JP6291661B2 - GAME MEDIUM COUNTER AND GAME DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game medium counting device and a game device .

In general, a hall in which a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine is installed is provided with a game medium counting device that counts game media such as game balls acquired by the player.
In this type of game medium counting device, for example, in the case of a counting device that counts game balls (so-called pachinko balls) as a counting target, the game balls thrown into the hopper formed in a mortar shape are inserted into the device from the slot at the bottom of the hopper. Sequentially flows into the apparatus and is guided to a predetermined counting means (for example, a proximity sensor) by a flow path (lane) in the apparatus and counted. The counted results are recorded on a predetermined recording medium such as a paper ticket (receipt), a magnetic card, an IC card, and an IC coin, and are issued / provided to the player.

Some of such game medium counting devices are provided with a shutter for opening / closing a game medium slot. By providing a shutter at the slot, it is possible to regulate the insertion / inflow of game media into the slot by opening and closing the shutter.
For this reason, by controlling the opening / closing of the shutter under the management / witness of employees on the game hall side, it becomes impossible for the player to operate the counting device without permission to perform the counting process, It is possible to prevent the occurrence of troubles such as frauds to the counting device and failures due to inappropriate operations.
An example of a game medium counting device in which a shutter is provided at this type of slot is described in Patent Document 1, for example.

JP 2001-087526 A

It is an object of the present invention to provide a game medium counting device and a game device .

In order to achieve the above object, a game medium counting device according to the present invention comprises a game medium insertion slot into which a game medium can be inserted, a counting means capable of counting the game medium loaded into the game medium insertion slot, and a predetermined issuance. An issue operation accepting means capable of accepting an operation, and an issue means capable of issuing a recording medium on which information related to a counting result by the counting means is recorded based on the issue operation accepting means accepting a predetermined issue operation; Displaceable between a first state in which a game medium can be inserted into the game medium slot and a second state in which it is more difficult to insert a game medium into the game medium slot than the first state Closing means, and determination means capable of determining whether the closing means is in the second state based on the fact that the issuing operation accepting means has accepted a predetermined issuing operation, the issuing means comprising: Previous If the closure means the judgment means judges to be in the second state, it is constituted can be issued a recording medium storing the specific information.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of a game medium counting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the game media counting apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the ticket issued with the game media counting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (a) is the ticket issued by a normal counting process, (b) was performed in the closed state of a shutter. A ticket issued by the counting process is shown. It is a front view which shows the ticket issued with the game media counting apparatus provided with the opening part in the shutter which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (a) is the ticket issued by a normal counting process, (b) is a shutter The ticket issued by the counting process performed about the game medium thrown through the opening part in the closed state of is shown. It is a front view which shows the ticket issued with the game media counting device which provided the opening part in the shutter which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (a) is the ticket issued by normal counting processing, (b) is employee A ticket issued when a small amount of counting processing is performed with the shutter opened by a player's operation or the like in the absence of a member or the like. It is a top view which shows the opening / closing operation | movement of the shutter of the game media counting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a figure which shows the closed state of a shutter, (b) is a figure which shows the open state of a shutter. It is a top view which shows the shutter provided with the opening part of the game media counting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a notch-shaped opening part formed in the edge part of the apparatus front side of a shutter. (B) is a shutter having a hole-like opening formed in a substantially central portion of the shutter, and (c) is a slot of an insertion port by a player's operation or the like when no employee is present. Each of the shutters is driven and stopped so that a part (or all) of the shutter is exposed to form a gap-shaped opening. It is a flowchart which shows the count processing operation | movement of the game media in the game media counting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and is a case where it is determined at the timing when the count of the game media was performed whether the shutter is a closed state. is there. 7 is a flowchart showing a game medium counting process operation in the game medium counting device according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which whether or not the counted game medium is issued or stored is determined whether or not the shutter is closed. This is a case where the determination is made at a different timing. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a game medium counting process operation in the game medium counting device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and in the processing operation shown in FIG. 8, when a storage ball operation is performed for the counting process performed in the shutter closed state, This is when the numerical value is invalidated (cleared). FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a game medium counting process in the game medium counting device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and in the processing operation shown in FIG. 9, when a storage operation is performed for the counting process performed in the shutter closed state; This is when the numerical value is invalidated (cleared). FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a game medium counting process in a game medium counting device including a shutter having an opening according to an embodiment of the present invention, and counting of game media is performed to determine whether or not the shutter is in a closed state. This is a case where the determination is made at a broken timing. It is a flowchart which shows the counting processing operation | movement of the game media in the game media counting device provided with the shutter which has the opening which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and whether the shutter is a closed state of the counted game media This is a case where the determination is made at the timing when the ticket issuing operation is performed.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the game medium counting device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Counter]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of a counting device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the counting device 10 according to the present embodiment.
The counting device 10 according to the present embodiment shown in these drawings is a counting device that counts game balls (so-called pachinko balls) as counting objects, and constitutes a gaming medium counting device according to the present invention.

The counting device 10 is arranged at a predetermined place in a game hall such as an island edge of a gaming machine island or a vicinity of a prize exchange counter in a gaming hall where a plurality of gaming machines are installed. The
The counting device 10 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is configured as a table-type counting device that can be placed on a stand or table for installation. The counting device itself is placed on the floor of the game hall. It can also be configured as a vertically installed counting device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the counting device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a mortar-shaped hopper 40 opened on the upper surface of the device, and a game ball thrown into the hopper 40 is inserted into an insertion port 32 ( As shown in FIG. 6 to be described later), the game balls are sequentially dropped and rolled into the apparatus via the slot 32. Thereafter, the current is diverted and rectified by a plurality of flow paths in the apparatus, and is guided to a plurality of sensors (counting sensor unit 25) for detecting a game ball to be counted.
Further, the counting device 10 is provided with a shutter 31 that is driven by a predetermined driving means to open / close the insertion port 32 and restrict or restrict the inflow of game balls into the counting device 10. The shutter 31 is opened in the presence of an employee or the like so that the counting process can be performed.
The counting device 10 of the present embodiment can detect and determine the counting process performed when the shutter 31 is in the closed state or when the shutter 31 is opened by a predetermined operation of the player. Predetermined processing is executed according to the determination result. As a result, it is possible to detect a counting process performed in the absence of an employee or the like.

Hereinafter, each part which comprises the counting device 10 is demonstrated concretely, referring drawings.
The counting device 10 includes a device main body 20, a shutter unit 30, and a hopper 40. The shutter unit 30 and the hopper 40 are accommodated and mounted on the base device main body 20, and one counting is performed. Forming device.

[Device main unit]
As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 20 includes a display unit 21, a ticket issuing unit 22, a ticket issuing button (cum storage button) 22 a, a card reader unit 23, and a front cover unit 24 that are arranged on the apparatus front side. It has.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus main body 20 includes a control configured as a computer that controls the counting sensor unit 25, the power supply unit 26, the storage unit 27, the communication unit 28, and each unit of the counting device 10. A portion 29 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 21 is arranged on the front right side of the apparatus main body 20, and displays a count value of the counted game balls and the like, and functions as an input unit that allows a predetermined input operation by a touch operation To do.
The display unit 21 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like having a touch panel function, and various displays necessary for the counting process in the counting device 10, such as the counted value of the game ball, the operation guidance of the device, and the error Information, various settings, etc. are displayed.

