S1).

  The IC card reader 5 accepts count data from the card C, the bar code reader 6 accepts count data from a receipt (not shown), or accepts count data from the database, so that the control unit 30 can accept the card C or When the customer count data is acquired from the receipt or database (YES in step S1), the control unit 30 causes the store-side display unit 14 to calculate the count data (the number of pachinko balls acquired) and the count data (count data). The exchangeable gift types are displayed (within the range of) (step S2). In this way, if the card C is set in the IC card reader 5, the prize management device 2 can easily obtain the count data stored in the card C, which is convenient.

  FIG. 5B shows a state in which the count data and the type of the prize are displayed on the store side display unit 14 immediately after the card C is set in the IC card reader 5. Specifically, when the card C is set in the IC card reader 5, a prize exchange screen 41 is displayed instead of the standby screen 35 (see FIG. 5A). The gift exchange screen 41 is a screen having the same size as the standby screen 35, and the title “Premium exchange screen” is displayed at the upper end of the screen, and the acquired number is displayed immediately below the title. In FIG. 5B, the count data “543 balls” is displayed on the right side of the heading “number of balls”. On the prize exchange screen 41, a headline indicating the name of the prize to be exchanged (premium name) and the number of the prizes is displayed immediately below the counted data. Under this headline on the free gift exchange screen 41, the types of free gifts that can be exchanged within the range of the count data (premium names, chocolate, tobacco, juice in FIG. 5B) are displayed. The types of prizes that can be exchanged may be reported verbally to the customer while the clerk looks at the prize exchange screen 41, or may be informed to the customer by being displayed on the customer side display unit 16 (see FIG. 1). . At this time, the type of the prize does not need to be displayed on the prize exchange screen 41. If so, the prize exchange screen 41 is displayed clearly.

  Then, the customer gives the store clerk the desired prize name from among the exchangeable prizes, and the clerk presses the general prize selection key 9 on which the corresponding prize name is written on the keyboard 7, thereby giving the prize. (Premium name) is selected (see FIG. 2). As another example, the general premium may be selected by scanning the barcode attached to the premium with the barcode reader 6 (see FIG. 2), operating the touch panel switch 15, or the like.

  Referring to FIG. 4, when there is such a prize selection (YES in step S3), control unit 30 calculates the replaceable number of selected prizes within the range of the count data (step S4). For example, in the case of FIG. 5B, when the counting data is 543 balls, chocolate is selected as a general prize, and the number of pachinko balls required to exchange for one chocolate is 36 balls, 36 balls are 543 balls. The integer value (15) obtained by dividing by is the exchangeable number.

  Then, referring to FIG. 4, control unit 30 displays on the store side display unit 14 the prize name of the selected prize and the exchangeable number calculated in step S4 (step S5). Specifically, the control unit 30 displays a pop-up screen 43 so as to overlap the premium exchange screen 41. FIG. 5C shows a state where the pop-up screen 43 is displayed. In the pop-up screen 43 of FIG. 5C, a selected prize display column 50, a replaceable number selection column 51, and a selection cancel key 52 are displayed in this order from the top.

In the selected prize display column 50, the heading “selected prize” and the name of the selected prize (here, chocolate) are displayed side by side.
In the replaceable number selection column 51, a plurality of (replaceable) number buttons 60 in which the replaceable number is written are displayed under the heading “Select number for replacement”. The maximum display number of the number buttons 60 can be arbitrarily set. In FIG. 5C, five number buttons 60 are displayed side by side. The leftmost number button 60 is marked with the smallest value (that is, “1”) among the replaceable numbers. As the number button 60 moves to the right, the number of replaceable numbers indicated on the number button 60 is increased. The value increases by one. Therefore, if the number of exchangeable items is 5 or more, the exchangeable number of “5” is written in the number button 60 at the right end, which is the fifth from the left, and the number button 60 for indicating the number of exchangeable items of 6 or more. Is not displayed.

  Therefore, in the exchangeable number selection column 51, for example, the maximum value of the exchangeable number is displayed at a position sandwiched between the heading (heading “selection of replacement number”) and the number button 60. In FIG. 5C, the maximum value of the replaceable number is displayed by the message “Up to 15 can be replaced”. As described above, the number of prizes displayed on the pop-up screen 43 by the control unit 30 (replaceable number) includes the display of the maximum number that can be exchanged.

