JP2006136529A - Premium exchange system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a premium exchange system in which a player can discriminate which is a general premium exchangeable with the number of exchangeable game media at a glance when the player exchanges the game media with the premium. <P>SOLUTION: A data base 103 stores premium names and the number of game media required for exchanging the respective premiums and a premium management device 101 stores the number of the game media read by a bar code reader 104 as the number of exchangeable game media. Whether or not the respective premiums stored in the data base 103 are exchangeable is judged by the number of exchangeable game media stored in the premium management device 101, the number of exchangeable premiums is calculated for the premium judged as exchangeable and the judged/calculated results of the respective premiums are displayed on respective electronic price tags 111a-111f made to correspond to the premiums 121-126 inside a premium display shelf 102. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize exchange system for exchanging game media for prizes according to the number of game media acquired by a player at a game machine, and in particular, any prize that can be exchanged for the number of exchangeable game media. The present invention relates to a prize exchange system that allows a player to determine at a glance.

  Conventionally, when a player exchanges game media acquired by a pachinko or slot machine game machine for a prize, first, the acquired game media are counted by a ball / medal counter.

  When the number of acquired game media was counted by a ball / medal counter, the player received a receipt in which the number of game media counted and information on the type of media were recorded as a barcode.

  The player took the received receipt to the prize counter in the amusement hall and gave the receipt to the store clerk.

  The store clerk who received the receipt read the information on the game media acquired by the player using a barcode reader or the like, and displayed the number of exchangeable game media that can be exchanged for a prize on the prize management device or the like.

  The player views the number of exchangeable game media displayed on the prize management device or the like, and selects a prize arranged in the prize counter.

  A price tag is installed on the prize. By looking at the price tag, the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize can be confirmed.

  The store clerk inputs the prize selected by the player into the prize management device, and subtracts the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize from the number of exchangeable game media, and obtains the remaining number of exchangeable game media. Calculated.

  Then, the player selects a prize that can be exchanged with the remaining number of exchangeable game media, and repeats the selection of the prize until the exchangeable game medium number becomes a predetermined number or less and cannot be exchanged for a prize.

In Patent Document 1, even when constants such as the number of game media necessary for exchanging prizes set in each prize are changed during business, the changed contents can be immediately reflected in the prize exchange apparatus. A free gift management system is provided.
JP-A-9-056912

  However, in the case of a conventional prize exchange system, the player remembers the number of exchangeable game media displayed on the prize management device, and puts a price tag on which the number of game media necessary for exchanging each prize is written. While referring to the number of exchangeable game media, subtract the number of game media written on the price tag by mental calculation to determine whether or not the exchangeable game media number is 0 or more, and determine the prize that can be exchanged. When one is selected, the remaining number of exchangeable game media calculated by mental calculation is remembered again, and the prize that can be exchanged with the remaining number of exchangeable game media is written on the price tag from the number of remaining exchangeable game media. The process of selecting by performing mental calculation for subtracting the number of game media was repeated.

  As described above, when exchanging prizes, the player is forced to perform mental arithmetic, which places a heavy burden.

  Dozens of premiums, including tobacco, confectionery, beverages, and daily necessities, have been prepared. Traditionally, only a mental calculation of the player, among the many premiums prepared, premiums for the number of exchangeable game media. It was very difficult to sort out.

  Furthermore, in the exchange method that forces the player to perform mental calculation, it takes a very long time for the player to select a prize, so there may be a queue in front of the prize counter. An annoying situation occurred for the amusement hall that was waiting.

  Therefore, the present invention eliminates the need for the player to perform mental arithmetic when the player exchanges game media for general prizes, and allows the player to determine which prizes can be exchanged with the number of exchangeable game media. The object is to provide a prize exchange system that can be discriminated at a glance.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a prize exchange system in which a game medium is exchanged for a prize in accordance with the number of game media acquired by a player using a game machine. Game medium number input means for input, exchangeable game medium number storage means for storing the number of exchangeable game media that can be exchanged for prizes out of the number of game media input by the game medium number input means, and prize names A storage means for storing the unit price, which is the number of game media required for exchanging each prize, for each prize, a prize selection means for selecting the name and number of prizes to be exchanged, and the game input by the game medium number input means In the case of the first prize selection operation by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process performed by the number of media, the prize selection means uses the number of exchangeable game media stored in the exchangeable game medium number storage means by the prize selection means. By subtracting the number of game media necessary for exchanging the selected prize, the number of remaining exchangeable game media is calculated, and the prize selection operation for the second and subsequent prizes by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process is performed. In this case, the remaining exchange is performed by subtracting the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize selected by the prize selection means from the number of remaining exchangeable game media obtained by the subtraction result based on the previous prize selection operation. A remaining exchangeable game medium number calculating means for calculating the number of replaceable game media, and an exchange for storing the remaining replaceable game medium number calculated by the remaining replaceable game medium number calculating means in the replaceable game medium number storage means. In the case of the first prize selection operation by the exchangeable game medium number updating means to be overwritten and stored as the number of exchangeable game media and the prize selection means during the prize exchange processing, the exchangeable game medium The number of exchangeable game media stored by the medium number storage means, or the number of remaining exchangeable game media for the second and subsequent prize selection operations by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process. Judgment / calculation of determining whether each prize stored by the storage means can be exchanged based on the number of remaining exchangeable game media, and for exchangeable prizes, calculating the number of exchangeable prizes, which is the number of exchangeable prizes And an exchangeable prize display means for displaying the exchangeable prize name and the number of exchangeable prizes determined and calculated by the determination / calculation means.

  The invention of claim 2 is the invention of claim 1, wherein the prize stored in the storage means is stored, and the designated prize is designated based on a payout instruction including a prize name and the number of prizes. A selected prize throwing means for throwing out several minutes, a holding means for holding a prize name and the number of prizes selected by the prize selecting means, and a prize held in the holding means based on a predetermined prize dispensing instruction operation It further comprises payout instruction means for sending out a payout instruction including a name and the number of prizes to the selected prize giving means.

  The invention of claim 3 is provided in correspondence with each prize in a prize exchange system in which a game medium is exchanged for a prize according to the number of game media acquired by a player at a gaming machine. Alternatively, an exchangeable prize display device composed of a plurality of electronic price tags having a display unit that can be turned off and displaying the number of exchangeable corresponding prizes and a prize management device are communicably connected. The game medium number input means for inputting the number of game media and the exchangeable game medium number storage means for storing the number of exchangeable game media calculated from the number of game media input by the game medium number input means are exchanged. A prize selection means for selecting a prize name and the number of prizes, exchange of a prize type and a prize having the prize name from the prize database registered in association with the prize type and the number of exchange game media necessary for exchange with the prize. The number of game media necessary for the game and the number of prizes in stock are extracted for each prize and sent to the electronic price tag of each relevant prize as prize information, and input by the number of game media input means In the case of the first prize selection operation by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process performed with the number of game media, the prize selection means selects from the number of exchangeable game media stored in the exchangeable game medium number storage means. In the case of the second and subsequent prize selection operations by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process, the number of game media that can be exchanged is calculated by subtracting the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize. The number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize selected by the prize selection means is subtracted from the number of remaining exchangeable game media obtained as a result of the subtraction based on the previous prize selection operation. The remaining exchangeable game medium number calculating means for calculating the number of remaining exchangeable game media, and the remaining exchangeable game medium number calculated by the remaining exchangeable game medium number calculating means are calculated as the number of exchangeable game media. In the case of the first prize selection operation by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process, the exchangeable game medium number storage means for overwriting and storing the exchangeable game medium number stored in the storage means. The number of exchangeable game media stored by the means, and in the case of the second and subsequent prize selection operations by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process, the remaining exchangeable calculated by the remaining exchangeable game media number calculation means Transmission means for transmitting the number of game media to the electronic price tag, wherein the electronic price tag includes price tag content storage means for storing the premium information received from the premium management device; The price tag content display means for displaying part or all of the prize information stored by the price tag content storage means, and the number of exchangeable game media received from the prize management device, or the number of remaining exchangeable game media, An electronic price tag determination that determines whether or not the prize in which the electronic price tag is installed can be exchanged with reference to the prize information, and calculates the number of exchangeable prizes that is the number of exchangeable prizes if exchangeable. In accordance with the calculation of the exchangeable number of the prize by the calculation means and the electronic price tag determination / calculation means, the display unit is changed from the unlit state to the lighting state, and the prize name and the number of exchangeable prizes are displayed on the display unit. And a display control means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a prize exchange system in which a game medium is exchanged for a prize according to the number of game media acquired by a player in a game machine, and a prize management apparatus and a exchangeable prize display apparatus are provided. The prize management device includes a game medium number input means for inputting the number of game media, and an exchangeable game medium number calculated from the number of game media input by the game medium number input means. The exchangeable game medium number storage means for storing, the prize selection means for selecting the name and number of prizes to be exchanged, and the prize selection means during the prize exchange process performed with the number of game media input by the game medium number input means In the case of the first prize selection operation according to, the game necessary for exchanging the prize selected by the prize selection means from the number of exchangeable game media stored in the exchangeable game medium number storage means. By subtracting the number of media, the number of remaining exchangeable game media is calculated, and in the case of a second or later prize selection operation by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process, the subtraction result based on the previous prize selection operation The remaining exchangeable game medium is calculated by subtracting the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize selected by the prize selection means from the number of remaining exchangeable game media obtained by And a replaceable game medium for overwriting and storing the number of remaining exchangeable game media calculated by the number calculation means and the number of remaining exchangeable game media as the number of exchangeable game media stored in the exchangeable game medium number storage means In the case of the first prize selection operation by the number update means and the prize selection means during the prize exchange processing, the exchange stored by the exchangeable game medium number storage means In the case of the second and subsequent prize selection operations by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process, the exchange is performed according to the number of remaining exchangeable game media calculated by the remaining exchangeable game medium calculation means. Exchange prize calculation means for calculating possible prize names and exchangeable prize numbers, and transmission means for sending exchangeable prize names and exchangeable prize numbers calculated by the exchange prize calculation means to the exchangeable prize display device The exchangeable prize display device includes the exchangeable prize name and exchangeable prize number based on the exchangeable prize name and exchangeable prize number received from the prize management apparatus. And an exchangeable prize display means for displaying that the exchange is identifiable.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fourth aspect, the exchangeable prize display device is provided corresponding to each prize and can be turned on or off, and the number of exchangeable prizes for each corresponding prize can be determined. The prize management device comprises a plurality of electronic price tags having a display unit for displaying, and the prize management device stores a prize name and a prize name from a prize database in which a prize type and the number of exchange game media necessary for exchange with the prize are registered in association with each other. The unit price, which is the number of game media necessary for exchanging for a free gift, is extracted for each free gift, and is sent to the electronic price tag of each applicable free gift as free gift information, and calculated by the exchange free gift calculating device. And a transmission means for transmitting the exchangeable prize name and the number of exchangeable prizes to the electronic price tag corresponding to each prize, wherein each electronic price tag is received from the prize management device. The display unit is changed from the off state to the lit state and exchanged to the display unit in response to reception of the storage means for storing the free gift information of the free gift and the exchangeable number of free gifts related to the free gift from the free gift management device. And display control means for displaying the number of prizes.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the exchangeable prize display device displays a prize list including a prize name, information indicating whether or not exchangeable, and the number of exchangeable prizes for each prize. Based on the exchangeable prize name and the number of exchangeable prizes received from the prize management device, the exchangeable information and the number of exchangeable prizes in the prize list displayed in the list are displayed. It comprises a dedicated display device having a display control means for updating and displaying the name and the number of exchangeable prizes.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 6, wherein the exchangeable prize display device includes the display unit configured by a touch panel and the prize according to a touch on the exchangeable prize displayed on the touch panel. Receiving means for receiving the selection, and transmission means for transmitting information on the prize accepted by the receiving means to the prize management apparatus, wherein the prize management apparatus is received from the exchangeable prize display apparatus The prize selecting means for accepting selection of the prize and the number of prizes based on the selected prize information.

