JP2008018151A - Medal processing device having medal sorting device, medal deposit / withdrawal device, and medal lending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inexpensive token processor capable of selecting different kinds of tokens. <P>SOLUTION: The token processing device is provided with at least a token reserving means, a token pay-out means for delivering tokens, and a conveying means for conveying the tokens from the token reserving means to the token pay-out means. A token selection means is arranged in a token passage provided between the token reserving means and the token pay-out means for selecting authentic or non-authentic tokens so as to exclude the non-authentic tokens before supplying the tokens to the token pay-out means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a medal processing device having a medal sorting device used in a game field.
In particular, the present invention relates to a medal processing device in which a medal sorting device capable of sorting different medals (such as other store medals, etc., hereinafter referred to as “fake medal”) is incorporated in a medal processing device having other functions.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a medal deposit / withdrawal device having a medal sorting device or a medal lending machine having a medal sorting device.
Furthermore, the present invention relates to an inexpensive medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus that can eliminate different medals.
The “medal” used in the present specification is a general term for medals for pachislot machines and medal game machines, substitute coins, and similar game media.

As a first conventional technique, a turntable on which an inserted medal is placed and rotated, a medal conveyance path in which the medals are fed one by one by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the turntable, and a medal conveyance path The medal passing detection means for detecting the medal during transport and counting the number of passing medals and the pattern applied to the medal being transported in the medal transport path are read to determine whether or not it is a regular pattern. A medal comprising: medal pattern determining means; and medal excluding means for excluding the medal from the medal transport path when the medal pattern determining means gives a different pattern to the medal. A counter is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Further, as a second conventional technique, a medal deposit / withdrawal device including a medal depositing unit, a deposited medal counter, a medal storage unit, and a stored medal payout counter is known. ing
(For example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 2006-4166 (Page 3-5, Fig. 1-4) Patent 3782082 (paragraph numbers 0029 to 0032, FIG. 4)

In the first prior art, since a large number of medals received from the player must be counted quickly, medals must be selected at a high speed.
For example, the medal counting capability is required to be 2000 per minute, and one medal must be imaged and determined in 30 milliseconds.
The authenticity determination of medals in the first prior art is a so-called image selection performed by reading the pattern on the medal surface, and therefore it is necessary to perform image processing by the microprocessor at an extremely high speed after acquiring a high-resolution image. However, there is a problem that the image acquisition and processing apparatus becomes expensive, and cannot be adopted.
Further, in the first prior art, an image of a medal is acquired in the middle of being conveyed by the frictional force with the belt. Therefore, a deviation is easily generated between the light emission timing and the medal position, and an image sufficient for identification cannot be acquired. There's a problem.

In the second prior art, the medal earned by the player is simply deposited and paid out within the range deposited at the next game, and the received medal is paid out. There is a problem that requires a lot of man-hours.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a medal processing device including a medal sorting device.
A second object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive medal processing device capable of selecting a fake medal.
A third object of the present invention is to provide a medal deposit / withdrawal device including a medal sorting device.
A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a medal lending machine provided with a medal sorting device.

In order to achieve this object, a medal processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured as follows.
In the medal processing device, comprising at least a medal holding means, a medal paying means for paying out medals, and a conveying means for transferring medals from the medal holding means to the medal paying means. A medal processing device having a medal sorting device, wherein a medal sorting unit that sorts genuine medals is arranged in a medal path with a paying unit, and false medals are excluded before being supplied to the paying unit. .
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medal deposit / dispensing device having a medal depositing unit and a medal paying unit for paying out the deposited medal, in a medal path between the medal depositing unit and the medal paying unit. A medal depositing / dispensing device having a medal sorting device, characterized in that a medal sorting means for sorting out true / false medals is arranged and the false medals are excluded before being supplied to the paying means.
The invention of claim 3 includes a medal depositing port, a counting unit for counting medals deposited from the depositing port, a lifting unit for lifting the medals counted by the counting unit, and the lifting unit. Sorting means for discriminating the authenticity of the transferred medals and selecting the genuine medals, holding means for holding the genuine medals selected by the selecting means, and paying out the medals held by the holding means A medal depositing / dispensing device having a medal sorting device.
The invention of claim 4 comprises a medal holding means arranged at a lower level, a lifting means for conveying a medal of the medal holding means to a higher level, and a medal paying means for paying out a medal received from the lifting means. In the medal lending machine, the medal lending machine is characterized in that a medal selecting means for selecting a genuine medal is arranged on a medal conveying path between the conveying means and the medal paying means.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the medal processing device having the medal sorting device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the medal sorting means identifies a pattern on the medal surface.
The invention according to claim 6 is the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus having the medal sorting device according to claim 3, wherein the false medal sorted by the sorting means is supplied directly or indirectly to the transporting means.
The invention of claim 7 is characterized in that, in the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus having the medal sorting apparatus of claim 6, an attention signal is output when the false medal rate in the medal sorting apparatus exceeds a predetermined value.
The invention according to claim 8 is the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus having the medal sorting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sorting means images the pusher that moves at a predetermined speed and the medal pushed by the pusher. The apparatus includes an apparatus, an alignment supply device that supplies medals one by one to the pusher, and a guide that guides the medals pushed by the pusher.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the medal processing device having the medal sorting device according to the third to fourth aspects, the lifting means is an intermittent lifting means.
A tenth aspect of the present invention is the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus having the medal sorting apparatus according to the ninth aspect, wherein the intermittent lifting means is a bucket attached to an endless circulator.

