JP2001353353A - Prize exchange apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new type prize exchange apparatus wherein the amount of monetary value of stored balls, obtained balls, etc., coming into player's possession as the result of the game of pachinko game machines or the like can be exchanged for digital information such as music data. SOLUTION: Recorded information (member ID or number of counted balls, etc.), is read out from a recording medium (member card 5 or prize exchange card 6), and the amount of the monetary value specified from the recorded information is exchanged for music data selected. The music data are then written into a specified recording medium 7, and the value of the music data is subtracted from the amount of the monetary value.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a prize exchange apparatus for exchanging the value of valuables owned by a player through a game with a gaming machine for a prize. More specifically, the present invention relates to a completely new type of prize exchange device that can exchange the value of valuables with digital information (content) such as music data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, for example, the following is known as a prize exchange system for exchanging the value of a value owned by a player by a game with a gaming machine for a prize. That is, in a game hall such as a pachinko parlor,
As a result of a game by a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a value such as an obtained ball is given to a player. Here, the size of the valuable value given to the player is specified by reading recorded information of a recording medium on which information capable of specifying the value of the valuable value is recorded, and from the recorded information.

[0003] More specifically, in a pachinko parlor where a ball storage system that can carry over the ball obtained by a member player as a ball after the next day is introduced, if the player is the member, The counted number of obtained balls is stored in the hall management device as the number of stored coins in association with the member ID which is the record information, and the member ID read from the member card which is the recording medium and the input personal identification number are stored in the hall. By making an inquiry to the management device, the number of coins that are valuable is determined.

Alternatively, if the player is not the member, the counted number of obtained balls is used as the number of counted balls, which is the record information, as the card ID and the issue date / time of the card, which is also the record information. At the same time, the hall management device and the prize exchange card are recorded and read from the prize exchange card, which is a recording medium, and the record information (card ID, card issue date / time, issue time, and number of balls counted) is referred to the hall management device. By doing so, the number of obtained balls, which is the magnitude of the value, is specified.

[0005] Here, the value of the valuable value means the number of stored or obtained balls, or money obtained by converting the number of the stored balls at a predetermined ratio. In addition, the valuable value acquired by the player by the game with the gaming machine may be an acquired medal or the like instead of the acquired ball. The size of the valuable value specified as described above is exchanged with a special prize or a general prize selected by the player at a prize counter in the pachinko parlor.

However, the conventional prize exchange system has the following problems. In other words, when exchanging the value of the valuables for general prizes, even if the player acquires a large amount of valuables, the pachinko parlors have a very limited range of goods and services purchased in advance. Since only the prize can be selected, the prize desired by the player often does not exist.

[0007] In addition, after exchanging the value of the valuable for a special prize, if a fraction of the value of the value that remains small enough to be exchanged for the special prize remains, the player who is not a member does not receive the valuable. Since the value cannot be carried over to the next day or later, the prize is often exchanged for a general prize (for example, tobacco or chocolate) which can be exchanged for a fraction of the value.

On the other hand, as a system in which a pachinko parlor can exchange the value of valuables with a prize not purchased in advance, a player can use a terminal device installed inside or outside the pachinko parlor to a product maker or a cyber mall via the Internet. It is known that a prize is ordered to be delivered to a player's home at a later date.

However, even in this system, digital information such as music data distributed via a communication line such as the Internet is provided as a prize, and the magnitude of the value is exchanged with digital information such as music data. There was no idea.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object of the present invention is to determine the value of a value owned by a player by playing a game with a game machine, by using music data. It is an object of the present invention to provide a completely new type of prize exchange device which can exchange prizes with digital information such as the above.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a prize exchange apparatus that can exchange the value of valuables with distributed digital information as a prize.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a prize exchange apparatus capable of displaying a list of selectable digital information.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a prize exchange apparatus which can accept a recording medium owned by a player in advance and write digital information on the recording medium.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a prize exchange apparatus which can accept different types of recording media.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a prize exchange apparatus which can provide a recording medium on which digital information is written as a prize, even if the player does not own the recording medium in advance. Is to do.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a prize exchange apparatus which can provide the latest digital information (for example, news articles and news photos).

Another object of the present invention is to eliminate the need to receive digital information each time, reduce communication costs,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a prize exchange device that can download digital information quickly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a prize exchange apparatus capable of reducing communication costs and quickly downloading digital information, while reducing the amount of pre-stored digital information. Is to provide.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a prize exchange apparatus that can provide various digital information according to various situations.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a prize exchange apparatus which can exchange prizes after confirming the contents of digital music information when the digital information includes digital music information. It is in.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a prize exchange apparatus which can print related information such as lyrics and jacket pictures and provide the information together.

[0022]

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

First, the invention according to claim 1 reads the record information of a recording medium on which information capable of specifying the value of the value of possession of the player by the game with the gaming machine is recorded, and reads the record information. Value of the value specified from
A prize exchange device for exchanging prizes with selected digital information, writing the digital information on a predetermined recording medium, and performing processing for subtracting the value of the digital information from the magnitude of the valuable value.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a prize exchange apparatus for exchanging the value of a value owned by a player by a game with a gaming machine with digital information for a prize, wherein Recording medium reading means for reading recording information of a recording medium on which information capable of specifying the size of the recording medium is recorded, selecting means for selecting the digital information, and communication means for receiving distribution of the digital information; Recording medium writing means for writing the digital information to a predetermined recording medium, and subtraction processing means for performing processing for subtracting the value of the digital information from the magnitude of the valuable value. It is an exchange device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the prize exchange apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the selection means has a display means for displaying a list of selectable digital information. This is a prize exchange device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the prize exchange apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the recording medium writing means is configured to receive the recording medium previously owned by the player. A prize exchange device having a recording medium receiving unit, wherein the selected digital information is written by the recording medium writing unit to the recording medium received by the recording medium receiving unit.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 2 to
4. The prize exchange apparatus according to any one of 4, wherein the recording medium writing means is provided with a plurality of types according to the type of the recording medium.

The invention according to claim 6 is based on claims 2 to
5. The prize exchange device according to any one of claims 5, further comprising a recording medium storing means for storing the recording medium, wherein the selected digital information is transmitted from the recording medium storing means by the recording medium writing means. A prize exchanging apparatus characterized in that the prize exchange apparatus is provided as a prize, wherein the recording medium is written on a taken-out recording medium and the digital information is written on the recording medium.

[0029] The invention according to claim 7 is based on claims 1 to
6. The prize exchange device according to any one of 6, wherein the prize exchange device is communicably connected to digital information distribution means provided outside the game arcade, and each time the digital information is selected, Transmitting a signal requesting distribution of the selected digital information to the digital information distribution means, and receiving the digital information distributed from the digital information distribution means based on the signal. Device.

Further, the invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claims 1 to
6. The prize exchange device according to any one of 6, wherein the prize exchange device is communicably connected to digital information distribution means provided outside the game arcade, and before the digital information is selected, Digital information storage means for receiving the distribution of the digital information from the digital information distribution means and storing the digital information, wherein the digital information is read from the digital information storage means after the digital information is selected. This is a prize exchange device.

The ninth aspect of the present invention is the first aspect of the present invention.
6. The prize exchange device according to any one of 6, wherein the prize exchange device is communicably connected to digital information distribution means provided outside the game arcade, and before the digital information is selected, Digital information storage means for receiving the distribution of the digital information from the digital information distribution means and storing the digital information, wherein after the digital information is selected, the digital information is stored in the digital information storage means In the case, while reading the digital information from the digital information storage means, if the digital information is not stored in the digital information storage means,
A prize exchange device for transmitting a signal for requesting distribution of the selected digital information to the digital information distribution means, and receiving the digital information distributed from the digital information distribution means based on the signal. It is.

The tenth aspect of the present invention is the first aspect of the present invention.
A prize exchange device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The prize exchange device is characterized in that the digital information is information comprising at least one selected from digital music information, digital character information, and digital image information.

The invention according to claim 11 is the first invention.
0, wherein when the digital information includes the digital music information, the prize exchange device includes a listening means for reproducing and listening to the digital music information. .

[0034] Further, the invention according to claim 12 is the prize exchange apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising printing means for printing and discharging information related to the digital information. A prize exchange device characterized by the above feature.

[0035]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the premium exchange device according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a prize exchange system 1 including a prize exchange device 10.
The prize exchange device 10 is for exchanging the value of the value owned by the player by the game with the gaming machine for the prize, and particularly, the value of the value is converted into digital information (contents) such as music data. ) And a prize exchange.

This valuable value includes, for example, an acquired valuable value (for example, a prize ball) given to a player as a result of a game with a gaming machine, and a rental valuable value (for example, given to a player in exchange for money). Ball lending) is also included. In the following,
For example, a case will be described where the gaming machine is a pachinko machine installed in a pachinko parlor, and the value of the value is the number of stored balls or the number of acquired balls. However, the value value may be the number of stored medals or the number of acquired medals.

