Prize exchange device

Abstract

To provide a prize exchange device capable of preventing such a request as to dispense a large amount of specific type of prizes to a prize dispenser.SOLUTION: A POS includes a display operation part 20. When it is determined to satisfy the exchange condition that the numbers input in a medium-number-of-prize input part 133 and a small-number-of-prize input part 134, which are the number-of-low-value-prize input parts, do not exceed an upper limit number ("9"), an operation of any of increase operation parts 131b, 132b, 133b and 134b is permitted, and an operation of any of decrease operation parts 131c, 132c, 133c and 134c is permitted. However, when it is determined not to satisfy the exchange condition, the increase operation parts 133b and 134b are displayed in a grayed-out mode G, and an operation on the increase operation parts 133b and 134b is prohibited.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a prize exchange device.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of a prize exchange device, Patent Document 1 below discloses a prize management device arranged at a prize exchange corner in a pachinko hall. The prize management device reads a card and performs an exchange process between the number of acquired balls associated with this card and prizes. As a result, a prize dispenser connected to the prize management device pays out prizes. In this prize management device, the procedure for prize exchange can be performed by the player himself / herself.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prize management device described in Patent Document 1, in the procedure for prize exchange, the types and numbers of general prizes can be input. However, in the prize management device described in the same document, the types and numbers of special prizes cannot be input. The inventor of the present application has been considering allowing a player to input the types and numbers of special prizes (special prizes) paid out from a prize payout device (prize dispenser) in a prize management device (prize management device).

[0005] However, when allowing a player to input the types and numbers of special prizes, it is impossible to eliminate the possibility that a large number of prizes will be input for a specific type of prize, particularly a low-value prize. Some players may input extreme contents such as "pay out 100 small prizes" in prize exchange. In this case, a large payout of a specific type of prize will be requested from the prize payout device.

[0006] Furthermore, if the prize dispensing machine dispenses prizes according to the requested content, there is a risk that a large quantity of a particular type of prize may be dispensed. In this case, the inventory of that type of prize in the prize dispensing machine will decrease significantly. As a result, the frequency of replenishing prizes in the prize dispensing machine may increase significantly.

[0007] This invention One embodiment The objective is to provide a prize exchange device that can prevent the prize dispensing device from being requested to dispense large quantities of a specific type of prize. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This invention One embodiment The prize exchange device transmits a payout request to a prize dispensing device to instruct the device to dispense prizes to be exchanged for game media, and comprises a plurality of prize quantity input units provided for each type of prize, a receiving means that accepts the number of prizes to be exchanged for game media for each type according to the number entered into the plurality of prize quantity input units, a determination means that determines whether the number entered into the plurality of prize quantity input units satisfies the exchange conditions for a particular type of prize among the plurality of types of prizes, and a restriction means that restricts the input in the prize quantity input unit when the determination means determines that the exchange conditions are not met, and the receiving means means A prize exchange device including a payout request creation means that creates the payout request based on the contents received by Provide .

[0009] Furthermore, this invention In one embodiment The above-mentioned multiple prize quantity input units determine the most among the above-mentioned multiple types of prizes. Value It includes a high-value prize input section that corresponds to high-value prizes, and a low-value prize input section that corresponds to low-value prizes among the multiple types of prizes that are of lower value than the high-value prizes. nothing. If the aforementioned specific type of prize is the aforementioned low-value prize ru.The exchange condition is that the number entered in the low-value prize quantity input section does not exceed a predetermined upper limit set lower than the number of prizes that can be entered in the high-value prize quantity input section. dea ru.

[0010] Furthermore, this invention In one embodiment The prize quantity input unit includes a display unit that displays the number of prizes to be exchanged for the game medium, and an increase operation unit that is operated to increase the number of prizes displayed on the display unit. do. The limiting means, when the number of prizes displayed on the display unit in the low-value prize input unit reaches the upper limit, will not accept any further operations on the increase operation unit. stomach.

[0011] Furthermore, this invention In one embodiment The upper limit is a predetermined number that is equal to or greater than the next value equivalent number, which is the quotient obtained by dividing the value of the low-value prize corresponding to the low-value prize input unit by the value of the next-highest value prize that is the next highest value prize. ru.

[0012] Furthermore, this invention In one embodiment The upper limit is one less than the next value equivalent number, which is the quotient obtained by dividing the value of the low-value prize corresponding to the low-value prize input unit by the value of the next-highest value prize that is the next highest value prize. ru.

[0013] Furthermore, this invention In one embodiment The prize exchange device further includes notification means for notifying that when the number of prizes displayed on the display unit reaches the upper limit, it will no longer accept any further operations on the increase operation unit. nothing.