In this configuration, the medals sent from the medal holding means to the medal payout means by the transport means are discriminated by the medal selection means for selecting the genuine medals arranged in the path between them, and the false medals are excluded, Only genuine medals are supplied to the payout means.
Therefore, since the false medals are excluded by the medal sorting means and are not supplied to the payout means, there is an advantage that the false medals are not paid out to the customer.
In addition, since it is not necessary to identify and sort medals at a high speed in synchronization with the medal deposit, this medal supply can be identified and sorted at a relatively low speed.
Therefore, since an apparatus having a relatively low identification processing speed can be used, there is an advantage that the apparatus is inexpensive.
In the invention of claim 2, the medal deposited in the medal depositing means is based on a circulating medal depositing / dispensing apparatus which is supplied to the medal dispensing means for dispensing the medal and paid out.
Medal selection means is arranged in the medal path between the medal depositing means and the medal payout means.
Thus, medals from the medal depositing means are supplied to the medal paying means via the medal sorting means.
Since the false medals are excluded by the medal selection means and are not supplied to the payout means, there is an advantage that no false medals are paid out to the customer.
In addition, since it is not necessary to identify and sort medals at a high speed in synchronization with the medal deposit, this medal supply can be identified and sorted at a relatively low speed.
Therefore, since an apparatus having a relatively low identification processing speed can be used, there is an advantage that the apparatus is inexpensive.
In the invention of claim 3, medals deposited at the medal depositing port are counted by the counting means and then sent to the medal sorting means by the lifting means.
The genuine medals selected by the medal selection means are held by the holding means and are paid out by the payout means.
Therefore, it is possible to arrange the entrance at a height that is easy for customers from school children to adults.
Further, since the medal inserted into the depository is immediately counted at high speed by the counting means, the waiting time of the customer can be shortened.
Further, the fake medals are sorted by the medal sorting unit before being held by the medal holding unit and are not held by the medal holding unit.
The medal held in the medal holding means is paid out to the customer.
Therefore, there is an advantage that the fake medal is not paid out to the customer.
Furthermore, since the medals lifted by the lifting means are sorted by the medal sorting means, it is not necessary to sort in conjunction with the counting means, and can be sorted at a relatively low speed.
Therefore, since a relatively inexpensive medal sorting means can be employed, the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus can be manufactured at a low cost.
In the invention of claim 4, the medal holding means arranged at the lower level is lifted by the lifting means to the upper medal payout means.
The false medals are excluded when passing through the medal transport path between the transport means and the medal payout means by the medal selection means for selecting medals, and are not supplied to the payout means.
Therefore, there is an advantage that the fake medal is not paid out to the customer.
Furthermore, since the medals lifted by the lifting means are sorted by the medal sorting means, it is not necessary to sort in conjunction with the counting means, and can be sorted at a relatively low speed.
Therefore, since a relatively inexpensive medal sorting means can be employed, a medal lending machine can be manufactured at a low cost.
In the invention of claim 5, the medal sorting means identifies a pattern on the medal surface.
In other words, the medal surface is imaged and digitally converted, and the authenticity is determined by comparing with the reference data.
Therefore, since the medals can be selected according to the medal pattern of each game hall, there is an advantage that even medals of the same material can be selected if the patterns are different.
In the invention of claim 6, the fake medals selected by the medal selection means are supplied directly or indirectly to the lifting means.
Thus, the fake medal circulates through the medal sorting device.
In this case, there is no need to place a reserved portion for the selected fake medals, and the amount of medals held is not reduced.
In addition, when a medal with a complicated pattern that is difficult to discriminate is used, the discrimination accuracy decreases.
This is because even if a genuine medal that approximates the discrimination criterion is selected as a fake medal in order not to pay the fake medal to the customer.
In this case, the medals determined as fake medals are circulated and sorted again by the sorting means.
The medal is picked up in a good imaging condition while being circulated, is determined as a genuine medal, and there is an advantage that the sorting efficiency is increased.
In the invention of claim 7, when the false medal rate exceeds a predetermined value, a caution signal is output.
This attention signal means that the false medal rate has exceeded a predetermined value.
In other words, the ratio of false medals increases and the payout efficiency of genuine medals decreases.
Therefore, when the attention signal is output, it is possible to artificially or mechanically select the false medals and improve the payout efficiency.
In the invention of claim 8, the medals supplied from the lifting means are sorted one by one by the aligning and supplying device and supplied to the pusher that moves at a predetermined speed.
The medals pushed by the pusher are picked up by the image pickup device while being moved one by one while being guided by the guide.
Thereby, since the medal is actively pushed by the pusher, there is an advantage that the position of the medal and the imaging timing are not shifted.
In the ninth aspect of the present invention, the medal is intermittently fed to the medal sorting means because the medal is being intermittently lifted.
The medal selection means may select medals before the next medal is sent.
Therefore, since the medal sorting means can sort medals at a relatively low speed, a low-priced sorting device can be used.
In the invention of claim 10, medals are intermittently conveyed by buckets attached to an endless circulation body.
Since the intermittent lifting means is constituted by a bucket attached to an endless circulator, the construction is simple and can be manufactured at low cost.

A medal depositing port, a counting unit for counting medals deposited from the depositing port, a lifting unit for lifting the medals counted by the counting unit, and a true of the medals transferred by the lifting unit. The medal selection means for discriminating false and selecting the genuine medal according to the pattern on the medal surface, and the medal selection means for imaging the pusher moving at a predetermined speed and the medal pushed by the pusher An apparatus, an alignment supply device for supplying medals to the pusher one by one, a guide for guiding the medals pushed by the pusher, and a true medal selected by the medal sorting means And a payout means for indirectly supplying the fake medal selected by the selecting means to the lifting means and paying out the medal held by the holding means. A medal deposit payout device having Le sorting device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a medal lending machine having the medal sorting device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the medal sorting device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the medal sorting device according to the first embodiment with a storage bowl removed.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the medal sorting device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows an example in which the present invention is applied to a medal lending machine 102 as a medal processing device 100.
The medal lending machine 102 includes a medal holding means 104, a medal transport means 106, a medal sorting means 108, a fake medal holding means 110, a medal payout means 112, a value medium receiving means 114, and a controller 116 for these constituent means.
The medal lending machine 102 has a function of paying out a predetermined number of medals from the medal paying means 112 according to the value medium received by the value medium receiving means 114.

First, the medal holding means 104 will be described.
The medal holding means 104 has a function of holding a large number of medals M in a stacked state.
In this embodiment, the container is a vertically-oriented cylindrical container, and one or more medal delivery means 118 are arranged at the bottom.
The medal sending means 118 sends a predetermined number of medals to the medal transport means 106 in response to a command from the controller 116.
The medal holding means 104 is provided with a full sensor 119 for detecting the full amount of the medal holding means 104 and an empty sensor 120 for detecting empty, and a full signal and an empty signal from these sensors are transmitted to the controller 116.

Next, the medal transport means 106 will be described.
The medal transport means 106 has a function of transporting the medals sent out by the medal sending means 118 to the medal sorting means 108.
In the present embodiment, the medal transport means 106 includes a lateral transport device 122 and a lifter 124.
The lateral transport device 122 places the medals sent out by the medal sending means 118 and transports them to the lifter 124.
The lifter 124 conveys the received medal M to the medal sorting means 108.
In other words, the lifter 124 is a lifting means 125 that transports medals upward.
The lifter 124 is formed, for example, by connecting a bucket to an endless circulation body at a predetermined interval, and when receiving a medal from the lateral transport device 122, the bucket upper opening remains stationary at a position slightly below the lateral transport device 122. Keep it, and after receiving the medal M, step forward so that the next bucket stops at the same position.
In other words, the lifting means 125 is an intermittent lifting means that intermittently moves.
In addition to the bucket type, the lifter 124 may be a device that continuously conveys medals with a pair of belts therebetween.

Next, the medal selection means 108 will be described.
The medal sorting means 108 has a function of discriminating the authenticity of the medal M and selecting it as a genuine medal and a fake medal.
The medal selection means 108 acquires the medal diameter, material, thickness, front and back patterns, etc. by a sensor and compares them with a reference value to select a true / false medal.
In the present embodiment, the authenticity is determined by capturing an image of the medal table or the back surface with a camera and comparing it with a reference value.

A specific structure of the medal sorting means 108 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The medal sorting means 108 sorts the medals stacked one by one and supplies them to the next process, and the medal image for acquiring the images of the faces of the medals M sorted one by one by the alignment feeding device 132. An acquisition device 120 and a sorting device 138 are included.

First, the alignment supply device 132 will be described.
The alignment supply device 132 has a function of sorting the medals M in a loose state one by one and sending them to the next imaging step.
Therefore, the alignment supply device 132 can be changed to another device having the same function.
The alignment supply device 132 in the present embodiment has a function of sorting the medals M in a loose state one by one and feeding them to the pushing device 134 in the next stroke. And a delivery device 144 located at the bottom.
The storage bowl 142 as a whole has a vertically-oriented cylindrical shape, the upper part is substantially rectangular, has a receiving opening 146 at the upper end, and a circular hole 148 is formed at the lower end.
The holding bowl 142 has a function of holding a large number of medals M in a stacked state, and is detachably attached to the upper surface of a base 158 described later.