The digital information is various kinds of information converted into digital data. For example, the digital information is distributed via a communication line from a digital information distribution means described later, or a storage medium described later (for example, a laser disk (LD) Etc.) are stored in advance. This digital information is, for example, information composed of one or more types selected from digital music information, digital character information, and digital image information.

Specifically, digital music information includes music data such as popular songs and classical music, digital character information includes character data such as news articles, magazine articles and novels, and digital image information includes news data. There are still image data such as photographs and paintings and moving image data such as silent movies, and also includes data such as karaoke and movies, which are combinations thereof. The digital information is not limited to the example, and further includes software such as personal computer software and game software.

In the following, the music distribution server 4 serving as digital information distribution means is used as the digital information.
A description will be given of music data of a song (hereinafter simply referred to as “music data”) distributed from 0 through a communication line such as the Internet 2. With such music data, the amount of data to be distributed is relatively small (about several megabytes), so that it can be downloaded in a relatively short time, and the price is relatively low (a few Therefore, it is suitable for exchanging prizes with the fractional value, and suitable for exchanging prizes in pachinko parlors.

The music data is encrypted as needed to protect the copyright, and is distributed from the music distribution server 40. As the encryption method, for example, a public key method can be used. This is a method using two keys, a public key which is a key for encryption and a secret key which is a key for decrypting the encryption.

More specifically, two keys are created in the prize exchange device 10 described later, and the public key is sent to the music distribution server 40 that distributes the music data, while the secret key receives the distribution of the music data. Is stored in the prize exchange device 10 on the side,
The music data encrypted with the public key is transmitted to the music distribution server 40.
Is transmitted to the prize exchange device 10 and is recorded on a recording medium 7 described later together with the secret key. Music data encrypted with this public key can only be decrypted with the corresponding private key. Therefore, even if the music data encrypted with the public key is copied to another recording medium, the private key is stored in the original recording medium 7 and is not copied to another recording medium. The decrypted music data cannot be decrypted, and the copyright is protected.

Also, this music data, if necessary,
The data is compressed and coded to reduce the amount of data to be distributed, and is distributed from the music distribution server 40. As a method of this compression encoding, for example, the MP3 method or the trade name ATR
Various systems such as the AC3 system can be used.

The prize exchange system 1 including the prize exchange device 10 includes a membership card 5 and a prize exchange card 6 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) owned by the player 4, a predetermined recording medium 7, and a pachinko machine. Prize exchange device 10 provided in the store,
It comprises a ball counting means 20, a hall management device 30, a music distribution server 40 provided outside a pachinko parlor, an external management company 50, and the like.

Here, the communication means 11 of the premium exchange device 10
a can communicate with the communication means 41 of the music distribution server 40 via the digital integrated circuit 3a and the Internet 2. Also, the communication means 11b of the premium exchange device 10
Can communicate with the communication means 31b of the hall management device 30 via the LAN 3b. Ball counting means 2
The communication means 21 of 0 can communicate with the communication means 31b of the hall management device 30 via the LAN 3b. Further, the communication unit 31a of the hall management device 30 can communicate with the communication unit 51 of the external management company 50 via the digital integrated circuit 3a and the Internet 2.

That is, the components provided in the pachinko parlor are communicably connected via the LAN 3b. The digital integrated circuit 3a is connected between the components provided in the pachinko parlor and the components provided outside the pachinko parlor. It is communicably connected via the Internet 2. The communication means 11b, 21, 31b have a LAN board or the like, and the communication means 11a, 31a, 41, 51 have a terminal adapter (TA) or the like.

Note that the Internet 2, the digital integrated circuit 3a and the LAN 3b are examples of communication lines, and are not particularly limited as long as the respective communication means are communicably connected. A dedicated line such as a cable television line or a satellite line may be used instead of the digital integrated line 3a.

The membership card 5 and the prize exchange card 6 are examples of a recording medium, and have a function of recording information capable of specifying a value value. The form of the recording medium is not particularly limited, for example, a card type such as a magnetic card, a thermal card, and an IC card, a coin type, and an accessory type as long as it has a similar function. In the following, the case where the membership card 5 and the premium exchange card 6 are magnetic cards will be described as an example.

The member card 5 is a card-type recording medium on which information capable of identifying the player 4 as a member of the pachinko parlor is recorded, and the address, name, telephone number, date of birth, gender, and the like are registered. The information is issued to the player 4 who is a member whose information is registered in advance. In the member card 5, as shown in FIG. 3A, a member ID such as a card ID and a member number is recorded on the magnetic stripe portion 5a as recording information. The recorded information is read by a card reader 13 described later, and is referred to a hole management device 30 described later together with a personal identification number, so that the value of the value stored in the hole management device 30 (here, the number of coins stored) is stored. Is specified.

The prize exchange card 6 is a card-type recording medium on which information for specifying the value of the valuable value given to the player 4 is recorded, and is issued to the non-member player 4. . In this premium exchange card 6, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the number of counted balls, which is the number of acquired balls, is recorded as recording information together with the card ID, the date of issuance of the card, and the issuance time of the card in the magnetic stripe portion 6a. The recorded information is read by a card reader 13 described later, and the inquiry is made to a hall management device 30 described later, whereby the size of the valuable value (here, the number of obtained balls) recorded on the prize exchange card 6 is specified. Is done.

The magnetic stripe portion 6a may record the number of remaining balls obtained by subtracting the number of counted balls after prize exchange in place of the number of counted balls. The number-of-balls display section 6b displays the counted number of balls (the number of remaining balls) so that the player 4 can see it. Further, the prize exchange card 6 may be a receipt or the like on which record information is printed as a barcode, instead of a magnetic card.

The predetermined recording medium 7 is a medium for recording music data, in other words, a medium for recording digital information, which is owned by the player 4 in advance, and is provided by the player 4 at a prize counter (not shown) of a pachinko parlor. The prize is exchanged in (outside) or stored in the media stocker 17 described later.

The recording medium 7 includes, for example, a mini disk (MD), a brand name Memory Stick, a brand name Smart Media, a brand name SD card, a nonvolatile memory, a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), and a write-once compact disk ( CD-R), rewritable compact disc (C
D-RW), rewritable digital versatile disc (DV
D) and a magneto-optical disk (MO). Note that the recording medium 7 is not limited to the example.

The prize exchange device 10 includes communication means 11a, 1
1b connected via a bus to the control unit 1b
2 is provided with a card reader 13, a touch panel display 14, a hard disk 15, a media writer 16, a media stocker 17, a headphone 18, a printer 19, and the like connected via a bus.

The communication means 11a is a digital integrated circuit 3a
And the communication between the prize exchange device 10 and the music distribution server 40 via a communication line such as the Internet 2, and particularly has a function of receiving distribution of music data from the music distribution server 40. Here, as a mode of receiving music data distribution from the music distribution server 40,
There are the following three embodiments.

First, as a first mode, after music data is selected, a signal requesting distribution of the selected music data (delivery request signal) is transmitted to the music distribution server 40 each time the music data is selected. Music distribution server 4 based on
0 receives music data distributed from the Internet.

As a second aspect, music data can be selected before music data is selected (for example, at an arbitrary timing such as before business hours of pachinko parlors, at regular intervals during business hours, and / or after business hours). Some “all” music data is distributed from the music distribution server 40 in advance. The music data distributed in the second mode is stored in a hard disk 15 described later, and is read from the hard disk 15 after the music data is selected.

Further, as a third mode, before music data is similarly selected, selectable “part” music data (for example, music data that is frequently selected) is previously transmitted from the music distribution server 40. Some are being delivered. The music data distributed in the third mode is also stored in the hard disk 15 described later, and is read from the hard disk 15 after the music data is selected. On the other hand, if the selected music data is not distributed from the music distribution server 40 in advance and is not stored in the hard disk 15, a distribution request signal is transmitted to the music distribution server 40 after the music data is selected. Then, it receives music data distributed from the music distribution server 40 based on the distribution request signal.

The communication means 11b controls communication between the premium exchange device 10 and the hall management device 30 via a communication line such as the LAN 3b.

The control unit 12 has a CPU having a calculation function.
(Central processing unit), RAM (random access memory) having a memory function, ROM (read only memory) having a system program, and the like are computers connected via a bus. The ROM stores, for example, a prize exchange program for exchanging the value of the valuables with music data, a program for making a determination to be described later, and the like. In addition, an encryption program for creating encryption for encrypting the distributed music data is stored as needed.