  When one of the exchangeable numbers displayed in the exchangeable number selection column 51 (in the case of FIG. 5C, for example, “5”) is selected as the number of prizes to be actually exchanged (replacement quantity), it corresponds. When the number button 60 on which the replaceable number is written is pressed, the replaceable number can be selected as the replaceable number. On the other hand, if it is desired to select a replaceable number (for example, “7” in the case of FIG. 5C) that is not displayed by the number button 60 as the replacement number, the corresponding numeric key (here, FIG. 2) is used. , “7” key) is pressed, the exchangeable number can be selected as the exchange number. When the exchange number is selected, the pop-up screen 43 disappears, and the prize name and quantity (exchange quantity) of the selected prize are displayed in order from the top on the prize exchange screen 41 for each prize name (see FIG. 5G). ).

If the replaceable number is smaller than the maximum display number of the number button 60 (here, 5), the number buttons corresponding to the replaceable number (for example, only “1” and “2”) are displayed. 60 is displayed in the exchangeable number selection column 51.
In this way, in response to the fact that the type of the prize to be exchanged (see FIG. 5B) is specified from any of the prizes displayed on the prize exchange screen 41 of the store side display unit 14, the control unit 30 A number button 60 indicating the number of the prizes that can be exchanged within the range of the counted data (the number of prizes) is displayed on the store side display unit 14 in a pop-up screen format. That is, the exchangeable number of prizes according to the customer's count data is calculated on the prize management device 2 side and automatically displayed on the store side display unit 14, so that the store clerk does not have to mentally calculate the exchangeable quantity. Within the range of exchangeable numbers displayed on the store side display unit 14, the exchange number of prizes can be input to the prize management device 2 by the quantity button 60 (or numeric keypad 8). Therefore, an error does not occur when the replacement number exceeding the replaceable number is input to the prize management device 2. As a result, it is possible to improve usability with respect to the input of the number of exchanged prizes, and it is possible to speed up the prize exchange operation because mental calculation and error canceling processing are eliminated.

  Further, since the replaceable number is displayed prominently on the pop-up screen 43, the store clerk can easily grasp the replaceable number by looking at the number button 60 on the pop-up screen 43. For this reason, it is possible to further improve usability with respect to the input of the number of exchanged prizes. Furthermore, the store clerk can reliably input the number of exchanged prizes to the prize management device 2 by selecting and pressing the number button 60. For this reason, it is possible to further improve usability with respect to the input of the number of exchanged prizes.

  In addition, the number of prizes displayed by the control unit 30 includes a display of the maximum number that can be exchanged (in FIG. 5C, the display of a message that “a maximum of 15 can be exchanged”). From the display, it is possible to quickly grasp the maximum value (maximum replaceable number) of the number of giveaways that can be exchanged. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the store clerk from inputting an exchange number exceeding the maximum value to the prize management device 2 and causing an error. For this reason, it is possible to further improve usability with respect to the input of the number of exchanged prizes.

  Of the plurality of displayed number buttons 60, for example, the leftmost number button 60 with the smallest replaceable number may be highlighted at the default stage immediately after the pop-up screen 43 is displayed. In FIG. 5C, the number button 60 marked “1” is thickened so that the number button 60 is highlighted at the default stage. In this state, the above-described replacement number is not selected. In this state, when another number button 60 or the numeric keypad 8 is pressed, the replacement number designated by the other number button 60 or the numeric keypad 8 is selected, and the pop-up screen 43 disappears. On the other hand, when another general prize selection key 9 (see FIG. 2) is pressed in this state, the replacement number of the number button 60 highlighted this time is selected and the pop-up screen 43 disappears, and the other general prize is displayed. A pop-up screen 43 for the prize of the selection key 9 is newly displayed. In the default stage, the highlighted number buttons 60 may all be the number buttons 60 and can be arbitrarily set.

The selection cancel key 52 is pressed when it is desired to cancel the selection of the prize (chocolate in FIG. 5C) displayed in the selected prize display field 50. When the selection cancel key 52 is pressed, the selection of the prize in the selected prize display column 50 is canceled and the pop-up screen 43 disappears.
The display content of the pop-up screen 43 can be changed as appropriate according to the setting. For example, when the replaceable number is larger than the maximum display number of the number button 60, as shown in FIG. 5D, the maximum value of the replaceable number is written in the number button 60 at the right end, and this number You may display the mark 53 which shows that the exchangeable number marked on the button 60 is the maximum value. The mark 53 in FIG. 5D is a mark <maximum>. Also in the case of FIG. 5D, the number of prizes displayed on the pop-up screen 43 by the control unit 30 includes the maximum number of exchangeable displays. In FIG. 5D, the rightmost number button 60 is highlighted at the default stage immediately after the pop-up screen 43 is displayed.

