JP2024144538A - Prize payout device and prize payout system - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a prize payout device which prevents a prize from being forgotten to be taken and improves usability. [Solution] The prize payout device 1 includes a device main body 3 provided with a payout outlet 13B for the prize P, a payout unit 42 arranged within the device main body 3 and which pays out the prize P, and a moving section 54 which holds the prize P paid out from the payout unit 42, moves to the payout outlet 13B, and pays out the prize P from the payout outlet 13B. The prize payout device 1 determines whether or not a prize P paid out from the payout outlet 13B has been left behind. If the prize payout device 1 determines that a prize P has been left behind at the payout outlet 13B, it moves the moving section 54 which holds the prize P, and recovers the prize P paid out from the payout outlet 13B into the device main body 3. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

This invention relates to a prize payout device and a prize payout system.

As an example of a prize payout device, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a prize payout machine installed in amusement parlors such as pachinko parlors. The prize payout machine includes multiple storage sections lined up in the left-right direction and a box-shaped main body that houses these storage sections. Each storage section stores prizes to be exchanged for gaming media such as pachinko balls. Each storage section includes a payout section that pays out prizes and multiple payout sections lined up in the left-right direction, and prizes paid out by the payout sections are placed in each payout section. A top plate of the main body is provided with multiple openings lined up in the left-right direction, and directly below each opening is a corresponding storage section. In the storage sections, when a prize paid out by the payout section is placed on a payout section, all of the payout sections including this payout section rise together, and the prize on the payout section is exposed from the opening corresponding to this storage section. The prize payout machine can be operated in a hand-over mode, where a store clerk removes the prize from the opening and hands it to the player, or in a self-operated mode, where the player removes the prize from the opening by themselves.

JP 2020-25822 A

In the prize payout machine of Patent Document 1, there are multiple openings on the top surface of the main body from which prizes are paid out corresponding to the storage sections, and each opening is divided into multiple payout outlets corresponding to the multiple payout sections in the corresponding storage section, and each payout outlet pays out the prizes in the corresponding payout section. In this way, the prize payout machine of Patent Document 1 has multiple payout sections from which prizes are paid out, just like payout outlets. When prizes are paid out in multiple payout sections, there is a risk that prizes will be forgotten to be picked up. In particular, in self-operation, there is a risk that prizes will be forgotten to be picked up frequently.

This invention was made against this background, and aims to provide a prize dispensing device and a prize dispensing system that reduces the burden on store staff who have to deal with forgotten prizes and improves usability.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a prize payout device that includes a payout unit disposed within the device body that pays out prizes, a moving unit that holds the prizes paid out from the payout unit and moves to the payout outlet to pay out the prizes from the payout outlet, and a control unit that determines whether or not a prize paid out from the payout outlet has been left behind. When the control unit determines that a prize has been left behind at the payout outlet, it may move the moving unit that holds the prizes to recover the prizes paid out from the payout outlet into the device body.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the prize payout device may further include a shutter for opening and closing the payout opening. When the control unit determines that a prize has been left behind at the payout opening, the control unit may move the moving unit holding the prize away from the payout opening and into the device body, and move the shutter to close the payout opening.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may also cause the prize payout device to go into error shutdown mode if it determines that a prize has been left behind at the payout outlet.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the device may further include an alarm unit that notifies the user that the prize payout device has gone down due to an error.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the prize payout device may further include a memory unit that stores the prize payout history. The control unit may store information about a prize being left behind in the memory unit in association with the identification information of the card of the player who left the prize behind.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the prize payout device may further include a card processing unit that accepts a card. Then, when the card processing unit accepts a card of a player who has forgotten to collect a prize during an error downtime of the prize payout device, the control unit may move the movement unit that holds the prize, and pay out the prize from the payout opening.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the prize payout device may further include a memory unit that stores the prize payout history. The control unit may then store in the memory unit information indicating that a prize has been left behind in association with the identification information of the card of the player who left the prize behind.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the prize payout device may further include a card processing unit that accepts a card. If the card accepted by the card processing unit is the card of the player who has forgotten to pick up a prize, the control unit may drive the payout unit and the moving unit based on the forgotten prize information to pay out a prize corresponding to the forgotten prize from the payout opening.

The information on the left-behind prize may also include an image of the player who left the prize behind.
In addition, one embodiment of the present invention provides a prize payout system including a server and a prize payout device communicatively connected to the server, the prize payout device including a device main body having a prize payout outlet, a payout unit arranged within the device main body for paying out prizes, a moving section which holds the prize paid out from the payout unit and moves it to the payout outlet and pays out the prize from the payout outlet, and a control section which determines whether or not a prize paid out from the payout outlet has been left behind, and when the control section determines that a prize has been left behind at the payout outlet, it moves the moving section to recover the paid-out prize into the device main body, and sends information that a prize has been left behind to the server in association with identification information of the card of the player who left the prize behind, and the server stores the information in association with the identification information of the player who left the prize behind.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the burden on store staff to deal with customers forgetting to pick up their prizes is reduced, improving usability.

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 inside of the prize payout device's main body. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the 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 unit pulled out for a replenishment process. 13 is a schematic right side view of the inside of the device body with the storage unit pulled out for refilling processing. FIG. 13 is a schematic right side view of the inside of the device body during the counting and identification process. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of an area B surrounded by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 8 . 13 is a schematic right side view of the inside of the device body during the payout process. FIG. 13 is a schematic right side view of the payout section in the device body during the payout process. FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic right side view of the payout section. FIG. 4 is a schematic right side view of the payout section. 13 is a schematic right side view of the inside of the device body during the payout process. FIG. 13 is a schematic right side view of the inside of the device body during the payout process. FIG. 13 is a schematic right side view of the inside of the device body during the payout process. FIG. A figure showing a first example of a payout pattern of prizes paid out by the advance payout process. A figure showing a second example of a prize payout pattern. A figure showing a third example of a prize payout pattern. A figure showing a fourth example of a prize payout pattern. A figure showing a fifth example of a prize payout pattern. A figure showing a sixth example of a prize payout pattern. A figure showing a seventh example of a prize payout pattern. A figure showing an eighth example of a prize payout pattern. A figure showing a ninth example of a prize payout pattern. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a gaming system including a prize payout device. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the gaming system when a prize is forgotten to be picked up.

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 an amusement arcade, such as a pachinko parlor. The prize payout device 1 includes a terminal unit 2 forming the upper part thereof, and a device main body 3 arranged below the terminal unit 2.

The terminal unit 2 is a POS terminal that mainly has a function of managing inventory data of prize P, called special prize. The front area of the terminal unit 2 is provided with a display operation section 4, which is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel. The display operation section 4 may be divided into a display section and an operation section. The front area of the terminal unit 2 is formed with a card slot 2A through which cards issued to players from the gaming establishment are inserted and removed, and a receipt issuing slot 2B through which receipts are issued. The number of gaming media, such as pachinko balls, that a player has acquired through playing a game is associated with the card. The card may also be associated with a prepaid value that is exchanged for gaming media to start or continue playing a game.

An example of a prize P is a card having a thickness of about a few millimeters. 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 monetary value higher 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 inputs a payout instruction for the prize P to the prize payout device 1 by inserting a card into the card slot 2A of the terminal unit 2 and then operating the display operation unit 4. This causes the device main body 3 to pay out the type and number of prizes P (in this embodiment, "number of pieces") according to the payout instruction, and the terminal unit 2 updates the inventory data for the prizes P. The player receives the card returned from the card slot 2A and the prize P paid out from the device main body 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 device main body 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. The device main body 3 includes a box-shaped housing 11 that forms the outer shell of the device main body 3, a number of payout units 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 device body 3, the direction substantially perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1 coincides with the front-rear direction Y of the device body 3, and the up-down direction of the paper surface of FIG. 1 coincides with the up-down direction Z of the device body 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. 27, 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 payout unit 12 stores the prize P together with the return box 5. In this embodiment, three payout units 12 are arranged in the vertical direction Z in the internal space 11B of the housing 11. Each payout unit 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 payout unit 12 is in a storage position in the front-rear direction Y when completely stored in the housing 11. Each payout unit 12 can be pulled out through the opening 11A of the housing 11 to a pull-out position Y1 forward of the storage position (see FIG. 6). The housing 11 is provided with an electric unit lock mechanism 18 (see FIG. 4) that locks and unlocks each payout unit 12 in the storage position. An electromagnetic lock or the like can be used as the unit lock mechanism 18.

