JP6188348B2 - Each device and game medium management method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to each stand device that is installed corresponding to a gaming machine and manages game media used for gaming by the gaming machine, and a gaming medium management method using each stand device.

  Conventionally, at game stores, game balls have been rented out by a unit provided in a pachinko machine using game balls. A unit for a pachinko gaming machine is provided with a function of counting game balls acquired by a game (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition to pachinko games that use this game ball, game machines (slot machines) that use medals are also installed in game stores. Recently, even for game machines that use these medals, the number of medals earned per unit is counted. A machine is being prepared.

JP 2011-156155 A

  However, it may not be possible to prevent an unintentional erroneous operation by allowing the simultaneous operation of the process involving the medal payout such as the lending medal process, the savings replay process or the medal replay process and the counting process. Further, considering the simultaneous operation, the screen display may become difficult to understand or the operation procedure may be complicated. As a result, there is a risk that the operability will be reduced, and if each operation requires a certain amount of power supply capacity, the burden on the apparatus may increase due to an increase in power supply capacity that can be operated simultaneously. The present invention is for solving the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide each device and a game medium management method capable of improving operability.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is installed corresponding to a gaming machine that pays out gaming media according to gaming results, and manages gaming media used for gaming by the gaming machines A payout processing means for performing a payout process of the game medium by driving and controlling a predetermined payout mechanism, and a game received as a result of a game by the gaming machine and received from a predetermined receiving unit a counting processing unit for performing a counting processing by controlling the driving of the predetermined counting mechanism media, and automatic counting drive means for automatically driving and controlling the counting mechanism when a predetermined automatic driving condition is satisfied, the payout When the payout process is performed by driving the game medium payout mechanism by the processing means, a limiting means for restricting the drive control of the counting mechanism is provided.

Further, in the above invention, the limiting means, the counting mechanism by Ri dispensing mechanism to the payout process means when that will be controlled driving and limits that are controlled drive.

Further, in the above invention, the limiting means when the counting mechanism that are controlled drive, to inhibit operation of the payout processing means by invalidating the operation of instructing payout of the game medium It is characterized by that.
Further, the present invention, in the above invention, further comprises a payout instruction operating means operated by the player to instruct payout of the game medium, and a display control means for performing predetermined display control, wherein the display control means includes: When the drive control of the payout mechanism is restricted, a display capable of recognizing that the operation of the payout instruction operation means is restricted is performed.

Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the payout processing means performs a storage medium and / or money receiving process associated with a value that can be used for paying out the game medium, and the restricting means includes the payout process. When the storage medium and / or money accepting process is performed by the means, the operation of the counting processing means is limited, and when the counting process means is operating, the storage medium and / or money accepting process It is characterized by restricting.

In addition, the present invention is a game medium management method in which each device installed corresponding to a gaming machine that pays out game media according to a game result manages game media used for games by the game machines. A payout processing step of performing a payout process of the game medium by driving and controlling a predetermined payout mechanism, and a game medium obtained as a result of a game by the gaming machine and received from a predetermined receiving unit by a predetermined count. a counting processing step of performing a counting processing by controlling the driving of the mechanism, given an automatic counting drive step of automatically driving and controlling the counting mechanism when the automatic driving condition is satisfied, the game medium by the payout processing step when the payout process by driving the dispensing mechanism is carried out of, be characterized by including a restriction step of restricting said counting mechanism is driven and controlled .

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a concept relating to a game medium management method by the inter-unit medal lending machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the amusement store. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the gaming machine and the inter-unit medal lending machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration according to the first embodiment of the inter-unit medal lending machine illustrated in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a medal lending process procedure in the inter-unit medal lending machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the stored medal replay in the inter-unit medal lending machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a medal counting process procedure in the inter-unit medal lending machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration according to the second embodiment of the inter-unit medal lending machine. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a medal counting process procedure in the inter-unit medal lending machine according to the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of each device and a game medium management method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, the concept regarding the game medium management method by the inter-medal renting machine 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a concept relating to a game medium management method by the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming machine 20 that uses medals as a gaming medium is provided with a medallion machine 10 between machines. The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 has a display operation unit 13. The display operation unit 13 is a touch-type display device, and is a device for notifying the player of information and an input device for various operations of the player.

  The display operation unit 13 can change the display format of the screen depending on the state, and the payout screen displayed during the medal payout process of the medal lending process, the stored medal replay process, and the medal replay process, A password input screen displayed during the password input process at the time of play, a count screen displayed during the medal counting process, and displayed when the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 is in a neutral state waiting for a player's operation. There is a normal screen.

  Regarding the display of the screen, the display of the number of medals stored, the display of the number of medals and the balance display of the deposit cash at the top of the screen are common to all display formats, and the stored medals of the player who is playing the game The number, the number of medals, and the balance of deposited cash are displayed. In addition, the lower part of the screen has an area common to all screens and displays a message to the player.

  In the normal screen, operation buttons with buttons such as “Mend medal”, “Pay medal medal”, “Pay medal medal” etc. are displayed in addition to the common part of the screen. The issued medal lending process, stored medal replay process, possession medal replay process, and the like can be instructed.

  When the medal lending button is operated on the normal screen, the medal lending process is started on the condition that the stored ball replay process, the medal replay process and the counting process are not being performed, and the display operation unit 13 Is changed to the display format of the payout screen. The payout screen has a common screen portion and a payout display portion for displaying the number of remaining medals to be paid out, and returns to the normal screen when the medal payout by the medal lending operation is completed. The payout display unit displays the remaining number of medals to be paid out, and counts down the remaining number of medals to be paid out each time the medals are paid out. In addition, a message “prohibit counting” is displayed in the message display area because the ball payout process is in progress. Further, a counting unit lamp (not shown) provided on the front face of the panel is lit in red to indicate that counting is prohibited. The counting unit lamp is composed of, for example, 7-color LEDs. For example, 7-color light emission during counting, yellow light emission during payout, red flashing during error, red lighting during counting prohibition, etc. Is displayed. When the predetermined number of payouts is completed, the deposit cash balance of the screen common part is updated to a value obtained by subtracting the predetermined amount consumed by the medal lending operation. In addition, when the medal lending button is operated, if the accumulated ball replay process, the held medal replay process or the counting process is being performed, the medal lending operation is not performed as an error.