Further, in the present embodiment, a premium selection screen for selecting a predetermined small premium (for example, tobacco, canned coffee, canned juice, etc.) is displayed on the display unit 21, and the player selects the small premium displayed on the screen. It is supposed to be operated. When a predetermined prize selection operation is performed by the player via the display unit 21, the shutter unit 30 is driven and controlled by a control unit 29 described later so that a part or all of the insertion port 32 is exposed. 31 is controlled to be driven / stopped in the open state.
Therefore, in that case, the player can execute a (small amount) counting process alone even in the absence of an attendance of a game hall employee or the like.
The small quantity counting process by the player alone based on the prize selection operation will be described later (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

As shown in FIG. 1, the ticket issuing unit 22 is arranged in the information on the display unit 21 on the front right side of the apparatus main body 20, and the counting result of the game balls counted by the counting sensor unit 25 described later is displayed on a predetermined recording medium. This is the part that is recorded and issued. Here, examples of the recording medium issued by the ticket issuing unit 22 include a paper ticket (receipt), a magnetic card, an IC card, and an IC coin.
In the present embodiment, the ticket issuing unit 22 issues a paper ticket (receipt) as a recording medium indicating the counting result (see FIGS. 3 to 5).
The ticket issuance unit 22 issues a ticket by operating a ticket issuance button 22a disposed on the lower side of the display unit 21 (ticket issuance operation).
The ticket issuing unit 22 including the ticket issuing button 22a constitutes a recording medium issuing unit according to the present invention.

Further, the ticket issue button 22a is also used as a storage button for executing a predetermined storage process as will be described later. When a member card is inserted into the card reader unit 23, By operating the ticket issuance button 22a, a predetermined saving process is executed.
Therefore, the ticket issuing button 22a used as a storage ball button constitutes a counting result transmitting means according to the present invention together with a card reader unit 23 and a communication unit 28 described later.

The ticket issuing unit 22 according to the present embodiment performs the counting process when information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the storage unit 27 according to the determination of the control unit 29 described later. When the determination is made, predetermined information indicating that the counting result is counted in the closed state of the shutter 31 is recorded and issued on the recording medium (ticket) to be issued.
In addition, the ticket issuing unit 22 performs a predetermined number indicating that such a small amount count is performed when the player performs a prize selection operation and the shutter 31 is opened to perform the small amount count process described above. The information is recorded and a ticket is issued.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the ticket issuing unit 22 issues a paper ticket (receipt) as a recording medium indicating the counting result, and counts when the shutter 31 is closed. If it is determined that it has been made, a predetermined display is printed on the ticket surface.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, first, when counting is performed in a normal state, that is, when the shutter 31 is open, only normal information is printed and displayed on the ticket surface. It is like that.

In the example shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a bar code and a number indicating a game shop name and a counting result (the number of balls), a date and time of counting processing, and the like are printed and displayed on the ticket surface (FIG. 3). 3 (a), FIG. 4 (a), and FIG. 5 (a)).
On the other hand, when the shutter 31 is in a closed state or when a small amount is counted through a prize selection operation by the player, the shutter of the ticket is displayed on the ticket surface in addition to the normal ticket print display. Additional information indicating that the counting has been performed in the closed state 31 or that a small amount has been counted by the player is printed and displayed on the ticket surface (FIGS. 3B and 4). (B), see FIG. 5 (b)).

In the example shown in FIG. 3B, for the ticket issued at the normal time shown in FIG. 3A, the ticket is displayed in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) between the store name display and the barcode display of the counting result. A strip-shaped coloring display extending in the direction of "and" shutter close "displayed in the band is additionally printed.
The ticket shown in FIG. 3 (b) is issued in correspondence with the counting device 10 shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later, provided with a shutter 31 that does not have an opening through which a game ball can be inserted in the closed state. . Therefore, when the additional display shown in FIG. 3B is printed and a ticket is issued, there is no presence of an employee or the like and the counting device 10 recognizes that the shutter 31 is closed. In addition, the shutter 31 is pry open due to some factor, for example, physical external force, and the game ball is thrown into the slot 32 through the pricked gap or the like, and the counting process is performed.

On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 4 (b), the ticket issued in the normal time shown in FIG. 4 (a), further between the store name display and the bar code display of the counting result, A strip-shaped coloring display extending in the direction) and the characters “shutter closure / small amount count” displayed in the band are additionally printed in two-step writing.
Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5B, for the ticket issued in the normal state shown in FIG. 5A, the ticket is displayed in the left-right direction (horizontal) between the store name display and the barcode display of the counting result. In addition, a strip-like color display extending in the direction) and a “small amount count” character displayed in the strip are additionally printed.

These tickets shown in FIG. 4B and FIG. 5B are stored in the counting apparatus 10 having a shutter 31 provided with openings 31a to 31c into which a game ball can be inserted in the closed state shown in FIG. It is issued correspondingly.
Among these, when the additional display shown in FIG. 4B is printed and a ticket is issued, the opening provided in the shutter 31 when the counter 31 recognizes that the shutter 31 is closed. For example, a small amount of game balls are thrown into the slot 32 for the purpose of exchanging small prizes such as cigarettes, juice, and canned coffee through the sections 31a and 31b, and the counting process is performed.

  Furthermore, when the additional display shown in FIG. 5 (b) is printed and a ticket is issued, in order to carry out a small amount counting for the purpose of exchanging small premiums as described above, there is no need for attendance by employees or the like. When the shutter 31 is driven and stopped so as to expose a part or all of the insertion port 32 by a predetermined prize selection operation (see FIGS. 12 and 13 described later) performed by the player (described later). FIG. 7C shows the opening 31c above the gap), and a case where a small amount of game balls are inserted into the insertion port 32 through such an opening 31c and the counting process is performed. In this case, although the shutter 31 is not in the closed state, the game ball counting process is performed in a state where the player is alone and no employee or the like is present. Therefore, in this embodiment, in such a case, an additional display indicating that “small amount counting” as shown in FIG. 5B has been performed is printed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the ticket issuing unit 22 prints and displays additional information indicating that the count while the shutter 31 is closed or the small amount count by the player alone is performed on the ticket surface. Therefore, by presenting this ticket to the prize exchange counter of the amusement hall, it is understood by the amusement hall that the counting process related to the ticket was performed without the presence of employees or the like. become able to.
Therefore, at the amusement hall, the reason and background of the fact that the counting was carried out in the absence of such an employee, and the presence or absence of troubles such as failure or fraud of the counting device 10 resulting from the counting process are confirmed. can do.

The display / information indicating that the counting is performed in the absence of an employee or the like that can be printed and displayed by the ticket issuing unit 22 is shown in FIGS. 3B, 4B, and 5B. It is not limited to the example shown in ().
For example, it is possible to print and display only the display / character display of the color bands shown in FIGS. 3B, 4B, and 5B, and other forms of color display and characters. Display can also be performed.
Further, characters such as “shutter closed” and “small amount count” may be displayed in the background of the ticket.

In the present embodiment, the paper ticket issued by the ticket issuing unit 22 displays and records predetermined information indicating that the counting is performed while the shutter 31 is closed. Even when the recording medium on which the result is recorded is other than a ticket, for example, it is possible to record predetermined information indicating that the counting has been performed in the absence of an employee or the like.
For example, when a magnetic card, an IC card, an IC coin, or the like is issued as a recording medium, predetermined information indicating that counting while the shutter 31 is closed or a small amount is recorded together with the counting result of the game ball It can be stored, and a predetermined display or coloring can be added and recorded on the surface of the magnetic card, IC card, or IC coin to be issued.

The card reader unit 23 accepts an identification medium indicating predetermined player information, for example, a member card (for example, a magnetic card, an IC card, etc.) in which member information (member ID) of a player registered as a savings member is recorded. The reading means reads member information (for example, a member ID for identifying / specifying a member) recorded on the identification medium.
The member information (player information according to the present invention) received and read by the card reader unit 23 is associated with the counting result of the game balls counted by the counting sensor unit 25, and is counted via the communication unit 28. The storage ball processing transmitted from 10 to an external device is executed.
This storage ball processing is executed by inserting a membership card into the card reader unit 23 and operating a ticket issuing button 22a that is also used as a storage ball button.
The card issuer 22a, which is also used as a storage ball button, and a ticket issuing button 22a and a communication unit 28, which will be described later, constitute counting result transmission means according to the present invention.

