Prize exchange system of game parlor

Abstract

To provide a prize exchange system in which prizes can be exchanged completely by self-service and rationalize management of a parlor by the system by realizing a solution of the problem of a normal state in which Pachinko balls or tokens acquired by a customer are exchanged with prizes in a Pachinko or throttle game parlor and many customers are forced to wait in a line in a time zone in which exchange is concentrated or at the time of closing.SOLUTION: The problem is solved by providing a prize dispenser or the other devices in a prize exchange counter such that a customer can perform a series of prize exchanges by self-service.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize exchange system in a pachinko or throttle parlor where pachinko balls or throttle metals won by customers are exchanged for prizes. [Background technology]

[0002] At pachinko parlors or slot machine parlors, pachinko balls or slot machine metals won by customers can be exchanged for various prizes by bringing a membership card or exchange card, on which the type and number of balls or slot machine metals are magnetically recorded, or a receipt with a code such as a QR code printed on it, to the prize exchange counter. These prizes are divided into special prizes and general prizes, and the special prizes can be exchanged for cash at a cash exchange office separate from the amusement parlor. Also, since the remainders generated when special prizes are paid out are often small, they are exchanged for leftover general prizes, especially chocolates and gum.

[0003] In addition, various types of general prizes are displayed, and dedicated personnel are stationed at the exchange counter to provide an exchange service for these prizes. As mentioned above, exchanging prizes for prizes is a time-consuming process, and this can cause inconvenience to customers by making them wait in line during busy times, especially at closing time. On the other hand, competition in this industry is intense, and there is a need to streamline the prize exchange service.

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2024-8755 Summary of the Invention Problem to be solved by the invention

[0005] In view of the above, Patent Document 1 is available, which aims to streamline the prize exchange service by making it self-service. This document allows customers to exchange prizes in a self-service manner by following instructions on a monitor screen installed at the prize exchange counter. In the above procedure, the card or receipt brought by the customer is read by a reader, and then a special prize corresponding to the read information is paid out, while the customer is allowed to select and collect any remaining prizes. In addition, multiple stores are connected to a central office via an internet line, allowing the central office to remotely access customers and provide procedures for exchanging prizes and other services.

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned patent document, there was a problem of customers mistaking the number of extra prizes for too many or too few, or of fraudulent acquisition, when selecting and acquiring extra prizes. In addition, while this service has reduced the number of personnel required compared to the conventional exchange service, the exchange of general prizes remains the same as before and has not been streamlined.

[0007] The prize exchange system for amusement parlors of this invention allows for self-service prize exchange at amusement parlors, and includes the steps of a customer using a reader to read a magnetic card or a receipt with a code printed thereon, on which the type and number of pachinko balls or throttle metals are recorded; a selection screen for special prizes or general prizes being displayed on an information display; a customer selecting a special prize; the type and number of special prizes being displayed on the information display; a customer approving the exchange; a special prize being paid out from a special prize payout machine, and the general prizes available for exchange being displayed on a general prize payout machine; The game includes a step in which a customer selects a general prize and a step in which the general prize is dispensed from a general prize dispenser.

[0008] The system also allows for self-service prize exchange at game parlors, and includes the steps of a customer using a reader to read a magnetic card on which the types and numbers of pachinko balls and throttle metals are recorded, or a receipt on which a code is printed, a step in which a selection screen for special prizes or general prizes is displayed on an information display, a step in which the customer selects a general prize, a step in which the general prizes that can be exchanged are displayed on a general prize payout machine and the types and numbers of various general prizes are displayed on the information display, a step in which the customer selects an exchange prize from the general payout machine, and a step in which the general prize is paid out from the general prize payout machine, and a step in which a prize to be exchanged is selected from the various general prizes displayed on the information display, a step in which a prize exchange card on which the name or number and number of the selected general prize are written is issued, and a step in which the prize exchange card is exchanged for the corresponding general prize.

[0009] In addition, the system allows for self-service prize exchange at amusement parlors, and the prize exchange section of the amusement parlor is configured with a reader for magnetic cards or receipts with codes printed thereon, on which the type and number of pachinko balls or throttle metals are recorded, a guide display device for displaying the prize exchange information, a special prize payout machine, a general prize payout machine for displaying and storing general prizes and having a function for selecting general prizes that can be paid out, an issuing machine for exchange cards to be exchanged for general prizes, a computer for controlling each of the above devices, a management computer connected to the above computer via an internet line, and a monitor device located on the management computer.