[0014] Furthermore, this invention One embodiment The prize quantity input unit includes a display unit that displays the number of prizes to be exchanged for the game medium, and an increase operation unit that is operated to increase the number of prizes displayed on the display unit. do.The upper limit number is one less than the equivalent number of the next higher value prize obtained by dividing the value of the low-value prize corresponding to the low-value prize number input section by the value of the next higher value prize after the low-value prize ru. When the number of prizes displayed on the display section in the low-value prize number input section reaches the upper limit number and thereafter an operation of the increase operation section is received, the restriction means does not display a number exceeding the upper limit number on the display section, and changes the number displayed on the display section of the prize number input section corresponding to a prize having a higher value than the prize corresponding to the low-value prize number input section ru.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to this invention One embodiment depending on the numbers input to the plurality of prize number input sections, the number of prizes to be exchanged is accepted for each type thereof. Then, a payout request is created based on the accepted content. It is determined whether or not the numbers input to the plurality of prize number input sections satisfy the exchange conditions for a specific type of prize, and if it is determined that the exchange conditions are not satisfied, the input in the prize number input section is restricted. Therefore, it is possible to restrict inappropriate numbers from being input to the prize number input section for a specific type of prize. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a payout request including a large amount of a specific type of prize from being created. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a request for a large amount of payout of a specific type of prize to the prize payout device.

[0016] Further, according to this invention One embodiment since it is an exchange condition that the number input to the low-value prize number input section does not exceed a predetermined upper limit number, if the number input to the low-value prize number input section exceeds this upper limit number low the number input to the value prize number input section is restricted. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a payout request including a large amount of low-value prizes from being created. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a request for a large amount of payout of low-value prizes to the prize payout device.

[0017] Further, according to this invention One embodimentAccording to the present invention, when the number of prizes displayed on the display unit in the low-value prize number input unit reaches the upper limit number, operations of the subsequent increase operation unit are not accepted. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent a number exceeding a predetermined upper limit number from being input to the low-value prize number input unit.

[0018] Also, according to the present invention One embodiment when the number of prizes displayed on the display unit reaches the upper limit number, since it is notified that operations of the subsequent increase operation unit are not accepted, it is possible to effectively notify a player of the fact that operations of the increase operation unit are not accepted.

[0019] Also, according to the present invention One embodiment in response to an operation of the increase operation unit of the low-value prize number input unit received after the number of prizes reaches the upper limit number, without displaying a number exceeding the upper limit number on the display unit of the low-value prize number input unit, the number displayed on the display unit of the prize number input unit corresponding to a more valuable prize is changed. Operations performed after the number of prizes reaches the upper limit number are not wasted. On the other hand, a number exceeding the upper limit number is not displayed on the display unit of the low-value prize number input unit. Thereby, it is possible to improve the usability in inputting the number of prizes while preventing a payout request including a large amount of specific types of prizes from being created.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing a prize exchange system including a prize exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the prize exchange system. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of an exchange mode selection screen displayed on the display operation unit shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a prize exchange number designation screen displayed on the display operation unit. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing a prize exchange number designation screen in a state next to that of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing a flow of input to a prize number input unit on a prize exchange number designation screen. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the replacement details confirmation screen displayed on the display operation unit. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of another input example on the screen for specifying the number of prizes to exchange. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of another input example on the screen for specifying the number of prizes to exchange. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the prize exchange quantity specification screen related to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The embodiments of this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a prize exchange system 100 including a prize exchange device 1 according to one embodiment of this invention. The prize exchange system 100 is applied to amusement parlors such as pachinko parlors. When a customer who visits an amusement parlor wins amusement media such as pachinko balls or tokens by playing on an amusement machine (not shown), they exchange the acquired amusement media for a prize at the prize exchange counter S inside the amusement parlor. In this embodiment, the prize exchange counter S is an unmanned counter where no staff of the amusement parlor are permanently stationed. Amusement parlors handle special prizes, such as card-shaped prizes, and general prizes such as confectionery. There are multiple types of special prizes handled in this prize exchange system 100, according to their monetary value. In this embodiment, the case where there are four types of special prizes, namely extra-large prizes, large prizes, medium prizes, and small prizes, will be described as an example. The extra-large prize, large prize, medium prize, and small prize are indicated as "Gold Prize (Extra Large)," "Gold Prize (Large)," "Gold Prize (Medium)," and "Gold Prize (Small)," respectively, in Figure 4, etc. In addition, affordable prizes among the general prizes that can be exchanged for the remaining amount of game tokens are sometimes called Viking prizes. In this embodiment, players play the game using a card C, which is an example of a recording medium. A card C belonging to a player who has registered as a member at the arcade (a so-called member) is called a member card, while a card C belonging to another player (a so-called general customer) may be called a general card. Each card C has at least a card ID recorded on it, which is an example of identification information for identifying each individual card C. As another example of a recording medium, a mobile device such as a smartphone carried by the player can be used.

[0022] The prize exchange system 100 includes a prize exchange device 1. The prize exchange device 1 includes a POS 2, a card terminal 3, and a receipt issuing machine 4. The POS 2 is a terminal that manages prize exchanges handled at the amusement parlor and is located on the top surface of the prize exchange counter S. An example of the POS 2 is a tablet terminal, on which a display operation unit 20, which functions as a reception means and is composed of an LCD touch panel or the like, is located. The display operation unit 20 may be configured with a separate display unit and an operation unit. An input device such as a keyboard may be used as the operation unit. The same applies to other display operation units described later.

