JP7645119B2 - Prize payout system, prize payout device, and prize payout method in the prize payout device - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a prize payout system, a prize payout device, and a prize payout method in the prize payout device.

The prize payout system disclosed in the following Patent Document 1 includes a prize payout machine, which is an example of a prize payout device that pays out prizes exchanged for gaming media such as pachinko balls, and a prize management machine that sends prize payout instructions to the prize payout machine. The payout instructions include information about the prizes to be paid out, that is, the type of prizes to be paid out and the number of each type. The prize payout machine includes a storage section that stores the prizes, and a main body that houses the storage section. The storage section includes a payout section that pays out the prizes, and a payout section, and the prizes paid out by the payout section are placed in the payout section. A payout opening is provided directly above the storage section on the top plate of the main body. In the storage section, after the prizes paid out by the payout section are placed on the payout section, the payout section rises and the prizes on the payout section are paid out to the payout opening. The prize dispensing machine can be used in a hand-over operation, where a gaming facility staff member removes the prize from the dispensing opening and hands it to the player, or in a self-operation, where the player removes the prize from the dispensing opening by themselves.

JP 2020-25822 A

Although not mentioned in Patent Document 1, conventional prize payout devices will start paying out prizes in response to a payout instruction even if there are not enough prizes to be paid out (hereinafter simply referred to as "payout targets") in the storage section. Therefore, if the prizes to be paid out run out of the storage section before all the required prizes have been paid out, the prize payout device will error out, etc., and the payout of prizes will be suspended. In such cases, the subsequent recovery process is troublesome. Particularly in the case of self-operation, if a player leaves the prize payout device that has suspended the payout of prizes and walks away, the recovery process becomes even more troublesome as it is necessary to deal with the unpaid prizes, etc.

This invention was made against this background, and aims to provide a prize payout system, a prize payout device, and a prize payout method for the prize payout device that can improve usability in terms of prize payout.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a prize payout system including a prize payout device including a payout area from which prizes are paid out, a storage unit for storing prizes, and a payout unit for paying out the prizes in the storage unit to the payout area, a generation unit for generating payout information for the prize to be paid out, and a confirmation unit for receiving the payout information and confirming the inventory of the prize to be paid out in the storage unit based on the payout information, wherein if the confirmation result of the confirmation unit satisfies a predetermined condition, the payout unit pays out the prize to be paid out to the payout area, and if the confirmation result does not satisfy the predetermined condition, a notification unit notifies the user that the storage unit needs to be replenished with prizes prior to starting payout of the prize to be paid out.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, if a prize is replenished in the storage section after the notification section starts notifying, the payout section pays out the payout object to the payout area.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the prize payout system includes a plurality of the prize payout devices and a request unit that requests the second prize payout device to pay out the payout target when the confirmation result for the first prize payout device does not satisfy the specified condition .

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the payout information includes specific information that identifies the prize to be paid out and quantity information regarding the number of prizes to be paid out, and when the confirmation unit receives the specific information, it begins to confirm the inventory of the prizes to be paid out within the storage unit.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the specified condition is that there are a sufficient number of prizes to be paid out in the storage section .
The prize payout device may include a payout unit including the payout area, the storage section, the payout section, and the confirmation section. The prize payout device may include a prize management unit including the generation section and a transmission section that transmits the payout request including the payout information to the payout unit. The payout unit may include a prize shortage notification section that notifies the prize management unit of the shortage of the prize to be paid out prior to the start of payout of the payout object, when the confirmation section finds that the storage section does not have enough prizes to be paid out. When the confirmation section finds that the storage section does not have enough prizes to be paid out, the payout section may suspend the start of payout of the prize to be paid out corresponding to the payout request. In addition, if the confirmation unit confirms that the missing prizes have been replenished in the storage unit after notification by the prize shortage notification unit, the payout unit may cancel the start of payout of the payout target corresponding to the pending payout request, and payout the payout target to the payout area.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a prize payout device including a payout area from which prizes are paid out, a storage unit for storing the prizes, a generation unit for generating payout information for the prizes to be paid out, a confirmation unit for receiving the payout information and confirming the inventory of the prizes to be paid out in the storage unit based on the payout information, a payout unit for paying out the prizes to be paid out in the storage unit to the payout area if the confirmation result of the confirmation unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and a notification unit for notifying that the storage unit needs to be replenished with prizes prior to starting payout of the prizes to be paid out if the confirmation result does not satisfy the predetermined condition.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a prize dispensing method in a prize dispensing device which includes a payout area from which prizes are paid out, a storage unit for storing prizes, and a payout unit for dispensing prizes in the storage unit to the payout area, the method including a generation step of generating payout information for the prize to be paid out, a confirmation step of accepting the payout information and confirming the inventory of the prize to be paid out in the storage unit based on the payout information, a payout step of dispensing the prize to be paid out to the payout area by the payout unit if the confirmation result of the confirmation step satisfies a predetermined condition, and a notification step of notifying that the storage unit needs to be replenished with prizes prior to starting payout of the prize to be paid out if the confirmation result does not satisfy the predetermined condition.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, when payout information for the prize to be paid out is generated, the confirmation unit accepts the payout information and confirms the stock of the payout target in the storage unit of the prize payout device based on the payout information. If the confirmation result of the confirmation unit satisfies a predetermined condition, the payout unit of the prize payout device pays out the payout target to the payout area. However, if the confirmation result of the confirmation unit does not satisfy the predetermined condition, a notice is issued that the storage unit needs to be replenished with prizes before the start of payout of the payout target. In this way, the prize payout device starts to pay out the prize only when the confirmation result of the confirmation unit satisfies the predetermined condition, in other words, only when the storage unit does not need to be replenished with prizes, so that the prize payout device can pay out all the payout targets. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a malfunction in which the prize payout device starts to pay out the prize even though the confirmation result of the confirmation unit does not satisfy the predetermined condition, but the payout is interrupted due to the prize running out midway. Therefore, the burden of dealing with such malfunctions can be reduced, and the usability of the prize payout device can be improved.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, if prizes are replenished in the storage unit after the notification that prizes need to be replenished has started, the payout unit of the prize payout device will pay out the payout objects to the payout area. Therefore, if the user waits in front of the prize payout device after the notification has started, the user can have all the payout objects paid out from the prize payout device after the prizes have been replenished.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a prize payout system including multiple prize payout devices, if the confirmation result for a first prize payout device does not satisfy a predetermined condition, a request is made to a second prize payout device to pay out a payout target, and the second prize payout device can be made to pay out the payout target. Therefore, a user who was initially waiting for the payout target from the first prize payout device can have the payout target promptly paid out from the second prize payout device without waiting for the first prize payout device to be replenished with prizes.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the payout information includes specific information for identifying the prize to be paid out and quantity information regarding the number of prizes to be paid out, and the confirmation unit promptly starts checking the stock of the prizes to be paid out in the storage unit when it receives the specific information that is part of the payout information. This makes it possible to quickly determine whether the confirmation result of the confirmation unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and if the confirmation result does not satisfy the predetermined condition, it is possible to promptly notify the user.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined condition is that the prizes to be paid out are sufficient in the storage unit. Therefore, the prize payout device starts to pay out prizes only when there are sufficient prizes to be paid out in the storage unit, so the prize payout device can pay out all of the prizes to be paid out. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a malfunction in which the prize payout device starts to pay out prizes even though there are not enough prizes to be paid out in the storage unit, but the payout is interrupted due to the lack of prizes in the middle of the process. Therefore, the burden of dealing with such a malfunction can be reduced, and the usability of the prize payout device for paying out prizes can be improved.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a prize dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention; An oblique view of a returnable box used in the prize dispensing device. A schematic right side view of the interior of the payout unit that constitutes the prize payout device. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a prize payout system including a prize payout device. A schematic oblique view of the prize payout device with the door open. A schematic oblique view of the prize payout device with the storage section pulled out. A schematic right side view of the interior of the dispensing unit with the storage section pulled out. 13 is a schematic right side view of the inside of the dispensing unit during the counting and identification process. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 8. A figure showing a table stored in the prize payout device. A schematic right side view of the inside of the dispensing unit during the payout process. A schematic right side view of the inside of the dispensing unit during the payout process. 13 is a flowchart showing transaction processing relating to advance payout processing. 13 is a flowchart showing a transaction process according to a modified example. A schematic oblique view of a prize payout device related to a modified example. A conceptual diagram of a prize payout system relating to a modified example.

The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a prize payout device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The prize payout device 1 is installed in a prize exchange corner in an amusement facility such as a pachinko parlor. The prize payout device 1 is a device that pays out prizes P, which are called special prizes. In addition to special prizes, general prizes such as sweets are also handled in amusement facilities. There may be multiple prize payout devices 1, which are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other to form a prize payout system 100. Each prize payout device 1 may be considered as a prize payout system 100. The prize payout device 1 includes a POS unit 2 that forms the upper part of the prize payout device 1, and a payout unit 3 that is arranged below the POS unit 2.