[0010] Furthermore, each of the devices is installed near a wall by an installation means including wall mounting and floor standing.

[0011] Furthermore, there are at least two amusement stores, and the computers of each of the amusement stores are centrally connected to the computer of the management department via an Internet line, and the management department's computer has a monitor device located opposite each of the amusement stores, so that the manager of the management department and customers can access the computer in both directions to receive information about prize exchanges.

[0012] The information display device is configured with a touch panel, and a prize can be selected by touching the touch panel.

[0013] Effect of the invention

[0014] The prize exchange system of the present invention has the above-mentioned features and thus has the following effects. In the exchange for special prizes, the payout of leftover balls is carried out by a self-service general prize payout machine, which prevents shoplifting or theft due to misidentification, and allows accurate counting and management of the balls and the payout of prizes. Furthermore, since the above-mentioned leftover balls can be exchanged in a short time, congestion at prize exchanges can be alleviated, especially during times when many customers are concentrated or at closing time. Furthermore, since prize exchange is done in a self-service manner using a series of mechanical systems, there is no need to assign dedicated personnel to the exchange counter, which streamlines management and improves customer service.

[0015] Furthermore, even if there are relatively many leftover prizes after exchanging special prizes, the prizes can be exchanged without being limited to leftover prizes as long as they are within the range of prizes stored in the general prize dispensing machine, thereby achieving the same effect as described above. In addition, if a customer wishes to exchange only for general prizes, an exchange card will be issued, and the service staff in the hall can also handle the exchange, so there is no need to assign dedicated staff to the exchange counter as mentioned above.

[0016] In addition, when exchanging the general prizes, the customer can leave the exchange counter once the exchange card is issued, so the prizes can be exchanged without delay even when the counter is crowded. As indicated above, the system of the present invention allows for self-service exchange of prizes regardless of the type of prize.

[0017] Furthermore, with the prize exchange system of this invention, there is no need to station exchange personnel at the exchange counter, and each of the above-mentioned devices can be installed near a wall, such as on the wall or on the floor, eliminating the need for space for exchange personnel or a customer service counter as in the past.This means that the prize exchange section can be widely used in existing stores, while new planned stores can reduce and streamline the store floor space.

[0018] In addition, if there are multiple participating stores, the prize exchange systems set up at each store can be centrally managed by the management headquarters, thereby further streamlining and improving customer service.

[0019] In addition, general prizes can be selected by operating the screen of the information display device, eliminating the inconvenience of customers having to search around for the actual product, and more diverse prizes can be offered than conventional prizes without increasing the display area for the actual products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] A front view showing the installation status of each device in the prize exchange section. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is another example of how to select the type of prize. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart for dispensing special prizes. [Figure 4] Flowchart for dispensing general items. [Figure 5] Flowchart for dispensing special items. [Figure 6] This shows the display content of the information display device when prizes are paid out. [Figure 7] This shows the display content of the information display device when prizes are paid out. [Figure 8] This shows the display content of the information display device when prizes are paid out. [Figure 9] This shows the display content of the information display device when prizes are paid out. [Figure 10] This shows the display content of the information display device when prizes are paid out. [Figure 11] This shows the display content of the information display device when prizes are paid out. [Figure 12] This shows the display content of the information display device when prizes are paid out. [Figure 13] Connection diagram of the prize exchange system. [Figure 14] A comprehensive connection diagram of a multi-store prize exchange system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present invention relates to a prize exchange system for an amusement arcade, and the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Pachinko balls or slot metals won by customers at amusement parlors are exchanged for prizes at the prize exchange department. There are two types of prizes: special prizes and general prizes. Special prizes are exchanged for cash at a cash exchange office separate from the amusement parlor, while general prizes are a variety of physical goods. In addition, from the perspective of exchange frequency, small-value leftover prizes that are exchanged for leftover balls after exchanging for special prizes are distinguished from general prizes. The present invention allows customers to exchange various prizes in a self-service manner in the various exchange modes described above.