Here, as the “external device” in the present invention, for example, a game hall management device (hall computer) installed in a game hall, a prize exchange device, a computer constituting a storage server, etc., a storage device therefor To do. Further, for example, a server or the like installed outside a game arcade connected via the Internet can be used as an external device. They can be external devices according to the present embodiment.
The member information transmitted to the external device and the count result data associated with the member information are stored and managed as the stored ball data of the member.
As a result, the player who is registered as a member whose membership card has been read by the card reader unit 23 stores the counting result of the game balls counted by the counting device 10 as his own stored balls in the management device or storage server of the game hall. -It can be managed, and in the next and subsequent games, a game ball can be rented based on the stored ball data and a game can be performed or a prize effect can be performed.

When the card reader unit 23 determines that the counting process is performed when the information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the storage unit 27 according to the determination of the control unit 29 described later, The membership card as an identification medium for the above-described storage processing is not accepted, or the counting result as the above-described storage data is not transmitted to an external device.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the counting device 10 determines that the counting has been performed while the shutter 31 is closed, the stored ball processing in the card reader unit 23 is not performed for the counted gaming balls. Become.
Furthermore, when it is determined by the counting device 10 that the counting has been performed while the shutter 31 is closed as described above, and the storage ball processing has not been performed, the ticket issuing unit 22 for the counted gaming balls. By performing a predetermined issuance operation on the ticket, it is possible to issue a ticket as shown in FIG.

When the counting device 10 determines that the counting has been performed while the shutter 31 is closed, the counting is provided with the shutter 31 shown in FIG. In the case of the device 10, the shutter 31 in the closed state is opened by some factor, for example, physical external force, in the absence of an employee or the like, and a game ball is thrown into the insertion port 32 through the opened gap. Thus, the counting process is performed.
In such a case, the counting process in a normal state is not performed, and it is considered unnecessary to perform a saving as a service to the player.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, which will be described later, there are provided openings 31a and 31b into which a game ball can be thrown in a closed state, and an opening 31c that is driven and controlled to be opened by a player's operation (selection operation for a small prize) In the counting apparatus 10 having the shutter 31, the counting process through the openings 31a to 31c provided in the shutter 31 was performed for the purpose of exchanging small prizes such as tobacco, juice, and canned coffee. become.
In that case, the player originally intended to exchange a small amount of prizes, and did not plan to store game balls and did not perform the counting process, and it is considered unnecessary to perform the storing process.

As described above, the counting is performed regardless of whether the counting device 10 determines that the counting is performed while the shutter 31 is closed or the small amount counting is performed by the player. The need to store the game balls is low. Rather, the tickets shown in FIGS. 3 (b), 4 (b), and 5 (b) described above are issued without storing the game balls. It is preferable to be able to reliably recognize and grasp that the counting performed during the closed state of the shutter 31 or the small amount counting by the player alone on the field side.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when the counting device 10 determines that counting has been performed while the shutter 31 is closed, first, when there is a request for storage processing, the membership card is not accepted. Alternatively, the counting result to be stored data is not transmitted to an external device.
Further, when a small amount is counted based on the prize selection operation of the player, the reception of the stored ball processing (acceptance of the membership card) itself is not performed.

Furthermore, when there is a request for the storage ball processing as a result of the counting performed while the shutter 31 is closed, the ticket issuing unit 22 rejects the storage ball processing and performs a predetermined issuing operation, A ticket recording and displaying predetermined information is issued.
As a result, at the game hall side, it is possible to surely prevent the storage ball processing based on the count that should not be performed or the unnecessary storage ball processing, and the count was performed while the shutter 31 was closed. It is possible to reliably grasp that such a counting process has been performed by the ticket displaying the information indicating the above.

In the present embodiment, when the counting device 10 determines that counting has been performed while the shutter 31 is closed, “the member card (identification medium) is not accepted” means that the player When the card is inserted into the card reader unit 23, the member card is immediately ejected from the card reader unit 23, or the card insertion unit of the card reader unit 23 is closed and the member card cannot be inserted itself. Is included.
In addition, when the counting device 10 determines that counting has been performed while the shutter 31 is closed, “no transmission of the counting result to an external device” means that the member card is inserted into the card reader unit 23. When the member card is read and the member information is identified and specified, the counting result that should be stored data is sent in order not to perform the storage processing for the specified member. This is the case where it is not performed.

Then, regarding the counting result in the closed state of the shutter 31 as described above, when there is a request for the storage ball processing, the counting data may be invalidated (cleared) without performing the above-described ticket issuing processing. it can.
As described above, when counting is performed while the shutter 31 is closed, it is less necessary to store the counted game balls, and the counting is performed while the shutter 31 is closed on the game hall side. It is considered sufficient to be able to recognize and grasp that
In particular, if it is considered that the shutter 31 is forcibly opened and counting is performed, the identification result of the member card can be read and the counting result can be invalidated without issuing a ticket if the member information for which the counting is performed can be identified. (Clear) is preferable. Therefore, in such a case, the counting result performed while the shutter 31 is closed can be invalidated (cleared) (see FIGS. 10 and 10 to be described later).

The front cover section 24 includes a front cover section 24 that can be opened and closed so as to cover the display section 21, the ticket issuing section 22, the ticket issuing button 22 a, and the card reader section 23.
The front cover portion 24 is unlocked by a key possessed by an amusement hall employee (store clerk) and the like, and the front cover portion 24 is opened, thereby allowing access to the inside of the apparatus main body 20 and maintenance. And repairs of malfunctions are possible.

The counting sensor unit 25 is disposed inside the apparatus main body 20 and detects game balls flowing down from a plurality of channels through the insertion port 32 (see FIGS. 6 and 6). For example, the counting sensor unit 25 is provided corresponding to each channel. Sensor means comprising a plurality of proximity sensors.
A detection signal from each proximity sensor is input to the control unit 29, and the control unit 29 counts the number of times of input and calculates it as a count value of the game balls.
Then, the counting result of the counting sensor unit 25 is recorded and displayed on the ticket by the ticket issuing unit 22 described above, and is transmitted to an external device in association with the member information identified by the card reader unit 23. It will be stored and managed as stored data.
This counting sensor unit 25 constitutes counting means according to the present invention.

The power supply unit 26 generates and supplies power suitable for each part in the machine from a predetermined AC power supply.
The storage unit 27 stores various information and data such as count values, various set values, and shutter closed / open states.
Specifically, the storage unit 27 includes a program and data for executing various functions of the counting device 10, a count value counted based on a detection signal from the count sensor unit 25, a count time (count update time), and the like. Is a storage means for storing.
The storage unit 27 includes, for example, a storage unit such as a RAM constituting a control unit 29 described later, a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory connected to the control unit 29.
In the present embodiment, the state information indicating whether or not the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in, for example, the RAM of the storage unit 27, and the state information stored in the storage unit 27 is stored in the storage unit 27. Reference is made to detect and determine that the counting process has been performed when the shutter 31 is in the closed state.
The storage unit 27 constitutes a state storage unit according to the present invention.

The communication unit 28 is a communication unit that communicates with an external device, for example, a game hall management device (hall computer), a prize exchange device, or a storage server installed in the game hall.
Then, the member information received and read by the card reader unit 23 and the counting result of the game balls counted by the counting sensor unit 25 are associated with each other through the communication unit 28, and the counting device 10 Sent to an external device.
As a result, the counting result of the game balls counted by the counting device 10 is stored and managed in the external device as accumulated ball data.
The communication unit 28, together with the above-described ticket issuing unit 22a used as the card reader unit 23 and the storage button, constitutes a counting result transmission unit according to the present invention.

The control part 29 is a control means comprised as a computer which controls each part of the counting device 10 mentioned above.
Specifically, the control unit 29 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM in which a program and data for controlling each unit are recorded, a RAM serving as a work area, and an I / O port for connecting each unit to the CPU. Each part of the counting device 10 is controlled by executing a program recorded in the ROM.
Under the control of the control unit 29, a signal indicating the counting result is output from the counting sensor unit 25, and the device operates as a device for counting game balls.