[0023] The card terminal 3 is located on the top surface of the prize exchange counter S. The card terminal 3 is a terminal that accepts card C. The card terminal 3 comprises a card receiving unit 34 for accepting card C and an operation unit 35 consisting of a keyboard or the like. The card receiving unit 34 is located on the front of the card terminal 3. The card receiving unit 34 includes a reading unit 33. The card terminal 3 is connected to the network N and can communicate with at least the POS 2 and the management device 7.

[0024] The receipt issuing machine 4 is located on the top surface of the prize exchange counter S. The receipt issuing machine 4 is composed of a printer and the like, and has a receipt issuing slot 41 on its front. , The receipt is issued from the issuing slot 41. The receipt issuing machine 4 is connected to the network N and can communicate with at least the POS 2 and the management device 7.

[0025] The prize exchange system 100 further comprises a first prize dispensing device 5, a second prize dispensing device 6, and a management device 7. The first prize dispensing device 5 is a prize dispensing device that dispenses special prizes. The second prize dispensing device 6 is a prize dispensing device that dispenses general prizes. The first prize dispensing device 5 and the second prize dispensing device 6 are arranged around the prize exchange counter S. The management device 7 is a higher-level device in the prize exchange system 100 and is located in an office or similar location within the gaming establishment.

[0026] The first prize dispensing device 5 includes a box-shaped casing 50 for storing special prizes, a dispensing port 51 provided on the top surface of the casing 50, an opening / closing unit 52 for opening and closing the dispensing port 51, and a dispensing unit 53 provided inside the casing 50 for dispensing special prizes to the dispensing port 51. The first prize dispensing device 5 is connected to the network N and can communicate with at least the POS2 and the management device 7. The second prize dispensing device 6 includes a box-shaped casing 60 for storing general prizes, and the front of the casing 60 is provided with a reader unit 61 for reading receipts, a display operation unit 62, and an outlet 63 from which general prizes inside the casing 60 are dispensed. The second prize dispensing device 6 may or may not be connected to the network N, as shown in Figure 1.

[0027] Card C is associated with (or linked to) a balance of prepaid value, which is an example of the monetary value exchanged for game media in order to start or continue playing a game. The association of information such as the balance of prepaid value with Card C means that the information is either directly recorded on Card C, or, although the information is not recorded on Card C itself, it is recorded in the management device 7 in association with the card ID of Card C.

[0028] Card C is also associated with (or linked to) information about the game media acquired by the player through gameplay. This information includes at least the number of game media, but may also include the lending rate set for the game media. In this embodiment, only one lending rate is set, but multiple lending rates may be set.

[0029] Gaming media acquired by players during their gameplay on a given day, and counted by the in-store counting device (not shown), become "held gaming media" (or "held balls" in the case of pachinko balls). Held gaming media are valid only on the day they are acquired. After the day of acquisition, held gaming media acquired by a member become "stored gaming media" (or "stored balls" in the case of pachinko balls) and are deposited with the gaming store. If multiple lending rates are set, held gaming media and stored gaming media may exist for each lending rate. The quantity information associated with card C includes the number of held gaming media (or "held balls" in the case of pachinko balls) and the number of stored gaming media (or "stored balls" in the case of pachinko balls). Hereafter, the number of held gaming media and stored gaming media will be collectively referred to as the "number of gaming media."

[0030] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the prize exchange system 100. POS2 further comprises a control unit 21, which functions as a determination means, a limiting means, and a payout request creation means, composed of a CPU, timer, etc., an I / F unit 22 connected to the network N, and a storage unit 23. The display operation unit 20, the I / F unit 22, and the storage unit 23 are electrically connected to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 receives operations on the display operation unit 20 by the player and controls the display on the display operation unit 20. 23 It remembers various kinds of information.

[0031] The card terminal 3 comprises a control unit 31 composed of a CPU and timer, an interface unit 32 connected to the network N, a reader unit 33, and an operation unit 35. The interface unit 32, the reader unit 33, and the operation unit 35 are electrically connected to the control unit 31. The reader unit 33 is, for example, a contactless card reader that reads information from card C. The information read by the reader unit 33 is input to the control unit 31. The operation unit 35 allows the player to input information such as the card ID of card C. The information input by the operation unit 35 is input to the control unit 31. The card terminal 3 is connected to the network N and can communicate with at least POS2.

[0032] The management device 7 includes a control unit 70, an interface unit 71 connected to the network N, and a storage unit 72 that stores various information. The control unit 70 is electrically connected to the interface unit 71 and the storage unit 72. The storage unit 72 stores, for each issued card C, the card ID, the balance of the prepaid value associated with that card ID, and the number of game tokens.

[0033] After finishing their game, players visit the prize exchange counter S to exchange their prizes. Players operate POS2 to self-service the exchange of the number of game tokens associated with their card C for prizes. Players insert card C into the card slot 30 of card terminal 3 to exchange the number of game tokens for prizes. The reader 33 reads the card ID stored in card C inserted into the card slot 30. The control unit 31, having received card C, assigns this card ID to the control unit 21 of POS2. As a result, card C is accepted by the prize exchange device 1. In the case of member customers, after inserting card C, the control unit 21 of POS2 may perform member customer authentication by prompting the member customer to enter a PIN using the display operation unit 20, etc. In addition to using a PIN, biometric authentication using a camera, etc., is also possible as an authentication method.

