JPH10192545A - Mobile recording-medium vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible for a game player to buy a recording medium such as a prepaid card by providing a mobile recording medium vending machine with a recording medium issuing means, and a moving means that moves the recording medium issuing means, and providing a coin receiving means corresponding to a purchase operation means near a pachinko machine. SOLUTION: The main body 1 of a mobile prepaid card vending machine is constituted of a card issuing section 2 that issues a prepaid card and a moving section 3 that moves on the movement rails 107, 108. A card discharge slot is provided in the lower section of the main body 1. On the other hand, a top lamp 103 and an operating section 106 are provided on the fancy plate 102 of each pachinko machine 104. The operating section 106 is provided with a cancel switch to cancel purchase operation, a card type selection switch to request issuance of a prepaid card, a paper money insertion slot, a purchase possible lamp that indicates the possibility of buying a card, and an order display section that displays the order of arrival of the main body 1 and an input amount display section.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile recording medium vending machine which moves on a row of gaming machines in a game arcade and sells recording media usable for games to each player who plays with the gaming machine on the spot. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a game arcade such as a pachinko parlor, a recording medium vending machine represented by a prepaid card vending machine is currently installed near an entrance of the game arcade or at an end of a row of gaming machines. A customer who plays with a gaming machine goes to a place where a prepaid card vending machine is installed and purchases a prepaid card of a desired denomination. That is, a bill is inserted into the insertion slot of the vending machine, and a card selection button corresponding to a desired denomination is pressed. Then, the prepaid card vending machine issues a prepaid card of the selected denomination. After that, the player selects a favorite gaming machine, inserts a prepaid card into a card unit installed near the gaming machine, borrows a gaming medium such as a pachinko ball, and uses the gaming medium to play a game. I do. When the player performs an operation of renting a game medium, a predetermined amount is subtracted from the remaining amount of the prepaid card. And
A number of game media corresponding to the deducted amount are lent to the player.

When the remaining amount of the prepaid card becomes zero,
The player goes to a prepaid card vending machine installed near the entrance of the game hall or at the end of the gaming machine row, and purchases the prepaid card again. Then, the game is continued using the newly purchased prepaid card.

[0004]

As described above, when the prepaid card is used up, the player must go to the vicinity of the entrance of the game hall or the end of the gaming machine row, which is inconvenient. In addition, when the ball is exhausted when the electric tulip is opened or when the ball is exhausted during the drum digital rotation, it is advantageous for the player if the ball is not replenished immediately and the game is not continued. You may miss the jackpot. In other words, if a prepaid card vending machine is installed near the entrance of the game hall or at the end of the gaming line, the jackpot state ends while the player is purchasing a new prepaid card There is.
Further, as the psychology of the player, it may be troublesome to go to a distant prepaid card vending machine, and the game may be stopped when the prepaid card is used up. Further, when the player leaves the gaming machine to purchase a prepaid card, the gaming machine does not operate during that time. That is, it hinders an increase in the operating rate of the gaming machine.

The present invention has been made in order to solve such problems, and a recording medium such as a prepaid card is provided without a player going to the vicinity of an entrance of a game hall or an end of a row of gaming machines. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile recording medium vending machine capable of realizing an environment in which a user can purchase the same.

[0006]

A mobile recording medium vending machine according to the present invention is movably installed on a game machine installation island, and issues a recording medium that can be used for a game in accordance with a predetermined operation. Means, moving means for moving the recording medium issuing means in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine installation island, movement control means for controlling movement by the moving means according to predetermined conditions, and purchasing operation fixedly installed near the gaming machine Means for receiving money from a purchaser of the recording medium provided corresponding to the purchase operation means.

[0007]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a main body 1 of a mobile prepaid card vending machine which is an embodiment of a mobile recording medium vending machine according to the present invention. As shown in the drawing, a main body 1 includes a card issuing unit 2 for issuing a prepaid card, and a moving unit installed so as to be able to move on moving rails 107 and 108 installed on a gaming machine installation island. And a rotation support member 7 for rotatably supporting the card issuing unit 2 by the moving unit 3. Body 1
Is provided with a card ejection port (not shown) for supplying a prepaid card. When a clerk or the like opens the curtain plate 101 of the gaming machine installation island and performs work, if the card issuing unit 2 is lifted upward, the card issuing unit 2 rotates upward by the action of the rotation support member 7. Is kept in that state. Therefore, the work is not disturbed. In order to restore the original state, the card issuing unit 2 may be lowered. As described above, during normal times, the card issuing unit 2
Is in a state in which a purchase operation is performed by a player, that is, a state in which the player is lowered to the player side. When the store clerk or the like opens the curtain plate 101 and works, if necessary, the work does not hinder the work, that is, the card issuing unit 2 is turned upward as described above. It is configured. Therefore, for example, the time required for a card issuing operation and the like is reduced as compared with a case where the game machine is normally located above the gaming machine installation island 100 and falls down above the player as required for the purchase operation. Is done. Further, since the operation of dropping the card issuing unit 2 is not required, a mechanism required for the operation, for example, a driving mechanism for dropping the card issuing unit 2 is not required. Therefore, the mechanism is greatly simplified, and as a result, the cost can be reduced.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the gaming machine installation island 100 on which the main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine is installed. As shown in the figure, a top lamp 1 is provided on a decorative board 102 between each pachinko gaming table 104 and a curtain board 101.
In addition to the operation unit 03, an operation unit 106 is provided. Curtain plate 10
1 has a moving part 3 and a moving rail 1
Protection rail 1 to prevent easy contact with
09 is provided. Accordingly, the main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine straddles the protection rail 109 and directs its front to the player. This can prevent inconveniences such as mischief of the player and pinching of a hand during movement. Also,
Adjacent to each pachinko gaming table 104, a card unit 110 is provided which enables a predetermined number of pachinko balls to be lent based on insertion of a prepaid card. The main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine is
Two or more machines are installed on the gaming machine installation island 100, and FIG. 2 shows only one of them.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a central control unit 111 fixedly installed at a predetermined location such as inside the gaming machine installation island 100 together with related blocks. The central control unit 111
An input circuit 112 electrically connected to each operation unit 106 installed on the gaming machine installation island 100 by a cable or the like to receive a signal from each operation unit 106, each operation unit 106
And a main control circuit 113 for controlling the main body 1, each operation unit 1
06, a communication circuit 115 for receiving a wireless signal from the main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine, a setting switch 116 for performing initial settings and the like, and main control of switch signals from the setting switch 116. A setting circuit 117 to be supplied to the circuit 113; a main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine; and a centralized management device 300 for managing each mobile prepaid card vending machine in the game arcade.
Communication circuit 118 that wirelessly supplies signals to the operation unit 1
A bill transfer mechanism 122 that draws in the bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 106c (see FIG. 7) provided in 06 and draws the bills into a bill storage unit (not shown) provided at the end of the gaming machine installation island 100; A signal circuit 121 for transmitting and receiving a transport operation command signal and a detection signal of the inserted bill, respectively;
The power supply circuit 119 receives power of C24V and supplies power to each block. The centralized management device 300 tallies the sales and the like of each mobile prepaid card vending machine and supplies the tallied result to the card company 301. Since FIG. 3 shows a configuration for controlling one main body 1, FIG.
Are the same. When a plurality of main bodies 1 are installed on the gaming machine installation island 100, the main control circuit 113 and the like control each main body 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine. The electric circuit unit 206 of the main body 1 includes a switch circuit 207 that supplies signals from the operation unit 4, the vibration sensor 201, the position detection sensor 203, the up sensor 204, and the card exhaustion sensor 205 to the main control circuit 208. The vibration sensor 201 detects vibration of the main body 1 to detect fraud or mischief. The position detection sensor 203 detects the position of the main body 1 on the gaming machine installation island 100. The up sensor 204 detects whether the card issuing unit 2 is in a state of being lifted and turned upward. Then, the card exhaustion sensor 20
No. 5 detects that the stored prepaid card has run out.