Next, the delivery device 144 will be described.
The feeding device 144 has a function of sorting and feeding the medals M held in the holding bowl 142 one by one.
Therefore, the alignment supply device 132 can be changed to another device having the same function.
The delivery device 144 in this embodiment is a rotating disk 156 having a plurality of through holes 154 having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the medal M.
The rotating disk 156 is disposed in a first circular recess 162 formed on the upper surface of the base 158 below the storage bowl 142, and is driven by an electric motor 164 fixed to the base 158 via the speed reducer 166 and the first rotating shaft 168. In FIG. 2, it is rotated clockwise.
The through-hole 154 has a mountain-shaped stirring portion 172 at the center, and is disposed concentrically with the circular hole 148 of the storage bowl 142 in the first circular recess 162 of the storage bowl 142.
The rotating disk 156 has an extrusion protrusion 174 on the back surface of the rib between the through holes 154.
The medal M that has fallen into the through hole 154 is supported by the base surface 176 of the first circular recess 162, and is guided by the peripheral surface 178 of the first circular recess 162, by the extrusion protrusion 174 by the rotation of the through hole 154. It is pushed and moves with the through hole 154.
The moved medal M protrudes from the base surface 176 and is guided in the circumferential direction of the first circular recess 162 by the restriction pins 179 and 180 positioned on the moving path of the medal M.
The medals M guided in the circumferential direction pass through the anti-return device 182 and are sent one by one to the pushing device 134 through the communication path 184.

The return prevention device 182 is disposed adjacent to the first circular recess 162 and has a function of preventing the sent-out medal M from being returned to the sending device 144 side.
Therefore, the return prevention device 182 can be replaced with another device having a similar function, and can be omitted if not necessary.
In this embodiment, the return prevention device 182 includes a fixed roller 184 and a moving roller 186.
The moving roller 186 is elastically biased so as to approach the fixed roller 184 by a spring (not shown).
In a standby state where the medal M does not pass, the interval between the fixed roller 184 and the moving roller 186 is held at an interval narrower than the diameter of the medal M.
When the medal M passes, the moving roller 186 is moved by the medal M, and after the diameter portion of the medal M passes, it is elastically returned to the standby state by the spring.
Therefore, when the medal M is returned to the feeding device 144 side, the moving roller 186 must be moved against the elastic force, and thus the return movement is restricted.

Next, the medal image acquisition device 120 will be described.
The medal image acquisition device 120 has a function of acquiring an image of the face of the medal M, and includes a pushing device 134 that pushes the medal, and an imaging device 136 that takes an image of the medal pushed by the pushing device 134. It is out.

Next, the pushing device 134 will be described.
The pushing device 134 has a function of actively pushing the medals M sent one by one from the sending device 144 one by one in a predetermined direction.
Therefore, the pushing device 134 can be changed to another device having a similar function.
In this embodiment, the pushing device 134 includes a pushing body 192 and a guide body 194.
First, the pusher 192 will be described.
The pusher 192 has a function of moving in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed and forcibly pushing the medals M sent out one by one from the alignment supply device 132 one by one.
In this embodiment, the pusher 192 is the front end in the rotation direction of the three propeller-like pusher blades 198A, 198B, and 198C formed on the rotor 196.
The rotating body 196 is fixed to the tip of the rotating shaft 202.
The rotary shaft 202 is rotationally driven from the reduction gear 166 of the rotary disk 156 via the transmission device 204 so as to rotate in the clockwise direction in FIGS.
These pushing blades 198A, 198B, and 198C are arranged so as not to be positioned above the upper surface of the medal M.
In the present embodiment, the pushing blades 198A, 198B, and 198C achieve this condition by making the thickness of the medal M thinner.
The reason for this is to prevent light from the light emitting device 224, which will be described later, from being blocked by the pushing blades 198A, 198B, and 198C so that the surface of the medal M is not shaded.

Next, the guide body 194 will be described.
The guide body 194 has a function of guiding the medal M pushed by the push body 192 in a predetermined direction.
Therefore, it can be changed to another device having the same function.
In this embodiment, the guide body 194 is a partial peripheral surface 208 of the pusher circular concave portion 206 having a substantially circular concave shape.
The pusher bottom surface 212 of the pusher circular recess 206 is formed flush with the base surface 176 of the first circular recess 162 and is connected via the communication path 184.
The rotating body 196 is disposed concentrically with the pusher circular recess 206 and is rotated in the clockwise direction in FIGS.
As a result, the medal M that has passed through the return prevention device 182 is immediately pushed by the pusher 192 and is turned about 90 degrees while being guided by the arc-shaped peripheral surface 208 of the guide 194 while sliding on the pusher bottom surface 212. After that, it is sent out from the outlet 214.
A path along which the medal M is moved by being pushed by the pusher 192 is an imaging path 216, and the imaging device 136 is arranged facing the imaging path 216.

Next, the imaging device 136 will be described.
The imaging device 136 has a function of capturing an image of the medal M moving on the imaging path 216 and acquiring image information.
Therefore, the imaging device 136 can be changed to another device having the same function.
In the present embodiment, the imaging device 136 is fixed to a bracket 218 fixed to the base 158 so that the position can be adjusted, and is arranged so as to image the upper surface of the medal M that slides on the bottom surface 212 of the pusher.
However, the imaging device 136 can also be arranged to image the lower surface of the medal M.
The imaging device 136 includes at least a camera 222 and a light emitting device 224.

Next, the camera 222 will be described.
The camera 222 has a function of capturing an image of the face of the medal M facing and acquiring image information of a pattern on the face.
In this embodiment, the camera 222 is, for example, a CCD camera, and there are a method using a shutter and a method not using a shutter, but any method can be used as long as a medal M moving at high speed can be imaged.

Next, the light emitting device 224 will be described.
The light emitting device 224 has a function of projecting light intensively on the medal M.
Since the light-emitting device 224 images a large number of medals M that move at high speed, it is required to have high luminance and high durability.

Next, the timing sensor 230 of the imaging device 136 will be described.
The timing sensor 230 has a function of outputting a timing signal for setting at least the imaging timing of the camera 222 and the light emission timing of the light emitting device 224 in conjunction with the moving medal M.
Therefore, the timing sensor 230 can be changed to another device having a similar function.
In this embodiment, the timing sensor 230 outputs a timing signal by indirectly detecting the position of the pusher 192, but directly detects the position of the pusher 192, for example, the pusher blades 198A, 198B, 198C. The timing signal may be output by directly detecting the position of.
The timing sensor 230 of the present embodiment includes three action pieces 232, 234, 236 fixed to the rotary shaft 202 in the base 158 corresponding to the pushing blades 198A, 198B, 198C, and a sensor 238 for detecting these action pieces. Contains.
The sensor 238 is disposed relative to the rotation path of the action pieces 232, 234, and 236 and is fixed to the base 158.
The sensor 238 is, for example, a transmissive photoelectric sensor including a projector and a light receiver, and outputs a timing signal TS when light from the projector is blocked by the tips of the action pieces 232, 234, and 236.
The position where the sensor 238 is disposed is a position immediately before a position suitable for imaging the surface of the medal M by the imaging device 136.
The light from the projector of the sensor 238 is blocked by one of the action pieces 232, 234, 236 at the position, and the sensor 238 outputs a timing signal TS by this blocking.
The light emitting device 224 emits light after the timing signal TS is delayed by a predetermined time by an adjusting unit 240 described later.
This light emission timing is a timing suitable for imaging the entire surface of the medal M pushed by the pusher 192.
Note that the timing sensor 230 preferably has a high resolution so that the light emission of the light emitting device 224 can be finely adjusted.
The camera 222 performs an imaging process in synchronization with the light emission of the light emitting device 224.

