JP6434693B2 - Each stand apparatus and each stand apparatus control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a stand device and a stand device control method for counting and processing the number of game media installed corresponding to a gaming machine and acquired by a player.

  Conventionally, at game stores, game balls have been rented out by each device provided in a pachinko machine using game balls. In addition, each device 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 provided (for example, see Patent Document 2).

  Such a counter starts counting processing when it detects the insertion of a game medium, transports the game media individually, and adds a count value each time a sensor provided on the transport path detects the game media. Then, when the time during which the game medium is not detected by the sensor becomes a predetermined time or more, the counting process is ended.

JP 2011-156155 A JP 2010-227315 A

  However, the conventional technique has a problem in that the counting process may end while some of the inserted game media are not counted. This point will be specifically described. When the inserted game medium is transported, the game medium may not be properly sent on the transport path, and the transport interval may be increased. If the transport interval is increased, the detection interval by the sensor is also increased accordingly, so when the detection interval exceeds the predetermined time, the counting process ends, and the game medium that has not been transported remains uncounted. It becomes. In addition, the game medium may stop at the feeding portion to the transport path. Also in this case, when the detection interval by the sensor exceeds the predetermined time, the counting process ends, and the game media that have not been transported remain uncounted. That is, there is a game medium that does not reach the counting sensor, and if no one notices the presence, the game medium is in an uncounted state.

  In this way, when the player finishes the game and leaves the seat with the uncounted game media remaining in the counter, the player counts the number of game media that should have been obtained as his earned amount. Only lose and suffer unfair disadvantage.

  For these reasons, it has become an important issue how to prevent a situation where a game is terminated in a state where an uncounted game medium remains. It should be noted that the remaining uncounted game media is important for the sake of accuracy when the game store aggregates and manages the game situation of each game machine.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and can prevent an uncounted game medium from remaining in each device installed corresponding to a gaming machine. It is an object of the present invention to provide each stand apparatus and each stand apparatus control method.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and is a stand device that is installed corresponding to a gaming machine and counts the number of game media acquired by a player. A counting processing means for counting the number of game media acquired by the player by a counting mechanism driven by a driving section; and a driving section for the counting processing means when receiving a counting start operation by the player. A first drive control means for driving and counting the game medium remaining in the counting mechanism; and a drive section of the counting processing means when a predetermined condition different from the acceptance of the counting start operation by the player is satisfied. was driven, or a second driving control means for counting the game medium remaining in the counting mechanism, the second drive control means of the plurality of the predetermined condition, any of the conditions is satisfied Therefore, whether the count value obtained by the count processing means is added to the number of game media of the player or whether the count value obtained by the count processing means is not added to the number of game media of the player. It is characterized by determining .

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the second drive control means controls the drive unit in the same direction as the first drive control means.

  Also, in the present invention according to the above invention, when the second drive control unit receives an operation for managing the number of the game media in association with specific information of a predetermined storage medium by a higher management device. The driving unit of the counting processing means is driven.

  In the above invention, the present invention further comprises valuable value management means for managing the valuable value usable for paying out the game media, and the second drive control means is a value managed by the valuable value management means. When the value becomes a predetermined value less than the minimum value required for paying out the game medium, the driving unit of the counting processing means is driven.

  Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, an instruction regarding a store opening process performed before business hours for providing a game by the gaming machine to the player and / or a store closing process performed after the business hours is received. The opening / closing store instruction receiving means further comprises an opening / closing store instruction receiving means for driving the drive section of the counting processing means when the opening / closing store instruction receiving means receives an instruction relating to the opening process and / or the closing process. It is characterized by making it.

  In addition, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the second drive control unit stops driving when the game medium is not detected within a first time after driving of the driving unit is started. 1 operation and a second operation for stopping the driving when the game medium is not detected within a second time shorter than the first time after the driving of the driving unit is started. The second drive control means executes either the first operation or the second operation depending on which of a plurality of the predetermined conditions is satisfied. It is characterized by that.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, when the game medium is detected during the execution of the second operation, the operation moves to the first operation.

In addition, the present invention controls each table device having a count processing unit that is installed corresponding to a gaming machine and counts the number of game media acquired by a player by a counting mechanism driven by a driving unit. It is a stand apparatus control method, and it is determined whether a predetermined condition different from the counting operation reception determination step for determining whether or not the counting start operation by the player has been received and the reception of the counting start operation by the player is satisfied When it is determined that the counting start operation is received by the condition establishment determination step and the counting operation reception determination step, or when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied by the condition establishment determination step, the driving unit of the counting processing unit for performing a counting process is driven, seen including a step of counting the game medium remaining in the counting mechanism, the game medium In the counting step, the count value obtained by the count processing unit is added to the number of game media possessed by the player or the counting process depending on which of a plurality of the predetermined conditions is satisfied. It is determined whether to add the count value obtained by the player to the number of game media possessed by the player .

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent an uncounted game medium from remaining on each device.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the counting processing method in the inter-unit medal lending machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the inter-unit medal lending machine and the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view and a side view of a part of the counting unit of the inter-unit medal lending machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration in the medal counting hopper of the counting unit of the inter-unit medal lending machine shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-unit medal lending machine shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of data stored in the storage unit of the inter-unit medal lending machine illustrated in FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a counting operation mode of the inter-unit medal lending machine shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the start timing of the counting operation of the inter-unit medal lending machine shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a medal counting process procedure of the inter-unit medal lending machine shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the counting process during the business hours of the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the counting process in the store closing process of the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of a transport belt type counting unit mounted on an inter-unit medal lending machine.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of each stand apparatus and each stand apparatus control method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied will be described with a game medium as a medal and each stand device as an inter-unit medal lending machine, and a case where a hopper type game medium counting unit is mounted will be described. Then, the case where the conveyance belt type game media counting unit is mounted as a modification will be described.

