JP2005237481A - Recording medium adjustment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently recover a second recording medium into a machine, to simplify a structure and to lower a manufacture cost in the case of operating the equivalent of a first storage medium such as a member card as the second recording medium such as a card for the inside of a shop. <P>SOLUTION: This card adjustment machine 50 is constituted such that a mechanism for recovering the card for the inside of the shop constituted by using a prepaid card recovery box together for instance is provided inside the machine, the range of a member code number to be operated is stored in an operation setting table 5183 for the card for the inside of the shop in the case of operating the equivalent of the member card 43 as the card 45 for the inside of the shop, an inserted card is judged as the card for the inside of the shop when the card is inserted and a card ID read from the inserted card is within the range of the member code number set in the operation setting table 5183 for the card for the inside of the shop, and the card for the inside of the shop is recovered into the machine by using the mechanism for recovering the card for the inside of the shop in the case that there is no adjustment balance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording medium settlement apparatus that performs settlement of money based on a valuable value associated with a recording medium such as a prepaid card or a membership card in a game store where a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine is installed, More specifically, the present invention relates to the collection control of the second recording medium and the improvement of the collection mechanism when the first recording medium such as a membership card is used as the second recording medium such as an in-store card.

  Conventionally, a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine for playing a game by inserting a gaming medium such as a pachinko ball or a medal into the gaming machine is known. Recently, various cards such as prepaid cards or membership cards are often used in game arcades where these gaming machines are arranged.

  A general prepaid card for a pachinko is issued when a predetermined card issuance operation is performed by inserting money into a card issuing machine in a game hall, and has a frequency corresponding to various amounts such as 1,000 yen and 5000 yen.

  An identification code (card ID) set for each card is recorded in the prepaid card, and the remaining frequency for each identification code is recorded in the management device. When the card is used, the remaining frequency of the management device is recorded. Rewritten. The prepaid card is made of paper having a magnetic stripe and is disposable.

  On the other hand, membership cards are issued to registered players, and members have various services that cannot be received by non-members. be able to.

  Since the membership card is assumed to be used repeatedly over a long period of time, a magnetic card made of a material having relatively high durability is often adopted. An identification code (member ID) set for each member is recorded on the member card, and member information is recorded and managed for each member ID in the management device.

  Also in the membership card, the frequency information can be registered in the management device by inserting money with a card issuing machine or the like and performing a predetermined value operation. When the membership card is used, the remaining frequency of the management device is rewritten.

  In the game hall system using the various cards described above, a card settlement machine is often provided to settle the remaining number of cards into money at the end of the game. 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 cards can be thrown out.

  As this type of conventional card settlement machine, as described in Patent Document 1 below, a configuration is known in which settlement of a plurality of different types of cards such as prepaid cards and membership cards can be realized with a single device. It has been.

  By the way, as described above, the prepaid card is disposable, so it is called a paper card, but the running cost is inevitably high.

  Against this background, today there are an increasing number of game halls in which a plurality of in-store cards, which are equivalent to membership cards, are prepared, and the in-store cards are lent and operated to visitor customers.

In this case, the visitor customer borrows an in-store card at the time of entering the store, values the card, plays a game, and after the game ends or after the checkout process, the in-store card is placed in the game hall. It is collected and used repeatedly.
JP 2002-282522 A

  As described above, when a membership card is operated as an in-store card, if the in-store card is settled using the card settlement machine described in Patent Document 1, the in-store card is used regardless of the remaining number after settlement. The card will always be returned (discharged).

  This is because the in-store card is equivalent to the membership card, and when the in-store card is inserted, the card settlement machine determines that the inserted card is a membership card and always returns it after settlement. This is because the settlement process is executed.

  In this way, with the conventional card payment machine, it was configured to always return the in-store card, so the visitor who returned the in-store card discarded the card that was no longer needed or taken home A case occurs.

  For this reason, in the former case, the in-store cards after the checkout are scattered around the card checkout machine, and the aesthetics of the store are damaged. Further, the store clerk exerts a great deal of effort in collecting the cards. I was supposed to be.

  In the latter case, after the customer pays back the in-store card after payment, the card cannot be reused, resulting in an increase in cost due to the need to supply a new card.

  The present invention solves the above problems, and when the equivalent of the first storage medium such as a membership card is used as the second recording medium such as an in-store card, the second recording medium can be efficiently collected in the machine. In addition, it is possible to prevent the second recording medium from being thrown away and damage the aesthetics of the store, and to prevent the second recording medium from being brought home and reused, and the structure can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium settlement apparatus including a medium recovery mechanism.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is the first recording medium occupied by a player who has performed a predetermined registration procedure, and is equivalent to the first recording medium, and is used only when in use. In a recording medium settlement apparatus that settles money on the basis of a valuable value respectively specified by a second recording medium lent to a player, the first recording medium or the second recording medium is received, and the received recording medium A recording medium reading means for reading information recorded on the recording medium; and when the second recording medium is received by the recording medium reading means, a settlement process for money corresponding to a valuable value associated with the second recording medium Thereafter, when the valuable value corresponding to the second recording medium remains, the second recording medium is returned from the recording medium reading means, and when the valuable value does not remain, the second recording medium is used. And control means for performing control of recovery to, in response to the machine recovery control, characterized by comprising a collecting mechanism for collecting the second recording medium on board.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the second recording medium reading means for the first recording medium reading means, which is the recording medium reading means, accepts a third recording medium. A recording medium reading means for reading information recorded on the third recording medium, and after the settlement of money corresponding to a valuable value associated with the third recording medium, the third recording medium A recording medium recovery box that drops and recovers the third recording medium that is taken into the apparatus when no valuable value remains, and the recovery mechanism includes the recording medium recovery box as the second recording medium. It has a structure that doubles as a collection box for recording media.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, in the invention of the second aspect, the collecting mechanism arranges the first recording medium reading unit and the second recording medium reading unit adjacent to each other in the lateral direction. A chute member that is inclined downward and communicated from the lower part of the first recording medium reading unit to the recording medium recovery box, and is controlled by the first recording medium reading unit according to the in-machine recovery control. The second recording medium taken into the machine is slid on the chute member and collected in the recording medium collection box.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the recovery mechanism moves the first recording medium reading means and the second recording medium reading means up and down on the recording medium recovery box. It is arranged in a direction, and the second recording medium taken into the apparatus by the recording medium reading means is dropped downward according to the in-machine collection control, and is collected in the recording medium collection box. .

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the second aspect, the recovery mechanism includes two attachments having a first recording medium reading unit and an attachment / detachment mechanism common to the second recording medium reading unit. The units are arranged adjacent to each other in the lateral direction so that one of them is positioned above the recording medium recovery box, and the first recording medium reading means is attached to the mounting unit on the recording medium recovery box, and the second The recording medium reading means is mounted on the other mounting unit and the position of each recording medium reading means is changed, so that the first recording medium reading means takes in the apparatus according to the in-machine recovery control. The second recording medium is dropped downward and collected in the recording medium collection box.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the second aspect, the recovery mechanism is arranged in a fall path of the second recording medium that is taken into the apparatus by the recording medium reading means in accordance with the in-machine recovery control. A recording medium recovery box dedicated to the second recording medium installed; and dropping the second recording medium taken into the apparatus by the recording medium reading means in accordance with the in-machine recovery control; The second recording medium is collected in a dedicated recording medium collection box.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the setting means for setting operating conditions of the second recording medium, the identification information transmitted from the recording medium settlement apparatus, and the setting means A determination unit for determining whether the recording medium received by the recording medium reading unit of the recording medium settlement apparatus is the second recording medium based on the set operation condition; and a recording medium by the determination unit A transmission means for transmitting identification information read by the recording medium reading means to the management apparatus, connected to a management apparatus having notification means for notifying the recording medium settlement apparatus of a type determination result; and the identification information Receiving means for receiving the determination result of the recording medium type notified from the management apparatus in response to transmission of the control device, the control means before the reception by the receiving means If the recording medium type determination result is a determination result that the recording medium received by the recording medium reading means is the second recording medium, return to the second recording medium or in-machine collection control is performed. Features.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the setting means for setting the operating condition of the second recording medium and the operating condition set by the setting means in the recording medium settlement apparatus. Connected to a management device having a notification means for notifying, holding means for holding the operating condition notified by the notification means, identification information read by the recording medium reading means, and holding by the holding means And determining means for determining whether the recording medium received by the recording medium reading means is the second recording medium based on the operated condition, and the control means includes the determining means, When it is determined that the recording medium received by the recording medium reading means is the second recording medium, return or in-machine recovery control is performed on the second recording medium. To.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the first recording medium is a magnetic recording type membership card, and the second recording medium is an equivalent of the membership card. It is an in-store card in which an identification code different from the membership card is recorded.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the first recording medium is an IC recording type member recording medium, and the second recording medium is the member recording medium. It is an in-store recording medium in which an identification code different from the member recording medium is recorded on an equivalent product.

