JP2000189650A - Recording medium processing device for game, and recording medium for game - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability of a game machine by shortening processing time for reading, writing, and printing. SOLUTION: In a recording medium processing device for a game for processing a recording medium 37 for a game by executing at least either reading or writing information to the recording medium 37 in which information capable of specifying the size of a valuable value usable for a game machine is recorded at least, it is provided with a communication means to contactlessly execute at least either transmitting or receiving information by electromagnetic induction action with the recording medians 37 for the game, and a printing means 94 to visibly print information related to the recording medium 37 for the game on the recording medium 37 for the game.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game recording medium such as a prepaid card or a membership card on which at least information capable of specifying the value of a value that can be used for a game is recorded, and The present invention relates to a game recording medium processing device that performs at least one of reading and writing to execute processing of the game recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a game recording medium for recording at least information such as a prepaid card, a membership card, etc. which can be used for a game and which can specify the magnitude of a valuable value, each information data is recorded by magnetism. Magnetic cards are commonly used.

Further, in recent years, information recorded on these magnetic cards, for example, a balance or frequency as value information, information on a holder of the game recording medium, game information such as game history, etc. And, in order to be able to visually confirm various information related to the game recording medium, such as the number of stored balls and the number of stored medals that can be used again for the game, the various types of information can be printed on the game recording medium. A game recording medium and a game recording medium processing apparatus that processes the printable game recording medium have been used.

[0004]

In the case of a magnetic card on which various types of information can be printed, if the printed content is information recorded on the magnetic card, the recorded information is visually confirmed. It is possible to give a sense of security to the owner, and it is preferable to print these pieces of information to improve the service to the player. In order to perform the magnetic recording or reading, it is necessary to move the magnetic card in a predetermined direction, so that the magnetic processing and the printing processing cannot be performed simultaneously in parallel. The processing time required for magnetic processing and printing processing becomes very long. For example, a processing device for the magnetic card is provided corresponding to a gaming machine. In such a case, since the gaming machine is occupied by the player during the processing, the operating rate of the gaming machine is not only reduced for the game hall, but also the player may be frustrated. There was no problem.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and can reduce the processing time for reading or writing the information and performing the printing, reducing the operation of the gaming machine, It is an object of the present invention to provide a game recording medium and a game recording medium processing apparatus that do not give a feeling of frustration to a player.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a game recording medium processing apparatus of the present invention provides a specific game which is advantageous to a player on the condition that a predetermined game state is reached. When a state occurs and a predetermined value providing condition is satisfied, a value is given to the player. In a game recording medium processing device that performs at least one of reading and writing of the information to process the game recording medium, the game recording medium processing device may perform the game in a non-contact manner by an electromagnetic induction action. A communication medium for performing at least one of transmission and reception of the information, and printing the information related to the game recording medium in a visible manner on the game recording medium. It is characterized by comprising a printing means. According to this feature, since the reading or writing from the game recording medium is performed in a non-contact manner, the printing is performed by appropriately moving the game recording medium even during the reading or writing. By performing the reading or writing process and the printing process at the same time, the processing time can be reduced as compared with the conventional magnetic card processing device, and not only can the operation of the gaming machine be improved, but also the player can be frustrated. It does not give a feeling.

It is preferable that the game recording medium processing apparatus of the present invention includes an erasing means for erasing the print.
In this way, erasing these prints takes a longer time than printing, but these erasures can also be performed together with reading or writing from the game recording medium, similarly to the above-mentioned printing. In addition to shortening the processing time, by erasing the print and performing the print again, the print content can be updated as appropriate, and the print area on the game recording medium is limited. Can also be used effectively.

[0008] The game recording medium of the present invention comprises a storage means for storing at least information capable of specifying the size of a valuable value usable in the gaming machine, and a storage means for storing the information stored in the storage means. Communication means for performing at least one of transmission or reception in a non-contact manner by the game recording medium processing device and electromagnetic induction action, provided at a predetermined position on at least one of the front or back surface of the game recording medium,
A recording member for forming a visible print by changing light transmission or light reflectance of the heated area by heating under a predetermined condition; It is characterized in that it is used in an apparatus. According to this feature, since writing or reading to or from the game recording medium is performed in a non-contact manner,
Even while these reading or writing are being performed, the game recording medium is appropriately moved and printed, and by performing the writing or reading process and the printing process at the same time, a conventional magnetic card can be used. Compared with this, the processing time is shortened, so that the operation of the gaming machine can be improved and the player does not feel frustrated. Furthermore, since the game recording medium includes the printing member on which the printing is formed by the heating, it is not necessary to sequentially replenish the consumables such as the ink used for the printing.

In the game recording medium according to the present invention, it is preferable that the printing member is capable of erasing printing by heating under predetermined conditions. According to this configuration, erasing can be performed by performing predetermined heating using a printing device such as a thermal head that performs the printing by heat generation, and the device can be simplified.

[0010] In the game recording medium of the present invention, it is preferable that a coil antenna constituting the communication means is formed so as to avoid the arrangement position of the printing member. With this configuration, by forming a printing member on the coil antenna, it is possible to prevent the printing from being unclear due to the unevenness due to the coil antenna.

In the game recording medium according to the present invention, a coil antenna constituting the communication means is formed substantially at a central portion, and a printing area of the printing member is formed at least at a substantially symmetrical position with respect to the coil antenna. Is preferred. In this way, even if the arrangement direction of the game recording medium is reversed, printing can be performed, and the directionality of the game recording medium can be eliminated.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In the following description, an enclosed pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine, but the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to these enclosed pachinko gaming machines, and is not of these enclosed pachinko gaming machines. The present invention is also applicable to pachinko gaming machines capable of discharging ordinary pachinko balls, coin gaming machines and slot machines, and slot machines capable of performing games without using these coins.

(Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a game island 1 provided with a card unit and an issuance device as a game recording medium processing device of the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the card unit and the enclosed pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment arranged side by side on an island, and FIG. 3 is a front view showing the card unit and the enclosed type pachinko machine of the embodiment arranged side by side on the gaming island. FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the pachinko gaming machine, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an operation unit provided in the enclosed pachinko gaming machine used in the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a card unit of the present embodiment. And FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a pachinko game machine and an enclosed pachinko machine.
FIG. 7 is an open perspective view showing the configuration of the card reader / writer, FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway front view showing a non-contact IC card as a recording medium used in the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a non-contact IC card which is a recording medium used in an example. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a non-contact IC card which is a recording medium used in the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the printing and erasing states of the non-contact IC card which is the recording medium used in the present embodiment,
FIG. 11 is an external perspective view showing the issuing device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the issuing device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 1 is an open perspective view showing the configuration of an IC card reader / writer that has been opened.

As shown in FIG. 1, an IC card 3 serving as a game recording medium is provided at the end of the game island 1 of this embodiment.
7 is provided as a game recording medium processing apparatus of the present invention, and each of the enclosed pachinko machines 2 which are juxtaposed to the game island 1 and are filled with pachinko balls as game media. A card unit 3 as a game recording medium processing apparatus of the present invention is provided so as to correspond to each case.

In this embodiment, as described above, the pachinko machine 2 in which pachinko balls are enclosed is used as a game machine, and these enclosed pachinko machines 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. A predetermined number of pachinko balls are enclosed in the pachinko machine 2 in a non-touchable manner in advance, and an operation unit 32 is provided on the front surface thereof so as to protrude from the pachinko machine 2.

As shown in FIG. 4, an IC card 37 inserted by a player into an IC card insertion slot 7 described later provided in the card unit 3 is provided on the upper surface of the operation unit 32.
A frequency display unit 103 which displays the remaining frequency data which is read out from the remaining frequency data or the valuable value specified by the identification code (ID) as the information which can specify the valuable value, and which the player possesses at that time. A total score display section 104 on which the total points (total points) are displayed, and a pressing operation when the game is started or when the total score becomes “0”, and the frequency display section 103 has a residual frequency. A lending button 101 for lending a score of a predetermined size in a case, and a return button for returning the IC card 37 inserted in the card unit 3 by being pressed when ending the game or the like. 102 are provided, and these units are mounted on a substrate 100 provided inside the operation unit 32.

The pachinko balls enclosed in the pachinko machine 2 are driven into the game area 17 one by one by the hammer 28 by operating the hitting operation handle 15. The hit pachinko balls are detected one by one by the firing ball detector 26, and each time there is a detection, the score of the total score display unit 104 is subtracted and updated by one.

Pachinko balls whose firing momentum is too weak to reach the game area 17 are collected from the foul ball inlet 27 and detected by a foul ball detector 38 (see FIG. 3) provided on the back of the game board. Is detected. Every time these foul balls are detected, the total score of the total score display unit 104 is added and updated one by one. As a result, the player can effectively use the updated points that have been subtracted and updated without having the opportunity for the ball to reach the game area 17.

When a ball hit into the game area 17 wins the starting port 19, the normal winning port 20, or the variable winning ball device 16, a predetermined number of points are given to the player according to the winning. Is done. The points awarded to the player are:
The total score is displayed on the total score display unit 104. Pachinko balls that did not win any of the winning ports are collected from the out port 25.

A winning ball that has entered the normal winning port 20, the starting port 19, or the variable winning ball device 16 is guided to the rear face of the gaming board and guided to the winning ball collecting gutter 30. on the other hand,
The out ball collected by the out port 25 is guided by the out ball guiding gutter 36 and merges with the winning ball detected by the winning ball detector 31. After the out ball and the winning ball are detected by the driving ball detector 33, the driving ball collecting gutter 3
Guided to 4. Further, the foul ball collected from the foul ball inlet 27 is detected by a foul ball detector 38 and then guided to the driving ball collecting gutter 34.

The pachinko balls guided by the driving ball collecting gutter 34 are guided to the shooting ball supply port 39 along the inclination thereof. When the player operates the hit ball operation handle 15, the hit ball motor 29 is driven, and the hammer 28 is swung. The firing ball supply port 39 with the intermittent swing of the hammer 28
The pachinko balls guided to the game area 17 are fired one by one into the game area 17. As described above, the pachinko balls enclosed in the pachinko machine 2 are repeatedly used.

When a staff member of a game arcade operates a predetermined ball removal switch (not shown), the solenoid 41 is excited, and the rotating plate 4 forming a part of the driving ball collecting gutter 34 is formed.
0 is rotated by a predetermined angle, and the ball drain gutter 42 and the driving ball collecting gutter 34
And communicate. Thus, after being detected by the driving ball detector 33, the enclosing ball guided to the driving ball collecting gutter 34 is guided to the ball discharging gutter 42 without being guided to the firing ball supply port 39, and the ball discharging is performed. The enclosed ball guided to the gutter 42 is discharged out of the pachinko machine 2.