Further, the electric circuit section 206 drives the moving motor 210 in response to a command from the main control circuit 208 and changes the state of the moving motor 210 to the main control circuit 20.
The motor control circuit 208 drives the card transport mechanism 214 in response to a command from the main control circuit 208 and transmits a signal from the card transport mechanism 214 to the main control circuit 208. A card writer circuit 216 for supplying write information from the circuit 208 is provided. The card writer 217 writes predetermined information on an issued prepaid card.

Further, the main body 1 includes a setting switch 218 for performing initial setting and the like, a pantograph 220 for receiving power supply, and a power supply unit for converting a voltage supplied from the pantograph 220 to a predetermined value and supplying it to each block. 22
1 is provided. Further, the electric circuit unit 206 of the main body 1 is provided with a communication circuit 215 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the central control unit 111 wirelessly.
And a setting circuit 219 for supplying a switch signal from the setting switch 218 to the main control circuit 208.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the setting switch 116 in the central control unit 111. For example, the setting switch 116 is a call associated with the issuance of a prepaid card, that is, a bill insertion into the bill insertion slot 106c and a card type selection switch 119b, 119c, 119.
d, a standby position setting switch 151 for setting the standby position of the main unit 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine when there is no pressing, and a receiving unit for setting the number of pachinko gaming tables 104 which the main unit 1 covers. Number holding switch 150 and a plurality of card type setting switches 152
153 and 154 are provided. Accepted number setting switch 150
Includes, for example, a two-digit rotary switch. The display value in the display value section 150c of each digit is
When 0a is depressed, the value increases, and when each decrement switch 150b is pressed, the decrement is performed. Each of the card type setting switches 152, 153 and 154 includes a rotary switch. Each display value section 152c, 153c, 154c
The display values in are the increment switches 152a, 153
a, 154a are increased when pressed, and each decrement switch 1
When 52b, 153b, 154b is pressed, the number is reduced.
FIG. 5 shows 3000 yen, 5000 yen and 100 yen.
It is illustrated that a card of 00 yen is set to be issued. The display values of the accepted number setting switch 150 and the card type setting switches 152, 153, and 154 are transmitted to the main control circuit 113 via the setting circuit 117.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the setting switch 218 in the main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine. For example, the setting switch 218 is
Speed setting switch 25 for setting the speed of movement
1. The game machine includes a number-of-pays setting switch 250 for setting the number of pachinko gaming tables 104 that the main body 1 handles, and a plurality of card type setting switches 252, 253, and 254. The held number setting switch 250 includes, for example, a two-digit rotary switch. The display value of each digit in the display value section 250c increases when each increment switch 250a is pressed, and decrements when each reduction switch 250b is pressed. In addition, each card type setting switch 252, 253,
Reference numerals 254 each include a rotary switch. The display value in each display value part 252c, 253c, 254c is
When each of the increment switches 252a, 253a, 254a is depressed, the number increases, and each of the decrement switches 252b, 253b, 2
The number is decremented when 54b is pressed. Note that FIG.
It is illustrated that cards of ¥ 00, 5000 and 10,000 are set to be issued. Number of accepted switches 250 and each card type setting switch 2
The display values of 52, 253, and 254 are transmitted to the main control circuit 208 via the setting circuit 218.

As shown in FIGS.
The number-of-received-number setting switches 150 and 250 are provided on both the main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine and for the purpose of preventing malfunction. In other words, when communication is disturbed by noise, static electricity, or the like, and a call is received from a table that is not actually present, the main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine recognizes that the information is abnormal information, and prevents abnormal operation. To do that. When recognizing that the abnormal information has been received, the main body 1 makes a request to retransmit the information of the destination. In response to the request, the central control unit 111 transmits the information of the destination to be moved to the main unit 1 again. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the number-of-received-number setting switches 150 and 2
The case where the moving range of the main body 1 is determined by the setting contents of 50 will be described. However, a method of automatically setting the moving range of the main body 1 in accordance with the installation state of the operation unit 106 or the like can be adopted. For example, when N operation units 106 are installed on the gaming machine installation island 100 and M main units 1 are installed, the central control unit 111 sets (N / M) operation units 1
The main body 1 may be instructed to take charge of 06. In addition, after installation at the game store, the central control unit 111 obtains information on the prepaid card sales status of each main unit 1 from the central management device 300, and reduces the number of units received for the main unit 1 with a large sales volume and the small sales volume. The main body 1 may be instructed to increase the number of received main bodies.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing the configuration of the operation unit 106 provided on the gaming machine installation island 100. As shown in the figure, a cancel switch 106a for canceling a purchase operation and a card type selection switch 1 for requesting issuance of each type of prepaid card are provided on the operation unit 106.
19b (for purchasing 3000 yen card), 119c (500
A card type selection switch unit 106b including a 0-yen card purchase) and 119d (for a 10,000-yen card purchase), a bill insertion slot 106c into which bills are inserted, and purchasable lamps 120a, 120b, and 120 for displaying a card purchaseable state.
c), the order display section 11a for displaying the order of arrival of the main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine.
9e, and an input amount indicator 119f. At the back of the operation unit 106, there is a bill transport mechanism 122 (see FIG. 3) that sucks in bills and transports them to a bill storage unit (not shown) at the end of the gaming machine installation island 100. Operation unit 10
6 may be provided corresponding to each pachinko gaming table 104, or one may be provided for two adjacent pachinko gaming tables 104. In this embodiment, a case where three types of recording media are stored and a selected recording medium is issued according to an operation is described as an example, but only one type of recording medium is stored and only that type of recording medium is used as a player It can also be a system sold to. In that case, one purchase enable lamp is provided in the purchase enable display section 119a, and only one card type selection switch is operated by the operation section 106.
Is provided. Further, a system in which only one type of recording medium is stored and the amount of money is determined when the recording medium is issued can be adopted. In that case, the purchase possible display section 119
In a, one purchase lamp is provided, and a plurality of card type selection switches 119b, 119c, 119d are provided on the operation unit 106.