Under the control of the control unit 29, a shutter drive unit 34, which will be described later, is controlled so that the shutter 31 is opened and closed.
First, the control unit 29 controls the opening / closing operation of the shutter 31 included in the initialization operation when the counting device 10 is powered on.
Specifically, in the initialization operation when the counting device 10 is turned on, the control unit 29 opens and closes the shutter 31 and controls the shutter 31 to be closed. When the shutter 31 is controlled to the closed state, the closed state detection unit 36 described later detects that the shutter 31 is in the closed state, and the storage unit 27 stores that the shutter 31 is in the closed state.

Thereafter, when the opening / closing operation of the shutter 31 is performed based on a predetermined input operation (for example, an opening operation of the front cover unit 24) by an employee of the game hall, the control unit 29 performs the opening / closing operation of the shutter 31. The shutter 31 is driven and controlled to the open state. When the shutter 31 is controlled to the open state, the open state detection unit 35 described later detects that the shutter 31 is in the open state, and the storage unit 27 stores that the shutter 31 is in the open state.
In the opened state of the shutter 31, the game ball thrown into the hopper 40 falls and flows into the apparatus main body 20 through the slot 32 and the counting sensor unit 25 performs counting processing.
After the counting is completed, when the opening / closing operation of the shutter 31 is performed based on a predetermined input operation (for example, opening operation of the front cover unit 24) by an employee of the game hall, the control unit 29 opens / closes the shutter 31. The operation is performed, the shutter 31 is again driven and controlled to the closed state, and the storage unit 27 stores that the shutter 31 is in the closed state.

Then, the control unit 29 detects and determines whether or not the counting process in the counting sensor unit 25 has been performed in a state where information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the storage unit 27. It has become.
Specifically, the control unit 29 refers to the data stored in the storage unit 27 at a predetermined timing to detect whether or not information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the storage unit 27. ·judge.

For example, the control unit 29 can refer to the stored data in the storage unit 27 at the timing when the game ball detection signal is output from the counting sensor unit 25.
Further, the control unit 29 can refer to the stored data in the storage unit 27 at the timing when the operation of the ticket issuing button 22a in the ticket issuing unit 22 is performed.
The control unit 29 can refer to the stored data in the storage unit 27 at the timing when the member card is inserted into the card reader unit 23.

Then, when information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the storage unit 27 at such reference timing, the control unit 29 indicates that the counting process has been executed in the closed state of the shutter 31. judge.
Based on the determination result of the control unit 29, issuance of a ticket (see FIG. 3B, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5B) in which the above-described predetermined information is recorded, rejection of acceptance of the membership card and storage ball Data transmission rejection processing is executed.
The control unit 29 constitutes a determination unit according to the present invention.

Further, the control unit 29 drives and controls the shutter 31 to the open state when the above-described prize selection operation of the player is performed. Accordingly, the player can perform a counting process by inserting a game ball into the insertion slot 32 and performing a counting process in a state where no employee or the like is present, and can perform a small count for exchanging the desired small prize. become.
Then, when such a small amount count is performed, the control unit 29 issues a ticket (see FIGS. 3B, 4B, and 5B) in which predetermined information indicating the fact is recorded. It is like that.

[Shutter section]
The shutter unit 30 is disposed inside the apparatus main body 20 as described above.
The shutter unit 30 includes the shutter 31 illustrated in FIG. 1, the shutter driving unit 34 that opens and closes the shutter 31 illustrated in FIG. 2, the open state detection unit 35 that detects the open state of the shutter, and the closed state of the shutter. Each part of the closed state detection part 36 is provided.
FIG. 6 schematically shows a physical configuration of the shutter unit 30 according to the present embodiment.

6A and 6B are plan views of the shutter unit 30 as viewed from above the apparatus. FIG. 6A shows a closed state of the shutter 31 and FIG. 6B shows an open state.
As shown in the figure, the shutter unit 30 is formed in a box shape, and includes a shutter 31 that is a movable body, and guide rails 33 that extend horizontally on both sides of the shutter 31. The shutter 31 is slid on the guide rail 33 so that the insertion port 32 disposed on the front side of the apparatus is opened and closed.

The insertion port 32 communicates with a communication port formed on the bottom surface of the hopper 40, and causes the game ball to drop and flow into the flow path inside the apparatus main body 20. That is, as shown in FIG. 6B, the shutter unit 30 operates to guide the inflowing game ball to the flow path in the apparatus when the shutter 31 is in the open state, as shown in FIG. Thus, when the shutter 31 is in the closed state, it operates so as to prevent the game ball from being guided to the flow path.
As shown in FIG. 2, the shutter unit 30 includes a shutter drive unit 34, an open state detection unit 35, and a closed state detection unit 36.

The shutter drive unit 34 is an example of a drive unit that opens and closes the shutter 31, and in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a motor 341 and a belt 342 that rotates around the motor 341 and these are linked. A pulley 343 as a driving roller to be driven, a threaded shaft 344 provided with a male screw, and a female screw 345 engaged with the male screw are provided.
The belt 342 is wound around the shaft of the motor 341 and connected to the pulley 343, and the pulley 343 is connected to the threaded shaft 344. The female screw 345 is fixed to the back surface of the shutter 31.

With such a configuration, when the motor 341 is driven by the motor 341, the pulley 343 is rotated via the belt 342, and the threaded shaft 344 opens and closes the shutter 31 via the female screw 345 by the rotation of the pulley 343. Can be moved in the direction.
As described above, the shutter 31 is driven and controlled so that the shutter drive unit 34 is driven and controlled to be closed in the initial operation by the control unit 29, and the shutter 31 is opened by the operation of a game hall employee or the like. The drive is controlled.
Further, even when a prize selection operation is performed by the player, the shutter drive unit 34 is driven and controlled by the control of the control unit 29, and the shutter 31 is driven and controlled to the open state.

The open state detector 35 and the closed state detector 36 are detection means for detecting the open / closed state of the shutter 31.
In the present embodiment, the open state detection unit 35 / closed state detection unit 36 is configured by, for example, a photo interrupter, and detects an open state or a closed state (open position / closed position) of the shutter 31.
Specifically, the open state detection unit 35 confirms that the shutter 31 has moved to the back side of the apparatus (the lower side of the drawing) and the insertion port 32 has been opened (the state of FIG. 6B). Then, the closed state detection unit 36 detects that the shutter 31 has moved to the front side of the apparatus (upper side of the drawing) and the insertion port 32 has been closed (the state of FIG. 6A).

And the open state detection part 35 and the closed state detection part 36 output a detection signal to the control part 29, when an open / close chain state is detected.
Based on the detection signal from the open state detection unit 35 / closed state detection unit 36, the control unit 29 causes the recording unit 27 to store information indicating the open / closed state of the shutter 31 (for example, a flag).
Accordingly, the control unit 29 can detect and determine the open / closed state of the shutter 31 by referring to the information in the recording unit 27 at the predetermined timing as described above, and the shutter 31 is in the closed state. It can be determined whether or not the counting process has been executed. As a result, it is possible to detect the counting process performed in the absence of an employee or the like.
Based on the determination result of the control unit 29, issuance of a ticket (see FIG. 3B, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5B) in which the above-described predetermined information is recorded, or rejection of membership card acceptance And processing to refuse transmission of stored data can be executed.

Information stored in the recording unit 27 based on detection signals from the open state detection unit 35 / closed state detection unit 36 includes, for example, an open flag indicating the open state of the shutter 31, a close flag indicating the closed state, and the like. There is. Further, both the open flag and the close flag can be stored in the storage unit 27, or only one of them can be stored.
Even when only one of the open / close flags is stored, it can be determined that the flag is stored, that is, open (or closed), and if it is not stored, it can be determined that the shutter 31 is closed (or open). This is because the closed state can be detected and determined. Therefore, in the present invention, any configuration and means may be used as long as at least that the shutter is in the closed state can be detected and determined.

