JP2002282522A - Storage medium exact calculation apparatus and game parlor system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize the exact calculation processing of a plurality of different kinds of cards by use of one apparatus. SOLUTION: This apparatus is provided with first and second storage medium data reading means 220 and 221 for reading the record data stored in first and second storage mediums; a kind judgment means 227 for judging the kind of the received storage medium; first and second valuable value memory means 1220 and 1210 for storing variable values in relation to the data stored in the first and second storage mediums, respectively, and a control means 227 for reading the variable value from the second value memory means when receiving the second storage medium and performing the settlement processing of money corresponding to the read variable value. The first and second storage medium data reading means are provided within one exact calculation apparatus body.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine is installed, accepts a recording medium such as a prepaid card, and adjusts money based on the value of the accepted recording medium. And an amusement arcade system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, game machines such as a pachinko machine and a slot machine for playing a game by putting game media such as pachinko balls and medals into the game machine are known. In a game arcade where these gaming machines are arranged, various cards such as prepaid cards and membership cards are often used these days.

[0003] A publicly known prepaid card for pachinko is issued by inserting money into a card issuing machine in a game arcade and performing a predetermined card issuing operation.
It has frequencies for various amounts of money such as yen and 5000 yen. An identification code (card ID) set for each card is recorded on the prepaid card, and the remaining number of each identification code is recorded in the management device. When the card is used, the remaining number of the management device is reduced. Rewritten. The prepaid card is made of paper having a magnetic stripe and is disposable.

[0004] A membership card is issued to a player who has registered as a member, and various services which cannot be received by non-members are set for the member.
It is possible to enclose fixed customers. The membership card is
Since it is assumed that the magnetic card is used repeatedly over a long period of time, a magnetic card made of a material having relatively high durability is often used. An identification code (member ID) set for each member is recorded on the member card, and the management device records and manages member information for each member ID. In the case of a member card as well, frequency information can be registered in the management device by inserting money with a card issuing machine and performing a predetermined valuation operation. When the member card is used, the remaining number of the management device is rewritten.

A game arcade system using such a card is often provided with a card settlement machine for adjusting the remaining credit of the card to money. When the card has a remaining number, if the player inserts the card into the card settlement machine and performs a predetermined settlement operation, money corresponding to the remaining number of the card can be thrown out.

[0006]

In such a game arcade system in which a prepaid card and a membership card are used, conventionally, a card payment machine is provided with a dedicated prepaid card machine and a member card dedicated machine as separate housings. .

In the prior art, a card settlement machine issued by depositing cash with a card issuing machine and a card settlement machine issued by depositing and issuing a debit card (cash card) with a card issuing machine, respectively. It was installed as a separate machine.

As described above, the conventional card settlement machine can handle only cards of the same type and the same medium. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a large number of card settlement machines in the game arcade, and the installation space and equipment cost increase. There's a problem. Also,
Since it is necessary to prepare a large amount of settlement money (reserve) for a large number of vehicles, there is a problem that extra expenses are generated. Furthermore, since there are a large number of card settlement machines in a game arcade, it is difficult to know which kind and medium card corresponds to which settlement machine, which is inconvenient for the user. Further, each device in the amusement arcade is often managed by being connected to a management device via a network. However, when the number of connected devices increases, there is a problem that the communication load increases and the communication efficiency decreases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and realizes the settlement processing of a plurality of different types of cards with one apparatus, thereby reducing the space, cost, settlement reserve, and communication load. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording medium settlement device and a game arcade system that improve the convenience of players.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium settlement apparatus for receiving a recording medium and adjusting money based on a value specified by the received recording medium. A first medium for receiving a medium and reading recording data recorded on the first recording medium;
And a second recording medium data reading means for receiving the second recording medium and reading the recording data recorded on the second recording medium, and determining the type of the received recording medium. Type determining means, first value storing means for storing a value associated with data recorded on the first recording medium, and valuable value relating to data recorded on the second recording medium. From the second value storage means, and from the second value storage means, when the first storage medium is received, the value is called from the first value storage means, and when the second storage medium is received, the value is read from the second value storage means. Control means for retrieving the valuable value and performing a settlement process for money corresponding to the retrieved valuable value, wherein the first and second recording medium data reading means are provided in a single settlement apparatus main body. It is characterized in Rukoto.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the type determining means includes the first or second type.
The type of recording medium is determined based on the data content read by the recording medium data reading means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the data content is a start code and an end code.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the type determining means determines the type of the recording medium based on the accepted shape characteristics of the recording medium.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the first recording medium is a magnetic recording type prepaid card, and the second recording medium is a magnetic recording type membership card. The first and second recording medium data reading means causes the card insertion slot into which the first and second recording media are inserted in common, and causes the first and second recording media to be conveyed in common. It is characterized by comprising a transport mechanism, and a data reading unit that commonly reads the recording data of the first and second recording media.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the first recording medium is a magnetic recording type prepaid card, and the second recording medium is an IC recording type membership card. The recording medium data reading means,
A card insertion slot into which the first and second recording media are commonly inserted, a transport mechanism for commonly transporting the first and second recording media, and a second mechanism for reading recording data from the first recording medium. 1 data reading section and a second data reading section that reads data recorded on the second recording medium.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when a gaming machine in which a game player plays a game using a game medium and a recording medium or currency on which identification information is recorded is inserted, the identification information or currency of the recording medium is inserted. A game medium lending device that inputs a game medium corresponding to the value of the game machine into the gaming machine; a recording medium settlement device that receives the recording medium and adjusts the money based on the value of the received recording medium; In a game arcade system having a management device for recording identification information of a medium and a value in association with each other, the recording medium settlement device accepts a first recording medium and records the first recording medium. A first recording medium data reading means for reading data, a second recording medium data reading means for receiving the second recording medium and reading the recording data recorded on the second recording medium; And a type determining means for determining the type of the received recording medium, provided in one of the settlement apparatus main bodies, wherein the management device associates the value with the data recorded on the first recording medium. A first value storage means for storing; a second value storage means for storing a value in association with data recorded on the second recording medium; When the first recording medium is received, the value is called from the first value storage means of the management device, and when the second recording medium is received, the value is called from the second value storage means of the management device. And a control means for performing a settlement process using the called value.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, a case where the present invention is mainly applied to a pachinko game will be described.