An outline of a specific prepaid card purchase operation of the player and an operation of the main body 1 in FIG. 7 will be described. When a player wants to purchase a prepaid card, the player inserts an amount corresponding to a desired prepaid card into the bill insertion slot 106c of the operation unit 106. Next, one of the card type selection switches 119b, 119c, and 119d is pressed. In the order display section 119e, a display is displayed to indicate in which position the main body 1 moves, that is, the number of the player who can wait for the purchase of the prepaid card. When the rank is “1”, the main body 1 starts moving toward the operation section 106 operated by the player, and the pressed card type selection switch 119 is pressed.
Preparation for issuing a prepaid card of a type corresponding to any of b, 119c and 119d is started. Details of the prepaid card issuance preparation will be described later with reference to FIG. After the main body 1 moves to a predetermined position, the main body 1 issues a prepaid card. As described above, by preparing the issuance of the prepaid card in advance from the stage before the movement of the main body 1 is completed, the time required for issuing the prepaid card is reduced, and the player is required to issue the prepaid card in accordance with the issuance of the prepaid card. The waiting time can be reduced.

Next, the operation of the mobile prepaid card vending machine will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In the gaming shop, a central control unit 111 is installed on each of the gaming machine installation islands 100, respectively. Further, on each of the gaming machine installation islands 100, a main body 1 of a mobile prepaid card vending machine that serves one side and a main body 1 of a mobile prepaid card vending machine that serves the other side are installed. Multiple bodies may be installed on each side. When the mobile prepaid card vending machine is installed at the game arcade, the attendant sets the setting switch 116 of the central control unit 111. That is, the gaming machine installation island 1 in which the central control unit 111 is installed
The number of pachinko gaming tables 104 to be covered by the main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine provided in the 00 is set in the possession number setting switch 150. Also, the attendant sets the denomination of the prepaid card that can be issued to the card type setting switches 152, 153, and 154. One or two kinds of denominations may be issued. In the case of one type, for example, the amount of the type is set to the card type setting switch 152, and a value indicating invalidity is set to the card type setting switches 153 and 154. In addition, the attendant sets the standby position setting switch 151 to any one of “left”, “center”, and “right”. When “left” is set, the main body 1 stands by at the left end of the receiving range on the gaming machine installation island 100. When “center” is set, the main unit 1
Will wait in the center of the acceptance range. When “right” is set, the main body 1 stands by at the right end of the receiving range. By such an operation, the main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine is located at a convenient position for the game arcade,
For example, it can be set in the main body 1 at a position where the prepaid card can be easily refilled, or at a position where the clerk can easily reach the eyes to prevent mischief and the like, thereby increasing the operational convenience. Further, when set to "center", there is an advantage that even if a call is made at any place after the standby, the place can be reached in a relatively short time.

Further, a clerk operates a setting switch 2 of the main body 1.
18 are set. That is, the number of pachinko gaming tables 104 to be covered by the main body 1 is set to the number-of-pains setting switch 250. The attendant sets the denomination of the prepaid card that can be issued to the card type setting switches 252, 253, and 254. Further, the moving speed setting switch 251 is set to one of "low", "medium", and "high" positions.

Next, the operation of the main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the amusement store starts business and is powered on,
Before performing control to position itself at the standby position, the output of the up sensor 204 is checked. When the up sensor 204 detects the up state of the card issuing unit 2, the main unit 1 is not moved, and an alarm display indicating “0” indicating stop is displayed on the order display unit 119 e of each operation unit 106. Perform (Steps S11 and S12).
By this alarm display, the situation can be easily grasped at any position of the gaming machine installation island 100, so that it is possible to prevent troubles between the game player and the game store who cannot easily receive a prepaid card. In addition, you may notify by audio | voice instead of this alarm display. Card Issuer 2
The up state is a state in which a clerk of a game store or the like lifts the card issuing unit 2 in order to open the curtain plate 101 and perform an operation related to replenishment of game balls to, for example, a gaming machine inside.

When the card issuing section 2 is not in the up state, the standby position setting operation of the main body 1 is performed (step S).
13). The main control circuit 208 of the main body 1 includes a communication circuit 215
, The central control unit 111 is requested to set the standby position. The central control unit 111 transmits the request to the communication circuit 115
, The setting state of the standby position setting switch 151 is read via the setting circuit 117. Then, the installation state is transmitted to the main body 1 via the communication circuit 118.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a specific standby position setting operation of the main body 1. The main control circuit 208
First, it is confirmed whether or not the main body 1 is already at the standby position with the standby position flag (step S130A). If the standby position flag has been set, the standby position setting process ends. If the standby position flag is not set, the main control circuit 208
1 is read through the setting circuit 219. Then, it instructs the motor circuit 209 to move the main body 1 at a speed according to the installation state (step S130).
By setting the moving speed in this way, the main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine can move at a speed corresponding to the situation of the gaming shop in which it is installed.
When the standby position set by the standby position setting switch 151 of the central control unit 111 is set to “left”, the main control circuit 208 of the main body 1 gives a motor left instruction to the motor circuit 209. The motor circuit 209 operates in response to the command so that the main body 1 moves to the left.
0 is rotationally driven (steps S131 and S132). When the position detection sensor 203 detects the stop position mark installed at the position of the leftmost pachinko gaming table 104 among the pachinko gaming tables 104 covered by the main body 1, the main control circuit 208 notifies the switch circuit 207 of the fact. (Step S133). The position detection sensor 203 is, for example, a reflection-type sensor, and the main control circuit 208 recognizes the stop position based on the light reflected from the stop position mark. The main control circuit 208
When the stop position mark is recognized, a stop command is given to the motor circuit 209 and a standby position flag is set (step S134). Note that the standby position flag is reset when a movement process described later is started.

