Prize payout system, prize payout device, and prize payout method in the prize payout device

Abstract

To provide a prize putout system, a prize putout device, and a prize putout method in the prize putout device capable of improving ease of use regarding putout of a prize.SOLUTION: A prize putout device 1 for composing a prize putout system 100 includes: a putout area to which a prize is put out; a storage part 12 for storing a prize; a POS control part 61A for generating putout information for a prize to be put out; and a putout control part 61B for putting out a prize in the storage part to the putout area. The putout control part 61B confirms stock to be put out within the storage part 12 on the basis of putout information by receiving putout information. When the confirmation result satisfies a predetermined condition, the putout control part 61B puts out a putout object to the putout area. When a confirmation result of the putout control part 61B does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the POS control part 61A reports that prizes need to be replenished to the storage part 12 before starting to put out a putout object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize payout system, a prize payout device, and a prize payout method in the prize payout device. [Background technology]

[0002] The prize payout system disclosed in the following Patent Document 1 includes a prize payout machine as an example of a prize payout device that pays out prizes exchanged for game media such as pachinko balls, and a prize management machine that sends a prize payout instruction to the prize payout machine. The payout instruction includes information on the prizes to be paid out, that is, the type of prizes to be paid out and the number of each type. The prize payout machine includes a storage section that stores the prizes, and a main body that houses the storage section. The storage section includes a payout section that pays out the prizes, and a payout section, and the prizes paid out by the payout section are placed in the payout section. A payout opening is provided directly above the storage section on the top plate of the main body. In the storage section, after the prizes paid out by the payout section are placed on the payout section, the payout section rises, and the prizes on the payout section are paid out to the payout opening. The prize dispensing machine can be used in a hand-over operation, in which a gaming facility staff member removes the prize from the dispensing opening and hands it to the player, or in a self-operation, in which the player removes the prize from the dispensing opening by himself / herself. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-25822 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although not mentioned in Patent Document 1, conventional prize payout devices will start paying out prizes in response to a payout instruction even if there are not enough prizes to be paid out (hereinafter, simply referred to as "payout targets") in the storage section. Therefore, if the prizes to be paid out run out of the storage section before all the required prizes have been paid out, the prize payout device will error out, or the like, and the payout of prizes will be suspended. In such cases, the subsequent recovery process is troublesome. Particularly in the case of self-operation, if a player leaves the prize payout device that has suspended the payout of prizes and walks away, the recovery process becomes even more troublesome as it is necessary to deal with the unpaid prizes, etc.

[0005] This invention has been made against this background, and aims to provide a prize payout system, a prize payout device, and a prize payout method in a prize payout device that can improve usability in terms of paying out prizes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention One embodiment of the present invention a prize payout device including a payout area from which prizes are paid out, a storage unit for storing prizes, and a payout unit for paying out the prizes in the storage unit to the payout area; a generation unit for generating payout information for the prizes to be paid out; and a confirmation unit for receiving the payout information and confirming the stock of the prizes to be paid out in the storage unit based on the payout information, wherein if a confirmation result from the confirmation unit satisfies a predetermined condition, the payout unit pays out the prizes to be paid out to the payout area, and if a confirmation result from the confirmation unit does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the prize payout system further includes a notification unit for notifying that the storage unit needs to be replenished with prizes prior to starting payout of the prizes. Provide do.

[0007] In addition, the present invention In one embodiment of the When the prize is replenished in the storage unit after the notification by the notification unit is started, the payout unit pays out the payout object to the payout area. vinegar.

[0008] In addition, the present invention In one embodiment of theThe prize payout system includes a plurality of prize payout devices, and a request unit that requests a second prize payout device to pay out the payout target when the confirmation result for a first prize payout device does not satisfy the predetermined condition. nothing.

[0009] In addition, the present invention In one embodiment of the The payout information includes specific information for identifying the prize to be paid out and quantity information regarding the number of the prizes to be paid out, and when the confirmation unit receives the specific information, the confirmation unit starts to confirm the stock of the prizes to be paid out in the storage unit. do.

[0010] In addition, the present invention In one embodiment of the The predetermined condition is that there are enough prizes to be paid out in the storage unit. do. The prize payout device may include a payout unit including the payout area, the storage section, the payout section, and the confirmation section. The prize payout device may include a prize management unit including the generation section and a transmission section that transmits the payout request including the payout information to the payout unit. The payout unit may include a prize shortage notification section that notifies the prize management unit of the shortage of the prize to be paid out prior to the start of payout of the payout object, when the confirmation section finds that the storage section does not have enough prizes to be paid out. When the confirmation section finds that the storage section does not have enough prizes to be paid out, the payout section may suspend the start of payout of the prize to be paid out corresponding to the payout request. In addition, if the confirmation unit confirms that the missing prizes have been replenished in the storage unit after notification by the prize shortage notification unit, the payout unit may cancel the start of payout of the payout target corresponding to the pending payout request, and payout the payout target to the payout area.

[0011] The present invention One embodiment of the present invention a prize payout device including a payout area from which prizes are paid out, a storage unit for storing the prizes, a generation unit for generating payout information for the prizes to be paid out, a confirmation unit for receiving the payout information and confirming the stock of the prizes to be paid out in the storage unit based on the payout information, a payout unit for paying out the prizes to be paid out in the storage unit to the payout area if the confirmation result of the confirmation unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and a notification unit for notifying that the storage unit needs to be replenished with prizes prior to starting payout of the prizes to be paid out if the confirmation result does not satisfy the predetermined condition. Provide do.

[0012] The present invention One embodiment of the present inventionis a prize payout method in a prize payout device including a payout area from which prizes are paid out, a storage unit for storing prizes, and a payout unit for paying out prizes in the storage unit to the payout area, the method including a generating step of generating payout information for a prize to be paid out, a confirmation step of receiving the payout information and confirming the stock of the prize to be paid out in the storage unit based on the payout information, a payout step of paying out the prize to be paid out to the payout area by the payout unit if the confirmation result in the confirmation step satisfies a predetermined condition, and a notification step of notifying that the storage unit needs to be replenished with prizes prior to starting payout of the prize to be paid out if the confirmation result does not satisfy the predetermined condition. Provide do. Effect of the Invention

[0013] The present invention One embodiment of the present invention According to the method, when payout information for a prize to be paid out is generated, a confirmation unit accepts the payout information and confirms the stock of the payout target in the storage unit of the prize payout device based on the payout information. If the confirmation result of the confirmation unit satisfies a predetermined condition, the payout unit of the prize payout device pays out the payout target to the payout area. However, if the confirmation result of the confirmation unit does not satisfy the predetermined condition, a notice is issued that the storage unit needs to be replenished with prizes before the start of payout of the payout target. In this way, the prize payout device starts to pay out prizes only when the confirmation result of the confirmation unit satisfies the predetermined condition, in other words, only when the storage unit does not need to be replenished with prizes, so that the prize payout device can pay out all of the payout targets. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a malfunction in which the prize payout device starts to pay out prizes even though the confirmation result of the confirmation unit does not satisfy the predetermined condition, but the payout is interrupted because the prize runs out midway. Therefore, the burden of dealing with such malfunctions can be reduced, and the usability of the prize payout device can be improved.

[0014] In addition, the present invention One embodiment of the present inventionAccording to the method, when prizes are replenished in the storage unit after the start of the notification that the prizes need to be replenished, the payout unit of the prize payout device pays out the payout objects to the payout area. Therefore, if the user waits in front of the prize payout device even after the start of the notification, the user can have all the payout objects paid out from the prize payout device after the prizes are replenished.

[0015] In addition, the present invention One embodiment of the present invention According to the publication, in a prize payout system including multiple prize payout devices, if the confirmation result for a first prize payout device does not satisfy a predetermined condition, a request is made to a second prize payout device to pay out the payout object, and the second prize payout device can be made to pay out the payout object. Therefore, a user who was initially waiting for the payout object from the first prize payout device can have the payout object promptly paid out from the second prize payout device without waiting for the first prize payout device to be replenished with prizes.

[0016] In addition, the present invention One embodiment of the present invention According to the method, the payout information includes specific information that identifies the prize to be paid out and quantity information on the number of prizes to be paid out, and when the confirmation unit receives the specific information that is part of the payout information, it immediately starts checking the inventory of the prizes to be paid out in the storage unit. This makes it possible to quickly determine whether the confirmation result of the confirmation unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and if the confirmation result does not satisfy the predetermined condition, it is possible to quickly notify the user.