[0022] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the prize exchange unit 1, which is composed of a card reader 3 for membership cards and other cards, a receipt reader 5 for QR codes on receipts on which the types and numbers of pachinko balls and slots are written, an information display unit 6 which is equipped with a touch panel screen and displays instructions for the exchange procedure, a special prize payout machine 8 for special prizes 7, a general prize payout machine 11 which displays and stores general prizes 10 including leftover prizes and is equipped with a lamp switch 20 corresponding to each displayed prize, a card issuing machine 13 which issues prize exchange cards, general prizes 10 on display shelves 14 on which various prizes are displayed, and a control computer 16 (not shown) for each device. Furthermore, each of the above devices is designed to be used by customers on a self-service basis, and does not require the space of a dedicated exchange staff member as in the past, so it can be installed near the wall of the prize exchange section 1, such as by being wall-mounted or floor-standing.

[0023] The actual procedure for exchanging prizes will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 3 shows the procedure for exchanging the special prize 7, and includes the steps of the customer reading a magnetic card or a receipt with a printed code, which records the type and number of pachinko balls or slot metals, with the card reader 3 or receipt reader 5 (the screen of the information display 6 in FIG. 6). Next, a selection screen for the special prize 7 and the general prize 10 is displayed on the information display device 6 (FIG. 7). Next, when the customer exchanges the prize for the special prize 7, the customer touches the special prize 7 on the selection screen of the information display device 6 to select the special prize 7; Next, the type and number of special prizes 7 and the number of extra prizes are displayed on the information display device 6 (FIG. 8). Next, the customer touches the screen of FIG. 8 on the information display device 6 to approve the exchange. Next, the special prize 7 is paid out from the special prize payout machine 8 (FIG. 9), and the lamp switch 20 corresponding to the exchangeable general prize 10 in the general prize payout machine 11 is turned on (FIG. 10). Next, a step of pressing the lamp switch 20 corresponding to the desired prize among the lamp switches 20 lit in the general prize payout machine 11 to select a general prize 10 including a prize with a small prize; Next, a general prize 10 is paid out from a general prize payout machine 11, and the special prize 7 and the general prize 10 are exchanged. The above exchanges are common when exchanging prizes at amusement arcades.

[0024] FIG. 4 shows the procedure for exchanging a general prize 10, and includes the steps of a customer reading a membership card or other magnetic card or receipt with a code printed thereon, which records the type and number of pachinko balls and slot metals, with a card reader 3 or receipt reader 5 (the screen of the information display 6 in FIG. 6). Next, the selection masks of the special prize 7 and the general prize 10 are displayed on the information display device 6 (FIG. 7). When the customer exchanges the prize for the general prize 10, the customer touches the general prize 10 on the selection screen (FIG. 7) of the information display device 6 to select the general prize 10. Next, in the general prize payout machine 11, a step in which the lamp switch 20 corresponding to the exchangeable general prize 10 is turned on and displayed, and the type and number of various general prizes 10 are displayed on the information display device 6 (FIG. 10) (FIG. 11). Next, a step of selecting the general prize 10 from the general prize payout machine 11 by pressing the lamp switch 20 corresponding to the general prize 10 to be exchanged; Next, the selected general prize 10 is paid out from the general prize payout machine 11. Alternatively, if the player does not select a general prize 10 from the general prize payout machine 11 but instead selects various general prizes 10 on the display screen of the information display device 6, or if the player wishes to exchange the prize for another general prize 10 following the payout, the player selects the prize to be exchanged from the various general prizes 10 displayed on the information display device 6 by touching the screen (FIG. 11). Next, a prize exchange card on which the name or number and number of the selected general prize 10 are written is issued from the card issuing machine 13; Next, a step in which a store staff member is called by selecting a prize on the information display device 6 and issuing a prize exchange card (FIG. 12). The called in-store staff exchanges the prize exchange card for the corresponding general prize 10, and the general prize 10 is exchanged.

[0025] Furthermore, when exchanging the special prize 7, if the desired prize is not available in the general prize dispenser 11, as shown in the exchange procedure in Figure 5, following the selection step of the special prize 7 in Figure 3, the general prizes available for exchange are displayed on the general prize dispenser 11 (Figure 10), and the general prizes available for exchange are displayed on the screen of the information display device 6 (Figure 11). When the customer selects the prize to be exchanged from the general prize dispenser 11 or the screen display of the information display device 6, the prize is dispensed from the general prize dispenser 11, or a prize exchange card is issued from the exchange card issuing device 13, and the exchange card is exchanged for a prize in the same manner as described above (Figure 12).