Before describing the payout unit 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 opposing side walls 21, 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 of the side walls 21 and each of the partition walls 22 from one side (the lower side in FIG. 2 ) in the depth direction D, and closes each of the storage spaces 24 from that one side. An end of each of the storage spaces 24 on the other side (the upper side in FIG. 2 ) in the depth direction D is opened 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 payout unit 12 will be described in detail. Figure 3 is a schematic right side view of the inside of the device main body 3. In the following, of the three payout units 12 lined up in the vertical direction Z, the lowest payout unit 12 will be referred to as the "lower unit 12A," the middle payout unit 12 will be referred to as the "middle unit 12B," and the topmost payout unit 12 will be referred to as the "upper unit 12C."

Referring to the lower unit 12A, each payout unit 12 includes a box-shaped housing 31 that forms its outer shell. On the top surface of the housing 31, a substantially rectangular loading opening 31A and a substantially rectangular plate-shaped door 31B that opens and closes the loading opening 31A are provided. 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 that exposes the internal space 31F of the housing 31 to the front side Y1 is formed on 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 internal space 31F of the housing 31 of each pay-out unit 12 is provided with a pair of left and right conveying bodies 32 and multiple (four in this example) storage sections 33. 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 section such as a motor (not shown). The driving section and conveying body 32 constitute a moving mechanism 34.

Each storage section 33 is tray-shaped and elongated in the left-right direction X. The internal space of each storage section 33 is large enough to accommodate a returnable box 5 with its elongated length in the left-right direction X. An upwardly oriented storage section 33 (see, for example, the storage section 33 on the upper side Z1 of the lower unit 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 section 33 at positions that match the openings 26 (see FIG. 2) of the returnable box 5, and are arranged side by side in the left-right direction X.

Each storage section 33 is loaded with one returnable box 5. As a result, the prize P in the returnable box 5 is stored in the storage section 33 and also in the pay-out unit 12. In the storage section 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 section 33 is loaded with the same type of prize P, and one pay-out unit 12 stores the same type of prize P. As an example, only the big prize is stored in the lower unit 12A, only the medium prize is stored in the middle unit 12B, and only the small prize is stored in the upper unit 12C. Of course, the type of prize P may be different for each storage section 33 in each pay-out unit 12.

These storage sections 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 rotate by the operation of the moving mechanism 34, these storage sections 33 rotate together with the conveying bodies 32. The rotation of the conveying bodies 32 and the storage sections 33 is sometimes referred to as a "rotary operation." Moreover, each storage section 33 is freely rotatable around a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the left-right direction X at the connection portion with the conveying bodies 32.

Each payout unit 12 is provided with a first position change mechanism 35 that temporarily tilts the storage section 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 section 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 section 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 pay-out unit 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 section 33. This will be described in more detail later.

In the internal space 31F of the housing 31 of each pay-out unit 12, a pay-out mechanism 41 is provided in the area Z2 below the transport body 32 and the storage section 33. The pay-out mechanism 41 includes a pay-out section 42 that pays out the prize P from the storage section 33. Since there are multiple pay-out units 12 (three in this embodiment), there are also multiple pay-out sections 42 in the entire prize payout device 1. Since these pay-out units 12 are lined up in the vertical direction Z, the multiple pay-out 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. In addition, in each pay-out unit 12, multiple storage sections 33 (four in this embodiment) are provided for each pay-out section 42, and the pay-out section 42 and the corresponding four storage sections 33 constitute one pay-out unit 12. In each payout unit 12, the payout mechanism 41 has only one payout section 42 in this embodiment, but multiple payout sections 42 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction X.

The payout unit 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 extrusion piece 43A is protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the payout belt 43. In this embodiment, only one extrusion piece 43A is provided, but multiple extrusion 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 first drive unit 83 described later, see FIG. 12). The payout roller 45 is driven and rotated by the drive unit. In other words, the payout belt 43 and the payout roller 45 are linked by the drive force of the same drive unit.

The entire payout mechanism 41 can rotate around a rotation axis (not shown) located directly above the payout roller 45 between the payout position and the retracted position by receiving a driving force from a driving 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. In the payout section 42 in the payout position, as shown in FIG. 3, the payout belt 43 is located rearward Y2 from the payout roller 45 and the opposing roller 46, two rollers 44 are aligned in the front-to-rear direction Y, and the remaining roller 44 is located below Z2 from the two rollers 44, and the flat portion 43B between the two rollers 44 in the payout belt 43 is horizontal along the front-to-rear direction Y. In addition, the opposing roller 46 faces the pay-out roller 45 from the upper side Z1, and the flat portion 43B is at the same height as the space between the pay-out roller 45 and the opposing roller 46. The pay-out portion 42 in the pay-out position can slide in the left-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. 7) that avoids the circumferential trajectory of each storage section 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 from the payout position to the front side Y1 or the lower side Z2. 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 upper surface 13A of the door 13 is at approximately the same height as the upper surface of the housing 11, that is, the upper surface of the top wall 14. The upper surface 13A is provided with only one long payout outlet 13B in the left-right direction X (see also FIG. 5). Therefore, compared to the case where multiple payout outlets 13B are provided, the prize payout device 1 can be made smaller. The payout outlet 13B is connected to the internal space 13C of the door 13. The door 13 further includes one shutter 52 that opens and closes the payout outlet 13B. The shutter 52 is formed in a plate shape long in the left-right direction X. The shutter 52 can slide in the front-rear direction Y between a closed position (see also FIG. 1) in which the payout outlet 13B is closed and an open position (see FIG. 17) in which the shutter 52 retreats to the space directly below the top wall 14 and opens the payout 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 drive unit (not shown) such as a motor provided on 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 pay-out unit 12 in the storage position. A pay-out mechanism 53 is provided in the internal space 13C, which pays out prizes P in each pay-out unit 12 to the pay-out opening 13B. In other words, the pay-out mechanism 53 is integrated into the door 13, which opens and closes the opening 11A of the housing 11. This allows the prize pay-out 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, which is an example of a determination unit and a payout unit. 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. The control unit 61 is, for example, built into the terminal unit 2. The terminal unit 2 further includes a card processing unit 62 that processes cards, and a receipt issuing unit 63. 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 it. The receipt issuing unit 63 is composed of a printer, and prints a receipt and issues it to the receipt issuing port 2B.

The control unit 61 is electrically connected to the display operation unit 4, card processing unit 62, and receipt issuing unit 63 of the terminal unit 2. The control unit 61 is also electrically connected to electrical components (the drive unit described above) associated with the shutter 52 of the terminal unit 2. The control unit 61 is electrically connected to electrical components (the drive unit and sensors described above) associated with the movement mechanism 34, detection unit 38, and payout mechanism 41 in each payout unit 12. The control unit 61 is also electrically connected to electrical components associated with the unit lock mechanism 18 and door lock mechanism 51.

By controlling the operation of these electrical components, the control unit 61 executes a refill process to replenish prizes P, a counting and identification process to count and identify the prizes P in each payout unit 12 of the device main body 3, and a payout process to pay out the prizes P in each payout unit 12 and pay them out of the machine (i.e., outside the housing 11). In relation to these processes, the control unit 61 displays necessary information on the display operation unit 4, accepts instructions in response to operations of the display operation unit 4 by store clerks or players, processes players' cards using the card processing unit 62, and issues receipts using the receipt issuing unit 63.