  The invention of claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the prizes stored in the prize database are accommodated, and the designated prizes are displayed based on a payout instruction including a prize name and the number of prizes. The selected prize throwing device for throwing out the designated number of prizes is communicably connected to the prize management apparatus, and the prize management apparatus holds the prize name and the number of prizes selected by the prize selection means. And holding means for sending out a payout instruction including a prize name and the number of prizes held in the holding means to the selected prize dispensing device based on a predetermined prize payout instruction operation. It is characterized by.

  According to the prize exchange system of the present invention, the number of game media input means for inputting the number of game media and the number of exchangeable game media that can be exchanged for prizes out of the number of game media inputted by the game media number input means are stored. Exchangeable game medium number storage means, storage means for storing the prize name and unit price, which is the number of game media necessary for exchange for each prize, and prize selection means for selecting the prize name and number to be exchanged And the number of exchangeable game media stored in the exchangeable game medium number storage means in the case of the first prize selection operation by the prize selection means during the prize exchange processing performed with the number of game media input by the game medium number input means Then, the number of game media that can be exchanged is calculated by subtracting the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize selected by the prize selection means, and twice by the prize selection means during the prize exchange processing. In the case of subsequent prize selection operations, the number of game media necessary for exchanging prizes selected by the prize selection means is subtracted from the number of remaining exchangeable game media obtained as a result of subtraction based on the previous prize selection operation. The remaining exchangeable game medium number calculating means for calculating the remaining exchangeable game medium number, and the remaining exchangeable game medium number calculated by the remaining exchangeable game medium number calculating means are stored in the replaceable game medium number storage means. In the case of the first prize selection operation by the exchangeable game medium number update means for overwriting and storing as the number of exchangeable game media to be performed and the prize selection means during the prize exchange process, the exchangeable data stored by the exchangeable game medium number storage means is stored. The number of game media, or the remaining exchange calculated by the remaining exchangeable game media number calculation means in the case of a second or later prize selection operation by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process A determination / calculation means for determining whether or not each prize stored by the storage means is exchangeable based on the number of active game media, and for exchangeable prizes, calculating a number of exchangeable prizes that is the number of exchangeable prizes; Since the exchangeable prize display means for displaying the exchangeable prize name and the number of exchangeable prizes determined and calculated by the judgment / calculation means is provided, when the player exchanges the game medium for a general prize, There is no need for the player to perform mental arithmetic, and the player can determine at a glance which prizes can be exchanged according to the number of exchangeable game media.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the connection of a prize exchange system 100 which is an embodiment of the prize exchange system of the present invention.

  In the prize exchange system 100, electronic price tags 111a to 111f and a prize management apparatus 101 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 105 installed in a game hall, and the prize management apparatus 101 stores prize information. The database 103 is connected.

  The electronic price tags 111a to 111f are arranged on the prize display shelf 102. The prize display shelf 102 displays various prizes 121 to 126 that can be exchanged in exchange for game media by the player. Electronic price tags 111a to 111f for displaying premium information of each premium are placed in a pair with each premium.

  The electronic price tag 111 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the appearance of one electronic price tag 111.

  The electronic price tag 111 has a display section 1-202 above the display surface of the electronic price tag 111 and a display section 2-203 below the display section 1-202 as a display field for displaying premium information.

  The display unit 1-202 displays a prize name of a prize associated with the electronic price tag 111 and a unit price which is the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize.

  In FIG. 2, “cigarette A” is displayed as a premium name and “70 balls” is displayed as a unit price on the display unit 1-202.

  The player can see the name of the prize associated with the electronic price tag 111 and how many game media are required to exchange the prize by looking at the display unit 1-202.

  In the display unit 2-203 existing under the display unit 1-202, when the prize associated with the electronic price tag 111 can be exchanged by the number of exchangeable game media of the player, the prize that can be exchanged is displayed. The number is displayed.

  And when it can exchange by the number of exchangeable game media, the display part 1-202 and the display part 2-203 of the electronic price tag 111 light.

  By turning on the display unit, the player can determine at a glance that the prize associated with the electronic price tag 111 can be exchanged.

  When the number of exchangeable game media is not exchangeable, the display unit 1-202 and the display unit 2-203 are turned off, and the distinction from the exchangeable case becomes clear.

  Next, the internal configuration of the electronic price tag 111 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the electronic price tag 111.

  The electronic price tag 111 includes a display unit 1-22 for displaying a premium name and unit price of a premium associated with the electronic price tag 111, a storage unit 301 for storing the premium name, unit price, etc. of the premium, and a prize management device 101. A communication interface unit (displayed as “communication I / F unit” in the attached drawings) 303, a determination / calculation unit 302 that determines / calculates whether or not the prize can be exchanged and the number of exchangeable prizes, and the number of exchangeable prizes Is displayed, a power supply unit 304 that supplies power to the electronic price tag 111, and a control unit 307 that is connected to each component unit and controls each component unit.

  Next, the prize management device 101 constituting the prize exchange system 100 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the prize management device 101 includes a barcode reader 104 (game media number input means) that reads information described in a barcode.

  The internal configuration of the giveaway management apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the giveaway management apparatus 101.

  The prize management device 101 displays various information associated with the prize exchange, is a touch panel type, a display / operation unit 401 in which the store manager operates the prize management device 101, and a customer display unit that displays information to the player 402, an operation unit 403 such as a keyboard used when the player operates the giveaway management apparatus 101, a barcode reader 104 that reads the number of game media of the player, etc. from the barcode described in the receipt, and various data A storage unit 404 for storing information, a journal issuing unit 405 for issuing a total of various managed data, a speaker 406 for generating sound effects associated with button operations, warning sounds for operation errors, and the like, exchangeable for electronic price tags 111a to 111f A communication interface unit 407 for transmitting the number of media and the like, a power source unit 408 for supplying power to the prize management device 101, It is connected to the component composed of a control unit 409 for controlling each component.

  Next, the database 103 connected to the prize management apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a table showing the contents of data stored in the database 103.

  The database 103 includes a column 501 indicating a row number in the database, a column 502 indicating a prize code, a column 503 indicating a prize classification, a column 504 indicating a prize name, and a unit price that is the number of game media necessary for exchange. A column 505 showing the case where the game medium is a ball and a medal, a column 506 showing the price tag ID assigned to the electronic price tags 111a to 111f to identify the electronic price tags 111a to 111f, and This is composed of a column 507 indicating the number of prizes in stock.

  Each row of the database 103 stores premium information, and the above-described column contents are stored for each premium.

  Next, in the prize exchange system 100 to which the present invention is applied, processing performed in the prize exchange system 100 when the player who has acquired the game medium exchanges the game medium for prizes will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, as a preliminary preparation, in order to operate the gift exchange system 100, the electronic price tags 111a to 111f need to store a gift name, a unit price, and an inventory quantity.

  For this purpose, the store clerk operates the display / operation unit 401 of the prize management apparatus 101 at the start of business in the amusement hall and uses the price tag ID from the database 103 as a clue to the electronic price tag 111a to the electronic price tag 111f. Send name, unit price, and inventory information.

  The electronic price tags 111 a to 111 f that have received the transmission store the information on the name of the prize, the unit price, and the number of inventory sent from the prize management device 101 in the storage unit 301.

  The electronic price tags 111a to 111f display the premium name and unit price stored in the storage unit 301 on the display unit 1-202 (in the display unit 1-202 in FIG. 2 described above, “cigarette A 70 balls” is displayed. is doing).

  For prizes which are stored in the database 103 and cannot be exchanged, no information on prize names and unit prices is displayed on the display unit 1-202 (electronic price tag 111c in FIG. 1).

  When the processing for storing the premium name, the unit price, and the inventory quantity in the electronic price tags 111a to 111f is completed in this way, the preparation is completed.

  Next, processing performed in the prize exchange system 100 when starting a business and exchanging game media acquired by the player for prizes will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing flow performed when a game medium is exchanged for a prize in the prize exchange system 100 to which the present invention is applied.

  First, the player counts the acquired game media with a ball / medal counter (not shown), and receives a receipt in which the number of game media and the like are described as a barcode.

  When the player receives the receipt, he / she takes it to the prize counter and exchanges the receipt to the store clerk who operates the prize management apparatus 101 in order to exchange it for a prize.

  The store clerk who receives the receipt reads the barcode written on the receipt by the barcode reader 104, and inputs the number of game media acquired by the player and the media type to the prize management device 101 (step 601).

  When the prize management device 101 acquires information on the number of game media and the type of media by reading a barcode on a receipt, the acquired number of game media is converted into the number of exchangeable game media from the communication interface unit 407 to the electronic price tags 111a to 111f. On the other hand, information on the number of exchangeable game media and the media type is transmitted (step 602).