  In the normal screen, when the stored medal payout button is operated, the medal replay process is started on the condition that the medal lending process, the medal replay process, and the counting process are not being performed. The display format of the section 13 is changed to the display format of the payout screen. The payout display portion of the payout screen displays the remaining number of medals to be paid out by replaying the stored medals, and counts down the remaining number of medals to be paid out each time the medals are paid out. In addition, the message display area displays a “count prohibited” message because the payout process for replaying the medal is being performed. Further, a counting unit lamp (not shown) provided on the front face of the panel is lit in red to indicate that counting is prohibited. When the medal payout by the saving medal payout operation is completed, the screen is updated to a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined number of the number of stored medal in the screen common part, and the normal screen is restored. Also, when the stored medal payout button is operated, if the medal lending process, the medal replay process or the counting process is in progress, the stored medal payout operation is performed as an error and the stored medal replay process is executed. do not do.

  In addition, if the identity verification with a password has never been performed after inserting the membership card when operating the savings medal payout button, the password entry screen is displayed before the payout screen is displayed and the player is prompted to enter the password. Identity verification process. The password input screen has an input password display section that secretly displays the input password with “*”, and a common password, a password input numeric keypad, and when the correct password is input by operating the password input numeric keypad Then, the display operation unit 13 is shifted to the display format of the payout screen, and the above-described medal saving replay process is started. In addition, a message “Counting prohibited” is displayed in the message display area of the password input screen because the payout process for replaying a medal is being performed. Further, a counting unit lamp (not shown) provided on the front face of the panel is lit in red to indicate that counting is prohibited.

  In the normal screen, when the medal payout button is operated, the medal replay process is started on the condition that the medal lending process, the stored medal replay process, and the counting process are not being performed, and the display operation The display format of the section 13 is changed to the display format of the payout screen. In the payout display portion of the payout screen, the remaining number of medals to be paid out by replaying the medal is displayed, and the remaining number of medals to be paid out is counted down every time the medals are paid out. In addition, the message display area displays a “counting prohibition” message because the payout process for holding medals is being performed. Further, a counting unit lamp (not shown) provided on the front face of the panel is lit in red to indicate that counting is prohibited. When the medal payout by the medal payout operation is finished, the medal number in the screen common part is updated to a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined number, and the screen returns to the normal screen. Also, when the medal payout button is operated, if the medal lending process, the stored medal replay process, or the counting process is being performed, the medal replay process is performed with the medal payout operation as an error. do not do.

  When a player inserts a medal into the medal insertion unit 19a, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 detects the insertion of the medal and is not in the medal lending process, during the stored medal replay process, or during the medal replay process. On the condition, the counting process is started, and the display format of the display operation unit 13 is changed to the display format of the counting screen. The counting screen has a common screen portion and a counting display portion for displaying the counted number of medals. When all the counting processing of medals inserted in the medal insertion portion 19a is completed, the screen returns to the normal screen. The count display unit counts up the number of medals every time medals are counted. At the end of counting, the number of medals in the screen common part is updated to a value obtained by adding the counted number. Even when the insertion of a medal into the medal insertion unit 19a is detected, if the medal lending process, the storage ball replay process, or the possession medal replay process is in progress, the medal counting process is performed. The process is started after waiting for the end of the lending process, the stored ball replay process or the medal replay process.

  As described above, when any of the medal payout processing such as medal lending processing, saving medal replay processing, possession medal replay processing, or counting processing is in operation, other processing by screen operation is performed. The screen is controlled so that the start instruction cannot be given. In addition to screen control restrictions, if other processes are active at the start of the process, by restricting the operation, exclusive control can be performed even in processes that can be instructed to start regardless of screen operations. It was possible. By this screen control and exclusive control, the burden on the apparatus can be reduced and the operability can be improved.

  Further, the arrangement and display format of the screen display items of the display operation unit 13 shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples, and indicate the functional concept for explaining the functional outline. That is, the arrangement and display format of the items shown are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and do not limit the presence or absence of items not represented in the figure.

  Next, the system configuration of the amusement store will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the amusement store. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of gaming machines 20 and an inter-unit medal lending machine 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20 are installed in the gaming store. The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 is connected to a communication line, which is an in-store network, via the island controller 30. The island controller 30, the card management device 40, the member management device 50, the free gift management device 60, and the checkout machine 80 are connected to the communication line.

  The gaming machine 20 is a slot machine that plays a game by inserting medals, which are game media, into the medal slot 23, rotating three drums, and pressing the stop buttons in sequence to align the pictures. When a certain pattern is aligned on the effective lines of the three drums, the gaming machine 20 pays out the number of medals according to the type of the pattern as an acquired medal.

  The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 accepts payment, lends medal, and communicates with the card management device 40. When the interbank medal lending machine 10 accepts a bill inserted by the player, it sends a payment notice including the deposit amount to the card management device 40, thereby converting the prepaid value into the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Let them add. Then, if a predetermined medal lending operation is performed, a medal lending request is transmitted to the card management device 40, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is subtracted, and the number of medals corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value. Pay out.

  Further, if the inter-card medal lending machine 10 accepts the insertion of the card, it transmits a card insertion notification to the card management device 40. Further, when receiving the prepaid value, the balance medal account or the balance of the stored medal account from the card management device 40, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 stores the balance. When the balance of the medal account is received and stored, the medal account balance managed by the card management device 40 is cleared to zero by sending a medal subtraction request to the card management device 40. To do.

  In addition, when receiving the medal replay operation, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 subtracts a predetermined number of balances of the medal account managed by the own device and pays out medals corresponding to the subtracted number. In addition, when the intermedal medal lending machine 10 accepts the stored medal replay operation, the intermediary medal lending machine 10 transmits the stored medal replay request to the card management device 40, thereby obtaining the balance of the stored medal account managed by the member management device 50. A predetermined number is subtracted, and the number of medals corresponding to the subtracted number is paid out.

  When the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-medal lending machine 10 transmits a possession medal addition request including the balance of the possession medal account managed by the own device to the card management device 40, so After the addition, a card discharge notification is transmitted to the card management device 40 to control the card discharge.

  The island controller 30 is a relay device that bundles a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-unit medal lending machines 10 provided on the gaming island. The card management device 40 is a management device that manages the prepaid value of a card, the number of medals, etc. as card data.

  When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, the card management device 40 manages the card ID of the inserted card and the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 in association with each other, and is associated with the card ID. The prepaid value and the balance of the possession medal account are transmitted to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. When the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of the member card, the balance of the stored medal account associated with the card ID is acquired from the member management device 50, and the prepaid value and the medal account Are transmitted to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 together with the balance.

  Further, when the card management device 40 receives the medal subtraction request from the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the medal account to zero and receives the medal addition request from the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. In this case, the number of medals indicated in the medal addition request is added to the medal account.

  Further, when receiving a medal lending request from the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, the card management device 40 subtracts a corresponding prepaid value by a predetermined value and transmits a medal lending permission to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. Then, when the medal replay request is received, the medal replay request is transmitted to the member management device 50, and when the member management device 50 outputs the medal replay permission, the medal replay is performed. The permission is transmitted to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10.