  The invention described in claim 11 is the invention described in claim 2, wherein the third recording medium is a magnetic recording type prepaid card.

  According to the present invention, a first recording medium occupied by a player who has performed a predetermined registration procedure, or a second recording medium that is equivalent to the first recording medium and is lent to the player only when in use. When the second recording medium is received by the recording medium reading means that reads information by receiving any of the above, after the settlement of money corresponding to the valuable value associated with the second recording medium, the second recording medium When there is no valuable value corresponding to the recording medium, the second recording medium is controlled to be collected in the apparatus, and a collecting mechanism for collecting the second recording medium in the apparatus is provided corresponding to the in-machine collection control. Therefore, for example, when a first recording medium is used as a membership card and an equivalent product of the first recording medium is used as an in-store card, the control is performed to collect the in-store card with no valuable value after settlement in the machine. , After checkout Reduce the number of in-store cards that are returned and thrown away by jitter customers and maintain the aesthetics of the in-store, and improve the reuse efficiency of in-store cards as the number of in-store cards collected in the machine increases Can also contribute to reducing the operating costs of in-store cards.

  According to the present invention, the second recording medium recovery mechanism has a structure in which an existing recording medium recovery box for a third recording medium such as a prepaid card is also used as a recovery box for the second recording medium. In this case, an in-store card collection mechanism with a simple structure and low manufacturing cost can be realized by utilizing an existing recording medium collection box.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko game is mainly shown.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a gaming system according to the present invention.

  In this gaming system, a plurality of gaming machines 10 are arranged for each group called “island”. Each gaming machine 10 is provided with a card processing unit 20 for lending a pachinko ball as a game medium.

  The card processing unit 20 is arranged between the gaming machine 10 and the gaming machine 10 (between tables), and lends pachinko balls in cooperation with a ball throwing mechanism provided in the gaming machine 10.

  The front panel of the card processing unit 20 is provided with a bill insertion slot, a coin insertion slot, a card insertion slot, a money amount display section, and the like, and the gaming machine 10 is provided with a frequency display section, a lending button, and the like. .

  The player inserts a card such as a prepaid card or a membership card (in some cases, further cash) into the card processing unit 20 in advance, and determines a lending unit (the number of loans lent by one lending operation) as necessary. Set it.

  When the player operates the lending button, the ball throwing mechanism is activated, and a pachinko ball corresponding to the lending unit is thrown onto the upper plate of the gaming machine 10. This investment price is subtracted from the frequency registered in advance corresponding to the card identification data.

  When money is directly inserted in a state where a prepaid card or a membership card is loaded in the card processing unit 20, it is also possible to accept money and add value to the prepaid card or membership card. The player plays a game in the gaming machine 10 using the balls lent in this way.

  An island bank safe (not shown) is installed at the end of the island, and cash inserted into the card processing unit 20 is installed on the back side of the gaming machine 10 or the like so as not to touch the player's eyes. It is collected by the transport mechanism that does not, and accommodated in this Shimabata safe. In addition, a card issuing machine 40 for managing cards and a card settlement machine 50 that is a main part of the present invention are appropriately provided in the hall.

  A terminal controller (T / C) 60 as a management device is connected to the island controller 30 via a local area network (LAN) 70.

  The T / C 60 manages various information including the frequency information (value value) of each card. If a prepaid card or a membership card is inserted into the card processing unit 20, the identification data in this card is stored in the island controller. The value data (remaining frequency: valuable value) corresponding to the identification data is returned from the T / C 60 to the card processing unit 20.

  Here, the types of cards used in the gaming system according to the first embodiment having the basic configuration as shown in FIG. 1 and the card issuing machine 40 will be described.

  In the system of this embodiment, three types of magnetic recording cards are mainly used: a prepaid card 41, a membership card 43, and an in-store card 45.

  The prepaid card 41 is basically a paper magnetic recording card issued by accepting money or the like by the card issuing machine 40. The type of data recorded magnetically includes a start code, an end code, an issuance Store code, card ID (issuing machine number + serial number), issuance date, issuance amount, card type (differentiation between prepaid card and service card, etc.).

  The information printed on the prepaid card 41 so as to be visible is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2A, issuance store name, card ID (issuing machine number + serial number), issuance date, expiration date, and issuance amount. And card type (a distinction between prepaid cards and service cards).

  In order to issue the prepaid card 41, when a predetermined issue operation is performed by inserting money or a debit card into the card issuing machine 40, predetermined items are printed and recorded on the prepaid card 41, and the prepaid card 41 is issued.

  The card ID of the prepaid card 41, the issue amount, etc. are sent from the card issuing machine 40 to the T / C 60, and the valuable value (the remaining number corresponding to the issue amount) is stored in the T / C 60 table (prepaid card management table 635: see FIG. 1). ) Or the like is written in association with the card ID, and the card becomes usable in the card processing unit 20 or the like.

  The membership card 43 is issued by performing membership registration processing. A player who wishes to register as a member fills out an application form and gives it to the sales clerk in charge. The store clerk registers predetermined items in the T / C 60, registers the user as a member, and creates a table (member management table 631: see FIG. 1) in the T / C 60. Then, the member card 43 is handed over to the player (member).

  The types of data magnetically recorded on the member card (on the magnetic stripe) 43 include a start code, an end code, an issuing store code, a member ID, a final store code, and the like. The information to be included includes, for example, an issue store name, a member code, a sales company code, and a store code as shown in FIG.

  When a member inserts the member card 43 into the card issuing machine 40, inserts money or a debit card, and performs a predetermined operation to instruct the value, the member ID of the member card 43, the valued valuable value (issue amount) Etc.) is sent from the card issuing machine 40 to the T / C 60, and the valuable value is written in the T / C 60 table in association with the member ID. The member card 43 can be used in the card processing unit 20 or the like.

  As for the in-store card 45, a card equivalent to the above-described member card 43 is lent to a game customer (visitor customer: non-member) from the game store side, and when the use ends (after the game ends or after payment is completed), the game store Are collected and reused.

  When a player (visitor customer) offers a store clerk to lend an in-store card, the store clerk registers a card ID dedicated to the store card (a value different from the card ID of the member card 43) in the T / C 60, and the T / C After creating a table in C60 (in-store card management table 633: see FIG. 1), the in-store card 45 is handed to a player (visitor customer). The in-store card registration process may be performed in a lump before opening a store without being performed each time a player offers an offer.

  The type of data magnetically recorded on the in-store card 45 (on the magnetic stripe) is the same as the member card 43 except that the member code is changed to a non-member card ID (unique for each card). The information embossed and printed on the card 45 for visual recognition is the same as the member card 43 except that the member code is changed to a non-member code as shown in FIG. 2C, for example. However, a sticker or the like may be attached so as to be distinguished at a glance.

  When the player inserts the in-store card 45 into the card issuing machine 40, inserts money or a debit card, and performs a predetermined operation to instruct the value, the card ID of the in-store card 45, the valued valuable value (Number of remaining times corresponding to the inserted amount) is sent from the card issuing machine 40 to the T / C 60, and the valuable value is written in the T / C 60 table in association with the card ID. The in-store card 45 can be used in the card processing unit 20 or the like.

  Among the cards shown in FIG. 2, the prepaid card 41 and the membership card 43 are different in material (made of plastic such as JIS2 or paper) and thickness, but the size (vertical and horizontal) and the position of the magnetic stripe are the same.

  The in-store card 45 is equivalent to the member card 43, but by providing different card IDs, the classification and operation of each card is realized.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the T / C 60 will be described.

  The T / C 60 is a controller that controls and controls the entire gaming system, and includes an information processing terminal such as a PC (personal computer).

  In FIG. 1, only the memory 63, the input device 64 such as a mouse and keyboard, and the display device 65 such as a CRT are shown as components of the T / C 60, but actually, for example, as shown in FIG. Like the T / C 60B according to the second embodiment, a CPU 61, a storage device 62 such as a hard disk, and a communication unit 66 that communicates with the card settlement machine 50 and the like via the LAN 70 are also provided.

  However, the T / C 60 according to the first embodiment does not include the in-store card operation setting table 637 in the memory 63.

  In the T / C 60, the CPU 61 implements various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the memory 63. For example, it has a function of managing the remaining number of each player. In addition, it has a function of displaying a predetermined setting screen on the display screen of the display device 65 and accepting the setting of the automatic lending frequency on this setting screen.

  Programs and data necessary for realizing these functions are stored in the memory 63 or the storage device 62, and the CPU 61 reads or updates them as necessary.

  The memory 63 includes a member management table 631, an in-store card management table 633, and a prepaid card management table 635 as the frequency management table. Member information and in-store cards are stored using these management tables 631, 633, and 635. Information and prepaid card information are managed separately.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the member management table 631 includes, according to the member code (identification data), the number of stored balls, the remaining number of times, the number of visits, the number of visits, the date of membership, the address, name, telephone number and additional deposit amount, debit deposit Various data such as are stored.