  Here, the general prize includes a type of prize in which a limit number (replacement limit number) is provided for the number of exchangeable items for convenience of the store. This type of prize (referred to as “restricted prize”) can be exchanged for a pachinko ball only within the range of the exchange limit number when the exchangeable quantity exceeds the exchange limit number. For example, if the cigarette is a limited prize and the exchange limit number is 10, the pop-up screen 43 indicates that the cigarette is a limit prize of 10 exchange limit as shown in FIG. 5E. The message 54 is displayed, for example, between the selected prize display column 50 and the exchangeable number selection column 51. Which premium is the limited prize and the exchange limit number of the limited prize can be arbitrarily set.

  Even in the case of limited prizes, the number button 60 is displayed in the replaceable number selection column 51 within the range of the maximum display number (here, 5). If the replaceable number is larger than the maximum display number of the number button 60, a message indicating the maximum value of the replaceable number (in FIG. 5E, a message “up to 10 can be replaced”) is displayed. However, in the case of limited prizes, even if the calculated exchangeable number exceeds the exchange limit number, the exchangeable number is forcibly set to the exchange limit number (here, 10).

  As described above, when the prize specified (selected) by the general prize selection key 9 (see FIG. 2) is a restricted prize, the number of exchangeable prizes displayed on the pop-up screen 43 by the control unit 30 is exchanged. Includes a limited number. Therefore, the store clerk can quickly grasp the replacement limit number from the display on the store side display unit 14 (display of the message 54 in FIG. 5E). Thereby, it can be reliably prevented that the store clerk inputs the number of exchanges exceeding the exchange limit number to the prize management device 2 and pays out the limited prizes to the customer. For this reason, it is possible to further improve usability with respect to the input of the number of exchanged prizes.

  Even in the case of limited prizes, as shown in FIG. 5F, the maximum number of exchangeable numbers is written in the number button 60 at the right end, and the exchangeable number written in the number button 60 is displayed on the maximum value. A mark 53 indicating the maximum value may be displayed. However, if the calculated replaceable number exceeds the replacement limit number, the maximum value of the replaceable number indicated on the rightmost number button 60 is forcibly the replacement limit number.

  That is, in the case of the limited prize, the control unit 30 compares the upper limit number (maximum exchangeable number) of the limited prize number that can be exchanged according to the count data with the exchange limit number, and the maximum exchangeable number and exchange limit number. The smaller one is displayed as the maximum replaceable number (the maximum value) with the number button 60 at the right end or the above-mentioned message (the message “up to 10 can be replaced” in FIG. 5E). Therefore, in the case of a prize provided with the exchange limit number, the store clerk can input the maximum number of correct values to the prize management apparatus 2 within a range that does not exceed the exchange limit number.

  Further, instead of displaying the actual value of the maximum value on the number button 60, a symbol indicating the maximum value (for example, “MAX”) may be displayed on the number button 60 on the right end. If the number button 60 is pressed, it can be exchanged for the maximum number of prizes. However, this maximum value is the maximum number of prizes that can be exchanged with the customer's current count data if the prize has no exchange limit number, and if the prize is a limit prize with an exchange limit number, the maximum number Of the exchange limit numbers, the smaller value.

Then, referring to FIG. 4, the control unit 30 displays the prize name of the selected prize and the calculated exchangeable number on the shop side display part 14 by the pop-up screen 43 (step S5), and then the salesclerk Monitors whether the number of prizes to be exchanged has been selected by pressing the number button 60 or the numeric keypad 8 (step S6).
When the replacement number is selected (YES in step S6), the control unit 30 checks whether or not the selected number is equal to or less than the replaceable number (step S7). On the other hand, when there is no selection of the number of exchanges and the selection cancel key 52 (see FIGS. 5C to 5F) described above is pressed to cancel the prize selection itself (NO in step S6, YES in step S8), the control unit 30. Returns to step S3 and waits for a new prize selection by the general prize selection key 9 (see FIG. 2).

If the selected number is equal to or less than the exchangeable number (YES in step S7), the control unit 30 displays the prize name and the number of the prize selected this time as shown in FIG. 5G. Are displayed on the gift exchange screen 41 (step S9). Information about the selected prize (prize name and number) may also be displayed on the customer side display unit 16 (see FIG. 1).
Referring to FIG. 4, in step S <b> 9, control unit 30 updates the stock for the prize by reducing the stock quantity of the selected prize by the selected number.

