JP2005006911A - Special prize reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and surely find an abnormal prize obtained by illegality etc. while speedily performing reading processing of a plurality of special prizes. <P>SOLUTION: This special prize reader is provided with: a special prize 10 which has a superposable outer shape, stores identification information readable by a reader body 20, and has a transmission means for transmitting the identification information stored in a storage means by radio; and the reader body 20 for performing reading processing of the special prize 10. The reader body 20 is provided with: a prize mounting part 24a which mounts the plurality of special prizes 10 superposed and which receives the identification information transmitted from each prize by radio; and a weighing part 24b for measuring the weight of the plurality of special prizes mounted on the prize mounting part 24a to compare the number of prizes generated from the identification information with data of the number of prizes generated from the weight. When both of the pieces of data do not coincide with each other, error display is performed on a display part 26, and alarm sound is generated through a speaker 27. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a special prize reader for cashing a special prize provided in exchange for a game medium of a gaming machine represented by a pachinko machine or a slot machine (pachislot machine).
In particular, the present invention can automatically perform counting processing in a state where a plurality of special prizes are overlaid, and can immediately detect when there is an abnormality in the special prize, and a state where a plurality of prizes are overlaid. The present invention relates to a special prize reading device that can discriminate between normal prizes and abnormal prizes at once.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, in a game performed by a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine (slot machine), game media such as pachinko balls and pachislot medals that are paid out as a result of the game are counted at the reception counter of the game hall, and the number of game media It is exchanged for a special prize corresponding to, and provided to the player.
Then, the player who has received the special prize can exchange the cash for cash based on a predetermined cash exchange rate by presenting the special prize to a special prize exchange different from the game hall.
[0003]
Until now, this kind of special prize cashing process and prize collection process have been performed manually by employees of special prize exchanges.
However, manual processing by hand is difficult to perform prompt processing, and there is a possibility that an error may occur in the type and number of prizes, the amount of conversion, etc., which may cause unnecessary trouble.
In addition, special prizes are subject to counterfeiting and alteration due to the nature of being exchanged for cash, and it is not possible to discriminate counterfeit special prizes through manual exchange or cashing work by exchange office workers, etc. Also occurred.
[0004]
Therefore, recently, a special prize is provided with a bar code indicating predetermined identification information, an IC chip storing predetermined information, etc., and the bar code or electronic information of the IC chip can be automatically read by a reader. Techniques relating to special prize readers have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1-4).
According to such a special prize reader, information such as the type of special prize and the amount of money is read and processed as electronic information. It has become possible to easily find counterfeit special gifts.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-257219 (page 4-6, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-8-336658 (page 3-4, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 3]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-124631 (page 3-5, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 4]
JP-A-10-256960 (page 2-3, FIG. 1)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, with such specially proposed special prize readers, special prizes with barcodes and IC chips are read one by one (one by one), and the prize information is read. There is a problem that it takes a long time to perform a quick cash process.
When exchanging special prizes, dozens of prizes may be brought in at once, and a reader that needs to read one prize at a time requires a long time for the cashing process, which is efficient As a result, it became difficult for the customer to wait for a long time.
Further, in the conventional reading apparatus that performs the reading process for each special prize in this manner, a large number of special prizes are stacked and set in a large separation device called a sorter and conveyed to the reading unit. . For this reason, there is a problem that the structure of the sorter portion is increased in size and complexity, the reading apparatus cannot be reduced in size and weight, and the cost is not reduced, and a failure or the like is likely to occur, resulting in lack of reliability.
[0007]
The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the above-described problems of the conventional technology. By simply placing a plurality of special prizes on the mounting portion, the identification information of each special prize can be obtained. When there is an abnormality in reading, special prize, etc., it can be detected immediately and an alarm etc. can be issued, and further, normal prize and abnormal prize can be distinguished at a time with multiple prizes stacked It is an object of the present invention to provide a special prize and a special prize reading apparatus that can easily and reliably find and identify abnormal prizes due to fraud, etc. while quickly reading a plurality of special prizes.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a special prize according to the present invention comprises a special prize and a reader main body for reading and processing the special prize, as described in claim 1, and the special prize has an outer shape that can be superimposed. Storage means for storing predetermined identification information that can be read by the reader body, and transmission means for wirelessly transmitting the identification information stored in the storage means. Two or more prize mounting means that can be mounted in superposition, a receiving means for wirelessly receiving each identification information from one or more special prizes mounted on the prize mounting means, and a prize number data from the received identification information Generate identification information premium number data generating means, physical quantity measuring means for measuring physical quantity of one or more special prizes mounted on the premium loading means, and generating the prize number data from the physical quantity measured by the physical quantity measuring means. A physical quantity prize number data generating means compares the prize number data generated from the identification information and the physical quantity, it is configured to include a prize number data comparing means for detecting the match or mismatch, the.