  In this case, the remaining frequency data at the present time including the additional deposit at the card issuing machine 40 or the card processing unit 20 is registered in the remaining frequency column. In the additional deposit amount column, the accumulated amount of additional deposits in the card issuing machine 40 or the card processing unit 20 is registered. In the column of debit payment, it is registered whether or not the remaining number at the present time includes payment with a debit card.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the in-store card management table 633 includes an issuance date, an issue amount, a remaining number, a reissue number, an additional deposit amount, a debit for each non-member code (card ID) corresponding to each in-store card. Various data such as deposits are stored.

  In this case, the remaining frequency data at the present time including the additional deposit at the card issuing machine 40 or the card processing unit 20 is registered in the remaining frequency column. In the additional deposit amount column, the accumulated amount of additional deposits in the card issuing machine 40 or the card processing unit 20 is registered. In the column of debit payment, it is registered whether or not the remaining number at the present time includes payment with a debit card.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the prepaid card management table 635 stores various data such as an issue date, an issue amount, a remaining number, a reissue number, an expiration date, an additional deposit amount, and a debit deposit for each card ID. . In the remaining number column, current remaining number data including additional payment in the card processing unit 20 is registered. In the additional deposit amount column, the accumulated amount of additional deposit in the card processing unit 20 is registered. In the column of debit payment, it is registered whether or not the remaining number at the present time includes payment with a debit card.

  The T / C 60 manages the remaining frequency corresponding to the identification data (card ID) recorded in each corresponding card 41, 43, 45 using the frequency management information stored in the management tables 631, 633, 635. doing. The content of the frequency management information is updated as appropriate during the game by the player or at the end of the game.

  Next, the card settlement machine 50 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. In the system of this embodiment, the card settlement machine 50 handles prepaid cards (paper magnetic cards) 41, membership cards (JIS2 cards) 43, and in-store cards (JIS2 cards).

  As described above, the membership card 43 and the in-store card 45 are prepaid by the card issuing machine 40 and the like, and the user can use the card for a certain number of times depending on the amount of money to be deposited. The frequency can be settled by the card settlement machine 50. Similarly, the in-store card 45 can be used for the number of times corresponding to the deposit amount in the card issuing machine 40 or the like, but the remaining number can be settled by the card settlement machine 50 as desired.

  Further, the prepaid card 41 is also purchased in advance by the card issuing machine 40 or the like, and the user can use the card for the number of times of the card, but the remaining number can be settled by the card settlement machine 50 if desired.

  The outline of the card settlement operation is as follows. That is, when the prepaid card 41, the membership card 43 or the in-store card 45 is inserted into the card settlement machine 50, the remaining card number is determined, and money is paid out according to the remaining number.

  As described above, the valuable value (frequency / amount) is not recorded on the card itself, but a unique identification code (member code, card ID, etc.) is recorded on the card.

  The card settlement machine 50 is connected to the T / C 60, and collates the identification code and the corresponding valuable value (frequency / amount) with the T / C 60 to calculate the payout amount.

  The settlement is done with a thousand yen bill and a 100 yen coin. Depending on the setting, it is also possible to pay out in thousand yen bills and 500 yen coins. After payment, the membership card 43 is returned, and the prepaid card 41 is taken into a collection box in the cabin.

  In addition, the in-store card 45 is checked after settlement to check whether or not the remaining balance (valuable value) remains. When there is a remaining balance, the card 45 is returned from the card settlement machine 50. Collected in 50 planes.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the front portion of the card settlement machine 50. The card settlement machine 50 has a box-shaped main body 51, and a single-open door body 52 is provided on the front surface. The door body 52 can be locked by a lock mechanism 521.

  On the front surface of the door 52, a prepaid card insertion / discharge port 523 for inserting and returning the prepaid card 41 to be settled (when there is a balance remaining, when canceling the settlement, etc.), a member card 43 to be settled and an in-store card 45 Membership card insertion / discharge port 522 for inserting and returning the card, a liquid crystal display 524 that can display the remaining frequency of the card and the amount that can be settled, a settlement button 525 that indicates the willingness to settle the card, A cancel button 526 for instructing cancellation of payment, a banknote outlet 527 for paying out the banknotes, and a coin outlet 528 for paying out the adjusted coins are provided.

  FIG. 7 shows the arrangement of each component built in the main body 51 of the card settlement machine 50, and FIG. 8 shows the functional configuration showing the connection between these components and the components attached to the door body 52. It is a block diagram.

  7 and 8, 511 is a member card processing device, 512 is a prepaid card processing device, 513 is a card collection box, 514 is a bill processing device, 515 is a coin processing device, 516 is a handy terminal (actually a door 517 is a journal printer, 518 is a control board (control unit), and 519 is a power supply device.

  The member card processing device 511 performs an operation of reading magnetic data (identification code such as a member number and a card ID) of a card (member card 43 or in-store card 45) inserted into the member card insertion / discharge port 523.

  When the inserted card is the member card 43, the card is returned to the outside through the member card insertion / discharge port 522 after payment.

  In addition, if the inserted card is the in-store card 45, if there is a balance remaining after payment, the card is returned to the outside through the membership card insertion / discharge port 522, and if there is no balance remaining, it is a member. It is thrown out from a card collection port 80a provided at the end of the card transport mechanism (see FIG. 9) of the card processing device 511, and is collected in the apparatus (card collection box 513) through, for example, a chute member 531 (see FIG. 14).

  The prepaid card processing device 512 performs an operation of reading magnetic data (an identification code such as a card number, a store code, an issue date) of the prepaid card 41 inserted into the prepaid card insertion / discharge port 523. In the case of the prepaid card 41, after the full amount is settled, the card is taken into the machine and stored in the card collection box 513.

  The card collection box 513 is usually used to store the prepaid card 41 that has already been settled. However, in the system of the present invention, the in-store card 45 that does not have a remaining balance at the time of settlement is collected in the machine. It can also be used as an in-store card collection box.

  In order to make it possible to use the card collection box 513 as a card collection box for the in-store card 45, in the system of the present invention, for example, obliquely downward from the lower part of the card collection port 80a of the member card processing apparatus 511 to the card collection box 513. A chute member 531 (see FIG. 14) is provided in communication with the head.

  The in-store card 45 dropped from the card collection port 80a of the member card processing apparatus 511 slides on the chute member 531 and falls into the card collection box 513.

  The banknote processing device 514 has a function of paying out the thousand yen bills, which are filled in the storage unit by the operator of the device, from the storage unit at the time of payment, collecting them in the holding unit, and then paying them out together from the banknote outlet 527.

  The coin processing device 515 has a function of paying out a 100-yen coin supplemented in a coin hopper by an equipment operator from a coin payout outlet 528 at the time of payment.

  The journal printer 517 outputs a journal in which a payment history is recorded. The handy terminal 516 is for a store clerk to easily set various items of the card settlement machine 50.

  In the system of the present embodiment, the handy terminal 516 normally has a function as an in-store card operation setting means for setting that the membership card 43 returned after payment is operated as an in-store card 45 that can be collected after payment. Have.

  The control board (control unit) 518 controls each of the above-described components, and as shown in FIG. 8, the communication unit 5181 that communicates with the T / C 60 determines that there is no payment balance, and is in the store Store card collection control unit 5182 for controlling the store card 45 to be stored in the machine, store card operation instruction information indicating whether the store card 45 is used or not, and a membership code used as the store card 45 (individually, Or an in-store code operation setting table 5183 that holds operation target information indicating a range).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a card transport system in the member card processing apparatus 511.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the membership card processing device 511 inserts / extracts the membership card 43 (in the present invention, the in-store card 45 is also a target) and ejects (transports in the opposite direction to the insertion time). The card has a discharge port 522 and a card transport path 80 that communicates from the member card insertion / discharge port 522 to the card recovery port 80a at the other end along the card insertion direction. 43, a card transport roller 81 for loading 43, a driven roller 82 that rotates by being pressed against the card transport roller 81, a magnetic head 83 for reading recorded data of the member card 43 (or the in-store card 45), and a magnetic head The roller 84 that is pressed against the roller 83 and rotated, and the in-store card 45 are received and collected after payment, the in-store card 45 is moved to the card collection port 80a. Feed roller 85 is out conveyor, constructed by installing a driven roller 86 which is driven to said transmission out roller 85.

  The card transport system of the prepaid card processing apparatus 512 also has a configuration substantially similar to that of the member card processing apparatus 511. However, the magnetic head 83 has a function of reading data recorded on the prepaid card 41.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the portion denoted by reference numeral 87 is an IC card reading unit that reads data recorded on the IC card, and is mounted only when an IC card is adopted as a membership card.

  In the membership card processing device 511 and the prepaid card processing device 512, the magnetic data recorded on each card is read by the magnetic head 83 from the inserted member card 43 (or in-store card 45) or the prepaid card 41. Of course, the member card processing device 511 and the prepaid card processing device 512 have the function of the inserted member card 43 or the prepaid card 41 based on the data read by the magnetic head 83. It also has a function to discriminate.