  Further, when the card management device 40 receives the card ID from the premium management device 60, the card management device 40 notifies the premium management device 60 of the balance of the medal account associated with the card ID. Further, when the card ID is received from the settlement machine 80, the prepaid value associated with the card ID is notified to the settlement machine 80.

  The member management device 50 is a management device that manages member management data of members registered as members in the amusement store. Specifically, the number of stored medals, points, password, name, etc. are managed in association with the member card ID issued to the member.

  When the member management device 50 receives an inquiry about the medal account balance from the card management device 40, the member management device 50 notifies the card management device 40 of the balance of the medal account corresponding to the designated card ID. In addition, when the member management device 50 receives the stored medal replay request via the card management device 40, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number of the balance of the stored medal account associated with the card ID indicated in the stored medal replay request. And a medal replay permission is output.

  Further, when the member management device 50 receives an inquiry about the saving medal account balance from the prize management device 60, the member management device 50 notifies the prize management device 60 of the balance of the saving medal account corresponding to the designated card ID.

  The prize management device 60 is a terminal device for exchanging prizes provided in the prize exchange counter in the amusement store, and performs prize exchange processing for earned balls, stored medals and held medals. The premium management device 60 is connected to a reader / writer that reads the card ID of the card and a premium dispensing device that dispenses premiums. When the reader / writer accepts the card, the free gift management device 60 transmits the card ID of the card read by the reader / writer to the card management device 40 and requests the medal account balance of the card. In addition, when exchanging prizes for saving medals, the member management device 50 is requested for the balance of saving medals account.

  When the card associated with the prepaid value is inserted, the checkout machine 80 transmits the card ID of this card to the card management device 40, acquires the prepaid value associated with the card, and adds the prepaid value to the acquired prepaid value. Withdraw cash equivalents.

  The medal lending process in the case of medal lending with the system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When the player performs a medal lending operation on the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, the inter-table medal lending machine 10 transmits a message specifying the local address of the card management device 40 as a destination. This electronic message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, a local address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 that is a transmission source, and a medal lending request.

  When the card management device 40 receives a message including a medal lending request, the card management device 40 subtracts a prepaid value associated with the card ID in the message by a predetermined value (for example, 100 yen = 5 times when the frequency is 1). The data is updated, and medal lending permission is transmitted to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 that has received the medal lending permission pays out the number of medals (for example, 25) corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

  Next, the medal replay process when the medal replay is performed in the system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 accepts insertion of a general card or a membership card, the inter-medal lending machine 10 transmits a message specifying the local address of the card management device 40 as a destination. This message includes a card ID of a card inserted in the inter-medal medal lending machine 10, a local address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-medal medal lending machine 10 as a transmission source, and the inter-medal medal lending machine 10 It includes information for specifying the rate and a card insertion notification.

  When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, the medal account having the rate specified by the message out of the medal accounts associated with the card ID in the message. Is notified to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10.

  The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 stores the balance of medals received from the card management device 40. Then, a message including information specifying the card ID and rate and a medal subtraction request is transmitted to the card management device 40. When receiving the medal subtraction request, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the medal account specified by the card ID and the rate to zero. When receiving the medal replay operation, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 subtracts a predetermined number of stored medal balances and pays out a corresponding number of medals.

  When the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-medal lending machine 10 transmits a message including the medal addition request to the card management device 40. This message includes a card ID of a card to be ejected, a local address or arbitrary identification information that identifies the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 that is a transmission source, information for identifying the rate of the inter-medal medal lending machine 10, and It includes the balance of medals and a request for adding medals.

  When the card management device 40 receives the medal addition request, the balance that has received the balance of the medal account at the rate specified by the message out of the medal accounts associated with the card ID in the message. Update to the value of.

  Thereafter, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 transmits a card ejection notification to the card management device 40 and controls ejection of the card.

  Next, a stored medal replay process in the case of replaying a stored medal in the system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 designates the local address of the card management device 40 as a destination when a member card is inserted or when identification information corresponding to a card ID is read from a portable terminal that can be used as a member card. Send a message. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-medal lending machine 10 (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the portable terminal; hereinafter referred to as the card ID) and the inter-medal medal loan that is the transmission source. A local address for specifying the machine 10 or arbitrary identification information, information for specifying the rate of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

  The card management device 40 transmits a card insertion notification message to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives a card insertion notification message, the membership management device 50 has a password associated with the card ID in the message and the balance of the saving medal account at the rate specified by the message among the saving medal accounts. The stored medal replay data including the above is transmitted to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10.

  The inter-medal lending machine 10 stores the received medal replay data, and the balance of the medal account indicated in the medal replay data is the number of medal payout units in the medal replay (the medal replay unit). When the number is more than 25 (for example, 25), it is possible to accept a stored medal replay operation.

  When the medal lending machine 10 receives the medal replay operation for the first time after storing the medal replay data, the intermediary medal lending machine 10 asks the player to input the password, and the entered password is replayed as the medal replay. Check if it matches the password shown in the data.

  When the passwords match, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 transmits a message specifying the local address of the card management device 40 as the destination. This message includes a card ID of a card inserted in the inter-medal medal lending machine 10, a local address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-medal medal lending machine 10 as a transmission source, and the inter-medal medal lending machine 10 It includes information for specifying the rate and a request for replaying a stored medal.

  The card management device 40 transmits a message for a replay request for saving medals to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives a message for a replay request for saving medals, the member management device 50 calculates the balance of the saving medals account at the rate specified by the message among the savings medals associated with the card ID in the message. A predetermined value is subtracted, and the stored medal replay data including the balance after the subtraction is transmitted to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10.

  The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 receives the stored medal replay data, updates the balance of the stored medal account, and pays out medals by the number of replayed medal units. Further, it is determined whether the balance of the updated medal saving account is less than the number of saved medal replay units. If the balance is less than the number of saved medal replay units, the stored medal replay operation cannot be accepted. If the balance of the updated medal account is equal to or greater than the number of medal replay units, the medal replay operation can be accepted again, and if the medal replay operation is accepted, a saved medal replay request is sent To do. The password confirmation is unnecessary in the second and subsequent saving medal replay operations.

  Next, a transition from a medal to a stored medal in the closing process will be described. The card management device 40 confirms the balance of the medal account in the card management data during the closing process, and if there is a medal account with a medal balance larger than “0”, the card management device 40 uses the card medal account balance as the card. The member management apparatus 50 is notified together with the ID and rate. The member management device 50 adds the notified medal account balance to the balance of the saving medal account specified by the card ID and the rate, and updates it. Thereafter, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the possession medal account to zero.