  First, the concept of the counting processing method in the inter-unit medal lending machine according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the counting processing method in the inter-unit medal lending machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming machine 20 and an inter-unit medal lending machine 10 provided corresponding to the gaming machine 20 are installed in the gaming store.

  When counting the medals acquired by the player and making them into medals, as shown in FIG. 1A, the medals are inserted from the medal slot at the bottom of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 and counted. It will be. The inserted medals are automatically counted in a counting unit built in the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, and the counting result is added to the medals balance. When the user leaves the seat, the player can press the manual counting button to count all medals, and after confirming that there are no medals in the counting unit, the card can be returned. Even when a medal is inserted, the counting may not be started automatically, but may be started upon receiving a pressing operation of a counting button.

  In the counting unit, medals are detected and counted by the detection sensor, but if there is no detection of medals for a certain period of time, the counting unit stops counting operation assuming that counting of medals has ended. For this reason, medals that remain in the counting unit and have not been counted remain in the remaining state until an opportunity to count medals comes again.

  However, it is conceivable that the player counts a total number of medals at the stage where about several hundred medals are stored in the tray, instead of counting medals frequently by small numbers. In this case, even if the medal remains in the counting unit at the last medal counting, the player performs the card return operation without pressing the counting button without noticing the remaining medal. There is also a possibility of leaving or exchanging gifts. As a result, the remaining medals are lost for the player.

  Accordingly, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 (b), is not the case where the medal is inserted and automatically counted, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, The counting mechanism is driven to automatically count the medals remaining in the counting unit. Then, the result of counting the remaining medals is added to the medals balance.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1B, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 counts the remaining medals by re-driving the counting mechanism when detecting a card return operation. Thereby, even if the count button is not pressed, the remaining medals are added to the remaining medal balance, and the loss of the medal of the player can be prevented. Similarly, in the case where a medal division or a saving medal accompanied by a card return is performed, loss of a player's medal can be prevented by re-counting.

  For game stores, in order to protect the total information of medals and ensure the accuracy of the total of medals, it is necessary to perform a counting operation when the system operation is changed such as closing, opening, or testing. For example, when a game system is launched before opening a store, if there is a remaining medal in the counting unit and the store opens, there is a possibility that an error may occur in counting, so it is necessary to eliminate medals that should not be detected when opening the store. There is. Further, in order to count the medals in the store when the store is closed, it is necessary to drive the counting mechanism of each inter-unit medal lending machine 10 to count the remaining medals and incorporate them into the counting information.

  In this way, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 counts the remaining medals in the counting unit by appropriately driving the counting mechanism as necessary, in addition to the case where the player performs an operation to instruct the counting. To do. For this reason, loss of the player can be prevented, and the accuracy of the total information of medals at the game store can be improved.

  Next, the system configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment. 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 as game media, rotating three drums, and sequentially pressing the stop buttons to align the patterns. When a certain pattern is aligned on the effective lines of the three drums, the gaming machine 20 pays out the number of medals corresponding to the type of the pattern as a prize medal.

  The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 accepts payment, lends medal, and communicates with the card management device 40. When the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 accepts the bill inserted by the player, the medal counting mechanism is driven before the payment is confirmed, the presence / absence of the remaining medal is detected in the counting unit, and the remaining medal is detected. Is counted and the medal counting result is added to the medal balance. When a predetermined number or more of medals are counted, the banknotes are returned and the use of medals is encouraged. When the number of remaining medals is less than a certain number, the card management device 40 manages the prepaid value by adding the medal counting result to the balance of medals and sending a payment notice including the deposit amount to the card management device 40. Add to the prepaid value.

  Further, when a predetermined medal lending operation is performed, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 transmits a medal lending request to the card management device 40, subtracts the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40, and subtracts the prepaid value. The number of medals corresponding to the value is paid out.

  In addition, when the inter-card medal lending machine 10 accepts the insertion of the card, the inter-card medal lending machine 10 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 as the number of medals, the balance of the medal account managed by the card management device 40 is transmitted by transmitting a medal subtraction request to the card management device 40. Is cleared to zero.

  In addition, when receiving the medal replay operation, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 subtracts a predetermined number of medals stored in its 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 medals corresponding to the subtracted number are paid out.

  When the intercard medal lending machine 10 accepts the card returning operation, first, the counting unit is driven to start the medal counting operation. Then, the remaining medals in the counting unit are detected, and when medals are detected, medals are counted and added to the number of medals. Thereafter, a medal addition request including the medal number stored in the own device is transmitted to the card management device 40, and after adding the medal number to the corresponding medal account managed by the card management device 40, a card discharge notification is made. Is sent to the card management device 40 to control the ejection of the card.

  Further, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 detects and counts the remaining medals in the counting unit by driving the counting mechanism when the prepaid value of the player's general card and the number of medals are 0. When medals are counted, the number is added to the medal balance.

  In addition to the above-described counting operation, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 drives the counting mechanism to perform the counting operation even when a predetermined command is received or when a predetermined operation is received. The number of medals counted according to the type is added to the possessed medals or discarded.