The POS unit 2 is a so-called POS terminal, and on its front surface, i.e., the front area, a display operation section 4 is provided, which is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal touch panel. The display operation section 4 may be divided into a display section and an operation section. On the front surface of the POS unit 2, a card slot 2A through which cards issued to players from game establishments are inserted and removed, and a receipt issuing slot 2B through which receipts are issued are formed. The number of gaming media, such as pachinko balls, that a player has acquired through playing a game is associated with the card. A card of a player who has registered as a member of a game establishment (a so-called member customer) is called a member card, and a card of another player (a so-called general customer) is sometimes called a general card. A prepaid value that is exchanged for gaming media to start or continue playing a game may also be associated with the card.

An example of a prize P is a card having a thickness of a few millimeters (1.5 mm, 3 mm, etc., in this embodiment 3 mm). In this embodiment, three types of prize P are provided according to monetary value: a grand prize, a medium prize, and a small prize, but there may also be an extra large prize with a higher monetary value than the grand prize. The surface color of the prize P varies depending on the type of prize P. As an example, the surface of the grand prize is red, the surface of the medium prize is blue, and the surface of the small prize is green. The prizes P are distributed in the market in a state where they are stored in a transportable box 5.

In this embodiment, the prize payout device 1 is a self-service type that is placed in an unmanned prize exchange corner in an amusement facility, and the procedure for exchanging the prize P is carried out by the player himself. In this case, the player transmits a request for the prize P to the prize payout device 1, for example, by inserting a card into the card slot 2A of the POS unit 2 and then operating the display operation unit 4. The payout unit 3 then pays out the type and number of prizes P (in this embodiment, "number of pieces") according to the payout request, and the POS unit 2 updates the inventory data of the prizes P. The player receives the card returned from the card slot 2A and the prize P paid out from the payout unit 3. Note that the following explanation is based on the premise that the prize payout device 1 is a self-service type, but it is also possible that a store clerk is present near the prize payout device 1 and the clerk receives the prize P from the prize payout device 1 and then hands it over to the player.

The payout unit 3 is a prize payout machine that pays out prizes P, and also a prize storage machine that has the function of storing prizes P. In this embodiment, the POS unit 2 and the payout unit 3 are integrated, but the payout unit 3 may exist as a standalone prize payout device 1, and the POS unit 2 may be configured as a standalone POS terminal separate from the payout unit 3. The payout unit 3 includes a box-shaped housing 11 that forms its outer shell, one or more storage sections 12 provided within the housing 11, and a door 13 supported by the housing 11.

1 coincides with the left-right direction X of the dispensing unit 3, the direction substantially perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1 coincides with the front-rear direction Y of the dispensing unit 3, and the up-down direction of the paper surface of FIG. 1 coincides with the up-down direction Z of the dispensing unit 3. The left-right direction X and the front-rear direction Y are included in the horizontal direction. The left-right direction X includes the left side X1 and the right side X2, the front-rear direction Y includes the front side Y1 that coincides with the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 and the rear side Y2 that coincides with the rear side of the paper surface of FIG. 1, and the up-down direction Z includes the upper side Z1 and the lower side Z2. In addition, in figures from FIG. 2 onwards where the left-right direction X or the up-down direction Z is not shown, the left-right direction of the figure is the same as the left-right direction X, and the up-down direction of the figure is the same as the up-down direction Z (see FIG. 15, etc.).

The housing 11 is formed in a vertically long box shape. The housing 11 has a top wall 14, a bottom wall 15, a pair of left and right side walls 16, and a rear wall 17. The top wall 14 and the bottom wall 15 are each a rectangular plate shape. Each of the pair of side walls 16 is a rectangular plate shape that is long in the vertical direction Z, and the left side wall 16 X1 is installed between the left ends of the top wall 14 and the bottom wall 15, and the right side wall 16 X2 is installed between the right ends of the top wall 14 and the bottom wall 15. The rear wall 17 is a rectangular plate shape that is long in the vertical direction Z, and is installed between the rear ends of the top wall 14 and the bottom wall 15, and is also installed between the rear ends of the pair of side walls 16. An opening 11A is formed on the front surface of the housing 11, bordered by the front ends of the top wall 14, the bottom wall 15, and the pair of side walls 16 (see also FIG. 5). The opening 11A is connected to the internal space 11B of the housing 11.

The storage section 12 stores the prize P together with the returnable box 5. In this embodiment, three storage sections 12 are arranged in the vertical direction Z in the internal space 11B of the housing 11. Each storage section 12 is supported by each side wall 16 of the housing 11 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction Y. As shown in FIG. 1, each storage section 12 is in a storage position in the front-rear direction Y when completely stored in the housing 11. Each storage section 12 can be pulled out through the opening 11A of the housing 11 to a pull-out position (see FIG. 6) on the front side Y1 of the storage position. The housing 11 is provided with an electric pull-out lock mechanism 18 (see FIG. 4) that locks and unlocks each storage section 12 in the storage position. An electromagnetic lock or the like can be used as the pull-out lock mechanism 18.

Before describing the storage section 12 in detail, the returnable box 5 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the returnable box 5. The returnable box 5 is formed in a box shape elongated in a predetermined direction, and is made of, for example, resin. The returnable box 5 integrally includes a pair of side walls 21 arranged opposite each other, a plurality of partition walls 22 installed between the pair of side walls 21, and a bottom wall 23.

The pair of side walls 21 are formed as roughly rectangular plates extending in the longitudinal direction L of the commuter box 5, and are arranged in parallel so as to face each other along the thickness direction of each plate. The direction in which the pair of side walls 21 face each other is the short side direction S of the commuter box 5, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In addition, the depth direction D of the commuter box 5 is perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction L and the short side direction S.

In this embodiment, six partition walls 22 are provided, and each partition wall 22 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with a plate thickness direction that coincides with the longitudinal direction L. Two partition walls 22 are installed between one end edge and the other end edge in the longitudinal direction L of a pair of side walls 21, and the remaining four partition walls 22 are installed between the middle parts of the pair of side walls 21, lined up at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, five storage spaces 24 of approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and of equal size are formed in the returnable box 5, lined up at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction L.

The bottom wall 23 has a plate thickness direction that coincides with the depth direction D, and is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape that is long in the longitudinal direction L. The bottom wall 23 is connected to each side wall 21 and each partition wall 22 from one side in the depth direction D (the lower side in FIG. 2), and closes each storage space 24 from that one side. The end of each storage space 24 on the other side in the depth direction D (the upper side in FIG. 2) is open to the other side as a generally rectangular entrance/exit 25.

The returnable box 5 includes an opening 26 provided separately from the entrance/exit 25. The openings 26 are provided in pairs at the same positions as the storage spaces 24 in the longitudinal direction L, and five pairs are provided in this embodiment. That is, five openings 26 are provided on both sides of the returnable box 5 in the transverse direction S, lined up at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction L. The two openings 26 in each pair are at the same positions in the longitudinal direction L and are configured to be symmetrical with respect to the center of the returnable box 5 in the transverse direction S. Each opening 26 is a slit-like shape that exposes the storage space 24 to the outside, and cuts out an end of the bottom wall 23 in the transverse direction S, cuts out the side wall 21 on the same side as the end in the transverse direction S along the depth direction D, and extends linearly to just before the entrance/exit 25.

When the returnable box 5 is circulated with prizes P stored therein, the attitude of the returnable box 5 is a basic attitude with each entrance 25 facing upward as shown in FIG. 2. The prizes P are stored in each storage space 24 through the entrance 25. Since the size of each storage space 24 is equal, a predetermined number of prizes P, 20 in this embodiment, are stored in each storage space 24. Therefore, the returnable box 5 as a whole can store a maximum of 100 prizes P. The multiple prizes P are stored in a stacked state in each storage space 24 with their plate thickness directions aligned with the short side direction S and standing up from the bottom wall 23, and in this state, the part of each prize P on the entrance 25 side protrudes from the entrance 25. In addition, in the storage space 24 (see the storage space 24 at the right end in FIG. 2) in which the predetermined number of prizes P described above are stored, a part of the prize P located at both ends of the short side direction S is exposed from the opening 26 on the same side in the short side direction S. In this embodiment, the type of multiple prizes P stored in one returnable box 5 is one of the following three types: a grand prize, a medium prize, and a small prize; however, the type of prize P may differ for each storage space 24.

Next, the storage section 12 will be described in detail. Figure 3 is a schematic right side view of the interior of the dispensing unit 3. In the following, of the three storage sections 12 lined up in the vertical direction Z, the lowest storage section 12 will be referred to as the "lower storage section 12A," the middle storage section 12 will be referred to as the "middle storage section 12B," and the topmost storage section 12 will be referred to as the "upper storage section 12C."

Referring to the lower storage section 12A, each storage section 12 includes a box-shaped housing 31 that forms its outer shell. The upper surface of the housing 31 is provided with a substantially rectangular loading opening 31A and a substantially rectangular plate-shaped door 31B that opens and closes the loading opening 31A. The door 31B is connected to the housing 31 via a hinge 31C provided at its front end, and is opened and closed by rotating around the hinge 31C. An opening 31D is formed over almost the entire front surface of the housing 31. A handle 31E is provided in the area Z1 above the opening 31D on the front surface of the housing 31 (see FIG. 5). The opening 31D exposes the internal space 31F of the housing 31 to the front side Y1.