Further, the shutter 31 provided in the shutter unit 30 as described above can include an input unit that can input game balls to be counted by the counting sensor unit 25 when in the closed state. This input unit constitutes a game medium input unit according to the present invention.
For example, with respect to the shutter 31 shown in FIG. 6, when the shutter 31 is in the closed state (the state shown in FIG. 6A), an opening through which a game ball can be inserted is provided in the insertion port 32. it can.

An example of such an opening is shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a shutter 31 having an opening according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7A shows an edge of the shutter 31 on the front side of the apparatus when the shutter 31 is in a closed state. This is a case where the formed notch-shaped opening 31a is provided.
FIG. 5B shows a case where a hole-like opening 31b is formed in the substantially central portion of the shutter 31. FIG.
FIG. 6C shows that a part (or all) of the slot 32 is exposed by a predetermined operation (premium selection operation) by the player when the shutter 31 is closed and no employee or the like is present. In this case, the gap-shaped opening 31c is formed by being driven and stopped as described above.

In the case where the openings 31a to 31c as shown in FIG. 7 are provided, even when the shutter 31 is in the closed state, the game ball can be thrown into and dropped from the slot 32 through the openings 31a and 32b. As a result, the counting sensor unit 25 can perform counting.
Further, in the case of including an opening 31c that is controlled to be driven / stopped in an open state so that a part or all of the insertion port 32 is exposed by a player's operation (premium selection operation), an employee or the like Even without the presence of the player, it is possible for the player alone to throw a small amount of game balls into the slot 32 and perform the counting process.
And it counts when the game ball is thrown in through such opening parts 31a-31c, and the information which shows that the shutter 31 is a closed state is memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 27 by determination of the control part 29 mentioned above. When it is determined that the processing has been performed, or when the counting process is performed through a predetermined prize selection operation by the player, the ticket issuing unit 22 adds an employee or the like to the ticket to be issued when the shutter 31 is closed. Recorded and issued predetermined information indicating that the counting result is counted in the absence of (see FIGS. 3 (b), 4 (b), and 5 (b)). .
In this case, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B, a ticket displaying and printing information indicating that “small amount counting” has been performed through the openings 31a to 31c is issued. Is preferred.

The shutter 31 that closes the slot 32 is provided to prevent troubles such as malfunctions and frauds when a large number of game balls are counted alone by a player without attendance of employees of the game hall. Is the main purpose. Therefore, if a small number of game balls are counted, there is little possibility that a shortage of troubles will occur even if the player performs the counting process alone without the permission or attendance of the game hall employees, etc. .
As a result of the game, if only a small amount of game balls can be acquired, and there is only a sufficient amount of game balls that can be exchanged for small prizes (for example, cigarettes, juice, canned coffee, etc.) without having to deal with savings, As a player, there is a case where it is easy to complete the counting process and exchange it for a small prize.

In such a case, it is bothersome for the player to call the employee one by one and open the shutter 31 in the closed state to perform the counting process, and may feel embarrassed to count a small amount of game balls. .
In addition, from the viewpoint of business efficiency and the like, it is preferable for the game hall side to perform counting processing by a single player rather than calling an employee each time if it is counting processing of a small amount of game balls.
However, even if such a small amount is counted, it is not preferable that the game hall does not recognize and grasp at all from the viewpoint of game hall management, security improvement, and the like.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, in response to the actual situation and demand / request for the counting process of a small amount of game balls as described above, the shutter 31 is provided with openings 31a to 31c, and the counting process by the player alone is performed. In order to make it possible for the game hall to confirm and grasp that the counting process of such a player alone has been performed, a small amount of such a player is counted on the ticket recording the counting result. A predetermined display indicating that has been performed is performed.
As a result, the player can count a small amount of game balls for the purpose of exchanging small prizes such as cigarettes, juice, and canned coffee through the openings 31 a to 31 c provided in the shutter 31. It will be possible to do it alone without the need for permission / witness.
On the other hand, on the game hall side, it is possible to confirm that the counting process has been performed by the player alone through such openings 31a to 31c by using a ticket in which predetermined information is recorded. If there are inconveniences or suspicious points in the counting result, it is possible to confirm with the player who has performed the counting process based on the ticket.

In addition, in the counting device 10 including the shutter 31 having the openings 31a to 31c as described above, when performing a small amount counting through the openings 31a to 31c, the player performs a predetermined operation (premium selection operation). It is possible to execute the counting process (see FIGS. 12 and 12 to be described later).
For example, a premium selection screen for selecting a predetermined small premium (for example, tobacco, canned coffee, canned juice, etc.) is displayed on the display unit 21 of the apparatus main body 20, and the selection operation for the small premium displayed on the screen is performed. When performed, the counting process of game balls thrown from the openings 31a to 31c can be allowed and executed.
In particular, in the case of the opening diagram 31c shown in FIG. 7C, the shutter 31 is driven and stopped in an open state so that a part or all of the insertion slot 32 is exposed by the player's prize selection operation. To.
In this way, it is possible to execute the counting process by the player alone through the openings 31a to 31c only in relation to the small amount prize, and the unlimited counting process is executed through the openings 31a to 31c. Can be prevented.

[Counting operation]
Next, game ball counting processing operations in the counting device 10 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
As described above, the counting process according to the present embodiment detects / determines the counting process performed in a state where the shutter 31 is stored as being closed, and executes a predetermined process according to the determination result / It is characterized by non-execution.
In view of such a feature, the counting process of the counting device 10 is performed according to the timing for referring to and determining whether or not the shutter 31 is in the closed state, and when the shutter 31 is in the closed state. The following six embodiments will be described depending on what processing is executed / not executed after that.

[Closed state judgment during counting process]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the counting processing operation in the counting device 10 according to the present embodiment, in which it is determined whether or not the shutter 31 is in the closed state at the timing when the game ball is counted.
The counting process 100 shown in FIG. 8 is largely based on whether or not the shutter 31 is in an open state, specifically, whether or not an opening operation of the shutter 31 by a store clerk (employee) on the game hall side has been performed. Separated (S101).

When the opening operation of the shutter 31 by the store clerk is not performed (S101: No), when the counting signal from the counting sensor unit 25 is detected by the control unit 29 and the counting process is determined to be “present” (S102: Yes), the control unit 29 refers to whether or not information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the RAM constituting the storage unit 27 (S103).
When information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the storage unit 27 (S103: Yes), the control unit 29 displays “shutter” in order to cause the ticket issuing unit 22 to print a predetermined additional display. “Closed flag ON” is set (S104).

Thereafter, the control unit 29 determines whether or not a member card has been inserted (accepted) into the card reader unit 23 (S105). When the member card has not been inserted (accepted) (S105: No), The process waits until a ticket issuing operation (operation of the ticket issuing button 22a) is performed on the ticket issuing unit 22 (S106).
When the ticket issuing operation is performed (S106: Yes), the control unit 29 records and prints predetermined information indicating that the counting process has been performed in the closed state of the shutter 31 based on the shutter closing flag (S104). The issued ticket (shutter closed ticket: see FIG. 3B) is issued to the ticket issuing unit 22 (S107).
Thereafter, when the shutter close flag is ON (S108: Yes), the control unit 29 turns the shutter close flag OFF (S109), and the counting process is ended.