Next, the image information discriminating device 242 will be described with reference to FIG.
The determination device 242 has a function of converting an image captured by the image capturing device 136 into digital image information and comparing the image information with reference image information to determine whether the image is a genuine medal or a fake medal.
Therefore, the discriminating device 242 can be changed to other means having the same function.
In this embodiment, the discrimination device 242 compares the image information from the image information device 244 that converts the image acquired from the imaging device 136 into image information, and the reference image information stored in the reference image information device 246. The comparator 248 includes a discriminator 250 that discriminates the authenticity of the medal M based on the signal from the comparator 248 and outputs a genuine medal signal or a fake medal signal.

Next, the distribution device 138 will be described.
The distribution device 138 has a function of distributing the medal M sent from the outlet 214 of the medal image acquisition device 120 into a genuine medal and a fake medal based on the determination result of the discriminator 250.
The distribution device 138 is disposed adjacent to the outlet 214, is fixed to the base 158, and includes a rectangular box-shaped frame 254, a deflecting body 256, and an actuator 258.

Next, the frame 254 will be described.
The frame 254 defines a passage for the medal M and has components attached thereto.
The frame 254 forms a right angle to the distribution passage 260 formed on the extension of the outlet 214, the genuine medal outlet 262 formed at the end of the distribution passage 260, and the distribution passage 260, and downward. A false medal passage 264 that extends and a false medal exit 266 at the lower end of the false medal passage 264 are provided.

Next, the deflecting body 256 will be described.
The deflecting body 256 has a function of distributing the medal M sent out from the outlet 214 to the genuine medal outlet 262 or the fake medal passage 264.
Therefore, the deflecting body 256 can be changed to another device having a similar function.
In this embodiment, the deflecting body 256 is plate-shaped and is disposed in the distribution passage 260, and is fixed to a swing shaft 268 whose end on the genuine medal outlet 262 side is pivotally supported by the frame 254. Has been.
The output shaft of the actuator 258 is fixed to the end of the swing shaft 268 that protrudes outward from the frame 254.

The swing shaft 268 is disposed below the tip of the deflecting body 256 so that the upper surface of the deflecting body 256 has substantially the same inclination as the inclined surface 270 connected to the moving body bottom surface 212 immediately before the outlet 214.
That is, the inclined surface 270 immediately before the outlet 214 is formed to be inclined downward toward the outlet 214 with respect to the horizontal plane including the pusher bottom surface 212 of the imaging path 216.
The upper surface of the deflecting body 256 is disposed so as to be located on the extension of the downward inclined surface 270.
Normally, the tip of the deflecting body 256 is disposed on the extended line of the inclined surface 270 or slightly downward from the extended line, and in this specification, including both of these states, expressing.
This flush position is the standby position SP of the deflecting body 256.

The medal M sent out at a high speed toward the exit 214 by the pusher 192 is guided to the pusher bottom surface 212 by the inertial force and travels substantially horizontally.
Therefore, the medal M advances to the sorting passage 260 without being guided by the inclined surface 270.
Since the tip of the deflecting body 256 is disposed on the extended line of the inclined surface 270 or slightly below, it does not collide with the medal M that moves at high speed.
Therefore, damage to the tip of the deflecting body 256 due to the collision of the genuine medal M can be prevented.
The deflecting body 256 can move to the deflecting position DP indicated by a broken line by the counterclockwise rotation of the swing shaft 268 in FIG.
When the deflecting body 256 is positioned at the deflecting position DP, the medal M protrudes obliquely into the distribution passage 260 where the medal M moves, the medal M collides with the deflecting body 256 and is turned downward, and the false medal passage 264 Guided.
Note that the distribution of genuine medals and fake medals can be reversed from the above description.
In other words, the genuine medal exit 262 can be a false medal exit, and the false medal exit 266 can be a genuine medal exit.

Next, the actuator 258 will be described.
The actuator 258 is a rotary solenoid 272, for example, and is fixed to the frame 254.
When the rotary solenoid 272 is not excited, the rotary solenoid 272 is rotated by a built-in spring and holds the deflecting body 256 at the standby position SP via the swing shaft 268.
When the rotary solenoid 272 is excited, the deflecting body 256 is moved to the deflecting position DP.
The rotary solenoid 272 is excited by the distribution controller 244 based on the false medal signal from the discriminator 250 and the timing signal TS from the timing sensor 230, and moves the deflecting body 256 to the deflecting position DP. The magnet is demagnetized after a predetermined time, and the deflector 256 is returned to the standby position SP.
When the false medal signal continues, it is preferable that the rotary solenoid 272 is not demagnetized and the deflected position 256 is continued to the deflected body 256.
This is in order to prevent a problem due to a shift in the movement timing of the deflector 256 due to repeated deenergization.

Next, the fake medal holding means 110 will be described.
The fake medal holding means 110 has a function of holding the fake medals selected by the medal sorting means 108.
Therefore, a container, a bag, or the like incorporated in the medal lending machine 102 can be used.
Note that the fake medal selected by the medal sorting means 108 can be returned to the medal holding means 104 without arranging the false medal holding means 110.

Next, the medal payout means 112 will be described.
The medal payout means 112 has a function of paying out a predetermined number of medals M based on an instruction from the controller 116.
In the first embodiment, the medal payout means 112 includes a medal sub-hold device 282 and a medal payout device 284.

First, the medal sub-holding device 282 will be described.
The medal sub-holding device 282 has a function of holding the genuine medals M from the medal sorting means 108 in a stacked state, and is, for example, a cylindrical body disposed above the medal payout device 284.
The medal sub-holding device 282 is provided with a full sensor 286 and an empty sensor 288.
The full sensor 286 transmits a full signal to the controller 116 when the medal holding amount of the medal sub-holding device 282 becomes full.
The empty sensor 288 transmits an empty signal to the controller 116 when the medal holding amount of the medal sub-holding device 282 approaches empty.

Next, the medal payout device 284 will be described.
The medal payout device 284 has a function of paying out genuine medals M held in the medal sub-holding device 282 one by one.
As the medal payout device 284, for example, a so-called coin hopper, which is detected by the sensor 290 each time the medals M are paid out one by one, can be used.
The medal lending machine 102 includes display means 292 such as a liquid crystal device as a human interface.

Next, the operation of the medal lending machine 102 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step ST1, it is determined whether or not the holding amount of the medal holding means 104 is empty.
That is, when the empty signal is output from the empty sensor 120, the medal holding amount of the medal holding means 104 is empty, and the process proceeds to step ST2.

In step ST2, a display for prompting replenishment of medals is displayed on the display 292, and the process returns to step ST1.
If there is no empty signal from the empty sensor 120 in step ST1, the process proceeds to step ST3.

In step ST3, when the full signal is received from the full sensor 286 of the medal sub-holding means 282, the process returns to step ST1.
This is because the medal sub-holding means 282 is further supplied with the medal M to avoid the overflow of the medal sub-holding means 282.
If a full signal has not been received from the full sensor 286 in step ST3, the process proceeds to step ST4.
In other words, when the medal sub-holding means 282 is not full, the medal M is supplied from the medal holding means 104 to the medal sub-holding means 282.

  In step ST4, the medal sending means 118 is operated, and after a predetermined number of medals M are sent to the lateral transport device 122, the process proceeds to step ST5.

In step ST5, the lateral transport device 122 is operated for a predetermined time, and the sent-out medal M is sent to the lifter 124. Then, the process proceeds to step ST6.
In the lifter 124, for example, buckets (not shown) are continuously arranged at a predetermined interval, so that all the medals M on the lateral transport device 122 are fed into the bucket.