First, the meanings of the main terms used in the present embodiment will be defined. "Card" used in the present embodiment
Is a recording medium on which identification data for searching for value data recorded in a place other than the card is recorded.

A general card has two types: one that records the value data itself indicating the amount of money or the value corresponding to the amount of money, and the other that records identification data for searching for the value data recorded in a place other than the card. However, here, the latter card is used.

To explain this point, in the former card, the amount or the number corresponding to the amount is recorded on the card as value data, and the remaining amount or the remaining number of the value data is rewritten each time the card is used. For example, a telephone card or the like can be used.

However, if such a card is used for a pachinko game or the like, there is a possibility that fraudulent acts such as falsification of magnetic data recorded on the card may occur. For this reason, in the present embodiment, identification data (eg, account number, customer number, ID) used as a search key when searching for value data or the like registered (recorded) or stored in a place different from the card. It is assumed that a card on which is recorded.

The "valuable medium" used in the present embodiment
The term “coin” or “bill” refers to something that has its own value, or something that is uniquely valued, such as a card on which the above-described value data is recorded.

The "frequency" used in the present embodiment is a processing unit for renting out game media, and is associated with the number and amount of game media at a fixed rate. For example, one frequency corresponds to 100 yen, and a predetermined number of balls are lent for 100 yen.

First, the overall configuration of the game system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a game system (a system in a pachinko hall). In this gaming system, a plurality of gaming machines 10 are arranged in groups called "islands". Further, each of the gaming machines 10 is provided with a card processing unit 30 for renting a pachinko ball as a game medium.

The card processing units 30 are provided between the gaming machines 10 (between the gaming machines), respectively.
The pachinko ball is lent out in cooperation with the ball throw-out mechanism of the gaming machine 10. The front panel of the card processing unit 30 is provided with a bill insertion slot, a coin insertion slot, a card insertion slot, an amount display unit, and the like, and the gaming machine 10 is provided with a frequency display unit, a lending button, and the like. .

The player inserts a card such as a prepaid card or a membership card (and, in some cases, further cash) into the card processing unit 30 in advance,
A lending unit (frequency of lending by one lending operation) is set as needed. When the player operates the lending button, the ball dispensing mechanism is activated, and pachinko balls for the lending unit are dispensed to the upper plate of the gaming machine 10. This investment price,
It is subtracted from the frequency registered in advance corresponding to the identification data of the card.

When money is directly inserted in a state where a prepaid card or a membership card is loaded in the card processing unit 30, it is possible to accept the money and add value to the prepaid card or the membership card. . The player plays a game in the gaming machine 10 using the ball thus lent.

At the end of the island, an island-side safe (not shown) is installed, and cash inserted into the card processing unit 30 is installed on the back side of the gaming machine 10 or the like so that the player does not see the cash. Is collected by the transport mechanism (not shown) and stored in this island end safe. In addition, each island is provided with a card issuing machine for managing cards, a card settlement machine 200 and a card updating machine 103, which are main parts of the present invention, as appropriate.

The terminal controller 120 as a management device manages various information including frequency information of each card, and when a prepaid card or a membership card is inserted into the card processing unit 30, the identification data in the card is stored. Is transferred to the terminal controller 120, and the value data (remaining frequency) corresponding to the identification data is returned to the card processing unit 30 from the terminal controller 120.

First, the types of cards used in this system and the card issuing machine 101 will be described. In this system, two types of magnetic recording cards, a prepaid card and a membership card, are mainly used.

(Prepaid Card) A prepaid card is basically issued by accepting money or the like by the card issuing machine 101. The types of data recorded magnetically include a start code, an end code, and an issuance code. There are a store code, a card ID (issuer number + serial number), an issue date, an issue amount, a card type (a distinction between a prepaid card and a service card), and the like. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the information printed on the prepaid card is, as shown in FIG. And service cards).