A pair of left and right conveying bodies 32 and multiple (four in this example) storage bodies 33 are provided in the internal space 31F of the housing 31 of each storage unit 12. Each conveying body 32 is formed of an endless chain or belt, and has, for example, a substantially rectangular ring shape when viewed from the left-right direction X. The conveying body 32 moves in a circular motion in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions when viewed from the left-right direction X by receiving a driving force from a driving unit such as a motor (not shown). The driving unit and the conveying body 32 constitute a movement mechanism 34.

Each storage unit 33 is tray-shaped and elongated in the left-right direction X. The internal space of each storage unit 33 is large enough to accommodate a returnable box 5 with its elongated length in the left-right direction X. An upwardly facing storage unit 33 (see, for example, storage unit 33 on the upper side Z1 of lower storage section 12A in FIG. 3) has an entrance 33A that opens across the entire top surface, and slit-shaped openings (not shown) cut into both front and rear side walls. The same number of openings are formed in the front and rear walls of the storage unit 33 at positions that match the openings 26 of the returnable box 5 (see FIG. 2), and are arranged side by side in the left-right direction X.

Each storage body 33 is loaded with one returnable box 5. As a result, the prize P in the returnable box 5 is stored in the storage body 33 and also in the storage section 12. In the storage body 33 loaded with the returnable box 5, the openings described above are aligned with the openings 26 of the returnable box 5. In this embodiment, the same type of prize P is stored in one returnable box 5, so one storage body 33 is loaded with the same type of prize P, and one storage section 12 stores the same type of prize P. As an example, only the grand prize is stored in the lower storage section 12A, only the medium prize is stored in the middle storage section 12B, and only the small prize is stored in the upper storage section 12C. Of course, the type of prize P may be different for each storage body 33 in each storage section 12.

These storage bodies 33 are arranged in a ring shape along the rotation direction R of the pair of left and right conveying bodies 32 and are installed between these conveying bodies 32. Therefore, when the left and right conveying bodies 32 move in a circle by operating the moving mechanism 34, these storage bodies 33 move in a circle together with the conveying bodies 32. The circular movement of the conveying bodies 32 and the storage bodies 33 is sometimes called "rotary operation." In addition, each storage body 33 is freely rotatable around a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the left-right direction X at the connection part with the conveying body 32.

Each storage section 12 is provided with a first position change mechanism 35 that temporarily tilts the storage body 33 located near the lower rear corner of the rotation area of the transport body 32 to a backward position, and a second position change mechanism 36 that temporarily tilts the storage body 33 located near the lower front corner of the rotation area of the transport body 32 to a forward position. Each of the first position change mechanism 35 and the second position change mechanism 36 is composed of a guide rail or the like. Although each storage body 33 may change to a backward or forward position along the way, in principle it moves around like a gondola while rotating to maintain an upward position.

A detection unit 37 is disposed at the rear end of the internal space 31F of the housing 31 of each storage section 12. The detection unit 37 includes a detection section 38 and a holder 39 that supports the detection section 38. The detection section 38 is a so-called color sensor, and is provided on the front surface of the holder 39. The detection unit 37 is supported by the rear wall 31G of the housing 31, and moves up and down by receiving a driving force from a driving section (not shown) such as a stepping motor. At that time, the detection section 38 detects the type and number of prizes P in the returnable box 5 stored in the nearest storage body 33. This will be described in more detail later.

In the internal space 31F of the housing 31 of each storage unit 12, a payout mechanism 41 is provided in the area Z2 below the transport body 32 and storage body 33. The payout mechanism 41 includes a payout section 42 that pays out the prize P from the storage body 33. Since there are multiple storage units 12 (three in this embodiment), there are also multiple payout sections 42 in the prize payout device 1 as a whole. Since these storage units 12 are lined up in the vertical direction Z, the multiple payout sections 42 are also lined up in the vertical direction Z. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the size of the prize payout device 1 in the horizontal direction, particularly in the front-back direction Y. In this embodiment, only one payout section 42 is provided in the payout mechanism 41 in each storage unit 12, but multiple payout sections 42 may be provided lined up in the left-right direction X.

The payout section 42 includes an endless payout belt 43 that forms a substantially triangular ring when viewed from the left-right direction X, rollers 44 arranged at each apex of the substantially triangle inside the payout belt 43, a payout roller 45 having an outer circumferential surface made of, for example, urethane, and an opposing roller 46 that faces the payout roller 45. These rollers have a central axis that extends in the left-right direction X. A claw-shaped push-out piece 43A is protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the payout belt 43. In this embodiment, only one push-out piece 43A is provided, but multiple push-out pieces 43A may be provided in a line at equal intervals. The payout belt 43 moves in a circular motion when at least one of the rollers 44 is driven and rotated by a drive unit such as a motor. The pay-out roller 45 is driven and rotated by the drive unit.

The entire payout mechanism 41 can rotate around a pivot (not shown) located directly above the payout roller 45 between a payout position and a retracted position by receiving a driving force from a drive unit (not shown) such as a motor. When the payout mechanism 41 is in the payout position, the payout section 42 is also in the payout position, and when the payout mechanism 41 is in the retracted position, the payout section 42 is also in the retracted position. In other words, the payout section 42 can move between the payout position and the retracted position in response to the rotation of the payout mechanism 41.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the payout section 42 is in the payout position, the payout belt 43 is located behind the payout roller 45 and the opposing roller 46 on the rear side Y2, the two rollers 44 are lined up in the front-to-rear direction Y, the remaining roller 44 is located below the two rollers 44 on the rear-to-rear direction Y on the payout belt 43, and the flat portion 43B between the two rollers 44 is horizontal along the front-to-rear direction Y. In addition, the opposing roller 46 faces the payout roller 45 from above Z1, and the flat portion 43B is at the same height as the space between the payout roller 45 and the opposing roller 46. When the payout section 42 is in the payout position, it can slide in the left-to-right direction X by receiving the driving force of a driving unit (not shown) such as a motor.

In the standby state, the payout mechanism 41 is in the payout position. When the payout mechanism 41 rotates clockwise from the payout position by approximately 30 degrees or more in a right side view, it is disposed in a retracted position (see FIG. 8) that avoids the circumferential trajectory of each storage body 33 in which the returnable box 5 is loaded. When the payout mechanism 41 is in the retracted position, the payout section 42 is also in the retracted position. The retracted position is a position retracted to the front side Y1 or the lower side Z2 from the payout position. In the payout section 42 in the retracted position, the payout belt 43 is located on the lower side Z2 than the payout roller 45 and the opposing roller 46, the flat portion 43B of the payout belt 43 is along the vertical direction Z (specifically, diagonally downward), and the opposing roller 46 faces the payout roller 45 from the rear side Y2.

The door 13 is a vertically long box-like shape large enough to cover the opening 11A of the housing 11, and is flat in the front-rear direction Y in the closed position (see also FIG. 1) in which the opening 11A is closed as shown in FIG. 3. The left end of the door 13 is connected to the housing 11 via a hinge 50 (see FIG. 5) and can rotate around the hinge 50. When the door 13 in the closed position rotates clockwise in a plan view, it is placed in the open position and the entire area of the opening 11A is exposed to the front side Y1 (see FIG. 5). In the following, unless otherwise specified, the description will be given on the assumption that the door 13 is in the closed position. The housing 11 is provided with an electric door lock mechanism 51 (see FIG. 4) that locks and unlocks the door 13 in the closed position. An electromagnetic lock or the like can be used as the door lock mechanism 51.

The top surface 13A of the door 13 is at approximately the same height as the top surface of the housing 11, i.e., the top surface of the top wall 14. The top surface 13A is provided with only one longitudinal dispensing opening 13B in the left-right direction X as an example of a dispensing area (see also FIG. 5). The dispensing opening 13B is in communication with the internal space 13C of the door 13. The door 13 further includes a shutter 52 that opens and closes the dispensing opening 13B.

The shutter 52 is formed in a plate shape elongated in the left-right direction X. The shutter 52 is slidable in the front-back direction Y between a closed position (see also FIG. 1) in which the dispensing outlet 13B is closed, and an open position (see FIG. 12) in which the shutter 52 retreats to the space directly below the top wall 14 and opens the dispensing outlet 13B. The space directly below the top wall 14 is the upper end of the internal space 11B of the housing 11. The shutter 52 is opened and closed by the driving force of a driving unit (not shown), such as a motor, provided in the housing 11 or the door 13.

Almost the entire rear surface of the door 13 is open. Therefore, the internal space 13C of the door 13 is connected to the internal space 31F of the housing 31 through the opening 31D on the front surface of the housing 31 of each storage section 12 in the storage position. A payout mechanism 53 is provided in the internal space 13C, which pays out prizes P in each storage section 12 to the payout opening 13B. In other words, the payout mechanism 53 is integrated into the door 13, which opens and closes the opening 11A of the housing 11. This allows the prize payout device 1 to be made even more compact.