  In step S9, the control unit 30 multiplies the selected number of exchanges by the number of pachinko balls necessary for exchanging one selected prize, and subtracts the obtained value from the count data to obtain the remaining number. Calculate the number of balls. Then, the control unit 30 displays the calculated number of remaining balls on the right side of the heading “number of balls” on the gift exchange screen 41 (see FIG. 5G). Since the counting data is initially displayed on the right side of the heading (see FIG. 5B), the counting data is updated and rewritten to the remaining number of balls as the prize is selected.

And the control part 30 confirms whether the number of remaining balls is below a predetermined number (step S10).
If the number of remaining balls is larger than the predetermined number (NO in step S10), the control unit 30 checks whether or not there is a prize selection for the number of remaining balls (step S11), and if there is a prize selection (step S11). And YES), the processing after step S4 is performed for the number of remaining balls. Therefore, when another prize is selected, the exchangeable number of the prize is calculated within the range of the number of remaining balls (step S4), and the prize name and exchangeable number of the prize are displayed on the pop-up screen 43 (FIGS. 5C to 5D). 5F) (step S5). Then, when the number of prizes to be exchanged is selected based on the possible number of prizes displayed on the pop-up screen 43 (YES in step S6 and step S7), the prize name and quantity of the newly selected prize are displayed as prizes. In addition to being displayed on the exchange screen 41 (see FIG. 5G), the number of remaining balls is calculated again, and the stock for the prize is updated (step S9).

  Note that when there are many names (types) of selected prizes, it is not possible to see all the selected prize names and numbers on the prize exchange screen 41 at a time. Therefore, a scroll bar 42 is provided at the right end of the free gift exchange screen 41. By scrolling up and down the free gift exchange screen 41 with this scroll bar 42, all the selected free gift names and numbers can be viewed in order. (See FIG. 5G).

If the number of remaining balls is equal to or less than the predetermined number (YES in step S10), the control unit 30 performs a prize exchange process for the prizes selected so far (step S12). For the number of remaining balls less than the predetermined number, pachinko balls for the remaining number may be returned to the customer, or in exchange for the remaining number of balls less than the predetermined number, a special prize (for example, jasper, etc.) May be given to customers.
In addition, even if the number of remaining balls is larger than the predetermined number (NO in step S10), if no prize is selected (NO in step S11), the control unit 30 is selected so far in this case as well. A prize exchange process is performed for the prize (step S12).

During the free gift exchange process, the store clerk takes out the free gift (see FIG. 5G) of the free gift name displayed on the free gift exchange screen 41 from the shelf T (see FIG. 1) while viewing the free gift exchange screen 41, Arrange these prizes and pay them to customers.
The control unit 30 issues a command to the IC card reader 5 (see FIG. 2) as a prize exchange process, and count data (543 balls in FIG. 5B) recorded on the card C set in the IC card reader 5. To the final number of remaining balls (two balls in FIG. 5G).

  When the count data is stored in a database (not shown) of the terminal computer in association with the card C ID, the control unit 30 uses the count data stored in the database as a gift exchange process. Sends a command to rewrite to the terminal computer. Upon receiving this instruction, the terminal computer rewrites the corresponding count data (543 balls in FIG. 5B) in the database to the final number of remaining balls (2 balls in FIG. 5G).

Then, after the prize exchange process, when the card C is removed from the IC card reader 5, a series of prize exchange transactions is completed.
On the other hand, when the number of exchanges selected on the pop-up screen 43 (see FIGS. 5C to 5F) exceeds the exchangeable number in step S7 (NO in step S7), the control unit 30 displays the store side display unit 14 on the store side display unit 14. A warning screen 55 is displayed (step S13). The warning screen 55 is displayed over the pop-up screen 43 as shown in FIG. 5H. On the warning screen 55, a warning message 56, a first key 57, a second key 58, and a third key 59 are displayed in this order from the top.

The warning message 56 indicates how much the count data or the number of remaining balls is insufficient. For example, when five pachinko balls are not enough, as shown in FIG. 5H, a warning message 56 “There are insufficient five balls (medals) necessary for exchanging the selected prize” is displayed.
The first key 57 is pressed to reduce the selected replacement number to the replaceable number. For this reason, the message “correct the number of the last selected prize” is written on the first key 57 and the replacement number after the correction (the maximum number of exchangeable parts is shown. In FIG. )). When the exchangeable number is 0 (zero), the first key 57 is not displayed.