In FIG. 3, a game control board 35 is provided with a game microcomputer 56 (see FIG. 5) for controlling various game contents. Also, 4
Reference numeral 3 denotes a point control board, which is provided with a point control microcomputer 55 (see FIG. 5) for controlling the point. The point control board 43 is connected to the card via a connector 44. It is connected to a card unit control board (not shown) provided in the unit 3.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 105 denotes an analog display unit, and the number of points (total score) displayed on the total score display unit 104 is analog-displayed by the lighting amount of the lamp. Reference numeral 14 denotes a transparent plate holding frame, which is a game area 17.
Holds a transparent plate that covers the front of the camera.

When the ball hit in the game area 17 wins the starting port 19, the variable display device 18 starts variable display of symbols. Then, the variable display result of the variable display device 18 is displayed in a predetermined display mode (for example, $ 77).
7) Become a so-called big hit. If a big hit occurs, the solenoid 21 is excited and the variable prize ball device 1
The opening / closing plate 24 provided in 6 is in a released state, which is a first state advantageous to the player. In the first state, a predetermined number of pachinko balls (eg, 10
) Or a predetermined period of time (for example, 30 seconds), whichever comes first, whichever comes first, is ended and is disadvantageous to the player, that is, the opening / closing plate 24 is closed. State.

A pachinko ball that has entered the variable winning ball device 16 during the period when the variable winning ball device 16 is in the first state is detected by the winning number detector 23 or the specific winning ball detector 22. You. If the pachinko ball is detected by the specific winning ball detector 22, the variable winning ball device 1 of that time
After the first state of No. 6 is completed, the repetitive continuation control for controlling the variable winning ball device 16 from the second state to the first state again is performed. The upper limit number of the repetition continuation control is set to, for example, 16 times.

Next, the card unit 3 of this embodiment is
As shown in FIG. 2, on the front surface, an operation lamp 10 for notifying the operation of the card unit 3 by lighting, a coin insertion slot 4, a total amount of inserted money, and an insertion into the IC card insertion slot 7. A display unit 5 for displaying the remaining frequency of the size read by the read IC card 37 or specified by the read ID, an input unit 11 for performing various inputs such as a password input, and the coin A processing lamp 12 for notifying the player that the addition process of the frequency corresponding to the total amount of the money inserted from the insertion slot 4 or the bill insertion slot 8 is being executed; A card indicator 9 for notifying the player of the ejection, a coin return slot 6, a coin indicator 13a which is lit and flashed when returning the coin from the coin return slot 6 to notify the player of the return of the coin, Previous An IC card insertion slot 7 into which an IC card 37 can be inserted, a bill insertion slot 8 into which a bill can be inserted and returned, and a flashing light when the bill is returned from the bill insertion slot 8 to be turned on and off. And a bill indicator 13b for notifying the player of the return of the bill.

The configuration of the pachinko machine 2 and the card unit 3 of this embodiment is as shown in FIG.

First, the configuration of the pachinko machine 2 will be described. The game control board 35 provided on the back of the pachinko machine 2 has a game microcomputer 56 for controlling the operation of each part of the pachinko machine 2. The game microcomputer 56 is connected to a point control microcomputer 55 provided on the point control board 43, and the game microcomputer 56 controls each state in the game, for example, a big hit. Information such as occurrence is output.

Each of the display units and operation buttons provided on the operation unit 32 protruding from the front of the pachinko machine 2 are connected to a point control microcomputer 55, respectively. Are output to the point control microcomputer 55, and the calculation and display update of the display data displayed on each display unit are performed by the point control microcomputer 55.

The point control microcomputer 55 is provided with a detector (a driving ball detector, a winning ball detector, a launch ball detector, a foul ball detector) for detecting the enclosed pachinko ball. ), And based on a signal output from each detector in a game, a point (total score) is won by a point calculation program stored in an internal ROM of the point control microcomputer 55 in advance. Addition by ball and subtraction of use score are implemented.

The point control microcomputer 55 is connected to a later-described microprocessing unit (MPU) 50 provided on the card unit control board (not shown) provided inside the card unit 3. And read from the MPU 50 from the inserted IC card 37 or the ID of the IC card 37
Is recorded in the IC card 37, or the score obtained in the past game is recorded on the IC card 37, or the inserted I / O is inserted into the management computer 49 described later.
If there is score information registered corresponding to the ID of the C card 37, score data and the like are also output.

The structure of the card unit 3 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG.
A display driver 51 for controlling a display operation of the display unit 5 in addition to the input unit 11 including ten keys, an enter key, and a clear key, the processing lamp 12, and the indicators 9, 13a, and 13b. And read out various information such as the ID, remaining frequency data, and score information from the inserted IC card 37 in a non-contact manner, and insert the inserted money. Writing of new frequency data calculated by summing the frequency corresponding to the total amount of money and the remaining frequency read out or specified by the ID, new score data acquired by the game, etc. In a non-contact manner, and furthermore, an IC card reader / writer 54 for printing the predetermined data to be written in the print area of the IC card 37 and erasing the print, A coin identifying unit 46 that is provided continuously to 貨投 inlet 4 to discriminate the deposited coin, the bill insertion slot 8
A bill identification unit 53 connected to the IC card 3 for detecting inserted bills and identifying the bills, and the inserted IC card 3
A storage unit 52 for temporarily storing various information data read and written from the storage unit 7 and for storing a control program and the like in which control contents executed by the MPU 50 as a card unit control unit are described;
A communication unit 47 for performing data communication with a management computer 49 via the control unit 8; a control unit for controlling these units;
And MPU 50 as a calculating means for calculating the total amount of the inserted money based on the output from 3 and these units are connected as shown in FIG.