The dispensing mechanism 53 includes a moving section 54. The moving section 54 is a rectangular plate-shaped elevator that is elongated in the left-right direction X and has a plate thickness direction that coincides with the up-down direction Z. The moving section 54 is divided into multiple receiving sections 55 lined up in the left-right direction X. In this embodiment, the moving section 54 is a single unit, and the boundaries between adjacent receiving sections 55 are indicated by dotted lines (see FIG. 5). The number of receiving sections 55 is the same as the number of storage spaces 24 of the returnable box 5 (here, five). The moving section 54 rises and falls between a waiting position set near the lower end of the internal space 13C of the door 13 and a dispensing position set at the upper end of the internal space 13C by receiving a driving force from a driving section such as a motor (not shown).

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the prize payout device 1. The prize payout device 1 includes a control unit 61. The control unit 61 is composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and has a built-in timer, etc. The same applies to the other control units described below. In this embodiment, the control unit 61 is divided into a POS control unit 61A built into the POS unit 2 and a payout control unit 61B built into the payout unit 3, but one control unit 61 may serve as both the POS control unit 61A and the payout control unit 61B. The POS control unit 61A and the payout control unit 61B are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

The POS unit 2 further includes a card processing unit 62 that processes cards, a receipt issuing unit 63, and a reading unit 64. The display operation unit 4, card processing unit 62, receipt issuing unit 63, and reading unit 64 are each electrically connected to the POS control unit 61A. The card processing unit 62 takes in a card inserted into the card slot 2A (see Figure 1), reads necessary information from the card, and ejects the card from the card slot 2A after reading. The receipt issuing unit 63 is composed of a printer, and prints a receipt and issues it to the receipt issuing port 2B.

Regarding the reading unit 64, a receipt (a receipt separate from the receipt issued by the receipt issuing unit 63) containing information such as the number of gaming media acquired through playing on a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is issued to the player from a counting device (not shown) that counts the gaming media. The reading unit 64 is provided on the front of the POS unit 2 (see FIG. 1). For example, when a player holds a receipt over the reading unit 64, the reading unit 64 reads the number of gaming media, etc. from the receipt. Note that instead of a card or receipt, a communication terminal such as a smartphone owned by the player can be used, and when the player holds the communication terminal over the reading unit 64, the reading unit 64 may read the number of gaming media, etc. from the communication terminal.

The payout control unit 61B is electrically connected to the electrical components (such as the drive unit and sensor described above) associated with the moving mechanism 34, the detection unit 38, and the payout mechanism 41 in each storage unit 12. The payout control unit 61B is also electrically connected to the electrical components associated with the drawer lock mechanism 18, the door lock mechanism 51, and the shutter 52. The payout control unit 61B controls the operation of these electrical components to execute a refill process for refilling prizes P, a counting and identification process for counting and identifying the prizes P in each storage unit 12 of the payout unit 3, and a payout process for paying out the prizes P in each storage unit 12 to the outside of the machine (i.e., outside the housing 11). In relation to these processes, the POS control unit 61A displays necessary information on the display operation unit 4, accepts instructions in response to the operation of the display operation unit 4 by the store clerk or the player, processes the player's card using the card processing unit 62, and issues receipts using the receipt issuing unit 63.

The payout unit 3 further includes a memory unit 65. The memory unit 65 is composed of a storage device such as a non-volatile memory or a hard disk drive. The memory unit 65 is electrically connected to the payout control unit 61B. The memory unit 65 stores, for each storage space 24, the type and number of prizes P stored (also called the inventory number) in the returnable boxes 5 loaded in each storage body 33 of each storage section 12. The memory unit 65 also stores various information such as past abnormality history and the payout history of prizes P.

The following describes the replenishment process, counting identification process, and advance dispensing process in that order. In the case of the replenishment process, the store clerk operates the display operation unit 4 to select one storage unit 12 to be the target of the replenishment process. The dispensing control unit 61B in the control unit 61 then releases the lock on the selected storage unit 12 by the drawer lock mechanism 18 in response to an instruction from the POS control unit 61A, thereby allowing the storage unit 12 to be drawn out to the drawer position, and also releases the lock on the door 13 by the door lock mechanism 51.

Next, when the store clerk opens the door 13 to the open position as shown in FIG. 5 and grabs the handle 31E of the unlocked storage section 12 and pulls it toward the front Y1, the storage section 12 is pulled out to the pulled-out position shown in FIG. 6 (see the lower storage section 12A in FIG. 6). In this way, only one storage section 12 is pulled out at a time.

In the storage section 12 pulled out to the pull-out position, the door 31B on the top of the housing 31 is located on the front side Y1 of the housing 11 of the dispensing unit 3, that is, outside the housing 11. In this state, the store clerk opens the door 31B of this storage section 12 to open the loading port 31A to the upper side Z1. Prior to the door 31B opening, the dispensing control section 61B moves the conveyor 32 in a circular movement, so that one storage body 33 in an empty state is located directly below the loading port 31A, as shown in FIG. 7. An empty storage body 33 refers to a storage body 33 that is not loaded with a returnable box 5, or a storage body 33 that is loaded with a returnable box 5 in an empty or near-empty state. The storage body 33 located directly below the loading port 31A is in a loading position with the entrance/exit 33A facing the upper side Z1. In addition, in the storage section 12 where the conveying body 32 is moving in an orbit, the payout mechanism 41 is positioned in a retracted position so as not to come into contact with the moving conveying body 32 or the storage section 33 (see the lower storage section 12A).

The store clerk lowers the returnable box 5 in the basic position containing the prize P as shown by the thick arrow in FIG. 7, passes through the loading port 31A, and inserts it from the upper side Z1 into the entrance 33A of the storage body 33 in the loading position. As a result, the returnable box 5 is loaded into the storage body 33 in the loading position, and the prize P in the returnable box 5 is loaded into the storage section 12. Note that the returnable box 5 and the storage body 33 in which the returnable box 5 is loaded are positioned relative to each other by a positioning rib (not shown) provided on one of the returnable box 5 and the storage body 33 fitting into a positioning groove (not shown) provided on the other. When the returnable box 5 is loaded into the storage body 33 in the loading position and the door 31B is closed, the dispensing control unit 61B may move the conveyor 32 around so that another empty storage body 33 is placed in the loading position.

When the store clerk loads the returnable box 5 into the storage unit 33, closes the door 31B, and grasps the handle 31E of the storage unit 12 in the pull-out position to return it to the storage position, the dispensing control unit 61B locks this storage unit 12 in the storage position using the pull-out lock mechanism 18. This completes the refill process for this storage unit 12.

The store clerk can pull out the storage section 12 to the pull-out position or push it back to the storage position by operating the handle 31E provided on the front of each storage section 12. The storage section 12 can be moved manually by the store clerk or automatically by a drive device such as a DC motor or a stepping motor provided inside the housing 11.

In the case of the counting and identification process, referring to the lower storage section 12A in FIG. 8, the payout control section 61B moves the transport body 32 in a circular motion. Then, when the storage body 33 that is the subject of the counting and identification process in the storage section 12 approaches the detection unit 37, the first position change mechanism 35 tilts it to a rearward position with the entrance/exit 33A facing the rear side Y2. Note that in the storage body 33 in the rearward position, the entrance/exit 33A faces slightly diagonally upwards rather than straight to the side in order to prevent the prize P from falling out of the entrance/exit 25 of the set return box 5.

In the lower storage section 12A in FIG. 8, the storage body 33 at the lower rear end is in a rear-facing position, with the entrance 33A of this storage body 33 facing the rear side Y2. The returnable box 5 loaded in this storage body 33 is also in a rear-facing position with the entrance 25 facing the rear side Y2, and the prize P in the returnable box 5 is stacked in the vertical direction Z and protrudes from the entrance 25 to the rear side Y2, with the rear end surface of the prize P facing the detection unit 37 (strictly speaking, diagonally upward).

When the storage body 33 changes from an upward position to a sideways position and approaches the detection unit 37 in this way, the payout control unit 61B stops the circular movement of the transport body 32. At this time, in the storage section 12, the detection units 38 in the detection unit 37 are at the same position in the left-right direction X for each storage space 24 of the returnable box 5 loaded in the storage body 33 in the backward position (see Figure 9). In this state, the payout control unit 61B raises the detection unit 37, for example, from a standby position at the lower end. At that time, each detection unit 38 rises while facing the storage space 24 at the same position in the left-right direction X in the returnable box 5 from the rear side Y2. The detection units 38 count and identify the prizes P stored in the storage spaces 24 at the same position in the left-right direction X and stacked in the vertical direction Z one by one in order from the bottom side Z2 in a non-contact manner.

When the detection unit 38 is a color sensor, it shines light onto the prize P, receives the reflected light, converts it into RGB values, analyzes it, and counts the prizes P and identifies the authenticity and type of the prizes P based on the analysis results. An IC chip storing identification information may be built into the prize P, and the detection unit 38 may identify the authenticity and type of the prize P by reading the identification information from the IC chip in a non-contact manner. Then, when the detection unit 38 rises from the standby position and completes counting and identification of all the prizes P in each storage space 24 of the returnable box 5 loaded in the storage body 33 in the backward-facing position, it descends to the standby position, and the counting and identification process ends.