[0009]
According to the special prize reading apparatus of the present invention having such a configuration, the special prize stores and stores predetermined identification information, so that the identification information can be received and read by the reading apparatus main body.
As a result, even if a plurality of special prizes are simultaneously mounted on the reading apparatus main body, reading and counting processes can be performed at a time using the identification information.
[0010]
In addition, the special prizes mounted on the reader main body are measured by the physical quantity measuring means to measure physical quantities (for example, weight, thickness, shape, etc.). Can be calculated.
Then, by comparing and collating the number of prizes read based on the identification information of special prizes with the number of prizes calculated from the measured physical quantity, abnormal prizes in which identification information cannot be read due to counterfeiting or failure etc. If it is included, it can be detected immediately.
[0011]
In this way, according to the special prize reading device of the present invention, it is possible to read a plurality of special prizes at a time just by mounting an arbitrary number of special prizes in a superimposed state, and forgery. If abnormal prizes such as the above are included, an alarm or the like can be issued immediately after detection.
Thereby, it is possible to provide an excellent special prize reading device that does not exist in the past, and which can achieve both a quick counting / reading process, a cash process, and a reliable discrimination and discovery of counterfeit prizes.
[0012]
Specifically, the physical quantity measuring means of the reading apparatus main body according to the present invention may be constituted by a weighing means for measuring the weight of the special prize mounted on the prize mounting means, as described in claim 2. it can.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the physical quantity measuring means of the reading apparatus main body can be constituted by a height measuring means for measuring the height of the special prize mounted on the prize mounting means.
Further, as described in claim 4, the physical quantity measuring means of the reading device main body includes an image acquisition means for acquiring image data of a special prize mounted on the prize mounting means, and a special analysis by analyzing the acquired image data. It can also be constituted by a height calculating means for calculating the height of the prize.
[0013]
Thus, the physical quantity measuring means of the reader main body according to the present invention may be a means (weighing means) for measuring the total weight of the special prize superimposed and mounted on the mounting means, That is, it may be a means (height measuring means) for measuring the thickness of the superimposed special prize.
Further, it may be a means (image acquisition means and height calculation means) for photographing the outer shape of the special prize mounted on the mounting means and calculating the height (thickness) of the special prize from the image data.
[0014]
As described above, the physical quantity measuring means can adopt any measuring means as long as the physical quantity capable of calculating and counting the actual number of the superposed special prizes can be measured. This makes it possible to adopt an optimum physical quantity measuring unit according to the size and shape of the reading device, the number and size of special prizes to be mounted, and the like, and to provide a special prize reading device with excellent versatility. be able to.
The physical quantity measuring means only needs to include at least one of them, and a plurality of physical quantity measuring means can also be provided. By providing two or more physical quantity measuring means at the same time, the number of special prizes with higher reliability can be calculated.
[0015]
Further, according to the special prize reading device of the present invention, as described in claim 5, the reading device body collates the identification information received from the special prize, and generates predetermined collation result information, and collation means Transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting the verification result information to the corresponding special prize, the special prize receiving means for wirelessly receiving the verification result information transmitted from the main body of the reader, and the receiving means for receiving the verification result information. Then, it is set as the structure provided with the light emission means to light-emit.
[0016]
According to the special prize reading device of the present invention having such a configuration, the special prize having an outer shape such as a plate shape or a card shape is provided with light emitting means including a display device such as an LED at the corner or outer periphery of the special prize. The light emitting means can emit light (turn on, blink, etc.) according to the collation result. In this way, even if a plurality of special prizes are stacked and bundled, it is possible to identify at a glance which special prize is abnormal regardless of the direction of the special prize.
As a result, while scanning multiple special prizes at once, abnormal prizes such as counterfeits can be immediately discovered and identified, and both faster reading process, cash processing and discrimination and discovery of counterfeit prizes are surely realized. Can do.
[0017]
Here, a plurality of light emitting means composed of LEDs, etc. are arranged at opposite positions, preferably symmetrical positions, at the corners and outer periphery of the special prize, so that the special prize is emitted in any direction. The means can be aligned.