In order to issue a prepaid card, when a money or debit card is inserted into the card issuing machine 101 and a predetermined issuing operation is performed, predetermined items are printed and recorded on the prepaid card, and the prepaid card is issued. The card issuer 101 sends the card ID of the prepaid card, the amount of issuance, and the like to the terminal controller 120, and writes a value (issue amount) and the like in a table of the terminal controller 120 in association with the card ID. It can be used in the card processing unit 30 or the like.

(Member card) A member card is issued by performing a member registration process. A player who wishes to register as a member fills in an application form and passes it to a clerk in charge. The clerk enters the prescribed items into the terminal controller 1
20 and registers the user as a member, and creates a table in the terminal controller 120. And
Hand the member card to the player (member).

The types of data magnetically recorded on the member card include a start code, an end code, an issuing store code, a member ID, a last store code, and the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the information includes an issuing store name, a member code, a sales company code, a store code, and the like.

When the member inserts the member card into the card issuing machine 101, inserts a money or debit card, and performs a predetermined operation to instruct valuation, the member I of the member card
D, valued value, etc., are stored in the card issuing machine 101
Is sent to the terminal controller 120, and the value etc. is stored in the table of the terminal controller 120 by the member I.
D is written in association with D. Then, the member card can be used in the card processing unit 30 or the like.

Of these two types of cards, the prepaid card and the membership card are different in material (made of plastic such as JIS2 or paper) and thickness, but have the same size (length and width) and the position of the magnetic stripe.

Next, the terminal controller 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. The terminal controller 120 is a controller that controls and controls the entire game system. Specifically, as shown in FIG.
121, a memory 122, a storage device 123 such as a hard disk, and an input / output device 1 such as a mouse and a keyboard.
24, a display device 125 such as a CRT, and a communication interface unit 126.

The CPU 121 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the memory 122. For example, it has a function of managing the remaining frequency of each player. In addition, a function of displaying a predetermined setting screen on the display screen of the display device 125 and accepting the setting of the automatic lending frequency on the setting screen is also provided. Programs and data necessary to realize these functions are stored in the memory 122 or the storage device 123, and the CPU 121 reads or updates them as necessary. The storage device 123 includes a frequency management table 1200 and an automatic lending management table 1250.

The frequency management table 1200 includes a member management table 1210 and a prepaid card management table 1
220, in which member information and prepaid card information are separately managed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the member management table 1210 stores, for each member code (identification data), the number of stored coins, the remaining number, the number of visits, the number of visits, the entry date and time, the address, the name,
Various data such as a telephone number, an additional deposit amount, and a debit deposit are stored. In this case, in the column of the remaining number, the remaining number data at the present time including the additional payment in the card issuing machine 101 or the card processing unit 30 is registered. Further, in the column of the additional deposit amount, the cumulative amount of the additional deposit in the card issuing machine 101 or the card processing unit 30 is registered. In the column of debit payment, it is registered whether or not the remaining number at the present time includes payment by a debit card.

Prepaid card management table 1220
As shown in FIG. 6, various data such as the date and time of issue, the amount of issue, the number of remaining times, the number of reissues, the expiration date, and the amount of additional payment are stored for each card ID. In the column of the remaining number, the remaining number data at the present time including the additional payment in the card processing unit 30 is registered. In the column of additional payment amount, the cumulative amount of additional payment in the card processing unit 30 is registered. In the column of debit payment, it is registered whether or not the remaining number at the present time includes payment by a debit card.

The terminal controller 120 uses the frequency management information stored in the management tables 1210 and 1220 to manage the remaining frequency corresponding to the identification data recorded on each card. The content of the frequency management information is updated as appropriate during the game by the player or at the end of the game.

The automatic lending management table 1250 is a table in which the automatic lending frequency for each of the gaming machines 10 is registered. In this table 1250, the machine number of each gaming machine 10, the automatic lending frequency for the gaming machine 10 specified by the machine number, the limit frequency, and the like are managed in association with each other. It should be noted that the limit frequency is a frequency that must be registered at a minimum in order to perform automatic lending.

Further, in this embodiment, in order to enable batch setting based on various classification criteria, information for specifying the gaming machine 10 can be registered together.
Specifically, the island number 125 where the gaming machine 10 is installed
1. The model 1253 of the gaming machine 10 can also be registered.
In addition, each card processing unit 30 is a gaming machine 1
Since it is provided in association with 0, the card processing unit 30 can be specified by the island number and the platform number. The contents of the automatic lending management table 1250 are set on the setting screen described above.

Next, the card settlement machine 200 which is the main component of the present invention will be described in detail. In this case, the card settlement machine 20
0 handles a member card (JIS2 card) and a prepaid card (paper magnetic card). Membership cards include
As described above, the payment is made in advance by the card issuing machine 101 or the like, and the user can use the amount corresponding to the amount of payment, but the remaining amount can be settled by the card adjuster 200 if desired. . The prepaid card is also purchased in advance by a card issuing machine or the like, and the user can use the card as many times as the number of times the card can be used.