  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 ID of the inserted card and the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 in association with each other, and prepaid associated with the card ID. The value and the balance of the 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 card insertion notification is transmitted to the member management device 50, and the stored medal replay data received from the member management device 50 is Send to medal lending machine 10.

  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. More specifically, the number of stored medals, points, personal identification number, 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 balance of the medal account 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. Further, 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 balances of the stored medal account associated with the card ID indicated in the stored medal replay request. And a medal replay permission is output.

  When the member management device 50 receives an inquiry about the balance of the saving medal account 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 acquired medals, stored medals and possessed 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 when the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 shown in FIG. 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, an 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 updates the card management data by subtracting a predetermined value (for example, 100 yen) from the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the message, and grants medal lending permission. Is transmitted to the machine renting machine 10 as a transmission source. Upon receiving the medal lending permission, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 pays out the number of medals (for example, 5) 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 the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-medal medal lending machine, the address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-medal medal lending machine 10 that is the transmission source, and the rate of the inter-medal medal lending machine 10 Information for identifying the card and a card insertion notification.

  When the card management device 40 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-medal medal lending machine 10, the card management device 40 notifies the inter-medal medal lending machine 10 of the balance of the medal account of each rate associated with the card ID in the message. To do.

  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 at each rate specified by the card ID 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, an address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 as a transmission source, information for identifying the rate of the inter-medal medal lending machine 10, Includes the balance of rate medal and request for adding medal.

  When receiving the medal addition request, the card management device 40 updates the balance of the medal account at each rate associated with the card ID in the message to the received balance value. 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. When the membership card is inserted, or when the identification information corresponding to the card ID is read from the portable terminal that can be used as the membership card, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 designates the local address of the card management device 40 as the destination. 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. It includes an address for identifying the machine 10 or arbitrary identification information, information for identifying 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 the card insertion notification message, the member management device 50 stores the password associated with the card ID in the message and the stored medal account at the rate specified by the message among the stored medal accounts. The stored medal replay data including the balance 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. Here, the case where the stored medal replay operation can be accepted when the balance of the stored medal account is equal to or greater than the number of payout units has been described. If indicated, the stored medal replay operation may be accepted when the number of possible replays of the stored medal is 1 or more.

  The intermediary medal lending machine 10 asks the player to enter a password when the medal replay operation is accepted for the first time after storing the medal replay data, and the entered password is stored in the medal Check if it matches the PIN shown in the replay data.

  The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 transmits a message specifying the local address of the card management device 40 as the destination when the passwords match. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-medal medal lending machine, the address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-medal medal lending machine 10 that is the transmission source, and the rate of the inter-medal medal lending machine 10 And information for specifying the token and a medal replay request. Note that, here, a case is shown in which the password is requested to be input when the medal saving replay operation is accepted first, but the password may be input when the card is inserted.

  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. In the second and subsequent saving medal replay operations, it is not necessary to confirm the password. In addition, you may set so that confirmation of a PIN code may be performed every time.

  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 coin accepting unit may be provided. Further, the bill insertion slot may be separate from the inter-unit medal lending machine 10.

  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 inter-medal lending machine 10 includes a state display unit 11 that displays the device state of the inter-medal lending machine 10 by lighting or blinking a predetermined color lamp, a banknote insertion slot 12a that accepts various banknotes when lending medals, 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 carrying out a medal to the gaming machine 20, and a medal to be counted And a medal insertion slot 19a.

  Next, the counting unit 19 built in the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 will be described. 4A and 4B are an exploded perspective view and a side view of the counting unit 19 built in the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the counting unit 19 is mounted below the medal payout device 90 built in the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 and occupies the lower part of the inter-card card processing machine 10. Further, a medal slot 19a into which a player counts medals is provided above the nozzle 18a so as to protrude from the front surface of the inter-unit medal lending machine.

The configuration of the counting unit 19 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. It has a transport unit 19b that transports medals downward from the medal slot 19a and a medal counting hopper 19c that stores medals transported from the transport unit 19b. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the conveying portion 19b, the bottom surface 19b1 of the conveying portion 19b, the inclined portion 19c1 of the medal counting hopper 19c, and the medal counting from the lower opening of the mortar-shaped medal insertion port 19a. It is the structure which communicates to the storage area | region in the hopper 19c. Further, the medal counting hopper 19c has a substantially cylindrical shape, whereas the medal payout hopper 91 is an inverted mortar type.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration in the medal counting hopper 19c. As shown in FIG. 5, at the bottom of the medal counting hopper 19c, one or a plurality (five in the example shown in FIG. 5A) of holes 19d1 for storing medals one by one are provided along the circumferential direction. The provided rotary disk 19d is provided along a substantially horizontal plane. The rotating disk 19d rotates counterclockwise with the center of the disk as the rotation axis. Further, in the storage area of the medal counting hopper 19c, a first medal detection sensor 19e and a second medal detection sensor 19f for detecting a medal above the rotating disk 19d are provided. Further, although not shown, a rotating disk drive motor for rotating the rotating disk 19d is provided on the front side (left side) of the rotating disk in FIG. 4B and below the inclined portion 19c1 of the medal counting hopper 19c. Yes.