  The type determination of the prepaid card 41 and the membership card 43 is realized using the following method.

  The magnetic recording data recorded on the prepaid card 41 has a start code STX and an end code ETX (for example, 6 bits of 010000) consisting of a predetermined bit string (for example, 6 bits of 101010), and the above-mentioned between these codes. Recording data such as an issuing store code and a card ID (issuing machine number + serial number) are magnetically recorded.

  Similarly, the magnetic recording data of the member card 43 has a start code STX (for example, 8 bits of 111110000) and an end code ETX (for example, 8 bits of 00001111) consisting of a predetermined bit string, and the above-mentioned issuing store Recording data such as codes and member IDs are magnetically recorded.

  Therefore, the type determination of the prepaid card 41 can be performed as follows. It is checked whether or not the first 6 bits of the magnetic data read by the magnetic head 83 are the same as the bit string (101010) of the start code of the prepaid card 41. The number of bits corresponding to the recorded data is counted, the position of the end code is specified, and whether or not the data for 6 bits at the position where the end code should be is the same as the bit string (010000) of the end code. When it is checked and also coincides, the read card is determined to be the prepaid card 41, and then the recording data between the start code and the end code is checked.

  The type determination of the membership card 43 is performed in the same manner. It is checked whether or not the first 8 bits of the read magnetic data are the same as the bit string (11110000) of the start code of the membership card 43. If they match, the predetermined recorded data after the start code is added. Count the number of corresponding bits to identify the end code position, and check whether the 8-bit data where the end code should be is the same as the end card bit string (00001111) of the above membership card If they also match, the card that has been read 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 based on the start code and the end code of such magnetic recording data, the prepaid card processing device 512 performs the above-described card type determination processing for the prepaid card 41, and the member card processing device 511 side What is necessary is just to perform the card type determination process for the member card 43 that has been made.

  In the card settlement machine 50 having the above configuration, a procedure until card settlement for the prepaid card 41, the membership card 43, and the in-store card 45 is started will be described below.

  As preparation for the payment, first, the store clerk loads a thousand yen bill into the banknote handling apparatus 514. The coin processing device 515 is loaded with 100 yen coins.

  Further, if necessary, the store clerk opens the door body 52 of the card checkout machine 50, and uses the handy terminal 516 installed on the back side of the door body 52 to use the in-store card using the same product as the member card 43. Whether to perform the operation of 45 is set.

  In this case, the store clerk first displays an in-store card setting screen on the operation panel in response to a predetermined button operation of the handy terminal 516.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the in-store card setting screen 5161 displayed on the operation panel of the handy terminal 516.

  On this in-store card operation setting screen 5161, an item “with / without in-store card operation” for setting whether or not to operate the in-store card 45 and a card number (member card) used as the in-store card 45 are set. No .; Card ID) The item “Member Card No. Range 1, 2, 3,...” And a message prompting entry of the card number (member No.) to be used as the in-store card 45 “ Enter member number ”is displayed.

  The store clerk decides whether or not to operate the member card 43 as the in-store card 45. In the former case, on the operation setting screen 5161, the in-store card operation “Yes” is selected, and in the latter case In the operation setting screen 5161, “None” of the in-store card operation is selected.

  If “Yes” is selected for the in-store card operation, the store clerk next selects the membership card No. used as the in-store card 45. The cursor is moved to the input field corresponding to “Range 1” of the item for designating the range of the member, and the range of the membership card number used as the in-store card 45 is displayed using the numeric keypad provided on the operation unit 5162 of the handy terminal 516. Enter.

  In this example, a member card number range of “51001 to 51100” is entered in the input field corresponding to “range 1”.

  After the entry of the membership card number (in this example, the number range) to be used as the in-store card 45, when the “OK” button on the operation unit 5162 is pressed, the in-store card is operated in accordance with the operation content. Operation instruction information for instructing whether or not to perform the operation, and operation target information for instructing the number range of the membership card operated as the in-store card (only when the in-store card is operated) The data is transferred to the control unit 518.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 518 includes an in-store card operation setting table 5183, and operation condition information including operation instruction information and operation target information transferred from the handy terminal 516 is stored in the in-store card operation. It is stored in the setting table 5183.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of operation condition information stored in the in-store card operation setting table 5183. As shown in FIG. In the case of this example, a flag “1” indicating that the in-store card 45 is operated, and a range of membership card numbers “range 1: 51001 to 51100” to be operated are stored.

  When an operation card setting “NONE” is set, the operation setting table 5183 stores a flag “0” indicating that the store card 45 is not operated.

  The operation when the card settlement is performed by the card settlement machine 50 after the above-described settlement preparation is completed will be described below.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the card settlement processing operation in the card settlement machine 50 according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 12, the control unit 518 determines whether the member card 43 (or the in-store card 45) or the prepaid card 41 is inserted into either the member card insertion / discharge port 522 or the prepaid card insertion / discharge port 523. Monitoring is performed (step S101).

  Here, each card 41, 43, 45 waiting for insertion is preliminarily correlated (value-valued) in accordance with the payment in the card issuing machine 40 (step 1 in FIG. 1). The frequency corresponding to the number of game media thrown out by the gaming machine 10 or the amount corresponding to the additional deposit amount is added or subtracted (step 2 in FIG. 1).

  During the monitoring, as shown in Step 3 of FIG. 1, when any of the member card 43, the in-store card 45, and the prepaid card 41 is inserted (YES in Step S101), the member card processing device 511 that has received the card or In the prepaid card processing apparatus 512, the card is taken in by the transport mechanism, and the magnetic data recorded on the card is read.

  In this reading operation, it is checked whether or not the inserted card can be magnetically read using the magnetic head 83 (see FIG. 9) (step S102). If reading is impossible (NO in step S102), that fact ( (Unreadable) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 524 (step S121), and the inserted card is returned (step S112).

  If the card can be read (YES in step S102), the card inserted in the prepaid card 41, the membership card 43, or the in-store card 45 using the data read by the magnetic head 83 is used. Type determination is performed (step S103).

  In this card type determination process, the member card processing device 511 or the prepaid card processing device 512 determines the type of each card by the above-described verification method using the start code and end code magnetically recorded on each card.

  In the present invention, since the in-store card 45 is equivalent to the member card 43, the in-store card 45 can be determined only as the member card 43 only by the above-described verification method.

  For this reason, when it is determined that the member card 43 is used, it is further determined, for example, whether or not the member card 43 is the in-store card 45 by a method as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 13, when the control unit 518 acquires the identification code (card ID) read from the card determined to be the member card 43 (step S201), the control unit 518 refers to the in-store card operation setting table 5183 (step S202). It is checked whether the in-store card operation flag is “1” or “0”, that is, whether or not the operation of the in-store card 45 is set (step S203).

  Here, when the operation of the in-store card 45 is not set (step S203 NO), it is determined that the inserted card is the member card 43 (step S206), and the process is terminated.

  If it is set to operate the in-store card 45 (YES in step S203), the acquired card ID is within the member code number set in the in-store card operation setting table 5183. Is checked (step S204).

  If the card ID is within the membership code number set in the in-store card operation setting table 5183 (step S204 YES), it is determined that the inserted card is the in-store card 45 (step S205). If it is not within the range of the membership code number (step S204 NO), it is determined that the card is the membership card 43 (step S206), and the process is terminated.

  With the above processing, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the situation where the range (range 1) of the member codes “51001 to 51100” is set corresponding to in-store card operation = “present”, FIG. When the in-store card 45 having the non-member code “51005” shown in (b) is inserted into the member card processing device 511, the non-member code “51005” is within the range of the operation target member codes “51001 to 51100”. (Step S204 YES), it is determined that the inserted card is the in-store card 45.

  In the example of FIG. 13, regarding the operation setting of the in-store card 45, a range of membership card numbers (card ID) is set, and the card ID read from the inserted card is within the above range in the membership card processing device 511. However, in addition to this, the member card number (card ID) operated as the in-store card is individually set and inserted. If the card ID read from the card matches the set card ID, it may be determined that the card is an in-store card 45.

  The card type determination result based on the above-described method is held in, for example, the control unit 518 for card type determination in step S113 described later (step S103).

  After the card type determination processing in step S103, the control unit 518 determines the identification code (card ID) included in the data read from the card received by the member card processing device 511 or the prepaid card processing device 512 and the above step. Along with the card type information determined in S103, the information is transmitted to the T / C 60 via the communication unit 5181 (step S104).

  Thereafter, in response to the transmission of the card ID, the control unit 518 continues to monitor whether or not the remaining frequency and the recognizable amount corresponding to the card ID are received from the T / C 60 (step S105).

  During this period, the T / C 60 receives the card ID and the card type sent from the card settlement machine 50 by the communication unit 66, and the corresponding member management table 631, in-store card management table based on the received card type. 633 and the prepaid card management table 635 are specified, and the remaining frequency corresponding to the card ID is read out, and the accountable amount corresponding to the remaining frequency is calculated. To the card settlement machine 50.