  Here, in each electronic price tag to which information on the number of exchangeable game media and the medium type is sent from the prize management device 101, it is exchanged when it is possible to exchange the prize associated with each electronic price tag and exchange it. When the number of exchangeable prizes is calculated and can be exchanged, the display section 1-202 and the display section 2-203 are lit and the number of exchangeable prizes is displayed on the display section 1-202. The process for turning off the display unit 1-202 and the display unit 2-203 (the process in the subroutine of step 603) is performed.

  Here, the processing in the subroutine of Step 603 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the subroutine of Step 603 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the electronic price tag control unit 307 receives the information transmitted from the prize exchange device 102 in the communication interface unit 303, the determination / calculation unit 302 determines whether the type of game medium is a ball or a medal, and receives the received game It is determined whether or not a prize associated with an electronic price tag can be exchanged according to the number of media. If exchangeable, the number of exchangeable prizes, which is the number of exchangeable prizes, is calculated from the number of received game media (step 701). .

  When making the determination, the unit price stored in the storage unit 301 and the received information on the number of exchangeable game media are used.

  That is, if the number of exchangeable game media is equal to or greater than the number of unit prices and the number of stocks is one or more, it is determined that the exchange is possible, and for the number of exchangeable prizes, the number of exchangeable game media is divided by the unit price. The quotient obtained in step 2 is the number of exchangeable prizes.

  If the exchange is impossible (NO in step 702), the electronic price tag display unit 1-202 and display unit 2-203 are turned off (step 706).

  If exchange is possible (YES in step 702), the number of stocks stored in the electronic price tag storage unit 301 is compared with the number of exchangeable prizes calculated in step 701 (step 703).

  If the number of stocks stored in the storage unit 301 is less than the number of exchangeable prizes calculated in Step 701 (NO in Step 703), the number of stocks is set as the number of exchangeable prizes (Step 704). The number of exchangeable prizes determined in step 704 is displayed in 2-203, and the display unit 1-202 and the display unit 2-203 are turned on (step 705).

  If the number of stocks stored in the storage unit 301 is equal to or greater than the number of exchangeable prizes calculated in step 701 (YES in step 703), the number of exchangeable prizes is displayed as it is on the display unit 2-203. -202, the display unit 2-203 is turned on.

  When the number of stocks stored in the storage unit 301 is smaller than the number of exchangeable prizes calculated in step 701 (NO in step 703), there is no stock of prizes for the number of exchangeable prizes, and the exchange is possible. The number of prizes cannot be exchanged.

  Therefore, by setting the number of stocks stored in the storage unit 301 as the number of exchangeable prizes (the process of step 704), the number of exchangeable prizes that cannot be exchanged by mistake is displayed on the display unit 1-202. The number of stocks that can be exchanged can be displayed as the number of exchangeable prizes.

  In this way, the electronic price tags 111a to 111f turn on the display unit 1-202 and the display unit 2-203 for the electronic price tag associated with the exchangeable prize, and display the number of exchangeable prizes. The display unit 1-202 and the display unit 2-203 are turned off for the electronic price tag associated with the gift that cannot be exchanged.

  As a result, the player can see which prizes can be exchanged and which prizes cannot be exchanged by looking at the electronic price tags 111a to 111f arranged on the prize display shelf 102 by turning on / off the electronic price tags. Can be judged.

  In addition, on the electronic price tag that is lit, the number of exchangeable prizes is displayed on the display unit 2-203, and the player can instantly confirm the number of exchangeable prizes.

  When each electronic price tag is turned on and off (step 603), it is next checked whether or not the number of exchangeable game media is less than a certain number.

  If the number of exchangeable game media is less than a certain number (the unit price of the cheapest prize) (YES in step 604), it is determined that the exchange of prizes is impossible due to the lack of exchangeable game media. The prize exchange process ends.

  If the number of exchangeable game media is not less than a certain number (NO in step 604), it is determined that the number of exchangeable game media is sufficient and can be exchanged for prizes. A selection is made as to whether to continue exchanging freebies.

  If the selection not to continue the prize exchange is made (NO in step 605), a receipt in which the number of exchangeable game media and the media type at that time is described is issued from a receipt issuing unit (not shown) to the player. Passing (step 612), the prize exchange process ends.

  If the selection to continue exchanging the prize is made (YES in step 605), the player can give the prizes 121 to 126 displayed on the prize display shelf 102 and the electronic price tag associated with the prizes 121 to 126. Look at 111a to 111f, select the type of premium to be exchanged and the number of premiums to be exchanged, and inform the store clerk who operates the prize management device 101.

  The store clerk operating the prize management apparatus 101 inputs the type and number of prizes to be exchanged transmitted from the player to the prize management apparatus 101 (step 606).

  When the type and number of prizes to be exchanged are input to the prize management device 101, the number of game media required to exchange the entered prizes is calculated by multiplying the unit price of the prize by the number. The number of game media is subtracted from the number of exchangeable game media, and the number of remaining exchangeable game media, which is the number of game media that can be exchanged for prizes by the player, is calculated (step 607).

  When the remaining exchangeable game medium number is calculated, the control unit 409 of the prize management apparatus 101 stores the remaining exchangeable game medium number as the exchangeable game medium number in the storage unit 404 (step 608).

  Then, for the prize input in step 606, the number of prizes input in step 606 is subtracted from the stock quantity of the prize stored in the database 103 (step 609).

  The stock quantity calculated in step 609 is overwritten and stored in the database 103 as the new stock quantity of the prize input in step 606, and the stock quantity calculated in step 609 is stored in the electronic price tag associated with the prize. It is transmitted and stored in the storage unit 301 of the electronic price tag by overwriting (step 610).

  In step 610, when the database 103 and the electronic price tag store the new inventory number by overwriting, the premium management apparatus 101 sets the number of exchangeable game media newly stored in the storage unit 404 in step 608 together with the medium type information. It transmits to the electronic price tag (step 602).

  Then, in each electronic price tag to which information on the number of exchangeable game media and the medium type is sent from the free gift management device 101, determination of whether or not a free gift associated with each electronic price tag is possible and calculation of the number of replaceable free gifts are performed. If the exchange is possible, the display unit 1-202 and the display unit 2-203 of each electronic price tag are lit, and the number of exchangeable prizes is displayed on the display unit 1-202. Processing for turning off the display unit 1-202 and the display unit 2-203 (processing in the subroutine of step 603) is performed.

  Since the processing in the subroutine of Step 603 has been described, the description of the processing is omitted.

  When the number of game media that can be exchanged is less than a certain number (the unit price of the cheapest prize) at the end of the processing in step 603 (YES in step 604), the store clerk is input to the player in step 606. The prize exchange process is completed (step 611).

  If the number of exchangeable game media is not less than a certain number (NO in step 604), the player selects whether or not to continue exchanging premiums (step 605).

  If a selection is made not to continue the prize exchange (NO in step 605), a receipt describing the number of remaining exchangeable game media and medium types is issued (step 612), and the prize entered in step 606 is issued. To the player (step 611), and the prize exchange process ends.

  In addition, when the player selects to continue exchanging prizes in step 605 (YES in step 605), the player selects prizes, and steps 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 602, The processing of 603 is performed in order.

  If the input of the prize is repeated, the process of steps 607 and 608 is repeated, so the number of replaceable game media decreases. Therefore, at the time when step 603 is completed, whether or not the number of replaceable game media is less than a certain number. A determination is made (step 604).

  When the number of exchangeable game media becomes less than a certain number (YES in Step 604) and the exchange to the prize becomes impossible, the store clerk confirms the prize entered in Step 606 with the prize management device 101 and asks the player. The process of delivering the prize is performed, and the prize exchange process ends (step 611).

  If the number of exchangeable game media is not less than a certain number (NO in Step 604), Steps 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610 until the number of exchangeable game media becomes less than a certain number in Step 604. , 602 and 603 are repeated in order.

  When the number of exchangeable game media becomes less than a certain number, the store clerk gives the prize input in Step 606 to the player (Step 611), and the prize exchange process is completed.

  Even if the number of exchangeable game media is not less than a certain number, if the player chooses not to continue the prize exchange in step 605, the prize entered in step 606 is handed over to the player (step 606). 611), the prize exchange process ends.

  Note that the method of inputting the number of game media acquired by the player to the prize management device 101, which is the process of step 601, is not only a method of reading a receipt in which the number of game media is described as a barcode, For example, a method for manually inputting the number of game media to the prize management device 101 by means of a terminal controller (not shown) that controls and controls the entire gaming system can communicate with the prize management device 101 via the LAN 105, etc. A method may be used in which the prize management device 101 inquires of the passed member card information to a terminal controller (not shown) to acquire and input the number of game media acquired by the player.

  In these cases, the keyboard and the communication I / F unit with the terminal controller correspond to the “game medium number input means” in the claims.

  When a membership card is used, if the player chooses not to continue exchanging prizes (NO in step 605), the remaining exchangeable game media are used instead of issuing a receipt (step 612). The number is stored in the portion of the terminal controller where the player's membership information is grasped, and the prize entered in step 606 is passed (step 611), and the membership card is returned to the player to give the prize exchange process. finish.

  As shown in the prize management system 100, the database 103 that stores the prize information may be installed inside the prize management apparatus 101 instead of being installed outside the prize management apparatus 101.

  Alternatively, a terminal controller (not shown) that controls and controls the entire gaming system can communicate with the prize management device 101 via the LAN 105, etc., and a database 103 for storing prize information is installed in the terminal controller (not shown). Also good.

  Whether the determination / calculation unit 302 installed in the electronic price tag 111 is not installed in the electronic price tag 111 but installed in the premium management apparatus 101 so that each prize can be exchanged. The determination of whether or not and the calculation of the number of exchangeable prizes may be performed on the prize management apparatus 101 side, and the determination / calculated result may be transmitted to each electronic price tag arranged on the prize display shelf 102.

  In this case, each electronic price tag receives the determination / calculation result from the prize management device 101 by the communication interface unit 303, and performs the processing described in the present embodiment when the exchange is possible and when the exchange is not possible. Do.

  If the player wishes to exchange for a special prize when selecting a prize to be exchanged, instead of inputting the type and number of selected prizes to the prize management apparatus 101 in step 606, the store clerk In the prize management device 101, processing for exchanging game media with special prizes is performed, and in step 607, the number of game media corresponding to the special prize to be exchanged is subtracted from the number of exchangeable game media, and the number of remaining exchangeable game media Is calculated.