The device main body 3 further includes a memory unit 64. The memory unit 64 is composed of a storage device such as a non-volatile memory or a hard disk drive. The memory unit 64 is electrically connected to the control unit 61. The memory unit 64 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 section 33 of each pay-out unit 12. The memory unit 64 also stores various information such as the history of past abnormalities and the pay-out history of prizes P.

The following describes the replenishment process, counting and identification process, and payout process in that order. In the case of the replenishment process, the store clerk operates the display operation unit 4 to select one payout unit 12 to be the target of the replenishment process. The control unit 61 then releases the lock on the selected payout unit 12 by the unit lock mechanism 18, thereby allowing the payout unit 12 to be pulled out to the pull-out 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 payout unit 12 and pulls it toward the front Y1, the payout unit 12 is pulled out to the pull-out position shown in FIG. 6 (see the lower unit 12A in FIG. 6). In this way, only one payout unit 12 is pulled out at a time.

In the payout unit 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 device main body 3, that is, outside the housing 11. In this state, the store clerk opens the door 31B of the payout unit 12 to open the loading port 31A to the upper side Z1. Prior to the door 31B opening, the control unit 61 moves the conveyor 32 in a circular motion, so that one empty storage section 33 is located directly below the loading port 31A, as shown in FIG. 7. An empty storage section 33 refers to a storage section 33 that is not loaded with a returnable box 5, or a storage section 33 that is loaded with a returnable box 5 that is empty or near empty. The storage section 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 payout unit 12 in which 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 unit 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 section 33 in the loading position. As a result, the returnable box 5 is loaded into the storage section 33 in the loading position, and the prize P in the returnable box 5 is loaded into the pay-out unit 12. Note that the returnable box 5 and the storage section 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 section 33 fitting into a positioning groove (not shown) provided on the other. After the returnable box 5 is loaded into the storage section 33 in the loading position and the door 31B is closed, the control section 61 may move the conveyor 32 around so that another empty storage section 33 is positioned in the loading position.

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

The store clerk can pull out the payout units 12 to the pull-out position or push them into the storage position by operating the handles 31E on the front of each payout unit 12. The payout units 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, the control unit 61 moves the transport body 32 in a circular motion, referring to the lower unit 12A in FIG. 8. Then, in the payout unit 12, when the storage section 33 that is the subject of the counting and identification process approaches the detection unit 37, the first position change mechanism 35 tilts the storage section 33 to a rearward position with the entrance/exit 33A facing the rear side Y2. Note that in the rearward-facing storage section 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 unit 12A in FIG. 8, the storage section 33 at the lower rear end is in a rear-facing position, with the entrance 33A of this storage section 33 facing the rear side Y2. The returnable box 5 loaded in this storage section 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 upwards).

When the storage section 33 changes from an upward position to a sideways position and approaches the detection unit 37 in this way, the control unit 61 stops the circular movement of the conveyor 32. At this time, in the payout unit 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 section 33 in the rearward position (see FIG. 9). In this state, the control unit 61 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.

Referring to FIG. 10, an example of the detection unit 38 is the color sensor described above, which includes a light-emitting unit 71 configured with an LED, a light-receiving unit 72 that receives reflected white light emitted by the light-emitting unit 71, and an analysis unit 73 that analyzes the light received by the light-receiving unit 72. In this case, the light-emitting unit 71 irradiates light H1 onto the prize P, which is the object to be detected, and the light-receiving unit 72 receives the reflected light H2. The analysis unit 73 converts the reflected light received by the light-receiving unit 72 into RGB values and analyzes them, and counts the prizes P and identifies the authenticity and type of the prizes P based on the analysis results.

Specifically, the analysis unit 73 includes an analysis unit 73R that detects R data representing the red component in the RGB values of the reflected light, an analysis unit 73G that detects G data representing the green component in the RGB values, and an analysis unit 73B that detects B data representing the blue component in the RGB values. In FIG. 10, the prize P and the detection unit 38 are illustrated on the left side, and the detection results of the detection unit 38 are illustrated on the right side. As the detection unit 38 rises, the detection unit 38 outputs waveforms W1 of the R data, G data, and B data, as shown on the right side of FIG. 10.

Each waveform W1 corresponds to the light H1 tracing the convex shape of the rear end of the prize P stacked in the vertical direction Z in the returnable box 5, and therefore approximately matches the contours of multiple continuous convex shapes. Therefore, in each waveform W1, a relatively large valley V1 appears due to a sudden change in data at the portion corresponding to the boundary (gap) between adjacent prizes P. The detection unit 38 selects one of these waveforms W1 in which a significantly large valley V appears, and counts the number of valleys V1 in this waveform W1 to count the prizes P. The number of prizes P is calculated by adding 1 to the count value of the valley V1.

If the valley V1 is small in any of the waveforms W1, the detection unit 38 generates a waveform W2 whose total value is equivalent to adding together all of the R data, G data, and B data. In the part of the waveform W2 that corresponds to the boundary between adjacent prizes P, a valley V2 larger than the valley V1 of each waveform W1 appears, so the detection unit 38 can accurately count the prizes P by counting the number of valleys V2. The number of prizes P is calculated by adding 1 to the count value of the valley V2.

The detection unit 38 obtains the RGB values of one pulse of the prize P every time it rises by 0.1 mm. Therefore, if the prize P is 3 mm thick, the detection unit 38 obtains the RGB values of as many as 30 pulses of one prize P, performs color discrimination based on the RGB values of each pulse, and identifies the authenticity and type of one prize P based on these color discrimination results. Specifically, if the color discrimination result for a prescribed number or more of the 30 pulses for one prize P is a specified color (e.g., red), the detection unit 38 identifies the type of this prize P as a red grand prize. With such high resolution, the detection unit 38 can accurately identify the type of prize P even if it is a relatively thin prize P, for example 1.5 mm thick, or a prize P with many transparent parts.

When the rising detection unit 38 has completed counting and identification of all the prizes P in each storage space 24 of the returnable boxes 5 loaded in the rear-facing storage unit 33 and has descended to the standby position, the counting and identification process ends. In this way, it is possible to both count and identify the prizes P using a single detection unit 38. This makes it possible to save space related to the detection unit 38 and to improve the processing speed of the counting and identification process.

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

The inventory data of the prizes P (type and number of prizes P in stock) in each storage section 33 in each payout unit 12 is compiled in a table (not shown) in association with the identification information assigned to each storage section 33, and stored in the memory section 64. In particular, the inventory data of the prizes P in each of the storage spaces 24 arranged in the left-right direction X in the returnable box 5 set in the storage section 33 is stored in the memory section 64 as a breakdown of the inventory data of the prizes P in each storage section 33. An IC chip storing the identification information may be built into the prize P, and the detection section 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.

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 return 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 paid out by the payout process are paid out from the payout opening 13B to the outside of the machine. When a player is located at the front side Y1 of the prize payout device 1 and operates the display operation section 4 of the terminal unit 2 to input a payout command, the control section 61 first performs the payout process. Specifically, the control section 61 moves the conveying body 32 in a circular motion with reference to the lower unit 12A. As a result, when the storage section 33 to be the subject of the payout process approaches the moving section 54 of the payout mechanism 53, the second attitude change mechanism 36 tilts the entrance/exit 33A to a forward-facing attitude facing the front side Y1. In addition, when the storage section 33 is in a forward-facing position, the entrance 33A faces slightly diagonally upwards rather than straight to the side to prevent the prize P from falling out of the entrance 25 of the set returnable box 5.

In the lower unit 12A in FIG. 11, the storage section 33 at the upper front end is in a forward-facing position, with the entrance 33A of this storage section 33 facing the front side Y1. The returnable box 5 loaded in this storage section 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 section 33 reaches a height position that is approximately the same as the flat portion 43B of the payout belt 43 of the payout section 42 in the payout mechanism 41 that is in the payout position, the control section 61 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 control unit 61 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 rotates the payout roller 45 by moving the payout belt 43 in the payout unit 42 in a circular motion. At this time, in the payout mechanism 41, the payout belt 43 moves in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the right side, and the payout roller 45 rotates in a counterclockwise direction. The push-out piece 43A provided on the payout belt 43 that moves in a circular motion 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 unit 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 units 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 section 33 in the 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 control unit 61 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 control unit 61 also moves the conveying body 32 slightly in a circular motion to temporarily raise the forward-facing storage unit 33, and moves the dispensing unit 42 in the left-right direction X during that time. The control unit 61 then moves the conveying body 32 in a circular motion in the opposite direction to lower the storage unit 33 to its original position, allowing the dispensing 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.