When the standby position is set to “right”, the main control circuit 208 of the main body 1 gives a command to the motor circuit 209 to move to the right. In response to the command, the motor circuit 209 rotationally drives the movement motor 210 so that the main body 1 moves rightward (steps S135 and S135).
136). When the position detection sensor 203 detects a stop position mark installed at the position of the rightmost pachinko gaming table 104 among the pachinko gaming tables 104 covered by the main body 1, the main control circuit 208 notifies the switch circuit 207 of this. (Step S137). When recognizing the stop position mark, the main control circuit 208 gives a stop command to the motor circuit 209 and sets a standby position flag (step S134).

When the standby position is set to “center”, the main control circuit 208 of the main unit 1 first gives a command to the motor circuit 209 to move left. Motor circuit 20
9 drives the moving motor 210 in response to the command so that the main body 1 moves to the left (step S1).
38, S139). When the position detection sensor 203 detects the center position mark installed at the position of the center pachinko gaming table 104 among the pachinko gaming tables 104 covered by the main body 1, the main control circuit 208 notifies the switch circuit 207 of the fact. (Step S140).
Then, the main control circuit 208 gives a stop command to the motor circuit 209 and sets a standby position flag (step S134). If the stop position mark is detected before the center position mark is detected, the main control circuit 208 gives an inversion command to the motor circuit 209. In response to the command, the motor circuit 209 rotationally drives the moving motor 210 so that the main body 1 moves rightward (steps S141 and S142). Then, the position detection sensor 20
3 detects the center position mark, the main control circuit 208
Sends a stop command to the motor circuit 209 and sets a standby position flag (step S134). If the standby position is not set to “center”, it is considered that the standby position switch 151 of the central control unit 111 has failed, and the main control circuit 208 of the main body 1 performs some kind of alarm display and This is notified to the central control unit 111. (Step S143).

When the main body 1 is moving while searching for the stop position mark, if the stop position mark is not found even if it exceeds the set number of received vehicles, the main control circuit 208 Then, the moving motor 210 is stopped, and an abnormality handling process is performed. That is, an alarm is displayed on the order display section 119e of the operation section 106 to display "E" indicating that an abnormality has occurred, and the central control section 111 is notified of the alarm display. With this alarm display, the occurrence of a trouble can be easily grasped from any position of the gaming machine installation island 100, so that it is possible to prevent the player from being nervous for not knowing the situation,
The clerk present at the place can immediately know the situation and take action to resolve the trouble. Main control circuit 208
May use the setting of the number-of-received-number setting switch 250 read via the setting circuit 219 as the range of the number-of-received-number, or the number-of-received-number setting in the central control unit 111 notified from the central control unit 111. The setting content of the switch 150 may be used. At this time, if the setting content of the accepted number setting switch 250 is different from the setting content of the accepted number setting switch 150 notified from the central control unit 111, the abnormality handling process may be performed. Good.
In addition, when the standby position is set to “center”, the main body 1 first moves leftward, but the operation may be started from rightward movement.

Here, the case where the stop position mark and the center position mark are set has been described as an example, but the standby position setting operation of the main body 1 may be performed by another method.
For example, it is detected that a predetermined number of pachinko gaming tables 104 have passed from the stop position mark, and
May be detected. Also,
A certain mark is set at a predetermined position, and it is detected that the main body 1 has reached the "left", "right" or "center" position by detecting that the mark has passed a predetermined number of pachinko gaming tables 104 based on the mark. You may make it.

Next, the main control circuit 208 of the main body 1 detects a card exhaustion (step S15). FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation for detecting the out of card. Here, a 3000 yen card is set to the card type setting switch 252, and 5000 yen is set to the card type setting switch 253.
It is assumed that a yen card has been set and a 10,000 yen card has been set in the card type setting switch 254. The card exhaustion sensor 205 detects whether the storage amount of each prepaid card is not zero. The main control circuit 208 reads the state of the card exhaustion sensor 205 via the switch circuit 207. If the 3000 yen card is not zero, the main control circuit 208 notifies the central control unit 111 via the communication circuit 215 of the fact. Central control unit 111
Performs control to turn on the purchase enable lamp 120a in response to the notification (steps S152 and S153). 50
If the 00 yen card is not zero, the main control circuit 208
Notifies the central control unit 111 via the communication circuit 215 of that fact. The central control unit 111 responds to the notification,
Control for turning on the purchase available lamp 120b is performed (steps S154 and S155). When the 10,000 yen card is not zero, the main control circuit 208 notifies the central control unit 111 via the communication circuit 215 of the fact. The central control unit 111 responds to the notification, and
c is turned on (steps S156 and S15).
7). At the same time, if the card is out of card, the central controller 11 sends information indicating which card type is out of card.
Send to 1. The central control unit 111 relays the information and transmits the information to the central management device 300. Centralized management device 300
Displays the number of the target mobile prepaid card vending machine and the type of the card that has run out on a display device (not shown) provided. As a result, the clerk can immediately replenish the card that has run out as needed.

The card type setting switches 252 and 2
Steps S152 and S152 according to the setting contents of 53 and 254.
The determination in S154 and S156 may be skipped. When a system in which only one type of card is stored is employed, the out-of-card sensor 205
It detects whether that one type of card is zero.

Here, the main control circuit 208 sets the card type setting switches 252, 253, and 2 of the setting switch 218.
The example in which the out-of-card detection control is performed based on the setting contents of 54 has been described. However, the card type setting switches 152 and 15 are sent from the central control unit 111 via the communication circuit 215.
3, 154 may be received, and the out-of-card detection control may be performed according to the received setting. In that case, the main control circuit 113 of the central control unit 111
When a request is received from the main body 1 of the mobile card vending machine through the setting circuit 117, the setting contents of the card type setting switches 152, 153 and 154 of the setting switch 116 are read through the setting circuit 117. Then, the setting content is transmitted via the communication circuit 118. Further, the main control circuit 208 of the main body 1
The setting contents of the card type setting switches 252, 253 and 254 and the card type setting switch 15 of the central control unit 111
The setting contents of 2, 153 and 154 may be collated, and the out-of-card detection control may be performed based on the collation result. That is, the purchasable lamp 21 corresponding to the mismatched card type
Control is performed so that 2a, 212b, and 212c are turned off.
Then, only for the matched type, step S152,
The judgment of S154 and S156 is executed. When there is a mismatch in the comparison result, the main control circuit 208 may display some kind of alarm.