[0034] Upon receiving card C, the control unit 21 notifies the management device 7 of the card ID of card C, thereby inquiring with the management device 7 about the number of game tokens associated with this card ID. The control unit 70 of the management device 7 searches the storage unit 72 for the number of game tokens associated with this card ID. The control unit 70 notifies the POS 2 of the remaining balance of the prepaid value and the number of game tokens found in the storage unit 72. The number of game tokens notified to the POS 2 by the management device 7 is then displayed on the display operation unit 20. The player selects the type and number of prizes by operating the display operation unit 20.

[0035] When a player selects the type and number of prizes, the control unit 21 of POS2 executes a process to allow the player to exchange their game tokens for the selected prizes themselves. Specifically, the control unit 21 of POS2 creates payout information corresponding to the type and number of prizes selected, and sends a payout request based on the generated payout information to the first prize payout device 5. As a result, the corresponding special prize is dispensed from the payout port 51 (see Figure 1) of the first prize payout device 5. When the player receives the dispensed special prize, the self-service prize exchange procedure for the special prize is completed. In the case of a member customer, a completion notification may be sent from POS2 or the first prize payout device 5 to the management device 7 upon completion of the special prize dispensing. Upon receiving the completion notification, the control unit 70 of the management device 7 updates the number of corresponding game tokens in the storage unit 72 according to the value of the dispensed special prize. Specifically, the control unit 70 of the management device 7 updates the number of stored game media in the memory unit 72 according to the value of the special prize dispensed. In addition, upon receiving a completion notification, the control unit 70 of the management device 7 restores and updates the remaining number of game media (number of game media held) according to the value of the special prize dispensed.

[0036] There may be instances where a fractional amount of game tokens (so-called leftover tokens) that cannot be exchanged for special prizes are generated. If the player is a member, the control unit 21 of POS2 notifies the management device 7, along with the card ID of card C, of ​​a command to manage the fractional amount of game tokens as stored game tokens. As a result, the fractional amount is added to the number of stored game tokens stored in the storage unit 72 of the management device 7, which is associated with this card ID. If the player is a regular customer, the control unit 21 issues a receipt (not shown) from the receipt issuing machine 4 via the issuing slot 41, which contains information about the type and number of regular prizes to be exchanged for the remaining game tokens. When the player receives the issued receipt and has it read by the reading unit 61 of the second prize dispensing device 6, the corresponding regular prize is dispensed to the dispensing slot 63. When the player receives the regular prize from the dispensing slot 63, the exchange transaction for all prizes is completed. If there are multiple types of Viking prizes that can be exchanged, the player may specify the type of Viking prize they want to be dispensed by operating the display operation unit 37 of the second prize dispensing device 6. Regular prizes other than Viking prizes may also be dispensed from the second prize dispensing device 6 using the same procedure as Viking prizes, or they may be handed to the player by a store employee. There are two types of exchange transactions performed at POS2: full exchange and partial exchange. A full exchange is a transaction in which all of the game media associated with card C are exchanged for a prize. A partial exchange is a transaction in which some of the game media associated with card C are exchanged for a prize. Whether the exchange transaction is a full exchange or a partial exchange is determined based on a selection operation on the display operation unit 20. When card C is received by POS2, the control unit 21 displays the exchange mode selection screen 110 on the display operation unit 20.

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the exchange mode selection screen 110 displayed on the display operation unit 20 of POS2. At the top of the exchange mode selection screen 110, the message 111, "Please select the exchange mode," is displayed. Below the message 111, the rate type display 112, which shows the type of lending rate, and the number of game tokens display 113, which shows the number of game tokens associated with card C, are displayed. In the area below the rate type display 112 and the number of game tokens display 113 on the exchange mode selection screen 110, the partial exchange key 114 for selecting a partial exchange and the full exchange key 115 for selecting a full exchange are displayed. These selection keys are touch keys. The same applies to the other keys displayed on the display operation unit 20. Also, at the bottom of the exchange mode selection screen 110, the transaction cancellation key 116 is displayed. In the exchange mode selection screen 110 of Figure 3, when the player operates the all-exchange key 115, the control unit 21 displays an exchange details confirmation screen (not shown; a screen similar to the exchange details confirmation screen 140 in Figure 7) on the display operation unit 20. The exchange details confirmation screen displays a combination of prizes that maximizes the total number of game media to be exchanged within the range of the number of exchangeable game media (number of game media associated with the ID) and minimizes the number of prizes. When the exchange key (not shown) is operated on the exchange details confirmation screen, the control unit 21 creates a payout request corresponding to the type and number of prizes displayed on the exchange details confirmation screen and transmits the payout request to the first prize payout device 5. The corresponding special prize is then dispensed from the payout port 51 (see Figure 1) of the first prize payout device 5.

[0038] Furthermore, partial exchange may be possible and the exchange mode selection screen 110 may be displayed only if the accepted card C is a membership card. If the accepted card C is a general card, only a full exchange may be possible. In this case, the exchange mode selection screen 110 will not be displayed on the display operation unit 20, and after the acceptance of card C, the aforementioned exchange details confirmation screen will be displayed on the display operation unit 20.

[0039] On the other hand, when a player operates the partial exchange key 114 on the exchange mode selection screen 110 in Figure 3, the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120 shown in Figure 4 is then displayed on the display operation unit 20.