On the other hand, when the member card is inserted (accepted) into the card reader unit 23 in S105 (S105: Yes), the control unit 29 inserts the member card inserted into the card reader unit 23. The member card is discharged without accepting (S110).
This prevents / excludes the game balls that have been counted in the closed state of the shutter 31 from being associated with the membership card and stored.
When the membership card is discharged, the control unit 29 waits until the ticket issuing operation is performed in S106. When the ticket issuing operation is performed (S106: Yes), the control unit 29 sends the ticket issuing unit 22 to the ticket issuing unit 22 as described above. A ticket on which predetermined information is recorded / printed (shutter closing ticket: see FIG. 3B) is issued, and the counting process ends (S107 to 109).
In this way, for game balls that have been counted in the closed state of the shutter 31, processing is not performed even if the ball processing is performed with the membership card, and a shutter closing ticket is always issued. By confirming the ticket on the amusement hall side, it is possible to reliably grasp and confirm that the counting process is performed when the shutter 31 is closed.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S103 that information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is not stored in the storage unit 27 (S103: No), the clerk opens the shutter 31 by this timing. This means that the operation has been performed, and normal (regular) ticket issuing / storing processing is performed (S113 to 118).
First, it is determined whether or not a member card has been inserted into or accepted from the card reader unit 23 (S113). If no member card has been inserted (accepted) (S113: No), a ticket issuing unit. When a ticket issuance operation (operation of the ticket issuance button 22a) is performed on the ticket 22 (S114: Yes), a normal (regular) ticket (see FIG. 3A) is issued by the ticket issuing unit 22 (S115). The counting process ends.
In addition, when the membership card is inserted (accepted) (S113: Yes), a predetermined storage operation (operation of the ticket issue button 22a) is performed (S116: Yes). Normal (regular) storage processing is executed (S117), and then the membership card is discharged / returned to the player (S118), and the counting processing ends.

In S101, when it is determined that the shutter 31 is in an open state, that is, when the opening operation of the shutter 31 is performed by a store clerk on the game hall side (S101: Yes), the normal (regular) Counting processing and ticket issuing / storing processing associated therewith are performed (S119 to 128).
First, when the shutter 31 is driven to the open state by the operation of the store clerk (S119), the counting process is performed. Specifically, the game ball is thrown into the slot 32 and the count sensor unit 25 counts. If the count is performed, it is next determined whether or not a member card has been inserted into the card reader unit 23 (S121).

When the membership card is not inserted (accepted) (S121: No), a ticket issuing operation (operation of the ticket issuing button 22a) for the ticket issuing unit 22 is performed (S122: Yes), and usually ( A regular ticket (see FIG. 3A) is issued by the ticket issuing unit 22 (S123), and then the shutter 31 is driven to the closed state (S124), and the counting process ends.
In addition, when the membership card is inserted (accepted) (S121: Yes), a predetermined storage operation (operation of the ticket issue button 22a) is performed (S125: Yes), and the control unit 29 Normal (regular) storage processing is executed (S126), and after the membership card is discharged / returned to the player (S128), the shutter 31 is driven to the closed state (S128), and the counting processing ends.

[Determination of closed status when issuing tickets / savings]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the counting processing operation in the counting device 10 according to the present embodiment, and whether or not the shutter 31 is in a closed state, the timing at which the counted game ball ticket issuance or storage operation is performed. It is a case where it determines by.
The counting process 200 shown in FIG. 9 is the same as the counting process 100 shown in FIG. 8 described above. First, it is determined whether or not the shutter 31 is in the open state. ) Is roughly classified according to whether or not the shutter 31 has been opened (S201).

When the opening operation of the shutter 31 by the store clerk is not performed (S201: No), the count signal from the count sensor unit 25 is detected by the control unit 29 and it is determined that the counting process is “present” (S202). Next, the control unit 29 determines whether or not a member card has been inserted (received) into the card reader unit 23 (S203).
When the membership card is not inserted (accepted) (S203: No), the process waits until a ticket issuing operation (operation of the ticket issuing button 22a) is performed on the ticket issuing unit 22 (S204).
When the ticket issuing operation is performed (S204: Yes), the control unit 29 refers to whether or not information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the RAM configuring the storage unit 27 (S205). .

When information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the storage unit 27 (S205: Yes), the control unit 29 stores a ticket (shutter that has predetermined information recorded and printed in the ticket issuing unit 22). Closed ticket (refer to FIG. 3B) is issued to the ticket issuing unit 22 (S206), and the counting process ends.
If it is determined in S205 that information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is not stored in the storage unit 27 (S207: No), the clerk opens the shutter 31 by this timing. As a result of the operation, a normal (regular) ticket is issued (S207), and the counting process ends.

On the other hand, when the membership card is inserted (accepted) into the card reader unit 23 in S203 (S203: Yes), a predetermined storage operation (operation of the ticket issue button 22a) is performed. (S208: Yes), the control unit 29 refers to whether or not information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the RAM constituting the storage unit 27 (S209).
When information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the storage unit 27 (S209: Yes), the control unit 29 causes the card reader unit 23 to accept the inserted member card. First, the membership card is discharged (S210).

This prevents / excludes the game balls that have been counted in the closed state of the shutter 31 from being associated with the membership card and stored.
When the membership card is discharged, the control unit 29 waits until the ticket issuance operation is performed in S204. When the ticket issuance operation is performed (S204: Yes), as described above, the control unit 29 determines the shutter state information of the RAM. In response to this, the ticket issuing unit 22 is allowed to issue a ticket on which predetermined information is recorded and printed (shutter closed ticket: see FIG. 3B) or a normal (regular) ticket (see FIG. 3A). The counting process ends (S205 to 207).

In this way, for game balls that have been counted in the closed state of the shutter 31, processing is not performed even if the ball processing is performed with the membership card, and a shutter closing ticket is always issued. By confirming the ticket on the amusement hall side, it is possible to reliably grasp and confirm that the counting process is performed when the shutter 31 is closed.
If it is determined in S209 that information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is not stored in the storage unit 27 (S209: No), the clerk opens the shutter 31 by this timing. As a result of the operation, the control unit 29 executes a normal (regular) storage process (S213), and then the membership card is discharged / returned to the player (S214), and the counting process ends. .

Further, when it is determined in S201 that the shutter 31 is in an open state, that is, when the opening operation of the shutter 31 is performed by a store clerk on the game hall side (S201: Yes), the normal (regular) Counting processing and ticket issuing / storing processing associated therewith are performed (S219 to 228).
In this case, the processing operation is related to normal (regular) counting processing and subsequent ticket issuance / storing processing, and the details are the same as S119 to S128 in FIG. 8 described above.

[Closed state judgment / clearing ball data clear during counting]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the counting processing operation in the counting device 10 according to the present embodiment. In the processing operation shown in FIG. Is disabled (cleared).
The counting process 300 shown in FIG. 10 is basically the same as the counting process 100 shown in FIG. 8 described above. In FIG. 10, the same processing operation as in FIG. 8 is performed in S301 to S328 with the last two digits of the process numbers corresponding to S101 to 128 in FIG. 8.

In FIG. 10, when the membership card is inserted (accepted) into the card reader unit 23 in S305 (S305: Yes), the control unit 29 accepts the membership card to the card reader unit 23. However, the processing after the membership card is discharged (S310) is different from the processing after S105 to S110 shown in FIG.
After the membership card is not accepted and ejected in S110 of FIG. 8, a ticket closing operation is performed to issue a shutter closed ticket in which predetermined information is recorded (S106 to 109).

In contrast, when the membership card is not accepted and is ejected in S310 of FIG. 10, first, the control unit 29 stores in the storage unit 27 as a log (history information) that the membership card has been inserted and ejected. (S311).
Here, the log information stored in the storage unit 27 includes member identification information (member ID) recorded on the member card, date and time when the member card insertion operation was performed, and the like. In this way, the fact that the shutter 31 has been counted in the closed state is recorded as history information, and can be dealt with in the event of troubles related to the counting process by referring to it later. .

After the log indicating that the membership card is inserted is recorded, the control unit 29 clears the count value indicating the result of the counting process performed in the closed state of the shutter 31 related to the membership card, Invalidate (S312).
As described above, when counting is performed while the shutter 31 is in the closed state, it is not necessary to store the counted game balls, and such a shutter is recorded on the game site side by recording the log described above. It is sufficient to know that the counting was performed during the 31 closed state. Rather, if the ball storage process is performed based on such a counting process, there may be a possibility of causing a shortage of damage to the game hall.