When the central control unit 111 notifies that there is a call via the communication circuit 215, the main body 1 starts a moving process (step S30). The call location is notified from the central control unit 111 together with the call notification, for example, as a call switch installation position number. In addition, the card type selected by the player is also notified. Note that calling means that the player desires to purchase a prepaid card, inserts a bill into the bill insertion slot 106c provided in the operation unit 106, and sets the card type selection switch 119b, 1 within the range of the inserted bill.
This occurs when one of 19c and 119d is pressed. Main control circuit 113 of central control unit 111
Knows which card type selection switch 119b, 119c, 119d is pressed at which position via the input circuit 112, and notifies the main body 1 via the communication circuit 118 of the call notification, the call switch installation position number and the card type. I do.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the movement operation of the main body 1. First, the main control circuit 208 of the main body 1 sets the setting state of the moving speed setting switch 251 to the setting circuit 219.
(Step S300). Further, the main control circuit 208 compares the current position with the call switch installation position number to determine which direction (left direction or right direction) to move. Then, main control circuit 208 gives a command to motor circuit 209 to move in the determined direction. At this time, information on the moving speed is also given. The motor circuit 209 rotationally drives the moving motor 210 so that the main body 1 moves in the commanded direction at the commanded moving speed (step S301). When the position detection sensor 203 is a reflection type sensor and a position mark is set at the installation position of each pachinko gaming table 104, the position detection sensor 203 outputs a predetermined signal every time each position mark is detected. Output. The main control circuit 208 includes the switch circuit 207
The signal is input through. The main control circuit 208 can know how many pachinko gaming tables 104 have passed by counting the number of signal inputs. Accordingly, the main control circuit 208 can detect whether or not the main body 1 has arrived at the position of the pachinko gaming table 104 where the calling player is located by comparing the number of passing vehicles with the call switch installation position number. When body 1 arrives at that position,
The main control circuit 208 gives a stop command to the motor circuit 209 (steps S302, S303).

When any abnormality is detected during the movement, the main control circuit 208 sets an abnormality flag and gives a stop command to the motor circuit 209 (step S304).
S305, S303). An abnormality is, for example, a case where a predetermined time or more has elapsed from the detection of a certain position mark to the detection of the next position mark. Alternatively, this is the case where the motor circuit 209 detects an overcurrent. In such a case, it is considered that the conveyance of the main body 1 has stopped. Moving motor 21
When 0 stops, the main control circuit 208 checks whether the abnormality flag is set. If it is set, for example, the main control circuit 208 performs control for sounding an alarm buzzer (steps S31 and S33). If the abnormality flag is not set, the main control circuit 208
Notifies the central control unit 111 of the completion of the movement via the communication circuit 215 (step S32).

If no abnormality has occurred, the main control circuit 208 performs a card writing process (step S30).
9). That is, the main control circuit 208 first instructs the card writer 217 via the card writer circuit 216 to write information such as a store number, an issue date, an amount, and read cycle information. The reading cycle information is information indicating a position on the prepaid card where a store number, an issue date, and an amount are written. The card writer 217 writes each piece of information on the card according to the instruction. The card writing process is executed in parallel with the movement of the main body 1.

The next call may be notified from the central control unit 111 while moving. In this case, the main control circuit 208 of the main body 1 stores the next call and the call switch installation position number.

According to the moving operation as described above, the main body 1 moves to the calling position in the order of calling. However, if the next call is made before arriving at the call point (first call point), the distance from the position of the main body 1 to the next call point at that time is smaller than the distance to the first call point. If it is shorter, the destination may be changed to the next call location. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing such a moving operation. When the next call is notified from the central control unit 111 while the main body 1 is moving (step S306),
The main control circuit 208 compares the call switch installation position number corresponding to the call position with the current position (step S).
307). When the distance from the current position to the calling position is shorter than the distance to the first calling point, the main control circuit 208 changes the destination (step S30).
8). That is, the call switch installation position number corresponding to the call position to be moved is stored, and a new call switch installation position number is set as the call position to be moved. Then, a command is given to the motor circuit 209 to move in the direction of the new calling position. Furthermore, the central control unit 111 is notified of the change of the moving order and the new moving destination via the communication circuit 215. The motor circuit 209 controls the movement motor 2 so that the main body 1 moves in the newly instructed direction.
10 is driven to rotate. Of course, the moving direction may not change even when the next call is notified (“N” in step S307). The other processing is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

When the moving operation shown in FIG.
Are transported in order of moving efficiency, but there is a possibility that some players may not arrive for the main body 1 for a long time. Therefore, the main control circuit 208 sets a timer that times out at a predetermined time when the movement is first started, and performs the operation shown in FIG. 12 before the timer times out,
After the time is up, it may be simply stored for the call notified later. By doing so, control giving priority to movement efficiency is performed within a predetermined time,
Thereafter, control for moving in the calling order is executed. Also,
The main control circuit 208 counts up the counter each time there is a new call after the movement starts first, and before the count value reaches the predetermined value, performs the operation shown in FIG. Once the value is reached, it may simply be stored for calls that are subsequently notified. By doing so, control giving priority to movement efficiency is performed within a predetermined number of calls, and thereafter control for moving in the order of calls is executed. Note that “start moving first” means starting moving without any stored call. Even if the timer has not expired, the timer is stopped when the stored call reaches zero. The counter is reset when the stored call goes to zero.

Further, when a new call is notified, control may be performed with priority given to the moving efficiency only when the moving direction of the main body 1 does not change. In this case, the main control circuit 208 executes the determination in step S307 only when the new calling position is on the current movement direction side of the main body 1.

In the state of waiting for a call, the vibration sensor 20
1 detects the vibration of the main body 1 (step S20). When the main control circuit 208 detects via the switch circuit 207 that the main body 1 is vibrating more than the allowable amount, the main control circuit 208 sets a stop state flag (step S21). In addition, information indicating that vibration has occurred is notified to the central control unit 111 via the communication circuit 215. At this time, if an alarm buzzer or the like is installed in the main body 1, an alarm may be issued therefrom. It is considered that the vibration exceeding the allowable amount of the main body 1 is caused by abnormal behavior by the customer. And the main body 1
Enters the stop state.