In step ST6, the lifter 124 is actuated for a predetermined time, the next bucket is moved to a position for receiving a medal from the lateral transport device 122, stops, and then proceeds to step ST7.
As a result, one of the buckets connected in series is rolled, and the medal M in the bucket is supplied to the holding bowl 142 of the medal sorting means 108.

In step ST7, the medal selection means 108 is activated for a predetermined time, and the process proceeds to step ST8.
This predetermined time is sufficient to process the number of medals supplied from the bucket of the lifter 124.
When the medal sorting means 108 is activated, the electric motor 164 is actuated and the imaging device 136 is also set in a standby state.
The first rotating shaft 168 is rotated by the rotation of the electric motor 164 via the speed reducer 166, whereby the rotating disk 156 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG.
At the same time, the second rotating shaft 202 and thus the rotating body 196 is rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG.

Due to the rotation of the rotating disk 156, the medal M in the storage bowl 142 is agitated by the agitating unit 172 and the like, and the medal M falls into the through hole 154.
The dropped medal M is pushed by the pushing protrusion 174 while rotating with the rotating disk 156 in the clockwise direction while the lower surface is guided by the base surface 176 and the circumferential surface is guided by the inner circumferential surface of the first circular recess 162.

In this rotation process, the medal M is guided in the circumferential direction of the rotary disk 156 by the restriction pins 179 and 180.
The medal M guided in the circumferential direction moves the moving roller 186 and passes through the return prevention device 182.
The medal M that has passed through the return prevention device 182 passes through the communication path 184 and reaches the rotation path 212 of the pushing blades 198A, 198B, and 198C.
The medal M that has reached the rotation path 212 is immediately pushed by the pusher 192 that is the front end of any of the pusher blades 198A, 198B, and 198C, and is guided by the peripheral surface 208 of the pusher circular recess 206. The arcuate imaging path 216 is moved.

In this movement process, one of the action pieces 232, 234, and 236 that rotate together with the pusher 192 immediately before the medal M reaches the imaging position of the imaging device 136 blocks the light of the sensor 238. Outputs timing signal TS.
This timing signal TS outputs a light emission signal to the light emitting device 224 of the imaging device 136 with a slight delay of a predetermined time adjusted by the adjusting means 240, and outputs an imaging signal to the camera 222.

Thereby, when the medal M reaches the imaging position of the camera 222, the light emitting device 224 emits light, and the medal M is instantaneously irradiated with intense light, and the camera 222 performs an imaging process.
The image acquired by the camera 222 is converted into predetermined image information by the image information unit 244 and output to the comparator 248.
This image information is compared in a comparator 248 with reference image information representing a genuine medal from the reference image information device 246.
The output of the comparator 248 is discriminated in the discriminator 250, and the discriminator 250 outputs a genuine medal signal or a fake medal signal.

As described above, the medal M is detected by the timing sensor 230 that indirectly or directly detects the position of the pusher 192 while the medal M is actively pushed by the pusher 192. The light emitting device 224 is caused to emit light based on the timing signal TS, and the camera 222 performs imaging processing.
Therefore, since there is no deviation between the position of the medal M, the light emission timing of the light emitting device 224, and the imaging processing of the camera 222, it is possible to reliably capture images for each medal M.
The medal M that has passed through the imaging device 136 is turned about 90 degrees in the arcuate path of the imaging path 216, and then sent out from the outlet 214.

Note that the pusher 192 can be formed in a linear motion body without being formed in the rotary body 196.
However, by forming the rotating body 196, other devices can be arranged around the imaging path 216, so that there is an advantage that the entire device can be reduced in size.

When the discrimination signal of the discriminator 250 is a genuine medal signal, the rotary solenoid 272 is not excited and is held at the standby position SP indicated by the solid line in FIG.
Since the medal M pushed by the pusher 192 is high-speed, the medal M is guided to the pusher bottom face 212 and proceeds to the distribution path 260 from the outlet 214 in a substantially horizontal state, jumps out from the genuine medal outlet 262, Guided by the holding device 282 and put on hold.

When the false medal signal is output from the discriminator 250, the rotary solenoid 272 is excited based on the timing signal TS from the timing sensor 230, and the deviation shown by the broken line in FIG. 5 before the false medal reaches the distribution path 260. The deflecting body 256 is moved to the set position DP.
As a result, the false medal collides with the lower surface of the deflecting body 256 and is bent downward, and is held in the false medal holding means 110 through the false medal passage 264 and the false medal exit 266.
When the next medal M is a genuine medal, the rotary solenoid 272 is demagnetized after a predetermined time and is returned by the built-in spring and returned to the standby position SP indicated by a solid line in FIG.
Accordingly, the genuine medal jumps out from the genuine medal exit 262 without colliding with the deflecting body 256 and is then held by the medal sub-holding device 282.

  In step ST8, it is determined whether the empty sensor 288 is outputting an empty signal. If not, the process proceeds to step ST9.

  In step ST9, the speeds of the lateral conveyance device 122 and the lifter 124 are set to the standard speed, and then the process returns to step ST1.

In step ST8, if the empty sensor 288 outputs an empty signal, the process proceeds to step ST10.
In step ST10, the speeds of the lateral transport device 122 and the lifter 124 are set to increase, and then the process returns to step ST1.
As a result, the medal conveyance means 106 can be increased in speed, and the medal supply to the medal payout means 112 can be quickly performed.

As described above, according to this configuration, since the selection of medals is performed independently of the medal counting and the like, the medals can be selected at a relatively low speed.
Even if a fake medal is mixed in the medal M held in the medal holding means 104, the fake medal is sorted by the medal sorting means 108, and only the genuine medal is supplied to the medal payout means 112. There is an advantage that only genuine medals can be paid out to customers.

Next, the operation at the time of lending medal M will be described.
When the customer inserts a value medium into the value medium receiving means 114, the value amount of the received medium is displayed on the display 292, and the number of medals that can be lent is displayed.
The customer inputs the number within the number of medals that can be lent from the keyboard or the like.
For example, if the lentable number is 1000, 500 is entered.
When the controller 116 receives 500 loaned numbers, it outputs a payout instruction signal for 500 medals M to the medal payout means 112, and thus to the medal payout device 284.
As a result, the medal payout device 284 is activated, pays out the medals M in the medal sub-holding means 282 one by one to a predetermined position, and stops when the signal from the sensor 290 reaches 500.
Accordingly, since only the genuine medal M is held in the medal sub-holding device 282, only the genuine medal M is paid out to the customer.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus having the medal sorting apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a front view of the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus having the medal sorting apparatus according to the second embodiment with the upper door and the lower door opened.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lifter unit of the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus having the medal sorting apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a display guide for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

The second embodiment is an example in which a medal sorting unit is used in the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus 300 as the medal processing apparatus 100.
The medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment includes an outline, a housing 302, a medal depositing unit 304, a human interface unit 306, an authentication unit 308, a medal holding unit 312, a conveying unit 314, a medal sorting unit 316, and a medal dispensing unit 318. , A medal receiving means 320 and a control device 324 are included.
However, the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus 300 may include at least the medal depositing means 304, the human interface means 306, the medal holding means 312, the transport means 314, the medal sorting means 316, and the medal payout means 318.