The outline of the operation of the card settlement is as follows. That is, when the prepaid card or the member card is inserted into the checkout machine 200, the remaining card number is determined, and money is paid out according to the remaining number. As described above, valuable value (frequency / amount) is not recorded on the card itself, but a unique identification code is recorded on the card.
The card settlement machine 200 is connected to the management computer 120, and checks the identification code and the corresponding valuable value (frequency / amount) by the management computer 120 to calculate the payout amount. The settlement is made with a 1,000-yen bill and a 100-yen coin. Depending on the setting, it is possible to pay out with a 1,000 yen bill and a 500 yen coin. After payment, the member card is returned and the prepaid card is taken into the collection box on board.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of the card settlement machine 200. The card settlement machine 200 has a box-shaped main body 201, and is provided with a one-sided door 202 on the front surface. The door 202 can be locked by a lock mechanism 210. On the front surface of the door 202, a prepaid card insertion / ejection port 203 for inserting a prepaid card to be settled and returning the prepaid card after settlement, and for inserting a member card to be settled and returning the member card after settlement. And a liquid crystal display unit 20 capable of displaying the remaining number of cards and the amount of money that can be settled, etc.
5 and checkout button 20 to confirm the intention to settle the card
6, a cancel button 207 for canceling the settlement of the card, a bill payout port 208 for paying out the settlement bill, and a coin payout port 209 for paying out the settlement coin.

FIG. 8 shows the arrangement of the components contained in the settlement machine main body 201, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the connections of these components.

8 and 9, 220 is a prepaid card processing device, 221 is a membership card processing device,
22 is a bill processing device, 223 is a coin processing device, 224 is a card collection box, 225 is a handy terminal, 226 is a journal printer, 227 is a control board, and 228 is a power supply device.

The prepaid card processing device 220 performs an operation of reading magnetic data (an identification code such as a card number, a store code, and an issuance date and time) of the prepaid card inserted into the prepaid card insertion / ejection port 203. In the case of a prepaid card, after the total amount has been settled, the card is taken into the machine and stored in the card collection box 224.

The member card processing device 221 performs an operation of reading magnetic data (an identification code such as a member number) of the card inserted into the member card insertion / ejection port 204. In the case of a membership card, the card will be returned after payment.

The bill processing device 222 has a function of paying out the 1,000-yen bill supplemented in the storage unit by the operator of the device from the storage unit at the time of settlement, accumulating the bill in the holding unit, and collectively paying out the bills from the bill payout port.

The coin processing device 223 has a function of paying out 100 yen coins, which have been supplemented to a coin hopper by an operator of the equipment, at the time of settlement.

The card collection box 224 is for storing a prepaid card that has been settled. The journal printer 226 outputs a journal in which a settlement history and the like are recorded. The clerk uses the handy terminal 225 to settle the payment
This is for simply setting various items of 00. The control board 227 controls these components, and also has a communication function with the terminal controller 120.

FIG. 10 shows a prepaid card processing device 22.
0 shows the configuration of the card transport system. The card transport system of the member card processing device 221 has substantially the same configuration.

In FIG. 10, the prepaid card insertion /
Eject ports 203 and 70 are card transport rollers for carrying in cards, 71 is a driven roller, 72 is a card thickness detection mechanism, 73 is a card thickness detection sensor, 74 is a magnetic head for reading the recorded contents of each card, 75 is a roller,
76 is a card hole detection sensor. Reference numeral 77 denotes an IC card reading unit, which is mounted only when an IC card as a membership card is adopted. The card transport system of the prepaid card is provided with a card type determination device for determining the type of the card based on the shape characteristics of the prepaid card and the membership card.

The card thickness detecting mechanism 72 is a mechanism for detecting a difference in card thickness. For example, when the member card is made of plastic (JIS2) and the prepaid card is made of paper, the member card becomes thicker. In the card thickness detection mechanism 72, a thickness detection roller is disposed on the card transport path. The thickness detecting roller is vertically swingably supported by a swingable support member, and is urged downward. When the card is transported on the card transport path, the thickness detection roller is pushed up, but the movement amount is small when a thin prepaid card is inserted, and large when a thick member card is inserted. . Further, a card thickness detection sensor 73 that detects the amount of movement of the thickness detection roller is disposed near the other end of the support member. Card thickness detection sensor 73
Is for mechanically, electrically or optically detecting the moving amount of the thickness detecting roller, and by determining the moving amount of the thickness detecting roller, the inserted card is either a prepaid card or a member card. Is determined. This determination output is output to the control board 227.

In FIG. 10, a card hole detection sensor 76 is provided in order to improve the card type determination accuracy, and a positioning hole formed on the prepaid card side by the card hole detection sensor 76 is optically detected. By detecting, it is determined whether the inserted card is a prepaid card or a membership card. That is, when the prepaid card is formed of magnetic roll paper, a positioning hole for positioning at the time of card issuance by the card issuing machine 101 is formed at a predetermined position of each prepaid card. I have. Card issuing machine 1
In No. 01, the positioning of the prepaid card is performed by detecting the positioning holes when cutting the magnetic roll paper and recording the various data described above on each prepaid card. On the other hand, such a positioning hole is not formed in the membership card. Therefore, by detecting the presence or absence of the positioning hole of the inserted card by the card hole detection sensor 76, it is possible to determine whether the inserted card is a prepaid card or a membership card. This determination output is also transmitted to the control board 22.
7 is output.