Further, if necessary, this ROM contains
A value specifying program for specifying the value of the value from the recorded information and a value subtraction program for subtracting the price of the music data from the value of the value are stored. The control unit 12 includes the CPU and the valuable value specifying program, and is configured as a valuable value specifying unit that specifies the magnitude of the valuable value from the recorded information. Further, the control unit 12 includes the CPU and the valuable value subtracting program, and is configured as a valuable value subtracting unit that subtracts the value of the music data from the magnitude of the valuable value.

The functions as the valuable value specifying means and the valuable value subtracting means do not necessarily need to be provided in the control unit 12, but may be provided in any configuration of the prize exchange system 1 (for example, the control unit of the hall management device 30 described later). 32). In other words, the identification and subtraction of the value need not necessarily be performed in the prize exchange apparatus 10, but may be performed in any configuration of the prize exchange system 1. In particular, the control unit 12 includes at least the selected digital What is necessary is just to be comprised as a subtraction processing means which performs the process for subtracting the price of information from the magnitude of valuable value (the process of the stage before the actual subtraction).

The card reader 13 is an example of a recording medium reading means, and has a function of reading recording information from the membership card 5 and the premium exchange card 6 and a function of writing recording information on the premium exchange card 6. The card reader 13 has a recording medium receiving unit for receiving a recording medium. In this example, the card reader 13 has a card insertion / ejection port 13a for inserting and ejecting the membership card 5 and the premium exchange card 6. As long as the recording medium reading means has the same function, for example, it may be a means for communicating with a recording medium near the recording medium receiving unit and reading and writing the recording information in a non-contact manner. A barcode reader that reads the barcode that has been read may be used.

The touch panel display 14 is an example of a selection means, and has a function of selecting music data and a function of displaying various information and receiving various inputs. For example, the player 4 or a clerk of a pachinko parlor The desired music data can be selected by the operator's operation. Specifically, the touch panel display 1
In FIG. 4, for example, a screen display as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 to be described later is made, and a list 9 as shown in FIG. 2B is displayed on the screen during the display, and music data desired by the operator is displayed. By touching the part on the screen, the transparent electrode disposed on the surface of the screen is energized to accept selection of music data, and music data is selected. The selection means may be a display and a keyboard, for example, as long as it has a function as a display means for displaying a list 9 of selectable music data and a function as a reception means for receiving selection of music data. , Or by voice recognition.

The hard disk 15 is an example of digital information storage means and has a function of receiving music data distribution from the music distribution server 40 before music data is selected and storing the music data. . The function of the hard disk 15 will be described below in relation to the distribution mode of the music data.

That is, in the second embodiment, the hard disk 15 receives distribution of music data from the music distribution server 40 in advance, stores selectable “all” music data, and selects the music data. After reading from the hard disk 15. Therefore, it is not necessary to receive distribution of music data each time, so that communication costs can be reduced and music data can be downloaded quickly.

In the third aspect, the hard disk 15 receives music data distribution from the music distribution server 40 in advance, stores selectable “partial” music data, and selects the selected music data. It has a function of reading from the hard disk 15 after being performed. Therefore, for example, if music data that is frequently selected (for example, a popular song) is stored in the hard disk 15 in advance, it is not necessary to receive the distribution every time the music data is selected. , And quick download of music data. On the other hand, for example, music data that is selected less frequently (for example, songs that are less popular) is distributed each time, so that the amount of music data stored in advance can be reduced, and the storage capacity of the hard disk 15 can be effectively used. Can be.

The hard disk 15 stores a program for searching and reading the stored music data in the hard disk 15, and also stores the list 9 for selecting the music data. The digital information storage means may be another large-capacity storage medium as long as it has the same function.

In this prize exchange device 10,
The music data stored in the hard disk 15 can be erased under certain conditions.
For example, music data that is selected less frequently or old music data that has passed for a certain period after the start of distribution is configured to be sequentially deleted. With this configuration, the storage capacity of the hard disk 15 can be effectively used, and music data with high needs can be preferentially provided by utilizing the free storage capacity.

On the contrary, the prize exchange device 1
0, the music data distributed each time may be stored in the hard disk 15 under certain conditions. For example, if music data that is frequently selected is distributed and the music data is stored, it is not necessary to receive the distribution of the music data the next time the music data is selected. Therefore, music data with high needs can be efficiently provided.

The media writer 16 is an example of a recording medium writing means, and has a function of writing selected music data to a predetermined recording medium 7 and a function of reading the free space of the recording medium 7. The media writer 16 has a recording medium receiving unit for receiving the recording medium 7, and in this example, has a medium insertion / ejection port 16a for inserting and ejecting the recording medium 7. As long as the recording medium writing means has the same function, for example, the recording medium writing means may communicate with the recording medium 7 near the recording medium receiving unit and write digital information in a non-contact manner.

Further, a plurality of types (three types in the example shown in FIG. 2A) of the media writer 16 and the media insertion / ejection port 16a are provided according to different types of the recording media 7. However, a plurality of recording media 7
Cannot be accepted at the same time.

The media stocker 17 is an example of a recording medium storage means, and has a function of storing the recording medium 7 and a medium writer 16 which takes out the recording medium 7 and takes out the function.
It is provided with a function to be attached to. By providing this media stocker 17, the recording medium 7 is stored in the media stocker 17 in advance, and after the recording medium 7 is selected, the recording medium 7 is taken out from the media stocker 17 and attached to the media writer 16, and The recorded music data is written to the recording medium 7, and the recording medium 7 can be ejected from the medium insertion / ejection port 16a. Therefore, even if the player 4 does not have the recording medium 7 in advance, the recording medium 7 on which the music data is written can be provided as a prize.

In this case, in this case, the recording medium 7
Is subtracted from the value of the value together with the price of the music data.

The headphone 18 is an example of a trial listening means, and has a function of reproducing and listening to the selected music data before exchanging the value of the selected music data for its value. These headphones 18
, A list 9 as shown in FIG.
If you select a song that shows "OK" in the audition column,
Since the music is played for a predetermined time (for example, one minute), the player 4 wearing the headphones 18 can listen to the music. Therefore, the prize can be exchanged after the player 4 confirms the content of the music.

The printer 19 is an example of a printing unit.
It has a function of printing and discharging information related to music data. By providing the printer 19, information on prize exchange such as "date of issue", "issue location", "recording media", etc., and "tune name", " In addition to music data information such as "singer name" and "recording capacity", information (related information) related to music data such as lyrics (a portion indicated as No. 1) and a jacket photograph (not shown). Can be printed.

The related information may be recorded on the recording medium 7 as digital data together with the music data. The related information recorded in this way can be used in various ways, for example, by taking it as digital data into a personal computer at the home of the player 4 and displaying it as wallpaper on a desktop or printing it with a printer. .

FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the premium exchange device 10. As shown in FIG. This prize exchange device 10
Then, the communication means 1 described above is placed inside a rectangular casing.
1a and 11b, a control unit 12, a card reader 13, a hard disk 15, a media writer 16, a media stocker 17, and a printer 19 (not shown here), and the above-mentioned card insertion / ejection port 13
a, a touch panel display 14, three media insertion / ejection ports 16a, a headphone 18, and a receipt ejection port 19a. Note that the hard disk 15, the media stocker 17, the headphones 18, and the printer 19 may be provided as needed. The prize exchange device 10 is not limited to the one having the above-described appearance, and may be provided, for example, corresponding to a game machine (for example, one-to-one or two-to-one with a pachinko machine).

Returning to FIG. 1, the ball counting means 20 includes a control unit 22 connected to the communication means 21 via a bus,
2 is a so-called jet counter that includes a card reader 23, a card stocker 24, a counting sensor 25, and the like, which are connected to the player 2 via a bus, and has a function of counting obtained balls, which are valuable values given to the player. is there. When the valuable value given to the player is an acquired medal, a medal counting means is used instead of the ball counting means 20.

The communication means 21 controls communication between the ball counting means 20 and the hall management device 30 via a communication line such as the LAN 3b. The control unit 22 is a computer in which a CPU having a calculation function, a RAM having a memory function, a ROM having a system program, and the like are connected via a bus.

The card reader 23 has a function of reading recorded information from the membership card 5 and a function of writing recorded information on the premium exchange card 6. The card reader 23 has a recording medium receiving unit for receiving a recording medium. In this example, a card insertion / ejection port 23 for inserting / ejecting the membership card 5 and ejecting the premium exchange card 6 is provided.
a. As long as the card reader 23 has the same function, the card reader 23 may communicate with a recording medium near the recording medium receiving unit and read and write the recording information in a non-contact manner.

The card stocker 24 has a function of storing the raw prize exchange card 6 before recording information is recorded, and a function of taking out the prize exchange card 6 and attaching it to the card reader 23. The counting sensor 25 is a sensor that counts the number of the obtained acquired balls.