First, the housing 302 will be described.
The housing 302 has a box shape and can be opened and closed by a front upper door 322 and a front lower door 324.
The front upper door 322 is attached to the housing 302 so as to be pivotable by a hinge disposed at the upper end.
The front lower door 324 is attached to the housing 302 so as to be pivotable by a hinge arranged at the left end.

Next, the human interface means 306 will be described.
The human interface means 306 is a display 326 with a touch panel attached to the front upper door 322.

The display 326 with a touch panel will be described.
The display 326 with a touch panel also serves as a guide display device for the customer of the medal deposit / withdrawal device 300 and an input device by the customer.
Accordingly, the guide display device and the input device can be provided separately.
Of course, not only the customer but also the setting and management function for managing the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus 300 and the setting and confirmation function for maintenance, etc. can be shared.

Next, the medal depositing means 304 will be described.
The medal depositing unit 304 has a function of receiving a medal deposited by the customer and performing a predetermined process.
The predetermined process is a process of accepting at least a medal deposited by the customer.
In this embodiment, the medal depositing means 304 includes a medal deposit entrance 328 and a medal counter 332.
Therefore, the medal depositing means 304 has a function of receiving a medal inserted by the customer into the medal depositing entrance 328 and counting the received medal at a high speed by the medal counter 332.

The medal deposit door 328 will be described.
The medal depositing entrance 328 has a function of accepting a medal to be deposited by a customer and guiding it to the medal counting machine 332.
The medal depositing entrance 328 is at the center of the front surface of the medal depositing / dispensing device 300 and opens substantially horizontally on the front-declining slope 334 near the average waist height position of the customer.

Next, the medal counting machine 332 will be described.
The medal counter 332 has a function of receiving medals inserted into the medal deposit entrance 328, counting the number thereof at high speed, and outputting the count value to the control device 324.
The medal counter 332 preferably has a processing capacity of about 2000 or more per minute.
Further, the medal counter 332 preferably has a function for excluding medals that are out of specification in diameter, thickness, and material, but it is only necessary to have a function for excluding medals out of specification in diameter and thickness. .

Next, the authentication device 308 will be described.
The authentication device 308 has a function for confirming that the customer who deposits or pays out medals in the medal deposit / withdrawal device 300 is the person himself / herself.
In this embodiment, the authentication device 308 uses a palm vein authentication device.
However, the authentication device 308 can employ various systems for identity verification such as fingerprints, palm prints, eyes, and face authentication.

Next, the container supply means 342 will be described.
The container supply means 342 has a function of automatically supplying a container CUP into which the medal M paid out from the medal payout device 374 is inserted.
The container supply means 342 includes a container insertion port 344, a container automatic supply device 346, a container holding device 348, and a container take-out device 350.

The container inlet 344 will be described.
The container insertion port 344 is an upper end of a cylindrical guide 352 that is juxtaposed adjacent to the medal depositing entrance 328 and fixed to the front-falling slope 334.
The container insertion port 344 is slightly larger than the maximum diameter over the entire length of the container CUP to be used, and is the upper end of a tapered guide hole that narrows downward from above.
Below the cylindrical guide 352, a container storage device 348 and an automatic container supply device 346 are vertically stacked.

Next, the automatic container supply device 346 will be described.
The automatic container supply device 346 has a function of automatically supplying one bucket-type medal storage container for storing medals one by one to the container take-out device 350 based on the supply signal.
The automatic container supply device 346 sorts the lowest container among the containers loaded from the container loading port 344 and stacked on the container holding device 348 and drops it to the container take-out device 350.
The container CUP dropped by the automatic container supply device 346 falls freely and is held by a holding device (not shown) attached to the container take-out device 350.

Next, the container take-out device 350 will be described.
The container removal device 350 has a function of paying out medals to the container CUP supplied by the automatic container supply device 346.
In the container take-out device 350, the container CUP dropped from the automatic container supply device 346 is held at a predetermined position by the holding device, and the medal paid out from the medal payout device 318 is supplied to the container CUP.
The container CUP from which the medals are paid out is taken out from the container outlet 354 of the front lower door 324.

Next, the medal holding means 312 will be described.
The medal holding means 312 has a function of holding a medal dropped from the exit of the medal counter 332 and paying out a predetermined number of held medals according to an instruction from the control device 324.
The medal holding means 312 includes a cylindrical holding device 362 and a payout device 364.
When the full signal from the full sensor 375 of the medal payout means 318 is not output, the payout device 364 receives a payout command from the control device 324, and pays a predetermined number, for example, 20 medals on the lateral transport device 366 at a predetermined timing. put out.
The holding device 362 includes an empty sensor 360.

Next, the conveying means 314 will be described.
The transport unit 314 has a function of transporting the medals sent from the medal holding unit 312 to the medal sorting unit 316.
In this embodiment, the transport means 314 includes a lateral transport device 366 and a lifter 368.

The lateral transfer device 366 will be described.
The lateral transfer device 366 has a function of delivering medals paid out from the payout device 364 to the lifter 368.
The lateral transfer device 366 is, for example, a belt that is disposed substantially horizontally, and is activated when the medal payout of the payout device 364 is started, and is stopped after a sufficient time has passed to pass the medal paid out to the lifter 368.
Next, a predetermined number of medals are again paid out from the payout device 364, the lateral transport device 366 is operated for a predetermined time, and the medals paid out to the lifter 368 are delivered.
The lateral transfer device 366 is attached to the side wall of the medal holding means 312 and integrated.

Next, the lifter 368 will be described.
The lifter 368 has a function of conveying medals received from the lateral conveying device 366 to the holding bowl 142 of the upper medal sorting means 316.
In this embodiment, buckets 372 are arranged at predetermined intervals, and medals dropped from the lateral transport device 366 are received by the bucket 372, and then moved upward until the next bucket 372 reaches a receiving position from the lateral transport device 366. Then stop.
When the bucket 372 reaches a predetermined position of the opening of the holding bowl 142 of the medal sorting device 316, the bucket 372 is tilted downward, and the medal in the bucket 372 is slid down into the holding bowl 142.

Next, the medal selection means 316 will be described.
The medal sorting means 316 has a function of discriminating the authenticity of the medals and selecting them as genuine medals and fake medals.
Since this embodiment employs medal sorting means similar to that of the first embodiment, the apparatus of the first embodiment is used and detailed description thereof is omitted.
A false medal that has fallen from the false medal exit 266 is held in the false medal hold box 398.

Next, the medal payout means 318 will be described.
The medal payout means 318 has a function of holding the genuine medal received from the medal sorting means 316 and paying out a predetermined number of the held medals based on a command from the control device 324.
The medal payout means 318 includes a payout medal holding device 372 and a medal payout device 374.

The payout medal holding device 372 will be described.
The payout medal holding device 372 holds the genuine medals received from the medal sorting device 316 in a stacked state.
Specifically, the horizontal cross section has a rectangular cylindrical shape, and the lower part thereof is connected to the upper end of the medal payout device 374.
A light transmission type full sensor 375 is attached to a predetermined position on the side wall of the payout medal holding device 372.
Until the full signal is output from the full sensor 375, the stepping movements of the payout device 364, the lateral conveyance device 366, and the lifter 368 are repeated at a predetermined timing so that a predetermined amount of medals are held in the payout medal holding device 372. It is.
When the empty sensor 377 of the payout medal holding device 372 outputs an empty signal, the transport speed of the lateral transport device 366 and the lifter 368 is increased to a predetermined speed, and the number of transported sheets per predetermined time is increased.