In the case of FIG. 10, the detecting device for determining the type of the card based on the shape characteristics of the card is as follows.
Although the two detection devices are juxtaposed, any one of them may be arranged. Further, the card type may be detected by determining the presence or absence of embossing, a notch, or any other shape characteristic.

The following methods can be used for determining the types of the prepaid card and the membership card.

The magnetic recording data recorded on the prepaid card has a start code STX and an end code ETX (for example, 6 bits of 010000) composed of a predetermined bit string (for example, 6 bits of 101010), and between these codes. Issuance store code and card ID mentioned above
Recorded data such as (issuer number + serial number) is magnetically recorded.

Similarly, the magnetic recording data of the member card also has a start code STX (for example, 1) consisting of a predetermined bit string.
110000 8 bits) and end code ETX
(For example, 8 bits of 000011111), and recording data such as the above-mentioned issuer code and member ID is magnetically recorded between these codes.

Accordingly, the type of the prepaid card can be determined as follows. Magnetic head 74
The first 6 bits of the magnetic data read by the prepaid card correspond to the bit string (10
1010) is checked, and if they match, the number of bits corresponding to predetermined recording data after the start code is counted, the position of the end code is specified, and the end code is found. The 6-bit data at the power position is stored in the end code bit string (010000).
Is checked, and if they match, the read card is determined to be a prepaid card, and then the recording data between the start code and the end code is checked.

The determination of the type of the member card is performed in the same manner. The first 8 bits of the read magnetic data correspond to the bit string (1111000) of the start code of the membership card.
0) is checked, and if they match, the number of bits corresponding to the predetermined recording data after the start code is counted, the position of the end code is specified, and the end code is found. The 8-bit data at the power position is stored in the end card bit string (0000
It is checked whether or not it is the same as 1111), and if they match, the read card is determined to be a membership card, and then the recorded data between the start code and the end code is checked.

According to the type determination by the start code and the end code of the magnetic recording data, the prepaid card processing device 220 executes the above-described card type determination process for the prepaid card, and the member card processing device 221 The above-described card type determination processing for the membership card may be executed.

In the card settlement machine 200, when a card is inserted into one of the prepaid card insertion / ejection port 203 and the member card insertion / ejection port 204, the other card insertion slot is closed. And
Only one of a prepaid card and a membership card can be inserted.

Next, according to the flowchart of FIG.
The card settlement process will be described. Prepaid card insertion / ejection port 203 of card settlement machine 200 in standby state
When a card is inserted into any of the member card insertion / ejection ports 204 (step S100), the inserted card is taken in by the transport mechanism. The magnetic recording data of the inserted card is read by the magnetic head 74. At this time, it is checked whether the inserted card can be magnetically read using the magnetic head 74 (step S101). If magnetic reading is not possible, the fact is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 205 on the front of the card settlement machine 200 (step S120), and the inserted card is returned (step S121).

If the inserted card is magnetically readable, the control board 227 determines whether the inserted card is a prepaid card or a membership card based on the read magnetic recording data (step S1).
02). In this case, the prepaid card processing device 220 or the membership card processing device 221 uses the collation method using the start code and the end code among the two card type determination methods described above.

If it is determined that the inserted card is not a membership card, it is next determined whether or not the inserted card is a service card (step S103). The service card is a card such as a free prepaid card, and its shape, position of the magnetic stripe, and the like are the same as those of the prepaid card. That is, for members, service points are accumulated and recorded in the member management table 1210 of the terminal controller 120 according to predetermined conditions (visit, use, birthday, etc.). When the service point reaches a predetermined value, a service card is obtained. Or,
When the service point reaches the predetermined value, the member can receive the service card by inserting the member card into the card issuing machine 101. This service card is not a card that can be settled by a card adjustment machine. Therefore, when it is determined that the card is a service card, the reason for the card settlement failure is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 205 (step S12).
0), and return the inserted card (step S12)
1).

Next, when the inserted card is determined to be a prepaid card (step S104), it is determined whether or not the card is within the settlement period from the date of magnetic recording (step S105). In this case, the payment can be made only within a predetermined period after the prepaid card is issued. If the card is out of the settlement period, the card settlement failure reason is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 205 (step S1).
20) Return the inserted card (step S12)
1).

If the card is within the settlement period, the control board 227 transmits the card type and card ID read from the inserted card to the terminal controller 120 via the island controller 100 (step S1).
06). The terminal controller 120 determines the card I based on the received card type and card ID from the registered data in the prepaid card management table 1220.
The value (remaining frequency) corresponding to D is read out, and the remaining frequency data is sent to the card settlement machine 200.

When there is no data corresponding to the card ID in the prepaid card management table 1220 of the terminal controller 120 (for a card of another store, etc.
Step S107), the terminal controller 120 sends the fact to the card settlement machine 200. in this case,
The card settlement machine 200 displays the card settlement impossible reason on the liquid crystal display unit 205 (Step S120), and returns the inserted card (Step S121).