  It should be noted that when the store clerk delivers the prize to the player, as described above, the type of the prize selected in step 606 is not just delivered in step 606 immediately before the prize processing is completed. Each time the clerk inputs the number to the prize management device 101, the prize may be given to the player.

  In the present embodiment, when an apparatus capable of automatically throwing out a prize input to the prize management apparatus 101 is connected to the prize exchange system 100 or the LAN 105 and the store clerk delivers the prize to the player, A prize may be automatically thrown out from the apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the electronic price tag shown in the first embodiment, an embodiment of a prize exchange system provided with a prize display device 801 having a function of inputting a prize to be exchanged by the player himself / herself is attached. An explanation will be given with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the connection of a prize exchange system 800 configured by applying the present invention.

  The prize exchange system 800 is a prize display having a function that allows a prize to be exchanged by the player himself / herself to the prize display shelf 102 for displaying prizes, the prize management device 101, and the LAN 105 installed in the game hall. The apparatus 801 is connected, and the prize management apparatus 101 is connected with a database 103 storing premium information.

  The explanation of the prize display shelf 102, the electronic price tags 111a to 111f, the prizes 121 to 126, the prize management apparatus 101, and the database 103 constituting the prize exchange system 800 is the same as that explained in the first embodiment. Omitted to avoid duplication.

  Next, the prize display device 801 constituting the prize exchange system 800 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the prize display device 801.

  The prize display device 801 displays a type of exchangeable prizes and the number of exchangeable prizes, is a touch panel type display / operation unit 901 that can perform processing associated with prize exchange, a storage unit 902 that stores prize information, and the like. A determination / calculation unit 903 that determines / calculates whether or not each prize can be exchanged and the number of exchangeable prizes, a communication interface unit 904 that communicates with the prize management device 101, a power supply unit 905 that supplies power to the prize display device 801, The control unit 906 is connected to the component unit and controls each component unit.

  The position where the prize display device 801 is installed in the amusement hall is placed on a prize counter in the amusement hall where the player can check the screen and can easily operate the touch panel.

  Next, the screen displayed on the prize display device 801 will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

  FIG. 10 is a screen configuration showing an operation guidance screen 1000 that is displayed on the prize display device 801 after the player gives a receipt describing the number of game media to the store clerk and the store clerk reads the receipt with the barcode reader. FIG.

  The operation guidance screen 1000 is displayed on the first screen where the player uses the prize display device 801, and an operation method for operating the prize selection screen is described.

  Regarding the screen configuration of the operation guidance screen 1000, the number of game media acquired by the player and the media type of the game media are displayed at the top of the screen, and the next button 1001 for advancing the operation guidance is arranged at the center of the screen. A cancel button 1002 for canceling the operation guidance and displaying the prize selection screen 1100 is arranged at the bottom.

  The premium selection screen 1100 displayed when the cancel button 1002 is pressed will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 11 is a screen configuration diagram showing a prize selection screen 1100 displayed on the prize display device 801.

  For the prize selection screen 1100, the number of acquired game media acquired by the player at the top of the screen, the media type, the number of exchanged game media that is the number of game media exchanged by the player for the prize, and the remaining exchangeable games The number of exchangeable game media, which is the number of media, and the prize category name displayed on the prize selection screen 1100 are displayed.

  In the center table of the prize selection screen 1100, prize information and the like are displayed. From the left, exchangeable exchange is possible with the prize name, the unit price of the prize, exchangeable information, and the number of exchangeable game media displayed at the top of the screen. The number of prizes, various buttons used when the player selects a prize desired to be exchanged, and the number of exchange desired which is the number of prizes selected by the player are displayed.

  In the lower part of the screen, a classification list button 1105 used when displaying prizes of different classifications on the prize selection screen 1100, and a list button before switching the prize information shown in the table at the center of the screen to the previous prize information 1106 and a next list button 1107 for switching to next premium information are arranged.

  The prize information etc. about the tobacco A currently displayed on the table | surface center are demonstrated.

  “Tobacco A” is displayed as the premium name at the left end of the table in the center of the screen, and “70 balls” is displayed as the unit price of tobacco A in the unit price column displayed to the right of the premium name. Yes.

  The unit price of the premium is displayed with reference to the premium information stored in the storage unit 902.

  The unit of unit price is “ball” because the medium type is pachinko ball. When the medium type is medal, “sheet” is displayed.

  On the right side of the column for displaying the unit price, a column for indicating whether or not replacement is possible is arranged. For tobacco A, “exchange ○” which means that tobacco A can be replaced is displayed.

  For exchangeable prizes displayed as “exchange ○”, the number of exchangeable prizes and the number of exchangeable prizes are displayed, and various buttons used when a prize is selected are arranged.

  About the cigarette A, it operates by various buttons and the replacement desired number is displayed as ten pieces.

  Here, the determination of displaying “exchange ○” of the cigarette A is performed by reflecting the number of free gifts.

  In other words, if there is no stock, it is of course impossible to exchange for a free gift. Therefore, when there is no free stock, “exchange x” is displayed even if the number of exchangeable game media is sufficient to exchange the free gift.

  In the column on the right side of the column indicating whether or not exchange is possible, there is a column for displaying the number of exchangeable prizes, and for cigarette A, “4” is displayed.

  “4” means that the number of cigarettes A that can be exchanged for 300 of the exchangeable game media shown in the upper part of the screen is four.

  The number of exchangeable prizes is also calculated by reflecting the number of prizes in stock, as in the case of determination of exchangeability.

  The number of cigarettes A in stock is 200 when confirmed in the database 103 shown in FIG.

  On the prize selection screen 1100, the number of exchangeable prizes for cigarette A is displayed as “4”. However, if the inventory quantity of cigarette A is two instead of 200, it is displayed at the top of the prize selection screen 1100. Even if the quotient calculated by dividing the number of exchangeable game media by the unit price is “4”, the number of exchangeable prizes is displayed as two because the number of inventory is only two.

  Here, the relationship between the number of stocks will be described again with cigarette C as an example.

  The unit price of the cigarette C is 60 balls, but “exchange x” is displayed in the column of whether exchange is possible.

  The number of exchangeable game media displayed at the top of the screen is 300, and the calculation is based on that the unit price of cigarette C is 60 balls. Therefore, it can be calculated that 5 cigarettes C can be exchanged, but in database 103 shown in FIG. Since the stored number of cigarettes C is zero, “replacement x” is displayed in the column of whether or not the cigarettes C can be exchanged, reflecting 0 which is the number of cigarettes C in stock.

  Here, various buttons arranged on the right side of the number of exchangeable prizes will be described.

  Various types of buttons for selecting a prize include an exchange button 1101, an all button 1102, a minus button 1103, and a plus button 1104.

  By pressing the exchange button 1101, a prize in the same row as the pushed exchange button is selected as a prize to be exchanged by the player.

  After the exchange button 1101 is pressed, the number of prizes to be exchanged is adjusted by pressing the minus button 1103 and the plus button 1104.

  Each time the plus button 1104 is pressed, the desired replacement number increases by one, and every time the minus button 1103 is pressed, the desired replacement number decreases by one.

  A value from 0 to the number of exchangeable prizes of the prize can be displayed as the exchangeable quantity.

  In addition to the minus button 1103 and the plus button 1104, all the buttons 1102 can be used to adjust the number of prizes. In this case, all the buttons 1102 are pressed, and the exchange displayed in the column of the number of exchangeable prizes is displayed. The number of possible prizes is displayed in the column for the desired number of exchanges.

  Next, the buttons arranged at the bottom of the prize selection screen 1100 will be described.

  At the bottom of the prize selection screen 1100, a classification list button 1105, a previous list button 1106, and a next list button 1107 are arranged.

  When the category list button 1105 is pressed, a category list screen 1200 for displaying prizes of different categories is displayed on the screen of the display / operation unit 901.

  FIG. 12 is a screen that is displayed when the category list button 1105 is pressed, and is a screen configuration diagram of the category list screen 1200 that allows the player to select a prize category displayed on the prize selection screen.

  On the classification list screen 1200, a cigarette button 1201, a confectionery button 1202, a beverage button 1203, and other buttons 1204 are arranged. When any one of the buttons is pressed, the control unit 906 displays the classification described in the buttons. Are displayed on the premium selection screen.

  For example, when the beverage button 1203 is pressed by the player while the classification list screen 1200 is displayed on the display / operation unit 901, the control unit 906 displays the classification shown in FIG. A premium selection screen 1300 is displayed.

  FIG. 13 is a screen configuration diagram of a premium selection screen 1300 whose classification is beverage.

  In the prize selection screen 1300, the number of acquired game media, the media type, the number of exchanged game media, the number of exchangeable game media, and the classification name are displayed at the top of the screen in the same manner as the prize selection screen 1100. Yes.

  “Beverage” is displayed as the classification name of the gift selection screen 1300.

  Further, in the center table of the prize selection screen 1300, prize information is displayed, and various buttons used when the player selects a prize are arranged.

  In the lower part of the prize selection screen 1300, the classification button 1105, the previous list button 1106, and the next list button 1107 described in the explanation of the prize selection screen 1100 are arranged.

  The prizes displayed in the table at the center of the prize selection screen 1300 are oolong tea, cafe au lait, and water set, all of which are prizes classified as “beverages”.

  Further, the unit price of the water set is 400 balls, and it cannot be exchanged for 300 balls, which is the number of exchangeable game media. Therefore, “exchange x” is displayed in the exchange availability column.

  As for the prize selection screen displayed on the prize display device 801, only the exchangeable prizes are included in each prize without providing the exchangeable / unchangeable column like the prize selection screen 1100 and the prize selection screen 1300. The screen configuration may be such that the prize that is displayed and determined not to be exchanged is not displayed on the prize selection screen.

  It should be noted that the prize selection screen displayed on the prize display device 801 may be displayed together with a prize image together with the prize information as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a screen configuration diagram of the prize selection screen 1400 that displays the contents displayed on the prize selection screen 1100 together with the prize image diagram.

  The prize selection screen 1400 displays the number of acquired game media, the media type, the number of exchanged game media, the number of exchangeable game media, and the classification name at the top, as in the prize selection screen 1100.

  In the table at the center of the prize selection screen 1400, an image diagram of the prize is displayed together with the prize information, and buttons used when the prize is exchanged by the player are arranged on each prize. .