In the management computer 49 of the present embodiment, the IC cards 37 inserted into each card unit 3 are individually assigned in advance so as to be identifiable and associated with the recorded identification code (ID). When the IC card 37 is issued by the issuing device 45 provided at the end of the game island 1, the password and the frequency data corresponding to the purchase price are registered, and the IC card 37 is used for the game. The total points used and obtained are also registered in association with each other.

The IC card reader / writer 54 of the present embodiment into which these IC cards 37 can be inserted is configured as shown in FIG. 6, and the IC card reader / writer 54 is mainly composed of a main body 89. And a cover 90, and a transport path 9 between the main body 89 and the cover 90.
2, a transport roller 87 driven by a timing belt 98 and a drive gear 99 for transmitting a driving force from a drive motor 96 so as to face the transport path 92, and a free roller 88 that is rotatable, In order to control the insertion, arrangement, and ejection of the IC card 37,
A sensor comprising a light emitting section 97a and a light receiving section 97b for detecting the C card 37, a communication head 91 as a communication means for supplying power and reading and writing data without contacting the IC card 37, an IC card 3
7. A thermal head 94 as a printing means for performing printing and erasing on a printing area 86 provided in the printer 7 by heat generation.
And a platen roller 93 arranged to sandwich the IC card 37 with the thermal head 94.
Power supply to the inserted IC card 37 and read / write can be performed in a non-contact manner.
Printing and erasing can be performed on a printing area provided in the card 37, and the conveyance path 92 is installed inside the card unit 3 so as to be connected to the IC card insertion slot 7.

The IC card reader / writer 54
In the rear end of the transport path 92 formed as described above, a discharge port is provided which is connected to a recovery transport path (not shown) disposed so as to traverse the inside of the gaming island 1. The IC card 37 is ejected from the ejection port to the collection conveyance path and collected in a collection box (not shown) provided at an end position of the game island 1.

The configuration of the IC card 37 used in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. The IC card 37 is made of a resin having a concave inside and a predetermined thickness. A non-volatile memory 113 as a storage means is provided at a predetermined position on the outer periphery of the concave portion of the base 81.
A dedicated microcomputer 82 having a modulation / demodulation unit 111, a power supply unit 112, and a control unit 110 is mounted by tape-to-bonding (TAB) mounting, and a coil antenna 83 as communication means is provided along the outer periphery of the base 81. The flexible printed circuit board 84 on which the concave portion is formed is inserted, and the entire surface of the concave portion is covered with a top film 85. A print region 86 is formed outside the concave portion so as to avoid the coil antenna 83. Are formed.

The IC card 37 is inserted into the IC card reader / writer 54 or an IC card reader / writer 63 of the issuing device 45, which will be described later.
Electromagnetic waves output from a communication coil 115 provided inside a communication head 91, which is a communication means of 4 and 63, generate an induced electromotive force in the coil antenna 83, and the induced electromotive force is provided in a dedicated microcomputer 82. Power supply unit 112
Is rectified to a predetermined DC current by the control unit 1
10, the modulation / demodulation unit 111, the memory 113, the dedicated microcomputer 82 is operably energized, and a predetermined radio wave is transmitted and received between the communication coil 115 and the coil antenna 83. The signals are modulated and demodulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 111 and the coil driver 114 provided inside the communication head 91, so that transmission / reception of each data is performed in a non-contact manner, and reading / writing of various information to / from the IC card 37 is performed. It has become so.

In the IC card 37 of this embodiment, the printing area 86 in which printing and erasing can be performed by heating the thermal head 94 as described above is formed so as to avoid the coil antenna 83. And the printing area is
As shown in FIG. 9, an aluminum layer 117 capable of reflecting light is provided in a lower layer, and a thermochromic film layer 116 serving as a printing member whose light transmittance is changed by predetermined heating is provided in an upper layer.
Are provided in a two-layer structure.

The thermochromic film layer 116
As shown in FIG. 10, by being heated to a predetermined temperature (60 to 80 ° C.) by the thermal head 94,
As shown in (a), a minute gap is formed inside the thermochromic film layer 116 to diffuse the transmitted light and turn white, and a contrast is formed with other unheated portions to perform printing. 10 is heated to a high predetermined temperature (80 to 95 ° C.).
As shown in FIG. 10B, the gap between the printed portions is restored to its original state, the contrast is lost, and printing can be performed again as shown in FIG.

The IC card 37 is provided with the issuing device 4
5, the issuing device 45 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. The front of a box-shaped casing 59 informs the user that the IC card 37 can be issued. Display section 58 for coins and coin slot 61
And a bill insertion slot 62, a bill insertion slot 62, a total amount display section 70 for sequentially displaying the inserted total amount, an issue button 69, a stop button 68, and an issuance process of the IC card 37. Lamp 64 for notifying that the process is in progress, an IC card issuing port 66,
A card indicator 65 for notifying the ejection of the IC card from the C card issuing port 66, and an input provided on the lower surface inside the concave portion 71 formed on the front surface of the issuing device 45 so that the player can input a personal identification number. Unit 73, a display unit 72 disposed on the inner bottom surface of the concave portion 71 and displaying the password input by the input unit 73, a return port 57 for the inserted coin, and a return port 57 for the coin And the bill slot 62
And a coin indicator 79a and a bill indicator 79b for notifying a user of the return of a coin or a bill.