The control board 227 of the card settlement machine 200
When the residual frequency data is received from the terminal controller 120, the presence / absence of the residual frequency is determined (step S108).
If the remaining number is 0, the reason why the card cannot be settled is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 205 (step S120), and the inserted card is returned (step S121).

If there is a residual count, the balance corresponding to the residual count is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 205 (step S109). In this state, the control board 227 repeats the determination as to whether or not the settlement button 206 has been operated while counting the time by the timer (Step S110,
S111). If the time is up, the reason why the card cannot be settled is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 205 (step S12).
0), and return the inserted card (step S12)
1).

When the payment button 206 is operated (step S110), the control board 227 displays the card type,
The fact that the card ID and the settlement button have been pressed is transmitted to the terminal controller 120 via the island controller 100. Thereby, the terminal controller 12
0 updates the value (remaining frequency) corresponding to the card ID in the registered data of the prepaid card management table 1220 to the remaining frequency 0 (step S112). In the card settlement machine 200, the money corresponding to the balance displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 205 is ejected to the coin outlet 209 or the bill outlet 208 (step S113). Then, when the total amount has been settled, the prepaid card is collected in the card collection box 224 (step S114).

If it is determined in step S102 that the inserted member card is a member card, the control board 227 of the card settlement machine 200 transmits the card type and card ID read from the inserted card to the island controller 100. (Step S130). Terminal controller 12
0 reads out the valuable value (residual number) corresponding to the card ID from the registered data of the member management table 1210 based on the received card type and card ID, and sends the residual number data to the card settlement machine 200. .

When there is no data corresponding to the card ID in the member management table 1220 of the terminal controller 120 (in the case of a card of another store, etc., step S1
31), the terminal controller 120 sends the information to the card settlement machine 200. In this case, the card settlement apparatus 200 displays the card settlement impossible reason on the liquid crystal display unit 205 (Step S140), and returns the inserted card (Step S141).

The control board 227 of the card settlement machine 200
When the residual frequency data is received from the terminal controller 120, it is determined whether there is a residual frequency (step S132).
If the remaining number is 0, the card settlement impossible reason is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 205 (step S140), and the inserted card is returned (step S141).

If there is a residual count, the balance corresponding to the residual count is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 205 (step S133). In this state, the control board 227 repeats the determination as to whether or not the settlement button 206 has been operated while counting the time by the timer (step S134,
S135). If the time is up, the reason why the card cannot be settled is displayed on the liquid crystal display 205 (step S14).
0), and return the inserted card (step S14)
1).

When the settlement button 206 is operated (step S134), the control board 227 displays the card type,
The fact that the card ID and the settlement button have been pressed is transmitted to the terminal controller 120 via the island controller 100. Thereby, the terminal controller 12
0 updates the value (remaining number) corresponding to the card ID in the registered data of the member management table 1210 to the remaining number 0 (step S136). Further, in the card settlement machine 200, the money corresponding to the balance displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 205 is supplied to the coin payout port 209 or the bill payout port 20.
8 (step S137). Then, the member card is returned to the member card insertion / ejection port 204 (step S138).

In step S150, it is determined whether or not there is an end process. If there is no end process, the procedure is shifted to a standby state (step S151). If there is an end process, the process of the checkout machine is ended.

If the user presses the cancel button 207 during the above process, the process is stopped halfway and the inserted card is returned.

If there is a fractional amount at the time of settlement, the data is transmitted to the terminal controller 120 as the remaining card count. In the case of a member card, the value of the fraction is recorded in the member management table. In the case of a prepaid card, the value of the fraction is stored in a card management table, and the prepaid card is returned to the player without being collected.

As described above, in this embodiment, the settlement process for a plurality of different types of cards (prepaid card and member card) can be performed by one card settlement machine, so that space and cost are reduced. The problem is solved, and the convenience of the player can be improved.
In addition, it is possible to reduce the payment reserve and reduce the communication load. Further, if the type of the card is determined based on the read data content (in this case, the start code and the end code), the type of the recording medium can be determined using only the originally provided data reading device. This eliminates the need to provide a new type determination device, which is advantageous in terms of space and cost. In particular, if the type of the recording medium is determined by using the start code and the end code in the recorded data, the type is not determined by using a data length or the like that can be changed by changing the setting, so that the number of software changes is reduced. It is cost effective. Furthermore, if the type of the card is determined based on the characteristic features of the card (thickness, presence / absence of holes, etc.), unlike the method of determining the type of the recording medium based on the content of the recording data, data corruption may occur. Thus, the type of the recording medium can be reliably detected without any problem.

In the above embodiment, the card settlement machine 2
As a card that can be inserted into the 00, a magnetic recording type prepaid card and a membership card are used.
The member card may be settled.