When the main body 1 reaches the calling place, the card is sold (step S40). Since the writing of the predetermined items on the prepaid card has already been completed and the card is ready for issuance, the main control circuit 208 instructs the card transport mechanism 222 via the signal circuit 213 to eject the prepaid card. The card transport mechanism 222 discharges the prepaid card to the card discharge port 223 according to the instruction. The card transport mechanism 222 is provided with a sensor for detecting completion of ejection of the prepaid card. When the sensor detects the completion of the ejection of the prepaid card, the card transport mechanism 222 notifies the main control circuit 208 of the completion (step S43). The player receives the discharged prepaid card as an issue card.

The main control circuit 208 checks whether an error has occurred when the card was issued (step S41).
If an abnormality has occurred, the main control circuit 208
15 and notifies the central control unit 111 of the occurrence of the abnormality and the details of the abnormality (step S42). If no abnormality has occurred, the main control circuit 208
Is notified of the completion of card issuance via (step S4)
3). Further, it is confirmed whether or not the next call is stored (step S44). Step S if stored
30 is executed, and if not stored, step S
Return to 11. In the process shown in FIG. 8, the main body 1 is returned to the standby position after the sales are completed. However, the main body 1 may be stopped at the place.

As in this embodiment, if the card 1 is prepared to be issued while the main body 1 is moving, a prepaid card is issued immediately after the main body 1 comes to the calling position. That is, the time required for issuing a card is reduced.

In this embodiment, a reflection type sensor is used as the position detection sensor 203, and the main control circuit 20
No. 8 recognized that the call location was reached by counting the number of passages of the position mark. However, the position detection sensor 203 applied is not limited to a reflection type sensor.
For example, the position detection sensor 203 may be a mechanical micro switch, a projection may be provided instead of the position mark, and the micro switch may be turned on every time the main body 1 passes through the projection.

Next, the operation of the central control unit 111 will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The central control unit 111 displays a purchase availability display unit 119 for the gaming machine installation island 100.
a available lamps 120a, 120b, 120
Control for lighting c is performed. First, the main control circuit 113
Card type setting switch 152 of setting switch 116,
The setting contents of 153 and 154 are read via the setting circuit 117. Then, control is performed so as to turn off the purchasable lamps 120a, 120b, and 120c corresponding to the types of cards that are not set. When the main body 1 notifies that the 3000 yen card is not zero, the main control circuit 11
3 is a lamp 120a that can be purchased through the output circuit 114.
Lights up. When the main body 1 notifies that the 5000 yen card is not zero, the main control circuit 113 turns on the purchasable lamp 120b via the output circuit 114. When the main body 1 notifies that the 10,000 yen card is not zero, the main control circuit 113 outputs the output circuit 1
The purchase available lamp 120c is turned on via the switch 14.

Note that the main control circuit 113 sets the setting switch 1
Sixteen card type setting switches 152, 153, 154
The example in which the out-of-card detection control is performed based on the setting contents described above has been described. However, the settings of the card type setting switches 252, 253, and 254 may be received from the main unit 1 via the communication circuit 115, and the out-of-card detection control may be performed according to the settings. In this case, when the main control circuit 208 of the main body 1 receives a request from the central control unit 111 of the mobile card vending machine via the communication circuit 215, the card type setting switch of the setting switch 218 via the setting circuit 219 The setting contents of 252, 253, and 254 are read.
Then, the setting content is transmitted via the communication circuit 215.
Further, the main control circuit 113 of the central control unit 111 includes the setting contents of the card type setting switches 152, 153, 154 and the card type setting switches 252, 253, 2 of the main body 1.
The setting contents of 54 may be collated, and the out-of-card detection control may be performed based on the collation result. That is, the purchasable lamps 120a, 120 corresponding to the mismatched card types.
b, 120c are turned off. When there is a mismatch in the comparison result, the main control circuit 113 may display some kind of alarm.

When the main body 1 requests to notify the standby position setting state, the main control circuit 113 of the central control unit 111 reads the setting state of the standby position setting switch 151 via the setting circuit 117, and reads it. Communication circuit 118
Is transmitted to the main unit 1 through the steps (steps S51 and S5).
2). When the main unit 1 requests to notify the set number of accepted units, the main control circuit 113 of the central control unit 111
Is a setting number switch 15 via the setting circuit 117.
The setting state of 0 is read and transmitted to the main unit 1 via the communication circuit 118 (steps S53 and S54). Card type setting switches 152, 153, 154 from main unit 1
Is notified, the main control circuit 113 of the central control unit 111 reads the setting contents of the card type setting switches 152, 153, and 154 via the setting circuit 117, and transmits the read contents to the communication circuit 118. (Steps S55 and S56).

Next, the central control unit 111 performs a calling process (step S57). FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the calling process. The bill transport mechanism attached to the operation unit 106 provided on the gaming machine installation island 100 is provided with a sensor for detecting a bill inserted. When the sensor detects bill insertion, the sensor notifies the central control unit 111 of the denomination. When recognizing the denomination via the input circuit 112, the main control circuit 113 of the central control unit 111 instructs to perform an operation of transporting a bill to a bill storage unit provided at an end of the gaming machine installation island 100. The signal is output to the bill transport mechanism 122 via the signal circuit 121. The output circuit 11
Then, the input amount is displayed on the input amount display 119f through step 4 (steps S571, S571a, S572). If the input amount has already been displayed, the current input amount is added to the displayed amount and displayed. When the player presses any of the card type selection switches 119b, 119c, 119d, the main control circuit 113 recognizes that via the input circuit 112 (step S573). If the amount corresponding to the type of card corresponding to the pressed switch has already been inserted (step S576), the main control circuit 1
13 notifies the main body 1 via the communication circuit 118 of the call location, for example, as a call switch installation position number, together with the call notification (step S577). The card type selected by the player is also notified.

Then, a command is given to the output circuit 114 so that the calling order is displayed on the order display section 119e provided corresponding to the switch. The output circuit 114
A signal indicating the calling order is sent to the order display section 119e in response to the command. For example, when a call occurs while there are already two unprocessed calls, the main control circuit 113 causes the output circuit 11 to display “3” on the order display section 119e.
Command 4 As a result, “3” indicating the third call order is displayed on the order display section 119e (step S5).
78). An unprocessed call means that the call has occurred, but the main body 1 has not yet moved to the call location.
By doing so, the player can easily recognize the order in which the main body 1 of the mobile prepaid card vending machine comes to the place where he / she is, so that the player cannot easily turn the main body 1 around. Irritability is prevented.