The hall management device 30 includes communication means 31a,
A control unit 32 connected to the control unit 31b via a bus, a member database (hereinafter, referred to as a “member DB”) 33, and a coin storage database (hereinafter, referred to as a “storage DB”) 34 connected to the control unit 32 via a bus. , A card database (hereinafter, referred to as “card DB”) 35, and a prize exchange database (hereinafter, referred to as “prize exchange DB”) 36.

The communication means 31a is a digital integrated circuit 3a
And the communication between the hall management device 30 and the external management company 50 via a communication line such as the Internet 2. The communication unit 31b controls communication between the hall management device 30 and the premium exchange device 10 and between the hall management device 30 and the ball counting unit 20 via a communication line such as the LAN 3b.

The control unit 32 includes a CPU having a calculation function,
A computer having a RAM having a memory function and a ROM having a system program are connected via a bus. In this ROM, for example, a program for inquiring the member ID and the password to the member DB 33, a program for reading the ball storage data from the ball storage DB 34, a program for recording the ball storage data in the ball storage DB 34, and the recording information ( A program for inquiring the card DB 35 of the card ID, the date of issuance of the card / issued time / issue time, and the number of counted balls), a program for recording the number of remaining balls in the card DB 35, and a prize exchange D
A program to be recorded in B36 is stored.

The ROM stores the value specifying program and the value subtraction program as required. The control unit 32 includes the CPU and the programs, and is configured as the valuable value specifying unit and the valuable value subtracting unit.

The member DB 33 stores record information (member ID such as card ID and member number) recorded on the member card 5.
D), the personal identification number, and registration information such as the address, name, telephone number, date of birth, and gender of the player 4 as a member are stored as member data. Savings D
B34 associates the number of acquired balls with the member ID and accumulates them as ball storage data.

The card DB 35 stores recording information (card ID, card issue date / issue date / time, and number of balls counted) recorded on the premium exchange card 6.
In the card DB 35, for the prize exchange card 6 for which the prize exchange has been performed, a processing completion flag is set in the record information regarding the prize exchange card 6, and the prize exchange is completed (processed).
Is recorded. The prize exchange DB 36 stores prizes (music data in this case) provided for the prize exchange and the number of balls for the prize as prize exchange data. The prize exchange data is used for billing later.

The music distribution server 40 is an example of digital information distribution means, and includes a control unit 42 connected to the communication unit 41 via a bus, and a music database (hereinafter referred to as a “database”) connected to the control unit 42 via the bus. Music DB ”) 4
3 and a hard disk 44, etc., and a function of distributing music data.

The music distribution server 40 is a predetermined organization provided outside the pachinko parlor, and is, for example, a record company,
A music distribution company operated by a provider or an Internet-related company. Thus, the music distribution server 40, which is a predetermined organization, distributes the music data, so that the music data can be distributed legally without causing a copyright infringement problem.

The communication means 41 is responsible for communication between the music distribution server 40 and the prize exchange device 10 via the digital integrated circuit 3a and the communication line such as the Internet 2. Receiving the request signal,
The function of distributing music data to the prize exchange device 10 based on the distribution request signal, and before music data is selected (for example, before pachinko parlor business hours, at regular intervals during business hours, and / or after business hours). Etc. any timing)
And a function of distributing music data to the premium exchange device 10 in advance.

The control unit 42 includes a CPU having a calculation function,
A computer having a RAM having a memory function and a ROM having a system program are connected via a bus. The ROM stores a program for searching and reading stored music data in the music DB 43. The ROM also includes, as necessary, an encryption program for encrypting music data to be distributed, a compression encoding program for compressing and encoding music data to be distributed, and a charging program for charging the music data together with the distribution. Is stored.

The music DB 43 stores music data and, if necessary, data of related information such as lyrics and jacket pictures. These data are compressed and encoded in advance and stored, but may not be compressed and encoded. The hard disk 44 stores the report of the completion of the reception of the music data or the report of the reading of the music data received from the premium exchange device 10. The results of these reports will be used for later billing.

The external management company 50 includes a control unit 52 connected to the communication means 51 via a bus, a member DB 53 connected to the control unit 52 via a bus, a ball storage DB 54, and the like. It has a function of backing up the member DB 33 and the ball storage DB 34 of the device 30.

The communication means 51 controls the communication between the external management company 50 and the hall management device 30 via the digital integrated line 3a and the communication line such as the Internet 2. It has a function of receiving member data and ball storage data from the device.
The reception of these data may be in real time.

The control unit 52 includes a CPU having a calculation function,
A computer having a RAM having a memory function and a ROM having a system program are connected via a bus. The member DB 53 has a function similar to that of the member DB 33 of the hall management device 30.
4 also has the same function as the ball storage DB 34 of the hall management device 30.

Next, the operation of the premium exchange device 10 according to the present invention will be described. First, as an assumption, the operations of the ball counting means 20 and the hall management device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. These have an effect of recording the obtained balls, which are valuable values given to the player 4, as the number of accumulated balls or the number of acquired balls, which is the magnitude of the valuable value. If the valuable value given to the player 4 is an acquired medal, the value is recorded as the number of stored medals or the number of acquired medals, which is the magnitude of the valuable value.

First, if the player 4 is a member of a pachinko parlor that has introduced a ball-saving system, the number of obtained balls given to the player 4 is stored in the membership card 5 owned by the player 4. In association with the recorded member ID, it is recorded in the hall management device 30 as ball storage data.

More specifically, when the player 4 inserts the membership card 5 into the card insertion / ejection slot 23a, the card reader 2
3 to read the member ID, transmit the member ID to the hall management device 30, and use the control unit 32 to store the member ID in the member DB.
33, and transmits the result of the inquiry to the ball counting means 20. Next, when the player 4 puts the obtained balls into the ball counting means 20, the counting sensor 25 counts the number of the obtained balls. Next, when the player 4 presses a confirmation button (not shown), the counted number of obtained balls is transmitted to the hall management device 30, and the obtained number of balls is associated with the member ID and stored as ball storage DB as ball storage data.
Record at 34. After that, insert the membership card 5
It is discharged from the discharge port 23a.

If the player 4 is not a member, the number of obtained balls given to the player 4 is recorded on the premium exchange card 6 given to the player 4 as the number of counted balls.

Specifically, when the player 4 puts the obtained balls into the ball counting means 20, the counting sensor 25 counts the number of the obtained balls. Next, when the player 4 presses a confirmation button (not shown), the prize exchange card 6 is taken out of the card stocker 24 and attached to the card reader 23, and a unique number is given to the ball counting means 20 as a card ID. Card reader 2
3, the card ID and the card issue date and issue time are recorded on the prize exchange card 6, and the number of obtained balls is recorded on the prize exchange card 6 as the number of counted balls. The date, issue time, and the number of counted balls) are transmitted to the hall management device 30, and the record information is recorded in the card DB 35. Thereafter, the premium exchange card 6 is ejected from the card insertion / ejection port 23a.

Next, the operation of the premium exchange device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. The prize exchange device 10 has an effect of exchanging the size of valuables with digital information such as music data or the like. First, FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the premium exchange device 10.

The prize exchange apparatus 10 starts at S100, reads the recording information of the recording medium at S101, and proceeds to S102. The recording medium is, for example, a member card 5 or a prize exchange card 6, and the recording information is, for example, a member ID, the number of counted balls, or the like. In S102, the size of the valuable value specified from the record information is exchanged for the premium with the selected digital information, and the process proceeds to S103. This digital information is, for example, music data.

In step S103, the selected digital information is written to the predetermined recording medium 7. In step S104, a process for subtracting the value of the digital information from the value of the valuable is performed, and the process ends in step S105. Note that S103 and S103
104 may be performed simultaneously or in the reverse order.

In the prize exchange apparatus 10, the music data to be exchanged for prizes is not limited to that distributed from the music distribution server 40, but is stored in advance in a storage medium (for example, a laser disk (LD) or the like) described later. However, the following three embodiments are available for distribution from the music distribution server 40.

First, in the first embodiment, each time music data is selected, a signal (delivery request signal) requesting distribution of the selected music data is transmitted to the music distribution server 40 every time the music data is selected. Music distribution server 4 based on signal
The music data distributed from 0 is received. In the following, the operation of the premium exchange device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described in the case where the membership card 5 is used and when the premium exchange card 6 is used.
The explanation is roughly divided into the case of using

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing a first embodiment of the operation of the premium exchange device 10 when the membership card 5 is used.

[0108] The prize exchanging apparatus 10 performs the processing in S200 shown in FIG.
And then in S201 the card insertion / ejection port 1
The member card 5 is received by 3a, the member ID is read by the card reader 13 in S202, the personal identification number is received by the touch panel display 14 in S203, and the member ID and the personal identification number are transmitted to the hall management device 30 in S204. , S205, the accumulated ball data or N
The G signal is received from the hall management device 30, and the process proceeds to S206.