[0040] Figures 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120 displayed on the display operation unit 20. The prize exchange quantity specification screen 120 is a screen for specifying (selecting) the type and number of prizes to be exchanged within the range of the number of game media associated with card C. The prize exchange quantity specification screen 120 allows the user to input the number of prizes to be exchanged for each type.

[0041] At the top of the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120, a message 121 is displayed that reads, "Please specify the number of prizes to exchange and press the exchange button." Below the message 121 are the rate type display 122, which shows the type of lending rate; the number of game tokens associated with card C, which is displayed as the number of game tokens; the number of selected tokens display 124, which shows the number of game tokens equivalent to the total value of the currently selected prizes; and the number of remaining tokens display 125, which shows the number of game tokens that can be exchanged. Below these displays 122 to 125, there are multiple prize quantity input sections 130 arranged on the left and right for entering the number of prizes to be exchanged for game tokens. Enter the type of prize you wish to exchange in each of the multiple prize quantity input sections 130.

[0042] As mentioned above, there are four types of prizes (special prizes) that can be dispensed from the first prize dispensing device 5: extra-large prizes, large prizes, medium prizes, and small prizes. At a rate of 4 yen pachinko, the extra-large prizes, large prizes, medium prizes, and small prizes have a value equivalent to 10,000 pachinko balls, 5,000 pachinko balls, 1,000 pachinko balls, and 500 pachinko balls, respectively. In this embodiment, the extra-large prize corresponds to a high-value prize, while the medium prizes and small prizes correspond to low-value prizes.

[0043] Multiple prize quantity input units 130 are provided for each type of prize. The multiple prize quantity input units 130 include a large prize quantity input unit 131 as a high-value prize quantity input unit for inputting the number of extra-large prizes, a large prize quantity input unit 132 for inputting the number of large prizes, a medium prize quantity input unit 133 as a low-value prize quantity input unit for inputting the number of medium prizes, and a small prize quantity input unit Low-value prize quantity input section It is equipped with a sub-prize number input unit 134.

[0044] Each prize quantity input unit 131, 132, 133, 134 includes a display unit 131a, 132a, 133a, 134a that displays the number of selected prizes, an increase operation unit 131b, 132b, 133b, 134b that is operated to increase the number of prizes displayed in the corresponding display unit 131a, 132a, 133a, 134a, and a decrease operation unit 131c, 132c, 133c, 134c that is operated to decrease the number of prizes displayed in the corresponding display unit 131a, 132a, 133a, 134a.

[0045] The control unit 21 displays zero as the default value on the display units 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a. Figure 4 shows the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120 with zero displayed on all display units 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a. When the increase operation units 131b, 132b, 133b, and 134b are operated once, the control unit 21 increases the number of prizes displayed on the corresponding display units 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a by one. When the decrease operation units 131c, 132c, 133c, and 134c are operated once, the control unit 21 decreases the number of prizes displayed on the corresponding display units 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a by one.

[0046] On the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120, a clear key 135 and a maximum number set key 136 are located below the multiple prize quantity input sections 130. A player who wishes to cancel the input in the multiple prize quantity input sections 130 presses the clear key 135. The control unit 21 then clears the prize quantities in all display sections 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a to zero. Additionally, when a player operates the maximum number set key 136, the display sections 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a of the multiple prize quantity input sections 130 display a combination of prize quantities that maximizes the total number of game media exchanged within the range of the number of exchangeable game media (the number of game media associated with the ID) and minimizes the number of prizes. For example, if the number of exchangeable game media is 105,627, the maximum total number of special prizes is 105,500. In this case, the prize combination that minimizes the number of prizes exchanged is 10 extra-large prizes, 1 large prize, and 1 small prize. Therefore, the control unit 21 displays "10", "1", and "1" on the display units 131a, 132a, and 134a, respectively.

[0047] Furthermore, the lower end of the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120 displays a transaction cancellation key 137, a back key 138, and an exchange key 139. When the back key 138 is pressed, the control unit 21 switches the display on the display operation unit 20 from the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120 to the exchange mode selection screen 110 (see Figure 3). When the exchange key 139 is pressed, the control unit 21 switches the display on the display operation unit 20 from the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120 to the exchange details confirmation screen 140 (see Figure 7), which will be described later.

[0048] When the number of prizes displayed on the display units 133a and 134a of the medium prize input unit 133 and the small prize input unit 134 reaches the upper limit of "9", the control unit 21 will not accept any further operations on the increase operation units 133b and 134b. Figure 5 shows examples of when the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 133a of the medium prize input unit 133 reaches the upper limit of "9", and when the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 134a of the small prize input unit 134 reaches the upper limit of "9". When the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 133a of the medium prize input unit 133 reaches the upper limit ("9"), the control unit 21 changes the display of the corresponding increase operation unit 133b to grayed-out mode G. At this time, the display of the corresponding increase operation unit 133b will not return to its original mode unless the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 133a drops to "8" or less. Similarly, when the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 134a of the small prize input unit 134 reaches the upper limit ("9"), the control unit 21 changes the display of the corresponding increase operation unit 134b to grayed-out mode G. At this time, the display of the corresponding increase operation unit 134b will not return to its original mode unless the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 134a drops to "8" or less.