Card type selection switches 119b, 119
Cancel switch 1 before c, 119d is pressed
When the button 06a is pressed (step S580), the main control circuit 113 causes the bill transport mechanism to
An instruction is given to make a refund corresponding to the amount displayed on the input amount display 119f. In response to the instruction, the bill transport mechanism discharges the bill (step S581). Each time one sheet is discharged, the bill transport mechanism notifies the central control unit 111 of the discharge amount. The main control circuit 113 of the central control unit 111 instructs the input amount display 119f via the output circuit 114 to reduce the display amount each time the notification is made.

The notification of the completion of the movement from the main body 1 is transmitted to the communication circuit 1.
15 (step S60), the main control circuit 113 performs display update processing of the order display section 119e. That is, first, a command is given to the output circuit 114 so as to turn off the display of the order display section 119e at the place where the main body 1 has arrived. Then, the display of the order display section 119e is erased (step S61). And the main control circuit 1
13 is an order display section 119e corresponding to an unprocessed call.
Is given to the output circuit 114 so as to reduce the displayed number. For example, the order display section 1 in which “2” is currently displayed
The output circuit 11 is set so that "1" is displayed for 19e.
4 is given a command. Therefore, the number displayed on each rank display section 119e is "-1".

When a notification of card issuance completion is received from the main unit 1 via the communication circuit 115, the main control circuit 113 notifies the fact that the prepaid card has been issued and the denomination of the issued card via the communication circuit 117. Centralized management device 300
(Step S63, Step S64).

When a notification from the main body 1 that the moving order has been changed is received via the communication circuit 115, the main control circuit 1
13 performs display change processing of the order display section 119e (step S65, step S66). That is, the order display section 119 corresponding to the new destination notified from the main body 1
A command is given to the output circuit 114 so that "1" is displayed for e. In addition, a command is given to the output circuit 114 so as to increase the number displayed on each rank display section 119e corresponding to an unprocessed call having a higher priority than the new destination. For example, the order display unit 1 in which “1” is currently displayed
The output circuit 11 is set so that "2" is displayed for 19e.
4 is given a command.

When the main body 1 is notified that an abnormality has occurred, or when an abnormality of the operation section 106 is detected, the main control circuit 113 performs an abnormality handling process (steps S67 and S68). ). For example, processing for storing the contents of the abnormality and sounding an alarm buzzer is performed. Further, the central control unit 111 may specifically and visually display the details of the abnormality. In addition, as the abnormality of the operation unit 106, a conveyance abnormality in the bill conveyance mechanism 122 or a bill inserted by a full-battery sensor (not shown) detected in a bill storage unit provided in a bill storage unit provided at an end of the gaming machine installation island 100. There is a full tank.

When information indicating that the card has run out is received from the main body 1, the main control circuit 113 determines the type of the prepaid card that has run out of the card (information transmitted from the main body 1).
The number is assigned to the card vending machine and transmitted to the central management device 300 (step S69, step S70). The central management device 300 displays the number of the mobile prepaid card vending machine and the type of the card that has run out on a display device provided.

Next, processing at the time of a power failure will be described. The electric circuit 206 of the main body 1 is backed up by means such as a battery. When a power failure occurs while the main body 1 is operating, the main control circuit 208 of the main body 1 stores the state immediately before. For example, it stores the current position, the call position that has already been notified from the central control unit 111, and the like. Therefore, when the power is restored from the power failure, the main body 1 can easily continue the operation.
If a power outage occurs during card sales, the central control unit 11
The first main control circuit 113 may perform control so as to return already inserted bills. In this case, after returning the bill, the operation unit 106 stops the operation. If a power failure occurs before the main body 1 arrives at the calling position and a card is issued, the operation may be stopped after the card is issued. By returning a banknote or completing card issuance, a complaint from a player regarding a prepaid card not being issued or the like due to a power failure is prevented.
Note that the central control unit 111 and the operation unit 106 need to be backed up by some means.

In this embodiment, the communication between the central control unit 111 and the main unit 1 is performed by wireless communication using radio waves, infrared rays, or the like. However, the communication may be performed by wired communication using a wired cable. . Alternatively, a mode in which information transmission is realized by a contact from the communication circuit 215 of the main body 1 contacting a conductor laid on the moving rails 107 and 108 or the like may be adopted. Communication between the central control unit 111 and the central management device 300 may be performed by wireless communication or wired communication. In addition, game machine installation island 10
Although the communication between the operation unit 106 and the central control unit 111 installed at 0 has been described as being performed by wired communication, the communication may be performed by wireless communication using radio waves, infrared rays, or the like. Also, the main body 1
Although the main body 1 controls the position detection and the drive / stop of the motor in accordance with the movement of the motor, the central control unit 111 can also perform all the controls. In that case,
For example, a sensor for detecting the main body 1 may be provided above the pachinko gaming table 104, and based on the detection of the sensor, the central control unit 111 may be configured to instruct driving and stopping of the motor. The prepaid card in the present embodiment is:
Regardless of the storage method, such as magnetic storage or IC storage, any storage system can be used as long as it can store information on the balance and it is difficult to falsify the storage contents. Generally, the card is often made of resin, but may be made of paper regardless of the material. Further, the recording medium is not limited to a card, and may be any recording medium that can record information on the remaining balance.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the operating unit 10 fixedly provided on the gaming machine installation island 100 is provided.
6, a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 106c, and the card type selection switches 119b, 119c, 11
When 9d is pressed, a call occurs, and the main body 1 is brought to that position. And the main body 1 which is a card issuing means
Prepares for issuance of a card during the transfer, and issues a prepaid card immediately after the transfer is completed. Therefore, the time until the player obtains the prepaid card is reduced.
In addition, the moving rail 1 is mounted on the upper surface of the gaming machine installation island 100 with little modification inside the gaming machine installation island 100.
Since it is only necessary to carry out the remodeling to lay 07 and 108, even if the game machine is installed on the conventional game machine installation island 100, it can be implemented relatively easily in a short construction period.

When a plurality of calls are made, the main unit 1 is called in the calling order.
Is moved, the arrival order is displayed on the order display section 119e of each operation section 106 where the calling operation is performed, and the arrival order is set to "-1" when the main body 1 arrives at the first calling position. In this case, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the player who has performed the calling operation is irritated without knowing when the main body 1 comes.

When there is another call (second call) while the main body 1 is moving to the first call position, the distance from the position of the main body 1 at that time to the second call point is equal to the first call position. When the distance is shorter than the distance to the calling point, the moving destination is changed to the next calling point, and when the calling order of the order display unit 119e is changed, the main body 1 moves in the order of moving efficiency. And the overall time to move to all call locations is reduced. Also in this case, since the exact arrival order is provided to each player who has performed the calling operation, the irritability of the players is reduced.