(IC Member Card) As a member card, an IC card as shown in FIG. 12 can be adopted. In this case, the card settlement machine 200 is provided with an IC card reading unit 77 as shown in FIG.
The card reading section 77 reads data in the IC chip provided on the IC member card. In this case, in the card processing unit 30, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 0, a card insertion slot and a card transport mechanism common to a magnetic recording type membership card and an IC membership card are used. Since the IC card has a large data storage amount, the membership card can be replaced by a credit card other than the game arcade,
It can be shared with various cards such as debit cards.

In the above-described embodiment, the card insertion slots for the prepaid card and the member card are separated, and the prepaid card and the member card use different card transport mechanisms and card readers. Each record data of the prepaid card and the magnetic recording type membership card may be read using a common card insertion slot, a card transport mechanism and the card reader.

Similarly, a magnetic recording type prepaid card and an IC member card are transported using a common card insertion slot and a card transport mechanism, and the recorded data of each card is read using a separate card reader. It may be.

Further, other types of cards, such as service cards and replay cards, may be settled. For the (service card) member, the service point is set to the member management table 1210 of the terminal controller 120 according to predetermined conditions (visit, use, birthday, etc.).
And stored. When the service point reaches a predetermined value, a service card (a card such as a free prepaid card having the same shape and magnetic stripe position as the prepaid card) is obtained. Alternatively, when the service point reaches a predetermined value, the member can receive the service card by inserting the member card into the card issuing machine 101. Such a service card may be settled in the card adjustment machine 200.

(Replay Card) A member can use the member card to save coins, and this coin count data is stored in the member management table 1210 of the terminal controller 120.
Is registered for each member code. If a member who has a savings puts the membership card into the card issuing machine 101 and performs a predetermined operation, a replay card (shape,
The position of the magnetic stripe is the same as the prepaid card)
Can be issued. Such a replay card may be settled in the card adjuster 200.

Further, in the above embodiment, the card settlement process for the prepaid card and the member card issued by depositing cash and the prepaid card and the member card issued by depositing a debit card are performed without distinction. However, for example, in the case of a debit payment card, the payment may be set to be impossible. Further, the management performed by the terminal controller 120 or the like may be performed separately for cash payment and debit card payment.

In the above-described embodiment, in the prepaid card management table 1220, the remaining number data including the additional payment at the card processing unit 30 is registered in the remaining number column, and the remaining amount data is registered in the additional payment amount column. Although the accumulated amount of the pass-through payment in the card processing unit 30 is registered, the amount of remaining credit data issued by the card issuing machine 101 and the amount of additional cash input by the card processing unit 30 are separately managed. You may do so.

Similarly, in the case of the member management table 1210, the remaining data may be managed separately for the amount of cash input by the card issuing machine 101 and the amount of additional cash input by the card processing unit 30. .

In the above embodiment, the type of the card is detected based on the use of the start code and the end code or on the basis of the discrimination of the shape characteristic of the card. It is configured so that it can be physically inserted only into the exit 203,
The member card may be physically inserted only into the member card insertion / ejection port 204, and the card type may be determined by detecting which of these insertion ports the card is inserted into.

In the above embodiment, the prepaid card insertion / ejection port 203 and the member card insertion / ejection port 2 are used.
When a card is inserted into one of the 04, the card cannot be inserted into the other, but the membership card and the prepaid card can be inserted at the same time so that the total remaining amount of these cards can be settled. It is also possible. Furthermore, it is also possible to make it possible to continuously insert a plurality of prepaid cards and to settle the total amount of the plurality of prepaid cards. When such a plurality of cards can be inserted, a process of adding fractions at the time of settlement can be performed.

Further, in the card settlement machine, which medium,
It is also possible to configure so that it is possible to select and set which type of card is to be settled. For example, prepaid cards and magnetic recording membership cards can be settled,
Service cards, replay cards, and IC membership cards can also be set to be unpaid. Therefore, in the card settlement machine 200, the stored information of the inserted card is read from the card insertion slot, the type and the remaining number are determined based on the stored contents, and it is determined whether or not the card is included in the settlement including the above setting. Will do.

In the above embodiment, both the prepaid card and the member card are settled for the total remaining amount. However, the user can specify an arbitrary settling amount from the settable amount and settle the specified amount. It may be. In addition, as a recordable recording medium, a token or a coin-shaped recording medium may be used.

In the above embodiment, the first and second
Are stored in the terminal controller, but these value storage units may be disposed in the card settlement machine. In this case, the type of the accepted card is determined, the corresponding value is called from the value storage means in the card settlement machine, and the settlement process is performed based on the value. Further, the value storage means can be arranged on the card itself. In that case, after determining the type of the accepted card, the value stored in the card itself is called, and the settlement process is performed based on the value.

[0099]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of different types of cards can be settled by one settling machine, so that there are problems of space, cost, adjustment reserve, and communication load. This is solved and the convenience of the player can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the type of the recording medium is determined based on the read data content, the type of the recording medium can be determined using only the originally provided data reading device. Therefore, there is no need to provide a new type determination device, which is advantageous in terms of space and cost.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the type of the recording medium is determined by using the start code and the end code in the recorded data, and the type is determined by using a variable data length by changing the setting. However, the number of software changes is reduced, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the type of the recording medium is determined based on the shape characteristics of the recording medium. Differently, it is possible to reliably detect the type of the recording medium without any problem such as data corruption.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the prepaid card and the member card are conveyed and read using the common card insertion slot, the conveyance path, and the data reading section. Become.