[0049] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the input process to the prize quantity input unit 130 on the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120. The input process to the prize quantity input unit 130 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6. While the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120 is displayed, the control unit 21 monitors whether the exchange condition is met, which is that the numbers entered in the low-value prize quantity input unit, the medium prize quantity input unit 133, and the low-value prize quantity input unit, the small prize quantity input unit 134, do not exceed the upper limit ("9") (step S1 in Figure 6). If it is determined that this exchange condition is met (YES in step S2 in Figure 6), the control unit 21 accepts the input of the prize quantity in any of the prize quantity input units 131, 132, 133, and 134. Specifically, operation of any of the increase operation units 131b, 132b, 133b, and 134b is permitted, and operation of any of the decrease operation units 131c, 132c, 133c, and 134c is permitted. The displays on the display units 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a are also changed according to these operations. Specifically, operation of the increase operation unit 133b of the medium prize quantity input unit 133 and the increase operation unit 134b of the small prize quantity input unit 134 is permitted (step S3 in Figure 6), and the displays on the display units 133a and 134a are changed according to the operation of the increase operation units 133b and 134b, respectively.

[0050] On the other hand, if it is determined that these exchange conditions are not met (NO in step S2 of Figure 6), the control unit 21 will not accept input for increasing the number of prizes in the medium prize input unit 133 and the small prize input unit 134. Specifically, if the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 133a of the medium prize input unit 133 reaches the upper limit of "9", the increase operation unit 133b of the medium prize input unit 133 will be displayed in grayed-out mode G, and further operations on the increase operation unit 133b will be prohibited (step S4 of Figure 6). Similarly, if the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 134a of the small prize input unit 134 reaches the upper limit of "9", the increase operation unit 134b of the small prize input unit 134 will be displayed in grayed-out mode G, and further operations on the increase operation unit 134b will be prohibited (step S4 of Figure 6).

[0051] Furthermore, there is no limit to the number of prizes that can be entered into the extra-large prize input unit 131 and the grand prize input unit 132. In this embodiment, the display units 131a and 132a of the extra-large prize input unit 131 and the grand prize input unit 132 can display two-digit numbers. Therefore, the maximum number of prizes that can be entered into the extra-large prize input unit 131 and the grand prize input unit 132 is "99" in both cases.

[0052] In other words, the upper limit ("9") of the number of items that can be entered into the medium prize input section 133 and the small prize input section 134 is set lower than the number of prizes that can be entered into the extra-large prize input section 131 and the grand prize input section 132 ("99").

[0053] The maximum number of prizes that can be entered into the medium prize input section 133 ("9") is a number greater than or equal to the next value equivalent number (i.e., "5"), which is the quotient obtained by dividing the value of the medium prize (1000 balls) by the value of the grand prize (next value prize), which is the next highest value prize (500 balls). The maximum number of prizes that can be entered into the small prize input section 134 ("9") is a number greater than or equal to the next value equivalent number (i.e., "2"), which is the quotient obtained by dividing the value of the small prize (500 balls) by the value of the medium prize (next value prize), which is the next highest value prize (1000 balls).

[0054] From another perspective, the maximum number of entries ("9") that can be entered into the medium prize quantity input section 133 and the small prize quantity input section 134 is the largest number with fewer digits (i.e., 1 digit) than the number of digits that can be entered into the extra-large prize quantity input section 131 and the large prize quantity input section 132. When the exchange key 139 is operated on the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120 shown in Figure 5, the control unit 21 displays the exchange details confirmation screen 140 on the display operation unit 20, as shown in Figure 7.

[0055] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the exchange details confirmation screen 140 displayed on the display operation unit 20. At the top of the exchange details confirmation screen 140, a message 141 is displayed that reads, "Please check the number of prizes to be exchanged and press the exchange button." Below the message 141, there is a rate type display 142 which shows the type of lending rate, a game medium number display 143 which shows the number of game mediums associated with card C, a selected medium number display 144 which shows the number of game mediums equivalent to the total value of the currently selected prizes, and a remaining medium number display 145 which shows the number of game mediums that can be exchanged. Below these displays 142 to 145, multiple prize number display units 150 are arranged on the left and right.

[0056] The multiple prize count display units 150 include an extra-large prize count display unit 151 that displays the number of extra-large prizes, a large prize count display unit 152 that displays the number of large prizes, a medium prize count display unit 153 that displays the number of medium prizes, and a small prize count display unit 154 that displays the number of small prizes. The prize count display units 151, 152, 153, and 154 display the corresponding number of prize count input units 131, 132, 133, and 134 at the time the exchange key 139 is operated on the exchange details confirmation screen 140, as the total value of the prizes.

[0057] On the exchange details confirmation screen 140, a key 155 for changing the number of prizes is located below the multiple prize quantity display units 150. A player who wishes to change the number displayed on the prize quantity display units 151, 152, 153, and 154 presses the key 155 for changing the number of prizes. The control unit 21 then switches the display on the display operation unit 20 from the exchange details confirmation screen 140 to the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120 (see Figure 5).