This eliminates the need for alignment when superimposing special prizes, facilitates the mounting work on the special prize reader, and makes it possible to clearly indicate whether lighting or flashing is achieved by arranging the light emitting means together. It becomes possible to identify.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a special prize reading apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of a special prize reading device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a special prize reading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a state before the special prize is mounted on the reading device main body, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the special prize reading device according to the present embodiment.
[0019]
The special prize reading device of the present embodiment shown in these drawings is a game machine such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine (slot machine), which is exchanged for a game medium such as a pachinko ball or a pachislot medal that is paid out as a result of the gaming machine. Is a device for reading and counting the special prize provided, and includes a special prize 10 to be read and a reading device main body 20.
In the special prize 10, like the existing special prize, the game media are counted by the reception counter of the game hall, and the special prize corresponding to the counted number of game media is provided to the player. Then, the special prize 10 is mounted on the reading device main body 20 and is converted into cash through predetermined reading processing and counting processing.
[0020]
[Special prize]
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the special prize 10 has an outer shape in the form of a card that can be overlapped. Predetermined identification information that can be read by the reader main body 20 is stored inside the card-shaped prize. It is to be stored.
Specifically, the special prize 10 has an information storage means such as an RFID or an IC chip embedded in a card base made of a plastic resin or the like. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) capable of transmitting and receiving information in a non-contact manner is embedded in the card.
[0021]
RFID attaches a “tag (RF tag)” embedded with a semiconductor in which predetermined information is recorded and a small antenna to an object and picks up the predetermined information on the reader side by wireless communication, thereby authenticating the object. The “tag” is non-contact type with the reader side, so there is no worry about wear of contacts, etc., and since it is battery-free, it can be processed according to the object and reduced in size and thickness. Is possible.
In this embodiment, the special prize 10 is configured by embedding the RFID “tag” in a card.
[0022]
More specifically, the special prize 10 is configured such that an RFID tag and a transmitting / receiving antenna etc. are collectively sealed with a resin or glass and embedded in a card substrate, as shown in FIG. A control unit 11, a power supply unit 11a, a memory 12, a transmission / reception unit 13, and an antenna 14 are provided.
The control unit 11 controls the entire RF tag by a program executed thereon. Specifically, the control unit 11 performs control to read predetermined identification information from the memory 12 and send it to the reading apparatus main body 20.
The power supply unit 11a supplies power to each part of the RF tag. The RF tag does not have a power supply itself, but when it is located in an area where communication with the reader main body 20 is possible, a power supply signal is given wirelessly from the reader main body 20 to the power supply unit 11a. Each part of the RF tag is driven.
[0023]
The memory 12 is composed of, for example, an EEPROM (electrically rewritable ROM), and stores predetermined identification information necessary for a special prize in which an RF tag is embedded. Here, the identification information stored in the memory 12 can be any information necessary for the exchange of the special prize 10 and the cash process. For example, the ID number (serial number) of the prize or the issuing store name ( Hall name), store information such as date of issue, and value information such as the purchase price of special prizes. Thus, the predetermined information stored in the memory 12 is read by the reading device body 20 and processed.
The transmission / reception unit 13 is a wireless transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives a signal to / from the reading apparatus body 20 via the antenna 14.
[0024]
[Reader body]
The reading device main body 20 is a reading means capable of reading predetermined identification information stored in the special prize 10, and is composed of, for example, a computer device or the like installed at the reception of a special prize exchange or an office.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reader main body 20 includes a control unit 21, a memory 22, a transmission / reception unit 23, a prize mounting unit (antenna plate) 24 a, a weighing unit 24 b, an operation unit 25, a display. The unit 26 and the speaker 27 are provided.
[0025]
The control unit 21 is a control unit that controls the entire reading apparatus main body 20 by a program executed thereon.
Specifically, when the predetermined identification information sent from the special prize 10 is received by the antenna plate of the prize mounting unit 24a, the control unit 21 generates the number of prize data from the received identification information (identification information prize). Number data).
This identification information premium number data is premium number data indicating the number of special prizes to which identification information has been transmitted, and can be generated, for example, by counting the ID number of the received identification information.
[0026]
When the total weight of the special prize 10 mounted on the weighing section 24b below the prize mounting section 24a is measured, the control section 21 generates prize number data from the weight data (physical quantity prize number data). ).