The internal structure of the issuing device 45 is as shown in the block diagram of FIG.
8, the processing lamp 64, the card indicator 6
5, coins and bill indicators 79a, 79b,
Together with the issue button 69 and the stop button 68, a coin identification and counting unit 74 connected to the coin insertion slot 61 for identifying coins to be inserted, and a bill inserted and connected to the bill insertion slot 62 Of the bill identifying and counting unit 75 for performing the identification, a display driver 77 for controlling the display operation of the total amount display unit 70, the input unit 73 including ten keys, an enter key and a clear key, and the display unit 72. A display driver 78 for controlling a display operation;
ICs that are connected and issued to the IC card issuing port 66
The readout of the identification information (ID) recorded on the card 37 is performed.
An IC card reader / writer 63 for writing frequency data corresponding to the purchase amount of the card 37; a total amount data displayed on the total amount display section 70;
As shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 76 stores data read or written from the card 37, a control program in which control contents of a micro processing unit (MPU) 80 which is a control unit described later are described, and the like. A communication unit 67 for performing data communication with the management computer 49 via a communication cable 48; and a microprocessing unit (MPU) 80 for controlling these units and calculating the total amount. These components are connected as shown in FIG. 12 so that the IC card 37 can be issued.

The IC card reader / writer 63 used in the issuing device 45 of this embodiment has a configuration as shown in FIG. 13, and has substantially the same configuration as the IC card reader / writer 54 used in the card unit 3. However, while the IC card reader / writer 54 has a discharge port connected to the recovery transport path behind the transport path 92, the IC card 37 to be issued is stored and supplied to the transport path 92. An enabled storage box 120 is provided.

The IC card reader / writer 63, like the IC card reader / writer 54, supplies power to the IC card 37 in a non-contact manner and performs communication for writing and reading, and a communication head 91, The IC
A thermal head 94 for performing printing on the print area 86 of the card 37 is provided.

The issuing operation of the issuing device 45 according to the present embodiment will be described. The player inputs a desired amount of money to be used for a game with a predetermined amount (2,000 yen in this embodiment) or more in advance. And / or inserted from the bill insertion slot 62.

The inserted currency is identified by the coin identification and counting unit 74 and the bill identification and counting unit 75,
The MPU 80 calculates the total amount based on the identification information output from each of these identification units, and calculates the total amount.
0, and is stored in the storage unit 76.

After confirming the display of the total amount, the player presses the issue button 69.

Thus, the MPU 80 specifies the purchase amount to be issued for the issuance of the IC card 37, converts the purchase amount into frequency data, blinks the display on the display section 72, and turns on the input section. Prompts the user to input a personal identification number from the storage box 120 and simultaneously issues an IC card 37 to the IC card reader / writer 63 by issuing an instruction.
And is arranged at a predetermined position in the transport path 92 indicated by a dashed line in FIG.

From the issued IC card 37 arranged at the predetermined position, identification information (ID) previously assigned to and recorded on the IC card 37 is read out and temporarily stored in the storage section 76. Is done.

After the player inputs the personal identification number from the input section 73, the player presses the enter key provided on the input section 73.

Based on the input, the MPU 80, together with the identification information (ID) read from the IC card 37 and stored in the storage unit 76, together with frequency data and password data based on the total amount of the inserted money. Is output to the management computer 49 via the communication section 67 and the communication cable 48, and the processing lamp 64 is turned on.

Based on the output, the management computer 4
Step 9 searches whether or not the identification information (ID) that matches the output identification information (ID) already exists. If there is no matching identification information (ID) in the search, a new issuance is performed. Then, the identification information (ID), the frequency data and the password data are registered in association with each other, and the completion of the registration is returned.

Based on this reply, the MPU 80 converts the frequency data stored in the storage unit 76 into the I
At the same time as recording on the IC card 37 via the communication head 91 of the C card reader / writer 63, the frequency and the acquired score ("0" at the time of issuance) are printed on the print area 86 by the thermal head 94, and the writing is performed. At the stage when the processing and the printing processing have been completed, the in-process lamp 64 is turned off, and the IC card 37 is discharged from the IC card issuing port 66.
Then, the card indicator 65 flashes to notify the player of the ejection of the IC card 37.

The print contents of the print area 86 of the issued IC card 37 are printed, for example, as shown in FIG.

The issued IC card 37 is inserted into the IC card insertion slot 7 provided in the card unit 3.
The player inputs the personal identification number from the input unit 11 after the insertion.

Based on the insertion, the IC card reader / writer 54 detects the insertion of the IC card 37 by the sensor, and transfers the card to the inside of the transfer path 92 by a transfer mechanism formed by the transfer rollers 87 and the like. Placed in the predetermined position of
The frequency data and the identification code (ID) and the score data ("0" at the time of issuance) recorded on the IC card 37 are read from the communication head 91.

The information data read from the IC card 37 is temporarily stored in the storage section 52 and output to the management computer 49 via the communication section 47 and the communication cable 48.

As described above, the management computer 49 associates the identification number (ID) individually assigned to the IC card 37 at the time of issuance with the identification number (ID) and the frequency data and value data (value data (valuable value data)). ("0" when issued)
Are registered, and are associated with the identification code (ID) output from the card unit 3 and are registered as passwords and value data as frequency data and score data. The output personal identification number data, the valuable data, and the score data are compared to see if they match, and on condition that they match, a license to use the inserted IC card 37 is returned to the card unit 3. If the comparisons do not match, an instruction to eject the IC card 37 is returned.

Based on the reply of the license, the MPU 50 of the card unit 3 outputs the frequency data and the score data to the score control microcomputer 55, and the frequency data and the score data are displayed on the frequency display unit 103. And displayed on the total score display section 104.