[0058] Furthermore, the lower end of the exchange details confirmation screen 140 displays a transaction cancellation key 156 and an exchange key 157. When the exchange key 157 is operated, the control unit 21 creates a payout request corresponding to the type and number of prizes displayed on the multiple display units 150 of the exchange details confirmation screen 140, and transmits the payout request to the first prize payout device 5. As a result, the corresponding special prize is dispensed from the payout port 51 (see Figure 1) of the first prize payout device 5.

[0059] As described above, according to this embodiment, if the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 133a in the medium prize input unit 133 reaches the upper limit of "9", any further operations on the increase operation unit 133b will not be accepted. Similarly, if the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 134a in the small prize input unit 134 reaches the upper limit of "9", any further operations on the increase operation unit 134b will not be accepted. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the input of a number of prizes exceeding the upper limit into the medium prize input unit 133 and the small prize input unit 134. This prevents the creation of payout requests that include a large number of low-value prizes (medium prizes and small prizes). Thus, it is possible to prevent requests to the first prize payout device 5 for the payout of a large number of low-value prizes (medium prizes and small prizes).

[0060] Furthermore, when the number of prizes displayed on the display units 133a and 134a reaches the upper limit ("9"), the display on the increase operation units 133b and 134b changes to grayed-out mode G, informing the player that further operations on the increase operation units 133b and 134b will not be accepted. This effectively informs the player that operations on the increase operation units 133b and 134b will not be accepted.

[0061] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can also be implemented in other forms. For example, although the upper limit of the number of prizes entered into the prize quantity input unit 133 was described as "9", the upper limit only needs to be equal to or greater than the next value equivalent number (i.e., "5"), and may be "7" or "8", for example.

[0062] Similarly, although the maximum number of prizes entered in the small prize input section 134 was explained as "9," the maximum number only needs to be equal to or greater than the next value equivalent (i.e., "2"), and could be, for example, "7" or "8."

[0063] Alternatively, the maximum number of prizes that can be entered into the medium prize input unit 133 may be set to "4". The maximum number of prizes that can be entered into the medium prize input unit 133 ("4") is one less than the next value equivalent number (i.e., "5"), which is the quotient obtained by dividing the value of the medium prize (1000 balls) by the value of the next highest value prize (5000 balls) that is the next highest value prize. In this case, as shown in Figure 8, when the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 133a of the medium prize input unit 133 becomes "4", the display on the increase operation unit 133b of the medium prize input unit 133 changes to grayed-out mode G.

[0064] Furthermore, the maximum number of prizes entered in the medium prize input section 133 and the maximum number of prizes entered in the small prize input section 134 do not have to be the same; they may be different.

[0065] Similarly, the maximum number of prizes that can be entered into the small prize input unit 134 may be set to "1". The maximum number of prizes that can be entered into the small prize input unit 134 ("1") is one less than the quotient obtained by dividing the value of the small prize (500 balls) by the value of the medium prize (1000 balls), which is the next highest value after the small prize (i.e., "2"). In this case, as shown in Figure 8, when the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 134a of the small prize input unit 134 becomes "1", the display on the increase operation unit 134b of the small prize input unit 134 changes to grayed-out mode G.

[0066] Furthermore, if the number of prizes displayed on the display units 133a and 134a reaches the upper limit, the system will not accept any further operations on the increase operation units 133b and 134b (i.e., even if the increase operation units 133b and 134b are operated, the number displayed on the display units 133a and 134a will not change). However, the display mode of the increase operation units 133b and 134b does not need to be changed from what it was before. In this case, a message such as "Upper limit exceeded" may be displayed in response to subsequent operations on the increase operation units 133b and 134b.

[0067] If the maximum number of prizes entered into the intermediate prize input unit 133 is "4", the operation of the increase operation unit 133b of the intermediate prize input unit 133 may be accepted even after the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 133a of the intermediate prize input unit 133 has reached "4". If the increase operation unit 133b is operated after the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 133a has reached "4", the operation will be accepted, and "5" will not be displayed on the display unit 133a. As shown in Figure 9, the number of prizes on the display unit 133a of the intermediate prize input unit 133 will become zero, and the number of prizes on the display unit 132a of the grand prize input unit 132 will increase by one. For example, as shown in Figure 8, when the number of grand prizes, medium prizes, and small prizes are "0", "4", and "1" respectively, and the increase operation unit 133b of the medium prize quantity input unit 133 is operated once, the number of grand prizes, medium prizes, and small prizes will become "1", "0", and "1" respectively, as shown in Figure 9. In this case, the operation of the increase operation unit 133b after the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 133a reaches "4" is not wasted. On the other hand, the display unit 133a of the medium prize quantity input unit 133 will not display a number exceeding the upper limit, and the total value of the prizes to be exchanged will not change. This prevents the creation of payout requests that include a large number of medium prizes, while improving the usability of inputting into the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120.