  At the bottom of the prize selection screen 1400, a classification list button 1105, a previous list button 1106, and a next list button 1107 are arranged.

  Since the functions of the three buttons arranged at the bottom of the prize selection screen have the same functions as the buttons of the same name arranged on the prize selection screen 1100, the description of the three buttons is omitted to avoid duplication. .

  Here, a table at the center of the prize selection screen 1400 will be described.

  In the table at the center of the free gift selection screen 1400, free gift information about three types of free gifts is displayed together with an image diagram.

  The contents of cigarette A at the left end of the table, cigarette B at the middle, and the contents of cigarette C at the right end are described. The cigarette A displayed at the left end will be described.

  The table at the center of the prize selection screen 1400 is divided into three equal parts, and the leftmost column is used for displaying the contents of the cigarette A.

  First, a cigarette A image diagram 1401 is displayed, and below that, a display column 1402 in which a prize name, a unit price, and the number of exchangeable prizes are displayed is arranged.

  Below the display column 1402, various buttons used when the player exchanges the cigarette A are arranged.

  Below the various buttons used when the player exchanges the cigarette A, the desired number of exchanges, which is the number of exchanges of the cigarette A by the player, adjusted by the player is displayed.

  Also on the gift selection screen 1400, when it is determined that the cigarette A can be exchanged as in the electronic price tag described in the first embodiment, the premium displayed on the electronic price tag display unit 1-202 and the display unit 2-203. A display column 1402 in which information such as a gift name, unit price, and exchangeable number is displayed is highlighted by shading or the like.

  Exchange is possible by confirming whether or not display columns 1402, 1403, and 1404 (display columns 1403 and 1404 are display columns corresponding to tobacco B and tobacco C) are displayed in which premium names and unit prices are displayed. The player can determine at a glance which of the prizes is right.

  Note that, on the prize selection screen 1400, as with the prize selection screen 1100, the determination of whether or not to exchange prizes and the calculation of the number of exchangeable prizes are performed by reflecting the number of stocks stored in the storage unit 902. .

  Various buttons arranged below the display field 1402 will be described.

  Below the display field 1402, all three buttons, a button 1102, a minus button 1103, and a plus button 1104 are arranged.

  The functions of these three buttons have the same functions as those of all buttons 1102, minus button 1103, and plus button 1104 arranged on the prize selection screen 1100, and thus the description thereof is omitted to avoid duplication.

  In addition, regarding the functions of the classification list button 1105, the previous list button 1106, and the next list button 1107 arranged at the bottom of the prize selection screen 1400, the classification list button 1105 arranged on the prize selection screen 1100, the previous list Since it has the same function as the button 1106 and the next list button 1107, the description is omitted to avoid duplication.

  Next, processing performed in the prize exchange system 800 when the player who has acquired the game medium exchanges prizes using the prize exchange system 800 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, as a preparation for operating the prize exchange system 800, the store clerk at the game hall stores the electronic price tags 111a to 111f and the prize display apparatus 801 in the database 103 from the prize management apparatus 101 at the start of the game hall business. Sends information such as the name of the prize, unit price, and quantity in stock.

  The prize management device 101 checks the price tag IDs of the electronic price tags 111a to 111f stored in the database 103, and transmits information on the price name, unit price, and stock quantity of the price tag ID to the electronic price tags 111a to 111f.

  The electronic price tags 111a to 111f to which the information on the premium name, the unit price, and the number of stocks are transmitted receive information by the communication interface unit 303 and store the received information in the storage unit 301.

  Also, the prize management device 101 transmits information on the prize name, unit price, and stock quantity of the prize stored in the database 103 to the prize display device 801.

  The prize display device 801 to which the information on the prize name, the unit price, and the stock quantity stored in the database 103 is transmitted stores the received information in the storage unit 902.

  When the electronic price tags 111a to 111f and the free gift management apparatus 101 store information on the free gift name, unit price, and stock quantity, the preparation at the start of business is completed.

  Then, when the business is started, a process of exchanging the game media acquired by the player for a prize is performed.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow performed in the prize exchange system 800 when a player exchanges game media for prizes.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 includes many of the same processing steps as the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 referred to in the first embodiment, and therefore the same processing steps have the same reference numerals (601, 603, 604, 605, 607, 608, 611). , 612, 613) will be briefly described, and different processing steps will be described with new reference numerals (1501, 1502, 1503, 1504, 1505, 1506, 1507).

  The player who has acquired the game medium counts the game medium with a ball / medal counter (not shown), and receives a receipt in which information such as the number of game media is described as a barcode from the counter.

  When the player receives the receipt, he / she takes it to the prize counter and exchanges the receipt to the store clerk who operates the prize management apparatus 101 in order to exchange it for a prize.

  The store clerk reads the bar code written on the receipt with the bar code reader 104 and inputs the number of game media acquired by the player and the type of the media to the prize management device 101 (step 601).

  When information on the number of game media and the media type is input to the prize management device 101, the prize management device 101 exchanges the number of game media with the electronic price tags 111a to 111f and the prize display device 801 as the number of exchangeable game media. Information on the number of possible game media and the media type is transmitted (step 1501).

  In the electronic price tags 111a to 111f, as in the process of step 603 described in the first embodiment, whether or not a prize associated with the electronic price tag is determined and the number of exchangeable prizes is calculated. For example, the number of exchangeable prizes is displayed on the display unit 2-203 and the display unit 1-202 and the display unit 2-203 are turned on. If the replacement is not possible, the display unit 1-202 and the display unit 2-203 are turned off. Is performed (processing in a subroutine of step 603).

  Since the processing in the subroutine of Step 603 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 7 in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted to avoid duplication.

  Also, the prize display device 801 uses the number of exchangeable game media received from the prize management device 101 and the unit price of each prize stored in the storage unit 902 to determine whether each prize can be exchanged with the number of exchangeable game media. Whether or not exchange is possible and the number of exchangeable prizes when exchangeable are calculated, and the result is displayed on the prize selection screen 1100 (processing in a subroutine of step 1502).

  Processing in the subroutine of step 1502 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing flow in the subroutine of step 1502 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The prize display device 801 receives the information on the number of exchangeable game media and the media type transmitted from the prize management device 101 at the communication interface unit 904 (step 1601).

  Next, the determination / calculation unit 903 of the prize management device 101 receives the exchangeable game medium received in step 1601 for determination of exchangeability and calculation of the number of exchangeable prizes for all the prizes stored in the storage unit 902. This is performed using the number and the unit price of each premium stored in the storage unit 902 and the number of stocks.

  First, determination / calculation for one prize will be described.

  If the number of exchangeable game media received by the communication interface unit 904 is equal to or higher than the unit price of the prize to be determined / calculated, and if the number of the prize in stock is 1 or more, it is determined that the prize can be exchanged / Determination is made by the calculation unit 903 (step 1602).

  Then, the number of exchangeable game media received by the communication interface unit 904 is divided by the unit price of the prize to be determined / calculated, and the obtained quotient is determined as the number of exchangeable prizes for the time being (step 1602).

  The prize determined to be non-exchangeable (NO in step 1603) is displayed as “exchange x” on the prize selection screen 1100 of the display / operation unit 901 by the control unit 906 (step 1604).

  For prizes determined to be exchangeable (YES in step 1603), the determination / calculation part 903 continues to compare the stock quantity of the prizes stored in the storage unit 902 with the number of exchangeable prizes obtained in step 1602. (Step 1605).

  If the number of stocks stored in the storage unit 902 is less than the number of exchangeable prizes determined in Step 1602 (NO in Step 1605), the number of stocks is determined as the number of exchangeable prizes (Step 1606).

  The control unit 906 displays the number of exchangeable prizes determined in Step 1606 on the prize selection screen 1100 of the display / operation unit 901 together with the display of “Exchange ○” (Step 1607).

  If the number of stocks stored in the storage unit 902 is equal to or greater than the number of exchangeable prizes determined in step 1602 (YES in step 1605), the control unit 906 sets the number of exchangeable prizes determined in step 1602 to “ Along with the display of “replacement ○”, it is displayed on the prize selection screen 1100 of the display / operation unit 901 (step 1607).

  The processes in steps 1602 to 1607 are performed for all the prizes stored in the storage unit 902.

  When the processing of steps 1602 to 1607 is performed for all the prizes, the prize selection screen 1100 displays whether or not all prizes can be exchanged and the number of exchangeable prizes, and the player can determine at a glance which prizes can be exchanged. I can do it.

  When the electronic price tags 111a to 111f and the prize display device 801 determine whether or not to exchange prizes and calculate the number of exchangeable prizes in step 603 and step 1502, then the number of exchangeable game media is a fixed number (most A determination is made as to whether the price is less than the unit price of the cheap prize (step 604).

  If the number of exchangeable game media is less than a certain number (YES in step 604), the control unit 906 determines that the exchangeable game media is insufficient and cannot be exchanged for prizes, and performs prize exchange processing. finish.

  When the number of exchanged game media is not less than a certain number (NO in step 604), the control unit 906 determines that the prize can be exchanged, and the next processing step is to select whether or not to continue exchanging the prize by the player. (Step 605).

  If the player chooses not to continue exchanging premiums (NO in step 605), a receipt describing the number of game media that can be exchanged at that time and the media type is issued (step 612), and the premium exchange process is performed. Ends.

  If the player selects to continue the prize exchange process (YES in step 605), the player selects the prize selection screen (the prize selection screen 1100, prize selection described above with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14). The type of prize to be exchanged and the number of prizes are input from the screen 1400 (step 1503).

  The information on the premium input to the premium display device 801 is transmitted from the interface unit 904 of the premium display device 801 and input to the premium management device 101 (step 1504).

  Note that the method of inputting the information on the prize selected by the player to the prize management apparatus 101 is not limited to the method of inputting the prize through the prize display apparatus 801, but the player tells the clerk the selected prize and the clerk manages the prize management. A method of inputting to the prize management apparatus 101 using the display / operation unit 401 of the apparatus 101 may be used.

  When the type and number of prizes selected by the player are input to the prize management device 101, the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize is subtracted from the number of exchangeable game media, and the remaining exchangeable game The number of media is calculated (step 607).

Then, the control unit 409 of the prize management apparatus 101 stores the number of remaining exchangeable game media in the storage unit 404 as the number of exchangeable game media (step 608).
When the storage unit 404 stores the number of exchangeable game media, the number of premiums stock input in step 1503 is read from the database 103, and the input number of premiums is subtracted from the number of stocks (step 1505).