In step S206, based on the result of the reception,
It is determined whether the member card 5 is valid. This S
When the NG signal is received from the hall management device 30 in 206, it is determined that the member card 5 is not valid (NO),
In S207, the member card 5 is ejected from the card insertion / ejection port 13a. On the other hand, when the ball storage data is received from the hall management device 30 in S206, it is determined that the member card 5 is valid (YES), and the process proceeds to S208.

In S208, the number of stored coins is displayed on the touch panel display 14 based on the received coin storage data. In S209, the recording medium 7 is received through the medium insertion / ejection port 16a, and the flow advances to S210.

In S210, it is determined whether or not the recording medium 7 has been received. If it is determined in S210 that the recording medium 7 has not been received (NO), the process proceeds to S21.
In step 1, the touch panel display 14 accepts the selection of the recording medium 7, and proceeds to S212. On the other hand, S21
If it is determined at 0 that the recording medium 7 has been received (YES), the process proceeds to S212. Note that S209, S21
Steps 0 and S211 may be performed, for example, immediately before S201. That is, the recording medium 7 may be received before the member card 5 is received.

In step S212, the music data list 9 read from the hard disk 15 is displayed on the touch panel display 14, and in step S213, selection of music data is accepted on the touch panel display 14.
Proceed to 214.

In S214, it is determined whether or not the number of balls required for exchanging prizes with music data is equal to or less than the number of stored balls.
If it is determined in S214 that the required number of balls is not less than the number of stored balls (NO), the member card 5 is discharged from the card insertion / discharge port 13a in S215. On the other hand, if it is determined in S214 that the required number of balls is equal to or less than the number of stored balls (YES), the process proceeds to S216.

In S216, the music data is stored in the recording medium 7.
Then, it is determined whether or not the capacity required to write the data is less than the free space. If it is determined in S216 that the required capacity is not less than the free capacity (NO), the recording medium 7 is ejected from the medium insertion / ejection port 16a in S217.
On the other hand, in S216, the required capacity is less than the free capacity (YE
If it is determined as S), the process proceeds to S218.

Referring to FIG. 6, in S218, a distribution request signal (a signal requesting distribution of the selected music data) is transmitted to music distribution server 40, and after waiting, distribution is performed based on the distribution request signal in S219. Music data is received from the music distribution server 40, and the music data is stored in the RAM of the control unit 12.
In step S220, a report of the completion of the reception of the music data is transmitted to the music distribution server 40, and the process proceeds to step S221.
Note that the result of this report is stored in the hard disk 44 of the music distribution server 40, and is used for billing later.

In step S221, the music data temporarily stored in the RAM of the control unit 12 is written to the recording medium 7 by the media writer 16, and in step S222, the value of the music data and the number of balls of the value of the recording medium 7 are determined by the control unit 12. The value is subtracted from the number of stored balls, and the process proceeds to S223. It is determined that the recording medium 7 has been received in S210 (YES), and
If it has not proceeded to 11, the price of the recording medium 7 is calculated as zero.

In S223, the prize exchange data (the music data provided for the prize exchange and the number of balls for the price) and the subtracted ball storage data (the number of stored balls) are transmitted to the hall management device 30, and
After the standby, a report of the completion of the recording of the prize exchange data and the coin storage data is received from the hall management device 30 in S224, and the process proceeds to S2.
Go to 25.

At S225, the member card 5 is inserted.
The recording medium 7 is discharged from the discharge port 13a, the recording medium 7 is discharged from the medium insertion / discharge port 16a in S226, and the receipt 8 is discharged from the receipt discharge port 19a in S227.
In the end.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the hall management device 30 when the member card 5 is used, and corresponds to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0120] The hall management device 30 is operated in S30 shown in FIG.
0, the member ID and the password are received from the premium exchange device 10 in S301, and the member ID is
And the personal identification number to the member DB 33, and the process proceeds to S303.

In S303, based on the result of the inquiry,
It is determined whether the member card 5 is valid. This S
If it is determined at 303 that the member card 5 is not valid (NO), an NG signal is transmitted to the premium exchange device 10 at S304. On the other hand, if it is determined in S303 that the member card 5 is valid, the stored ball data recorded in association with the member ID is read from the stored ball DB 34 in S305.
In step S306, the ball storage data is transmitted to the prize exchange device 10. After waiting, in step S307, the prize exchange data (the music data provided for the prize exchange and the number of balls for the price) and the subtracted ball storage data (the number of balls) are provided as a prize. S3 received from the switching device 10
Proceed to 08.

At S308, the prize exchange data is exchanged for the prize exchange D.
In S309, the subtracted ball storage data is recorded in the ball storage DB 34 in S309, and the prize exchange data and a report of the completion of the recording of the ball storage data are reported in S310.
0, and ends at S311.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing a first embodiment of the operation of the premium exchange device 10 when the premium exchange card 6 is used.

[0124] The prize exchanging apparatus 10 performs the processing in S400 shown in FIG.
And then in S401, the card insertion / ejection port 1
3A, the prize exchange card 6 is received, and in S402, the card reader 13 reads the record information (card ID, card issue date / time, issue time, and number of balls counted).
At 403, the record information is transmitted to the hole management device 30, and after waiting, an OK signal or an NG signal is received from the hole management device 30 at S404, and the process proceeds to S405.

In S405, based on the result of the reception,
It is determined whether or not the premium exchange card 6 is valid. If the NG signal is received from the hall management device 30 in S405, it is determined that the prize exchange card 6 is not valid (NO), and the prize exchange card 6 is ejected from the card insertion / ejection port 13a in S406. On the other hand, if the OK signal is received from the hall management device 30 in S405, it is determined that the prize exchange card 6 is valid (YES), and the process proceeds to S407.

In S407, based on the record of the number of counted balls,
The acquired number of balls is displayed on the touch panel display 14, the recording medium 7 is received by the medium insertion / ejection port 16a in S408, and the process proceeds to S409.

In S409, it is determined whether or not the recording medium 7 has been received. If it is determined in step S409 that the recording medium 7 has not been received (NO), the process proceeds to step S41.
If 0, the selection of the recording medium 7 is accepted by the touch panel display 14, and the process proceeds to S411. On the other hand, S40
If it is determined in step 9 that the recording medium 7 has been received (YES), the process proceeds to step S411. Note that S408 and S40
Steps S9 and S410 may be performed, for example, immediately before S401. That is, the recording medium 7 may be received before the prize exchange card 6 is received.

In S411, a list 9 of music data read from the hard disk 15 is displayed on the touch panel display 14, and selection of music data is accepted on the touch panel display 14 in S412.
Proceed to 413.

In S413, it is determined whether or not the number of balls required for exchanging prizes with music data is equal to or less than the number of obtained balls. In S413, the required ball number is not less than the acquired ball number (N
If it is determined to be O), in step S414, the prize exchange card 6
Is discharged from the card insertion / discharge port 13a. On the other hand, S4
If it is determined in step 13 that the required number of balls is equal to or less than the number of obtained balls (YES), the process proceeds to S415.

In S415, the music data is stored in the recording medium 7.
Then, it is determined whether or not the capacity required to write the data is less than the free space. If it is determined in S415 that the required capacity is not less than the free capacity (NO), the recording medium 7 is ejected from the medium insertion / ejection port 16a in S416.
On the other hand, the necessary capacity is equal to or less than the free capacity in S415 (YE
If S) is determined, the process proceeds to S417.

Referring to FIG. 9, in S417, a distribution request signal (a signal requesting distribution of the selected music data) is transmitted to music distribution server 40, and after waiting, distribution is performed based on the distribution request signal in S418. Music data is received from the music distribution server 40, and the music data is stored in the RAM of the control unit 12.
In step S419, a report of the completion of the reception of the music data is transmitted to the music distribution server 40, and the process proceeds to step S420.
Note that the result of this report is stored in the hard disk 44 of the music distribution server 40, and is used for billing later.

In step S420, the music data temporarily stored in the RAM of the control unit 12 is written to the recording medium 7 by the media writer 16, and in step S421, the control unit 12 determines the value of the music data and the number of balls of the value of the recording medium 7. The number of remaining balls is subtracted from the obtained number of balls, and the process proceeds to S422. Note that the recording medium 7 has been received in S409 (YES).
If it is determined that the process has not proceeded to S410, the price of the recording medium 7 is calculated as zero.

In S422, it is determined whether or not the number of remaining balls after the subtraction is equal to or more than a predetermined number. Here, the “predetermined number” means the number of balls required to exchange prizes with the lowest-priced general prizes in the pachinko parlor. This determination is made because if the number of remaining balls is less than a predetermined number, the prize cannot be exchanged with the general prize having the lowest price.