  Next, the counting mechanism of the counting unit 19 will be described. The player takes out the medals stored in the tray of the gaming machine 20 and inserts them into the medal slot 19a. The inserted medals are sent from the passage of the transport unit 19b to the medal counting hopper 19c through the bottom surface 19b1 of the transport unit inclined with respect to the horizontal plane and the inclined portion 19c1 connected to the same and inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. It is done. The medals sent to the medal counting hopper 19c are sent from the inclined portion 19c1 to the medal storage area in the medal counting hopper 19c through the opening 19c2.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when a medal is sent to the storage area in the medal counting hopper 19c, the medals located above the rotating disk 19d in the storage area respectively have a light emitting element and a light receiving element. When detected by the medal detection sensor 19e or the second medal detection sensor 19f, a disk drive motor (not shown) rotates the rotating disk 19d. The light emitted from the light emitting element is blocked by the medal and is not received by the light receiving element, so that each medal detection sensor 19e, 19f detects the presence of the medal.

  Then, the medals accommodated in the hole 19d1 of the rotating disk 19d are guided one by one by a guide part (not shown), and one by one from the hole 19d1 at a place where the guide part is not provided on the outer peripheral edge of the rotating disk 19d. The medals paid out are counted. The counted medals are further fed to the rear of the medal counting unit 19 in FIG. 4, and are conveyed and collected by a medal collecting unit installed on an island edge or the like by a medal collecting device (not shown).

  In addition, when medals are not detected by the respective medal detection sensors 19e and 19f and the counting unit does not count medals for a predetermined time, the medal counting unit 19 determines that the medal counting is completed normally. Then, the rotational drive of the rotating disk is stopped.

  Next, error cancellation of the counting unit 19 will be described. When an error occurs in which the medal lending machine 10 is jammed, the clerk removes the error by removing the lower door at the upper part of the medal slot 19a and pulling out the medal slot 19a and the rotating disk 19d. Eliminate clogging. After the clogging of medals is resolved, the medals are restored in the reverse order.

  Next, the internal configuration of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, 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 display operation unit 13 is a touch panel type input / output device for performing medal lending operation and message display for a player.

  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, count data 16c, and a device ID 16d.

  The card ID 16 a is a card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is conveyed from a card storage unit (not shown) to the reader / writer 14, 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 counted data 16c is data storing the counted number of medals. The device ID 16d is the ID of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10.

  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 bill processing unit 17b, a card processing unit 17c, a state management unit 17d, a count control unit 17e, and a count data transmission unit 17f. Have

  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 number of medals, and the number of stored medals indicated in the valuable value data 16b.

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

  In addition, when the player performs a medal replay operation, the data management unit 17a subtracts a predetermined number of medal account balances indicated in the value data 16b and pays out a corresponding number of medals. .

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

  Further, when the card return operation is performed by the player, the data management unit 17a causes the counting control unit 17e to drive the counting unit 19 to count the remaining medals. Thereafter, a medal addition request including the card ID 16a, the device ID 16d and the medal number is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the balance of the own device medal account is cleared to zero.

  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 ID16d to the card management apparatus 40. FIG.

  The banknote processing unit 17b is a processing unit that stores the banknotes in a banknote storage unit (not shown) after carrying out the conveyance control of the banknotes received from the banknote insertion slot 12a and performing the denomination and authenticity identification of the banknotes. When the banknote processing unit 17b detects the insertion of a banknote, the banknote processing unit 17b drives the counting unit 19 to count the remaining medals before the payment is confirmed and stored in the banknote storage unit.

  And the banknote process part 17b performs the process which returns the inserted banknote from the banknote insertion port 12a, when it is notified from the count control part 17e that there existed a predetermined number or more medal count. Here, the number of medals counted in the display operation unit 13 and a message prompting the use thereof may be displayed.

  When the card processing unit 17c receives a card from the card insertion slot 14a, the card processing unit 17c causes the reader / writer 14 to read the card ID 16a and the prepaid value. Then, the card ID 16a is stored in the storage unit 16, and the prepaid value associated with the card ID 16a is added to the prepaid value of the valuable value data 16b.

  When the card processing unit 17c accepts a card return operation, the card ID 16a of the card stored in a card storage unit (not shown) is read by the reader / writer 14, and the card of the card management device 40 is read by the data management unit 17a. After the data is updated, the prepaid value is associated with the card and the card is ejected from the card insertion slot 14a.

  The state management unit 17d is a management unit that monitors the operation state of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 by detecting a system mode and a change in the system mode. When the state management unit 17d receives information such as a command related to the operation state of the system from the host device, the state management unit 17d notifies the count control unit 17e of the system operation mode and the mode change. Further, the state management unit 17d transmits the abnormal state of the device to the card management device 40.

  The counting control unit 17 e is a control unit that controls the counting operation of the counting unit 19. The counting control unit 17e drives the driving unit of the counting unit 19 in a counting operation mode to be described later at a predetermined timing, and instructs the counting unit 19 to count medals. Further, the number of medals counted by the counting unit 19 is added to the medals or not added according to the counting operation mode described later. In the case of adding the medal count value to the medal, the count control unit 17e adds the counted medal number to the medal balance of the valuable value data 16b.

  The count data transmission unit 17 f transmits the count data 16 c to the card management device 40. The counting data transmission unit 17f transmits the medal counting result stored in the counting data 16c to the card management device 40 when the game system changes from the test mode and the opening to the closing mode. The count data transmission unit 17f clears the count data 16c after the transmission to the card management device 40 is completed.

  Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of various data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10.

  The card ID 16a shown in FIG. 7A indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 is “1001”. Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, and the card with the first digit “1” is a general card, and the card with the first digit “2” is a membership card.