  Then, the control unit 409 of the free gift management apparatus 101 transmits the stock quantity calculated in step 1505 to the database 103, the free gift display device 801, and the electronic price tag associated with the free gift input in step 1503 (step 1506). .

  The electronic price tag that has received the transmission of the inventory quantity stores the inventory quantity in the storage unit 301, and the prize display device 801 that has also received the inventory quantity sends the inventory quantity to the new inventory quantity of the prize input in step 1503. And the database 103 stores the stock quantity in the database 103 by overwriting as the new stock quantity of the prize input in step 1503 (step 1507).

  Then, the prize management device 101 transmits the number of exchangeable game media stored in step 608 to the electronic price tags 111a to 111f and the prize display device 801 together with the medium type information (step 1501).

  Here, the electronic price tags 111a to 111f to which the information on the number of exchangeable game media and the medium type is sent from the prize management device 101 determine whether exchange is possible and calculate the number of exchangeable prizes. The number of exchangeable prizes is displayed in 2-203, the display unit 1-202 and the display unit 2-203 are turned on, and if the replacement is impossible, the display unit 1-202 and the display unit 2-203 are turned off. (Processing in subroutine of step 603).

  Since the processing in the subroutine of Step 603 has been described, description thereof is omitted.

  Further, the prize display device 801 to which the information on the number of exchangeable game media and the medium type is sent determines whether exchange is possible and calculates the number of exchangeable prizes, and determines whether exchange is possible, the number of exchangeable prizes, etc. This is displayed on the screen (premium selection screen 1100, premium selection screen 1400) (processing in the subroutine of step 1502).

  Since the processing in the subroutine of step 1502 has been described, description thereof is omitted.

  In the electronic price tags 111a to 111f and the prize display device 801, if determination / calculation is performed in step 603 and step 1502, it is next determined whether or not the number of exchangeable game media is less than a certain number (step 604). ).

  When the number of exchangeable game media is less than a certain number (NO in step 604), it is determined that the number of exchangeable game media is insufficient and cannot be exchanged for prizes, and the prize entered in step 1503 is given to the player. (Step 611), the prize exchange process is completed.

  If the number of exchangeable game media is not less than a certain number (NO in step 604), the player selects whether or not to continue the prize exchange (step 605), and selects if the player does not continue to exchange prizes. If received (NO in step 605), a receipt describing the number of exchangeable game media at that time and the media type is issued (step 612), and the store clerk gives the prize entered in step 1503 to the player. (Step 611), the prize exchange process is completed.

  If it is selected by the player to continue exchanging prizes (YES in step 605), the processing in steps 1503, 1504, 607, 608, 1505, 1506, 1507, 1501, 1502, and 603 is performed in order.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the number of exchangeable game media is less than a certain number (step 604).

  If the number of exchangeable prizes to be exchanged is repeated, the number of exchangeable game media decreases by the number of exchangeable prizes. If the number of exchangeable game media falls below a certain number in step 604 (YES in step 604), exchangeable games The number of media is insufficient and it is determined that the prize cannot be exchanged, and the store clerk gives the prize inputted in Step 1503 to the player (Step 611), and the prize exchange process is completed.

  If the number of exchangeable game media is not less than a certain number (NO in step 604), steps 605, 1503, 1504, 607, 608, 1505, 1506 are performed until the number of exchangeable game media is less than a certain number. , 1507, 1501, 1502, and 603 are performed in order.

  When the number of exchangeable game media becomes less than a certain number, the store clerk gives the prize input in Step 1503 to the player (Step 611), and the prize exchange process is completed.

  Even if the number of exchangeable game media does not become less than a certain number, if the player chooses not to continue the prize exchange in step 605, the store clerk gives the prize entered in step 1503 to the player. (Step 611), the prize exchange process ends.

  Note that the method of inputting the number of game media acquired by the player to the prize management apparatus 101, which is the processing in step 601, is not limited to the method of reading a receipt, but the store clerk displays / operates the display / operation unit 401 of the prize management apparatus 101. A method for manually inputting the number of game media and a terminal controller (not shown) that controls and controls the entire game system can communicate with the prize management device 101 via the LAN 105, etc. The prize management device 101 may inquire the terminal controller for information, and may acquire and input the number of game media acquired by the player.

  When a membership card is used, if the player chooses not to continue exchanging prizes (NO in step 605), the remaining number of exchangeable game media is determined instead of issuing a receipt (step 612). The terminal controller stores the player's membership information in the portion of the player, and the store clerk gives the player the prize entered in step 1503 (step 611), and returns the membership card to the prize. The exchange process is terminated.

  As shown in the prize management system 800, the database 103 for storing the prize information may be installed inside the prize management apparatus 101 instead of being installed outside the prize management apparatus 101.

  Alternatively, a terminal controller (not shown) that controls and controls the entire gaming system can communicate with the prize management device 101 via the LAN 105, and the database 103 that stores the prize information may be installed in the terminal controller. .

  In step 603, the determination / calculation unit 302 that determines whether or not the prize can be exchanged based on the number of exchangeable game media and calculates the number of exchangeable prizes is provided in the prize management apparatus 101 without being provided in the electronic price tag. Also good.

  At that time, it is determined whether or not each prize can be exchanged and the number of exchangeable prizes is calculated by the prize management apparatus 101, and the determination / calculated result is transmitted from the prize management apparatus 101 to each electronic price tag.

  When the electronic price tag that has received the determination / calculated result is exchangeable, the display unit is turned on to display the number of exchangeable prizes, and when the exchange is impossible, the display unit is turned off.

  Similarly, in the prize display device 801, the prize display device 801 is provided with a determination / calculation unit 302 that determines whether or not the prize can be exchanged based on the number of exchangeable game media in step 1502 and calculates the number of exchangeable prizes. Alternatively, the prize management apparatus 101 may be provided.

  At that time, whether or not each prize can be exchanged is determined and the number of exchangeable prizes is calculated by the prize management apparatus 101, and the determination / calculated result is transmitted from the prize management apparatus 101 to the prize display apparatus 801. The

  The prize display device 801 that has received the determined / calculated result displays the result on the prize selection screen.

  If the player wishes to exchange a special prize when selecting a prize to be exchanged, instead of inputting the type and number of prizes selected by the player in step 1503 to the prize display device 801. In addition, an exchange button for exchanging with a special prize (not shown) is installed on the prize selection screen 1100, 1400, etc. of the prize display device 801, and the exchange to the special prize is input by the exchange button, and instead of step 1504, The information of the special prize to be exchanged is sent to the prize management device 101, and instead of step 607, the number of game media necessary for exchanging the special prize is subtracted from the number of exchangeable game media, and the number of remaining exchangeable game media is obtained. calculate.

  Note that the time when the store clerk delivers the prize to the player is not given immediately before the prize processing is ended, as described above, but the type and number of prizes input in step 1503 are given to the prize management device 101. At the time of input, the store clerk may give the input prize to the player.

  In this embodiment, a device for automatically throwing out a prize selected by the player is connected to the prize management device 101 or the LAN 105, and when the store clerk delivers the prize to the player, the prize is automatically sent from the device. You may make it throw out.

  The prize exchange system 800 may be configured with a prize display device 801, a prize management device 101, a database 103, and a LAN 105 as shown in FIG. 17 without providing the prize display shelf 102.

  FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram showing a connection of a prize exchange system 1700 configured with a prize display device 801, a prize management device 101, a database 103, and a LAN 105.

  A free gift exchange system 1700 is a free gift exchange system to which the present invention is applied by removing the free gift display shelf 102 from the free gift exchange system 800. The functions of the free gift management device 101, free gift display device 801, database 103, and LAN 105 are free gift exchange systems. The description is omitted because it is the same as 800.

  Further, the prize exchange process performed in the prize exchange system 1700 is the same as the process in which the electronic price tag is removed from the prize exchange system 800, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, a prize exchange system in which a prize exchange process is performed by one player without a store clerk will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing the connection of the prize exchange system 1800.

  In the prize exchange system 1800, a prize exchange accepting apparatus 1801 and a selected prize dispensing apparatus 1802 having a function of automatically dispensing prizes are connected to the LAN 105 laid in the game hall.

  The gift exchange receiving apparatus 1801 will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the prize exchange accepting apparatus 1801 is provided with a receipt insertion port 1803 into which a receipt describing the number of game media is inserted by a player.

  FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the gift exchange accepting apparatus 1801.

  The prize exchange acceptance device 1801 includes a count receipt reading unit 1901 for reading receipts inserted by a player, a display / operation unit 1902 for displaying information associated with prize exchange and performing operations associated with prize exchange on a touch panel type, and reading with a receipt. A storage unit 1903 for storing the number of game media and the like; a determination / calculation unit 1904 for determining whether each prize can be exchanged based on the number of exchangeable game media; , A database 1905 for storing free gift information such as the number of stocks, a journal issuing unit 1906 for issuing a total of various managed data, a speaker 1907 for sounding a sound effect due to a button operation or an operation error, and a selected free gift dispensing device A communication interface unit 1908 for exchanging information with the LAN 1802 and the like 1802 A power supply unit 1909 for supplying power to 01, a receipt insertion port 1803 for inserting a receipt in which a player describes information such as the number of game media, and other components in the prize accepting device are connected to each other. It comprises a control unit 1910 for controlling.

  Next, the database 1905 in the giveaway exchange accepting apparatus 1801 will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

  FIG. 20 is a table showing data contents stored in the database 1905 in the giveaway exchange accepting apparatus 1801.

  The contents stored in the database 1905 store premium images of each premium in addition to the contents of the database 103 shown in FIG.

  The database 1905 includes a column 2001 in which the premium image of each premium is stored in addition to the premium code, classification, premium name, unit price, price tag ID, and inventory quantity of each premium, which are the contents of the database 103 shown in FIG. Exists.

  The prize image stored in the column 2001 in which the prize image is stored is used for displaying each prize on a prize selection screen on which a player selects a prize.

  For example, it is used as shown in an image diagram 1401 of the prize selection screen 1400 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the selected prize dispensing device 1802.

  The selected prize dispensing device 1802 includes a prize storage unit 2101 for storing a prize to be thrown out, a prize projecting part 2102 for projecting a prize from the prize storage part 2101 to the prize receiving port 1804 shown in FIG. 18, and a prize storage part 2101. The power is supplied to the stock quantity counting unit 2103 for counting the number of stocks of prizes stored in the product, the communication interface unit 2104 for exchanging information with the prize exchange accepting device 1801 and the like via the LAN 105, and the selected prize giving device 1802. And a control unit 2106 that is connected to each component in the selected prize dispensing device 1802 and controls each component.