The counting and identification process may be performed on all storage sections 12 at once, or may be performed individually on a specific storage section 12 selected by the store clerk through operation of the display operation section 4. The counting and identification process may also be performed on the returnable boxes 5 loaded in all storage bodies 33 in each storage section 12, or may be performed only on the returnable boxes 5 loaded in the storage body 33 specified by the store clerk. In either case, the payout control section 61B updates the number of prizes P in stock in each storage body 33 in the payout unit 3 each time the counting and identification process is performed.

The inventory data (type and number of prizes P) in each storage unit 33 in each storage section 12 is compiled in table T (see FIG. 10) in association with the identification information assigned to each storage unit 33, and stored in the memory unit 65. In table T in FIG. 10, the inventory number of prizes P in each storage unit 33 in each storage unit 12 is stored in association with one of the identification information A to D for each storage unit 33. Also, as shown in parentheses in FIG. 10, the inventory number of prizes P in each of the five storage spaces 24 arranged in the left-right direction X in the returnable box 5 set in each storage unit 33 is stored in table T as a breakdown of the inventory number of prizes P in each storage unit 33. Also, the inventory number of each type of prize P in each storage unit 12 is stored in table T as a subtotal. The inventory number of each type of prize P in the three storage units 12, that is, the inventory number of each type of prize P in the entire payout unit 3, is stored in table T as a total.

The payout process will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The payout process includes a payout process in which prizes P are paid out one by one from the returnable box 5 onto the receiving section 55 of the moving section 54, and a payout process in which the prizes P on the moving section 54 that have been paid out by the payout process are paid out from the payout opening 13B to the outside of the machine.

The player inserts the card into the card slot 2A or holds the receipt issued by the counting device over the reading unit 64 of the POS unit 2. The POS control unit 61A then reads the number of game media associated with the card by the card processing unit 62, or the number of game media written on the receipt by the reading unit 64. The player can then operate the display operation unit 4 to select the type and number of prizes P that can be exchanged within the range of the number of game media associated with the card or the number of game media written on the receipt. The POS control unit 61A generates payout information for the prizes P to be paid out based on the player's selection of the type and number of prizes P to be exchanged. The POS control unit 61A in this case functions as an example of a generating unit that generates payout information. The payout information includes specific information that identifies the prizes P to be paid out and number information about the number of prizes P to be paid out. Strictly speaking, the specific information identifies the type of prize P.

When the POS control unit 61A sends a payout request including payout information to the payout control unit 61B, the payout control unit 61B first performs the payout process. Specifically, the payout control unit 61B moves the transport body 32 in a circular motion with reference to the lower storage unit 12A. As a result, when the storage unit 33 that is the subject of the payout process approaches the moving unit 54 of the payout mechanism 53, the second position change mechanism 36 tilts it to a forward-facing position with the entrance/exit 33A facing the front side Y1. Note that in the forward-facing storage unit 33, the entrance/exit 33A faces slightly diagonally upwards rather than straight to the side in order to prevent the prize P from falling out of the entrance/exit 25 of the set return box 5.

In the lower storage section 12A in FIG. 11, the storage body 33 at the lower front end is in a forward-facing position, with the entrance 33A of this storage body 33 facing the front side Y1. The returnable box 5 loaded in this storage body 33 is also in a forward-facing position with the entrance 25 facing the front side Y1, and the prize P in the returnable box 5 is stacked in the vertical direction Z and protrudes from the entrance 25 to the front side Y1, with the front end surface of the prize P facing the door 13 side (strictly speaking, diagonally upward).

As shown in FIG. 11, when the lowest prize P in the returnable box 5 loaded in the forward-facing storage body 33 reaches a height position approximately the same as the flat portion 43B of the payout belt 43 of the payout section 42 in the payout mechanism 41 in the payout position, the payout control section 61B stops the circular movement of the conveyor 32. At this time, the payout section 42 in the payout position is positioned directly below this returnable box 5.

Next, the payout control unit 61B raises the moving unit 54 from the standby position to position the upper surface of the moving unit 54 at approximately the same height as the flat portion 43B of the payout belt 43, and then moves the payout belt 43 in the payout unit 42 to rotate the payout roller 45. At this time, in the payout mechanism 41, the payout belt 43 moves counterclockwise in a right side view, and the payout roller 45 rotates counterclockwise. The push-out piece 43A provided on the payout belt 43 that moves in a circle moves horizontally to the front side Y1 on the flat portion 43B of the payout belt 43. At that time, the push-out piece 43A enters the opening 26 (see FIG. 2) of the returnable box 5 loaded in the storage body 33 in a forward position, hooks the lowest prize P in the storage space 24 of the returnable box 5, and pushes it out to the front side Y1. In this way, the payout unit 42 in the payout position pays out a prize P from one of the storage bodies 33 that is in a forward-facing position.

The prize P dispensed to the front side Y1 comes into contact with the rotating dispense roller 45, and is pushed toward the moving section 54 through between the dispense roller 45 and the opposing roller 46, and is placed on one of the receiving sections 55 located at the same position in the left-right direction X in the moving section 54. Then, as the circular movement of the dispense belt 43 and the rotation of the dispense roller 45 are repeated, the prizes P in the storage space 24 located directly above each dispense section 42 in the returnable box 5 loaded in the storage body 33 in a forward-facing position are dispensed one by one in order, starting with the prize P on the lower side Z2, and are accumulated on the receiving section 55.

Each time a prize P is dispensed, the payout control unit 61B gradually lowers the moving unit 54 from the standby position so that the dispensed prize P is accumulated on the upper side Z1 in the receiving unit 55. The payout control unit 61B also moves the conveying body 32 slightly in a circular motion to temporarily raise the forward-facing storage body 33, and moves the payout unit 42 in the left-right direction X during that time. The payout control unit 61B then moves the conveying body 32 in a circular motion in the opposite direction to lower the storage body 33 to its original position, allowing the payout unit 42 to dispense a prize P from a storage space 24 other than the original storage space 24 from which the prize P was previously dispensed. In this case, the prize P dispensed from the other storage space 24 is accumulated in the moving unit 54 in a receiving unit 55 other than the previous receiving unit 55.

When all storage spaces 24 in the returnable box 5 set in the storage body 33 (see the lower storage section 12A in FIG. 11), which was previously in a horizontal position, become empty, the payout control section 61B may raise the moving section 54 to the payout section 42 of the payout mechanism 41 in another storage section 12, for example, the middle storage section 12B. In the middle storage section 12B, the payout mechanism 41 is in the payout position, and one storage body 33 is in a forward-facing position on the payout section 42, making it possible to pay out prizes P from the returnable box 5 set in this storage body 33. Therefore, the payout control section 61B pays out prizes P from the returnable box 5 set in this storage body 33 onto the moving section 54.

When moving the moving part 54 from the lower storage part 12A to pay out the prize P from the middle storage part 12B in this way, the payout control part 61B rotates the payout mechanism 41 of the lower storage part 12A to the retracted position in preparation for payout in the lower storage part 12A, then moves the conveying body 32 around to bring the storage body 33 loaded with another returnable box 5 into a forward-facing position. The payout control part 61B then returns the payout mechanism 41 of the lower storage part 12A to the payout position and lowers the moving part 54 from which the prize P from the middle storage part 12B has been paid out. The payout control part 61B then pays out the prize P onto the moving part 54 from the returnable box 5 set in the storage body 33 in a forward-facing position in the lower storage part 12A. This process of dispensing prizes P from multiple storage units 33 across the circular movement of the transport body 32 in one storage unit 12 (the lower storage unit 12A in this explanation) is called "crossing the rotary."

When the required number of prizes P are dispensed onto the moving section 54, the dispense process is completed. Then, the payout control section 61B starts the payout process. Specifically, the payout control section 61B slides the shutter 52 to the open position shown in FIG. 12. This opens the payout outlet 13B on the upper surface 13A of the door 13 to the upper side Z1. Then, the payout control section 61B raises the moving section 54 to the payout position shown in FIG. 12. The moving section 54 moves to the payout outlet 13B by rising to the payout position. In other words, the moving section 54 receives prizes P from each of the payout sections 42 of the multiple storage sections 12 in order, and then rises to the payout outlet 13B. As a result, the prizes P dispensed onto each moving section 54 of the moving section 54 are dispensed to the payout outlet 13B and exposed to the outside of the machine from the payout outlet 13B. In this way, the movement unit 54 and the payout control unit 61B function as an example of a payout unit that pays out the prize P in the storage unit 12 to the payout opening 13B. The shutter 52, the payout mechanism 41, etc. may also be considered as part of the payout unit.

When the player directly receives the prize P on the moving part 54 at the payout opening 13B, the payout control unit 61B lowers the moving part 54 to the standby position and slides the shutter 52, which was in the open position until then, to the closed position. This ends the payout process and completes the series of payout processes. Note that, below, the series of processes related to the payout process is referred to as the "transaction process." The payout process is part of the transaction process.

Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the transaction process. The transaction process, i.e., the prize payout method in the prize payout device 1, is described in detail below. Figure 13 shows the processes executed in parallel by the POS unit 2 and the payout unit 3 in relation to the transaction process. The dashed arrows in Figure 13 also show the transmission and reception of information between the POS unit 2 and the payout unit 3. The same applies to the flowchart in Figure 14.

In the prize payout device 1 in standby mode, the POS control unit 61A waits to read the number of gaming media from the player's card, receipt, etc. (step S1). As described above, when the POS control unit 61A reads the number of gaming media by the player inserting the card into the card slot 2A or holding the receipt over the reading unit 64 (YES in step S1), the POS control unit 61A waits for the player to select a prize (step S2). When the player selects a prize by operating the display operation unit 4 (YES in step S2), the POS control unit 61A generates payout information for the prize P to be paid out as described above (generation step in the prize payout method) and sends a payout request including this payout information to the payout control unit 61B (step S3).

The payout control unit 61B receives a payout request from the POS control unit 61A and accepts the payout information included in the payout request. Then (YES in step S4), the payout control unit 61B checks whether there are enough prizes P by referring to the stock quantity of each type of prize P in table T (see FIG. 10) (the total stock quantity in all storage units 12) and the payout information (step S5). In other words, the payout control unit 61B functions as an example of a confirmation unit, accepting the payout information and confirming the stock of the items to be paid out in all storage units 12 based on the payout information (confirmation step in the prize payout method).

Specifically, the payout control unit 61B compares the number of items to be paid out, that is, the required number, included in the quantity information of the payout information, with the stock number of prizes P in table T for each type of prize P. If the stock number of prizes P for all types of prizes to be paid out is equal to or greater than the required number, the payout control unit 61B determines that there are enough prizes P. On the other hand, if the stock number of even one type of prize P is less than the required number, the payout control unit 61B determines that there is a shortage of prizes P. For example, in the case of a payout request for the required number of 20 grand prizes, 15 medium prizes, and 12 small prizes, there is a shortage of two small prizes in the stock situation of table T in FIG. 10. Therefore, even if the payout process is started as it is, the small prizes will run out midway, and all of the prizes P to be paid out will not be paid out. If there is a shortage of prizes P (NO in step S5), the payout control unit (prize shortage notification unit) 61B notifies the POS control unit 61A accordingly (step S6).

As described above, the payout information included in the payout request includes specific information about the type of prize P to be paid out and quantity information about the number of prizes P to be paid out. In step S3, the POS control unit 61A may send both the specific information and the quantity information together as a payout request, or may send the payout request in two stages by first sending the specific information and then sending the quantity information.

In the case where a payout request is sent in two stages, when the player operates the display operation unit 4 to select the type of prize P, the POS control unit 61A promptly sends the specific information to the payout control unit 61B (step S3). When the payout control unit 61B receives the specific information that is part of the payout information (YES in step S4), it promptly starts checking the stock of the prize to be paid out in all the storage units 12 (step S5). If the stock quantity of the prize P of the type in the specific information is zero, the payout control unit (prize shortage notification unit) 61B judges that this type of prize P is insufficient and promptly notifies the fact (step S6). In this way, since it is quickly determined whether the prize P is sufficient or not, it is possible to promptly notify the player when the prize P is insufficient. Therefore, the player can grasp the shortage of this type of prize P at the timing before operating the display operation unit 4 to select the number of prizes P after selecting the type of prize P.

In each storage section 12, an empty sensor 66 (shown only in the lower storage section 12A in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 4) may be provided near the opposing roller 46 of the payout mechanism 41 to detect the presence or absence of a prize P in each storage space 24. The payout control section 61B can determine the presence or absence of a prize P in each storage space 24 based on the detection result of the empty sensor 66, but cannot determine the actual number of prizes P in stock in the storage space 24 in which the prize P is present from the detection result of the empty sensor 66.

It is assumed that the number of prizes P of the same type in the payout request exceeds the maximum number of prizes P that can be stored in one storage space 24 of the returnable box 5 (which varies depending on the thickness of the prizes P, and is 20 in this embodiment), that is, the prizes P need to be paid out from two or more storage spaces 24. In this case, if there is only one storage space 24 in which this type of prize P exists in the entire prize payout device 1, the payout control unit (prize shortage notification unit) 61B may determine that there is a shortage of this type of prize P (NO in step S5) and promptly notify the same (step S6). With this configuration, even if the detection unit 37 is omitted, the payout control unit 61B can simply check the surplus or shortage of prizes P in step S5.

In response to receiving the notification that the prize P is insufficient (YES in step S7), the POS control unit 61A prompts the player to replenish the insufficient prize P (step S8). Specifically, the POS control unit (replenishment request notification unit) 61A displays on the display operation unit 4 that the prize P is insufficient and therefore the payout of the prize P cannot be started, and that the prize P needs to be replenished in order to start the payout of the prize P. At that time, the POS control unit 61A may cause the prize payout device 1 to go down due to an error, or may prompt the store clerk to replenish the prize P by using a buzzer or the like. As another example, the POS control unit (replenishment request notification unit) 61A may prompt the store clerk to replenish the prize P by notifying an intercom (wireless device) carried by the store clerk. Of course, a player who sees the display content of the display operation unit 4 may call the store clerk and request the store clerk to replenish the prize P.

In this way, if the check result of the payout control unit 61B in step S5 does not satisfy the predetermined condition (there is a sufficient amount of the prize P to be paid out in the storage unit 12), the POS control unit (replenishment request notification unit) 61A notifies the user, such as the player or the store clerk, that the storage unit 12 needs to be replenished with prizes P prior to starting the payout of the prizes to be paid out (step S8: notification step in the prize payout method). In this case, the POS control unit 61A functions as an example of a notification unit. Hereinafter, the notification here may be referred to as a "replenishment request notification."

After the POS control unit 61A notifies the storage unit 12 that it is necessary to replenish prizes P, when the payout control unit 61B executes the refill process to ensure that there are sufficient prizes P (YES in step S9), the payout control unit 61B notifies the POS control unit 61A that the refill of prizes P is complete (step S10). In response to receiving such a refill completion notification (YES in step S11), the POS control unit 61A stops the prompt to replenish prizes P, cancels the error down of the prize payout device 1, and displays on the display operation unit 4 that the prizes P are being paid out (step S12). Note that if there is no notification that there is a shortage of prizes P (NO in step S7), the POS control unit 61A executes the display of step S12.

The payout control unit 61B then notifies the POS control unit 61A that the replenishment of the prizes P in the storage unit 12 has been completed, and executes the payout process in response to the initial payout request (step S13). Therefore, if the player waits in front of the prize payout device 1 after the start of the replenishment request notification, the player can have all of the prizes to be paid out from the prize payout device 1 paid out by the payout process after the replenishment of the prizes P.

On the other hand, if there are enough prizes P (YES in step S5), the payout control unit 61B promptly executes the payout process (step S13). In other words, if the check result of the payout control unit 61B in step S5 (check step) satisfies the predetermined condition, the payout control unit 61B pays out the payout target to the payout outlet 13D by the payout process in step S13 (payout step in the prize payout method). Then, when the payout process in the payout process is successfully completed, the payout control unit 61B notifies the POS control unit 61A of a completion report. When the POS control unit 61A receives the completion report (step S14), the POS control unit 61A returns the display of the display operation unit 4 from the display in step S12 to a standby screen (not shown) and waits normally (step S15) according to the passage of a predetermined time, thereby completing the current transaction and returning the prize payout device 1 to a standby state.

In this way, the prize payout device 1 starts the payout process of prize P only if the confirmation result of the payout control unit 61B in step S5 satisfies the predetermined condition, in other words, only if there is no need to replenish prize P in the storage unit 12, so that the prize payout device 1 can pay out all of the prizes to be paid out. Conversely, if it is expected that there will be a shortage of prize P during the payout process (NO in step S5), the replenishment of prize P is prioritized, and the payout process is executed in the prize payout device 1 after the replenishment of prize P. In other words, the prize payout device 1 does not execute the payout process when the stock of prize P is incomplete, but executes the payout process only when all of the requested prize P can be paid out.

With this configuration, even if the confirmation result of the payout control unit 61B does not satisfy the predetermined condition (i.e., there is a shortage of prizes P to be paid out), the prize payout device 1 starts to pay out the prizes P, but the payout is interrupted due to the lack of prizes P. In particular, in the case of self-operation, it is possible to prevent a malfunction in which a player leaves the prize payout device 1 with unpaid prizes P. This reduces the burden on the store staff to deal with such malfunctions, and improves the usability of the prize payout device 1 in terms of the payout of prizes P. In addition, since the prize payout device 1 is prompted to replenish the prizes P, it is unlikely to be left in a state where there is a shortage of prizes P, so that the prize payout device 1 can be maintained in an operational state for a long time. Note that the predetermined condition described above may be a condition other than a sufficient amount of prizes P to be paid out in the storage unit 12. For example, various conditions may be added in addition to a simple sufficient amount of prizes P, depending on the operation of the gaming facility.