Next, the medal payout device 374 will be described.
The medal payout device 374 classifies medals held in the payout medal holding device 372 one by one and pays them out to the vertical medal chute 376 while counting.
The medal guided by the medal chute 376 is further guided by the medal chute and supplied to the container CUP located in the container removing device 350.
The medal payout device 374 is stopped when a predetermined number of medals are paid out.
As the medal payout device 374, for example, a so-called coin hopper disclosed in Utility Model Registration No. 2538531 is used.
The medal payout device 374 has a payout sensor 378 that outputs a detection signal every time a medal is paid out.
Further, in order to quickly pay out medals, the medal payout device 374 can be configured by a plurality of coin hoppers.

Next, the control device 324 will be described.
The control device 324 inputs signals from the display 326 with a touch panel, the authentication device 308, and the payout sensor 378 of the medal payout device 374, performs a predetermined calculation, performs a predetermined display on the display 326 with a touch panel, and automatically supplies containers. The device 346 is operated to drop the containers CUP one by one, and the medal payout device 374, the lateral transport device 366 and the lifter 368 are operated at a predetermined timing, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out from the medal payout device 374. Let it be done.
The control device 324 is, for example, a microprocessor.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11 and the screen display of FIG.
The display 326 with a touch panel of the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus 300 usually displays predetermined information such as introduction of a game field or an event.
First, when the customer approaches the front of the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus 300, it is detected by a human body sensor (not shown), and an initial screen (Fig. 12 (A) including a medal deposit button 380 and a medal payout button 382 on the touch panel display 326 is displayed. )) Is displayed.

In conjunction with this, the control program starts processing in the control device 324.
That is, it is determined whether or not the deposit button 380 is pressed in step S1.
If not, the process proceeds to step S2 to determine whether the payout button 382 has been pressed.
If not, the process returns to step S1 and loops through steps S1 and S2.

When the customer deposits a medal, the customer presses the deposit button 380.
As a result, a signal indicating that the deposit button 380 has been pressed is output from the display 326 with a touch panel, and thus the process proceeds to step SK1 and the card insertion guide screen shown in FIG.

In step SK2, when the customer inserts the ID card into the insertion slot (not shown), the card read / write device (not shown) takes in the ID card, and in step SK3 reads the ID information stored in the ID card. The corresponding biometric information is searched, and the process proceeds to step SK4.

In step SK4, the biometric authentication guide shown in FIG. 12C is displayed on the display 326 with the touch panel, and then the process proceeds to step SK5.

If the customer holds the palm of his right hand over the biometric authentication means 308 in step SK5, the biometric authentication means 308 automatically acquires data relating to the palm vein in step SK6, and proceeds to step SK7.

If the authentication data is not acquired in step SK6, the process returns to step SK4, and the biometric authentication guide screen is displayed again on the touch panel display 326 to prompt the user to hold the palm over the biometric authentication means 308.
In step SK7, the registered data searched in advance and the authentication data acquired this time are compared, and if they match, the process proceeds to step SK9.
If the comparison data does not match in step SK7, the process proceeds to step SK8, displays that it does not match the display with touch panel 326, and then returns to step SK4.

In step SK9, as shown in FIG. 12 (D), a medal depositing guide 328 guide, the current number of deposits, and a count start button 384 are displayed on the display 326 with a touch panel, and the process proceeds to step SK10.

If the count start button 384 is pressed in step SK10, the process proceeds to step SK11.

In step SK11, the medal counter 332 is activated and the deposited medals are counted.
The medal counter 332 of the present embodiment counts medals having a normal diameter and thickness and outputs them to the control device 324, and non-standard medals are excluded in a reject box (not shown).

Next, the process proceeds to step SK12, and a guide for prompting the container to be loaded into the container loading port 344 of the container CUP is displayed as shown in FIG. 12 (E), and then the process proceeds to step SK13.

In step SK13, if there is a past number of deposits on the display 326 with the touch panel as shown in FIG. 12 (F), the total number of the past deposits and the number of deposits this time is displayed and the re-insert button 386 and deposit Button 388 is displayed, and the flow proceeds to step SK14.

In step SK14, if the re-insert button 386 is pressed, the process returns to step SK9, and if not, the process proceeds to step SK15.

If the deposit button 388 is pressed in step SK15, the process proceeds to step SK16, the number of deposits for the corresponding ID is rewritten, and the process proceeds to step SK17.
If deposit button 388 is not pressed, the process returns to step SK14.

In step SK17, an end button 390 is displayed on the display 326 with a touch panel as shown in FIG. 12 (G).

If the end button 390 is pressed in step SK17, the process proceeds to step SK19, the ID card is returned to the customer from the insertion slot of the card read / write device, and the process ends.
When the processing is completed, a guide for introducing the game field and the like is displayed on the display 326 with the touch panel.

Next, a case where the payout button 382 is pressed in step S2, that is, a case where a medal is paid out will be described.
When the payout button 382 is pressed, the process proceeds to step SD1, and after the ID card insertion guide shown in FIG. 12B is displayed on the display 326 with the touch panel, the process proceeds to step SD2.

If the ID card is inserted into the card slot in step SD2, proceed to step SD3, read the ID information from the ID card, then proceed to step SD4, and the palm authentication screen shown in FIG. This is displayed on the display 326.

In step SD5, when the customer holds his palm over authentication means 308, the authentication information is automatically acquired, and the process proceeds to step SD6.
If the customer does not hold his palm over the authentication means 308, authentication data cannot be acquired, so the process returns to step SD4 and returns to the biometric authentication screen.

If it is determined in step SD6 that biometric data exists, the process proceeds to step SD7.

In step SD7, the data is compared with the data based on the registered ID. If they do not match, the process proceeds to step SD8 to display an error on the display with touch panel 326 and then returns to SD4.
If the biometric authentication information matches in step SD7, the process proceeds to step SD9.

In step SD9, as shown in FIG. 12 (H), the number of deposits at the present time is displayed, and the payout instruction number display unit 392, the ten key 394 for inputting the number of payouts, and the payout start button 396 are displayed. Proceed to SD10.

If the payout number is input from the numeric keypad 394 in step SD10, the process proceeds to step SD11.

If the payout start button 396 is not pressed in step SD11, the process returns to step SD9, and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step SD12.

In step SD12, it is determined whether there is a near empty signal from a cup near empty sensor (not shown). If there is no near empty signal, the process proceeds to step SD13.

In step SD13, it is determined whether the number of payout instructions is within the number of deposits. If the number is out of the range, the process proceeds to step SD14.

In step SD14, the out-of-deposit range display is performed on the touch panel display 326, and then the process returns to step SD9.
If it is within the range, the process proceeds to step SD15, and the automatic container supply device 346 is operated to supply the lowest container CUP of the container storage device 348 to the container removal device 350.
That is, since only the lowermost container is dropped by the automatic container feeder 346, the dropped container CUP falls to a predetermined position of the container outlet 354.

Next, proceeding to step SD16, the presence signal of the container CUP from the container detection device (not shown) is determined.
If there is no container presence signal, the process proceeds to step SD17 to display an error and stop all processing.

In step SD12, when near empty of the container CUP is detected, the process proceeds to step SD18, and as shown in FIG. 12 (E), the container charging port 344 is urged to proceed to step SD16.
As a result, the customer inputs an empty container placed near the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus 300 from the container insertion port 344.
Therefore, when the near empty signal is output from the near empty sensor, the container automatic supply device 346 is not activated.

If there is a container CUP in step SD16, the process proceeds to step SD19 to operate the medal payout device 374.
Thereby, the medal payout device 374 sorts medals one by one and pays them out to the medal chute 376.