Therefore, in the counting process shown in FIG. 10, with respect to the counting result performed while the shutter 31 is closed, log information is recorded (S311), and the count value data is cleared (invalidated). (S312).
As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent an unauthorized / unnecessary storage ball process from being executed.
The processing operation is the same as the counting process shown in FIG.

[Judgment during ticket issuance and storage operation / clear storage data]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the counting processing operation in the counting device 10 according to the present embodiment. In the processing operation shown in FIG. Is disabled (cleared).
The counting process 400 shown in FIG. 11 is basically the same as the counting process 200 shown in FIG. 9 described above. In FIG. 11, processing operations similar to those in the case of FIG. 9 are performed in S401 to 428 with the last two-digit process numbers corresponding to S201 to 228 of FIG. 9.

In FIG. 11, in S403, the membership card is inserted (accepted) into the card reader unit 23 (S403: Yes), a storage operation is performed (S408: Yes), and the control unit 29 is stored in the storage unit 27. Whether or not the information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the RAM that constitutes (S409), and information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the storage unit 27. In this case (S409: Yes), the processing after the member card is ejected without accepting the member card to the card reader unit 23 (S410) is different from the processing after S203 to 210 shown in FIG. ing.
After the membership card is not accepted and ejected in S210 of FIG. 9, a ticket closing operation is performed to issue a shutter closed ticket in which predetermined information is recorded, or a normal ticket (S204-). 207).

On the other hand, if the membership card is not accepted and is ejected in S410 of FIG. 11, the controller 29 inserts and ejects the membership card in the same manner as the processing operation (S310-312) shown in FIG. The log (history information) indicating that this has been done is stored (S411), and the count value indicating the counting result performed in the closed state of the shutter 31 associated with the member card is cleared (S412).
As a result, even in the counting process in FIG. 11, it is possible to reliably prevent an illegal / unnecessary storage ball process from being executed.
The processing operation is the same as the counting process shown in FIG.

[With shutter opening / determination during counting]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a counting processing operation in the counting device 10 including the shutter 31 having the small-quantity counting openings 31a to 31c according to the present embodiment, and whether or not the shutter 31 is in a closed state. This is a case where the determination is made at the timing when the game balls are counted.
In the counting process shown in FIG. 12, even when the shutter 31 includes the openings 31a to 31c shown in FIG. 7 and the shutter 31 is not opened by the store clerk, the player 31 alone is in the closed state. This is a case where a small number of game balls are approved and allowed for exchange for a small prize.

Further, in this case, when a small amount is counted by the player alone through the openings 31a to 31c, the player can perform a counting process after performing a predetermined prize selection operation. . For example, as described above, a premium selection screen for selecting a predetermined small premium (for example, cigarette, canned coffee, canned juice, etc.) is displayed on the display unit 21 of the apparatus main body 20, and the small premium displayed on the screen is displayed. When the selection operation is performed, the counting process of the game balls thrown from the openings 31a to 31c is allowed and executed. Thereby, only in relation to the small amount prize, the player alone can execute the counting process through the openings 31a to 31c, and the unlimited counting process is executed through the openings 31a to 31c. Is to prevent.
In the case shown in FIG. 12, the process for the case where there is a request for the ball processing for the counting-processed game balls is omitted, but for the ball processing, the processes shown in FIGS. In accordance with the operation, a predetermined storage process can be performed or not performed.

In the counting process 500 shown in FIG. 12, first, the control unit 29 determines whether or not the counting process is performed in the counting sensor unit 25 (S501). If it is determined that “counting is present” (S501: Yes), then, It is determined whether or not a prize selection operation has been performed by the player who has played (S502).
Depending on the presence / absence of the prize selection operation, the processing operation is roughly divided into two.

If the player has not performed a prize selection operation (S502: No), it is not a small amount count that can be performed by the player alone. First, the control unit 29 has a shutter 31 in the RAM constituting the storage unit 27. It is referred whether or not information indicating the closed state is stored (S503).
When information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the storage unit 27 (S503: Yes), the control unit 29 displays “shutter” in order to cause the ticket issuing unit 22 to print a predetermined additional display. “Closed flag ON” is set (S504).

Thereafter, when a ticket issuing operation is performed (S505: Yes), the control unit 29 records predetermined information indicating that the counting process is performed in the closed state of the shutter 31 based on the shutter close flag (S504). The printed ticket (shutter closed ticket: see FIG. 3B) is issued to the ticket issuing unit 22 (S506).
The shutter closing ticket in this case indicates that the ticket is counted in the “shutter closed” state, as shown in FIG. 3B, and as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B. A ticket that is not a ticket indicating “small amount count” is issued.
Thereafter, when the shutter close flag is ON (S507: Yes), the control unit 29 sets the shutter close flag to OFF (S508), and the counting process ends.
If it is determined in S503 that information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is not stored in the storage unit 27 (S503: No), the clerk opens the shutter 31 by this timing. As a result of the operation, a normal (regular) ticket (see FIG. 3A) issuance process is performed (S509).

On the other hand, in S502, when a prize selection operation is performed by the player (S502: Yes), it is a case of a small amount count that can be performed by the player alone. In this case as well, the control unit 29 first stores the storage unit. Reference is made to whether or not information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the RAM constituting the terminal 27 (S510).
When information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the storage unit 27 (S510: Yes), the shutter 31 is in the closed state as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B. This is also the case where openings 31a and 31b through which game balls can be inserted into the insertion port 32 are provided. In this case, the control unit 29 sets the “shutter close flag ON” to cause the ticket issuing unit 22 to print a predetermined additional display (S511).

Thereafter, when a ticket issuance operation is performed (S512: Yes), the control unit 29 records predetermined information indicating that the counting process has been performed in the closed state of the shutter 31 based on the shutter close flag (S511). The printed ticket (shutter closed ticket: see FIG. 4B) is issued to the ticket issuing unit 22 (S513).
Note that the shutter closing ticket in this case is a “small amount counting” approved / permitted on the game hall side while indicating that the shutter is closed, as shown in FIG. 4B. A ticket (shutter closed prize ticket) indicating both “shutter closing” and “small amount counting” is issued.
Thereafter, when the shutter close flag is ON (S514: Yes), the control unit 29 turns the shutter close flag OFF (S515), and the counting process is ended.

In S510, when it is determined that information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is not stored in the storage unit 27 (S516: No), the shutter 31 is illustrated in FIG. In this case, the shutter 31 is provided with an opening 31c that is driven to open according to the player's prize selection operation. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, the shutter 29 is not in the closed state and is a “small amount count” approved / permitted on the game hall side by the control of the control unit 29. A ticket indicating “small amount counting” (free gift ticket) is issued (S516).
As described above, in the counting device 10 including the shutter 31 having the openings 31a to 31c, it is detected and determined whether or not it is “small amount counting” through the openings 31a to 31c, and the result is determined. Recorded in the ticket, it will be possible to correctly grasp and confirm at the game hall side.

[With shutter opening / judgment / ticket operation]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a counting processing operation in the counting device 10 including the shutter 31 having the small-quantity counting openings 31a to 31c according to the present embodiment, and whether or not the shutter 31 is in a closed state. This is a case where determination is made at the timing when the ticket issuing operation for the counted game balls is performed.
In the counting process shown in FIG. 13, as in the case of FIG. 12 described above, the shutter 31 includes the openings 31a to 31c shown in FIG. In this case, it is a case where a small number of game balls are approved and allowed for exchange for a small prize by a player alone. 12 differs from the counting process of FIG. 12 in the case of FIG. 12, whether the shutter 31 is closed or not is determined at the timing when the counting process is detected, whereas in the case of FIG. Then, the determination is made at the timing when the ticket issuing operation is performed.
The other points are almost the same as the counting process in FIG.

Also in the counting process 600 shown in FIG. 13, as in the case of FIG. 12, first, the control unit 29 determines whether or not the counting process is performed in the counting sensor unit 25 (S601), and determines that “counting is present” (S601). Next, it is determined whether or not the above-described prize selection operation by the player has been performed (S602).
The processing operation is roughly divided into two depending on the presence / absence of the prize selection operation.