This physical quantity premium data is premium data indicating the number of actual special prizes mounted on the premium loading unit 24a. For example, the physical quantity premium data is generated by dividing the measured weight data by the weight of one special prize. it can.
The weight per card-type special prize is, for example, about 15 g, and the value obtained by dividing the total weight measured by the weighing section 24 b by 15 g is the number of special prizes actually mounted on the prize mounting section 24 a. Will be shown.
[0027]
Then, the control unit 21 compares the prize number data obtained from the identification information with the prize number data obtained from the physical quantity (weight), detects the coincidence mismatch, and outputs a predetermined output according to the comparison result. To do.
That is, as a result of the comparison processing of the two prize number data, when the two data match, the number of the special prizes transmitted with the regular identification information and the number of the special prizes mounted in the prize mounting unit 24a are the same, and normal It is determined that
In this case, the signal from the control unit 21 displays the number of special prizes 10 that have been normally read, the converted price, and the like on the display unit 26, and normal reading processing has been performed via the speaker 27. A sound or the like indicating that can be emitted.
[0028]
On the other hand, if both data do not match as a result of the comparison processing of both the number of prizes data, the number of special prizes transmitted with the regular identification information and the number of special prizes installed in the prize mounting unit 24a will not match. It is determined to be abnormal.
For example, when the identification information is not transmitted from the special prize 10 due to forgery or failure, or when forged identification information that does not include the ID number to be counted is transmitted. In general, there is a case where the prize number data determined from the physical quantity is larger than the prize number data obtained from the identification information.
In this case, an abnormality display, an error display, or the like indicating that an abnormality has been detected is displayed on the display unit 26 by a signal from the control unit 21, and an alarm sound or the like for notifying the abnormality detection via the speaker 27. Can be issued.
It should be noted that the volume of the alarm sound or the like is preferably set so that it can be heard by the operator who performs the special prize counting process but cannot be heard by the player who brought in the special prize. In this way, when an abnormality is detected, it is possible to notify the outside or notify the player without being known to the player side.
[0029]
The memory 22 stores predetermined data and programs necessary for the reading process and counting process of the special prize 10 and stores identification information transmitted from each special prize 10.
The transmission / reception unit 23 is a wireless transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives a signal to / from the special prize 10 via a prize mounting part 24a made of an antenna plate.
[0030]
The prize mounting unit 24 a is a prize mounting means capable of mounting one or more special prizes 10 in a stacked manner, and constitutes an antenna plate that transmits and receives signals to and from the special prizes 10. In the present embodiment, five special prizes 10 are simultaneously mounted on the prize mounting unit 24a, and identification information from each prize can be read.
Based on the identification information from each special prize 10 received via the prize mounting unit 24a, identification information prize number data indicating the number of special prizes to which the identification information has been transmitted is generated under the control of the control unit 21. become.
[0031]
The weighing unit 24b is a weight measuring unit that measures the total weight of the special prize 10 mounted on the prize mounting unit 24a, and is a physical quantity measuring unit in the present invention.
When the total weight data of the special prize 10 is measured by the weighing section 24b, the total weight data is divided by the weight of one special prize 10 under the control of the control section 21, and is actually sent to the prize mounting section 24a. Thus, physical quantity prize number data indicating the number of special prizes mounted on is generated.
Note that the wireless power transmitted and received between the prize mounting unit 24a and the special prize 10 is weak, and the measurement result in the weighing unit 24b is not affected.
[0032]
The operation unit 25 is an operation unit having an input key such as a reading start button and a numeric keypad, and can input various operations necessary for the operation of the reading apparatus main body 20.
The display unit 26 is a display unit composed of a liquid crystal display device or the like, and detects processing contents and processing results in the reading device main body 20, for example, the reading result (the number of prizes, the cash amount) of the special prize 10 or the normality or abnormality of the prize. Predetermined information such as an error display in the case of a result or abnormality is displayed on the screen as characters, numbers, and the like.
The speaker 27 is a sound generating means for notifying the processing content and processing result in the reading apparatus main body 20 by voice, and generates a sound of a normal or abnormal detection result of the reading process or an alarm sound in the case of an abnormality. Yes.
[0033]
[Special gift scanning]
Next, the operation of the special prize reading device of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.