  Next, the external configuration of the gaming machine 20 and the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the gaming machine 20 and the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 shown in FIG. In addition, although the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 that accepts only banknotes is illustrated, a reception function for electronic money, coins, and the like may be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 20 corresponds to a drum unit 21 having three drums, a display unit 22 for performing various displays, a medal slot 23, and a start lever and a drum for receiving a drum rotation start operation. And an operation unit 24 having three stop buttons and the like, and a tray 25 for receiving medals paid out from the gaming machine 20.

  The intermedal medal lending machine 10 also displays a state display unit 11 that displays the device status of the intermediary medal lending machine 10 by turning on or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color, and a banknote insertion slot 12a that accepts various banknotes when lending medal. A display operation unit 13 such as a touch panel display, a card insertion slot 14a for receiving a card, a holding unit 14b for holding a portable terminal or the like, a nozzle 18a for throwing out a medal to the gaming machine 20, and a medal to be counted Has a medal insertion part 19a for accepting the insertion.

  The medal insertion portion 19a is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the front panel. The medal insertion portion 19a is provided on the front panel with the front panel serving as a reference plane and can take a lying posture and a standing posture with respect to the reference plane. The counting chute is connected to a counting processing unit provided in the counter, and when the charging tray is in a standing posture, the charging tray and the charging chute communicate with each other to enable counting processing. When the loading tray is in the lying posture, counting is impossible, but the forward projection amount is reduced compared to when it is in the standing posture, and the adjacent gaming platform door is opened However, it is possible to prevent interference with the game platform door.

  Next, an internal configuration according to the first embodiment of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 will be described. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 includes a banknote transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader / writer 14, a holding unit 14 b, a communication unit 15, a storage unit 16, and a control unit 17. And a nozzle unit 18 and a counting unit 19.

  The banknote conveyance part 12 is a conveyance part conveyed to the banknote storage part which is not shown in figure, discriminating the money type and authenticity of the banknote inserted from the banknote insertion port 12a. The reader / writer 14 is a reading unit that reads a card ID from a card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a. The card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a is stored in a card storage section (not shown) through the reader / writer 14. The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication with a communication line.

  The storage unit 16 is a storage device including a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory, and the like. The storage unit 16 stores a card ID 16a, valuable value data 16b, and a processing flag 16c.

  The card ID 16 a is a card ID read by the reader / writer 14. If the deposit is performed in a state where no card is inserted, the card is conveyed from a card storage unit (not shown) to the reader / writer 14, and the card ID 16a is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14. Also, when a card is transported from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), the card ID 16a is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transport.

  The valuable value data 16b is data indicating a valuable value that can be used to receive payout of game media. This valuable value includes the balance of the prepaid value that can be used for medal lending, the balance of the medal account, and the balance of the stored medal account.

  The processing flag 16c is a flag for performing exclusive control of the medal lending process, the stored medal replay process, the medal replay process, and the counting process performed in the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, and is processed at the start of each process. The flag on indicating inside is set, and the flag is turned off indicating that there is no active process at the end of the process. In addition, each process of the medal lending process, the stored medal replay process, the medal replay process and the counting process refers to the state of the processing flag 16c at the start of the process, and the process is not started if the flag indicating processing is on. Control is performed.

  The control unit 17 is a control unit that totally controls the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, and includes a data management unit 17a, a medal lending processing unit 17b, a medal replay processing unit 17c, a stored medal replay processing unit 17d, and a medal counting process. A unit 17e and a display screen control unit 17f. Actually, it is realized by storing programs corresponding to these functional units in a non-illustrated non-volatile memory such as a ROM, and loading and executing these programs on a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

  When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits a card insertion notification including the card ID 16a and the device ID to the card management device 40. When the data management unit 17a receives a valuable value (at least one of a prepaid value, a medal and a stored medal) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 17a updates the valuable value data 16b with the received valuable value. The data management unit 17a appropriately controls the display operation unit 13 to display the prepaid value, the medal value and the stored medal value indicated in the valuable value data 16b.

  In addition, when the card return operation is performed by the player, the data management unit 17a transmits a medal addition request including the card ID 16a, the device ID, and the medal number to the card management device 40, so that the own device medal After clearing the balance of the account to 0, a card discharge notification is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is discharged.

  Moreover, if a banknote is inserted in the banknote insertion slot 12a, the data management part 17a will transmit the payment notification containing the money amount of inserted banknote, card ID16a, and apparatus ID to the card management apparatus 40. FIG.

  Further, the medal lending processing unit 17b transmits a medal lending request including the card ID 16a and the device ID to the card management device 40 when a medal lending operation is performed by the player. If the medal lending permission is received as a response to the medal lending request, the medal lending processing unit 17b pays out a predetermined number of medals.

  The medal replay processing unit 17c subtracts a predetermined number of medal account balances indicated in the valuable value data 16b when a player performs a medal payout operation, and obtains a corresponding number of medals. Pay out.

  Further, the stored medal replay processing unit 17d transmits a stored medal replay request including the card ID 16a and the device ID to the card management device 40 when the player performs a stored medal payout operation. If the stored medal replay permission is received as a response to the stored medal replay request, the stored medal replay processing unit 17d pays out a predetermined number of medals.

  Further, the medal counting processing unit 17e counts medals inserted into the counting unit 19 from the medal inserting unit 19a, and adds the counting result to the balance of the possessed medal account in the valuable value data 16b.

  The display screen control unit 17f has a function of changing the display format of the display operation unit 13 in accordance with the process during operation. Specifically, a normal display when waiting for an operation from a player, a password input screen for entering a password for confirming the identity of a member, medal lending processing, savings replay processing and holding replay processing, etc. There are a payout screen that is displayed at the time of the process accompanied by the number, a counting screen that is displayed at the time of the medal counting process. Further, on the screen other than the normal screen, the screen configuration is such that operations such as medal lending operation, stored medal payout operation, and medal payout operation cannot be performed. In addition, during the display of the payout screen that is displayed during medal payout processing, such as medal lending processing, storage ball replay processing, or possession ball replay processing, or the password input screen for password input related to storage ball replay, Also displays the message “Counting prohibited”.

  Next, a medal lending process procedure in the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a medal lending process procedure in the inter-unit medal lending machine 10.

  First, the medal lending processing unit 17b determines whether or not there is a medal lending operation in the display operation unit 13 (step S101). The determination of the presence / absence of the lending operation includes the determination of the presence / absence of acceptance of banknotes. If no medal lending operation is performed (step S101; No), the process is terminated. When the medal lending operation is performed (step S101; Yes), the medal lending processing unit 17b refers to the processing flag 16c and determines whether the stored ball replay process, the possession ball replay process, or the counting process is in operation. Is determined (step S102).