[0017] In addition, the present invention One embodiment of the present invention According to the specification, the predetermined condition is that there are sufficient prizes to be paid out in the storage unit. Therefore, the prize payout device starts to pay out prizes only when there are sufficient prizes to be paid out in the storage unit, so the prize payout device can pay out all of the prizes to be paid out. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a malfunction in which the prize payout device starts to pay out prizes even though there are not enough prizes to be paid out in the storage unit, but the payout is interrupted halfway through because the prizes run out. Therefore, the burden of dealing with such a malfunction can be reduced, and the usability of the prize payout device for paying out prizes can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a prize payout device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] An oblique view of a returnable box used in the prize dispensing device. [Diagram 3] A schematic right side view of the interior of the payout unit that constitutes the prize payout device. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a prize payout system including a prize payout device. [Diagram 5] A schematic oblique view of the prize payout device with the door open. [Figure 6] A schematic oblique view of the prize payout device with the storage section pulled out. [Figure 7] A schematic right side view of the interior of the dispensing unit with the storage section pulled out. [Figure 8] 13 is a schematic right side view of the inside of the dispensing unit during the counting and identification process. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] A figure showing a table stored in the prize payout device. [Figure 11] A schematic right side view of the inside of the dispensing unit during the payout process. [Figure 12] A schematic right side view of the inside of the dispensing unit during the payout process. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing transaction processing relating to advance payout processing. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a transaction process according to a modified example. [Figure 15] A schematic oblique view of a prize payout device related to a modified example. [Figure 16] A conceptual diagram of a prize payout system relating to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a prize payout device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The prize payout device 1 is installed in a prize exchange corner in an amusement facility such as a pachinko parlor. The prize payout device 1 is a device that pays out a prize P called a special prize. In addition to the special prizes, general prizes such as sweets are also handled in the amusement facility. There may be a plurality of prize payout devices 1, and these prize payout devices 1 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other to form a prize payout system 100. Each prize payout device 1 may be regarded as the prize payout system 100. The prize payout device 1 includes a POS unit 2 that forms the upper part of the prize payout device 1 and a payout unit 3 arranged below the POS unit 2.

[0020] The POS unit 2 is a so-called POS terminal, and a display operation section 4, which is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel, is provided on the front surface, i.e., the front area. The display operation section 4 may be divided into a display section and an operation section. The front surface of the POS unit 2 is formed with a card slot 2A through which a card issued to a player from a gaming establishment is 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 a game is associated with the card. A card of a player who has registered as a member at a gaming establishment (a so-called member customer) is sometimes called a member card, and a card of another player (a so-called general customer) is sometimes called a general card. A prepaid value that is exchanged for gaming media to start or continue a game may also be associated with the card.

[0021] An example of the prize P is a card having a thickness of a few millimeters (1.5 mm, 3 mm, etc., in this embodiment, 3 mm). In this embodiment, three types of prize P are provided according to monetary value, namely, a grand prize, a medium prize, and a small prize, but there may also be an extra large prize having 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 while being stored in a returnable box 5.

[0022] In this embodiment, the prize payout device 1 is a self-service type that is placed in an unmanned prize exchange corner in an amusement facility, and the procedure for exchanging the prize P is carried out by the player himself. In this case, the player transmits a payout request for the prize P to the prize payout device 1, for example, by inserting a card into the card slot 2A of the POS unit 2 and then operating the display operation unit 4. As a result, the payout unit 3 pays out the type and number of prizes P (in this embodiment, "number of pieces") according to the payout request, and the POS unit 2 updates the inventory data of the prize P. The player receives the card returned from the card slot 2A and the prize P paid out from the payout unit 3. In the following description, it is assumed 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.

[0023] The payout unit 3 is a prize payout machine that pays out prizes P, and also a prize storage machine that has the function of storing prizes P. In this embodiment, the POS unit 2 and the payout unit 3 are integrated, but the payout unit 3 may exist as a standalone prize payout device 1, and the POS unit 2 may be configured as a standalone POS terminal separate from the payout unit 3. The payout unit 3 includes a box-shaped housing 11 that forms its outer shell, one or more storage sections 12 provided within the housing 11, and a door 13 supported by the housing 11.

[0024] The left-right direction of the paper surface of FIG. 1 coincides with the left-right direction X of the dispensing unit 3, the direction substantially perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1 coincides with the front-rear direction Y of the dispensing unit 3, and the up-down direction of the paper surface of FIG. 1 coincides with the up-down direction Z of the dispensing unit 3. The left-right direction X and the front-rear direction Y are included in the horizontal direction. The left-right direction X includes the left side X1 and the right side X2, the front-rear direction Y includes the front side Y1 that coincides with the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 and the rear side Y2 that coincides with the rear side of the paper surface of FIG. 1, and the up-down direction Z includes the upper side Z1 and the lower side Z2. In addition, in FIG. 2 and subsequent figures in which the left-right direction X and the up-down direction Z are not shown, the left-right direction of the figure is the same as the left-right direction X, and the up-down direction of the figure is the same as the up-down direction Z (see FIG. 15, etc.).

[0025] 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 on the left side X1 is installed between the left ends of the top wall 14 and the bottom wall 15, and the right side wall 16 on the right side 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 communicates with the internal space 11B of the housing 11.

[0026] The storage section 12 stores the prize P together with the returnable box 5. In this embodiment, three storage sections 12 are arranged in the vertical direction Z in the internal space 11B of the housing 11. Each storage section 12 is supported by each side wall 16 of the housing 11 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction Y. As shown in FIG. 1, each storage section 12 is in a storage position in the front-rear direction Y when completely stored in the housing 11. Each storage section 12 can be pulled out through an opening 11A of the housing 11 to a pull-out position (see FIG. 6) on the front side Y1 of the storage position. The housing 11 is provided with an electric pull-out lock mechanism 18 (see FIG. 4) that locks each storage section 12 in the storage position and unlocks the lock. An electromagnetic lock or the like can be used as the pull-out lock mechanism 18.

[0027] Before describing the storage section 12 in detail, the returnable box 5 will be described. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the returnable box 5. The returnable box 5 is formed in a box shape elongated in a predetermined direction and is made of, for example, resin. The returnable box 5 integrally includes a pair of side walls 21 arranged opposite to each other, a plurality of partition walls 22 installed between the pair of side walls 21, and a bottom wall 23.

[0028] The pair of side walls 21 are formed in the shape of a generally rectangular plate extending in the longitudinal direction L of the returnable box 5, and are arranged in parallel 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 returnable box 5 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In addition, the depth direction D of the returnable box 5 is perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction L and the short side direction S.

[0029] In this embodiment, six partition walls 22 are provided, and each partition wall 22 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape having 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 the 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 while being lined up at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, in the returnable box 5, five storage spaces 24 that are substantially rectangular parallelepiped in size are formed lined up at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction L.

[0030] The bottom wall 23 has a plate thickness direction that coincides with the depth direction D, and is formed into 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 in the depth direction D (the lower side in FIG. 2), and closes each storage space 24 from that one side. An end of each storage space 24 on the other side in the depth direction D (the upper side in FIG. 2) is opened to the other side as a generally rectangular entrance / exit 25.

[0031] 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 respective storage spaces 24 in the longitudinal direction L, and five pairs in this embodiment. That is, the openings 26 are provided in pairs at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction L on both sides of the returnable box 5 in the transverse direction S. 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 the front of the entrance / exit 25.

[0032] The attitude of the returnable box 5 when it is circulating with prizes P stored therein is a basic attitude with each entrance / exit 25 facing upward as shown in FIG. 2. The prizes P are stored in each storage space 24 through the entrance / exit 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 each storage space 24 in a stacked state 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 / exit 25 side protrudes from the entrance / exit 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 types of the multiple prizes P stored in one returnable box 5 are either a grand prize, a medium prize, or a small prize, but the type of prize P may be different for each storage space 24.

[0033] Next, the storage sections 12 will be described in detail. Fig. 3 is a schematic right side view of the inside of the dispensing unit 3. Hereinafter, of the three storage sections 12 arranged in the vertical direction Z, the lowest storage section 12 will be referred to as the "lower storage section 12A", the middle storage section 12 will be referred to as the "middle storage section 12B", and the top storage section 12 will be referred to as the "upper storage section 12C".

[0034] Referring to the lower storage section 12A, each storage section 12 includes a housing 31 formed in a box shape forming an outer shell thereof. A substantially rectangular loading opening 31A and a substantially rectangular plate-like door 31B for opening and closing the loading opening 31A are provided on the upper surface of the housing 31. The door 31B is connected to the housing 31 via a hinge 31C provided at its front end, and is opened and closed by rotating around the hinge 31C. An opening 31D is formed over almost the entire front surface of the housing 31. A handle 31E is provided in an area on the front surface of the housing 31 above the opening 31D on the upper side Z1 (see FIG. 5). The opening 31D exposes the internal space 31F of the housing 31 to the front side Y1.

[0035] A pair of left and right conveying bodies 32 and a plurality of (four in this example) storage bodies 33 are provided in the internal space 31F of the housing 31 of each storage unit 12. Each conveying body 32 is formed of an endless chain or belt, and has, for example, a substantially rectangular ring shape as viewed from the left-right direction X. The conveying body 32 moves in a circular motion in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions as viewed from the left-right direction X by receiving a driving force from a driving unit such as a motor (not shown). The driving unit and the conveying body 32 constitute a movement mechanism 34.