  The selected prize dispensing device 1802 has a function of throwing out only the quantity designated by the prize exchange accepting apparatus 1801 by diverting various vending machines such as a cigarette vending machine, a beverage vending machine, and a general-purpose vending machine. Have.

  Next, processing performed when the game medium acquired by the player is exchanged for a prize in the prize exchange system 1800 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow performed in the prize exchange system 1800 when a player exchanges for a prize.

  Since the flowchart shown in FIG. 22 includes many of the same processing steps as those shown in FIG. 6 referred to in the first embodiment, the same processing steps are denoted by the same reference numerals (604, 605, 607, 612, 613) A simple description will be given, and different processing steps will be given new reference numerals (2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2208).

  First, the player who has acquired the game medium counts the acquired game medium with a ball / medal counter (not shown) as in the first embodiment, and receives a receipt in which the number of game media is described as a barcode.

  Then, the player inserts the received receipt into the receipt insertion port 1803 of the prize exchange receiving device 1801.

  Receipts inserted by the player are read by the counting receipt reading unit 1901 (step 2201), and the number of exchangeable game media and the medium type are stored in the storage unit 1903, with the number of game media read from the receipt as the number of exchangeable game media. (Step 2202).

  When step 2202 ends, the number of exchangeable game media stored in the storage unit 1903 and the media type are used to determine whether each premium stored in the database 1905 can be exchanged, and the number of exchangeable premiums is calculated. If possible, a process of displaying “exchange ○” and the number of exchangeable prizes on the prize selection screen displayed on the operation / display unit 1902, and displaying “exchange x” if the exchange is impossible (process in the subroutine of step 2203) ) Is performed.

  Here, the processing in the subroutine of step 2203 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing flow in the subroutine of step 2203 in FIG.

  First, the determination of whether or not one prize can be exchanged and the calculation of the number of exchangeable prizes will be described.

  With respect to the prize stored in the storage unit 1903, the determination / calculation unit 1904 determines whether the exchange is possible using the number of exchangeable game media stored in the storage unit 1903 in step 2202 and the unit price stored in the database 1905. The number of exchangeable prizes is calculated (step 2301).

  In other words, if the number of exchangeable game media is equal to or higher than the unit price and the stock quantity is 1 or more, it is determined that the exchange is possible. The number of exchangeable prizes is calculated by dividing the number of exchangeable game media by the unit price. The number of exchangeable prizes for the time being quotient.

  If it is determined that the prize cannot be exchanged (NO in step 2302), “exchange x” is displayed on the prize selection screen (step 2303).

  If it is determined that the prize can be exchanged (YES in Step 2302), the number of exchangeable prizes calculated in Step 2301 is compared with the stock quantity of the prize stored in the storage unit 1903 (Step Step). 2304).

  If the number of prizes in stock is less than the number of exchangeable prizes calculated in step 2301 (NO in step 2304), the number of stocks is determined as the number of exchangeable prizes (step 2305), and the prize selection screen is determined in step 2305. The number of exchangeable prizes received and “exchange ○” are displayed (step 2306).

  As a result of the comparison in step 2304, if the number of prizes in stock is greater than or equal to the number of exchangeable prizes calculated in step 2301 (YES in step 2304), the prize is equivalent to the number of exchangeable prizes. Therefore, “exchange ○” and the number of exchangeable prizes calculated in step 2301 are displayed on the prize selection screen (step 2306).

  As described above, the processing from Step 2301 to Step 2306 is performed for all the prizes stored in the storage unit 1903.

  When it is determined in step 2203 whether or not each prize can be exchanged and the number of exchangeable prizes is calculated, the player can select which prize can be exchanged and how many can be exchanged on the display / operation unit 1902 for a prize selection screen. You can check at a glance.

  The prize selection screen displayed on the display / operation unit 1902 is the prize selection screen 1400 shown in FIG.

  When the exchangeable / unusable number of each prize and the number of exchangeable prizes are displayed on the prize selection screen 1400, it is next determined whether or not the number of exchangeable game media is less than a certain number (the unit price of the cheapest prize). A determination is made (step 604).

  If the number of exchangeable game media is less than a certain number (YES in step 604), it is determined that the number of exchangeable game media is insufficient and cannot be exchanged for a prize, and the prize exchange process is terminated.

  If the number of exchangeable game media is not less than a certain number (NO in step 604), the player selects whether to continue the prize exchange process (step 605).

  If the player chooses not to continue the prize exchange process (NO in step 605), a receipt describing the number of exchangeable game media at that time and the medium type is issued (step 612). The exchange process ends.

  If the player selects to continue the prize exchange process in step 605 (YES in step 605), the prize selection screen displayed on the touch panel type display / operation unit 1902 of the prize exchange acceptance device 1801 by the player On 1400, a prize to be exchanged is input (step 2204).

  The method for inputting the prize to be exchanged on the prize selection screen 1400 is the same as the method described in the second embodiment, and therefore the description in this embodiment is omitted to avoid duplication.

  In step 2204, when the player inputs the type and number of prizes to be exchanged, the number of game media necessary to exchange the inputted prizes is subtracted from the number of exchangeable game media, and the remaining exchangeable game media. A number is calculated (step 607).

  When the number of remaining exchangeable game media is calculated, the number of remaining exchangeable game media is stored in the storage unit 1903 as the number of exchangeable game media (step 2208).

  Next, for the prize input in step 2204, the number of prizes input in step 2204 is subtracted from the inventory quantity stored in the database 1905 to calculate the inventory quantity for the prize (step 2205). ).

  Then, the stock quantity calculated in step 2205 is overwritten and stored in the database 1905 as the new stock quantity of the prize input in step 2204 (step 2206).

  When the number of stocks is overwritten and stored in step 2206, the determination / calculation unit 1604 determines whether or not each prize stored in the database 1905 can be replaced with the number of exchangeable game media stored in step 2208. For exchangeable prizes, the number of exchangeable prizes is calculated, and “exchange ○” is displayed on the prize selection screen 1400. The number of exchangeable prizes is displayed on the prize selection screen 1400. Is displayed (processing in the subroutine of step 2203).

  Since the processing in the subroutine of step 2203 has been described, description thereof is omitted.

  When step 2203 is completed and whether or not each prize can be exchanged and the number of exchangeable prizes are displayed on the prize selection screen 1400, it is next confirmed whether or not the number of exchangeable game media is less than a certain number (step). 604).

  If the number of exchangeable game media is less than a certain number in step 604 (YES in step 604), it is determined that there is not enough exchangeable game media to be exchanged for a prize, and input in step 2204. The selected prize is dispensed from the selected prize dispensing device 1802 (step 2207), and the prize exchange process is terminated.

  If the number of exchangeable game media is not less than a certain number in step 604 (NO in step 604), the player then selects whether or not to continue to exchange prizes (step 605). When it is selected not to continue the prize exchange (NO in step 605), a receipt in which the number of exchangeable game media and the media type are described is issued from a receipt issuing port (not shown) (step 612) and input in step 2204. The given prize is thrown into the prize receiving port 1804 of the selected prize dispensing device 1802 (step 2207), and the prize exchange process is ended.

  When it is selected by the player to continue the prize exchange (YES in step 605), the processes in steps 2204, 607, 2208, 2205, 2206, and 2203 are performed in order.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the number of exchangeable game media is less than a certain number (step 604).

  When the exchange of the prizes to be exchanged is repeated, the number of exchangeable game media decreases by the quantity of exchange prizes. Therefore, when the number of exchangeable game media becomes less than a certain number at the end of step 2203 (in step 604). YES), the control unit 1910 determines that exchanging for a prize is impossible, throws the prize input in step 2204 from the selected prize throwing device 1802 (step 2207), and the prize exchanging process ends.

  If the number of exchangeable game media is not less than a certain number (NO in Step 604), Steps 605, 2204, 607, 2208, 2205, 2206, 2203 until the number of exchangeable game media becomes less than a certain number. Are performed in order.

  Then, when the number of exchangeable game media becomes less than a certain number, the prize input in Step 2204 is thrown out from the selected prize throwing device 1802 (Step 2207), and the prize exchange process is ended.

  Even if the number of exchangeable game media does not become less than a certain number, if the player selects not to continue exchanging prizes in step 605, a receipt describing the number of exchangeable game media, the media type, etc. Is issued from a receipt issuing port (not shown) (step 612), the prize input in step 2204 is dispensed from the selected prize dispensing device 1802 (step 2207), and the prize exchange process is terminated.

  The prize exchange system 1800 may have a configuration in which not only the selected prize throwing apparatus 1802 but also a special prize throwing apparatus dedicated to special prizes (not shown) that can automatically throw out special prizes is provided.

  When the prize exchange system dedicated to special prizes is added to the prize exchange system 1800, the prize exchange screen 1400 displayed on the display / operation unit 1902 of the prize exchange acceptance apparatus 1801 is exchanged for a special prize (not shown). An exchange button is arranged.

  Note that the method of inputting the number of game media acquired by the player into the prize exchange receiving apparatus 1801 is not only a method of reading a receipt in which the number of game media is described as a barcode, but also in the prize exchange system 1800. There is a method in which the store clerk manually inputs the number of game media acquired by the player using a keyboard or the like to the prize exchange receiving device 1801, or a terminal controller (not shown) that controls and controls the entire game system. The player can communicate with the prize exchange accepting apparatus 1801 by way of, for example, and the player inserts the member card into a member card insertion slot (not shown) of the prize exchange accepting apparatus 1801, and a member card reading unit (not shown) The control unit 1910 inquires the terminal controller for member information, It acquires the game medium speed and medium type technique customer won, the storage unit 1903 may be a method of storing.

  When a membership card is used, if the player selects not to continue the prize exchange in step 605 in the prize exchange process of this embodiment, instead of issuing a receipt (step 612). The remaining number of exchangeable game media is stored in the portion of the terminal controller where the member information is grasped, the prize input in step 2204 is thrown out from the selected prize throwing device 1802, and the member card is given as a prize. It is returned from a member card return port (not shown) of the exchange accepting apparatus 1801, and the prize exchange process ends.