The payout section 42 will be described in detail. FIG. 12 is a schematic right side view of the payout section 42 during the payout process. Assuming that the payout section 42 is in the payout position, of the three rollers 44 arranged on the inside of the payout belt 43 of the payout section 42, the roller 44 closest to the payout roller 45 is called the first roller 44A, the roller 44 located on the rear side Y2 of the first roller 44A is called the second roller 44B, and the roller 44 located on the lower side Z2 of the first roller 44A and the second roller 44B is called the third roller 44C. The payout belt 43 and these three rollers 44 constitute a belt unit 80. The second roller 44B and the payout roller 45 are connected by a circular transmission belt 81.

The payout unit 42 further includes a frame 82, a first drive unit 83, a count lever 84, a first sensor 85, a second sensor 86, and a second drive unit 87 attached to the frame 82, and a rack and pinion mechanism 88. The frame 82 supports the payout roller 45, the counter roller 46, and the belt unit 80. When supported by the frame 82, the belt unit 80 can rotate up and down around a rotation axis (not shown) located closer to the payout roller 45 than the first roller 44A. The driving force generated by the first drive unit 83 is transmitted to the payout roller 45 to rotate the payout roller 45, and is also transmitted to the second roller 44B via the transmission belt 81 to move the payout belt 43 in a circular motion. Therefore, the payout belt 43 and the payout roller 45 are interlocked as described above.

The count lever 84 can swing in the front-rear direction Y around an axis extending in the left-right direction X. The tip 84A forming the upper end of the count lever 84 is disposed in the gate space G between the payout roller 45 and the opposing roller 46. The first sensor 85 is a light-shielding sensor whose detection light is blocked by a base portion (not shown) on the opposite side of the count lever 84 from the tip 84A. The second sensor 86 is a light-shielding sensor whose detection light is blocked by the push-out piece 43A when the count lever 84 is in the standby position shown by the dotted line.

The second drive unit 87 is, for example, a stepping motor. The rack and pinion mechanism 88 includes a rack 88A that extends downward Z2 while curving along the rotation direction of the belt unit 80 as part of the belt unit 80, and a pinion 88B supported by the frame 82. The rack 88A and the pinion 88B are meshed. The driving force of the second drive unit 87 is transmitted to the pinion 88B via a reduction gear (not shown), causing the pinion 88B to rotate, and the belt unit 80 rotates up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the pinion 88B. The control unit 61 can change the position of the belt unit 80 by adjusting the number of pulses input to the second drive unit 87. The height position of the extrusion piece 43A of the payout belt 43 is adjusted by changing the position of the belt unit 80. Note that the belt unit 80 may be slid linearly instead of rotating around the first roller 44A.

As described above, in the payout process, the control unit 61 moves the payout belt 43 in a circular motion to rotate the payout roller 45, so that the push-out piece 43A of the payout belt 43 starts from the standby position and enters the opening 26 of the returnable box 5, hooking the lowest prize P and pushing it out to the front side Y1. This causes the prize P to pass through the gate space G between the payout roller 45 and the opposing roller 46 and be delivered to the receiving unit 55 of the moving unit 54.

When the prize P passes through the gate space G, the tip 84A of the count lever 84 is pushed down, causing the count lever 84 to swing, and the base of the count lever 84 blocks the detection light of the first sensor 85. This allows the first sensor 85 to detect that one prize P is present in the gate space G. When the prize P passes through the gate space G, the tip 84A is no longer pushed down, causing the count lever 84 to swing in the opposite direction, and the base of the count lever 84 no longer blocks the detection light of the first sensor 85. This allows the first sensor 85 to detect that one prize P has passed through the gate space G. After that, when the push-out piece 43A returns to the standby position and blocks the detection light of the second sensor 86, the control unit 61 determines that the one prize P that was at the bottom of the returnable box 5 has been normally dispensed and handed over to the receiving unit 55.

When the prize P in the returnable box 5 is horizontal as shown in FIG. 12, the belt unit 80 is in its normal position with the flat portion 43B of the pay-out belt 43 horizontal. Therefore, the push-out piece 43A that has entered the opening 26 of the returnable box 5, the front and rear ends of the lowest prize P in the returnable box 5, and the gate space G are at the same height. Therefore, the push-out piece 43A reliably contacts the rear end of the prize P and pushes it out to the gate space G, and the pay-out roller 45 can reliably deliver the prize P to the receiving section 55.

As shown in FIG. 13, a jamming error is assumed in which the lowest prize P1 gets stuck in the gate space G, causing the remaining prizes P in the return box 5 to tilt downward toward the rear. When a jamming error occurs, even if the push-out piece 43A returns to the standby position as the pay-out belt 43 moves in a circular motion and blocks the detection light of the second sensor 86, the detection light of the first sensor 85 remains blocked because prize P1 remains in the gate space G. When a state occurs in which the detection light of both the first sensor 85 and the second sensor 86 is blocked, the control unit 61 determines that a jamming error has occurred.

To resolve the jam error, the prize P1 in the gate space G must be released to the front side Y1 by rotating the payout roller 45. However, because the rotation of the payout roller 45 and the circular movement of the payout belt 43 are synchronized, if the push-out piece 43A of the payout belt 43 pushes the following prize P2 to the front side Y1 before the prize P1 escapes from the gate space G, there is a risk that multiple prizes P will become jammed in the gate space G.

The control unit 61 then operates the second drive unit 87 to lower the belt unit 80 to the retracted position shown in FIG. 13. Then, even if the payout belt 43 moves in a circular motion in conjunction with the rotation of the payout roller 45, the push-out piece 43A does not reach the following prize P2, so the prize P2 cannot be pushed forward Y1. By idling the payout belt 43 in this way, the drive of the payout roller 45 and the drive of the payout belt 43 are pseudo-separated, and the payout roller 45 can be given priority in escaping the prize P1 from the gate space G.

If the lowest prize P (see FIG. 12) in the returnable box 5 is bent so that its rear end is shifted upward Z1, the push-out piece 43A that enters the opening 26 of the returnable box 5 is lower than the rear end of the prize P and cannot contact the rear end of the prize P, resulting in no engagement and a strike-out error. When a strike-out error occurs, the lowest prize P does not reach the gate space G, and the push-out piece 43A returns to the standby position as the pay-out belt 43 moves in a circle, blocking the detection light of the second sensor 86. When the detection light of the second sensor 86 is blocked without blocking the detection light of the first sensor 85, the control unit 61 determines that a strike-out error has occurred.

To eliminate the miss, it is necessary to position the push-out piece 43A at the same height as the rear end of the lowest prize P to ensure an appropriate catch. The control unit 61 then operates the second drive unit 87 to raise the belt unit 80 to the retry position shown in FIG. 14. Then, when the pay-out belt 43 moves in a circle, the push-out piece 43A can come into contact with the lowest prize P3 and push it out to the front side Y1.

As described above, the control unit 61 pays out the prize P in the returnable box 5 onto the moving unit 54 while resolving jamming errors and miss-striking errors as necessary. When all of the storage spaces 24 in the returnable box 5 set in the storage unit 33 (see the lower unit 12A in FIG. 11), which was previously in a horizontal position, become empty, the control unit 61 raises the moving unit 54 to the pay-out unit 42 of the pay-out mechanism 41 of another pay-out unit 12 (middle unit 12B in FIG. 15), as shown in FIG. 15. In the middle unit 12B, the pay-out mechanism 41 is in the pay-out position, one storage unit 33 is in a forward position on the pay-out unit 42, and the prize P can be paid out from the returnable box 5 set in this storage unit 33. Therefore, the control unit 61 pays out the prize P from the returnable box 5 set in this storage unit 33 onto the moving unit 54.