[0036] Each storage body 33 is in the form of a tray elongated in the left-right direction X. The internal space of each storage body 33 has a size that is just large enough to accommodate a returnable box 5 elongated in the left-right direction X. The upwardly oriented storage body 33 (for example, see the storage body 33 on the upper side Z1 of the lower storage section 12A in FIG. 3) has an entrance 33A that opens over 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 body 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.

[0037] A returnable box 5 is loaded into each storage body 33. As a result, the prize P in the returnable box 5 is stored in the storage body 33 and also in the storage section 12. In the storage body 33 loaded with the returnable box 5, the above-mentioned openings and the openings 26 of the returnable box 5 are aligned one by one. In this embodiment, since the same type of prize P is stored in one returnable box 5, one storage body 33 is loaded with the same type of prize P, and one storage section 12 stores the same type of prize P. As an example, only the big prize is stored in the lower storage section 12A, only the medium prize is stored in the middle storage section 12B, and only the small prize is stored in the upper storage section 12C. Of course, the type of prize P may be different for each storage body 33 in each storage section 12.

[0038] These storage bodies 33 are arranged in a ring shape along the rotation direction R of the pair of left and right conveying bodies 32 and are installed between these conveying bodies 32. Therefore, when the left and right conveying bodies 32 rotate by the operation of the moving mechanism 34, these storage bodies 33 rotate together with the conveying bodies 32. The rotation of the conveying bodies 32 and the storage bodies 33 is sometimes called a "rotary operation." In addition, each storage body 33 is freely rotatable around a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the left-right direction X at the connection portion with the conveying body 32.

[0039] Each storage section 12 is provided with a first position change mechanism 35 for temporarily tilting a storage body 33 located near a lower rear corner in the rotation area of ​​the transport body 32 to a backward position, and a second position change mechanism 36 for temporarily tilting a storage body 33 located near a lower front corner in the rotation area of ​​the transport body 32 to a forward position. Each of the first position change mechanism 35 and the second position change mechanism 36 is composed of a guide rail or the like. Although each storage body 33 may take a backward or forward position during the rotation, it moves around like a gondola while rotating to maintain an upward position in principle.

[0040] A detection unit 37 is disposed at the rear end of the internal space 31F of the housing 31 of each storage section 12. The detection unit 37 includes a detection section 38 and a holder 39 that supports the detection section 38. The detection section 38 is a so-called color sensor, and is provided on the front surface of the holder 39. The detection unit 37 is supported by the rear wall 31G of the housing 31, and moves up and down by receiving a driving force from a driving section (not shown) such as a stepping motor. At that time, the detection section 38 detects the type and number of prizes P in the returnable box 5 stored in the nearest storage body 33. This will be described in detail later.

[0041] In the internal space 31F of the housing 31 of each storage section 12, a payout mechanism 41 is provided in a region Z2 below the transport body 32 and the storage body 33. The payout mechanism 41 includes a payout section 42 that pays out the prize P from the storage body 33. Since there are multiple storage sections 12 (three in this embodiment), there are also multiple payout sections 42 in the prize payout device 1 as a whole. Since these storage sections 12 are lined up in the vertical direction Z, the multiple payout sections 42 are also lined up in the vertical direction Z. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the size of the prize payout device 1 in the horizontal direction, particularly in the front-back direction Y. In this embodiment, only one payout section 42 is provided in the payout mechanism 41 in each storage section 12, but multiple payout sections 42 may be provided lined up in the left-right direction X.

[0042] 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 push-out piece 43A is provided protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the payout belt 43. Although only one push-out piece 43A is provided in this embodiment, multiple push-out pieces 43A may be provided side by side at equal intervals. The payout belt 43 moves in a circular motion when at least one of the rollers 44 is driven and rotated by a drive unit such as a motor. The pay-out roller 45 is driven and rotated by the drive unit.

[0043] The entire payout mechanism 41 can rotate about a rotation axis (not shown) located directly above payout roller 45 between a payout position and a retracted position by receiving a driving force from a drive unit (not shown) such as a motor. When payout mechanism 41 is in the payout position, payout section 42 is also in the payout position, and when payout mechanism 41 is in the retracted position, payout section 42 is also in the retracted position. In other words, payout section 42 can move between the payout position and the retracted position in response to the rotation of payout mechanism 41.

[0044] 3, in the payout position, the payout belt 43 is located rearward Y2 from the payout roller 45 and the counter roller 46, the two rollers 44 are lined up in the front-to-rear direction Y, the remaining roller 44 is located below the two rollers 44 at Z2, 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 counter roller 46 faces the payout roller 45 from above Z1, and the flat portion 43B is at the same height as the space between the payout roller 45 and the counter roller 46. In the payout position, the payout section 42 is slidable in the left-to-right direction X by receiving a driving force from a driving section (not shown) such as a motor.

[0045] 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, the payout mechanism 41 is disposed in a retracted position (see FIG. 8) that avoids the circulating trajectory of each storage body 33 in which the returnable box 5 is loaded. When the payout mechanism 41 is in the retracted position, the payout section 42 is also in the retracted position. The retracted position is a position retracted to the front side Y1 or the lower side Z2 from the payout position. In the payout section 42 in the retracted position, the payout belt 43 is located on the lower side Z2 than the payout roller 45 and the counter roller 46, the flat part 43B of the payout belt 43 is along the up-down direction Z (specifically, diagonally downward), and the counter roller 46 faces the payout roller 45 from the rear side Y2.

[0046] 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 is rotatable about the hinge 50. When the door 13 in the closed position rotates clockwise in a plan view, it is disposed 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.

[0047] Top surface 13A of door 13 is at approximately the same height as the top surface of housing 11, i.e., the top surface of top wall 14. Top surface 13A is provided with only one longitudinal dispensing opening 13B in left-right direction X as an example of a dispensing area (see also FIG. 5). Dispensing opening 13B communicates with internal space 13C of door 13. Door 13 further includes a single shutter 52 that opens and closes dispensing opening 13B.

[0048] The shutter 52 is formed in the shape of a plate elongated in the left-right direction X. The shutter 52 is slidable in the front-rear direction Y between a closed position (see also FIG. 1) in which the dispensing outlet 13B is closed, and an open position (see FIG. 12) in which the shutter 52 retreats to the space directly below the top wall 14 and opens the dispensing outlet 13B. The space directly below the top wall 14 is the upper end of the internal space 11B of the housing 11. The shutter 52 is opened and closed by the driving force of a driving unit (not shown), such as a motor, provided in the housing 11 or the door 13.

[0049] Almost the entire area of ​​the rear surface of the door 13 is open. Therefore, the internal space 13C of the door 13 communicates with the internal space 31F of the housing 31 through the opening 31D on the front surface of the housing 31 of each storage section 12 in the storage position. A payout mechanism 53 that pays out prizes P in each storage section 12 to the payout opening 13B is provided in the internal space 13C. In other words, the payout mechanism 53 is integrated with the door 13 that opens and closes the opening 11A of the housing 11. This allows the prize payout device 1 to be further miniaturized.

[0050] The dispensing mechanism 53 includes a moving section 54. The moving section 54 is a rectangular plate-shaped elevator that has a plate thickness direction that coincides with the vertical direction Z and is long in the left-right direction X. The moving section 54 is divided into a plurality of receiving sections 55 arranged in the left-right direction X. In this embodiment, the moving section 54 is an integrated body, and the boundaries between adjacent receiving sections 55 are indicated by dotted lines (see FIG. 5). The number of receiving sections 55 provided is the same as the number of storage spaces 24 of the returnable box 5 (here, five). The moving section 54 moves up and down 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 (not shown) such as a motor.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the prize payout device 1. The prize payout device 1 includes a control unit 61. The control unit 61 is composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and has a built-in timer, etc. This also applies to other control units described later. In this embodiment, the control unit 61 is divided into a POS control unit 61A built into the POS unit 2 and a payout control unit 61B built into the payout unit 3, but one control unit 61 may serve as both the POS control unit 61A and the payout control unit 61B. The POS control unit 61A and the payout control unit 61B are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0052] The POS unit 2 further includes a card processing unit 62 that processes cards, a receipt issuing unit 63, and a reading unit 64. The display operation unit 4, card processing unit 62, receipt issuing unit 63, and reading unit 64 are all electrically connected to the POS control unit 61A. The card processing unit 62 takes in a card inserted into the card slot 2A (see FIG. 1) and reads necessary information from the card, and ejects the card from the card slot 2A after it has been read. The receipt issuing unit 63 is composed of a printer, and prints receipts and issues them to the receipt issuing port 2B.