If it is determined in S422 that the number of remaining balls subtracted is equal to or larger than the predetermined number (YES), the number of remaining balls subtracted in S423 is recorded on the prize exchange card 6, and the prize exchange data (prize) is obtained in S424. The music data provided for the exchange and the number of balls for the value) and the number of remaining balls subtracted are stored in the hall management device 3.
0, and after waiting, in S425, the prize exchange data and the report of the completion of the recording of the number of remaining balls are received from the hall management device 30, and in S426, the prize exchange card 6 is ejected from the card insertion / ejection port 13a. Proceed to.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S422 that the number of remaining balls subtracted is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number (NO), a processed signal (a signal reporting that the prize exchange card 6 has been exchanged for prize) in S427. Is transmitted to the hall management device 30 in step S428, and the prize exchange data (the music data provided for the prize exchange and the number of balls for the prize exchange), the subtracted number of remaining balls, and the processed signal are sent to the hall management device 30. Receives the prize exchange data, the number of remaining balls, and the report of the completion of the processed recording from the hall management device 30, and in S430, without discharging the prize exchange card 6 from the card insertion / ejection port 13a, the prize exchange device 10 Then, the process proceeds to S431.

In S431, the recording medium 7 is ejected from the media insertion / ejection port 16a, the receipt 8 is ejected from the receipt ejection port 19a in S432, and the end is reached in S433.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the hall management device 30 when the premium exchange card 6 is used, and corresponds to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0138] The hall management device 30 performs the processing in S5 shown in FIG.
After starting at 00, record information (card ID, card issue date, issue time, and number of balls counted) at S501
Is received from the premium exchange device 10, the recording information is referred to the card DB 35 in S502, and the process proceeds to S503.

In S503, based on the result of the inquiry,
It is determined whether or not the premium exchange card 6 is valid. If it is determined that the prize exchange card 6 is not valid (NO) in S503, an NG signal is transmitted to the prize exchange device 10 in S504. On the other hand, if it is determined in S503 that the prize exchange card 6 is valid, an OK signal is transmitted to the prize exchange device 10 in S505, and after waiting, the prize exchange data (the music data provided for the prize exchange) is sent in S506. And the number of remaining balls subtracted, the number of remaining balls subtracted, and a processed signal (a signal reporting that the prize exchange card 6 has been exchanged for the prize) as appropriate, from the prize exchange device 10,
In S507, the prize exchange data is recorded in the prize exchange DB 36, and the process proceeds to S508.

In S508, it is determined whether or not a processed signal has been received. If it is determined in step S508 that the processed signal has not been received (NO), the number of remaining balls subtracted in step S509 is recorded in the card DB 35, and in step S510, the completion of the recording of the prize exchange data and the number of remaining balls is reported. Prize exchange device 1
0, and ends at S513.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S508 that the processed signal has been received (YES), the number of remaining balls subtracted in S511 is recorded in the card DB 35, and the recorded information on the premium exchange card 6 has been processed. Flag it,
The fact that the prize has been exchanged (processed) is recorded, and the prize exchange data, the number of remaining balls, and a report of the completion of the processed recording are transmitted to the prize exchange apparatus 10 in S512, and the process ends in S513.

Next, in the second embodiment, before music data is selected, music data is distributed from the music distribution server 40 in advance, the music data is stored in the hard disk 15, and the music data is selected. After that, the music data is read from the hard disk 15. Here, the music data stored in the hard disk 15 is selectable “all” music data.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the operation of the premium exchange device 10. In this FIG.
Only the steps of the second embodiment that are different from the first embodiment are shown. That is, the second embodiment is exactly the same as the above-described first embodiment except for the steps shown in FIG.

FIG. 11A is a flow chart showing the steps inserted into the portions marked with * 1 shown in FIGS. That is, S601 to S604 shown in FIG.
This is a step inserted between S200 and S201 shown in FIG. 5, and a step inserted between S400 and S401 shown in FIG.

[0145] The prize exchange device 10 is the same as the prize exchange device 10 of the first embodiment.
From S00 or S400, a pre-delivery request signal is transmitted to the music distribution server 40 in S601, and the flow proceeds to S602. The pre-delivery request signal is a signal for requesting distribution of music data in advance before music data is selected, for example, before business hours of pachinko parlors, at regular intervals during business hours, and / or after business hours. Is transmitted at an arbitrary timing.

In S602, the music data distributed from the music distribution server 40 is received in advance based on the advance distribution request signal, and the flow advances to S603. Here, the music data is selected so that “all” of the selectable music data is stored in the hard disk 15, in other words, all of the music data that has been insufficient in the previous distribution (for example, a new music whose distribution has been started). The music is distributed from the music distribution server 40 to make up for it.

In S603, a report of the completion of the reception of the music data is transmitted to the music distribution server 40. In S604, the distributed music data is stored in the hard disk 15, and the process proceeds to S201 or S401 in the first embodiment. As a result, S60
In No. 4, selectable "all" music data is stored in the hard disk 15.

FIG. 11B is a flow chart showing the steps that are replaced with the part of * 2 shown in FIGS. That is, S605 to S607 shown in FIG.
This is a step replaced with S218 to S220 shown in FIG. 6, and a step replaced with S417 to S419 shown in FIG.

[0149] The prize exchange device 10 is the same as the prize exchange device 10 of the first embodiment.
16 or S415, the selected music data is searched in the hard disk 15 in S605, and the selected music data is searched in S606.
Then, the music data is read from the hard disk 15, the music data is temporarily stored in the RAM of the control unit 12, and a report of the reading of the music data is transmitted to the music distribution server 40 in S 607, and the process proceeds to S 221 or S 221 of the first embodiment. S420
Proceed to. Note that the result of this report is
And is used for later billing.

Further, in the third embodiment, before music data is selected, distribution of music data from the music distribution server 40 is performed in advance, and the music data is stored in the hard disk 15, and the music data is selected. After that, when the music data is stored in the hard disk 15, the music data is read from the hard disk 15, and when the music data is not stored in the hard disk 15, the distribution of the selected music data is performed. A request signal (distribution request signal) is transmitted to the music distribution server 40, and music data distributed from the music distribution server 40 is received based on the distribution request signal. Here, the music data stored in the hard disk 15 is selectable “part” music data, for example, music data that is frequently selected.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the operation of the premium exchange apparatus 10. In this FIG.
Only the steps of the third embodiment that are different from the first embodiment are shown. That is, the third embodiment is exactly the same as the first embodiment described above, except for the steps shown in FIG.

FIG. 12A is a flowchart showing the steps inserted in the portion marked with * 1 shown in FIGS. That is, S701 to S704 shown in FIG.
This is a step inserted between S200 and S201 shown in FIG. 5, and a step inserted between S400 and S401 shown in FIG.

[0153] The prize exchange device 10 is the same as the prize exchange device 10 of the first embodiment.
After proceeding from 00 or S400, a pre-delivery request signal is transmitted to the music distribution server 40 in S701, and the process proceeds to S702. The pre-delivery request signal is a signal for requesting distribution of music data in advance before music data is selected, for example, before business hours of pachinko parlors, at regular intervals during business hours, and / or after business hours. Is transmitted at an arbitrary timing.

In S702, music data distributed from the music distribution server 40 is received in advance based on the advance distribution request signal, and the flow advances to S703. Here, the music data is stored in the hard disk 15 in such a manner that a part of the selectable music data is stored in the hard disk 15, in other words, the music data that is insufficient in the previous distribution (for example, a new music whose distribution has started). Among them, the music distribution server 40 distributes, for example, those that are frequently selected (those that are expected to be so).

In S703, a report of the completion of the reception of the music data is transmitted to the music distribution server 40. In S704, the distributed music data is stored in the hard disk 15, and the flow advances to S201 or S401 in the first embodiment. As a result, S70
In No. 4, selectable “part” music data (for example, music data that is frequently selected) is stored in the hard disk 15.

FIG. 12B is a flow chart showing the steps that are replaced with the part of * 2 shown in FIGS. That is, S705 to S711 shown in FIG.
This is a step replaced with S218 to S220 shown in FIG. 6, and a step replaced with S417 to S419 shown in FIG.