First, the special prize 10 to be read is mounted on the prize mounting section 24a of the reading apparatus main body 20 in a state where a predetermined number, for example, five, are bundled together. The special prize 10 loaded with the prize loading unit 24a is wirelessly supplied with power from the reading device body 20. With this electromotive force, the control unit 11 of the RF tag of each special prize 10 transmits predetermined identification information stored in the memory 12, that is, store information, value information, and the like of the special prize 10.
[0034]
In the reading device main body 20, the identification information sent from each special prize 10 is received via the antenna plate of the prize mounting unit 24 a and the transmission / reception unit 23. Based on the identification information from the special prize 10, the control unit 21 of the reading apparatus main body 20 counts the number of identification information read and generates identification information prize number data.
At the same time, the total weight of the special prize 10 mounted on the prize mounting section 24a is measured by the lower weighing section 24b. Then, based on the measured total weight data of the special prize 10, the control unit 21 divides the total weight by the weight per one special prize 10 to generate physical quantity prize number data.
[0035]
Then, the control unit 21 compares the generated identification information premium number data with the physical quantity premium number data, and if the two data match, there is no abnormality such as forgery or alteration in the special prize to be read. It is determined.
Therefore, in this case, based on the read identification information, predetermined counting processing and cashing processing are performed, and the quantity of special prizes, the cashing amount, etc. are processed.
As a result, the special prize 10 is exchanged for an equivalent amount of cash.
[0036]
On the other hand, if the comparison and collation data do not match, it is determined that the special prize to be read includes a prize such as forgery, alteration, or failure that does not transmit predetermined identification information.
Accordingly, in this case, a predetermined error display or warning display is displayed on the display unit 26 and a predetermined alarm sound or warning sound is emitted via the speaker 27 in response to a signal from the control unit 21.
As a result, when an abnormal prize is included in the object to be read, it is possible to take immediate action on the spot and prevent an unauthorized cashing action or the like from occurring.
[0037]
[Example of change of physical quantity measurement method]
The reading device main body 20 of the present embodiment described above includes the weighing unit 24b that measures the weight of the special prize 10 mounted on the prize mounting unit 24a as the physical quantity measuring unit according to the present invention. Such physical quantity measuring means is not limited to only weighing means for measuring weight.
For example, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the physical quantity measuring means can be constituted by a height measuring unit 24c or 24d that measures the height of the special prize 10 mounted on the prize mounting means 24a.
[0038]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, data indicating the height (thickness) of the special prize 10 measured by the height measuring section 24c or 24d is sent to the control section 21, and the number of prizes is calculated from the height data. Data is generated (physical quantity premium data). For example, it is generated by dividing the measured height data by the thickness of one special prize.
The thickness per card-type special prize is, for example, about 5 mm, and the value obtained by dividing the height (thickness) measured by the height measuring section 24c or 24d by 5 mm is actually applied to the prize mounting section 24a. This indicates the number of special prizes installed.
[0039]
Here, as such a height measuring means, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the height is measured by detecting reflected light reflected from the upper surface of the special prize 10 mounted on the prize mounting section 24a. can do. In this case, the height of the mounted special prize 10 is measured by irradiating laser light from above the prize mounting portion 24a toward the upper surface of the special prize 10 and detecting the displacement of the reflected light. Can do.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the height can be measured by detecting light projection and reception blocked by the side surface of the special prize 10 mounted on the prize mounting means 24a. In this case, a plurality of light projecting / receiving units that project and receive light in parallel with the mounting surface of the prize mounting unit 24a are provided, and the special prize 10 is detected by detecting the position where the projection and reception are blocked by mounting the special prize 10. Can be measured.
[0040]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the physical quantity measuring means may be configured by a camera unit 24e serving as an image acquisition unit that acquires image data of the special prize 10 mounted on the prize mounting unit 24a.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the height (thickness) of the special prize 10 can be calculated by analyzing the image data acquired by the camera unit 24e in the height calculation unit 24f. The height data of the special prize 10 can be sent to the control means 21.
Thus, the physical quantity measuring means according to the present invention can adopt any measuring means as long as it can measure the physical quantity that can calculate and count the actual number of the special gifts 10 that are superimposed. Accordingly, it is possible to employ an optimum physical quantity measuring means according to, for example, the size and shape of the reading apparatus main body 20 and the number and size of the special prize 10 to be read.
[0041]
Note that the various physical quantity measuring means as described above need only include at least one, and a plurality of physical quantity measuring means can be provided, and by providing two or more physical quantity measuring means simultaneously. Therefore, it becomes possible to calculate the number of special prizes with higher reliability.