[0053] Regarding the reading unit 64, a receipt (a receipt different from the receipt issued by the receipt issuing unit 63) on which information such as the number of gaming media acquired by playing on a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is written is issued to the player from a counting device (not shown) that counts the gaming media. The reading unit 64 is provided on the front side of the POS unit 2 (see FIG. 1). For example, when a player holds a receipt over the reading unit 64, the reading unit 64 reads the number of gaming media, etc. from the receipt. Note that instead of a card or a receipt, a communication terminal such as a smartphone owned by the player can be used, and when the player holds the communication terminal over the reading unit 64, the reading unit 64 may read the number of gaming media, etc. from the communication terminal.

[0054] The payout control unit 61B is electrically connected to electrical components (such as the drive unit and sensor described above) associated with the moving mechanism 34, the detection unit 38, and the payout mechanism 41 in each storage unit 12. The payout control unit 61B is also electrically connected to electrical components associated with the drawer lock mechanism 18, the door lock mechanism 51, and the shutter 52. The payout control unit 61B controls the operation of these electrical components to execute a refill process for refilling prizes P, a counting and identification process for counting and identifying the prizes P in each storage unit 12 of the payout unit 3, and a payout process for paying out the prizes P in each storage unit 12 to the outside of the machine (i.e., outside the cabinet 11). In relation to these processes, the POS control unit 61A displays necessary information on the display operation unit 4, accepts instructions in response to the operation of the display operation unit 4 by a store clerk or a player, processes the player's card by the card processing unit 62, and issues a receipt by the receipt issuing unit 63.

[0055] The payout unit 3 further includes a memory unit 65. The memory unit 65 is composed of a storage device such as a non-volatile memory or a hard disk drive. The memory unit 65 is electrically connected to the payout control unit 61B. The memory unit 65 stores, for each storage space 24, the type and number of prizes P stored (also called the number in stock) in the returnable boxes 5 loaded in each storage body 33 of each storage unit 12. The memory unit 65 also stores various information such as the history of past abnormalities and the payout history of the prizes P.

[0056] The replenishment process, counting and identification process, and payout process are described below in that order. In the case of the replenishment process, the store clerk operates the display operation unit 4 to select one storage unit 12 to be the target of the replenishment process. Then, the payout control unit 61B in the control unit 61, in response to an instruction from the POS control unit 61A, releases the lock on the selected storage unit 12 by the drawer lock mechanism 18, thereby allowing the storage unit 12 to be drawn out to the drawer position, and also releases the lock on the door 13 by the door lock mechanism 51.

[0057] Next, when the store clerk opens the door 13 to the open position as shown in Fig. 5 and grabs the handle 31E of the unlocked storage unit 12 and pulls it toward the front side Y1, the storage unit 12 is pulled out to the pulled-out position as shown in Fig. 6 (see the lower storage unit 12A in Fig. 6). In this way, only one storage unit 12 is pulled out at a time.

[0058] In the storage 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 dispensing unit 3, that is, outside the housing 11. In this state, the store clerk opens the door 31B of this storage unit 12 to open the loading opening 31A to the upper side Z1. Prior to the door 31B opening, the dispensing control unit 61B moves the conveyor 32 in a circular movement, so that one storage unit 33 in an empty state is located directly below the loading opening 31A, as shown in FIG. 7. The empty storage unit 33 refers to a storage unit 33 that is not loaded with a returnable box 5, or a storage unit 33 that is loaded with a returnable box 5 in an empty or near-empty state. The storage unit 33 located directly below the loading opening 31A is in a loading position with the entrance 33A facing the upper side Z1. In addition, in the storage section 12 in which the transport body 32 is moving in a circular motion, the payout mechanism 41 is placed in a retracted position so as not to come into contact with the transport body 32 and storage section 33 during the circular motion (see lower storage section 12A).

[0059] The store clerk lowers the returnable box 5 in the basic position containing the prize P as shown by the thick arrow in FIG. 7, passes through the loading port 31A, and inserts it from the upper side Z1 into the entrance 33A of the storage body 33 at the loading position. As a result, the returnable box 5 is loaded into the storage body 33 at the loading position, and the prize P in the returnable box 5 is loaded into the storage section 12. Note that the returnable box 5 and the storage body 33 in which the returnable box 5 is loaded are positioned relative to each other by a positioning rib (not shown) provided on one of the returnable box 5 and the storage body 33 fitting into a positioning groove (not shown) provided on the other. When the returnable box 5 is loaded into the storage body 33 at the loading position and the door 31B is closed, the dispensing control unit 61B may move the conveyor 32 around so that another empty storage body 33 is placed at the loading position.

[0060] When the store clerk loads the returnable box 5 into the storage body 33, closes the door 31B, and grasps the handle 31E of the storage unit 12 in the pull-out position to return it to the storage position, the dispensing control unit 61B locks this storage unit 12 in the storage position by the pull-out lock mechanism 18. This completes the refilling process for this storage unit 12.

[0061] A store clerk can pull out the storage section 12 to the pull-out position or push it back to the storage position by operating a handle 31E provided on the front of each storage section 12. The movement of the storage section 12 may be performed manually by the store clerk or may be performed automatically by a driving device such as a DC motor or a stepping motor provided in the housing 11.

[0062] In the case of the counting and identification process, referring to the lower storage section 12A in Fig. 8, the payout control section 61B moves the conveying body 32 in a circular motion. Then, when the storage body 33 to be the subject of the counting and identification process in the storage section 12 approaches the detection unit 37, the first position change mechanism 35 tilts the storage body 33 to a rearward position with the entrance / exit 33A facing the rear side Y2. In the storage body 33 in the rearward position, the entrance / exit 33A faces slightly diagonally upwards rather than straight to the side in order to prevent the prize P from falling out of the entrance / exit 25 of the set returnable box 5.

[0063] In the lower storage section 12A in Fig. 8, the storage body 33 at the lower end on the rear side is in a rearward facing position, and the entrance 33A of this storage body 33 faces the rear side Y2. The returnable box 5 loaded in this storage body 33 is also in a rearward 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, and the rear end surface of the prize P faces the detection unit 37 side (strictly speaking, diagonally upward).

[0064] When the storage body 33 changes from an upward posture to a sideways posture and approaches the detection unit 37 in this way, the payout control unit 61B stops the circular movement of the conveyor 32. At this time, in the storage section 12, the detection units 38 in the detection unit 37 are at the same position in the left-right direction X for each storage space 24 of the returnable box 5 loaded in the storage body 33 in the backward posture (see FIG. 9). In this state, the payout control unit 61B raises the detection unit 37, for example, from a standby position at the lower end. At that time, each detection unit 38 rises while facing the storage space 24 at the same position in the left-right direction X in the returnable box 5 from the rear side Y2. The detection unit 38 counts and identifies the prizes P stored in the storage spaces 24 at the same position in the left-right direction X and stacked in the up-down direction Z one by one in order from the lower side Z2 in a non-contact manner.

[0065] In the case of a color sensor, the detection unit 38 irradiates light onto the prize P, receives the reflected light, converts it into RGB values, analyzes it, and counts the prizes P and identifies the authenticity and type of the prizes P based on the analysis results. An IC chip storing identification information may be built into the prize P, and the detection unit 38 may identify the authenticity and type of the prize P by reading the identification information from the IC chip in a non-contact manner. Then, when the detection unit 38 rises from the standby position and completes counting and identification of all the prizes P in each storage space 24 of the returnable box 5 loaded in the storage body 33 in the rearward facing position, and descends to the standby position, the counting and identification process ends.

[0066] The counting and identification process may be performed in all storage sections 12 at once, or may be performed individually in a predetermined storage section 12 selected by a store clerk through operation of the display operation section 4. The counting and identification process may be performed in each storage section 12 for the returnable boxes 5 loaded in all storage bodies 33, or may be performed only for the returnable boxes 5 loaded in the storage body 33 designated by the store clerk. In any case, the payout control section 61B updates the stock number of prizes P in each storage body 33 in the payout unit 3 every time the counting and identification process is performed.

[0067] The inventory data (type and number of prizes P) in each storage body 33 in each storage section 12 is compiled in table T (see FIG. 10) in association with the identification information assigned to each storage body 33, and stored in the memory unit 65. In table T in FIG. 10, the inventory number of prizes P in each storage body 33 in each storage section 12 is stored in association with any of the identification information A to D for each storage body 33. Also, as shown in parentheses in FIG. 10, the inventory number of prizes P in each of the five storage spaces 24 arranged in the left-right direction X in the returnable box 5 set in each storage body 33 is stored in table T as a breakdown of the inventory number of prizes P in each storage body 33. Also, the inventory number of each type of prize P in each storage section 12 is stored in table T as a subtotal. The inventory number of each type of prize P in the three storage sections 12, that is, the inventory number of each type of prize P in the entire payout unit 3, is stored in table T as a total.