When moving the moving part 54 from the lower unit 12A to dispense the prize P from the middle unit 12B in this way, the control part 61 rotates the dispensing mechanism 41 of the lower unit 12A to the retreat position once in preparation for dispensing in the lower unit 12A, then moves the conveying body 32 around, and places the storage part 33 in which another returnable box 5 is loaded in a forward-facing position. After that, as shown in FIG. 16, the control part 61 returns the dispensing mechanism 41 of the lower unit 12A to the dispensing position and lowers the moving part 54 from which the prize P from the middle unit 12B has been dispensed. Then, the control part 61 dispenses the prize P onto the moving part 54 from the returnable box 5 set in the storage part 33 in the forward-facing position in the lower unit 12A. Dispensing prizes P from multiple storage parts 33 in this way in one dispensing unit 12 (lower unit 12A in this explanation) with the conveying body 32 moving around in between is called "crossing the rotary".

When it is necessary to cross the rotary, as described above, while the moving section 54 moves to the payout section 42 of one of the payout units 12 and finishes receiving the prize P from the payout section 42, the payout section 42 of the other payout unit 12 moves between the payout position and the retracted position, and the multiple storage sections 33 move around. After that, the moving section 54 receives the prize P from the payout section 42 of the other payout unit 12. In this way, when the prizes P of multiple payout units 12 are paid out together, the control section 61 effectively uses the time until the moving section 54 moves to the payout section 42 of the payout unit 12 (middle unit 12B in this explanation) and finishes receiving the prize P from the payout section 42, and prepares the other payout unit 12 (lower unit 12A in this explanation) to pay out the prize P.

In other words, the control unit 61 executes the payout of prizes P from the middle unit 12B and the preparation for payout from the lower unit 12A in parallel, so that the payout process can be completed in the shortest time possible, thereby shortening the transaction time between the player and the prize payout device 1. Furthermore, if the payout process can be completed in the shortest time possible in this way, multiple types of prizes P can be stored together in each payout unit 12 instead of storing a fixed type of prize P, so that the types of prizes P in each payout unit 12 can be optimized according to the operation of the gaming facility. This reduces the number of replenishment processes and the burden on store staff.

When the required number of prizes P are dispensed onto the moving section 54, the dispensing process is completed. Then, the control section 61 starts the payout process. Specifically, the control section 61 slides the shutter 52 to the open position shown in FIG. 17. This opens the payout opening 13B on the top surface 13A of the door 13 to the upper side Z1. The control section 61 then raises the moving section 54 to the payout position shown in FIG. 17. The moving section 54 moves to the payout opening 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 payout units 12 in order, and then rises to the payout opening 13B. This causes the prizes P dispensed onto each moving section 54 of the moving section 54 to be exposed to the upper side Z1 from the payout opening 13B and paid out to the outside of the machine.

In this way, the moving section 54 is a common moving section for the payout sections 42 of multiple payout units 12 mounted vertically, and receives the prizes P paid out by each of the payout sections 42 of the multiple payout units 12. Therefore, by providing a moving section 54 for each payout section 42, the prize payout device 1 can be made more compact than when there are multiple moving sections 54. Furthermore, if the moving section 54 can be raised and lowered, the movement trajectory can be aligned along the vertical direction Z. This allows the prize payout device 1 to be made even more compact in the horizontal direction.

When the player directly receives the prize P on the moving part 54 at the payout outlet 13B, the control unit 61 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. Since there is only one payout outlet 13B, it is possible to prevent the player from forgetting to pick up the prize P and to shorten the time it takes to receive the prize P. In addition, since the payout outlet 13B is provided on the door 13, the payout outlet 13B is close to the player positioned on the front side Y1 of the prize payout device 1, so that the player can easily receive the prize P paid out to the payout outlet 13B. In addition, when one moving section 54 receives prize P from each payout unit 12 and transports it to the payout outlet 13B, the number of joints between the multiple components can be reduced compared to when multiple components receive and transport prize P from each payout unit 12, which can reduce errors such as prize P getting stuck at the joints.

Each of Figures 18 to 26 shows an example of a payout pattern of prizes paid out by the payout process. When the moving section 54 is raised to the payout position, five receiving sections 55 of the moving section 54 are lined up in the left-right direction X at one payout outlet 13B, and this payout outlet 13B is divided into multiple (five in this embodiment) payout sections 13D lined up in the left-right direction X.

In the following, the five dispensing sections 13D may be referred to, from the left, as dispensing section 13DA, dispensing section 13DB, dispensing section 13DC, dispensing section 13DD, and dispensing section 13DE. Each of these dispensing sections 13D corresponds to one of the five receiving sections 55 that is located at the same position in the left-right direction X. Each pair of corresponding dispensing sections 13D and receiving sections 55 corresponds to one of the five storage spaces 24 (see FIG. 2) in the returnable box 5 set in the storage section 33 of each pay-out unit 12 that is located at the same position in the left-right direction X.

In each of Figures 18 to 26, the prize P marked "Large" refers to a grand prize, the prize P marked "Medium" refers to a medium prize, and the prize P marked "Small" refers to a small prize. In each payout section 13D, the upper limit number of prizes P that can be stacked on the receiving section 55 is set with consideration given to the ease of removing the prizes P. For example, in the case of a prize P that is 3 mm thick, the upper limit number is 10. Therefore, multiple prizes P can be stacked in each payout section 13D up to the predetermined upper limit.

When a payout instruction is input by a player prior to the payout process, the control unit 61 determines a payout pattern for the type and number of prizes P according to the payout instruction from the inventory data stored in the memory unit 64. This payout pattern is information about the payout destination that minimizes the number of payout sections 13D to which the prizes P are paid out among the five payout sections 13D, and the type and number of prizes P to be paid out to the payout destination. The control unit 61 executes the payout process based on the determined payout pattern. Therefore, in the payout process in the payout process, the receiving unit 55 corresponding to the payout section 13D that is the payout destination receives the prize P in the storage unit 33 and transports it to the payout section 13D. Therefore, the control unit 61 and the receiving unit 55 function as an example of a payout unit that pays out the prize P in the storage unit 33 to the payout destination. In this way, when the payout destination is configured with the smallest payout section 13D, the player is less likely to overlook the prize P that has been paid out to the payout destination, and can receive the prize P without hassle. Therefore, the prize payout device 1 can prevent players from forgetting to pick up the prize P, improving usability. A specific example will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 18, when one type of prize P is paid out in an upper limit or less, the control unit 61 determines a payout pattern in which the prizes P are paid out together in a stacked state in one of the payout sections 13D, and executes the payout process to realize this payout pattern. Multiple prizes P are paid out in a stacked state to the payout section 13D that is the payout destination. This allows the player to receive multiple prizes P paid out to one payout section 13D all at once, further improving the usability of the prize payout device 1. Note that in this embodiment, the leftmost payout section 13DA is given priority as the payout destination, but other payout sections 13DA may also be given priority as the payout destination. The same applies to the following specific examples.

As shown in FIG. 19, when more than the upper limit number of prizes P of one type are to be paid out, the control unit 61 determines a payout pattern in which the prizes P are divided and paid out into multiple payout sections 13D, and executes the payout process to realize this payout pattern. In FIG. 19, the upper limit number of prizes P are paid out in a stacked state into one payout section 13DA, and the remaining fractional number of prizes P are paid out into the adjacent payout section 13DB, but the prizes P may be paid out equally into the payout sections 13DA and 13DB.

The multiple payout sections 13D that are payout destinations may be adjacent to each other as shown in FIG. 19. In other words, when there are multiple payout sections 13D that are payout destinations, the control unit 61 determines a payout pattern in which these payout sections 13D are adjacent to each other. In this way, when the payout destinations are composed of the smallest number of adjacent payout sections 13D, the player is less likely to miss the prize P that has been paid out to the payout destination, and can receive the prize P more easily. Therefore, the prize payout device 1 can prevent the player from forgetting to pick up the prize P, further improving usability. Note that, depending on the situation, the multiple payout sections 13D that are payout destinations may not be adjacent but may be separated from each other. The same applies to the following specific examples.