The second key 58 is pressed when it is desired to change the selected prize to another prize. Therefore, the second key 58 has a message “change the last selected prize to another prize”. The second key 58 may contain a list of selectable prize names along with the message.
The third key 59 is pressed when canceling the entire prize selection performed so far and starting the prize selection from the beginning. For this reason, the third key 59 has a message “select a prize again from the beginning”.

When the warning screen 55 is displayed, the store clerk presses one of the first key 57, the second key 58, and the third key 59 in response to the customer's request.
Referring to FIG. 4, when the first key 57 (see FIG. 5H) is pressed, the control unit 30 does not change the prize itself for the prize for which the exchange number exceeding the exchangeable quantity is selected. (NO in step S14), the selected number is corrected to a replaceable number (step S15). At this time, the control unit 30 deletes the warning screen 55 and the pop-up screen 43 (see FIG. 5H) from the store side display unit 14. And the control part 30 performs the process after step S9 based on the corrected replacement | exchange number.

On the other hand, when any of the second key 58 and the third key 59 (see FIG. 5H) other than the first key 57 is pressed and the prize is changed (YES in step S14), the control unit 30 It is confirmed whether either the 2 key 58 or the third key 59 has been pressed, that is, whether or not only the last selected prize is to be changed (step S16).
When only the last selected prize is changed by pressing the second key 58 (see FIG. 5H) (YES in step S16), the control unit 30 cancels the last selected prize. Then, the process after step S3 is performed. Specifically, when the second key 58 is pressed, the control unit 30 deletes the warning screen 55 and the pop-up screen 43 (see FIG. 5H) from the store side display unit 14. Then, the control unit 30 newly selects a prize different from the canceled prize while the prize name and number selected before the last canceled prize are displayed on the prize exchange screen 41 (see FIG. 5G). It is monitored whether or not it has been done (step S3).

  When all the prize selections so far are canceled by pressing the third key 59 (see FIG. 5H) (NO in step S16), the control unit 30 displays the prize exchange screen 41 as a cancellation process. All the names and numbers of the prizes are deleted, and the number of remaining balls is rewritten to the original count data (step S17). As a result, the gift exchange screen 41 returns to the state immediately after the IC card reader 5 reads the count data from the card C (see FIG. 5B).

When the number of exchanges selected exceeds the exchangeable number, all possible choices are automatically displayed on the store side display unit 14 by the first key 57, the second key 58, and the third key 59 in this way. Therefore, the store clerk himself can save time and effort to think about the options, and smooth transactions can be made accordingly.
The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, when the above-described count data and the number of remaining balls are extremely small values of a predetermined number or less, the maximum value of the replaceable number is about 1 to 2 at most. In this case, the control unit 30 may automatically determine that the calculated maximum replaceable number is the replacement number selected by the customer without displaying the pop-up screen 43 on the store side display unit 14.

2 Premium management device 5 IC card reader 6 Bar code reader 7 Keyboard 14 Store side display unit 15 Touch panel switch 30 Control unit 60 Quantity button C card

Claims (6)

A device that is installed in a gaming store and performs exchange processing of gaming media and prizes,
At least a display unit for displaying various data necessary for the confirmation and operation of the store clerk, a processing unit for performing arithmetic processing, and a store clerk performing an input operation A prize management device having an input operation unit and a reading unit capable of reading a storage medium associated with the number of game media possessed by a customer;
The number of game media possessed by the customer is obtained from the storage medium read by the reading unit, and in response to specifying the type of prize to be exchanged, the exchange is the number of prizes that can be exchanged according to the number of game media a replaceable number display control means for displaying the number on the display unit,
With respect to a prize in which the number exceeding the exchangeable number is selected, if there is no change in the prize itself, a means for correcting the selected number to the exchangeable number and performing the exchange process based on the exchangeable number, A prize management device comprising:   The prize management device according to claim 1, wherein the exchangeable number display control means displays a replaceable number button in a pop-up screen format on the display unit.   The display unit includes a touch panel switch stacked on the display unit, and functions as the input operation unit by pressing a replaceable number button displayed in the pop-up screen format. 2. The prize management device according to 2.   The prize management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of prizes displayed by the exchangeable quantity display control means includes display of a maximum exchangeable quantity.   In the case where the specified prize type is a prize provided with an exchange limit number, the number of exchangeable prizes displayed by the exchangeable quantity display control means includes the exchange limit number. The prize management device according to claim 1.   When the specified prize type is a prize provided with an exchange limit number, the upper limit number of the prizes that can be exchanged according to the number of game media is compared with the exchange limit number, and the upper limit The prize management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising means for displaying the smaller one of the number and the exchange limit number on the display unit as the maximum exchangeable number.

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