[0026] The information display device 6 is equipped with a touch panel, so prizes can be selected and exchanged by touching the screen, but other operating means are shown in Figure 2, and these means include a special prize switch 18, a general prize switch 19, and an approval switch 21 connected to each device, and this switch case 17 is provided on a counter 22, and prizes can be selected and exchanged by operating these switches.

[0027] Figure 13 shows the connections and communication systems of each device in the prize exchange unit 1, and each device in the prize exchange unit 1 is connected to these control computers 16, and is connected to the management computer 24 of the management unit 23 via an Internet line 28. The management computer 24 is provided with a monitor 25, which guides and monitors the prize exchange in the prize exchange section 1.

[0028] Figure 14 shows a system in which the prize exchange units 1 of multiple amusement parlors are all connected to the management unit 23 via an internet line 28, and selective remote access is possible using cameras 26 and microphones 27 installed at both units.The management unit 23 also provides guidance and monitors crime prevention and other matters at the exchange units 1 of each parlor using the screens of monitors 25 corresponding to the exchange units 1 of each amusement parlor.

[0029] 1. Prize Exchange Department 3. Card reader 5. Receipt reader 6. Information display 7. Special Prizes 8. Special prize dispenser 10 General Prizes 11 General prize dispenser 13. Card issuing machine 14...display shelf 16. Control computer for each device 17···Selection switch case 18···Special Prize Switch 19 General Prize Switch 20. Lamp switch 21. Approval switch 22···Counter 23...Management Department 24. Computer 25 Monitor 26. Camera 27. Mike 28. Internet connection

Claims

1. This allows for self-service prize exchange at amusement stores, A customer reads a magnetic card or a receipt with a printed code, which records the type and number of pachinko balls and throttle metals, with a reader; A step in which a selection screen for a special prize or a general prize is displayed on the information display device; A step in which a customer selects a special prize; A step in which the type and number of special prizes are displayed on the information display device; the customer approving the exchange; a step of dispensing a special prize from the special prize dispenser and displaying exchangeable general prizes in the general prize dispenser; A step in which a customer selects a general prize; The prize exchange system for an amusement parlor is characterized by comprising a step of paying out general prizes from a general prize payout machine.

2. This allows for self-service prize exchange at amusement stores, A customer reads a magnetic card or a receipt with a printed code, which records the type and number of pachinko balls and throttle metals, with a reader; A step in which a selection screen for a special prize or a general prize is displayed on the information display device; A step in which the customer selects a general prize; a step of displaying exchangeable general prizes on the general prize payout machine and displaying the types and numbers of various general prizes on the information display device; A step in which a customer selects an exchange prize from the general payout machine; A step of paying out a general prize from the general prize payout machine, Also, a step of selecting a prize to be exchanged from various general prizes displayed on the information display device; A step of issuing a prize exchange card on which the name or number and number of the selected general prize are written; A prize exchange system for an amusement store, characterized by comprising a step of exchanging the prize exchange card for a corresponding general prize.

3. This allows for self-service prize exchange at amusement stores, In the prize exchange section of the game store, A reader for magnetic cards or receipts with codes printed on them that record the type and number of pachinko balls or slot metals; a guide display that displays the prize exchange information; Special prize dispenser, a general prize dispensing machine that displays and stores general prizes and has a function for selecting general prizes that can be dispensed; An issuing machine for exchange cards that can be exchanged for general prizes; a computer that controls each of the devices; a management computer connected to the computer via an internet line; A prize exchange system for an amusement parlor, characterized in that it is configured with a monitor device installed in the computer of the management department.

4. 4. The prize exchange system for an amusement arcade according to claim 3, wherein each of the devices is installed near a wall by an installation means including wall-mounted and floor-standing.

5. The number of said game stores is at least two, The computers of the respective gaming establishments are connected to the computer of the management department via an internet line in an integrated manner, The computer of the management department has a monitor installed facing each of the gaming establishments, 4. The prize exchange system for an amusement arcade according to claim 3, wherein the manager of the management department and customers can access each other to receive information about prize exchange.

6. The prize exchange system for an amusement arcade as described in claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the information display device is composed of a touch panel, and prizes are selected by touching the touch panel.

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