[0157] The prize exchange device 10 is the same as the prize exchange device 10 of the first embodiment.
Proceeding from S16 or S415, it is determined in S705 whether the selected music data is stored in the hard disk 15. When it is determined that the music data selected in S705 is stored in the hard disk 15 (YES), the music data selected in S706 is searched in the hard disk 15, and the music data is retrieved from the hard disk 15 in S707. The music data is read out, the music data is temporarily stored in the RAM of the control unit 12, a report of the readout of the music data is transmitted to the music distribution server 40 in S708, and the process proceeds to S221 or S420 of the first embodiment. The result of this report is stored in the hard disk 4 of the music distribution server 40.
4 and used for billing later.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the music data selected in S705 is not stored in the hard disk 15 (NO) (for example, if the music data has not been distributed in advance or has already been deleted), In step S709, a distribution request signal (a signal requesting distribution of the selected music data) is transmitted to the music distribution server 40. After waiting, the process proceeds to step S71.
0, the music data distributed based on the distribution request signal is received from the music distribution server 40, and the music data is transmitted to the control unit 1
2 is temporarily stored in the RAM, and a report of the completion of the reception of the music data is transmitted to the music distribution server 40 in S711, and the process proceeds to S221 or S420 of the first embodiment. Note that the result of this report is stored in the hard disk 44 of the music distribution server 40, and is used for billing later.

In each of the above embodiments, charging and settlement are performed in the following procedure, for example. First, the music distribution server 40 requests the pachinko parlor to pay for the music data based on the result of the reception completion or readout report stored in the hard disk 44. Next, the pachinko parlor requested to make payment confirms based on the prize exchange data stored in the prize exchange DB 36, and pays the price of the music data to the music distribution server 40.

Note that the procedure of charging and settlement is not limited to this example. The settlement may be an online real-time settlement other than the ex post settlement as in this example. In addition to the direct settlement between the pachinko parlor and the music distribution server 40, the settlement may be indirect settlement in which a settlement company intervenes between them, in which case the external management company 5
0 (see FIG. 1) may also serve as a settlement company.

Next, the operation of the premium exchange apparatus 10 as viewed from the operator will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 1 here
3 to 15 are front views illustrating an example of a screen display on the touch panel display 14 of the premium exchange device 10, and correspond to the first to third embodiments described above. In the following, a case where the operator operating the prize exchange device 10 is the player 4 will be described as an example, but the operator may be, for example, a clerk of a pachinko parlor.

In the prize exchange device 10, a list 9 of a new record of the current month and a promotion video, etc., which are of interest to the player 4, are displayed together with the word "start" in D801 shown in FIG. When 4 touches the “start” portion, the process proceeds to D802.

In D802, a character for instructing insertion (acceptance) of the membership card 5 or the premium exchange card 6 is displayed. When the player 4 inserts the membership card 5 into the card insertion / ejection slot 13a in D802, a character for instructing the input (acceptance) of the personal identification number is displayed in D803, and the player 4 is placed in an appropriate part of the “numeric keypad”. When the user touches and enters the password, the password is displayed in a hidden manner such as “****”. When the player 4 touches the “confirmation” part, the membership card 5 or the password is valid. Is determined.

If it is determined in D803 that the membership card 5 or the password is not valid, the fact is displayed in D804 and the membership card 5 is ejected from the card insertion / ejection port 13a. On the other hand, if it is determined in D803 that the member card 5 and the password are valid,
At 806, the number of coins stored is displayed based on the received coin storage data together with the member number and member name, and when the player 4 touches the “next” part, the process proceeds to D807.

When the player 4 inserts the prize exchange card 6 into the card insertion / ejection slot 13a in D802, it is determined whether or not the prize exchange card 6 is valid. If it is determined in D802 that the prize exchange card 6 is not valid, the fact is displayed in D804 and the prize exchange card 6 is ejected from the card insertion / ejection port 13a. On the other hand, if it is determined in D802 that the prize exchange card 6 is valid, the acquired ball count is displayed based on the record information of the prize exchange card 6 in D805, and the player 4 moves to the next position. If touched, proceed to D807.

At D807, a character for instructing the player 4 to insert (accept) the recording medium 7 is displayed. This D80
When the player 4 inserts the recording medium 7 (MD in this case) into the medium insertion / ejection port 16a at 7, the process proceeds to D809. On the other hand, if the player 4 does not insert the recording medium 7 into the medium insertion / ejection opening 16a and touches the portion "has no recording medium" in D807, the player 4
When the player 4 touches a portion (here, the “MD” portion) indicating the desired recording medium 7, the recording medium 7 is taken out of the media stocker 17. Attach to the media writer 16 and proceed to D809.

In D809, a character asking the player 4 how to select desired music data is displayed. When the player 4 touches the part of “select from new record of this month” in D809, D
Proceed to 811. On the other hand, when the player 4 touches the part of “select from song name” or “select from singer name” in D809, D8
At 10, a character asking for the initial of the desired song or singer is displayed, and when the player 4 touches an appropriate part of the “syllabary key” and inputs the initial, the process proceeds to D 811.

In D811, the number of stored balls (acquired number of balls) owned by the player 4, the free space of the recording medium 7 attached to the media writer 16, and the list 9 together with the music data (songs) desired by the player 4 A character indicating the selection is displayed. In this list 9, as shown in FIG.
Whether or not to listen to music, the name of the song, the name of the singer, the number of balls required for exchanging prizes, and the capacity required for writing to the recording medium 7 are as follows.
It is displayed for each selectable song.

In D811, the player 4 sets the required number of balls of the desired music to be equal to or less than the number of accumulated balls (the number of acquired balls) and the required capacity to be equal to or less than the free space. If one or a plurality of desired songs are selected by touching the appropriate part, and the part of "determined" is touched, the process proceeds to D812.
When the player 4 similarly selects the desired music in D811, and touches the “listening” part, the headphones 18
The player 4 wearing the can listen to the song.

[0170] In D812, characters for confirming whether the selection is correct or not are displayed to the player 4 together with the song name and the singer name of the selected song. When the player 4 touches the "yes" part in D812, it is determined whether the required number of balls is equal to or less than the number of stored balls (the number of acquired balls) and whether the required capacity is equal to or less than the free space. Will be If these are determined to be NO in D812, a message to that effect is displayed in D813 and the membership card 5 or the prize exchange card 6 is
a, and the recording medium 7 is discharged from the medium insertion / discharge port 16a. On the other hand, at D812,
If it is determined to be ES, the music data of the song selected by the media writer 16 is written to the recording medium 7, and the process proceeds to D814 or D815. When the player 4 touches the “No” part in D812, the screen returns to the selection screen of D811 (or D809).

In D814, an instruction to take out the membership card 5 or the prize exchange card 6 is issued together with the fact that the writing of the music data has been completed, the number of accumulated balls used for prize exchange (the number of acquired balls), and the number of remaining balls after subtraction. Is displayed. This D81
When the player 4 removes the membership card 5 or the premium exchange card 6 from the card insertion / ejection port 13a at 4, the program proceeds to D816.

When the prize exchange card 6 is used and the number of remaining balls after the subtraction is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number (the number of balls required for prize exchange with the lowest general prize in the pachinko parlor). , Proceed to D815 instead of D814, and D81
In 5, it is displayed that the writing of the music data has been completed, the number of obtained balls used for the prize exchange, and the number of remaining balls after subtraction, that the prize exchange card 6 is to be taken in. The prize exchange card 6 is displayed on the prize exchange device. 10 and the process proceeds to D816.

In D816, the recording medium 7 after the writing is completed
The characters indicating the removal of the recording medium 7 are displayed together with the free space of the recording medium 7. In this D816, the player 4 inserts the recording medium 7 (MD in this case) into the media insertion / ejection port 16
When a is taken out, the process proceeds to D817.

In D817, a character instructing take-out of the receipt 8 is displayed at the same time as the end of the prize exchange. This D
When the player 4 takes out the receipt 8 at 817, a series of prize exchange ends.

Finally, a modification of the premium exchange device 10 according to the present invention will be described.

First, the music data is transmitted to the music distribution server 40.
The prize is not limited to those distributed from the company, but is stored in advance in a storage medium (for example, a laser disk (LD) or the like) and read out from the storage medium attached to the premium exchange apparatus 10, as if it were a karaoke apparatus of a disc change type. Thus, the content may be provided as a prize, and the content may be updated by replacing the storage medium. That is, the music data is not necessarily limited to the data distributed from the music distribution server 40.

The music data is not limited to the music data selected from the list 9 displayed on the touch panel display 14, but may be a code number described in a song book distributed in advance, such as a music selection in a karaoke box. May be selected by inputting.

Further, the music data is not necessarily provided for a fee, but may be provided free of charge for tie-up between a pachinko parlor and the music distribution server 40 or for the purpose of advertising. In this case, the price of the music data is calculated as zero.

[0179] The valuable value is not limited to pachinko balls paid out as acquired balls in pachinko machines. For example, medals and points in slot machines, and images in pachinko machines and slot machines of the image type to be described later are used. Pachinko balls or medals formed by
The form of the game is not particularly limited as long as the game is worthy of being owned by the player through the game using the gaming machine.