  When the content of the processing flag 16c is being processed (step S102; No), the medal lending processing unit 17b displays an error message indicating that other processing is in progress and cannot be processed (step S103). The process is terminated. In addition, when it is determined that a lending operation has been performed by accepting a banknote, a banknote rejection process is performed. Further, when the content of the processing flag 16c is not being processed (step S102; Yes), the medal lending processing unit 17b changes the processing flag 16c to a flag on indicating that processing is in progress (step S104).

  Next, the medal lending processing unit 17b includes a card ID of a card inserted in the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, and a local address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-table medal lending machine 10 that is a transmission source. A medal rental request is transmitted to the card management device 40 (step S105). The card management apparatus 40 that has received the medal lending request updates the card management data by subtracting a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the medal lending request, and gives a medal lending permission to the inter-unit medal lending To the machine 10.

  Next, the medal lending processing unit 17b receives a response to the medal lending request from the card management device 40 (step S106). When the content of the received response is not permitted to lend medals (step S107; No), a message indicating that medals cannot be lent is displayed (step S108), and the processing flag 16c is changed to flag off (step S115). ), The process is terminated.

  When the content of the response to the medal lending request from the card management device 40 is medal lending permission (step S107; Yes), the display screen control unit 17f changes the screen display format of the display operation unit 13 to the payout screen. (Step S109). In addition, a “count prohibited” message is displayed in the message display area of the payout screen. The medal lending processing unit 17b instructs the nozzle unit 18 to pay out a predetermined number of medals (step S110).

  Further, the medal lending processing unit 17b detects the medal payout status of the nozzle unit 18 and updates the display content of the payout remaining number on the payout screen (step S111). If the payout of the predetermined number of medals instructed to the nozzle unit 18 has not ended (step S112; No), the process returns to step S111, and the payout of the predetermined number of medals instructed to the nozzle unit 18 has been completed. In the case (step S112; Yes), the prepaid value in the valuable value data 16b is updated to a value obtained by subtracting the value corresponding to the paid-out ball and corresponds to the prepaid value of the screen common part of the display operation unit 13. The display of cash is updated (step S113).

  Next, the display screen control unit 17f returns the screen display format of the display operation unit 13 to the normal screen (step S114), and the medal lending processing unit 17b changes the processing flag 16c to flag off (step S115). The process is terminated.

Next, a description will be given of a processing procedure for replaying a stored medal in the inter-unit medal lender 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the medal replay in the inter-unit medal lending machine 10.

  First, the stored medal replay processing unit 17d determines whether or not there is a stored medal payout operation in the display operation unit 13 (step S201). When the stored medal payout operation is not performed in the display operation unit 13 (step S201; No), a determination process (step S202) of presence / absence of a stored medal replay operation by the mobile touch operation is performed, and the storage by the mobile touch operation is performed. If no medal replay operation has been performed (step S202; No), the process ends. When the stored medal payout operation is performed in the display operation unit 13 (step S201; Yes) or when the stored medal replay operation is performed by the mobile touch operation (step S202; Yes), the medal replay is performed. The processing unit 17d refers to the processing flag 16c and determines whether or not the medal lending process, the possession replay process, or the counting process is in operation (step S203).

  When the content of the processing flag 16c is being processed (step S203; No), the medal saving replay processing unit 17d displays an error message indicating that other processing is in progress and cannot be processed (step S204). To finish the process. Further, when the content of the processing flag 16c is not being processed (step S203; Yes), the medal saving replay processing unit 17d changes the processing flag 16c to a flag on indicating that processing is in progress (step S205). .

  Next, the medal saving replay processing unit 17d determines whether or not to perform identity verification using a password (step S206). If identity verification is already performed using a password (step S206; Yes), the step The process proceeds to S210. The medal saving replay processing unit 17d performs password input processing (step S207) when the identity verification by the password has not been performed yet (step S206; No). Specifically, the screen display format of the display operation unit 13 is changed to a password input screen, and the player is allowed to input a password using the password input numeric keypad displayed on the display operation unit 13.

  Whether the password entered in the password entry process (step S207) is correct or not is determined (step S208). If the password is incorrect (step S208; No), an error message indicating that the password is invalid is displayed ( In step S209), the processing flag 16c is changed to flag off (step S220), and the processing is terminated.

  When the password input in the password input process (step S207) is correct (step S208; Yes), the stored medal replay processing unit 17d identifies the card ID 16a and the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 that is the transmission source. The local address or arbitrary identification information to be transmitted and information for specifying the rate of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 are transmitted to the member management apparatus 50 as a stored medal replay request (step S210).

  Further, the stored medal replay processing unit 17d receives a response to the stored medal replay request from the member management device 50 (step S211). If the content of the received response does not permit the replay of the stored medal (step S212; No), a message indicating that the replay of the stored medal is not possible is displayed (step S213), and the processing flag 16c is changed to flag off. (Step S220), the process ends.

  When the content of the response to the received medal replay request received from the member management device 50 is permission to replay the medal (step S212; Yes), the display screen control unit 17f changes the screen display format of the display operation unit 13 to the screen display format. The payout screen is changed (step S214). In addition, a “count prohibited” message is displayed in the message display area of the payout screen. The stored medal replay processing unit 17d instructs the nozzle unit 18 to pay out a predetermined number of medals (step S215).

  Further, the stored medal replay processing unit 17d detects the medal payout status of the nozzle unit 18 and updates the display content of the payout remaining number on the payout screen (step S216). If the payout of the predetermined number of medals instructed to the nozzle unit 18 has not been completed (step S217; No), the process returns to step S216, and the payout of the predetermined number of medals instructed to the nozzle unit 18 has been completed. In the case (step S217; Yes), the stored medal data in the valuable value data 16b is updated to a value obtained by subtracting the paid-out medal, and the display of the number of stored medals in the common screen portion of the display operation unit 13 is updated ( Step S218).

  Next, the display screen control unit 17f returns the screen display format of the display operation unit 13 to the normal screen (step S219), and the medal saving replay processing unit 17d changes the processing flag 16c to flag off (step S219). S220), the process is terminated.

  The processing procedure of the medal replay process is almost the same as the process of omitting a part of the processing process of the stored medal replay process, so individual explanation is omitted, but as with the stored medal replay process, The screen control by the display screen control unit 17f makes it possible to restrict the start of other processes by the screen operation during the medal replay process and the medal payout operation while the other processes are in operation. Simultaneous operation of processing that cannot be restricted only by screen control can be restricted by exclusive control.

  Next, a medal counting process procedure in the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the medal counting process procedure in the inter-unit medal lending machine 10.