  On the other hand, when the card settlement machine 50 receives the remaining number and the amount that can be settled by the communication unit 5181 during response monitoring from the T / C 60 after transmitting the card ID and card type information (YES in step S105), The remaining frequency and the amount that can be settled are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 524 using the settlement process screen (step S106).

  Next, the control unit 518 checks whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after displaying the above settlement processing screen (step S107), and while the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S107), the settlement button 525 It is checked whether or not the button has been pressed (step S108).

  In the meantime, when the predetermined time has passed without the settlement button 525 being pressed (YES in step S107), the control unit 518 displays that fact (cannot be settled due to timeout) on the liquid crystal display unit 524 (step S121), and returns the inserted card Then (step S112), the process returns to the standby state.

  If the cancel button 526 is pressed before the predetermined period elapses before the settlement button 525 is pressed, the settlement process is stopped, and a message to that effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 524, followed by the insertion being accepted. Return the card and return to the standby state.

  On the other hand, when the settlement button 525 is pressed within the predetermined time (step S108 YES), the control unit 518 communicates with the T / C 60 to manage the T / C 60 corresponding to the settlement target card. A table update (rewrite) process is executed (step S109).

  Specifically, when the settlement button 525 is pressed, the control unit 518 transmits to the T / C 60 that the type of card to be settled (accepting), the card ID, and the settlement button 525 are pressed.

  As a result, the T / C 60 subtracts the frequency corresponding to the reimbursable amount previously transmitted corresponding to the card ID from the remaining frequency corresponding to the card ID in the management table corresponding to the card type. Update the management table. When the update process is completed, a message to that effect (update completion notification) is sent to the card settlement machine 50.

  On the other hand, when the card settlement machine 50 receives the update completion notification sent from the T / C 60, a process of paying out cash corresponding to the settlement possible amount currently displayed on the settlement process screen (step S110). I do.

  At that time, if the only amount that can be settled is a banknote (in this example, 1000 yen), the banknote corresponding to the amount of money is paid out from the banknote handling device 514 through the banknote outlet 527, and the amount that can be settled is a coin (in this example) , 100 yen), coins corresponding to the amount of money are also paid out from the coin processing device 515 through the coin payout exit 528.

  After paying out the amount that can be settled in step S110, the card settlement machine 50 checks whether there is a balance remaining (step S111).

  Here, the account balance will be described.

  In the present invention, the balance remaining is the value that remains on the card when the card settlement machine 50 performs the settlement process according to the above procedure and cannot complete (cash) all of the remaining balance.

  In the checkout process in the card checkout machine 50, for example, in a game shop that lends balls in units of 500 yen, for example, only a remaining card amount of 500 yen is generated, and the card checkout machine 50 is loaded with thousand yen bills and 500 yen coins. By doing so, it is possible to settle all card balances, and there is no balance balance.

  That is, in this normal case, in the management table update process at T / C 60 after the settlement button 525 is pressed (step S109), the remaining frequency corresponding to the card ID of the card to be settled is always updated to “0”. The

  However, if a ball abnormality is interrupted due to an abnormal operation while paying the ball for 500 yen at the time of lending the ball, the remaining amount of the card is less than 500 yen and the payment is made in units of 500 yen. As a result, the balance of payment is generated.

  In the case of this abnormal operation, in the management table update process (step S109) at T / C 60 after the settlement button 525 is pressed, the remaining frequency corresponding to the card ID of the card to be settled is not “0”. It is updated to a value corresponding to the above balance.

  When the remaining balance is left in this way, the T / C 60 transmits a settlement remaining amount notification indicating that the balance remaining is left to the card settlement machine 50.

  On the other hand, in the card settlement machine 50, after paying out the amount that can be settled in step S110, the card settlement machine 50 checks whether or not there is a balance remaining depending on whether or not the settlement balance notice is received (step S111).

  Here, when there is a settlement remaining amount (YES in step S111), the control unit 518 inserts the card into the card processing device (511 or 512) corresponding to the type of the card being accepted. A process of returning from the discharge port (522 or 523) (step S112) is performed, and the process returns to the standby state.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the settlement balance notification is not received and there is no settlement balance (NO in step S111), the control unit 518 then refers to the card type held in step S103, The type of the card being accepted is determined (step S113).

  Here, when the accepted card is the membership card 43 (membership card in step S113), the control unit 518 returns the membership card 43 being accepted to the membership card processing device 511 from the membership card insertion / discharge port 522. Then (step S112), the process returns to the standby state.

  If the accepted card is the prepaid card 41 (the prepaid card in step S113), the control unit 518 sends the prepaid card 41 being accepted by the prepaid card processing device 512 to the delivery roller 85 (see FIG. 9). Thus, the card is conveyed until it comes out of the card collection port 80a, and the prepaid card 41 thrown out from the card collection port 80a is dropped to be collected in the card collection box 513 (step S114), and the process returns to the standby state.

  If the accepted card is the in-store card 45 (in-store card in step S113), the in-store card collection control unit 5182 sends the in-store card 45 being accepted to the member card processing device 511. A roller 85 (see FIG. 9) conveys the card until it exits from the card collection port 80a, and drops the in-store card 45 thrown out from the card collection port 80a, for example, on the chute member 531 (in the case of the configuration of FIG. 14). And is collected in the card collection box 513 (step S114), and then returns to the standby state.

  When the in-store card 45 is collected, a chute member 531 (see FIG. 20), which will be described later, is moved from the dropping position of the membership card 45 in the membership card processing device 511 to the card collection box 513 below the prepaid card 41. The in-store card 45 that is provided and dropped from the card collection port 80a of the member card processing device 511 is collected by sliding down the chute member 531 and falling into the card collection box 513.

  In the above embodiment, as the cause of the balance being settled when the card is settled by the card settlement machine 50, an abnormal operation occurs during the course of paying out the amount of balls specified from the card processing machine 20 when lending the ball. The case where the ball lending is interrupted is taken as an example. Another factor that causes the balance to be settled is that during the payment of the amount that can be settled (step S110), the card settlement machine 50 falls short of money and the amount of money that can be settled. This is also the case when the payout is interrupted.

  If there is an amount that is a fraction (remaining balance) at the time of settlement due to such factors, the card settlement machine 50 recognizes that the settlement balance has occurred (step S111), and the subsequent processing (steps S113 and S114). )

  In this case, the card settlement machine 50 transmits the frequency corresponding to the balance remaining to the T / C 60 as the remaining card frequency. On the other hand, when receiving the card remaining frequency number from the card settlement machine 50, the T / C 60 has already updated the remaining frequency corresponding to the card ID in the management table corresponding to the card type of the card to be settled “0”. To update the notified remaining frequency.

  As can be seen from the card settlement processing operation described above, the card settlement machine 50 according to the present invention always returns the membership card 53 to the player (member) after settlement regardless of the remaining number.

  In addition, the prepaid card 41 and the in-store card 45 are returned only when there is a card balance (payment balance) after payment, and if the entire amount is settled, it is collected in the in-flight card collection box 513.

  In particular, when operating the in-store card 45, the range of card IDs (member code numbers) used as the in-store card 45 is stored in advance in the in-store card operation setting table 5183, and the card is inserted when the card is inserted. If the card ID read from the card is within the membership code number set in the in-store card operation setting table 5183, it is determined that the inserted card is the in-store card 45, and there is no remaining balance after settlement. The in-store card is collected in the machine (see step S3-1 in FIG. 1).

  According to this card settlement processing control, when an equivalent product of the member card 43 is operated as the in-store card 45, after performing the settlement for the in-store card 45, the in-store card 45 is stored when there is no remaining balance. Because it is collected in the machine, as compared with the case where the in-store card 45 is determined to be the membership card 43 and is always returned after settlement, the inside of the store that is thrown away around the card settlement machine 50 or taken home as before. The number of business cards 45 can be reduced, thereby reducing the number of in-store cards scattered in the store and maintaining the aesthetics of the store, and increasing the number of in-store cards collected and increasing the reuse efficiency. Note that the in-store card collected in the card collection box 513 is taken out by a store clerk at a predetermined timing and lent out again to a game customer (visitor customer).

  Next, the card collection mechanism of the card settlement machine 50 according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first configuration example of the card collection mechanism in the card settlement machine 50 according to the first embodiment.

  In the configuration example 1, the member card processing device 511 and the prepaid card processing device 512 are arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction.

  A prepaid card 41 thrown out (taken in) from the card collection port 80a (see FIG. 9) at the rear end of the prepaid card processing device 512 falls under the prepaid card processing device 512 and falls inside the card. A card collection box 513 is installed at a position where the card is stored.

  Further, a chute member 531 is provided between the member card processing device 511 and the card collection box 513 so as to be inclined downward from the lower part of the member card processing device 511 to the card collection box 513.

  Here, the chute member 531 is disposed at a position where, for example, the in-store card 45 thrown out from the card collection port 80a (see FIG. 9) at the rear end of the member card processing device 511 can be received. It is comprised by the board material made.