At this stage, the player operates the operation unit 3
By pressing the lending button 101 provided on the number 2, a predetermined frequency of the frequencies displayed on the frequency display unit 103 is converted into a score, and the total score display unit 10 is converted.
4 is added.

At this time, from the frequency displayed on the frequency display section 103, the frequency of a predetermined size converted into the score is subtracted by the point control microcomputer 55 to update the display. The new frequency data thus subtracted is output to the MPU 50 to update the frequency data in the storage unit 52, and the new frequency data and the identification information (ID) of the IC card 37 are transmitted to the management computer 49. Output and the identification information (ID)
Is updated.

As a result, when the score is present in the total score display section 104, the score control microcomputer 55 outputs a signal to the gaming microcomputer 56 indicating that the score is present in the score display section 104. Then, the gaming microcomputer 56 validates the operation of the hit ball operation handle 15 based on the output.

In this state, the player operates the hit ball operating handle 15 to execute a game, and a predetermined point is given by the ball being won in each of the winning holes as described above.
As the ball is added, one point is subtracted for each ball hit, and when the score decreases or runs out, the lending button 101 is pressed again to perform a predetermined operation as described above. A game can be played by receiving a loan of a size score.

When the remaining score becomes “0” by using the score by these games, the frequency display section 103
In the case where there is a remaining number, the player can execute the game by converting the frequency into a score as described above.

In the case where the remaining number of frequencies is reduced by using these frequencies, the player can use the card unit 3
Coin insertion slot 4 or bill insertion slot 8 provided in
By inserting a desired amount of money that is more desired to be used for the game, the inserted money is based on identification information output from the coin identification unit 46 and / or the bill identification unit 53,
The total amount of the inserted money is calculated by the MPU 50, and the identification information (I
Together with D), the frequency data corresponding to the total amount is output to the management computer 49 and registered,
The above-mentioned additional payment is made.

In the card unit 3 of this embodiment, the frequency display section 103 and the total score display section 10 are provided.
If the acquired score of "4" is "0", IC
The card 37 is discharged to the collection conveyance path and collected.

When the player finishes the game or moves to another platform, the player presses the return button 102 provided on the operation unit 32.

With this operation, the MPU 50 displays the identification code (ID) of the inserted IC card 37 together with
The residual count data and the acquired score data at that stage are output to the management computer, the printing is erased by the thermal head 94, and the processing lamp 12 is turned on.

Based on the output, the management computer 49
Updates and registers the residual frequency data and the acquired score data corresponding to the output identification code (ID), and returns registration completion.

Based on the reply, the MPU 50 transmits the remaining frequency data and the acquired score data to the communication head 9.
1 and at the same time as writing to the IC card 37 by the thermal head 94 as shown in FIG.
Have them print the frequency and score.

At the stage where these processes are completed, the MPU 50 turns off the processing lamp 12 and
The IC card 37 is ejected from the IC card insertion slot 7 and returned, and the card indicator 9 is flashed to notify the player of the ejection of the card.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the IC
Writing to and reading from the card 37 can be performed by non-contact communication by electromagnetic induction, and printing on the IC card 37 as a recording medium can be performed simultaneously with the writing and reading processing. Since these processes can be performed in a short time, not only can the waiting time of the player be shortened and the frustration of the player can be reduced or eliminated, but also in the card unit 3, the processing can be performed. By shortening the time, the occupation time of the table corresponding to the card unit 3 during the processing is reduced, and the operation of the table can be improved.

Further, as described above, by arranging the print area 86 and the coil antenna 83 so as to avoid them, the thermal head and the print area 8
It is possible to prevent the print from being unclear due to poor contact with the print head 6.

The print area 86 and the coil antenna 83
In the above-described embodiment, the positions of the positions are distinguished between the front and the rear in the insertion direction of the IC card as shown in FIG. 7, but the present invention is not limited to this.
As shown in FIG. 15 (a), the inside is surrounded by the coil antenna 83, or as shown in FIG. 15 (b), the print area 86 and the coil antenna 83 are separated in the left and right direction of the IC card 37 insertion direction. The coil antenna 83 may be arranged separately, as shown in FIG.
The C card 37 may be arranged substantially at the center, and the printing area may be formed on the same surface side and / or the opposite surface side on both sides of the coil antenna 83. Even if you insert the wrong direction,
This is preferable because printing can be performed.

In the above embodiment, the printing area 86 is formed by using a thermochromic film whose light transmission changes by heating and an aluminum layer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to form these prints with a heat-sensitive coloring layer that can be printed by other heating. Further, a printing method by a method other than heating may be used, and these printing methods may be appropriately selected.

In the above embodiment, the recording medium I
Printing is performed by appropriately moving the C card 37. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a mechanism for moving the thermal head 94 is provided.
4 may be moved to perform printing.

In the above-described embodiment, the erasure of the print is enabled. By doing so, the print can be repeatedly performed and the print content can be updated successively.
The card 37 can be used repeatedly,
Although it is preferable because the size of the printing area can be effectively used, the present invention is not limited to this. May not be performed.

In this embodiment, as described above, the IC
Communication with the card 37 is performed by the IC card 37 accompanying the printing.
In order to be able to communicate even when moving, we use an electromagnetic induction method that performs non-contact by electromagnetic induction,
The present invention is not limited to this method. If the moving distance in the printing is small and there is no problem in communication, the non-contact communication may be performed by an electromagnetic coupling method.