The medal that has fallen on the medal chute 376 is guided by the medal chute 376 and falls into the container CUP located in the container take-out device 350.
In parallel with the medal payout, a detection signal output every time a medal is paid out from the payout sensor 378 mounted on the medal payout device 374 is counted to indirectly detect the medal storage amount in the container CUP.

Next, in step SD20, the count value is compared with the number of payout instructions. If the count value is less than the number of instructions, the payout is continued.
In step SD20, if the count matches the number of payout instructions, the process proceeds to step SD21, the medal payout device 374 is stopped, and the payout process is ended.

Next, the selection of fake medals will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when the full sensor 358 of the medal holding means 312 outputs a full signal in step ST1, the process proceeds to step ST2, the full display is performed on the display 326 with the touch panel, and the process returns to step ST1.
If the full sensor does not output a full signal in step ST1, the process proceeds to step ST3.

In step ST3, it is determined whether the full sensor 375 of the payout medal holding device 372 outputs a full signal, and if a full signal is output and entered, the process returns to step ST1, and if the full sensor 375 does not output a full signal, step Proceed to ST4.
This is because if the payout medal holding device 372 is further replenished with medals, it overflows from the payout medal hold device 372 and causes a problem.

In step ST4, the payout device 364 of the medal holding means 312 is operated to pay out a predetermined number of medals M to the horizontal transport device 366, and then the process proceeds to step ST6.
The paid-out medals M are fed into the bucket 372 of the lifter 368 by the lateral conveying device 366 activated in conjunction with the activation of the dispensing device 364.

In step ST6, after the operations of the payout device 364 and the lateral transport device 366 are stopped, the lifter 368 is stepped, and the next bucket 372 is moved to a position for receiving the medal M from the lateral transport device 366. Proceed to step ST7.
By this step, the bucket 372 immediately above the holding bowl 142 of the medal sorting means 316 performs a replenishment movement, and the medal M in the bucket 372 falls into the holding bowl 142.

Next, in step ST7, the medal sorting means 316 is activated, and the authenticity of the medal M is determined in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and then the process proceeds to step ST8.
The false medal is held in the false medal holding device 398, and the genuine medal M is sent to the payout medal holding device 372.
Therefore, only the genuine medal M is held in the payout medal holding device 372.

If the empty sensor 360 does not output an empty signal in step ST8, the process returns to step ST1 via step ST9.
Thus, the above-described operation is repeated until the full sensor 375 outputs a full signal of the medal M, and the medal M is intermittently replenished to the payout medal holding device 372.

When the empty signal is output in step ST9, the process proceeds to step ST10, the speed increase command is output, and the process returns to step ST1.
As a result, the operating speeds of the medal payout device 364, the lateral transport device 366, the lifter 368, and the medal sorting means 316 are increased, and the supply capability of the genuine medal M per unit time is improved.

  With this structure, the medal deposit / dispensing device 300 is configured such that the medal deposited in the medal depositing unit 304 is supplied to the medal sorting unit 316 by the transport device 104 to determine authenticity, and only the genuine medal is supplied to the dispensing unit 318. , Pay only genuine medals to customers.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the third embodiment.

In the third embodiment, the fake medal discharged from the fake medal outlet 266 of the medal sorting means 316 in the second embodiment is guided to the medal holding device 362 by a chute (not shown).
In this case, since the fake medal is not supplied to the medal payout means 318, there is an advantage that the fake medal is not paid out to the customer.
However, since false medals circulate, the false medal rate in the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus 300 increases, the amount of genuine medals held in the payout medal holding apparatus 372 decreases, and there is a possibility that the genuine medals cannot be paid out.
Therefore, when the selection rate of the fake medals for the medals in the medal selection means 316 exceeds a predetermined value, a caution signal is output to prompt the elimination of the fake medals.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, steps 7A and 7B are inserted after step ST7 in the first embodiment.
That is, after selecting medals in the medal selection means 316 in step ST7, if the false medal rate of the selected medals exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 30%, the process proceeds to step ST7B, and the false medal rate exceeds the predetermined value. Is displayed, the process proceeds to step ST8.
The operator can eliminate the medals by checking the display, taking out the medals in the medal holding device 362 at a predetermined timing, and selecting the false medals.
Therefore, the rate of false medals held in the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus 300 can be reduced, and genuine medals can be paid out in a timely manner.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a medal lending machine having the medal sorting device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the medal sorting device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the medal sorting device according to the first embodiment with a storage bowl removed. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the medal sorting device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus having the medal sorting apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a front view of the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus having the medal sorting apparatus according to the second embodiment with the upper door and the lower door opened. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lifter unit of the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus having the medal sorting apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a display guide for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

104, 312 medal holding means
106, 314 Transport means
108, 316 Medal selection means
112, 318 Medal payout means
132 Alignment supply device
136 Imaging device
192 Pusher
194 Guide
304 medal deposit method
312 Medal holding device
328 Medals entrance
332 Counting means
364 Medal dispensing device
368 Lifting means
372 buckets

Claims (10)

At least the medal holding means (104, 312),
Medal payout means (112, 318) for paying out medals,
In a medal processing device having a transport means (106, 314) for transporting medals from the medal holding means to the medal payout means,
Placing medal selection means (108, 316) for selecting genuine medals on the medal path between the medal holding means and the medal payout means,
A medal processing device having a medal sorting device, wherein false medals are excluded before being supplied to the medal payout means. Medal deposit means (304),
A medal payout means for paying out the deposited medal;
In the medal deposit and withdrawal device having
A medal selection means for selecting a genuine medal on a medal path between the medal depositing means and the medal payout means;
A medal deposit / withdrawal device having a medal sorting device, wherein a fake medal is excluded before being supplied to the medal payout means. Medal depository (328),
Counting means (332) for counting medals deposited from the depositing gate;
A lifting means (368) for lifting the medals counted by the counting means;
Determining the authenticity of the medals lifted by the lifting means, and selecting medal medals;
A holding device (372) for holding the genuine medals selected by the medal sorting means;
A payout device (374) for paying out medals held in the hold device;
A medal depositing / dispensing device having a medal sorting device. Medal holding means arranged at the lower level,
A transporting means (125) for transporting the medal of the medal holding means to the upper level;
In a medal lending machine having a medal payout means for paying out a medal received from the lifting means,
A medal lending machine, wherein medal sorting means for sorting out genuine medals is arranged on a medal transport path between the transport means and medal payout means.   5. The medal processing device having the medal sorting device according to claim 1, wherein the medal sorting means identifies a pattern on the medal surface.   4. A medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus having a medal sorting device according to claim 3, wherein the fake medal sorted by the medal sorting means is supplied directly or indirectly to the lifting means.   The medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus having the medal sorting apparatus according to claim 6 is characterized in that a warning signal is output when the false medal rate exceeds a predetermined value. In the medal deposit / withdrawal apparatus having the medal sorting apparatus according to claim 5,
The medal sorting means includes a pusher (192) that moves at a predetermined speed,
An imaging device (136) for imaging a medal pushed by the pusher;
An alignment supply device (132) for supplying medals to the pusher one by one;
A guide body (194) for guiding the medal pushed by the pusher;
It is characterized by including. 5. A medal processing device having a medal sorting device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the lifting means is an intermittent lifting means.   The medal depositing / dispensing apparatus having the medal sorting apparatus according to claim 9 is characterized in that the intermittent lifting means is a bucket (372) attached to an endless circulating body.

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