[0068] Similarly, if the maximum number of prizes entered into the small prize input unit 134 is "1", the operation of the increase operation unit 134b of the small prize input unit 134 may be accepted even after the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 134a of the small prize input unit 134 has reached "1". If the increase operation unit 134b is operated after the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 134a has reached "1", the operation is accepted, and without "2" being displayed on the display unit 134a, the number of prizes on the display unit 134a of the small prize input unit 134 becomes zero, and the number of prizes on the display unit 133a of the medium prize input unit 133 increases by 1. For example, as shown in Figure 8, if the number of grand prizes, medium prizes, and small prizes are "0", "4", and "1" respectively, and the increase operation unit 134b of the small prize quantity input unit 134 is operated once, the number of grand prizes, medium prizes, and small prizes will become "1", "0", and "0" respectively. In this case, the operation of the increase operation unit 134b after the number of prizes displayed on the display unit 134a reaches "1" is not wasted. On the other hand, the display unit 134a of the small prize quantity input unit 134 will not display a number exceeding the upper limit, and the total value of the prizes to be exchanged will not change. This prevents the creation of payout requests that include a large number of small prizes, while improving the usability of inputting into the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120.

[0069] Furthermore, the number of special prizes handled in this amusement arcade (this prize exchange system 100) may be three, not four. Figure 10 shows an example of the prize exchange quantity specification screen 120A when there are three types of special prizes handled. In the example in Figure 10, there are three types of special prizes: grand prize, medium prize, and small prize. In this case, the grand prize corresponds to a high-value prize, and the medium and small prizes correspond to low-value prizes.

[0070] Furthermore, there may be two types of special prizes handled at this amusement arcade (this prize exchange system 100). In this case, there are two types of special prizes: grand prizes and minor prizes. In this case, grand prizes correspond to high-value prizes, and minor prizes correspond to low-value prizes.

[0071] On the prize quantity specification screen of POS2 (prize exchange quantity specification screen 120, 120A), it is also possible to input the number of general prizes dispensed from the second prize dispensing device 6, not just special prizes, for each type. In this case, an upper limit may be set for low-value prizes such as Viking prizes.

[0072] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the various features described above can be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1: Prize exchange device 5: First prize dispensing device 20: Display operation unit (reception means) 21: Control unit (determination means, restriction means, dispensing request creation means) 130: Prize Quantity Input Section 131: Extra-large prize quantity input section (high-value prize quantity input section, prize quantity input section) 131a: Display section 131b: Increased operation unit 132: Grand Prize Quantity Input Section (Prize Quantity Input Section) 132a: Display section 132b: Increased operation unit 133: Input section for the number of medium-value prizes (input section for the number of low-value prizes, input section for the number of prizes) 133a: Display section 133b: Increased operation unit 134: Input section for the number of small prizes (input section for the number of low-value prizes, input section for the number of prizes) 134a: Display section 134b: Increased operation unit

Claims

1. A prize exchange device that transmits a payout request to a prize dispensing device to instruct the device to dispense prizes to be exchanged for game media, The system includes a multi-prize input unit for each type of prize, which includes a high-value prize quantity input unit corresponding to the highest-value prize among multiple types of prizes, and a low-value prize quantity input unit corresponding to the lowest-value prize among multiple types of prizes, and a receiving means that receives the number of prizes to be exchanged for the game medium for each type of prize according to the number entered into the multi-prize input unit. A determination means for determining whether or not an exchange condition is met, with the condition being that the number entered in the low-value prize quantity input section does not exceed a predetermined upper limit set lower than the number of prizes that can be entered in the high-value prize quantity input section. If the determination means determines that the exchange conditions are not met, the limiting means restricts the input in the prize quantity input unit, A prize exchange device comprising a payout request creation means that creates the payout request based on the contents received by the reception means.

2. The prize quantity input unit includes a display unit that displays the number of prizes to be exchanged for the game medium, and an increase operation unit that is operated to increase the number of prizes displayed on the display unit. The prize exchange device according to claim 1, wherein the limiting means does not accept any further operation of the increase operation unit when the number of prizes displayed on the display unit in the low-value prize quantity input unit reaches the upper limit.

3. The prize exchange device according to claim 2, wherein the upper limit is a predetermined number that is equal to or greater than the next value equivalent number, which is the quotient obtained by dividing the value of the low-value prize corresponding to the low-value prize input unit by the value of the next-highest value prize that is the next highest value prize.

4. The prize exchange device according to claim 2, wherein the upper limit is one less than the next value equivalent number, which is the quotient obtained by dividing the value of the low-value prize corresponding to the low-value prize input unit by the value of the next-highest value prize that is the next highest value prize.

5. The prize exchange device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising notification means for notifying that the device will not accept any further operations on the increase operation unit when the number of prizes displayed on the display unit reaches the upper limit.

6. The prize quantity input unit includes a display unit that displays the number of prizes to be exchanged for the game medium, and an increase operation unit that is operated to increase the number of prizes displayed on the display unit. The aforementioned upper limit is one less than the next value equivalent number, which is the quotient obtained by dividing the value of the low-value prize corresponding to the low-value prize input unit by the value of the next-highest value prize that is the next highest value prize. The prize exchange device according to claim 1, wherein the limiting means, in response to an operation of the increase operation unit received after the number of prizes displayed on the display unit of the low-value prize quantity input unit has reached the upper limit, changes the number displayed on the display unit of the prize quantity input unit corresponding to a prize of higher value than the prizes corresponding to the low-value prize quantity input unit, without displaying a number exceeding the upper limit on the display unit.

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