[0068] The payout process will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The payout process includes a payout process in which prizes P are paid out one by one from the returnable box 5 onto the receiving section 55 of the moving section 54, and a payout process in which the prizes P on the moving section 54 paid out by the payout process are paid out from the payout opening 13B to the outside of the machine.

[0069] The player inserts the card into the card slot 2A or holds the receipt issued by the counter over the reading section 64 of the POS unit 2. Then, the POS control section 61A reads the number of game media associated with the card by the card processing section 62, or reads the number of game media written on the receipt by the reading section 64. After that, the player can select the type and number of each type of prize P that can be exchanged within the range of the number of game media associated with the card or the number of game media written on the receipt by operating the display operation section 4. The POS control section 61A generates payout information for the prize P to be paid out based on the player's selection result regarding the type and number of each type of prize P to be exchanged. In this case, the POS control section 61A functions as an example of a generating section that generates payout information. The payout information includes specific information that identifies the prize P to be paid out and number information regarding the number of prizes P to be paid out. Strictly speaking, the specific information identifies the type of prize P.

[0070] When the POS control unit 61A transmits a payout request including the payout information to the payout control unit 61B, the payout control unit 61B first performs a payout process. Specifically, the payout control unit 61B moves the conveying body 32 in a circular motion with reference to the lower storage unit 12A. As a result, when the storage unit 33 to be the subject of the payout process approaches the moving unit 54 of the payout mechanism 53, the second position change mechanism 36 tilts the storage unit 33 to a forward position with the entrance 33A facing the front side Y1. In addition, in the storage unit 33 in the forward position, the entrance 33A faces slightly diagonally upward rather than straight to the side in order to prevent the prize P from falling out of the entrance 25 of the set returnable box 5.

[0071] In the lower storage section 12A in Fig. 11, the storage body 33 at the lower front end is in a forward-facing position, and the entrance 33A of this storage body 33 faces the front side Y1. The returnable box 5 loaded in this storage body 33 is also in a forward-facing position with the entrance 25 facing the front side Y1, and the prize P in the returnable box 5 is stacked in the vertical direction Z and protrudes from the entrance 25 to the front side Y1, and the front end face of the prize P faces the door 13 side (strictly speaking, diagonally upward).

[0072] 11, when the lowest prize P in the returnable box 5 loaded in the forward-facing storage body 33 reaches a height position substantially the same as the flat portion 43B of the payout belt 43 of the payout unit 42 in the payout mechanism 41 at the payout position, the payout control unit 61B stops the circular movement of the conveyor 32. At this time, the payout unit 42 at the payout position is positioned directly below this returnable box 5.

[0073] Next, the payout control unit 61B raises the moving unit 54 from the standby position to position the upper surface of the moving unit 54 at approximately the same height as the flat portion 43B of the payout belt 43, and then moves the payout belt 43 in the payout unit 42 to rotate the payout roller 45. At this time, in the payout mechanism 41, the payout belt 43 moves counterclockwise in a right side view, and the payout roller 45 rotates counterclockwise. The push-out piece 43A provided on the payout belt 43 that moves in a circle moves horizontally to the front side Y1 on the flat portion 43B of the payout belt 43. At that time, the push-out piece 43A enters the opening 26 (see FIG. 2) of the returnable box 5 loaded in the storage body 33 in a forward position, hooks the lowest prize P in the storage space 24 of the returnable box 5, and pushes it out to the front side Y1. In this way, the payout section 42 in the payout position pays out a prize P from one of the storage bodies 33 which is in a forward-facing position.

[0074] The prize P dispensed to the front side Y1 comes into contact with the feed roller 45 which is driven to rotate, passes between the feed roller 45 and the opposing roller 46, and is pushed towards the moving section 54, and is placed on one of the receiving sections 55 which is located at the same position in the left-right direction X in the moving section 54. Then, as the circular movement of the feed belt 43 and the rotation of the feed roller 45 are repeated, the prizes P in the storage space 24 located directly above each of the feed sections 42 in the returnable box 5 loaded in the storage body 33 in the forward-facing position are dispensed one by one in order, starting from the prize P on the lower side Z2, and are accumulated on the receiving section 55.

[0075] In addition, each time a prize P is paid out, the payout control unit 61B gradually lowers the moving unit 54 from the standby position so that the paid-out prize P is accumulated on the upper side Z1 in the receiving unit 55. The payout control unit 61B also moves the conveying body 32 slightly in a circular motion to temporarily raise the storage body 33 in the forward position, and moves the payout unit 42 in the left-right direction X during that time. Thereafter, the payout control unit 61B moves the conveying body 32 in a circular motion in the opposite direction to lower the storage body 33 to its original position, so that the payout unit 42 can pay out a prize P in a storage space 24 other than the original storage space 24 from which the prize P was previously paid out. In this case, the prize P paid out 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.

[0076] When all the storage spaces 24 in the returnable box 5 set in the storage body 33 (see the lower storage section 12A in FIG. 11), which was in a horizontal position until now, become empty, the payout control section 61B may raise the moving section 54 to the payout section 42 of the payout mechanism 41 of another storage section 12, for example, the middle storage section 12B. In the middle storage section 12B, the payout mechanism 41 is in the payout position, and one storage body 33 is in a forward-facing position on the payout section 42, making it possible to pay out the prize P from the returnable box 5 set in this storage body 33. Therefore, the payout control section 61B pays out the prize P from the returnable box 5 set in this storage body 33 onto the moving section 54.

[0077] When moving the moving part 54 from the lower storage part 12A to pay out the prize P from the middle storage part 12B in this way, the payout control part 61B rotates the payout mechanism 41 of the lower storage part 12A to the retreat position once in preparation for payout in the lower storage part 12A, then moves the conveying body 32 around, and sets the storage body 33 in which another returnable box 5 is loaded to a forward-facing position. Thereafter, the payout control part 61B returns the payout mechanism 41 of the lower storage part 12A to the payout position, and lowers the moving part 54 from which the prize P from the middle storage part 12B has been paid out. Then, the payout control part 61B pays out the prize P onto the moving part 54 from the returnable box 5 set in the storage body 33 in the forward-facing position in the lower storage part 12A. This process of paying out prizes P from multiple storage units 33 across the circular movement of the transport body 32 in one storage unit 12 (the lower storage unit 12A in this explanation) is called "straddling the rotary."

[0078] When the required number of prizes P are dispensed onto the moving section 54, the payout process is completed. Then, the payout control section 61B starts the payout process. Specifically, the payout control section 61B slides the shutter 52 to the open position shown in FIG. 12. This opens the payout outlet 13B on the upper surface 13A of the door 13 to the upper side Z1. Then, the payout control section 61B raises the moving section 54 to the payout position shown in FIG. 12. The moving section 54 moves to the payout outlet 13B by rising to the payout position. In other words, the moving section 54 receives the prizes P from each of the payout sections 42 of the multiple storage sections 12 in order, and then rises to the payout outlet 13B. As a result, the prizes P dispensed onto each moving section 54 of the moving section 54 are dispensed to the payout outlet 13B and exposed to the outside of the machine from the payout outlet 13B. In this way, the moving unit 54 and the payout control unit 61B function as an example of a payout unit that pays out the prize P in the storage unit 12 to the payout opening 13B. The shutter 52, the payout mechanism 41, etc. may also be considered as part of the payout unit.

[0079] Then, when the player directly receives the prize P on the moving part 54 at the payout opening 13B, the payout control part 61B lowers the moving part 54 to the standby position and slides the shutter 52, which was in the open position until then, to the closed position. This ends the payout process and completes the series of payout processes. In the following, the series of processes related to the payout process will be referred to as the "transaction process." The payout process is part of the transaction process.

[0080] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the transaction process. The transaction process, i.e., the prize payout method in the prize payout device 1, will be described in detail below. Fig. 13 shows the processes executed in parallel by the POS unit 2 and the payout unit 3 in relation to the transaction process. The dashed arrows in Fig. 13 indicate the transmission and reception of information between the POS unit 2 and the payout unit 3. The same applies to the flowchart in Fig. 14.

[0081] In the prize payout device 1 in the standby state, the POS control unit 61A waits to read the number of game media from the player's card, receipt, etc. (step S1). As described above, when the POS control unit 61A reads the number of game media by the player inserting the card into the card slot 2A or holding the receipt, etc. over the reading unit 64 (YES in step S1), the POS control unit 61A waits for the player to select a prize (step S2). When the player selects a prize by operating the display operation unit 4 (YES in step S2), the POS control unit 61A generates payout information for the prize P to be paid out as described above (generation step in the prize payout method) and transmits a payout request including this payout information to the payout control unit 61B (step S3).

[0082] The payout control unit 61B receives the payout request from the POS control unit 61A and accepts the payout information included in the payout request. Then (YES in step S4), the payout control unit 61B checks whether there are enough prizes P by referring to the stock quantity (total stock quantity in all storage units 12) of each type of prize P in table T (see FIG. 10) and the payout information (step S5). In other words, the payout control unit 61B functions as an example of a confirmation unit, and accepts the payout information and checks the stock of the items to be paid out in all storage units 12 based on the payout information (confirmation step in the prize payout method).