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a weighing unit 24b that measures the weight of the special prize 10 mounted on the prize mounting unit 24a, and a height measurement unit 24c or 24d that measures the height (thickness) of the special prize 10 The camera unit 24e and the height calculation unit 24f that calculate the height from the image data of the special prize 10 can be selectively provided in whole or in part.
In addition, the weight and thickness are varied depending on the amount of the special prize, and not only the quantity of the special prize 10 but also the amount can be checked simultaneously from the physical quantity data. For example, if the special prize 10 equivalent to 2000 yen is 16 g, the equivalent of 1000 yen is 15 g, etc., the total converted amount can be calculated from the weight of the special prize 10.
[0042]
As described above, according to the special prize reading device according to the present embodiment, the special prize 10 stores and stores predetermined identification information, whereby the identification information 10 is stored in the prize mounting unit 24a on the reading apparatus main body 20 side. The antenna plate can wirelessly receive and read. As a result, even if a plurality of special prizes 10 are simultaneously mounted on the reading device main body 20, reading and counting processing can be performed at a time using the identification information transmitted wirelessly.
In addition, the special prize 10 mounted on the reader main body 20 has physical quantities such as weight, thickness, and shape, for example, physical quantity measuring means (weighing section 24b, height measuring section 24c-d, camera section 24e, and height calculating section). By measuring in 24f), the number of special prizes 10 actually mounted on the prize mounting section 24a of the reading apparatus main body 20 can be calculated from this physical quantity.
[0043]
Then, by comparing and collating the number of prizes read based on the identification information of the special prize 10 with the number of prizes calculated from the measured physical quantity (weight, etc.), the identification information is read due to forgery or failure. If there are abnormal prizes that cannot be detected, this can be detected immediately.
In this way, according to the special prize reading device according to the present embodiment, a plurality of special prizes 10 can be read at a time simply by mounting any number of special prizes 10 on the reading apparatus main body 20 in a superposed state. Processing and counting can be performed, and when an abnormal prize such as counterfeit is included, it can be immediately detected and an alarm can be issued.
As a result, it is possible to realize an excellent special prize reading device that does not exist in the prior art, which enables both quick counting / reading processing and cashing processing and reliable discrimination and discovery of counterfeit prizes.
[0044]
[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the special prize reading device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the special prize reading device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in a state where the special prize is mounted on the reading device main body.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the special prize reading device shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of the location of the special prize light emitting means according to the present embodiment, where (a) is a plan view of the special prize, and (b) is a perspective view in a state where a plurality of special prizes are stacked. FIG.
FIGS. 12 to 14 are diagrams showing another example of the location of the light emitting means for the special prize according to the present embodiment, where (a) is a plan view of the special prize and (b) is a special prize. It is a perspective view in the state where two or more were piled up.
[0045]
As shown in these drawings, the special prize reading device of the present embodiment is a modified embodiment of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and is visible to the special prize 10 having the RF tag from the outside of the card. An LED 15 is provided as a light emitting means.
In the present embodiment, when the control unit 11 of the special prize 10 receives predetermined collation result information from the reading device main body 20, the control unit 11 performs control for causing the LED 15 as the light emitting means to emit light.
Thereby, in the present embodiment, for the special prize 10 whose identification information is read by the reading device body 20, the collation result information is transmitted and the LED 15 emits light, and the abnormal prize for which the identification information could not be read. The LED 15 does not emit light. Therefore, when an abnormality of the special prize 10 is detected in the reading device main body 20, it can be seen at a glance that among the plural special prizes 10, the prize that does not emit the LED 15 is an abnormal prize.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 10, the LED 15 provided in the special prize 10 is a light emitting unit that emits light under the control of the control unit 11 when predetermined verification result information from the reading device body 20 is received by the transmission / reception unit 13.
The LED 15 is arranged at a position where the presence or absence of light emission can be visually recognized from the outside in a state where a plurality of special prizes 10 are stacked and bundled, and the presence or absence of abnormality can be visually recognized and determined at a glance. It is like that.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the LEDs 15 can be arranged in at least two corners of the card base of the special prize 10. Moreover, LED15 can also be arrange | positioned in at least 2 or more places of the outer peripheral part of the card | curd base material of the special prize 10 as shown in FIG. In particular, it is desirable to form the plurality of LEDs 15 so as to be disposed at opposing positions on the special prize 10, preferably at symmetrical positions.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, the light emission part 15 can also be arrange | positioned over the perimeter of the outer peripheral end surface of a card substrate. In this case, LEDs may be arranged along the entire circumference of the card, or a light scattering agent may be mixed inside the card to form a light emitting unit.