According to the invention of claim 6, in addition to the magnetic stripe recording type prepaid card, an I which has a large storage data amount is used.
Since the C-record type membership card can be read and processed using a common transport path, the membership card can be shared with various cards other than the game arcade, such as credit cards and debit cards.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to configure a game arcade system using a recording medium settlement apparatus which realizes settlement processing of a plurality of different types of cards with one apparatus. Problems of space, cost, payment reserve, and communication load of the device can be solved, and the convenience of the player can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a game arcade system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the appearance of a prepaid card.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the appearance of the member card.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a terminal controller.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing stored contents of a member management table.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing stored contents of a prepaid management table.

FIG. 7 is an external view showing a front part of the card settlement machine.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an internal configuration of a card settlement machine.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing connections of various components of the card settlement machine.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a card transport system in a prepaid card processing device or a member card processing device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a card settlement process.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the appearance of an IC member card.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 gaming machine 30 card processing unit 72 card thickness detecting mechanism 73 card thickness detecting sensor 74 magnetic head 76 card hole detecting sensor 77 IC card reading unit 100 island controller 101 card issuing machine 103 card updating machine 120 terminal controller (management computer) 122 Memory 123 Storage device 124 Input / output device 125 Display device 126 Communication interface unit 200 Card payment machine 201 Payment machine main body 202 Door body 203 Prepaid card / insertion / ejection port 204 Member card / insertion / ejection port 205 Liquid crystal display unit 206 Adjustment button 207 Cancel button 208 Bill payout port 209 Coin payout port 210 Lock mechanism 220 Prepaid card processing unit (recording medium data reading unit) 221 Member card processing unit (recording medium data reading unit) 222 banknote processing device 223 coin processing apparatus 224 card collection box 225 the handy terminal 226 journals the printer 227 a control board (control unit) 1200 power management table 1210 member management table 1220 prepaid card management table 1250 automatic lending management table

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C005 MA04 MB01 MB09 NB01 PA21 QC12 2C088 BA88 BA90 BB14 BB19 BB20 BB21 BB23 BB26 BB30 BC78 BC79 CA35 EA46

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A recording medium settlement apparatus for receiving a recording medium and adjusting money based on a value specified by the received recording medium, wherein the first recording medium is received and stored in the first recording medium. First recording medium data reading means for reading recorded data, second recording medium data reading means for receiving the second recording medium and reading the recording data recorded on the second recording medium; Type determining means for determining the type of the received recording medium; first value storing means for storing a value in association with data recorded on the first recording medium; and Second value storage means for storing a value in association with data to be recorded; and receiving the first recording medium, calling the value from the first value storage means, Control means for retrieving a value from the second value storage means upon receipt of the second recording medium, and performing a settlement process for money corresponding to the called value, the first and second recording medium data Read means 1
A recording medium settlement apparatus provided in a main body of a settlement apparatus. 2. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein said type judging means judges the type of the recording medium based on data content read by said first or second recording medium data reading means. Recording medium payment device. 3. The recording medium settlement apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the data content is a start code and an end code. 4. The recording medium settlement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the type determination unit determines the type of the recording medium based on the received shape characteristics of the recording medium. 5. The first and second recording medium data reading means, wherein the first recording medium is a magnetic recording type prepaid card, and the second recording medium is a magnetic recording type membership card. A card insertion slot into which the first and second recording media are inserted in common; a transport mechanism for commonly transporting the first and second recording media; The recording medium settlement apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a data reading unit that reads the recording data in common. 6. The first recording medium is a magnetic recording type prepaid card, the second recording medium is an IC recording type membership card, and the recording medium data reading means includes the first and second recording mediums. A card insertion slot into which a second recording medium is commonly inserted;
And a transport mechanism for commonly transporting the second recording medium and
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first data reading unit that reads data recorded on the first recording medium, and a second data reading unit that reads data recorded on the second recording medium. 3. Recording medium payment device. 7. A game machine in which a game player plays a game using a game medium, and when a recording medium or money on which identification information is recorded is inserted, the game corresponds to the identification information of the recording medium or the value of money. A game medium lending device that inputs a game medium into the gaming machine, a recording medium settlement device that accepts the recording medium, and adjusts money based on the value of the accepted recording medium, and identification information of the valuable medium. In a game arcade system having a management device that associates and records a value, the recording medium settlement device accepts a first recording medium and reads recorded data recorded on the first recording medium. And a second recording medium data reading means for receiving the second recording medium and reading the recording data recorded on the second recording medium. And a type determining means for determining the type of the received recording medium, wherein the management device stores a value in association with data recorded on the first recording medium. Value storage means, and second value storage means for storing value in association with data recorded on the second recording medium, wherein the recording medium settlement device further comprises the first recording When the medium is received, the value is called from the first value storage means of the management device. When the second recording medium is received, the value is called from the second value storage means of the management device. A game arcade system comprising control means for performing a settlement process using a value.