When multiple types of prizes P are paid out in total up to the upper limit number as shown in FIG. 20, the control unit 61 determines a payout pattern in which the prizes P are paid out in a state in which they are separated by type and in a stacked state in one of the payout sections 13D. In this case, the control unit 61 arranges the prizes P separated by type in order of value (grand prize, medium prize, small prize, or the reverse order) from the lower side Z2. Then, the control unit 61 executes a payout process so that this payout pattern is realized. In this embodiment, the grand prize is stored in the lower unit 12A, the medium prize is stored in the middle unit 12B, and the small prize is stored in the upper unit 12C, so that the prizes P are stacked in the payout section 13D in the order of the grand prize, medium prize, and small prize from the lower side Z2. The player can easily grasp the breakdown of the prizes P paid out in a stacked state in the payout section 13D by type. This makes the prize payout device 1 even easier to use.

As shown in FIG. 21, when a total of multiple types of prizes P are paid out in a number greater than the upper limit, there are multiple payout sections 13D to which the prizes are paid out. In this case, the control unit 61 determines a payout pattern in which the prizes P are paid out in a state in which they are separated by type and in a stacked state in each of the minimum number of payout sections 13D. At that time, the control unit 61 determines a payout pattern so that prizes P of the same type are not paid out in multiple payout sections 13D. If the number of prizes P of a type that occupies the majority of the prizes P to be paid out (grand prizes in FIG. 21) is equal to or less than the upper limit, the control unit 61 causes this type of prize P to be collected together in one payout section 13D, and the remaining types of prizes P (small prizes and medium prizes in FIG. 21) to be arranged in order of value in another payout section 13D. Then, the control unit 61 executes the payout process so that this payout pattern is realized. In this case, the player can easily grasp the breakdown by type of prize P paid out to the multiple payout sections 13D. Therefore, the prize payout device 1 can be made even easier to use.

As shown in FIG. 22, when multiple types of prizes P are paid out in total more than the upper limit, if the number of the majority type of prize P (grand prize in FIG. 22) is greater than the upper limit, the control unit 61 determines a payout pattern in which this type of prize P is divided and paid out across multiple payout sections 13D. In this case, the control unit 61 ensures that the maximum number of prizes P of this type are gathered together in one payout section 13D, and that the remaining prizes P of this type and other types of prizes P (small and medium prizes in FIG. 22) are arranged in order of value in another payout section 13D. The control unit 61 then executes the payout process to realize this payout pattern.

When the number of prizes P in stock is decreasing and the number and variety of prizes in the payout instruction is large, it is expected that it will be difficult to realize the free payout pattern described above. Taking this into consideration, the control unit 61 determines the payout pattern based on the inventory data stored in the memory unit 64 in the following procedure. First, the control unit 61 calculates the quality of the first payout pattern (see Figures 20 and 23) in which multiple types of prizes P are paid out collectively in one payout section 13D. Regarding the quality of the payout pattern, if the moving unit 54 can pay out all the prizes P by simply rising once to the payout outlet 13B during the payout process, the payout pattern is good (OK), and if the moving unit 54 cannot pay out all the prizes P by simply rising once to the payout outlet 13B during the payout process, the payout pattern is bad (NG).

If the first payout pattern is NG, the control unit 61 calculates the suitability of a second payout pattern (see FIG. 21), in which the same type of prize P is not divided into multiple payout sections 13D, but the prize P is paid out in portions into multiple payout sections 13D.

If the second payout pattern is NG, the control unit 61 calculates the acceptability of a third payout pattern (see FIG. 24) in which one type of prize P (e.g., the grand prize) is divided and paid out between one payout section 13D and another payout section 13D, and the other type of prize P is also paid out to the other payout section 13D. In the case of the third payout pattern, only the grand prize is stacked in one payout section 13D, and the remaining grand prize, all medium prizes, and all small prizes are stacked in that order in the other payout section 13D.

In this way, when there are multiple payout sections 13D to which prizes are paid out, but the number of these payout sections 1D is the minimum, the control unit 61 determines a third payout pattern in which the same type of prize P is paid out divided into multiple payout sections 13D. In this case, the small number of payout sections 13D to which prizes are paid out is prioritized over the ease of understanding the breakdown of the types of prizes P to be paid out, so that players are less likely to overlook prizes P paid out to the payout sections, and can receive the prizes P without hassle. Therefore, the prize payout device 1 prevents players from forgetting to pick up prizes P, improving usability.

If the third payout pattern is NG, the control unit 61 calculates the acceptability of a fourth payout pattern (see FIG. 25) in which two types of prizes P (e.g., a grand prize and a medium prize) are each divided and paid out into one payout section 13D and another payout section 13D, and the other type of prize P (small prize) is also paid out into the other payout section 13D. In the case of the fourth payout pattern, the grand prize and medium prizes are stacked in this order in one payout section 13D, and the remaining grand prizes, remaining medium prizes, and all small prizes are stacked in this order in the other payout section 13D.

If the fourth payout pattern is NG, the control unit 61 calculates whether the fifth payout pattern (see FIG. 26) is good or bad, in which the prizes P of all types are divided and paid out into one payout section 13D and another payout section 13D. In the case of the fifth payout pattern, the grand prize, the medium prize, and the small prize are stacked in this order in each of the multiple payout sections 13D. If the fifth payout pattern is NG, the control unit 61 determines the optimal payout pattern by increasing the payout section 13D to be the payout destination by one and repeating the calculation for the second to fifth payout patterns. Note that even if the payout section 13D is increased to five (the maximum number), if all the prizes P cannot be paid out by simply raising the moving section 54 to the payout outlet 13B once, the control unit 61 determines the optimal payout pattern by repeating the calculation for the first to fifth payout patterns, taking into account the multiple raising and lowering of the moving section 54. The control unit 61 then executes the payout process based on the final payout pattern.

In this way, the control unit 61 determines a payout pattern that minimizes the number of times the payout section 13D and the moving section 54 are raised and lowered, so that the prizes P are concentrated in as few payout sections 13D as possible and paid out with the minimum number of payouts. In the case of a prize payout device that is not a self-service type, the clerk in charge presents the actual prizes P paid out from the prize payout device to the player by type, and then stacks and hands these prizes P to the player. In the self-service type prize payout device 1, in which the exchange process of the prizes P is performed by the player alone, there is no need to present the actual prizes P to the player by type, and multiple types of prizes P are concentrated in the payout section 13D and paid out in a stacked state, so that the player can receive the prizes P with fewer actions. This minimizes the effort required to gather multiple types of prizes P and prevents players from forgetting to pick up the prizes P. Additionally, as part of the payout process, the control unit 61 may notify the player of the information about the prize P to be paid out by displaying it on the display operation unit 4, etc.

Furthermore, if the prizes P are paid out preferentially from the leftmost or rightmost dispensing section 13D (in this embodiment, the leftmost dispensing section 13DA), the prizes P in the leftmost or rightmost storage space 24 in each returnable box 5 in each pay-out unit 12 will be depleted in order. This makes it possible to minimize the number of storage spaces 24 with a fractional number of prizes P, and allows store staff to easily visually check the inventory of prizes P in each returnable box 5.

In each storage section 33 of each pay-out unit 12, the type of prize P in the returnable box 5 to be set may be predetermined and stored in the memory section 64. When a returnable box 5 containing a type of prize P different from the designated type is set in the storage section 33 during the refill process, the control section 61 temporarily stores in the memory section 64 that the type of prize P in this storage section 33 is incorrect in the subsequent counting and identification process. In the subsequent pay-out process, the control section 61 may continue the pay-out process by performing a degenerate operation in which the storage section 33 containing the incorrect type of prize P is not subject to pay-out. The correctness of the type of prize P in each storage space 24 in the returnable box 5 may be temporarily stored in the memory section 64. In that case, in each storage section 33, only the storage space 24 containing the incorrect type of prize P may be excluded from pay-out, and the prize P in the other storage spaces 24 may be paid out as normal prizes.