[0047]
In this way, even if a plurality of special prizes 10 are superimposed in any direction, all the LEDs 15 of each special prize 10 can be aligned at the same position.
This eliminates the need for alignment when the special prizes 10 are overlaid, facilitates the mounting work on the reading device main body 20, and allows the LEDs 15 to be aligned even when the special prize 10 is placed in any direction. Thus, the presence or absence of light emission can be clearly identified.
[0048]
The light emitting means such as the LED 15 can be arranged and formed so that the light emitting body is exposed so as to be visible directly on the surface of the corner portion or the outer peripheral edge portion of the special prize 10, but other configurations are possible. It is also possible to take.
For example, a light emitting means such as an LED 15 is embedded in the card of the special prize 10, and light emission is led out to the card surface through a light transmission path and a prism penetrating in a predetermined direction on the card surface. A light emitting part can also be formed.
As described above, as long as the normal or abnormal state of the special prize 10 can be visually recognized by light emission, the light emitting means may have any structure as long as it emits light directly or indirectly on the surface of the special prize 10. Also good. Moreover, light-emitting bodies other than LED can also be employ | adopted.
[0049]
In this embodiment, in the reading apparatus main body 20, the control unit 21 reads the collation information stored in the memory 22 based on the predetermined identification information received from the special prize 10, and performs the collation processing on the special prize 10.
In the memory 22, predetermined collation information to be compared and collated with predetermined identification information from the special prize 10 is stored in advance.
Then, as a result of the collation process, when the special prize 10 is a regular prize without forgery or alteration, the control unit 21 generates collation result information and transmits it to the corresponding regular special prize 10 side. It has become.
As a result, the normal special prize 10 receives the collation result information from the reading apparatus main body 20, and the LED 15 emits light under the control of the control unit 11.
[0050]
On the other hand, if all or part of the identification information is abnormal as a result of the collation process, the control unit 21 does not generate collation result information.
Therefore, in the case of an abnormal prize, the matching result information is not transmitted to the corresponding special prize 10 side, and the LED 15 does not emit light for the special prize 10.
Thereby, it can be known at a glance which of the plurality of special prizes 10 is an abnormal prize depending on whether or not the LED 15 emits light.
At this time, under the control of the control unit 21, an abnormality display or the like can be displayed on the display unit 26, or an alarm sound or the like can be generated from the speaker 27, as in the case of the first embodiment.
[0051]
As described above, according to the special prize reader according to the present embodiment, the LEDs 15 are provided at the corners and the outer periphery of the special prize 10 having a card-shaped outer shape, and the LEDs 15 are lit and blinked according to the collation result of the identification information. By doing so, even if a plurality of special prizes 10 are stacked, it is possible to identify at a glance which special prize is abnormal.
As a result, when a plurality of special prizes 10 are read at a time, and abnormal prizes such as counterfeits are included, the abnormal prizes can be immediately found and identified, and a faster reading process and more reliable It is possible to achieve both discrimination and discovery of abnormal prizes, and an excellent special prize and special prize reading apparatus that do not exist in the past can be realized.
[0052]
The special prize reading device of the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. However, the special prize reading device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously within the scope of the present invention. Needless to say, it is possible to implement this change.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the special prize has a card-shaped outer shape, but the special prize according to the present invention is not limited to the card-shaped one. That is, any outer shape may be used as long as it can be mounted and stored in a bundled state on the reader body. For example, in addition to a card shape, a plate shape, a box shape, a rod shape, etc. There may be. Further, the special prize is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be a polygonal shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like.
[0053]
In addition, for the reader main body, for example, the structure of the prize mounting unit is not limited to the structure in which the special prize shown in the above-described embodiment is placed flat as long as a plurality of special prizes can be mounted and stored. .