  In the valuable value data 16b shown in FIG. 7B, the balance of the medal account with the prepaid value of the player having the card ID “1001” is “10” and the information for specifying the rate is “M1”. The balance of the medal account with “500”, the information for specifying the rate “M2” is “0”, and the information for specifying the rate is “M3”. It indicates that the balance is “0”. The data management unit 17a manages the prepaid value and the medal account balance of the general card, and drives the counting mechanism when all the values become zero.

  In FIG. 7B, since the ordinary card is inserted, the balance of the savings account is all “0”. Here, the frequency of the prepaid value is equivalent to 100 yen per frequency. The information “M1” for specifying the rate corresponds to a medal lent out at 20 yen per piece, and the information “M2” for specifying the rate corresponds to a medal lent out at 10 yen per piece, The information “M3” for specifying the number corresponds to a medal lent out for 5 yen per piece. FIG. 7C shows that the device ID 16 d of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 is “5006”.

  Next, the counting operation mode of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the counting operation mode of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. As shown in FIG. 8, the counting operation mode of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 is from the first counting operation to the fourth counting operation depending on the driving time of the counting unit 19 for counting and the handling of the count value. There are four categories. The counting control unit 17e of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 performs counting control by selecting these four counting operation modes according to the start condition of the counting operation, that is, the type at which the counting operation is performed.

  The drive time “normal” and the drive time “simple” are different from the start of driving of the rotating disk of the counting unit 19 to the end of driving of the counting mechanism. When the presence of a medal to be counted is certain, such as when a medal is inserted or a counting button is pressed, the driving time “normal” is used. On the other hand, when it is unclear whether or not there is a medal to be counted, such as when a card return operation is accepted, the time until the counting mechanism is driven is shorter than the driving time “normal”. The driving time “simple” is used. The drive time “simple” is determined to determine that there are no medals at a timing earlier than “normal”. used. However, even when the driving time is “simple”, the driving control is performed so that the driving time shifts to “normal” when a medal is detected.

  When the driving time “simple” is shifted to the driving time “normal”, the rotation disk 19d of the counting unit 19 is counted so that the hopper rotates (forward rotation) in the same direction as the driving time “simple”. The unit 19 controls the drive.

  The first counting operation is an operation mode in which the driving time is “normal” and the handling of the count value is “addition to a medal”. This operation mode is based on the premise that a medal is actually inserted from the medal insertion slot 19a in order to count medals and make a medal.

  The second counting operation is an operation mode in which the driving time is “normal” and the handling of the count value is “discard”. In this second counting operation, the medal counting result is discarded without being added to the medal.

  The third counting operation is an operation mode in which the driving time is “simple” and the handling of the count value is “addition to a medal”. If a medal is detected as a result of counting by the third counting operation, the third counting operation automatically shifts to the first counting operation.

  The fourth counting operation is an operation mode in which the driving time is “simple” and the handling of the count value is “discard”. As a result of counting by the fourth counting operation, if a medal is detected, the fourth counting operation is automatically shifted to the second counting operation.

  Next, the start timing of the four counting operations will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the start timing of four counting operations. As shown in FIG. 9, when the insertion of a medal into the medal insertion slot 19a is detected or the count button is pressed during business hours, the medal is counted by the first counting operation. Similarly, when the counting button is pressed during business hours, medals are counted in the first counting operation.

  In addition, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 19a by a trial hit after closing the store, the medal is counted by the second counting operation. In the case of trial hitting, it is performed for the purpose of confirming the operation of the gaming machine 20, and the medal count value is not necessary.

  Further, when a signal for shifting from closing to opening or test mode is received, medals are counted by the second counting operation. In the case of the opening or the transition to the test mode, since it is necessary to surely remove medals remaining in the counting unit 19 in preparation for the opening or the test, the second counting operation with the driving time “normal” is used.

  When a predetermined operation is received during business hours and when a signal related to a change in system mode is received, medals are counted by the third counting operation. Specifically, when a card return operation is accepted, when a medal split operation is accepted, when a medal saving operation using a mobile terminal is accepted, and when a deposit is accepted, a third counting operation is performed. Count medals. Further, when the balance of the prepaid value of the general card is 0 or the game medium cannot be paid out, medals are counted by the third counting operation. The medal is counted by the third counting operation when an error relating to counting is canceled and when a counting clear command for instructing clearing of the counting value is received. Further, when the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 is turned off / on during business hours, medals are counted by the third counting operation.

  When the card is returned and the medal is divided, the balance of the medal account is associated with the card ID 16a. Therefore, if there is a remaining medal in the counting unit 19, the counting result needs to be added to the medal account. Since the card return is delayed if it takes a long time to count even though there are no medals, the third counting operation is used. Also, in the case of a medal saving operation using a portable terminal, it is inappropriate that time is required for counting in order to hold the portable terminal over the holding unit 14b of the inter-unit medal lending machine and associate the medals. Therefore, the third counting operation is used. Even when the deposit is accepted, the third counting operation is used in order to shorten the deposit indefinite state. When the counting result becomes a certain number or more by this counting, in order to prevent unnecessary consumption of banknotes, the use of a medal is promoted and the banknotes are returned. If the counting result is less than a certain number, the counting result is added to the medal balance to confirm the deposit.

  If the balance of the prepaid value of the general card is 0 or the game medium cannot be paid out, the player may leave the seat. The third counting operation is performed when the balance of all the medal accounts becomes “0”.

  When the error related to counting is canceled, the time point when the cancellation instruction signal is received is set as the start timing of the third counting operation. This is because there may be a residual medal to be added to the medal account when an error occurs during the counting.