[0083] Specifically, the payout control unit 61B compares the number of items to be paid out, that is, the required number, included in the quantity information of the payout information, with the stock number of prizes P in table T for each type of prize P. Then, if the stock number of prizes P for all types related to the payout objects is equal to or greater than the required number, the payout control unit 61B determines that there are enough prizes P. On the other hand, if the stock number of even one type of prize P is less than the required number, the payout control unit 61B determines that there is a shortage of prizes P. For example, in the case of a payout request for the required number of 20 grand prizes, 15 medium prizes, and 12 small prizes, the stock situation in table T in FIG. 10 shows that there is a shortage of two small prizes, so even if the payout process is started as it is, the small prizes will run out midway and it will not be possible to pay out all of the prizes P to be paid out. If there is a shortage of prizes P (NO in step S5), the payout control unit (Prize Shortage Notification Department) 61B notifies the POS control unit 61A of this fact (step S6).

[0084] As described above, the payout information included in the payout request includes specific information about the type of prize P to be paid out and number information about the number of prizes P to be paid out. In step S3, the POS control unit 61A may send both the specific information and the number information together as a payout request, or may send the payout request in two stages by first sending the specific information and then sending the number information.

[0085] When a payout request is sent in two stages, when the player operates the display operation unit 4 to select the type of prize P, the POS control unit 61A promptly transmits the specific information to the payout control unit 61B (step S3). When the payout control unit 61B receives the specific information that is part of the payout information (YES in step S4), it promptly starts checking the stock of the items to be paid out in all storage units 12 (step S5). If the stock quantity of the type of prize P in the specific information is zero, the payout control unit (Prize Shortage Notification Department) 61B determines that there is a shortage of prizes P of this type and promptly notifies the player of this fact (step S6). In this way, since it is quickly determined whether there are enough prizes P, it is possible to promptly notify the player if there is a shortage of prizes P. Therefore, the player can grasp the shortage of prizes P of this type after selecting the type of prize P and before operating the display operation unit 4 to select the number of prizes P.

[0086] An empty sensor 66 (only shown in the lower storage section 12A in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) that detects the presence or absence of a prize P in each storage space 24 may be provided near the opposing roller 46 of the payout mechanism 41 in each storage section 12. Although the payout control section 61B can determine the presence or absence of a prize P in each storage space 24 based on the detection result of the empty sensor 66, it cannot determine the actual number of prizes P in stock in the storage space 24 in which the prize P is present from the detection result of the empty sensor 66.

[0087] It is assumed that the number of prizes P of the same type in the payout request exceeds the maximum number of prizes P that can be stored in one storage space 24 in the returnable box 5 (which varies depending on the thickness of the prizes P, and is 20 in this embodiment), that is, the prizes P need to be paid out from two or more storage spaces 24. In this case, if there is only one storage space 24 in the entire prize payout device 1 that contains this type of prize P, the payout control unit (Prize Shortage Notification Department)The payout control unit 61B may determine that the prize P of this type is insufficient (NO in step S5) and promptly notify the user of this fact (step S6). With this configuration, even if the detection unit 37 is omitted, the payout control unit 61B can simply check whether the prize P is insufficient or insufficient in step S5.

[0088] In response to receiving the notification that the prize P is insufficient (YES in step S7), the POS control unit 61A prompts the user to replenish the insufficient prize P (step S8). (Replenishment Request Notification Division) The POS control unit 61A displays on the display operation unit 4 a message that the prize payout device 1 cannot start because there is a shortage of prizes P, and that the prizes P must be replenished in order to start the payout of prizes P. At that time, the POS control unit 61A may cause the prize payout device 1 to go into error shutdown, or may use a buzzer or the like to urge the store clerk to replenish the prizes P. As another example, the POS control unit (Replenishment Request Notification Division) 61A may urge the store clerk to replenish the prizes P by sending a notification to an intercom (wireless device) carried by the store clerk. Of course, a player who sees the display contents of the display operation unit 4 may call the store clerk and request that the prizes P be replenished.

[0089] In this way, when the confirmation result of the payout control unit 61B in step S5 does not satisfy the predetermined condition (that the prize P to be paid out is sufficient in the storage unit 12), the POS control unit (Replenishment Request Notification Division) The POS control unit 61A notifies a user such as a player or a store clerk that the prize P needs to be replenished in the storage unit 12 prior to the start of the payout of the prize to be paid out (Step S8: Notification step in the prize payout method). In this case, the POS control unit 61A functions as an example of a notification unit. Hereinafter, the notification here may be referred to as a "replenishment request notification."

[0090] After the POS control unit 61A notifies the storage unit 12 that it is necessary to replenish prizes P, when the payout control unit 61B executes a replenishment process to ensure that there are sufficient prizes P (YES in step S9), the payout control unit 61B notifies the POS control unit 61A that the replenishment of prizes P is complete (step S10). In response to receiving such a replenishment completion notification (YES in step S11), the POS control unit 61A stops the request to replenish prizes P, cancels the error down of the prize payout device 1, and displays on the display operation unit 4 that the prizes P are being paid out, etc. (step S12). Note that if there is no notification that there is a shortage of prizes P (NO in step S7), the POS control unit 61A executes the display of step S12.

[0091] Then, the payout control unit 61B, which has notified the POS control unit 61A that the replenishment of the prizes P in the storage unit 12 has been completed, executes the advance payout process according to the initial payout request (step S13). Therefore, if the player waits in front of the prize payout device 1 even after the start of the replenishment request notification, the player can have all the payout targets paid out from the prize payout device 1 by the advance payout process after the replenishment of the prizes P.

[0092] On the other hand, if the prize P is sufficient (YES in step S5), the payout control unit 61B promptly executes the payout process (step S13). That is, if the confirmation result of the payout control unit 61B in step S5 (confirmation step) satisfies the predetermined condition, the payout control unit 61B pays out the payout target to the payout outlet 13D by the payout process in step S13 (payout step in the prize payout method). Then, when the payout process in the payout process is successfully completed, the payout control unit 61B notifies the POS control unit 61A of a completion report. When the POS control unit 61A receives the completion report (step S14), the POS control unit 61A returns the display of the display operation unit 4 from the display in step S12 to a standby screen (not shown) according to the passage of a predetermined time and waits normally (step S15), thereby completing the current transaction and causing the prize payout device 1 to return to a standby state.

[0093] In this way, the prize payout device 1 starts the payout process of the prize P only when the confirmation result of the payout control unit 61B in step S5 satisfies a predetermined condition, in other words, only when there is no need to replenish the prize P in the storage unit 12, so that the prize payout device 1 can pay out all of the prizes to be paid out. Conversely, if it is expected that there will be a shortage of prizes P during the payout process (NO in step S5), the replenishment of prizes P is given priority, and the payout process is executed in the prize payout device 1 after the replenishment of prizes P. In other words, the prize payout device 1 does not execute the payout process when the stock of prizes P is incomplete, but executes the payout process only when all of the requested prizes P can be paid out.

[0094] With this configuration, even if the confirmation result of the payout control unit 61B does not satisfy the predetermined condition (i.e., the prize P to be paid out is insufficient), the prize payout device 1 starts to pay out the prize P, but the payout is interrupted due to the prize P running out midway, which can be prevented. In particular, in the case of self-operation, it is possible to prevent a malfunction in which a player leaves the prize payout device 1 with the unpaid prize P remaining. Therefore, the burden on the store staff to deal with such a malfunction can be reduced, and the usability of the prize payout device 1 for the payout of the prize P can be improved. In addition, since the prize payout device 1 is unlikely to be left in a state where there is a shortage of prizes P due to the urging of the replenishment of prizes P, the prize payout device 1 can be maintained in an operable state for a long time. Note that, as the predetermined condition described above, a condition other than a sufficient amount of prizes P to be paid out in the storage unit 12 may be used. For example, various conditions according to the operation of the gaming facility may be added in addition to a simple sufficient amount of prizes P.

[0095] As described above, in a configuration in which multiple prize payout devices 1 are communicatively connected, the control unit 61 of a prize payout device 1 (referred to as the "first prize payout device 1A") that is found to lack the prize P requested for payout may transfer the payout request to another prize payout device 1 (referred to as the "second prize payout device 1B"), for example, at the timing of step S6. In other words, when the confirmation result for the first prize payout device 1A does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the control unit 61 of the first prize payout device 1A, strictly speaking the POS control unit 61A, functions as an example of a request unit, thereby requesting the second prize payout device 1B to pay out the prize P to be paid out.