If the control for moving the main body 1 in the order of the higher moving efficiency is performed within a predetermined time or within a predetermined number of times of movement, the main body 1 does not arrive for a long time. The occurrence of a player is prevented, and there is no possibility that a complaint will be made by the player.

Furthermore, the main unit 1 is arranged in the order of the above-mentioned moving efficiency.
Is configured to be performed only when the moving direction of the main body 1 does not change, control for moving the main body 1 in the order of higher moving efficiency and control for moving the main body 1 in the calling order are taken into account. Control is executed, and a combination of the effects of both controls is provided.

Since the standby position of the main body 1 is configured to be set by the standby position setting switch 151, a convenient standby position of the game store can be set. For example, when priority is given to replenishment of the prepaid card, the standby position setting switch 151 may be set to “left” or “right” so that the main body 1 is made to wait at the end of the receiving range. When priority is placed on the ease of monitoring the main body 1, the standby position setting switch 151 may be set to "center" so that the main body 1 is made to wait at the center of the receiving range. When set to "center", there is also an effect that the main body 1 can move in a relatively short time no matter where a call occurs. Further, since the moving speed of the main body 1 is configured to be set by the moving speed setting switch 251,
It is possible to select the moving speed according to the situation in the game store where the mobile prepaid card vending machine is installed.

The holding range of one main body 1 is the number-of-held-number setting switch 1 provided in the central control unit 111.
50 or the number-of-accepted-numbers setting switch 2 provided in the main body 1
Since it is configured to be able to be set by 50, the receiving range of the main body 1 can be set according to the sales situation and the like in the game store where the mobile prepaid card vending machine is installed. The receiving ranges of the plurality of main bodies 1 may be different. Further, since the receiving range of the main body 1 is configured to be settable, one gaming machine installation island 1 is provided.
It is possible to easily increase or decrease the number of the main bodies 1 installed at 00.

When the main body 1 is moved, the main body 1 can prevent a malfunction by using the information of the number-of-received-numbers setting switch 250 provided in itself. In other words, when communication is disturbed by noise, static electricity, or the like, and information indicating a call from a table outside the set range of the number of units to be received is received, that fact can be recognized, and the destination information is received again from the central control unit 111. By doing so, abnormal operation can be prevented.

The types of prepaid cards that can be sold are determined by the card type setting switch 1 provided in the central control unit 111.
52, 153, 154 or the card type setting switch 252, 253, 254 provided in the main body 1, so that the sales situation in the game store where the mobile prepaid card vending machine is easily installed. Sales settings can be made according to the requirements. For example, if the sales of 5000 yen cards are large, 50
What is necessary is just to change so that a 00 yen card may be allocated. Since each card type setting switch corresponds to each card storage tank, the storage amount of the 5000 yen card can be increased.

When the card runs out in the main body 1, information indicating which card type is out of card is sent to the central management unit 300 via the central control unit 111. The central management device 300
The number of a mobile prepaid card vending machine that has run out of cards and the type of card that has run out of cards can be displayed on a display device provided. Therefore, a clerk or the like can immediately replenish a card that has run out of cards.

Since the main body 1 is provided with the vibration sensor 201, it is possible to detect vibration based on misconduct or mischief,
The clerk or the like can immediately recognize the misconduct or mischief through the abnormal display caused by the vibration.

Since the electric circuit 206 and the central control unit 111 of the main unit 1 are backed up by means such as a battery, if a power failure occurs during operation of the main unit 1, the main unit 1
Can store the state immediately before. Therefore, when the power is restored from the power failure, the main body 1 can easily continue the operation. In addition, when a power failure occurs during prepaid card sales, if the operation is stopped after returning already inserted bills or performing a prepaid card card issuance operation, it is caused by a power failure. This prevents complaints from the player regarding unissued prepaid cards and the like.

The card issuing section 2 of the main body 1 is
, So that it does not become a hindrance when a clerk or the like works with the curtain plate 101 opened. Also, since the card issuing unit 2 normally faces the player at normal times, for example, the card issuing unit 2 is normally above the gaming machine installation island 100 and is configured to drop down above the player as necessary for a purchase operation. The time required for the card issuance operation and the like is reduced as compared with the case in which the operation is performed. Further, since the operation of dropping the card issuing unit 2 is not required, a mechanism required for the operation, for example, a driving mechanism for dropping the card issuing unit 2 is not required. Therefore, the mechanism can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

Further, a protective rail 109 is provided on the upper part of the curtain plate 101, and the main body 1 is structured so as to straddle the protective rail 109 and direct the front thereof to the player. The rails 107 and 108 cannot be easily contacted. Therefore, inconveniences such as a player's mischief and his or her hand being pinched during movement are prevented.

[0070]

As described above, according to the present invention, a player can play a game or play a game without having to go to the vicinity of the entrance of the game hall or to the end of a row of game machines. An environment in which a recording medium usable for a game represented by a prepaid card can be purchased in the vicinity can be realized, so that the convenience of the player can be improved and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a main body of a mobile prepaid card vending machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine installation island in which a main body of a mobile prepaid card vending machine is installed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a central control unit fixedly installed at a predetermined location such as inside a gaming machine installation island together with related blocks.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main body of the mobile prepaid card vending machine.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing an example of a configuration of a setting switch in a central control unit.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a setting switch in the main body of the mobile prepaid card vending machine.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a configuration of an operation unit provided on the gaming machine installation island.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main unit of the mobile prepaid card vending machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a standby position setting operation of the main body.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a card exhaustion detecting operation.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a moving operation of the main body of the mobile prepaid card vending machine.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another moving operation of the main body of the mobile prepaid card vending machine.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the central control unit.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a calling process of the central control unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body of mobile prepaid card vending machine 2 Card issuing part 3 Moving part 4 Operation part 5 Deposit amount display 106 Operation part 106c Bill insertion slot 107,108 Rail for movement 111 Central control part

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A recording medium issuing means movably installed on a gaming machine installation island on which a plurality of gaming machines are installed, and issuing a recording medium usable for a game in accordance with a predetermined operation; Moving means for moving the recording medium issuing means in the longitudinal direction of the island, moving control means for controlling movement by the moving means in accordance with predetermined conditions, purchase operating means fixedly installed near the gaming machine, A mobile recording medium vending machine, comprising: a money receiving means provided corresponding to a purchase operation means for receiving money from a recording medium purchaser.