As described above, in a configuration in which multiple prize payout devices 1 are connected to communicate with each other, the control unit 61 of a prize payout device 1 (referred to as the "first prize payout device 1A") that is found to be short of the prize P requested for payout may transfer the payout request to another prize payout device 1 (referred to as the "second prize payout device 1B"), for example at the timing of step S6. In other words, if the confirmation result for the first prize payout device 1A does not satisfy the specified condition, the control unit 61 of the first prize payout device 1A, or more precisely the POS control unit 61A, functions as an example of a request unit, thereby requesting the second prize payout device 1B to pay out the prize P to be paid out.

Specifically, the POS control unit 61A notifies the player via the display operation unit 4 or the like that the first prize payout device 1A is short of prizes P and that the second prize payout device 1B will pay out prizes P on behalf of the first prize payout device 1A. At that time, the POS control unit 61A may also notify guidance information about the second prize payout device 1B. In this case, a player who was initially waiting for the first prize payout device 1A to pay out the payout target can have the payout target quickly paid out from the second prize payout device 1B without waiting for the first prize payout device 1A to be replenished with prizes P.

In the second prize payout device 1B to which the payout request has been transferred, the processing from step S1 onwards is carried out, and the prizes P to be paid out are paid out starting from the first one. The inventory data of the prizes P in all prize payout devices 1 may be managed centrally in a higher-level device, the management device 101 (see FIG. 16), in which case the second prize payout device 1B that has a sufficient amount of prize P may be identified by the management device 101, and the first prize payout device 1A may transfer the payout request to this second prize payout device 1B. This prevents problems such as players having to wait for a long time because the second prize payout device 1B to which the payout request has been transferred does not have enough prizes P.

However, even if there are not enough prizes P, as a modified example, the amount of prizes P present in the prize payout device 1 may be paid out. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a transaction process according to the modified example. In the modified example, a table T relating to the inventory of prizes P in the payout unit 3 may be stored in a memory unit 67 (see FIG. 4) provided in the POS unit 2. As described above, when the POS control unit 61A reads the number of gaming media, etc. by the player inserting a card into the card slot 2A or holding a receipt, etc. over the reading unit 64 (YES in step S21), the POS control unit 61A waits for the player to select a prize (step S22).

When the player selects a prize by operating the display operation unit 4 (YES in step S22), the POS control unit 61A generates the payout information as described above, and then checks whether there are enough prizes P by referring to the number of prizes P in stock in table T (step S23). Specifically, the POS control unit 61A compares the required number of prizes P to be paid out contained in the payout information with the number of prizes P in stock in table T for each type of prize P. If the number of prizes P in stock for all types related to the payout target is equal to or greater than the required number, the POS control unit 61A determines that there are enough prizes P. On the other hand, if the number of prizes P in stock for even one type is less than the required number, the POS control unit 61A determines that there is a shortage of prizes P.

If there are not enough prizes P (NO in step S23), the POS control unit 61A sets a near empty flag in the memory unit 67 (step S24) and displays a confirmation message on the display operation unit 4 (step S25). An example of the confirmation message includes a message indicating that there are not enough prizes P and information regarding the number of gaming media that can be exchanged for the prizes P currently in stock (or the number of prizes P that can be exchanged). The number of gaming media here is a value that varies depending on the stock of prizes P, and is calculated by the POS control unit 61A. The confirmation message may include a message asking whether or not to continue with the payout of prizes P.

When the player who has seen the confirmation message operates the display operation unit 4 to select to continue the payout of the prize P (YES in step S26), the POS control unit 61A updates the payout information and sends a payout request based on the updated payout information to the payout control unit 61B (step S27). The updated payout information includes specific information about the type of prize P that can be paid out based on the current inventory situation in the prize payout device 1, and quantity information about the number of prizes P that can be paid out.

When the payout control unit 61B receives a payout request (YES in step S28), it executes a payout process in response to this payout request (step S29). As a result, the amount of prize P present in the prize payout device 1 is paid out, although it is less than the number originally requested by the player. In this way, the player can exchange gaming media for prizes P as much as possible, which gives the player a sense of satisfaction. In addition, the inventory of the paid-out prizes P becomes exactly zero, which makes it easy for the gaming facility staff to replenish the prizes P thereafter. When the replenishment process is executed, the POS control unit 61A cancels, or erases, the near empty flag set in the memory unit 67. Note that the setting of such a flag can be selected to be valid or invalid at will.

On the other hand, if the transaction continues when there are enough prizes P (YES in steps S23 and S26), the POS control unit 61A sends a payout request based on the initial payout information to the payout control unit 61B (step S27), and the number of prizes P initially requested by the player is paid out (step S29). When the payout process in the payout process is successfully completed, the payout control unit 61B notifies the POS control unit 61A of a completion report. When the POS control unit 61A receives the completion report (step S30), the current transaction ends and the prize payout device 1 returns to a standby state. If the player selects to cancel the payout of the prize P by operating the display operation unit 4 (NO in step S26), the POS control unit 61A returns the card to the player through the card slot 2A as a cancellation process (step S31), and returns the prize payout device 1 to a standby state.

In the case where the prize P is insufficient (NO in step S23), the POS control unit 61A may set a flag (step S24) and then display a confirmation message indicating that the transaction cannot be performed due to a lack of prize P (step S25). In this case, the POS control unit 61A then executes a cancellation process (step S31) and returns the prize payout device 1 to a standby state without allowing the player to select whether or not to continue the payout of the prize P. In this case, the player can give up and feel satisfied. In addition, the store staff is relieved from the recovery work caused by the prize P being lost during the payout. In this case, the POS control unit 61A of the prize payout device 1 (the first prize payout device 1A described above) may transfer a payout request to another prize payout device 1 (the second prize payout device 1B described above), and the second prize payout device 1B may pay out the prize P on behalf of the other prize payout device 1. In this case, the POS control unit 61A of the first prize payout device 1A notifies the player by a confirmation message or the like in step S25 that the first prize payout device 1A has a shortage of prizes P and that the second prize payout device 1B will pay out prizes P instead, and provides guidance information about the second prize payout device 1B.

When the store clerk rotates the door 13 to the open position for the refilling process, all three storage sections 12 arranged in the vertical direction Z in the payout unit 3 are exposed from the opening 11A of the housing 11 (see FIG. 5). At this time, the lock by the drawer lock mechanism 18 for all storage sections 12 may be released. However, with this configuration, it is assumed that the store clerk will mistakenly pull out a storage section 12 other than the one to which the prize P is to be refilled. When the store clerk realizes the mistake, he or she returns the other storage section 12 to the storage position, pulls out the storage section 12 to which the prize P is to be refilled, and then returns the storage section 12 to which the prize P is to be refilled to the storage position. In this case, the payout control unit 61B performs counting and identification processing not only on the storage section 12 to which the prize P is to be refilled, but also on the storage section 12 that was pulled out by mistake.

In this configuration in which all storage sections 12 can be accessed by opening the door 13, even if a storage section 12 is pulled out by mistake, the number of prizes P in that storage section 12 in stock is appropriately managed by recounting. This prevents a store clerk who pulls out a storage section 12 by mistake from being suspected of cheating. In addition, since the counting and identification process is performed only on the pulled-out storage section 12, the time it takes for the prize dispensing device 1 to return to a standby state can be shortened and deterioration over time can be suppressed compared to when the counting and identification process is performed on all storage sections 12, including the others, every time. Furthermore, since there is no need to install a configuration to prevent storage sections 12 from being pulled out by mistake, such as a configuration for remote permission operations by an authorized person, costs can be suppressed and the store clerk can smoothly access the desired storage section 12.

The prize payout system 100 according to the modified example shown in FIG. 15 further includes a prize payout device 1 and a settlement machine 71 for settling the prepaid value associated with the player's card in cash. The front of the settlement machine 71 is provided with a card entrance 71A through which the player inserts and removes the card, a bill withdrawal port 71B through which the settlement amount in the form of bills is withdrawn, and a coin withdrawal port 71C through which the settlement amount in the form of coins is withdrawn. The settlement machine 71 has a built-in storage section 72 that stores cash, and a store clerk can access the storage section 72 by opening a door 73 provided on the front of the settlement machine 71. The prize payout device 1 and the settlement machine 71 may be integrated as shown in FIG. 15, or may be arranged separately.

The door 13 of the prize payout device 1 and the door 73 of the settlement machine 71 may be opened and closed in conjunction with each other. In this case, when one of the doors 13 and 73 is opened, the other can also be opened at the same time, so that the store clerk can access not only all of the storage sections 12 of the prize payout device 1, but also the storage section 72 of the settlement machine 71. In this configuration, even if a store clerk intending to replenish cash in the storage section 72 mistakenly pulls out a storage section 12, the payout control unit 61B may perform a counting and identification process on the storage section 12 that was pulled out by mistake. In addition, when the prize payout device 1 and the settlement machine 71 are located apart, it is preferable to configure the door 13 and the door 7 so that they cannot be opened together unless it is outside the business hours of the game store, for example, so that another person cannot illegally access the settlement machine 71 while the store clerk is accessing the storage section 12.