  The card collection operation using the card collection mechanism of Configuration Example 1 is performed as follows.

  That is, at the time of the payment process in FIG. 12, it is determined by the process of step S111 that there is no remaining balance after payment (step S111 NO), and further, the card type is determined to be the in-store card 45 by the process of step S113. In this case, the in-store card 45 inserted into the member card insertion / discharge port 522 is moved in the card transport path 80 by the delivery roller 85 in the transport mechanism (see FIG. 9) of the member card processing device 511. It is further conveyed along the card insertion direction and is ejected from the card collection port 80a.

  Then, the in-store card 45 thrown out from the card collection port 80a according to the card collection control is dropped on the chute member 531, and then slides down, and finally, immediately below the prepaid card processing device 512. It is stored in the card collection box 513.

  According to this configuration example 1, since the existing card collection box 513 for prepaid cards can be used also as the collection box for the in-store card 45, the structure newly provided is small, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

  FIG. 15 is a conceptual side view showing a second configuration example of the card collection mechanism in the card settlement machine 50.

  In this configuration example 2, on the card collection box 513, the member card processing device 511 and the prepaid card processing device 512 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction.

  At the lower part of the prepaid card processing device 512, a position where the prepaid card 41 thrown out from the card collection port 80a (see FIG. 9) at the rear end of the prepaid card processing device 512 is dropped and accommodated therein. A card collection box 513 is installed.

  The membership card processing device 511 is located above the prepaid card processing device 512, but the in-store card 44 thrown out from the card collection port 80a (see FIG. 9) at the rear end of the membership card processing device 511 is stored. It is installed at a position where it falls into the card collection box 513 without contacting the prepaid card processing device 512.

  The card collecting operation using the card collecting mechanism of Configuration Example 2 is performed as follows.

  That is, at the time of the payment process in FIG. 12, it is determined by the process of step S111 that there is no remaining balance after payment (step S111 NO), and further, the card type is determined to be the in-store card 45 by the process of step S113. In this case, the in-store card 45 inserted into the member card insertion / discharge port 522 is inserted into the card transport path 80 by the delivery roller 85 in the transport mechanism (see FIG. 9) of the member card processing device 511. It is further conveyed along the direction and is thrown out from the card collection port 80a.

  Then, the in-store card 45 thrown out from the card collection port 80a according to the card collection control is dropped as it is and stored in the card collection box 513.

  Also in this configuration example 2, the card collection box 513 for existing prepaid cards can also be used as the collection box for the in-store card 45, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In the example of FIG. 15, the prepaid card 41 thrown out from the card collection port 80a of the prepaid card processing device 512 and the in-store card 44 thrown out from the card collection port 80a in the member card processing device 511 are dropped. In addition to this, for example, a card collection box 513 is provided directly below the prepaid card processing device 512, and a collection chute is extended to the card collection box 513 (see FIG. 15). The configuration shown by a two-dot chain line), the prepaid card 41 thrown out from the card collection port 80a of the prepaid card processing device 512, and the in-store card 44 thrown out from the card collection port 80a of the member card processing device 511 are collected. It is good also as a structure which slides on a chute | shoot and collects in the card | curd collection box 513.

  FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing a third configuration example of the card collection mechanism in the card settlement machine 50.

  In this configuration example 3, common mounting units 532 and 533 are provided in the main body 51 of the card settlement machine 50 so that either the member card processing device 511 or the prepaid card processing device 512 can be attached or detached.

  In these mounting units 532 and 533, when the member card processing device 511 is mounted on one side and the prepaid card processing device 512 is mounted on the other side, the member card processing device 511 and the prepaid card processing device 512 are adjacent to each other in the lateral direction. It is installed maintaining the relationship (for example, the positional relationship equivalent to the configuration example 1).

  Among these, for example, the mounting unit 533 is installed above the card collection box 513 for existing prepaid cards. That is, the mounting unit 533 inserts the prepaid card 41 from the card collection port 80a (see FIG. 9) at the rear end of the prepaid card processing device 512 in a state where the prepaid card processing device 523 is mounted on the mounting unit 533. It is provided at a position where the prepaid card 41 can be dropped into the card collection box 513 when it is taken out.

  According to the configuration example 3, the installation positions of the member card processing device 511 and the prepaid card processing device 512 can be arbitrarily changed using the mounting units 532 and 533.

  In particular, in the example of FIG. 16, the member card processing device 511 is installed above the prepaid card collection box 513, and the prepaid card processing device 512 is installed beside the member card processing device 511.

  The card collection operation using the card collection mechanism of Configuration Example 3 having such an arrangement form is performed as follows.

  That is, in this arrangement, the in-store card 45 inserted into the member card insertion / discharge port 522 is determined to have no balance remaining after settlement by the process in step S111 during the settlement process in FIG. 12 (NO in step S111). Further, after the card type is determined by the process of step S113, the inside of the card transport path 80 is moved along the card insertion direction by the delivery roller 85 in the transport mechanism (see FIG. 9) of the member card processing apparatus 511. Further, it is transported to the back and thrown out from the card collection port 80a.

  Then, the in-store card 45 thrown out from the card collection port 80a according to the card collection control is dropped as it is and stored in the card collection box 513.

  On the other hand, in this arrangement, the member card 45 inserted into the member card insertion / discharge port 522 and the prepaid card 41 inserted into the prepaid card insertion / discharge port 523 are always returned after completion of payment.

  According to the configuration example 3, for example, the prepaid card 41 can be always returned (the prepaid card 41 is extremely rarely used, etc.), and the card that is desired to be collected may be collected. Thus, the positions of the member card processing device 511 and the prepaid card processing device 512 can be arbitrarily changed, and the necessary cards can be accommodated in the card collection box.

  Also in this configuration example, the card collection box 513 for existing prepaid cards can also be used as the collection box for the in-store card 45, so there is no need to provide a card collection box dedicated to the in-store card.

  FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing a fourth configuration example of the card collection mechanism in the card settlement machine 50.

  In the configuration example 4, the configuration and arrangement of the member card processing device 511, the prepaid card processing device 512, and the prepaid card collection box 513a are the same as those of the configuration example 1 in FIG. 14 except that the chute member 531 is omitted. .

  However, in the fourth configuration example, the in-store card 45 thrown out from the card collection port 80a (see FIG. 9) at the rear end of the membership card processing device 511 falls below the membership card processing device 511. An in-store card collection box 513a is installed at a position to be housed inside the door.

  That is, in the configuration example 4, dedicated card collection boxes are provided in the lower part of the member card processing apparatus 511 and the lower part of the prepaid card processing apparatus 512, respectively.

  The card collection operation using the card collection mechanism of Configuration Example 4 is performed as follows.

  That is, in the configuration example 4, it is determined that the in-store card 45 inserted into the member card insertion / discharge port 522 has no balance after settlement by the process of step S111 during the settlement process in FIG. S111NO), and after the card type is determined by the process of step S113, the card roller path 80 is moved along the card insertion direction by the delivery roller 85 in the transport mechanism (see FIG. 9) of the member card processing device 511. Then, it is further conveyed to the back and thrown out from the card collection port 80a.

  Then, the in-store card 45 thrown out from the card collection port 80a according to the card collection control is dropped as it is and stored in the in-store card collection box 513a.

  Similarly, the prepaid card 41 inserted into the prepaid card insertion / discharge port 523 is determined to have no balance remaining after settlement, and after the card type is determined, the transport mechanism (see FIG. 9), the paper is transported further along the card insertion direction in the card transport path 80 by the delivery roller 85, and is ejected from the card recovery port 80a.

  Then, the prepaid card 41 thrown out from the card collection port 80a according to the card collection control is dropped as it is and stored in the card collection box 513.

  According to this configuration example 4, the prepaid card 41 and the in-store card 45 can be collected in a dedicated card collection box, so that it is not necessary to separate the prepaid card 41 from the prepaid card 41 when the in-store card 45 is reused. Can reduce the work.

  In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the operation setting function of the in-store card 45 is provided in the card settlement machine 50 has been described, but in the second embodiment, the operation setting function is provided in the T / C 60 that is the upper management apparatus. .

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the T / C 60B according to the second embodiment.

  The T / C 60B has, for example, an in-store card operation setting table 637 provided in the memory 63 and a function for setting the operation of the in-store card with respect to the operation setting table 637. Other configurations are implemented. It is equivalent to T / C60 concerning Example 1.

  FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a card settlement machine 50B according to the second embodiment.

  The card settlement machine 50B is obtained by deleting the operation setting table 5183 from the card settlement apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 8) and the function for performing the operation setting of the in-store card with respect to the operation setting table 5183. The other configuration is the same as that of the card settlement machine 50 according to the first embodiment.

  In the gaming system according to the second embodiment including the T / C 60B and the card settlement machine 50B, a thousand yen bill is loaded into the banknote handling apparatus 514 of the card settlement machine 50B and the coin handling apparatus 515 is charged with 100 yen coins as preparation for settlement. Is loaded.