[0096] Specifically, the POS control unit 61A notifies the player by the display operation unit 4 or the like that the first prize payout device 1A is short of prizes P and that the second prize payout device 1B will pay out prizes P instead. At that time, the POS control unit 61A may also notify guidance information about the second prize payout device 1B. In this case, the player who was initially waiting for the payout target from the first prize payout device 1A can have the payout target quickly paid out from the second prize payout device 1B without waiting for the first prize payout device 1A to be replenished with prizes P.

[0097] In the second prize payout device 1B to which the payout request has been transferred, the process from step S1 onwards is executed, and the prizes P to be paid out are paid out starting from the first prize. The inventory data of the prizes P in all the prize payout devices 1 may be managed collectively in the management device 101 (see FIG. 16), which is a higher-level device. In that case, the second prize payout device 1B that has a sufficient amount of prizes P may be specified by the management device 101, and the first prize payout device 1A may transfer the payout request to this second prize payout device 1B. This prevents problems such as players having to wait for a long time because the second prize payout device 1B to which the payout request has been transferred does not have enough prizes P.

[0098] However, even if there are not enough prizes P, as a modified example, the amount of prizes P present in the prize payout device 1 may be paid out. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a transaction process according to the modified example. In the modified example, a table T relating to the stock of prizes P in the payout unit 3 may be stored in a memory unit 67 (see FIG. 4) provided in the POS unit 2. As described above, when the POS control unit 61A reads the number of gaming media, etc. by the player inserting a card into the card slot 2A or holding a receipt or the like over the reading unit 64 (YES in step S21), the POS control unit 61A waits for the player to select a prize (step S22).

[0099] When the player selects a prize by operating the display operation unit 4 (YES in step S22), the POS control unit 61A generates the payout information as described above, and then refers to the number of prizes P in stock on the table T to check whether there are enough prizes P (step S23). Specifically, the POS control unit 61A compares the required number of prizes P to be paid out contained in the payout information with the number of prizes P in stock on the table T for each type of prize P. If the number of prizes P in stock for all types related to the payout targets is equal to or greater than the required number, the POS control unit 61A determines that there are enough prizes P. On the other hand, if the number of prizes P in stock for even one type is less than the required number, the POS control unit 61A determines that there are not enough prizes P.

[0100] If there are insufficient prizes P (NO in step S23), the POS control unit 61A sets a near empty flag in the memory unit 67 (step S24) and displays a confirmation message on the display operation unit 4 (step S25). An example of the confirmation message includes a message indicating that there are insufficient prizes P and information regarding the number of game media that can be exchanged for the prizes P currently present (or the number of prizes P that can be exchanged). The number of game media here is a value that varies depending on the stock of prizes P, and is calculated by the POS control unit 61A. The confirmation message may include a message asking whether or not to continue with the payout of the prizes P.

[0101] When the player who has seen the confirmation message operates the display operation unit 4 to select continuation of the payout of the prize P (YES in step S26), the POS control unit 61A updates the payout information and transmits a payout request based on the updated payout information to the payout control unit 61B (step S27). The updated payout information includes specific information on the type of prize P that can be paid out based on the current inventory situation in the prize payout device 1, and quantity information on the number of prizes P that can be paid out.

[0102] When the payout control unit 61B receives a payout request (YES in step S28), it executes a payout process in response to the payout request (step S29). As a result, the amount of prize P present in the prize payout device 1 is paid out, although it is less than the number initially requested by the player. In this way, the player can exchange game media for prizes P as much as possible, which gives the player a sense of satisfaction. In addition, since the number of prizes P in stock after the payout is set to exactly zero, it is easy for the store staff to replenish the prizes P thereafter. When the replenishment process is executed, the POS control unit 61A cancels, that is, erases, the near empty flag set in the memory unit 67. The setting of such a flag can be selected to be valid or invalid at will.

[0103] On the other hand, if the prize P is sufficient and the transaction is continued (YES in steps S23 and S26), the POS control unit 61A sends a payout request based on the initial payout information to the payout control unit 61B (step S27), and the number of prizes P initially requested by the player is paid out (step S29). When the payout process in the payout process is successfully completed, the payout control unit 61B notifies the POS control unit 61A of a completion report. When the POS control unit 61A receives the completion report (step S30), the current transaction ends and the prize payout device 1 returns to a standby state. If the player selects to cancel the payout of the prize P by operating the display operation unit 4 (NO in step S26), the POS control unit 61A returns the card to the player from the card slot 2A as a cancellation process (step S31), and returns the prize payout device 1 to a standby state.

[0104] In terms of the operation of the gaming establishment, if there is a shortage of prizes P (NO in step S23), the POS control unit 61A may set a flag (step S24) and then display a confirmation message indicating that the transaction cannot be performed due to a shortage of prizes P (step S25). In this case, the POS control unit 61A then executes a cancellation process (step S31) and returns the prize payout device 1 to a standby state without allowing the player to select whether or not to continue the payout of the prizes P. In this operation, the player can give up and feel a sense of satisfaction. In addition, the store staff is relieved from the need to perform recovery work due to the prizes P running out during payout. In this case, the POS control unit 61A of the prize payout device 1 (the first prize payout device 1A described above) may transfer a payout request to another prize payout device 1 (the second prize payout device 1B described above), and the second prize payout device 1B may pay out the prizes P on behalf of the other prize payout device 1. In this case, the POS control unit 61A of the first prize payout device 1A notifies the player by a confirmation message in step S25, etc., that the first prize payout device 1A is running low on prize P and that the second prize payout device 1B will pay out prize P on its behalf, and provides guidance information about the second prize payout device 1B.

[0105] When the store clerk rotates the door 13 to the open position for the refilling process, all three storage sections 12 arranged in the vertical direction Z in the payout unit 3 are exposed from the opening 11A of the housing 11 (see FIG. 5). At this time, the lock by the drawer lock mechanism 18 for all storage sections 12 may be released. However, with this configuration, it is assumed that the store clerk will mistakenly pull out a storage section 12 other than the storage section 12 to which the prize P is to be refilled. The store clerk who realizes the mistake returns the other storage section 12 to the storage position as it is, pulls out the storage section 12 to which the prize P is to be refilled, and then returns the storage section 12 to which the prize P is to be refilled to the storage position. In this case, the payout control unit 61B performs the counting and identification process not only on the storage section 12 to which the prize P is to be refilled, but also on the storage section 12 that was pulled out by mistake.

[0106] In this configuration in which all storage sections 12 can be accessed by opening the door 13, even if a storage section 12 is mistakenly pulled out, the number of prizes P in that storage section 12 is appropriately managed by recounting. This prevents a store clerk who has mistakenly pulled out a storage section 12 from being suspected of cheating. In addition, since the counting and identification process is performed only on the pulled-out storage section 12, the time it takes for the prize dispensing device 1 to return to the standby state can be shortened and deterioration over time can be suppressed compared to when the counting and identification process is performed on all storage sections 12, including the others, every time. Furthermore, since there is no need to install a configuration for preventing the storage section 12 from being mistakenly pulled out, such as a configuration for remote permission operation by an authorized person, it is possible to suppress cost increases and the store clerk can smoothly access the desired storage section 12.

[0107] The prize payout system 100 according to the modified example shown in FIG. 15 further includes a prize payout device 1 and a settlement machine 71 for settling the prepaid value associated with the card of the player in cash. The front of the settlement machine 71 is provided with a card slot 71A through which the card is inserted and removed by the player, a bill outlet 71B through which the settlement amount in the form of bills is dispensed, and a coin outlet 71C through which the settlement amount in the form of coins is dispensed. The settlement machine 71 has a built-in storage section 72 that stores cash, and a store clerk can access the storage section 72 by opening a door 73 provided on the front of the settlement machine 71. The prize payout device 1 and the settlement machine 71 may be integrated as shown in FIG. 15, or may be arranged separately.

[0108] The door 13 of the prize payout device 1 and the door 73 of the settlement machine 71 may be opened and closed in conjunction with each other. In this case, when one of the doors 13 and 73 is opened, the other can be opened at the same time, so that the store clerk can access not only all the storage units 12 of the prize payout device 1, but also the storage unit 72 of the settlement machine 71. In this configuration, even if a store clerk intending to replenish cash in the storage unit 72 mistakenly pulls out a storage unit 12, the payout control unit 61B may perform a counting and identification process on the storage unit 12 that was mistakenly pulled out. In addition, when the prize payout device 1 and the settlement machine 71 are disposed apart from each other, it is preferable that the door 13 and the door 7 cannot be opened together unless it is outside the business hours of the game establishment, for example, so that another person cannot illegally access the settlement machine 71 while the store clerk is accessing the storage unit 12.

[0109] The prize payout system 100 according to the modified example shown in FIG. 16 includes the prize payout device 1 in which the POS unit 2 and the payout unit 3 are integrated, as well as the above-mentioned management device 101, the POS terminal 102 corresponding to the POS unit 2, the prize payout device 103 corresponding to the payout unit 3, and a vending machine 104 that pays out general prizes. The POS terminal 102 is, for example, a tablet terminal, and is installed on a counter 105. The prize payout device 103 is disposed near the POS terminal 102, for example, next to the counter 105. The vending machine 104 is disposed near the counter 105. The front of the vending machine 104 is provided with a display operation unit 106 similar to the above-mentioned display operation unit 4, and a reading unit 107 similar to the above-mentioned reading unit 64. The front of the vending machine 104 is also provided with a card entrance 104A and a general prize outlet 104B.