Each element in each of the above embodiments corresponds to the present invention as follows.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a specific game state advantageous to a player is generated with a predetermined game state as a specific condition, and a value is given to the player by satisfying a predetermined value provision condition. A game recording medium (IC card 37) on which at least information (identification code) capable of specifying the size of a valuable value (frequency) made available to a gaming machine (enclosed pachinko machine 2) to be given is recorded. A game recording medium processing device (issuing device 45, card unit 3) that performs at least one of reading and writing of the information from and processing the game recording medium (IC card 37)
In the above, the game recording medium processing device (the issuing device 4)
5, a card unit 3) includes a communication unit (communication head 91) for performing at least one of transmission and reception of the game recording medium (IC card 37) and the information in a non-contact manner by electromagnetic induction action; Printing means (thermal head 94) for visually printing information related to the recording medium for recording (IC card 37) on the recording medium for game (IC card 37).

Further, a second aspect of the present invention includes an erasing means (thermal head 94) for erasing the print.

Further, claim 3 of the present invention is information (identification code (ID)) capable of specifying at least the size of the value (frequency) that can be used in the gaming machine (enclosed pachinko machine 2). Storage means (non-volatile memory 1)
13) and at least one of transmission and reception of the information (frequency, identification code (ID)) stored in the storage means (non-volatile memory 113) is performed by the game recording medium processing device (issuing device 45, card A communication means (coil antenna 83) for performing non-contact with the unit 3) by electromagnetic induction, and a predetermined position on at least one of the front surface and the back surface of the game recording medium (IC card 37); A printing member (thermochromic film layer 116) on which visible light is formed by changing light transmission or light reflectance of the heated area by heating;
It is characterized in that it is used in the game recording medium processing device (issuing device 45, card unit 3) according to claim 1 or 2.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the printing member (thermochromic film layer 116) can be erased by heating under predetermined conditions.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a coil antenna (83) constituting the communication means is formed so as to avoid the arrangement position of the printing member (thermochromic film layer 116).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a coil antenna (83) constituting the communication means is formed at a substantially central portion, and the printing member is provided at a substantially symmetrical position at least with the coil antenna (83) interposed therebetween. A printing area (86) is formed by the (thermochromic film layer 116).

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in the above embodiments with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and changes and additions may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say, the present invention is included in the present invention.

Further, in the above embodiment, the identification code (ID) is used as information capable of specifying the magnitude of the value which is a valuable value. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Information may be recorded directly on a recording medium as the frequency data as a valuable value, and the information may be a value that can specify the valuable value.Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in order to improve security, both data are recorded. However, only one of them may be recorded.

In the above embodiment, the identification information (ID) is written in advance on the IC card 37 as a recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this. (ID) may be recorded at the time of issuance or the like.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the card unit 3 and the issuing device 45 have been described as examples of the recording medium processing device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to other devices as long as a recording medium is inserted or issued. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a normal pachinko machine 202 capable of discharging a pachinko ball, which is a game medium, and a pachinko machine 202 by inserting money.
In the gaming island 201 having the ball lending machine 203 capable of supplying pachinko balls to the pachinko parlors, a counter 204 is arranged for each pachinko machine 202, and each pachinko machine is discharged from the pachinko machine 202 by a game and obtained. The pachinko balls can be counted, and the counted pachinko ball quantity data is stored in the IC as a recording medium by pressing the end button 208 or the leave button 207 at the end of the game or at the time of leaving the game. The present invention is also applied to a game recording medium processing device provided with an IC card reader / writer 206 that records and issues stored ball data and possessed ball data on a card or the like.

[0091]

The present invention has the following effects.

(A) According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the reading or writing from the game recording medium is performed in a non-contact manner, even if the reading or writing is being performed, the game recording medium is read. Can be appropriately moved to perform printing, and by simultaneously performing the reading or writing process and the printing process, the processing time can be reduced as compared with the conventional magnetic card processing device, and the operation of the gaming machine can be reduced. Can be improved, and the player is not irritated.

(B) According to the second aspect of the present invention, it takes a long time to erase these prints as compared with the prints. However, these prints are also erased from the game recording medium similarly to the prints. Can be performed with read or write,
Not only can the processing time be shortened, but also by erasing the print and performing the print again, the print content can be updated as appropriate, and the print area on the limited game recording medium can be reduced. It can also be used effectively.

(C) According to the third aspect of the present invention, since writing or reading to or from the game recording medium is performed in a non-contact manner, even if the reading or writing is being performed, The recording medium is appropriately moved and printed, and the writing or reading process and the printing process are performed at the same time, so that the processing time is reduced as compared with the conventional magnetic card, and the operation of the gaming machine is reduced. Can be improved, and the player is not irritated. Further, since the game recording medium includes the printing member on which the printing is formed by the heating, it is not necessary to successively replenish the consumables such as the ink used for the printing.

(D) According to the invention of claim 4, by using a printing device such as a thermal head for performing the printing by heat generation,
By performing the predetermined heating, the erasing can be performed, and the apparatus can be simplified.

(E) According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the printing member is formed on the coil antenna, it is possible to prevent the printing from being unclear due to the unevenness due to the coil antenna.

(F) According to the invention of claim 6, printing can be performed even if the arrangement direction of the game recording medium is reversed, and the directionality of the game recording medium can be changed. Can be eliminated.

[0098]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a game island according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the card unit and the enclosed pachinko machine in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the card unit and the enclosed pachinko machine in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an operation unit of the enclosed pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a card unit and an enclosed pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an open perspective view showing the configuration of an IC card reader / writer used for the card unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway front view showing the non-contact IC card used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a non-contact IC card used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a non-contact IC card used in an example of the present invention.