Examples of storage spaces 24 that are not eligible for payout include storage spaces 24 where the type of prize P is incorrect, as described above, and storage spaces 24 where the counting and identification process could not be performed due to the limited number of prizes P stored (e.g., less than five), which limits the accuracy of the process. Further examples include storage spaces 24 where the counting results of the prizes P are unknown, and storage spaces 24 where the aforementioned clogging error or miss error has occurred. Even if such storage spaces 24 that are not eligible for payout exist, the prize payout device 1 operates in a degenerate manner without causing an error downtime, so that transactions can continue without making players wait. Storage spaces 24 that are not eligible for payout can be dealt with during idle times when there are no player transactions.

27 is a conceptual diagram of a gaming system (prize payout system) 90 including the prize payout device 1. The gaming system 90 further includes a server 91, which is a higher-level device for the prize payout device 1. There may be only one server 91, or the system may be configured with multiple servers. The gaming system 90 may further include a settlement machine 92 for settling the prepaid value associated with the player's card in cash. The settlement machine 92 is provided with a card slot 92A through which the player inserts and removes the card, a bill withdrawal port 92B through which the settlement amount in the form of bills is withdrawn, and a coin withdrawal port 92C through which the settlement amount in the form of coins is withdrawn. The settlement machine 92 may be installed near the prize payout device 1. The prize payout device 1 and the settlement machine 92 are each communicatively connected to the server 91 via a wireless or wired communication network N.

Since both the prize payout device 1 and the settlement machine 92 are devices where the player performs transactions by himself, there is a risk that the player may forget to take the prize P or card with the prize payout device 1, and there is a risk that the player may forget to take the card or settlement money with the settlement machine 92. Therefore, each of the prize payout device 1 and the settlement machine 92 has a function that can collect the forgotten item and later return it to the owner if it is forgotten. This function can reduce the burden on store staff who deal with forgotten items.

Regarding leaving prize P, cards, or settlement money (hereinafter collectively referred to as "objects") behind, each of prize payout device 1 and settlement machine 92 includes a remaining sensor 93 that detects remaining objects, and a human presence sensor 94 that detects the presence of people nearby (see FIG. 4). In prize payout device 1, if the remaining sensor 93 detects the remaining object (e.g., prize P at payout opening 13B) after a predetermined time has passed without any operation by the player after the object is dispensed, the control unit 61 determines that the object has been left behind. As another example, if the human presence sensor 94 does not detect a nearby player after the object is dispensed, but the remaining sensor 93 detects the remaining object, the control unit 61 may determine that the object has been left behind.

Furthermore, if a new card is inserted into the card slot 2A within an unusually short time after the player removes the prize P after the prize P has been dispensed, the control unit 61 may determine that the prize P has been left behind. In this case, it is assumed that the next player removes the prize P that the previous player left behind and immediately inserts his or her own card into the card slot 2A. The control unit 95 provided in the settlement machine 92 may also perform the same process as the control unit 61 in determining whether a prize P has been left behind.

28 is a flow chart showing the process when the prize P is left behind. When the control unit 61 of the prize payout device 1 determines that the prize P on the moving unit 54 has been left behind during the payout process (step S1), the control unit 61 lowers the moving unit 54 to the standby position and slides the shutter 52 to the closed position, thereby recovering the prize P into the device main body 3 and causing the prize payout device 1 to go into error shutdown (step S2). At that time, the control unit 61 notifies the store clerk of the error shutdown by displaying on the display operation unit 4 or by using a buzzer, etc., and stores in the memory unit 64 information that the prize P was left behind during the current payout process. The information that is left behind is linked to the history of the current payout process and stored in the memory unit 64. Furthermore, the information that is left behind is sent to the server 91 linked to the history of the current payout process and is also stored in the server 91 (step S3). The history of the current payout process also includes information for identifying the player who left the prize P behind, such as the identification information of the player's card.

The prize P collected inside the device main body 3 remains on the moving part 54. If the player realizes that he left the prize P behind and returns immediately, inserting the card into the card slot 2A, the control unit 61 ends the error down and notification, slides the shutter 52 back to the open position again, and raises the moving part 54 to the payout position, quickly returning the prize P to the player from the payout opening 13B. In this case, the left-behind information stores information that the prize P has been returned to the player.

The store clerk who rushes to the scene upon receiving the notification operates the display operation unit 4 to end the error down and notification, opens the door 13 to the open position (see Figure 5), and removes the prize P that was just collected from the moving unit 54. The store clerk then pulls out the pay-out unit 12 that had contained the prize P to the pull-out position (see Figure 6), returns the prize P to the return box 5 inside the pay-out unit 12, and returns the pay-out unit 12 to the storage position.

Then, the store clerk operates the display operation unit 4 so that the data of the prize P that was returned this time is managed in the memory unit 64 separately from the inventory data of the prize P. In response, the control unit 61 reflects the data of the prize P that was left behind this time in the forgotten information and manages it separately from the inventory data in the memory unit 64 (step S4). At this time, the control unit 61 notifies the server 91 to update the forgotten information in the same way, so the server 91, upon receiving the notification, updates the forgotten information this time (step S5). Note that in a prize dispensing device 1 that is configured so that the prize P that was left behind and collected in the device main body 3 is collected in a reject unit (not shown) separate from the movement unit 54, the transaction may be able to continue without an error downtime occurring.

When a player who has forgotten to pick up a prize P inserts a card into the card slot 2A on the same day or the next day, the control unit 61 refers to the history of the payout process linked to the card. Alternatively, the control unit 61 may refer to the history of the payout process linked to the card of the player in response to an operation of the display operation unit 4 by a store clerk who has received a request from the player to return the forgotten prize P. If there is forgotten prize information linked to the history, the control unit 61 executes a payout process based on the data of the forgotten prize P in the forgotten prize information, and returns the prize P to the player from the payout opening 13B (step S6). At that time, in consideration of the case where the player does not realize that he has forgotten to pick up the prize P, the control unit 61 may notify the player that he has forgotten to pick up the prize P last time via the display operation unit 4 or the like. The content of this notification may include data (type and number) of the forgotten prize P.

Instead of automatically returning the prize P by inserting the card, a store clerk who receives a return request may open the door 13, pull out the payout unit 12, and hand the prize P in the payout unit 12 back to the player. The left-behind information may include an image (photographed by a security camera, etc.) of the player who left the prize P behind, and the prize P may be returned to the player after identity authentication using this image.

When the return of the forgotten prize P is completed as described above, the control unit 61 reflects this in the forgotten prize P information in the memory unit 64 (step S7). At this time, the control unit 61 notifies the server 91 to update the forgotten prize P information in the same way, and the server 91, upon receiving the notification, updates the forgotten prize P information to indicate that the prize P has been returned to the player (step S8).

If the card ejected through the card slot 2A is left behind, the control unit 61 may execute the same process as when the prize P is left behind. However, the left behind card may be collected in a rejection unit (not shown) provided in the device main body 3. If the card ejected through the card slot 92A is left behind in the settlement machine 92, or if the settlement amount ejected through the banknote withdrawal port 92B or coin withdrawal port 92C is left behind, the control unit 95 may execute the same process as when the prize P is left behind in the prize payout device 1. However, the left behind card or settlement amount may be collected in a rejection unit (not shown) provided separately in the settlement machine 92 according to the card or settlement amount.

There is a wholesaler that delivers the prizes P to the amusement facility, and the wholesaler (strictly speaking, the wholesaler's staff) brings the prizes P packed in a returnable box 5 to the amusement facility. When the wholesaler operates the display and operation unit 4 of the prize payout device 1, the lock on the pay-out unit 12 that is placed in the storage position within the device main body 3 is released, so the wholesaler can open the door 13 and pull out the pay-out unit 12 from the storage position to replenish the prizes P into the pay-out unit 12. When the wholesaler has finished replenishing the prizes P, he returns the pay-out unit 12 to the pull-out position and closes the door 13, and the wholesaler's replenishing of the prizes P into the prize payout device 1 is complete.