  First, the medal counting processing unit 17e determines whether or not a medal is inserted into the medal insertion unit 19a (step S301). If no medal has been inserted into the medal insertion unit 19a (step S301; No), the process ends. When the medal insertion to the medal insertion unit 19a is performed (step S301; Yes), the medal counting processing unit 17e refers to the processing flag 16c, and medal lending processing, savings replay processing, or possession replay. It is determined whether or not the process is in operation (step S302).

  When the content of the processing flag 16c is being processed (step S302; No), the medal counting processing unit 17e ends the processing. In addition, when the content of the processing flag 16c is not being processed (step S302; Yes), the medal counting processing unit 17e changes the processing flag 16c to a flag-on indicating that processing is in progress (step S303).

  The display screen control unit 17f changes the screen display format of the display operation unit 13 to a counting screen (step S304), and the medal counting processing unit 17e counts the medals inserted into the medal inserting unit 19a. An instruction is given (step S305).

  Further, the medal counting processing unit 17e detects the medal counting status of the counting unit 19 and updates the display content of the counting number on the counting screen (step S306). When the counting end is not notified from the counting unit 19 (step S307; No), the process returns to step S306. When the counting end is notified from the counting unit 19 (step S307; Yes), the valuable value data is returned. The amount of money counted in the medal account in 16b is added, and the display of the possession ball in the screen common part of the display operation unit 13 is updated (step S308).

  Next, the display screen control unit 17f returns the screen display format of the display operation unit 13 to the normal screen (step S309), and the medal counting processing unit 17e changes the processing flag 16c to flag off (step S310). The process is terminated.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the process of paying out game media and the process of counting game media are configured such that when one is operating, the other is limited. It is possible to reduce the burden on the apparatus by suppressing the increase in the storage capacity of the power supply unit, and to improve the operability by guarding unintentional erroneous operations and easy-to-understand simple screen displays specialized for the contents being processed.

  In the first embodiment described above, when a bill is accepted as part of the lending operation when other processing is being performed, the bill is rejected and the lending process is prohibited. Is not limited to this, and on condition that the bill is a genuine note, it waits for the completion of other processes while holding the number of bills that can be held inside the bill recognition unit, and waits for the completion before it relates to the bill. The reception process may be continued. By doing in this way, an operation rate can be raised, without causing trouble in reception of a bill. In addition, in the case of performing a medal throwing process without an lending operation in response to the acceptance of banknotes (immediate throwing process), waiting for the end of other processes, the receiving process relating to the banknotes and the medal throwing process This makes it possible to eliminate unnecessary operations by the player and improve convenience.

  In the first embodiment described above, the insertion tray that constitutes the medal insertion portion 19a is rotatably provided. However, a drive portion is provided at the rotation portion so that the standing posture and the lying posture can be mechanically controlled. May be. In this case, in a state where counting should be prohibited (during lending processing, etc.), it is possible to prevent erroneous insertion of medals by controlling the tray to the lying down posture by driving the driving unit.

  In the first embodiment described above, the operability is improved by not operating the medal payout process and the counting process at the same time. However, in a situation where the medal payout cannot be performed due to a hardware failure or a clogged medal. There are no restrictions on the counting process. However, if the player counts without recognizing the situation where the medals cannot be paid out, there is a possibility that the medals on hand will run out and the game cannot be continued.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, in a situation where medals cannot be paid out due to a hardware failure or a clogged medal, the counting operation is limited and a message is displayed indicating that the player cannot be paid out during the counting operation. A configuration for allowing the player to determine whether or not to execute will be described.

  Next, an internal configuration according to the second embodiment of the inter-unit medal lending machine 110 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-unit medal lending machine 110. As shown in FIG. 8, the inter-unit medal lending machine 110 includes a banknote transport unit 112, a display operation unit 113, a reader / writer 114, a holding unit 114 b, a communication unit 115, a storage unit 116, and a control unit 117. And a nozzle unit 118 and a counting unit 119.

  The banknote conveyance part 112 is a conveyance part conveyed to the banknote storage part which is not shown in figure while discriminating the money type and authenticity of the banknote inserted from the banknote insertion port 12a. The reader / writer 114 is a reading unit that reads a card ID from a card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a. The card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a is stored in a card storage unit (not shown) via the reader / writer 114. The communication unit 115 is an interface unit for performing data communication with a communication line.

  The storage unit 116 is a storage device composed of a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory, or the like. The storage unit 116 stores a card ID 116a, valuable value data 116b, a processing flag 116c, a payout function status 116d, and a counting processing parameter 116e.

  The card ID 116 a is a card ID read by the reader / writer 114. If the deposit is performed in a state where no card is inserted, the card is conveyed from a card storage unit (not shown) to the reader / writer 114, and the card ID 116a is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 114. Also, when a card is transported from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), the card ID 116a is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 114 during the transport.

  The valuable value data 116b is data indicating a valuable value that can be used to receive a payout of game media. This valuable value includes the balance of the prepaid value that can be used for medal lending, the balance of the medal account, and the balance of the stored medal account.

  The processing flag 116c is a flag for performing exclusive control of the medal lending process, the stored medal replay process, the medal replay process, and the counting process performed by the inter-unit medal lending machine 110, and is processed at the start of each process. The flag on indicating inside is set, and the flag is turned off indicating that there is no active process at the end of the process. In addition, each process of the medal lending process, the stored medal replay process, the medal replay process, and the counting process refers to the state of the processing flag 116c at the start of the process, and the process is not started if the flag indicating processing is on. Control is performed.

  The payout function status 116d is data indicating the current state of the medal payout device. The payout function status 116d includes a normal state in which payout is possible and an abnormal state in which payout is not possible, such as a hardware failure, a clogged medal, or a shortage of payout medals. .

  The count processing parameter 116e is a parameter that defines an operation related to medal counting when the state of the medal payout device is an abnormal state, and stores contents distributed from an upper management device such as the card management device 40. . The setting value of the count processing parameter 116e is “1” indicating “not counting is prohibited even when the state of the medal paying device is in an abnormal state”, and the medal paying device when the state of the medal paying device is in an abnormal state. “2” and “2” indicating that a message is displayed to the player indicating that the state is abnormal and the medal cannot be paid out, and that the player determines whether or not to count in that situation. It is possible to set “3” indicating “inhibit counting when the state of the medal payout device is abnormal”.

  The control unit 117 is a control unit that entirely controls the inter-unit medal lending machine 110, and includes a data management unit 117a, a medal lending processing unit 117b, a medal replay processing unit 117c, a stored medal replay processing unit 117d, and a medal counting process. Unit 117e, display screen control unit 117f, and payout function monitoring unit 117g. Actually, it is realized by storing programs corresponding to these functional units in a non-illustrated non-volatile memory such as a ROM, and loading and executing these programs on a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

  When the card is inserted, the data management unit 117a transmits a card insertion notification including the card ID 116a and the device ID to the card management device 40. In addition, when the data management unit 117a receives a valuable value (at least one of prepaid value, medal and saving medal) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 117a updates the valuable value data 116b with the received valuable value. The data management unit 117a appropriately controls the display operation unit 113 to display the prepaid value, the medal value, and the stored medal value indicated in the valuable value data 116b.