That is, the prize mounting portion may have a structure in which a plurality of special prizes are stacked and bundled in the horizontal direction, or a recessed structure or a hollow structure that can be inserted into the inside in a state where a plurality of special prizes are bundled. It may have a hole structure or the like. In particular, when a weighing means for measuring the weight of a special prize is provided, it is only necessary to measure the weight of the special prize as a lump. For example, the special prize may have any shape such as a rod shape or a dice shape.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the special prize reading device of the present invention, the identification information of each special prize is read and the special prize has an abnormality or the like simply by placing a plurality of special prizes on the mounting portion. In such a case, it is possible to immediately detect and issue an alarm or the like, and it is possible to discriminate between normal prizes and abnormal prizes at a glance while a plurality of prizes are stacked.
As a result, according to the present invention, it is possible to quickly read a plurality of special prizes, and to easily and reliably find and identify abnormal prizes due to fraud.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a special prize reading device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state before the special prize is mounted on the reading device main body.
FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the special prize reading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in a state where the special prize is mounted on the reading device main body.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of the special prize reading device shown in FIG. 1;
3 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the special prize reading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, in which a reflection type height measuring unit is provided instead of the weighing unit as a physical quantity measuring means. Is shown.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing a modified example of the special prize reading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, and includes a light projecting / receiving type height measuring unit instead of a weighing unit as a physical quantity measuring unit; Shows the case.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the special prize reading device shown in FIG. 3 or FIG.
6 is a front view showing a modified example of the special prize reading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, and shows a case where a camera unit is provided instead of the weighing unit as physical quantity measuring means.
7 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of the special prize reading device shown in FIG. 6. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a modified example of the special prize reading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and includes three units of a weighing unit, a height measuring unit, a camera unit, and a height calculating unit as physical quantity measuring units. The case where it has prepared is shown.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a special prize reading device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in a state where the special prize is mounted on the reading device main body.
10 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of the special prize reading device shown in FIG. 9. FIG.
FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an example of the location of light emitting means for special prizes according to the second embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 11A is a plan view of special prizes, and FIG. 11B is a stack of a plurality of special prizes. FIG.
FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing another example of the location of the light emission means of the special prize according to the second embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 12A is a plan view of the special prize, and FIG. It is a perspective view of the state piled up.
FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing another example of the location of the light emission means of the special prize according to the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 13A is a plan view of the special prize, and FIG. 13B is a plurality of special prizes. It is a perspective view of the state piled up.
FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams showing another example of the location of the light emitting means of the special prize according to the second embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 14A is a plan view of the special prize, and FIG. 14B is a plurality of special prizes. It is a perspective view of the state piled up.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Special prizes
11 Control unit
12 memory
13 Transceiver
14 Antenna
15 LED
20 Special prize reader
21 Control unit
22 memory
23 Transceiver
24a prize mounting part (antenna plate)
24b Weighing unit
24c Height measurement unit
24d Height measurement unit
24e Camera unit
24f Height calculator
25 Operation unit
26 Display section
27 Speaker

Claims (5)

A special prize, and a reader body for reading and processing the special prize,
Special prizes
A storage means for storing predetermined identification information having a superimposable outer shape and readable by the reader body; and a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting the identification information stored in the storage means,
The reader itself
A prize mounting means capable of mounting one or more special prizes in a superimposed manner, a receiving means for wirelessly receiving each identification information from one or more special prizes mounted on the prize loading means, and the received identification information Identification information for generating prize number data from the prize quantity data generating means, physical quantity measuring means for measuring the physical quantity of one or more special prizes mounted on the prize mounting means, and prizes from the physical quantities measured by the physical quantity measuring means A physical quantity prize number data generating means for generating numerical data, and a prize quantity data comparing means for comparing the prize number data generated from the identification information and the physical quantity and detecting the coincidence mismatch. A premium reader. 2. The special prize reading device according to claim 1, wherein the physical quantity measuring means of the reading apparatus body comprises weighing means for measuring the weight of the special prize mounted on the prize mounting means. 3. The special prize reading device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the physical quantity measuring means of the main body of the reading apparatus comprises height measuring means for measuring the height of the special prize mounted on the prize mounting means. The physical quantity measuring means of the reading device main body obtains image data of the special prize mounted on the prize mounting means, and the height calculation means for calculating the height of the special prize by analyzing the acquired image data The special prize reading device according to claim 1, 2, or 3. The reader body includes collation means for collating the identification information received from the special prize and generating predetermined collation result information; and transmission means for wirelessly transmitting the collation result information of the collation means to the corresponding special prize,
5. The special prize includes a receiving unit that wirelessly receives collation result information transmitted from the reader body, and a light emitting unit that emits light when the receiving unit receives the collation result information. Special prize reader.

Images