If no prize selection operation is performed by the player (S602: No), it is not a small count that can be performed by the player alone, and a ticket issuing operation (operation of the ticket issuing button 22a) is performed on the ticket issuing unit 22. (S603).
When a ticket issuing operation is performed (S603: Yes), the control unit 29 refers to whether or not information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the RAM configuring the storage unit 27 (S604). .

When information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the storage unit 27 (S604: Yes), the control unit 29 is a predetermined value indicating that the counting process has been performed while the shutter 31 is in the closed state. A ticket on which information is recorded and printed (shutter closed ticket: see FIG. 3B) is issued to the ticket issuing unit 22 (S605), and the counting process ends.
The shutter closing ticket in this case indicates that the ticket is counted in the “shutter closed” state, as shown in FIG. 3B, and as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B. A ticket that is not a ticket indicating "small count" is issued.
If it is determined in S604 that information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is not stored in the storage unit 27 (S604: No), the clerk opens the shutter 31 by this timing. As a result of the operation, a normal (regular) ticket (see FIG. 3A) is issued (S606), and the counting process ends.

On the other hand, when a prize selection operation is performed by the player in S602 (S602: Yes), it is a case of a small amount count that can be performed by the player alone. In this case as well, a ticket issuing operation ( The process waits until the operation of the ticket issuing button 22a is performed (S607).
When the ticket issuing operation is performed (S607: Yes), the control unit 29 refers to whether or not information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the RAM configuring the storage unit 27 (S608). .

When information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is stored in the storage unit 27 (S608: Yes), the shutter 31 is in the closed state as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B. This is also the case where openings 31a and 31b through which game balls can be inserted into the insertion port 32 are provided. In this case, the control unit 29 causes the ticket issuing unit 22 to issue a ticket (shutter closed ticket: see FIG. 4B) on which predetermined information is recorded and printed in the ticket issuing unit 22 (S609), and performs a counting process. Ends.
The shutter closing ticket in this case is “shutter count” as shown in FIG. 4B, which indicates that it is counted in the shutter closed state, and is a “small amount count” approved / permitted on the game hall side. A ticket (shutter closed prize ticket) indicating both “closed” and “small amount counting” is issued.
If it is determined in S608 that information indicating that the shutter 31 is in the closed state is not stored in the storage unit 27 (S608: No), the shutter 31 is illustrated in FIG. In this case, the shutter 31 is provided with an opening 31c that is driven to open according to the player's prize selection operation. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, the shutter 29 is not in the closed state and is a “small amount count” approved / permitted on the game hall side by the control of the control unit 29. A ticket indicating “counting a small amount” (premium ticket) is issued (S610), and the counting process ends.
As described above, also in the counting process shown in FIG. 13, as in the case of FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the “small amount counting” is performed through the openings 31 a to 31 c provided in the shutter 31. The result can be recorded in a ticket and can be correctly grasped and confirmed on the amusement hall side.

As described above, according to the counting device 10 according to the present embodiment, the counting process performed when the shutter 31 of the counting device 10 is in the closed state, or the small amount counting allowed to be performed by the player alone. Can be detected.
When such a counting process is performed, the ticket issued by the ticket issuing unit 22 is added to indicate that the counting is performed while the shutter 31 is closed or a small amount is counted. Information can be recorded on a printed display or the like.
In addition, the game balls relating to the counting performed during the closed state of the shutter 31 can be prevented from performing the saving process.

As a result, when the predetermined ticket is presented to the prize exchange counter of the amusement hall, that the counting process related to the ticket is performed while the shutter 31 is closed or is performed as a small amount counting, It will be able to grasp on the amusement hall side.
Further, it is possible to reliably prevent a storage ball process based on a count that should not be performed or a storage process that is unnecessary.
As a result, it is possible to correctly detect and grasp the counting process performed in the absence of an employee or the like, and to prevent or suppress the occurrence of troubles such as a malfunction of the counting device or fraud.
For example, in the conventional game medium counting device including a shutter that closes the slot, including the one described in Patent Document 1 described above, consideration is given to the case where the shutter in the closed state is forcibly opened. It wasn't done.
For this reason, if a player pours out a closed shutter and throws game media into the slot without any attendance by employees, etc., an inappropriate count will be made based on the unauthorized launch of such game media. There is a possibility that fraudulent acts on the processing and the device may be performed.
Further, even if the counting process is performed without the presence of an employee or the like, it is difficult to detect and detect this on the game hall side.
In contrast, the present invention provides a game medium counting device and a game device that can solve such a problem and can detect a counting process performed in the absence of an employee or the like. Can be provided.

As described above, in the game medium counting device of the present invention, the preferred embodiment has been shown and described. However, the game medium counting device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say, it is possible to implement this change.
For example, in the present embodiment described above, the game medium to be counted in the counting device 10 is a game ball, but the count target may be a medal (coin).
Further, the mechanical configuration of the shutter 31 is not limited to that of the embodiment shown in FIG.
Similarly, the shapes and forms of the openings 31a to 31c provided in the shutter 31 are not limited to those of the embodiment shown in FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Counting device 20 Apparatus main body 22 Ticket issuing part 23 Card reader part 25 Count sensor part 27 Memory | storage part 29 Control part 30 Shutter part 31 Shutter 31a, 31b, 31c Opening part 32 Slot

Claims (6)

A game medium slot that can be loaded with game media;
A counting means capable of counting game media loaded into the game media slot;
Issuing operation accepting means capable of accepting a predetermined issuing operation;
Issuing means capable of issuing a recording medium in which information related to the counting result by the counting means is recorded based on the issuing operation receiving means receiving a predetermined issuing operation;
Displaceable between a first state in which a game medium can be inserted into the game medium slot and a second state in which it is more difficult to insert a game medium into the game medium slot than the first state With a suitable closing means,
A determination unit capable of determining whether the closing unit is in the second state based on the fact that the issuing operation receiving unit has received a predetermined issuing operation;
With
The issuing means includes:
A game medium counting device characterized in that, when the determination means determines that the closing means is in the second state, a recording medium on which specific information is recorded can be issued. The issuing means includes:
If the determination means does not determine that the closing means is in the second state, a recording medium on which information related to the counting result is recorded can be issued;
The recording medium on which the specific information is recorded can be issued together with information on the counting result when the determining unit determines that the closing unit is in the second state. Game media counting device. The specific information is
The game medium counting device according to claim 1, wherein the closing unit is information indicating that the closing unit is in the second state. Provided with a prize selection operation accepting means capable of accepting a predetermined prize selection operation,
The issuing means includes:
The game medium count according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the prize selection operation accepting unit accepts a predetermined prize selection operation, a recording medium in which special information is recorded can be issued. apparatus. The issuing means includes:
After the prize selection operation accepting means accepts a predetermined prize selection operation, the issuing operation accepting means accepts a predetermined issuing operation, and the determining means determines that the closing means is in the second state. 5. The game medium counting device according to claim 4, wherein a recording medium on which the specific information and the special information are recorded can be issued. Issuing operation accepting means capable of accepting a predetermined issuing operation;
A recording medium on which information related to the counting result by the counting means capable of counting the game medium inserted into the game medium insertion slot into which the game medium can be inserted is recorded based on the fact that the issuing operation receiving means has received a predetermined issuing operation. Issuing means capable of issuing
Based on the fact that the issuing operation accepting unit has accepted a predetermined issuing operation, a first state in which a gaming medium can be inserted into the gaming medium insertion slot, and the gaming medium insertion slot more than the first state. Determining means capable of determining whether or not the closing means displaceable to the second state in which it is difficult to insert the game medium into the second state;
With
The issuing means includes:
The game device characterized in that, when the determination means determines that the closing means is in the second state, a recording medium on which specific information is recorded can be issued.

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