  In addition, when the card return operation is performed by the player, the data management unit 117a transmits a medal addition request including the card ID 116a, the device ID, and the medal number to the card management device 40, and the own device medal After clearing the balance of the account to 0, a card discharge notification is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is discharged.

  Moreover, if a banknote is inserted in the banknote insertion slot 12a, the data management part 117a will transmit the payment notification containing the money amount of inserted banknote, card ID116a, and apparatus ID to the card management apparatus 40. FIG.

  Further, the medal lending processing unit 117b transmits a medal lending request including the card ID 116a and the device ID to the card management device 40 when a medal lending operation is performed by the player. If the medal lending permission is received as a response to the medal lending request, the medal lending processing unit 117b pays out a predetermined number of medals.

  In addition, when a medal payout operation is performed by a player, the medal replay processing unit 117c subtracts a predetermined number of medal account balances indicated in the valuable value data 116b and obtains a corresponding number of medals. Pay out.

  Further, the stored medal replay processing unit 117d transmits a stored medal replay request including the card ID 116a and the device ID to the card management device 40 when the player performs a stored medal payout operation. When the medal replay permission is received as a response to the stored medal replay request, the medal replay processing unit 117d pays out a predetermined number of medals.

  The medal counting processing unit 117e counts medals inserted into the counting unit 119 from the medal insertion unit 19a, and adds the counting result to the balance of the medal account in the valuable value data 116b. In addition, the medal counting processing unit 117e refers to the payout function status 116d to determine whether or not the medal payout device is in a normal state. If not, the medal counting processing unit 117e performs processing according to the setting of the counting processing parameter 116e.

  The display screen control unit 117f has a function of changing the display format of the display operation unit 13 in accordance with the process during operation. Specifically, a normal display when waiting for an operation from a player, a password input screen for entering a password for confirming the identity of a member, medal lending processing, savings replay processing and holding replay processing, etc. There are a payout screen that is displayed at the time of the process accompanied by the number, a counting screen that is displayed at the time of the medal counting process. Further, on the screen other than the normal screen, the screen configuration is such that operations such as medal lending operation, stored medal payout operation, and medal payout operation cannot be performed. In addition, during the display of the payout screen that is displayed during medal payout processing, such as medal lending processing, storage ball replay processing, or possession ball replay processing, or the password input screen for password input related to storage ball replay, Also displays the message “Counting prohibited”.

  The payout function monitoring unit 117g monitors the state of the payout device, and updates the payout function status 116d when a change in the state is detected.

  Next, a medal counting process procedure in the inter-unit medal lending machine 110 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure of medal counting in the inter-unit medal lending machine 110.

  First, the medal counting processing unit 117e determines whether or not a medal is inserted into the medal insertion unit 19a (step S401). If no medal has been inserted into the medal insertion unit 19a (step S401; No), the process ends. When the medal insertion to the medal insertion unit 19a is performed (step S401; Yes), the medal counting processing unit 17e refers to the processing flag 116c, and medal lending processing, savings replay processing, or possession replay. It is determined whether or not the process is in operation (step S402).

  When the content of the processing flag 116c is being processed (step S402; No), the medal counting processing unit 117e ends the processing. Further, when the content of the processing flag 116c is not being processed (step S402; Yes), the medal counting processing unit 117e changes the processing flag 116c to a flag on indicating that processing is in progress (step S403).

  Next, the medal counting processing unit 117e is “1” indicating that the value of the counting processing parameter 116e indicates “not counting is prohibited even when the state of the medal payout device is abnormal” (step S404; Yes). In step S411, the process proceeds to step S411.

  When the value of the count processing parameter 116e is “when the state of the medal payout device is abnormal, a message is displayed to the player that the medal payout device is in an abnormal state and medals cannot be paid out. If it is “2” indicating that “the player determines whether or not to count in the situation” (step S404; No and step S405; Yes), if the value of the payout function status 116d is normal If the value of the payout function status 116d is abnormal (step S406; No), the medal payout device is not in a normal state and the payout operation is not possible, but it is still counted. A message as to whether or not to do so is displayed (step S407). When the player selects “count” for the message displayed in step S407 (step S408; Yes), the process proceeds to step S411, and when the player selects “not count” ( In step S408; No), the processing flag 116c is changed to flag off (step S417), and the processing is terminated.

  When the value of the count processing parameter 116e is “3” indicating “counting is prohibited when the state of the medal payout device is abnormal” (step S404; No, and step S405; No), If the value of the payout function status 116d is normal (step S409; Yes), the process proceeds to step S411. If the value of the payout function status 116d is abnormal (step S409; No), the counting process is performed because the payout device is abnormal. Is also displayed (step S410), the processing flag 116c is changed to flag-off (step S417), and the process is terminated.

  The display screen control unit 117f changes the screen display format of the display operation unit 13 to a counting screen (step S411), and the medal counting processing unit 117e counts the medals inserted into the medal inserting unit 19a in the counting unit 119. An instruction is given (step S412).

  In addition, the medal counting processing unit 117e detects the medal counting state of the counting unit 119 and updates the display content of the counted number on the counting screen (step S413). When the counting end is not notified from the counting unit 119 (step S414; No), the process returns to step S413. When the counting end is notified from the counting unit 119 (step S414; Yes), the valuable value data is returned. The counted amount is added to the possession medal account in 116b, and the display of the possession ball in the screen common part of the display operation unit 113 is updated (step S415).

  Next, the display screen control unit 117f returns the screen display format of the display operation unit 113 to the normal screen (step S416), and the medal counting processing unit 117e changes the processing flag 116c to flag off (step S417). The process is terminated.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the process of paying out the game media and the process of counting the game media are configured such that when one of them is operating, the other operation is limited. In addition, it is possible to reduce the burden on the apparatus by suppressing the increase in the storage capacity of the power supply unit and to improve the operability by guarding unintentional erroneous operations and easy-to-understand simple screen displays specialized for the contents being processed.