  In addition, in the T / C 60B, the operation setting of the in-store card is performed. In setting the operation of the in-store card, the display device 65 displays an equivalent to the in-store card setting screen 5161 (see FIG. 10) used in the card settlement machine 50 according to the first embodiment, and then the card settlement is performed. A setting operation equivalent to the setting operation performed on the handy terminal 516 of the device 50 is performed from the input device 64.

  As an example, when the store card is operated, the store card operation setting “Yes” is selected on the store card operation setting screen (display content equivalent to 5161) displayed on the display device 65, and then , Membership card NO. The cursor is moved to the corresponding input position in the field for designating the range of the member, and the range (one or a plurality of ranges) of the membership card number used as the in-store card is input.

  After the member card number (range) has been entered, when a predetermined operation for instructing execution of settings is performed, operation instruction information for instructing to operate the in-store card according to the above operation contents, and in-store Operation target information for instructing the number range of the membership card operated as a business card is sent to the CPU 61.

  As a result, the CPU 61 stores in-store card operation condition information (in-store card operation information) equivalent to the form stored in the in-store operation setting table 5181 shown in FIG. = Yes “1”, membership card number in the operation target range), and the operation setting of the in-store card 45 is completed.

  After the above-mentioned payment preparation is completed, the card payment processing in the card payment machine 50B becomes possible.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the card settlement processing operation of the card settlement machine 50B according to the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 20, since the same part as the processing operation according to the first embodiment is included, detailed description of the part will be omitted, and the processing unique to this embodiment will be mainly described.

  In FIG. 20, when any of the member card 43, the in-store card 45, and the prepaid card 41 is inserted into the card settlement machine 50B (YES in step S301), the member card processing apparatus 511 or prepaid card that has received the card. In the processing device 512, the card is taken into the inside by the transport mechanism, the magnetic data recorded on the card is read by the magnetic head 83 (see FIG. 9) (YES in step S302), and inserted using the read data. The card type is determined to be a member card 43, which is a prepaid card 41, and the determination result (card type) is held (step S303).

  Next, the control unit 518 includes the identification code (card ID) included in the data read from the card inserted in the member card processing device 511 or the prepaid card processing device 512, and the card type information determined in step S303. Is transmitted to the T / C 60 via the communication unit 5181 (step S304).

  On the other hand, when the T / C 60B receives the card ID and the card type sent from the card settlement machine 50B by the communication unit 66, the settlement acceptance process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 21 is performed.

  In this process, when the T / C 60B receives the card ID and card type information from the card settlement machine 50B (step S401), the T / C 60B determines whether the received card type is the member card 43 or the prepaid card 41 (step S402). In the case of the prepaid card 41 (prepaid card in step 402), the remaining number corresponding to the card ID is read from the prepaid card management table 635, and the amount that can be settled corresponding to the remaining number is calculated. The amount that can be settled is sent to the card settlement machine 50B via the communication unit 66 (step S408).

  If the received card type is the member card 43 (member card in step S402), the in-store card operation setting table 637 is referred to (step S403), and the in-store card operation flag is “1” or “0”. ", That is, whether or not the operation of the in-store card 45 is set (step S404).

  If the operation of the in-store card 45 is not set (step S404 NO), it is determined that the inserted card is the member card 43 (step S407), and the process proceeds to step S408.

  If it is set to operate the in-store card 45 (YES in step S404), the card ID received corresponding to the card type is set in the in-store card operation setting table 637. It is checked whether it is within the code number range (operation target range) (step S405).

  If the card ID is within the member code number set in the in-store card operation setting table 637 (YES in step S405), it is determined that the inserted card is the in-store card 45 (step S406). If it is not within the above range (step S405 NO), it is determined that the card is a member card 43 (step S407), and the process proceeds to step S408.

  If it is determined in step S408 that the inserted card is the member card 43 in the preprocessing, the remaining number corresponding to the card ID is read from the member card management table 631, and the reimbursable amount corresponding to the remaining number is read. And the remaining frequency and the amount that can be settled are sent to the card settlement machine 50B via the communication unit 66.

  If it is determined in the preprocessing that the inserted card is the in-store card 45, the remaining number corresponding to the card ID is read from the in-store card management table 633, and the reimbursable amount corresponding to the remaining number is stored. And the remaining number and the amount that can be settled are sent to the card settlement machine 50B via the communication unit 66. In this case, an in-store card notification indicating that the payment target is the in-store card 45 is also transmitted to the card payment machine 50B (step S408).

  On the other hand, when the card settlement machine 50B receives the remaining number and the amount that can be settled from the T / C 60B via the communication unit 5181 after transmitting the card ID and the card type information (YES in step S305), first, in-store use It is checked whether or not a card notification is included (step S306).

  Here, if the in-store card notification is included (YES in step S306), the card type held in step S303 is updated from “member card” to “in-store card” (step S307), and the process proceeds to step S308. move on.

  If the in-store card notification is not included (NO in step S306), the process directly proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, the remaining frequency received in step S305 and the amount that can be settled are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 524 using the settlement process screen (step S308).

  Thereafter, in the card settlement machine 50B, each process corresponding to steps S107 to S112 in the card settlement machine 50 according to the first embodiment is performed between step S309 and step S314.

  During this time, if it is determined in step S313 that there is no balance remaining (NO in step S313), the control unit 518 receives the card type stored in step S303 or the card type updated in step S307. The type of the card inside is determined (step S315).

  If the accepted card is a membership card (member card in step S315), the control unit 518 returns the membership card 43 being accepted to the membership card processing device 511 from the membership card insertion / discharge port 522. (Step S314), the process returns to the standby state.

  If the accepted card is the prepaid card 41 (the prepaid card in step S315), the control unit 518 sends the prepaid card 41 being accepted by the prepaid card processing device 512 to the sending roller 85 (see FIG. 9). Thus, the card is transported until it exits from the card recovery port 80a, and the prepaid card 41 that has exited from the card recovery port 80a is dropped to be recovered in the card recovery box 513 (step S316), and then returns to the standby state.

  If the accepted card is the in-store card 45 (in-store card in step S315), the in-store card collection control unit 5182 sends the received in-store card 45 to the member card processing device 511. A roller 85 (see FIG. 9) conveys the card until it exits from the card collection port 80a, and drops the in-store card 45 that has exited from the card collection port 80a, for example, via the chute member 531 (however, the configuration shown in FIG. 14). In the case of Example 1) the card is collected in the prepaid card collection box 513 (step S316), and then returns to the standby state.

  Note that the in-flight collection of the in-store card 45 in step S316 is based on the premise that the configuration example 1 shown in FIG. 14 is adopted as the in-store card collection mechanism. Any one of the configuration examples 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 17 can be selectively employed.

  Thus, also in Example 2, after carrying out the settlement for the in-store card 45 equivalent to the member card 43, if there is no settlement remaining corresponding to the in-store card 45, the in-store card 45 is stored in the cabin. Therefore, it is possible to limit the number of in-store cards 45 that are discarded or taken home around the card checkout machine 50B, maintain the aesthetics in the store, and increase the reuse efficiency of the in-store cards. An effect similar to that of the first embodiment can be expected. Further, by providing the in-store card operation setting function on the T / C 60B side, the configuration on the card settlement machine 50B side can be simplified.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented by being appropriately modified within a range not changing the gist thereof.

  For example, in the second embodiment, on the T / C side, the membership code for identifying the in-store card is set to grasp the operating range of the in-store card, and the remaining amount is inquired from each card settlement machine. If there is, the T / C side determines whether it is a membership card or an in-store card (see FIG. 21), and the remaining amount (remaining frequency) information retrieved from the management table corresponding to the above inquiry is added to the membership card or the in-store card. Card information is added and returned to the card settlement machine (see step S408 in FIG. 21 and step S306 in FIG. 20), and the card settlement machine recognizes the in-store card based on the additional information. The store card is collected, but as a modification, the T / C side only sets a member code for identifying the store card, and the setting result (member code range information) ) Deliver (notify) to the card settlement machine, and each card settlement machine determines whether the inserted card is a membership card at the time of card insertion using the setting result delivered from the T / C. It is good also as a structure which performs collection | recovery control of the card | curd for shops.

  In any of the second embodiment and the modification, according to the method of setting the operation of the in-store card on the T / C side, when a large number of card settlement machines are installed in the amusement store, one management device (T / C) can be used to set up in-store card operation, and compared to the setting for each individual card settlement machine, it is possible to reduce the time and effort involved in setting and to make setting mistakes less likely to occur. There is.

  Note that the card settlement machine that implements the in-store card collection control function according to the present invention is not limited to the dedicated card settlement machine described in the above embodiment, and may also be used as a device such as a card issuing machine. good.

  In this way, when used together with a card issuing machine, etc., the cash thrown in for card issuing purposes can be used as a settlement, and it is hoped that the cash efficiency will be improved by recycling the cash, and that the unit will be shared. There are advantages such as reduction in manufacturing cost and efficient use of space.