FIGS. 10 (a), (b) and (c) are views showing the printing and erasing states of the non-contact IC card used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an external perspective view showing an issuing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an issuing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows an I used in the issuing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is an open appearance perspective view showing the configuration of a C card reader / writer.

FIG. 14 is a front view showing a game island according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C are diagrams showing an IC card according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 l Game island 2 (enclosed) Pachinko machine 3 Card unit 4 Coin slot 5 Display 6 Coin return slot 7 IC card insertion slot 8 Bill insertion slot 9 Card indicator 10 Operation lamp 11 Input unit 12 Processing lamp 13a Coin indicator 13b Banknote indicator 14 Transparent plate holding frame 15 Hitting operation handle 16 Variable winning ball device 17 Game area 18 Variable display device 19 Starting port 20 Normal winning port 21 Solenoid 22 Special winning ball detector 23 Winning number detector 24 Opening / closing plate 25 Out opening 26 Launch Ball Detector 27 Foul Ball Inlet 28 Hammer 29 Hitting Ball Motor 30 Winning Ball Collecting Gutter 31 Winning Ball Detector 32 Operation Unit 33 Driving Ball Detector 34 Driving Ball Collecting Gutter 35 Game Control Board 36 Out Ball Guiding Gutter 37 IC Card 38 Foul ball detector 39 Launch ball supply port 0 Rotating plate 41 Solenoid 42 Ball drop gutter 43 Holding point control board 44 Connector unit 45 Issuing device 46 Coin identification unit 47 Communication unit 48 Communication cable 49 Management computer 50 Microprocessing unit (MPU) 51 Display driver 52 Storage unit 53 Banknote Identification unit 54 IC card reader / writer 55 Point control microcomputer 56 Game microcomputer 57 Coin return slot 58 Operation display unit 59 Housing 60 Currency slot 61 Coin slot 62 Bill slot 63 IC card reader / writer 64 Processing Lamp 65 Indicator 66 IC card issuing port 67 Communication unit 68 Cancel button 69 Issue button 70 Total amount display unit 71 Depression 72 Display unit 73 Input operation unit 74 Coin identification and counting unit 75 Bill identification and counting unit 7 6 Storage Unit 77 Display Driver 78 Display Driver 79a Coin Indicator 79b Bill Indicator 80 Micro Processing Unit (MPU) 81 Base 82 Dedicated Microcomputer 83 Coil Antenna 84 Flexible Printed Board 85 Top Film 86 Printing Area 87 Transport Roller 88 Free Roller 89 Main Body 89 'Main unit 90 Cover unit 91 Communication head 92 Transport path 93 Platen roller 94 Thermal head 96 Drive motor 97a Light emitting unit 97b Light receiving unit 98 Timing belt 99 Drive gear 100 Substrate 101 Lending button 102 Return button 103 Frequency display unit 104 Total score display unit 105 Analog display unit 110 Controller 111 Modulation / demodulation unit 112 Power supply unit 113 Non-volatile memory 114 Coil driver 115 Communication Le 116 thermochromic film layer (print member) 117 aluminum layer 120 reservoir box 201 game island 202 ball pachinko machine 203 rental machine 204 number ball counting machine 205 display unit 206 IC card reader-writer 207 Away button 208 end button

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G07F 7/08 G07F 7/08 J F-term (Reference) 2C088 BB11 BB21 BB23 3E044 AA02 AA05 BA01 BA02 BA04 BA06 CA01 CA03 CA06 CC06 DA03 DA06 DA10 DB02 DB15 DC05 DC06 DC10 DE01 DE02 DE07 EA04 EA06 EA20 EB01 FA01 FA03 5B035 AA14 BA04 BB09 BB11 BB12 BC00 BC02 CA06 CA12 CA23 CA29 CA38 5B058 CA16 CA17 CA27 KA05 KA06 KA08 KA31 KA08

Claims (6)

[Claims] A gaming machine in which a specific gaming state advantageous to a player is generated with a predetermined gaming state as a specific condition, and a value is given to the player by satisfying a predetermined value providing condition. A game for performing processing of the game recording medium by performing at least one of reading and writing of the information from a game recording medium on which at least information capable of specifying a value of valuable value usable for the game is recorded. In the recording medium processing device, the game recording medium processing device includes a communication unit that performs at least one of transmission and reception of the game recording medium and the information in a non-contact manner by electromagnetic induction, and the game recording And a printing means for printing information related to the medium on the game recording medium so as to be visible. 2. The game recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an erasing means for erasing the print. 3. A storage means for storing at least information capable of specifying the value of a value made usable in the gaming machine, and at least one of transmission and reception of the information stored in the storage means. Communication means for performing non-contact with the game recording medium processing device by electromagnetic induction, and provided at a predetermined position on at least one of a front surface and a back surface of the game recording medium; A printing member on which a visible print is formed by changing light transmission or light reflectance, wherein the printing member is used in the game recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. Game recording media. 4. The game recording medium according to claim 3, wherein the printing member is capable of erasing printing by heating under a predetermined condition. 5. The game recording medium according to claim 3, wherein a coil antenna constituting the communication means is formed so as to avoid a position at which the printing member is arranged. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a coil antenna forming the communication unit is formed substantially at a central portion, and a printing area of the printing member is formed at a position substantially symmetrical with respect to the coil antenna. Game recording media.