As described above, an operation in which the wholesaler replenishes the prize P in the prize payout device 1 can reduce the workload of store clerks who are suffering from labor shortages. Here, if the wholesaler is responsible not only for replenishing the prize P but also for managing the inventory of the prize P after replenishing, the workload of the store clerk can be further reduced. In this case, the inventory of prize P in the prize payout device 1 remains the wholesaler's inventory (property of the wholesaler), and the prize P paid out to players from the prize payout device 1 is paid out to the game facility as prize P delivered to the game facility, and a price is paid out to the wholesaler by the game facility. Meanwhile, the payout of prize P from the prize payout device 1 remains the responsibility of the store clerk.

When the wholesaler and the game store, which are separate organizations, handle the prizes P in the prize payout device 1 in this way, it is desirable that the wholesaler and the store clerk are each given authority to operate the display operation unit 4 of the prize payout device 1. Specifically, the wholesaler is authorized to perform a first operation of the display operation unit 4 for a refill process to replenish the prizes P in the prize payout device 1, a second operation of the display operation unit 4 for a counting and identification process to check the inventory of the prizes P in the prize payout device 1, and a third operation of the display operation unit 4 for an error release process to release an error such as a prize P jam that has occurred in the prize payout device 1.

On the other hand, the clerk is in principle only permitted to perform the fourth operation on the display operation unit 4 for the payout process in which the prize P in the prize payout device 1 is paid out to the player. Conversely, the wholesaler is not permitted to perform the fourth operation, and the clerk is not permitted to perform the first and second operations, but is permitted to perform the third operation, subject to the restrictions described below. The authority for these first to fourth operations, the wholesaler ID, and the relationship between the clerk ID assigned to the clerk are stored in the memory unit 64 of the prize payout device 1. Therefore, the control unit 61 of the prize payout device 1 switches the operating mode depending on the wholesaler ID or clerk ID input by the display operation unit 4.

For example, when a wholesaler comes to deliver prizes P before the opening of an amusement facility, and inputs a wholesaler ID via the display operation unit 4 of the prize payout device 1, the control unit 61 of the prize payout device 1 performs authentication using the wholesaler ID, and then displays a guide screen on the display operation unit 4 to inform the user that refilling, counting identification, and error removal processes are possible. When the wholesaler then performs a first operation on the display operation unit 4, the control unit 61 releases the lock on the payout unit 12 by the unit lock mechanism 18, and the wholesaler can pull out the payout unit 12 from the storage position from the prize payout device 1 and refill the payout unit 12 with prizes P.

When the wholesaler returns the pay-out unit 12 refilled with prizes P to the storage position and then performs the second operation on the display operation unit 4, the control unit 61 counts the number of prizes P refilled into the pay-out unit 12 by the detection unit 38 as a counting and identification process, prints the counting result by the receipt issuing unit 63 to create an inventory list, and issues it to the receipt issuing port 2B. The control unit 61 may print an invoice based on this refill number by the receipt issuing unit 63 and issue it to the receipt issuing port 2B. In this way, the billing amount for the prizes P may be determined based on the refill number, or the billing amount may be automatically added each time a prize P is paid out by the subsequent pay-out process. The billing amount after the automatic addition is the latest billing amount determined at that time. In this way, the timing at which the billing amount is determined may be set to either the time of refill (when entering the warehouse) or the time of payout (when leaving the warehouse) by the operation on the display operation unit 4. Information on the determined billing amount may be automatically notified to the wholesaler by the prize payout device 1.

When an error occurs in the prize payout device 1, the wholesaler performs the third operation on the display operation unit 4. This causes the control unit 61 to unlock the payout unit 12 by the unit lock mechanism 18, so the wholesaler can pull out the payout unit 12 to clear the error. The third operation by the store clerk may be permitted. Instead of the third operation on the display operation unit 4 by the store clerk, the payout unit 12 may be unlocked by remote operation from the wholesaler who has received a call from the gaming facility. Alternatively, the payout unit 12 may be unlocked by the store clerk entering a time-limited one-time password notified by the wholesaler on the display operation unit 4. In any case, the store clerk can pull out the unlocked payout unit 12, remove the prize P, and refill it to clear the error.

When the store clerk returns the payout unit 12, which has been refilled with prizes P, to the storage position and then operates the display operation unit 4, the control unit 61 executes a counting identification process to count the number of prizes P in the payout unit 12. If the stock numbers match before and after the error occurred, the prize payout device 1 returns to its normal state, and the prize payout process can then be executed. On the other hand, if the stock numbers do not match before and after the error occurred, the prize payout device 1 returns to its normal state, provided that this is stored as history in the memory unit 64 and reported to the wholesaler as necessary. If the stock numbers do not match before and after the error occurred, the prize payout device 1 does not have to return to its normal state until the wholesaler is present.

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, in this embodiment, the terminal unit 2 and the device main body 3 are combined to form the prize payout device 1, but the terminal unit 2 may be a device provided independently of the device main body 3.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Prize payout device 3 Device body 12 Payout unit 13B Payout outlet 33 Storage section 52 Shutter 54 Movement section 61 Control section 62 Card processing section 64 Memory section 90 Gaming system (prize payout system)
91 Server P Prize

Claims (10)

A device body having a prize payout outlet;
A payout unit disposed within the device body for paying out prizes;
a moving section that holds the prize dispensed from the dispense unit, moves to the payout outlet, and dispenses the prize from the payout outlet;
A control unit that judges whether or not a prize paid out from the payout outlet has been left behind,
In this prize payout device, when the control unit determines that a prize has been left behind at the payout outlet, it moves the moving unit holding the prize and collects the prize paid out from the payout outlet into the device main body. Further comprising a shutter for opening and closing the dispensing outlet,
The prize payout device of claim 1, wherein the control unit, when determining that a prize has been left behind at the payout outlet, retracts the moving unit holding the prize into the device body relative to the payout outlet, and moves the shutter to close the payout outlet. The prize payout device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit causes the prize payout device to go into error shutdown mode if it determines that a prize has been left behind at the payout outlet. The prize payout device according to claim 3, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that the prize payout device is down due to an error. Further comprising a memory unit for storing the prize payout history,
4. The prize payout device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit stores information indicating that a prize has been left behind in the memory unit in association with identification information of the card of the player who left the prize behind. Further comprising a card processing unit for accepting a card;
A prize payout device as described in claim 5, wherein when the card processing unit accepts a card of a player who has forgotten to collect a prize during an error downtime of the prize payout device, the control unit moves the moving unit holding the prize and pays out the prize from the payout outlet. Further comprising a memory unit for storing the prize payout history,
The prize payout device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit stores information indicating that a prize has been left behind in the memory unit in association with the identification information of the card of the player who left the prize behind. Further comprising a card processing unit for accepting a card;
A prize payout device as described in claim 7, wherein when the card accepted by the card processing unit is the card of a player who has forgotten to collect a prize, the control unit drives the payout unit and the moving unit based on the forgotten prize information to pay out a prize corresponding to the forgotten prize from the payout outlet. The prize payout device of claim 7, wherein the lost prize information includes an image of the player who left the prize behind. A prize payout system including a server and a prize payout device communicatively connected to the server,
The prize payout device includes a device main body having a prize payout outlet, a payout unit disposed within the device main body for paying out prizes, a movement section which holds the prize paid out from the payout unit and moves it to the payout outlet to pay out the prize from the payout outlet, and a control section which determines whether or not a prize paid out from the payout outlet has been left behind, and when the control section determines that a prize has been left behind at the payout outlet, it moves the movement section to recover the paid-out prize into the device main body and transmits information indicating that a prize has been left behind to the server in association with identification information of the card of the player who left the prize behind,
The server stores the forgotten prize information in association with the identification information of the player who left the prize behind.

Images