  In the above-described embodiment, a magnetic recording type card is used as a card accepted by the card settlement machine, but an IC card or an IC coin may be used instead.

  In this case, a member code is recorded on the IC member card, and an ID code different from the IC member card is recorded on the in-store IC card using an equivalent product of the IC member card, and the operation is properly used.

  Similarly, a member code is recorded on the IC member coin, and an identification code different from that of the IC member coin is recorded on the in-store IC coin using an equivalent product of the IC member coin, and the operation is properly used.

  In the above embodiment, the T / C side manages the value associated with the card accepted by the card settlement machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the value associated with the card is directly recorded on the card. It can also be applied to the method.

  Moreover, although the example which uses 100 yen coin as a coin for adjustment in a card settlement machine was given in the said Example, you may make it charge up to 10 yen coin as a coin for adjustment, and you may make it settle all the remainder at the time of payment.

  The present invention relates to each recording medium of a first recording medium that is always returned after payment, such as a membership card, and a second recording medium that is lent to a visitor customer only during use using a product equivalent to the first recording medium. The second recording medium can be applied to a recording medium settlement apparatus that performs the settlement of money based on the valuable value specified by the second recording medium by performing control to collect the second recording medium when there is no settlement balance after settlement. Can be efficiently prevented from being thrown away without being collected or reused, and the second recording medium collection mechanism can be configured using an existing card collection box for collecting prepaid cards, etc. Simplify the structure and reduce manufacturing costs.

The block diagram which shows the whole structure of the game system concerning this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the various cards used with the game system concerning this invention. The figure which shows the structure of a member management table. The figure which shows the structure of the card management table for shops. The figure which shows the structure of a prepaid card management table. The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the front part of a card payment machine. The figure which shows arrangement | positioning of each component of a card payment machine main-body part. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a card settlement machine according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the card conveyance system of a member card processing apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the card setting screen for shops displayed on a handy terminal. The figure which shows an example of the operation condition information stored in the in-store card operation setting table. The flowchart which shows the card payment processing operation | movement of the card payment machine of Example 1. FIG. The flowchart which shows the card determination processing operation for in-stores of a card payment machine. The conceptual diagram which shows the 1st structural example of the card collection mechanism for stores in a card payment machine. The conceptual side view which shows the 2nd structural example of the card collection | recovery mechanism for stores in a card payment machine. The conceptual diagram which shows the 3rd structural example of the card collection | recovery mechanism for stores in a card payment machine. The conceptual diagram which shows the 4th structural example of the card collection | recovery mechanism for stores in a card payment machine. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of T / C according to the second embodiment. The block diagram which shows the function structure of the card payment machine concerning Example 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a card settlement processing operation of the card settlement machine according to the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a settlement acceptance processing operation in T / C according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game machine, 20 ... Card processing unit, 30 ... Island controller, 40 ... Card issuing machine, 41 ... Prepaid card, 43 ... Member card, 45 ... In-store card, 50, 50B ... Card settlement machine, 51 ... Main part 511: Member card processing device, 80: Card transport path, 80a: Card collection port, 81: Card transport roller, 82, 86 ... Driven roller, 83 ... Magnetic head, 84 ... Roller, 85 ... Delivery roller, 87 ... IC card reading unit, 512: prepaid card processing device, 513: card collection box, 513a ... in-store card collection box, 514 ... banknote processing device, 515 ... coin processing device, 516 ... handy terminal, 5161 ... in-store card operation Setting screen, 5162 ... operation unit of handy terminal, 517 ... journal printer, 518 ... control board (control unit), 518 ... Communication unit, 5182 ... In-store card collection control unit, 5183 ... In-store card operation setting table, 519 ... Power supply, 52 ... Door body, 521 ... Lock mechanism, 522 ... Member card insertion / discharge port, 523 ... Prepaid card Insertion / discharge port, 524 ... Liquid crystal display, 525 ... Settlement button, 526 ... Cancel button, 527 ... Bill payout port, 528 ... Coin payout port, 60, 60B ... Terminal controller (T / C), 61 ... CPU, 62 ... Storage device 63 ... Memory 631 Member management table 633 ... In-store card management table 635 ... Prepaid card management table 637 ... In-store card operation setting table 64 ... Input device 65 ... Display device 66 ... Communication unit 70 ... Local area network (LAN)

Claims (11)

A first recording medium occupied by a player who has performed a predetermined registration procedure, and a second recording medium which is equivalent to the first recording medium and is lent to the player only during use In a recording medium settlement apparatus that settles money based on value,
Recording medium reading means for receiving either the first or second recording medium and reading information recorded on the received recording medium;
When the second recording medium is received by the recording medium reading means, the valuable value corresponding to the second recording medium is processed after the settlement of money corresponding to the valuable value associated with the second recording medium. Control means for performing control to return the second recording medium from the recording medium reading means when remaining, and collecting the second recording medium in the apparatus when the valuable value does not remain,
In response to the in-machine collection control, a recording medium settlement apparatus comprising: a collection mechanism for collecting the second recording medium in the apparatus. A second recording medium reading unit corresponding to the first recording medium reading unit, which is the recording medium reading unit, which receives a third recording medium and reads information recorded on the third recording medium Reading means;
After the settlement of money corresponding to the valuable value associated with the third recording medium, if the valuable value corresponding to the third recording medium does not remain, the third recording medium taken into the machine is dropped. And a recording medium recovery box to be recovered.
The recovery mechanism is
The recording medium settlement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium collection box is used as a collection box for the second recording medium. The recovery mechanism is
The first recording medium reading unit and the second recording medium reading unit are disposed adjacent to each other in the lateral direction,
Comprising a chute member that is inclined downward and communicated from the lower part of the first recording medium reading means to the recording medium recovery box;
The second recording medium taken into the apparatus by the first recording medium reading means according to the in-machine collection control is slid on the chute member and collected in the recording medium collection box. 2. The recording medium settlement apparatus according to 2. The recovery mechanism is
On the recording medium recovery box, the first recording medium reading means and the second recording medium reading means are arranged vertically.
3. The recording medium according to claim 2, wherein the second recording medium taken into the apparatus by the recording medium reading means is dropped downward in accordance with the in-machine recovery control, and is recovered in the recording medium recovery box. Checkout device. The recovery mechanism is
Two mounting units having an attachment / detachment mechanism common to the first recording medium reading unit and the second recording medium reading unit are arranged in a lateral direction so that one of them is positioned above the recording medium recovery box. Arranged adjacent to
By attaching the first recording medium reading means to the mounting unit on the recording medium recovery box and the second recording medium reading means to the other mounting unit, and changing the position of each recording medium reading means, The said 2nd recording medium taken in in the apparatus by the said 1st recording medium reading means according to the in-machine collection | recovery control is dropped below, and it collects in the said recording medium collection box. Recording medium settlement device. The recovery mechanism is
Comprising a recording medium recovery box dedicated to the second recording medium installed in the fall path of the second recording medium taken into the apparatus by the recording medium reading means in accordance with the in-machine recovery control;
In accordance with the in-machine recovery control, the second recording medium taken into the apparatus by the recording medium reading means is dropped to recover in a recording medium recovery box dedicated to the second recording medium. The recording medium settlement apparatus according to claim 1. Setting means for setting operating conditions of the second recording medium;
Based on the identification information transmitted from the recording medium settlement apparatus and the operating conditions set by the setting means, the recording medium received by the recording medium reading means of the recording medium settlement apparatus is the second recording medium. Determination means for determining whether or not there is;
Connected to a management device having notification means for notifying the recording medium settlement device of the recording medium type determination result by the determination means,
Transmitting means for transmitting the identification information read by the recording medium reading means to the management device;
Receiving means for receiving the recording medium type determination result notified from the management device in response to transmission of the identification information,
The control means includes
If the recording medium type determination result received by the receiving means is a determination result that the recording medium received by the recording medium reading means is the second recording medium, the return to the second recording medium Or the in-machine collection control is performed. The recording medium settlement apparatus according to claim 1. Setting means for setting operating conditions of the second recording medium;
Connected to a management device having notification means for notifying the recording medium settlement device of the operating conditions set by the setting means,
Holding means for holding the operation condition notified by the notification means;
Based on the identification information read by the recording medium reading means and the operating conditions held by the holding means, it is determined whether the recording medium received by the recording medium reading means is the second recording medium. And determining means to perform,
The control means includes
When the determination unit determines that the recording medium received by the recording medium reading unit is the second recording medium, return or in-machine collection control is performed on the second recording medium. Item 4. A recording medium settlement apparatus according to item 1. The first recording medium is a magnetic recording type membership card,
The recording medium settlement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second recording medium is an in-store card in which an identification code different from the membership card is recorded on an equivalent product of the membership card. The first recording medium is an IC recording member recording medium,
The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the second recording medium is an in-store recording medium in which an identification code different from the recording medium for members is recorded on an equivalent product of the recording medium for members. Checkout device. The recording medium settlement apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the third recording medium is a magnetic recording type prepaid card.

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