  The count clear command is a command for protecting the total information of the game store in a state where the system is activated before the store is opened. The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 performs counting by the third counting operation at the timing of receiving this counting clear command, and transmits the counting result to the host device. As a result, medals remaining in the counting unit 19 of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 are removed. In addition, since the host device can receive the counting result based on the counting clear command and add it to the aggregating information of the game store, it prevents the counting result from being inconsistent due to the medals remaining in the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. it can. Note that the intermedal medal lending machine 10 transmits the counting result based on the counting clear command to the host device, and then discards the counting result and clears the balance of the possession medal account to “0”.

  When changing from the opening or test mode to the closing mode, counting by the third counting operation is started when the system mode change instruction signal is received. This count result is also transmitted to the host device and added to the total information of medals in the game store. Note that the test mode is a test for the entire system. At the stage of shifting to the test mode, the remaining medals are counted by the second counting operation, and the count value is discarded and initialized. For this reason, it is possible to confirm whether the counting in the test mode has been accurately performed by performing the third counting operation at the stage of transition from the test mode to the store closing mode.

  When power is turned off / on for the machine medallion machine 10 during business, the machine is turned on from the power-off state, and the preparation for activation as the machine medallor machine 10 is completed and a READY signal and the like are sent to the state management unit. The time point at which 17d is detected is set as the start timing of the third counting operation. In this case, since there is a possibility that medals inserted by the player before the power is turned off, the counting result is added to the balance of the owned medal account.

  The fourth counting operation is used when the power supply of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 is turned off / on during closing. In this case, the time point when the state management unit 17d detects the READY signal or the like is the start timing of the fourth counting operation, as in the case of power off / on during business. In this case, the totaling of the medals at the store is completed at the stage of transition to the closing mode, and there is no player, so it is used as an operation for removing the remaining medals. For this reason, the counting result is discarded.

  Next, a medal counting process procedure by the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the medal counting process procedure of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. When the state management unit 17d of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 receives a signal for shifting from the closed store to the open mode (step S101; Yes), it instructs the count control unit 17e to perform the second counting operation. . The count control unit 17e performs the second counting operation, drives the counting unit 19, counts the remaining medals, and discards the count value when there are medals (step S102). When the signal for shifting to the store opening mode is not received (step S101; No), the standby state is maintained.

  After step S102, the state management unit 17d determines whether a count clear command has been received (step S103). When receiving the count clear command (step S103; Yes), the state management unit 17d instructs the count control unit 17e to perform the third counting operation. The counting control unit 17e drives the counting unit 19 to perform a third counting operation. When there is a remaining medal, the counting result is transmitted to the host device, and thereafter the counting result is cleared to zero (step S104).

  After step S104 or when the count clear command has not been received (step S103; No), the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 performs a medal counting process during business hours (step S105). Details of the medal counting process during business hours will be described later.

  After step S105, the state management unit 17d determines whether a signal for shifting from opening to closing has been received (step S106). When the signal for shifting to the store closing is not received (step S106; No), the state management unit 17d causes the counting control unit 17e to continue the medal counting process during business.

  When a signal for shifting from opening to closing is received (step S106; Yes), the state management unit 17d executes a closing process (step S107) and ends the process. Counting is also performed during the closing process, details of which will be described later.

  Next, the medal counting process during business hours will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the business time medal counting process in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the counting control unit 17e detects the insertion of a medal or the pressing of the counting button (step S201; Yes), the counting unit 19 is driven to count the medal inserted by the first counting operation, and the medal held Add to account balance (step S202). If no medal insertion or counting button depression has been received (step S201; No), the process proceeds to step S203.

  In step S <b> 203, the counting control unit 17 e determines whether or not any of card return, medal division, and medal saving operation by the mobile terminal has been accepted. When any one of the card return, the medal division, and the medal saving operation by the portable terminal is accepted (step S203; Yes), the counting control unit 17e drives the counting unit 19, performs the third counting operation, and the medal Is added to the balance of the medal account (step S212), and the process ends. When neither operation is received (step S203; No), it is determined whether insertion of a banknote is detected (step S204).

  When the insertion of the banknote is detected (step S204; Yes), the banknote processing unit 17b causes the count control unit 17e to perform the third counting operation before the payment is confirmed (step S205). As a result, when there are a predetermined number or more medals (step S206; Yes), the banknote processing unit 17b returns the banknote (step S207), and the process proceeds to step S209.

  When the number of medals counted in step S205 is less than a certain number (step S206; No), the counting control unit 17e adds the counting result to the balance of the medal account, and the data management unit 17a Accordingly, the prepaid value of the valuable value data 16b is added (step S208), and the process proceeds to step S209. When no banknote is received (step S204; No), the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S209, the data management unit 17a determines whether the prepaid value of the general card and the medal account balance are all “0”. If the prepaid value and the medal account balance of the general card all become “0” (step S209; Yes), the data management unit 17a causes the count control unit 17e to perform the third counting operation, and the medal is If there is, add it to the balance of the medal account (step S212), and the process ends. If it is a membership card instead of a general card, or if the prepaid value or the balance of the medal account is not “0” (step S209; No), it is determined whether or not an instruction for canceling an error relating to counting has been received (step S209; Step S210).

  When receiving an instruction to cancel an error related to counting (step S210; Yes), the counting control unit 17e performs a third counting operation, and when a medal is detected, the counting result is added to the balance of the holding medal account. After adding (step S212), the process is terminated. If the instruction for canceling the error related to the counting has not been received (step S210; No), the state management unit 17d determines whether or not the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 has changed from the power-off state to the power-on activation state. Determination is made (step S211).