The gaming machine is not limited to a normal pachinko machine in which pachinko balls are paid out to the outside. For example, an enclosed pachinko machine in which the pachinko balls are sealed so as not to be touched,
A credit-type slot machine that can be played without paying out medals to the outside, a gaming machine that can be played with data etc. without using pachinko balls or medals, a gaming board or pachinko balls are displayed in images An image-type pachinko machine, an image-type slot machine in which reels are displayed as images, or the like may be used, and the form is not particularly limited.

Further, the place to which the prize exchange device 10 is applied is not limited to a pachinko parlor, but may be a game center such as a game center or a bowling alley.

[0182]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the prize exchange device writes the selected digital information on a predetermined recording medium and subtracts the value of the digital information from the value value. Is performed, the value of the value can be exchanged for the prize with the digital information.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the prize exchange device includes a recording medium reading unit, a selection unit, a communication unit,
Since the recording medium writing means and the subtraction processing means are provided, there is an effect that the value of the valuable can be exchanged with the distributed digital information for a prize.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the second aspect of the present invention, since the selecting means has a display means, a list of selectable digital information can be displayed. This has the effect.

According to the invention of claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 2 or 3, the recording medium writing means has a recording medium receiving section, and the selected digital information is recorded. Since the information is written on the recording medium received by the media receiving unit, the recording medium owned by the player in advance can be received, and the digital information can be written on the recording medium.

According to the invention of claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention of any one of claims 2 to 4, the recording medium writing means may include a plurality of types of recording media according to the type of recording medium. Is provided, it is possible to receive different types of recording media.

According to the invention of claim 6, in addition to the effects of the invention of any one of claims 2 to 5, the prize exchange apparatus includes a recording medium storage means, and the selected digital information Is written on the recording medium taken out of the recording medium storage means, so that even if the player does not own the recording medium in advance, the recording medium on which the digital information has been written can be provided as a prize. .

According to the invention of claim 7, in addition to the effect of the invention of any one of claims 1 to 6, after digital information is selected, each time digital information is selected, the digital information is selected based on a distribution request signal. Receiving the digital information distributed from the digital information distribution means, it is possible to provide the latest digital information (for example, news articles and news photos).

According to the invention of claim 8, in addition to the effect of the invention of any one of claims 1 to 6, the prize exchange device includes digital information storage means, and digital information is selected. After that, the digital information is read from the digital information storage means, so that it is not necessary to receive the distribution of the digital information each time, and it is possible to reduce communication costs and to quickly download the digital information.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect, the prize exchange device includes digital information storage means, and the digital information is digital information. If stored in the storage means,
While reading digital information from the digital information storage means, if the digital information is not stored in the digital information storage means, since the digital information distributed from the digital information distribution means is received based on the distribution request signal,
For example, by storing digital information that is frequently selected in advance in the digital information storage unit, communication costs can be reduced and digital information can be downloaded quickly. By receiving the distribution each time, the amount of storing the digital information in advance can be reduced, and the storage capacity of the digital information distribution means can be effectively used.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the invention of any one of the first to ninth aspects,
Digital information is digital music information, digital character information,
Since the information includes at least one selected from digital image information and digital image information, various digital information can be provided according to various situations.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the tenth aspect, the prize exchanging device includes a listening means, so that when digital information includes digital music information, It is possible to exchange prizes after confirming the contents of the music information.

Further, according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 11, since the prize exchange device is provided with printing means, it is possible to print and provide related information such as lyrics and jacket photos. It works.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a prize exchange system including a prize exchange device.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating an example of an appearance of a premium exchange device, and FIG. 2B is a front view illustrating an example of a list displayed on a touch panel display of the premium exchange device. .

3A is a front view illustrating an example of a membership card, FIG. 3B is a front view illustrating an example of a premium exchange card, and FIG. 3C is an example of a receipt. It is a front view.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the premium exchange device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of the operation of the premium exchange device when a membership card is used.

FIG. 6 is a view following FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the hall management device when a member card is used.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of the operation of the prize exchange device when a prize exchange card is used.

FIG. 9 is a view following FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the hall management device when a premium exchange card is used.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the operation of the premium exchange apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of the operation of the premium exchange device.

FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating an example of a screen display on a touch panel display of the premium exchange device.

FIG. 14 is a diagram following FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a diagram following FIG. 14;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Premium exchange system 2 ... Internet 3a ... Digital integrated circuit 3b ... LAN 4 ... Player 5 ... Member card 5a ... Magnetic stripe part 6 ... Premium exchange card 6a ... Magnetic stripe part 6b ... Number of balls display part 7 ... Recording media 8 ... Receipt 9 ... List 10 ... Premium exchange device 11a ... Communication means 11b ... Communication means 12 ... Control unit 13 ... Card reader 13a ... Card insertion / ejection port 14 ... Touch panel display 15 ... Hard disk 16 ... Media writer 16a ... Media insertion / Discharge port 17 ... Media stocker 18 ... Headphones 19 ... Printer 19a ... Receipt discharge port 20 ... Ball counting means 21 ... Communication means 22 ... Control unit 23 ... Card reader 23a ... Card insertion / discharge port 24 ... Card stocker 25 ... Counting sensor 30 … Hall management device 31a Communication means 31b Communication means 32 Controller 33 Membership DB 35 Card DB 36 Premium exchange DB 40 Music distribution server 41 Communication means 42 Controller 43 Music DB 44 Hard disk 50 External Management company 51 ... Communication means 52 ... Control unit 53 ... Member DB 54 ... Savings DB

Claims (12)

[Claims] An information processing apparatus reads information recorded on a recording medium on which information capable of specifying a value of a value owned by a player by a game with a game machine is recorded, and determines a value of the value specified from the record information. A prize exchange device for exchanging the prize with the selected digital information, writing the digital information on a predetermined recording medium, and performing processing for subtracting the value of the digital information from the magnitude of the valuable value. 2. A prize exchange device for exchanging a value of valuables owned by a player through a game with a gaming machine with digital information as a prize, wherein the information can specify the magnitude of the valuables. Recording medium reading means for reading recording information of a recording medium on which is recorded, selecting means for selecting the digital information, communication means for receiving distribution of the digital information, and transmitting the selected digital information to a predetermined recording medium. A prize exchange device, comprising: a recording medium writing unit that writes the value of the digital information into the value of the digital information; and a subtraction processing unit that performs a process of subtracting the value of the digital information from the magnitude of the valuable value. 3. The prize exchange device according to claim 2, wherein said selection means has a display means for displaying a list of selectable digital information. 4. The prize exchange device according to claim 2, wherein the recording medium writing unit has a recording medium receiving unit for receiving the recording medium previously owned by the player, The prize exchange device, wherein the selected digital information is written by the recording medium writing means to a recording medium received by the recording medium receiving unit. 5. The prize exchange device according to claim 2, wherein said recording medium writing means is provided with a plurality of types according to the type of said recording medium. A featured gift exchange device. 6. The prize exchange apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a recording medium storage unit for storing the recording medium, wherein the selected digital information is written in the recording medium. Means for writing, on a recording medium taken out of the recording medium storage means by the means, and providing the recording medium on which the digital information is written as a prize. 7. The prize exchange device according to claim 1, wherein the prize exchange device is communicably connected to digital information distribution means provided outside a game arcade, and After the information is selected, each time, a signal requesting distribution of the selected digital information is transmitted to the digital information distribution unit, and the digital information distributed from the digital information distribution unit is transmitted based on the signal. A prize exchange device for receiving. 8. The prize exchange device according to claim 1, wherein the prize exchange device is communicably connected to digital information distribution means provided outside a game arcade. Before the information is selected, the digital information is provided from the digital information distribution means in advance, and the digital information storage means for storing the digital information, after the digital information is selected, the digital information storage means A prize exchange device for reading the digital information from the device. 9. The prize exchange device according to claim 1, wherein the prize exchange device is communicably connected to digital information distribution means provided outside a game arcade. Before the information is selected, the digital information is delivered from the digital information delivery unit in advance, and the digital information is provided. The digital information is provided after the digital information is selected. If the digital information is stored in the digital information storage means, the digital information is read out from the digital information storage means. If the digital information is not stored in the digital information storage means, the selected digital information is read. A signal requesting distribution of the digital information to the digital information distribution means, and the digital information distributed from the digital information distribution means based on the signal. Prize exchange apparatus characterized by receiving information. 10. The premium exchange device according to claim 1, wherein the digital information is at least one selected from digital music information, digital text information, and digital image information. A prize exchange device characterized by being information. 11. A prize exchange apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a listening means for reproducing and listening to said digital music information when said digital information includes said digital music information. And a prize exchange device. 12. A prize exchange apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a printing means for printing and discharging information related to said digital information. .