Check-actuated control mechanisms – Control mechanism actuated by check – other than coin – which...
Patent
1993-09-13
1995-04-18
Bucci, David A.
Check-actuated control mechanisms
Control mechanism actuated by check, other than coin , which...
186 61, 414273, 34082535, G07F 708, G06F 704
Patent
active
054070503
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an article control system for controlling articles such as prizes, which is installed in a prize exchange place for exchanging game media acquired from playing a game for prizes and the like. The invention particularly relates to an article control system including an article control stand on which articles such as prizes are placed, article labels which are affixed to the articles such as prizes and a computer for control of the articles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In game parlors, game media such as medals, chips, metal balls, etc., which are gained by playing a game may be exchanged for prizes. In such a case, the prizes which are proportional to the quantity of the gained media can be chosen by a player.
To this end, the player throws the gained game media into a game media counter and the count is recorded on a receipt. If the count recording receipt is handed to a clerk in a prize exchange place, the clerk will ask the player which of the prizes he or she desires. The player looks at the prizes arranged on prize shelves and tells the clerk the desired prizes within the number recorded on the receipt.
The clerk then selects the names of the prizes by operating a keyboard of a computer and inputs the quantity through a numerical key-pad.
The computer subtracts the number of game media which is equivalent to the quantity of desired articles from the number of game media recorded on the receipt and notifies the clerk when the equivalent number of game media reaches the number of the game media recorded on the receipt.
The clerk puts the prizes, the number of which is within the number of game media recorded on the receipt into a bag and hands the bag to the player.
In such a manner, exchange of the gained game media for the prizes is conducted.
The kinds and quantity of the prizes placed upon the prize shelves are controlled by the clerk looking after them.
However, in the above mentioned prior art, it is necessary to select the name of the prizes which a player desires by operating specific keys among a number of keys. Experience and skill is needed to quickly select the names of prizes by key operation. If the quantity of the prizes is large, an extended period of time and labor is required for even a skilled person. Mistyping often occurs and services to players deteriorates and correct prize control can not made.
It is necessary to constantly check the kinds and quantity of the prizes placed on the prize shelves. However, in a game parlor which a number of players enter into and exit from, exchange of the prizes is frequent and a number of kinds of prizes are handed to players according to the players' requests. Inventory of stocks of prizes is not easy. Therefore, such stock control places too high a workload upon clerks.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention was made in view of these problems of the prior art. It is an object of the present invention to provide an article control stand, an article label and an article control apparatus which can improve the services to players on choosing prizes, make prize control correct and achieve a reduction in the workload for clerks.
In order to accomplish the above mentioned object, in an aspect of the present invention there is provided an article control system characterized in that it comprises: an article control stand on which articles are placed; and an article control apparatus for controlling entry and exit of the articles to and from the article control stand; the control apparatus including a planar matrix sensor for detecting the articles; and a signal processing system for driving the matrix sensor and for detecting the articles placed on the matrix sensor; the matrix sensor being disposed on the upper surface of the article control stand.
The article control stand may include an article placing stand on which the articles are placed and an article confirmation stand on which articles which are taken from the article placing stand are temporarily placed for confirmation.
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patent: 5020958 (1991-06-01), Tuttobene
patent: 5252814 (1993-10-01), Tooley
Handa Shigeru
Kawashima Kazunari
Takemoto Takatoshi
Bucci David A.
Kabushiki Kaisha Ace Denken
Lowe Scott L.
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