  When the state management unit 17d detects that the intermediary medal lending machine 10 is activated by turning on the power (step S211; Yes), the state management unit 17d causes the count control unit 17e to perform a third counting operation and counts medals. Is added to the medal balance (step S212), and the process is terminated. If the employee does not power off / on the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 (step S211; No), the process ends.

  Next, the counting process during the closing process will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the counting process in the closing process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  The state management unit 17d causes the count control unit 17e to perform a third counting operation in accordance with the transition from the store opening mode to the store closing mode, and causes the count data transmission unit 17f to transmit the count result to the card management device 40. (Step S301).

  After step S301, the state management unit 17d determines whether or not a signal for changing from the closed mode to the test mode has been received (step S302). When the state management unit 17d has not received a signal for changing from the closed mode to the test mode (step S302; No), the state management unit 17d proceeds to step S307. On the other hand, when the signal for changing from the closed mode to the test mode is received (step S302; Yes), the state management unit 17d causes the count control unit 17e to perform the second counting operation and discard the count result. (Step S303). Thereafter, a predetermined operation check in the test mode is performed (step S304).

  After step S304, the state management unit 17d determines whether a system mode change instruction signal for instructing a change from the test mode to the store closing mode is received (step S305). If the system mode change instruction signal for instructing the change from the test mode to the closing mode has not been received (step S305; No), the process proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the system mode change instruction signal for instructing the change from the test mode to the closing mode is received (step S305; Yes), the counting control unit 17e is caused to perform the third counting operation, and the card management of the counting result is performed. Transmission to the device 40 is executed by the counting data transmission unit 17f (step S306).

  After step S306, or when a signal for changing from the store closing mode to the test mode is not received (step S302; No), the state management unit 17d is restarted by turning off and turning on the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. It is determined whether or not (step S307). If the state management unit 17d detects that the intermediary medal lending machine 10 is activated by turning on the power (step S307; Yes), the state management unit 17d causes the counting control unit 17e to perform the fourth counting operation and discards the counting result. (Step S308).

  After step S308, or when the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 is not restarted by turning off and on the power (step S307; No), the counting control unit 17e has inserted a medal by trial hitting. It is determined whether or not (step S309). When the insertion of a medal is detected (step S309; Yes), the second counting operation is performed and the counting result is discarded (step S310).

  After step S310 or when the insertion of a medal is not detected (step S309; No), the state management unit 17d determines whether or not a closing instruction signal has been received (step S311). When the closing instruction signal is not received (step S311; No), the process proceeds to S302. If a closing instruction signal is received (step S311; Yes), the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 is turned off and the process ends.

  As described above, in this embodiment, even when an operation for obtaining a medal count is accepted, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, the count unit 19 is driven, and medals that may remain in the count unit 19. Is added to the balance of the medal account of the player. For this reason, the player does not notice the medals remaining in the counting unit 19, such as when an operation involving card return is accepted or when the prepaid value of the general card and the balance of the possession medal account are all zero. Even if there is a possibility of leaving the seat, the remaining medals are counted and added to the balance of the possession medal account, and the player can be prevented from suffering a loss.

  Also, in this embodiment, the counting operation is performed even when the game system mode changes such as opening, closing, and test mode, and the medal counting or discarding is performed to protect the medal count information for the gaming store. Can be accurate.

  In this embodiment, when the remaining medals of a certain number or more are counted, the inserted banknote is returned. However, the player can select whether to add to the medal or return the banknote (use of the remaining medal). You may make it make it.

  Although not described in detail in the present embodiment, when the medal counting error is large, the counting mechanism is driven to check the presence of remaining medals in the counting unit 19 and investigate the cause of the counting error. You can also. This is because if the counting error does not change even when the counting operation is performed, the possibility of taking out is considered. In this case, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 selects the third counting operation, and adds the remaining medal counting result to the medal balance.

  In this embodiment, the medal count value that should not be added to the medal is exemplified by the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, but the medal count value is notified to the card management device 40. It may be configured. In this case, the card management device 40 may manage the notified medal count value separately from the number of medals, or may be cleared by the card management device 40.

  Further, the counting operation of this embodiment is a driving operation of the rotating disk 19d. That is, it is described that counting is performed, but it is not necessary to count all. Of course, all the counting processes may be performed.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 equipped with the medal counting unit 19 using a hopper-type rotating mechanism has been described. However, as a modification, a belt-driven counting mechanism is mounted. This can also be applied to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10.

  FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a counting unit 119 using a belt-driven counting mechanism mounted on the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. As shown in FIG. 13, the counting unit 119 includes a first transport mechanism 120 having three rollers and a belt, a second transport mechanism 121 having two pulleys and a transport belt, a medal path 119b, and two detection sensors. 119c and 119d.

  An outline of the counting mechanism of the counting unit 119 will be described. The medals inserted from the insertion port 19a are stored in the first transport mechanism 120 in a stacked state. Then, the first transport mechanism 120 puts medals into a one-layer one-row state and sends them to the second transport mechanism 121. The second transport mechanism 121 transports medals to the rear medal collection unit on the medal passage 119b. With regard to the medals transported, the two detection sensors 119c and 119d in the middle of the medal passage 119b count only the authentic medals excluding the medal authenticity determination and the medals determined to be fake medals.