  Further, in the second embodiment, when one of the processing of paying out game media and the processing of counting game media is in operation, the other operation is restricted, and when the game media payout device is not operating normally. Is configured to display a message indicating that the dispensing device is not in operation at the time of counting, or to prohibit counting because the dispensing device is not in operation. Operability by reducing the burden on the device by suppressing the increase in the number of devices, guarding against unintentional erroneous operations, easy-to-understand simple screen display specialized for the contents being processed, and display of operation guidance to the player according to the device status Can be improved.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the method of limiting the counting process during the payout process may be performed even if a message “Counting prohibited” is displayed on the screen or a medal is inserted into the medal insertion unit 19a. Although the present invention is realized by controlling so as not to start the counting operation, the present invention is not limited to this, and a mechanism such as a shutter is provided so that a medal can not be inserted into the medal insertion unit 19a. The counting operation may be limited including closing.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the process for performing the exclusive control is the medal lending process, the stored medal replay process, the medal replay process, and the counting process, but the present invention is limited to this. It is not a thing. For example, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 is provided with a throwing medal storage unit for storing medals for lending processing and replay processing. Medals are stored in the storage section. The throwing medal storage unit performs a smoothing process such as reverse driving and vibration of the throwing mechanism when the medals are replenished. By this smoothing process, the state in which medals are stacked in a mountain shape is improved to make it as flat as possible. By making the medals inside the thrown medal storage part flat by the smoothing process, it is possible to appropriately grasp the situation such as the near empty of the medals detected by the sensor inside the thrown medal storage part. For processing that requires a large power supply capacity, such as smoothing processing, it is possible to reduce the load on the apparatus by performing exclusive control with other operations. Further, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 has a counting medal storage unit for temporarily storing the medal to be counted, and a situation where processing for confirming that the medal has been reliably counted is necessary (when the card is discharged). When the store is closed, etc.), an empty confirmation process for reliably discharging the internal medal is performed by driving the count driving unit provided in the counting medal storage unit to rotate forward. This empty confirmation process may also be controlled exclusively with other operations.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, an embodiment is described in which only exclusive control is performed for the medal lending process, the stored medal replay process, the medal replay process, the counting process, and the like. Is not limited to this, and a priority order is set for each process. When a process with a high priority is requested, a process with a low priority is temporarily stopped and a process with a high priority is executed. When a low process is requested, a process with a high priority may be prioritized and a process with a low priority may be prohibited. For example, the following cases. If a situation requiring smoothing processing occurs during the medal lending process and the order of the smoothing process is set higher than the medal lending process, the medal lending process is temporarily stopped with priority on the smoothing process. Further, when there is a lending process request while the smoothing process is being executed, control is performed so that the lending process is prohibited by giving priority to the smoothing process.

  Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the operability is improved and the burden on the apparatus is restricted by using the game medal to limit the simultaneous operation of the process related to the payout and the process related to the counting in the game inter-device. Although the case of reducing is described as an example, the present invention is not limited to game medals, and the processing and counting related to the payout in the inter-device device of a game such as a game ball is not limited to game medals. It can also be applied to the case where the simultaneous operation of such processing is restricted to improve operability and reduce the burden on the apparatus.

  Further, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, a detailed description of the form of a card that is a medium for associating the number of game media is omitted, but such a card includes a magnetic card, an IC card, and the like. Further, although the “card” has been described as an example here for convenience of explanation, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a chip, a stick, a portable terminal, or the like is used in addition to such a card.

  In addition, each configuration illustrated in the above-described first and second embodiments is functionally schematic and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. That is, the form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed / integrated in an arbitrary unit according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be configured.

  As described above, each device and the game medium management method according to the present invention are suitable for suppressing the burden on the device and improving the operability.

10, 110 Inter-unit medal lending machine 11 Status display unit 12, 112 Banknote transport unit 12a Banknote insertion slot 13, 113 Display operation unit 14, 114 Reader / writer 14a Card insertion slot 14b, 114b Cover unit 15, 115 Communication unit 16, 116 Storage unit 16a, 116a Card ID
16b, 116b Valuable value data 16c, 116c Processing flag 116d Payout function status 116e Count processing parameter 17, 117 Control unit 17a, 117a Data management unit 17b, 117b Medal lending processing unit 17c, 117c Owned medal replay processing unit 17d, 117d Saving medal replay processing unit 17e, 117e medal counting processing unit 17f, 117f display screen control unit 117g payout function monitoring unit 18, 118 nozzle unit 18a nozzle 19, 119 counting unit 19a medal insertion unit 20 gaming machine 21 drum unit 22 display unit 23 medal slot 24 operation unit 25 saucer 30 island controller 40 card management device 50 member management device 60 free gift management device 80 checkout machine

Claims (6)

Each device is installed corresponding to a gaming machine that pays out gaming media according to a gaming result and manages gaming media used for gaming by the gaming machine,
A payout processing unit for performing a payout process of the game media by controlling the driving of the predetermined dispensing mechanism,
Obtained as a result of the game by the game machine, a counting processing unit for performing a counting processing by controlling the driving of the predetermined counting mechanism game media received from a predetermined receiving unit,
Automatic counting driving means for automatically driving and controlling the counting mechanism when a predetermined automatic driving condition is satisfied;
Each of the vehicles is provided with limiting means for restricting drive control of the counting mechanism when the payout processing means drives the game medium payout mechanism to perform payout processing. apparatus. Said limiting means, the platform according to claim 1, characterized in that the counting mechanism by Ri dispensing mechanism into the payout processing means if that are controlled drive to limit that is driven and controlled. Said limiting means, wherein when the counting mechanism that are controlled drive, in claim 2, characterized in that to suppress the operation of the payout processing means by invalidating the operation of instructing payout of the game medium Each stand device.   A payout instruction operating means operated by the player to instruct the payout of game media;
  Display control means for performing predetermined display control;
  Further comprising
  The display control means performs a display capable of recognizing that the operation of the payout instruction operation means is restricted when the payout mechanism is restricted from being driven and controlled.
  Each stand apparatus of Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. The payout processing means performs processing for accepting a storage medium and / or money associated with a value usable for paying out the game medium,
The restricting means restricts the operation of the counting processing means when the storage medium and / or money receiving process is being performed by the payout processing means, and stores the memory when the counting processing means is operating. Each stand apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a medium and / or money receiving process is restricted. Each game apparatus installed corresponding to a gaming machine for paying out gaming media according to a gaming result is a gaming media management method for managing gaming media used for gaming by the gaming machine,
A payout processing step of performing payout process of the game media by controlling the driving of the predetermined dispensing mechanism,
Obtained as a result of the game by the game machine, a counting processing step of performing a counting processing by controlling the driving of the predetermined counting mechanism game media received from a predetermined receiving unit,
An automatic counting driving step for automatically driving and controlling the counting mechanism when a predetermined automatic driving condition is satisfied;
When said payout process by driving the dispensing mechanism of the game media by payout process step is being performed, the game medium characterized by including a restriction step of restricting said counting mechanism is driven and controlled Management method.

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