The prize payout system 100 according to the modified example shown in FIG. 16 includes the prize payout device 1 in which the POS unit 2 and the payout unit 3 are integrated, as well as the management device 101 described above, a POS terminal 102 corresponding to the POS unit 2, a prize payout device 103 corresponding to the payout unit 3, and a vending machine 104 that pays out general prizes. The POS terminal 102 is, for example, a tablet terminal, and is installed on a counter 105. The prize payout device 103 is disposed near the POS terminal 102, for example, next to the counter 105. The vending machine 104 is disposed near the counter 105. The front of the vending machine 104 is provided with a display operation unit 106 similar to the display operation unit 4 described above, and a reading unit 107 similar to the reading unit 64 described above. The front of the vending machine 104 is also provided with a card entrance 104A and a general prize outlet 104B.

In the prize payout system 100, the prize payout device 1, the management device 101, the POS terminal 102, the prize payout device 103, and the vending machine 104 are communicatively connected via a wireless or wired communication network N. A store clerk is on standby at the counter 105 and operates the POS terminal 102 as necessary in response to orders from players. This causes the above-mentioned payout request to be sent from the POS terminal 102 to the prize payout device 103, which then executes the payout process. The player may directly receive the prize P paid out from the prize payout device 103, or the store clerk may receive the prize P paid out from the prize payout device 103 and then hand it over to the player.

A player can exchange any remaining gaming media that is not redeemable for the special prize P for general prizes, and the procedure for doing so can be carried out by the POS unit 2 or POS terminal 102 of the prize payout device 1. Specifically, the player can specify the type and number of general prizes by operating the display operation section 4 of the POS unit 2. Alternatively, the player can inform the store clerk of the type and number of general prizes at the counter 105, and the store clerk can specify the type and number of general prizes on behalf of the player by operating the display operation section 108 of the POS terminal 102. The POS unit 2 or POS terminal 102 then issues a receipt to the player that lists information about the type and number of the specified general prizes.

The player takes this receipt to the vending machine 104, operates the display operation unit 106 as necessary, and has the receipt read by the reading unit 107. Alternatively, information about the type and number of general prizes may be recorded on the communication terminal or card described above, in which case the player holds the communication terminal over the reading unit 107 or inserts the card into the card slot 104A. In response to such operations, the general prize designated by the player is dispensed from inside the vending machine 104 to the dispenser 104B, and the player can collect the desired general prize from the dispenser 104B.

The inventory data for each type of general prize in the vending machine 104 is managed, for example, by the management device 101. When the inventory of general prizes in the vending machine 104 runs out, the management device 101 notifies the prize payout device 1 and the POS terminal 102 that the general prize of the type that is out of inventory cannot be exchanged. As a result, the player cannot carry out the procedure to exchange the general prize for gaming media at the POS unit 2 of the prize payout device 1 or the POS terminal 102.

In addition, during times when the arcade is crowded with players wanting to exchange prizes (such as in the evening or just before the arcade closes), if players have difficulty selecting a general prize on the self-service prize payout device 1, the congestion may be prolonged. Therefore, in order to alleviate the congestion, during such times, for example, the management device 101 may notify the prize payout device 1 that general prizes cannot be exchanged, thereby making it impossible to select a general prize on the POS unit 2 of the prize payout device 1 during that time period only. The notification by the management device 101 may be executed according to a pre-set time setting, or the management device 101 may automatically determine the congestion state based on the contents of images captured by a camera (not shown) that captures the inside of the arcade, and the management device 101 may execute the notification based on the result of the determination.

For example, at a counter 105 where a store clerk is waiting, the selection of general prizes may be restricted at the prize payout devices 1 in the vicinity, but the selection of general prizes may still be possible at the POS terminal 102. On the other hand, if multiple prize payout devices 1 are installed in an unmanned area where there are no store clerks nearby, the selection of general prizes may be restricted at most of the prize payout devices 1, but the selection of general prizes may still be possible at the remaining few prize payout devices 1.

This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the various features described above can be combined as appropriate.

For example, the payout control unit 61B was an example of a confirmation unit that checks the inventory of the payout target described above, but the management device 101 may function as the confirmation unit. The POS control unit 61A was an example of a notification unit that notifies that the storage unit 12 needs to be replenished with prizes P, but the payout control unit 61B or the management device 101 may function as the notification unit. Similarly, the request unit that requests the second prize payout device 1B to pay out the payout target may be at least one of the POS control unit 61A, the payout control unit 61B, and the management device 101.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Prize payout device 1A First prize payout device 1B Second prize payout device 12 Storage section 13B Payout outlet 54 Movement section 61 Control section 61A POS control section 61B Payout control section 100 Prize payout system 101 Management device P Prize

Claims (6)

a prize payout device including a payout unit including a payout area from which prizes are paid out, a storage section for storing the prizes, and a payout section for paying out the prizes in the storage section to the payout area;
a prize management unit including a generating unit that generates payout information for a prize to be paid out, and a transmitting unit that transmits a payout request including the payout information to the payout unit;
The dispensing unit includes a confirmation unit that receives the dispensing information included in the dispensing request and confirms the inventory of the item to be dispensed in the storage unit based on the dispensing information included in the dispensing request ,
When the confirmation by the confirmation unit indicates that there are a sufficient number of prizes to be paid out in the storage unit , the payout unit pays out the prizes to be paid out to the payout area,
The payout unit further includes a prize shortage notification unit that notifies the player that there is a shortage of the prize to be paid out when the confirmation by the confirmation unit indicates that there is a shortage of the prize to be paid out in the storage unit ,
If the result of the confirmation by the confirmation unit indicates that there are not enough prizes to be paid out in the storage unit, the payout unit suspends the start of the payout of the prizes to be paid out corresponding to the payout request,
In a prize payout system, when the confirmation unit confirms that the missing prizes have been replenished in the storage unit after notification by the prize shortage notification unit, the payout unit cancels the start of payout of the payout object corresponding to the pending payout request and pays out the payout object to the payout area . The prize payout system of claim 1, further comprising a replenishment request notification unit that notifies the storage unit that prizes need to be replenished when the prize management unit receives a notification from the payout unit that there is a shortage of the prize to be paid out. A prize payout system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the payout unit further includes a replenishment completion notification unit that notifies that replenishment of prizes to the storage unit has been completed when the missing prizes have been replenished to the storage unit. The payout information includes specific information for identifying the prize to be paid out and number information regarding the number of the prizes to be paid out,
A prize payout system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the confirmation unit, upon receiving the specific information, begins checking the inventory of the item to be paid out in the storage unit. a payout unit including a payout area from which prizes are paid out , a storage section for storing the prizes , and a payout section for paying out the prizes in the storage section to the payout area;
a prize management unit including a generating unit that generates payout information for a prize to be paid out, and a transmitting unit that transmits a payout request including the payout information to the payout unit;
The dispensing unit includes a confirmation unit that receives the dispensing information included in the dispensing request and confirms the inventory of the item to be dispensed in the storage unit based on the dispensing information included in the dispensing request ;
If the confirmation by the confirmation unit indicates that there are a sufficient number of prizes to be paid out in the storage unit , the payout unit pays out the prizes to be paid out to the payout area,
The payout unit further includes a prize shortage notification unit that notifies the player that there is a shortage of the prize to be paid out when the confirmation by the confirmation unit indicates that there is a shortage of the prize to be paid out in the storage unit ,
If the confirmation by the confirmation unit indicates that there are not enough prizes to be paid out in the storage unit, the payout unit suspends the start of the payout of the prizes to be paid out corresponding to the payout request,
In a prize payout device, when the confirmation unit confirms that the missing prizes have been replenished in the storage unit after notification by the prize shortage notification unit, the payout unit cancels the start of payout of the payout object corresponding to the pending payout request and pays out the payout object to the payout area . A prize payout method in a prize payout device including a payout unit including a payout area from which prizes are paid out, a storage unit for storing prizes, and a payout unit for paying out prizes in the storage unit to the payout area, and a prize management unit, comprising :
A generating step of generating payout information regarding the prize to be paid out in the prize management unit ;
A sending step in which the prize management unit sends a payout request including the payout information to the payout unit;
a confirmation step of accepting the dispensing information included in the dispensing request in the dispensing unit and confirming the inventory of the item to be dispensed in the storage unit based on the dispensing information included in the dispensing request ;
a payout step of , when the confirmation result in the confirmation step indicates that there are a sufficient number of prizes to be paid out in the storage unit , paying out the prizes to be paid out to the payout area by the payout unit;
a prize shortage notification step for notifying the player that there is a shortage of the prize to be paid out prior to the start of the payout of the prize to be paid out, if the result of the confirmation step shows that there is a shortage of the prize to be paid out in the storage unit ;
If the result of the confirmation step shows that there are not enough prizes to be paid out in the storage unit, the payout unit is suspending the start of the payout of the prizes to be paid out corresponding to the payout request.
A prize payout method in a prize payout device including a step of canceling the start of payout of the payout object corresponding to the pending payout request when it is confirmed in the confirmation step that the missing prizes have been replenished in the storage section after notification in the prize shortage notification step, and paying out the payout object to the payout area by the payout section .

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