[0110] In the prize payout system 100, the prize payout device 1, the management device 101, the POS terminal 102, the prize payout device 103, and the vending machine 104 are communicatively connected via a wireless or wired communication network N. A store clerk is on standby at the counter 105 and operates the POS terminal 102 as necessary in response to orders from players. As a result, the above-mentioned payout request is transmitted from the POS terminal 102 to the prize payout device 103, and the prize payout device 103 executes a payout process. The player may directly receive the prize P paid out from the prize payout device 103, or the store clerk may receive the prize P paid out from the prize payout device 103 and then hand it over to the player.

[0111] The player can exchange the remaining gaming media that cannot be exchanged for the special prize P for general prizes, and the procedure for doing so can be executed by the POS unit 2 or POS terminal 102 of the prize payout device 1. Specifically, the player can specify the type and number of general prizes by operating the display operation section 4 of the POS unit 2. Alternatively, the player may inform the store clerk of the type and number of general prizes at the counter 105, and the store clerk may specify the type and number of general prizes on behalf of the player by operating the display operation section 108 of the POS terminal 102. Then, the POS unit 2 or POS terminal 102 issues a receipt to the player on which information on the specified type and number of general prizes is written.

[0112] The player takes this receipt to the vending machine 104, operates the display operation unit 106 as necessary, and has the receipt read by the reading unit 107. Alternatively, information regarding the type and number of general prizes may be recorded on the communication terminal or card described above, in which case the player holds the communication terminal over the reading unit 107 or inserts the card into the card slot 104A. In response to such operations, the general prize designated by the player is dispensed from the vending machine 104 to the dispenser 104B, so the player can receive the desired general prize from the dispenser 104B.

[0113] Stock data for each type of general prize in the vending machine 104 is managed, for example, by the management device 101. When the stock of general prizes in the vending machine 104 runs out, the management device 101 notifies the prize payout device 1 and the POS terminal 102 that the type of general prize that is out of stock cannot be exchanged. As a result, the player cannot carry out the procedure to exchange the general prize for gaming media at the POS unit 2 of the prize payout device 1 or the POS terminal 102.

[0114] Furthermore, during times when the game center is crowded with players who wish to exchange prizes (such as in the evening or just before the game center closes), if players have difficulty selecting a general prize on the self-service prize payout device 1, the congestion may be prolonged. In order to alleviate the congestion, for example, during such times, the management device 101 may notify the prize payout device 1 that general prizes cannot be exchanged, thereby making it impossible to select a general prize on the POS unit 2 of the prize payout device 1 during the relevant times only. The notification by the management device 101 may be executed according to a pre-set time setting, or the management device 101 may automatically determine the congestion state based on the contents of images captured by a camera (not shown) that captures the inside of the game center, and the management device 101 may execute the notification based on the result of the determination.

[0115] For example, at a counter 105 where a store clerk is waiting, the selection of general prizes is restricted at the prize payout devices 1 in the vicinity, but the selection of general prizes can still be made at the POS terminal 102. On the other hand, when multiple prize payout devices 1 are installed in an unmanned area where there are no store clerks nearby, the selection of general prizes may still be made at the remaining prize payout devices 1, although the selection of general prizes may be restricted at most of the prize payout devices 1.

[0116] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. In addition, the various features described above can be combined as appropriate.

[0117] For example, the payout control unit 61B was an example of a confirmation unit that confirms the stock of the payout target described above, but the management device 101 may function as the confirmation unit. Also, the POS control unit 61A was an example of a notification unit that notifies that the prize P needs to be replenished in the storage unit 12, but the payout control unit 61B or the management device 101 may function as the notification unit. Similarly, the POS control unit 61A, the payout control unit 61B, and the management device 101 may be an example of a request unit that requests the second prize payout device 1B to pay out the payout target. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1 Prize payout device 1A First prize dispensing device 1B Second prize dispensing device 12 Storage area 13B Payment outlet 54 Mobile section 61 Control section 61A POS control unit 61B Payment control unit 100 Prize Payout System 101 Management device P Prize

Claims

1. a prize payout device including a payout unit including a payout area from which prizes are paid out, a storage section for storing the prizes, and a payout section for paying out the prizes in the storage section to the payout area; a prize management unit including a generating unit that generates payout information regarding a prize to be paid out, and a transmitting unit that transmits a payout request including the payout information to the payout unit; The dispensing unit includes a confirmation unit that receives the dispensing information included in the dispensing request and confirms the inventory of the item to be dispensed in the storage unit based on the dispensing information included in the dispensing request, When the confirmation by the confirmation unit indicates that there are a sufficient number of prizes to be paid out in the storage unit, the payout unit pays out the prizes to be paid out to the payout area, The payout unit further includes a prize shortage notification unit that notifies the player that there is a shortage of the prize to be paid out when the confirmation by the confirmation unit indicates that there is a shortage of the prize to be paid out in the storage unit, If the confirmation by the confirmation unit indicates that there are not enough prizes to be paid out in the storage unit, the payout unit suspends the start of the payout of the prizes to be paid out corresponding to the payout request, In a prize payout system, when the confirmation unit confirms that the missing prizes have been replenished in the storage unit after notification by the prize shortage notification unit, the payout unit cancels the start of payout of the payout object corresponding to the pending payout request and pays out the payout object to the payout area.

2. A prize payout system as described in Claim 1, wherein the prize management unit further includes a replenishment request notification unit that notifies the storage unit that prizes need to be replenished when it receives a notification from the payout unit that there is a shortage of the prizes to be paid out.

3. A prize payout system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the payout unit further includes a replenishment completion notification section which notifies that replenishment of prizes in the storage section has been completed when the missing prizes have been replenished in the storage section.

4. The payout information includes specific information for identifying the prize to be paid out and number information regarding the number of the prizes to be paid out, A prize payout system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the confirmation unit, upon receiving the specific information, begins checking the inventory of the item to be paid out in the storage unit.

5. a payout unit including a payout area from which prizes are paid out, a storage section for storing the prizes, and a payout section for paying out the prizes in the storage section to the payout area; a prize management unit including a generating unit that generates payout information regarding a prize to be paid out, and a transmitting unit that transmits a payout request including the payout information to the payout unit; The dispensing unit includes a confirmation unit that receives the dispensing information included in the dispensing request and confirms the inventory of the item to be dispensed in the storage unit based on the dispensing information included in the dispensing request; When the confirmation by the confirmation unit indicates that there are a sufficient number of prizes to be paid out in the storage unit, the payout unit pays out the prizes to be paid out to the payout area, The payout unit further includes a prize shortage notification unit that notifies the player that there is a shortage of the prize to be paid out when the confirmation by the confirmation unit indicates that there is a shortage of the prize to be paid out in the storage unit, If the confirmation by the confirmation unit indicates that there are not enough prizes to be paid out in the storage unit, the payout unit suspends the start of the payout of the prizes to be paid out corresponding to the payout request, In a prize payout device, when the confirmation unit confirms that the missing prizes have been replenished in the storage unit after notification by the prize shortage notification unit, the payout unit cancels the start of payout of the payout object corresponding to the pending payout request and pays out the payout object to the payout area.

6. A prize payout method in a prize payout device including a payout unit including a payout area from which prizes are paid out, a storage unit for storing prizes, and a payout unit for paying out prizes in the storage unit to the payout area, and a prize management unit, comprising: A generating step of generating payout information regarding the prize to be paid out in the prize management unit; A sending step in which the prize management unit sends a payout request including the payout information to the payout unit; a confirmation step of accepting the dispensing information included in the dispensing request in the dispensing unit and confirming the inventory of the item to be dispensed in the storage unit based on the dispensing information included in the dispensing request; a payout step of, when the confirmation result in the confirmation step indicates that there are a sufficient number of prizes to be paid out in the storage unit, paying out the prizes to be paid out to the payout area by the payout unit; a prize shortage notification step for notifying the player that there is a shortage of the prize to be paid out prior to the start of the payout of the prize to be paid out, if the result of the confirmation step shows that there is a shortage of the prize to be paid out in the storage unit; If the result of the confirmation step shows that there are not enough prizes to be paid out in the storage unit, the payout unit is suspending the start of the payout of the prizes to be paid out corresponding to the payout request. A prize payout method in a prize payout device including a step of canceling the start of payout of the payout object corresponding to the pending payout request when it is confirmed in the confirmation step that the missing prizes have been replenished in the storage section after notification in the prize shortage notification step, and paying out the payout object to the payout area by the payout section.

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