  In the case of the belt-driven counting unit 119, the driving operation of the belt corresponds to the driving operation of the rotating disk 19d which is the counting operation of the embodiment. Further, unlike the hopper rotating type counting unit 19, the mechanism is different from a mechanism in which the rotating disk 19d is driven after the presence of the medal on the rotating disk 19d is detected, and the medal coming out of the rotating disk 19d is counted by the counting sensor. For this reason, in the case of the belt-driven counting unit 119, the counting operation mode may be selected from the four counting operation modes of the embodiment according to the configuration and counting operation. Good.

  Further, in this embodiment and the modification, detailed description of the form of the card, which 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 particular, when a mobile terminal with an IC chip is used as a medium, since the mobile terminal can be uniquely identified using identification information that can be obtained in a non-contact manner from the IC chip of the mobile terminal, the game medium is associated with the identification information. You can manage the number.

  Further, in the present embodiment and the modification, the description has been given taking as an example each stand device provided in a gaming machine using a medal as a gaming medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to each device provided in a gaming machine using a spherical game medium (game ball) as a game medium.

  Each illustrated configuration is schematic in function, 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 the one shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally / physically distributed / integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured. For example, the card management device 40 and the member management device 50 may be integrated. In addition, the place where the prepaid value, the number of medals and the number of stored medals are stored when the card is inserted into the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 is not particularly limited.

  As described above, each stand device and each stand device control method according to the present invention is suitable for preventing uncounted game media from remaining in each stand device.

10 medals lending machine 11 status display section 12 bill transport section 12a bill insertion slot 13 display operation section 14 reader / writer 14a card insertion slot 14b cover section 15 communication section 16 storage section 16a card ID
16b Valuable value data 16c Count data 16d Device ID
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17 Control part 17a Data management part 17b Bill processing part 17c Card processing part 17d State management part 17e Count control part 17f Count data transmission part 18 Nozzle unit 18a Nozzle 19, 119 Count unit 19a Medal slot 19b Conveyance part 19b1 (Conveyance part) Bottom surface 19c Medal counting hopper 19c1 Inclined portion 19c2 Opening 19d Rotating disk 19d1 Hole portion 19e First medal detection sensor 19f Second medal detection sensor 20 Game machine 21 Drum unit 22 Display unit 23 Medal insertion port 24 Operation unit 25 Receptacle 30 Island controller 40 Card management device 50 Member management device 60 Premium management device 80 Settlement machine 90 Medal paying device 91 Medal paying hopper 119b Medal passage 119c, 119d Detection sensor 120 First transport mechanism 121 Second transport device Structure

Claims (8)

Each device installed corresponding to a gaming machine and counting the number of game media acquired by a player,
Counting processing means for counting the number of game media acquired by the player by a counting mechanism driven by a driving unit;
A first drive control means for driving the driving section of the counting processing means when the player starts a counting start operation, and counting the game media remaining in the counting mechanism;
Second driving control means for driving the driving unit of the counting processing means when the predetermined condition different from acceptance of the counting start operation by the player is satisfied, and for counting the game media remaining in the counting mechanism; Prepared ,
Whether the second drive control means adds the count value obtained by the count processing means to the number of game media held by the player depending on which of the predetermined conditions is satisfied. And determining whether to add the count value obtained by the count processing means to the number of game media possessed by the player
Each table and wherein a call.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second drive control unit controls the drive unit in the same direction as the first drive control unit. The second drive control unit drives the drive unit of the count processing unit when receiving an operation for managing the number of the game media in association with specific information of a predetermined storage medium by an upper management device. Each stand apparatus of Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Further comprising a valuable value management means for managing a valuable value usable for paying out the game medium;
The second drive control means drives the drive section of the counting processing means when the valuable value managed by the valuable value management means becomes a predetermined value less than the minimum value required for paying out the game medium. Each stand apparatus of Claim 1, 2, or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. An opening / closing store instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction regarding a store opening process performed before business hours for providing a game by the gaming machine to the player and / or a store closing process performed after the business hours;
The said 2nd drive control means drives the drive part of the said count processing means, when the said opening / closing store instruction | indication reception means receives the instruction | indication regarding the said store opening process and / or the said store closing process. Each stand apparatus as described in any one of 1-4. The second drive control means includes a first operation for stopping the drive when the game medium is not detected within a first time after the drive of the drive unit is started.
A second operation of stopping driving when the game medium is not detected within a second time shorter than the first time after the driving of the driving unit is started can be selectively executed. Yes,
The second drive control means executes the first operation or the second operation depending on which of a plurality of the predetermined conditions is satisfied. Each stand apparatus as described in any one of 1-5.   7. Each stand apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the game medium is detected during execution of the second operation, the operation proceeds to the first operation. This is a device control method for controlling each device having a counting processing unit that is installed corresponding to a gaming machine and counts the number of game media acquired by a player by a counting mechanism driven by a driving unit. And
A counting operation reception determination step for determining whether or not a counting start operation by the player has been received;
A condition establishment determination step for determining establishment of a predetermined condition different from acceptance of the counting start operation by the player;
When it is determined that the counting start operation is received by the counting operation reception determination step, or when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied by the condition establishment determination step, a counting processing unit that performs the counting process of the game medium of drives the drive unit, viewed contains a step of counting the game medium remaining in the counting mechanism,
In the step of counting the game media, the count value obtained by the count processing unit is added to the number of game media held by the player depending on which of the predetermined conditions is satisfied. And determining whether to add the count value obtained by the count processing unit to the number of game media possessed by the player
Each base apparatus control method comprising the this.

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