  The database 1905 for storing the prize information is not installed inside the prize exchange accepting apparatus 1801, but is installed outside the prize exchange accepting apparatus 1801, or a terminal controller (not shown) that controls and controls the entire game system. The database 1905 may be installed in the terminal controller by enabling communication with the gift exchange accepting apparatus 1801 via the LAN 105 or the like.

  It should be noted that when the prize is thrown out from the selected prize throwing apparatus 1802, the prize to be exchanged in step 2204 is input to the prize exchange accepting apparatus 1801 instead of being thrown out just before the prize exchange process is finished as described above. At this point, the input prize may be thrown out.

  The present invention can be used in a prize exchange system in which a game player exchanges game media for prizes in accordance with the number of game media acquired by gaming on a gaming machine.

  According to this invention, when a player exchanges game media for prizes, it is not necessary for the player himself to select a prize that can be exchanged by mental arithmetic, and which prize can be exchanged according to the number of exchangeable game media. You can make it easier for players to understand.

The block diagram which shows the connection of the prize exchange system 100. FIG. The block diagram which showed the external appearance of the electronic price tag 111. FIG. The block diagram which showed the internal structure of the electronic price tag 111. FIG. The block diagram which showed the internal structure of the free gift management apparatus 101. FIG. A table showing the contents of data stored in the database 103. The flowchart which showed the processing flow performed in the prize exchange system 100, when exchanging game media for prizes. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in a subroutine of Step 603 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. The block diagram which shows the connection of the prize exchange system 800. FIG. The block diagram which showed the internal structure of the prize display apparatus 801. FIG. The screen block diagram which shows the operation guidance screen 1000 displayed on the prize display apparatus 801. FIG. The screen block diagram which shows the prize selection screen 1100 displayed on the prize display apparatus 801. FIG. The screen block diagram of the classification | category list screen 1200 displayed on a prize selection screen and displayed when a prize classification | category is selected. The screen block diagram of the prize selection screen 1300 whose classification is a drink. The screen block diagram of the prize selection screen 1400 which displayed together the content displayed on the prize selection screen 1100 together with the image figure of a prize. The flowchart explaining the processing flow performed in the prize exchange system 800 when exchanging game media for prizes. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in a subroutine of step 1502 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 15. The block diagram which shows the connection of the prize exchange system 1700. FIG. The block diagram which shows the connection of the prize exchange system 1800. FIG. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the prize exchange reception apparatus 1801. FIG. The table | surface which showed the data content memorize | stored in the database 1905 in the free gift exchange reception apparatus 1801. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a selected prize dispensing device 1802. The flowchart explaining the processing flow performed in the prize exchange system 1800 when a player exchanges for a prize. The flowchart which shows the processing flow in the subroutine of step 2203 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Premium exchange system 101 Premium management apparatus 102 Premium display shelf 103 Database 104 Bar code reader 105 LAN
111, 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, 111e, 111f Electronic price tags 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126 Premium 202 Display unit 1
203 Display unit 2
800 free gift exchange system 801 free gift display device 1700 free gift exchange system 1800 free gift exchange system 1801 free gift exchange receiving device 1802 selected free gift dispensing device

Claims (8)

In the prize exchange system for exchanging game media with prizes according to the number of game media earned by the game player at the gaming machine,
Game medium number input means for inputting the number of game media;
Exchangeable game medium number storage means for storing the number of exchangeable game media that can be exchanged for prizes out of the number of game media input by the game medium number input means;
Storage means for storing a prize name and a unit price, which is the number of game media necessary for exchanging each prize, for each prize;
A prize selection means for selecting the name and number of prizes to be exchanged;
In the case of the first prize selection operation by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process performed with the number of game media input by the number of game media input means, the exchangeable game media stored in the exchangeable game media number storage means By subtracting the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize selected by the prize selection means from the number, the number of remaining exchangeable game media is calculated, and the prize selection means during the prize exchange process In the second and subsequent prize selection operations, the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize selected by the prize selection means from the number of remaining exchangeable game media obtained as a result of the subtraction based on the previous prize selection operation. The remaining exchangeable game medium number calculating means for calculating the remaining exchangeable game medium number by subtracting
Exchangeable game medium number updating means for overwriting and storing the remaining exchangeable game medium number calculated by the remaining exchangeable game medium number calculation means as the exchangeable game medium number stored in the exchangeable game medium number storage means;
In the case of the first prize selection operation by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process, the number of exchangeable game media stored in the exchangeable game medium number storage means, and the prize selection means during the prize exchange process In the case of the second and subsequent prize selection operations according to the above, the number of remaining exchangeable game media calculated by the remaining exchangeable game media number calculation means is used to determine whether or not each prize stored by the storage means can be exchanged. For possible prizes, a determination / calculation means for calculating the number of exchangeable prizes, which is the number of exchangeable prizes,
A prize exchange system comprising: an exchangeable prize display means for displaying the exchangeable prize name and the number of exchangeable prizes determined and calculated by the determination / calculation means. Select prize giving means for storing prizes stored in the storage means, and throwing out the designated prizes by the designated number of prizes based on a withdrawal instruction including a prize name and the number of prizes;
Holding means for holding a prize name and the number of prizes selected by the prize selection means;
And a payout instruction means for sending out a payout instruction including a prize name and the number of prizes held in the holding means to the selected prize payout means based on a predetermined prize payout instruction operation. Item 1. The prize exchange system according to item 1. In a prize exchange system in which a game medium is exchanged for a prize according to the number of game media acquired by a player on a gaming machine,
Exchangeable prize display device consisting of a plurality of electronic price tags and a prize management device that can be turned on or off and display the exchangeable number of each corresponding prize can be communicated with the prize management device Connected,
The giveaway management device includes:
Game medium number input means for inputting the number of game media;
Exchangeable game medium number storage means for storing the number of exchangeable game media calculated from the number of game media input by the game medium number input means;
A prize selection means for selecting the name and number of prizes to be exchanged;
The prize name, the unit price that is the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize with the prize name from the prize database registered in association with the type of prize and the number of exchanged game media necessary for exchanging the prize, and the prize A transmission means for extracting the number of stocks for each prize and sending it to the electronic price tag of each corresponding prize as prize information;
In the case of the first prize selection operation by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process performed with the number of game media input by the number of game media input means, the exchangeable game media stored in the exchangeable game media number storage means By subtracting the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize selected by the prize selection means from the number, the number of remaining exchangeable game media is calculated, and the prize selection means during the prize exchange process In the second and subsequent prize selection operations, the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize selected by the prize selection means from the number of remaining exchangeable game media obtained as a result of the subtraction based on the previous prize selection operation. The remaining exchangeable game medium number calculating means for calculating the remaining exchangeable game medium number by subtracting
Exchangeable game medium number updating means for overwriting and storing the remaining exchangeable game medium number calculated by the remaining exchangeable game medium number calculation means as the exchangeable game medium number stored in the exchangeable game medium number storage means;
In the case of the first prize selection operation by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process, the number of exchangeable game media stored in the exchangeable game medium number storage means, and the prize selection means during the prize exchange process A transmission means for transmitting the remaining exchangeable game medium number calculated by the remaining exchangeable game medium number calculation means to the electronic price tag in the case of the second and subsequent prize selection operation by
The electronic price tag is
Price tag content storage means for storing the premium information received from the premium management device;
Price tag content display means for displaying part or all of the premium information stored by the price tag content storage means;
By referring to the prize information according to the number of exchangeable game media received from the prize management device or the number of remaining exchangeable game media, it is determined whether or not the prize in which the electronic price tag is installed is exchangeable, If exchangeable, electronic price tag determination / calculation means for calculating the number of exchangeable prizes, which is the number of exchangeable prizes,
Display control means for changing the display unit from a light-off state to a lighting state and displaying the name of the prize and the number of exchangeable prizes on the display unit in accordance with the calculation of the exchangeable number of the prize by the electronic price tag determination / calculation means. A prize exchange system comprising: In a prize exchange system in which a game medium is exchanged for a prize according to the number of game media acquired by a player on a gaming machine,
A communicable connection between a free gift management device and a replaceable free gift display device,
The prize management device
Game medium number input means for inputting the number of game media;
Exchangeable game medium number storage means for storing the number of exchangeable game media calculated from the number of game media input by the game medium number input means;
A prize selection means for selecting the name and number of prizes to be exchanged;
In the case of the first prize selection operation by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process performed with the number of game media input by the number of game media input means, the exchangeable game media stored in the exchangeable game media number storage means By subtracting the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize selected by the prize selection means from the number, the number of remaining exchangeable game media is calculated, and the prize selection means during the prize exchange process In the second and subsequent prize selection operations, the number of game media necessary for exchanging the prize selected by the prize selection means from the number of remaining exchangeable game media obtained as a result of the subtraction based on the previous prize selection operation. The remaining exchangeable game medium number calculating means for calculating the remaining exchangeable game medium number by subtracting
Exchangeable game medium number updating means for overwriting and storing the remaining exchangeable game medium number calculated by the remaining exchangeable game medium number calculation means as the exchangeable game medium number stored in the exchangeable game medium number storage means;
In the case of the first prize selection operation by the prize selection means during the prize exchange process, the number of exchangeable game media stored in the exchangeable game medium number storage means, and the prize selection means during the prize exchange process In the case of the second and subsequent prize selection operation according to, the exchange prize calculation means for calculating the exchangeable prize name and the number of exchangeable prizes based on the number of remaining exchangeable game media calculated by the remaining exchangeable game medium calculation means. ,
Transmission means for transmitting the exchangeable prize name and the number of exchangeable prizes calculated by the exchange prize calculation means to the exchangeable prize display device;
The replaceable prize display device is:
An exchange that displays the exchangeable prize name and the number of exchangeable prizes in an identifiable manner based on the exchangeable prize name and the exchangeable prize number received from the prize management apparatus. A prize exchange system comprising: a possible prize display means. The replaceable prize display device is:
It consists of a plurality of electronic price tags that are provided corresponding to each prize, can be turned on or off, and have a display section that displays the number of exchangeable prizes for each corresponding prize,
The giveaway management device includes:
For each prize, a prize name and the unit price, which is the number of game media necessary for exchange for a prize having the prize name, from a prize database registered in association with the type of prize and the number of exchanged game media necessary for exchanging the prize for each prize. A prize information transmitting means for extracting the information to the electronic price tag of each corresponding prize as prize information;
The transmission means for transmitting the exchangeable prize name and the number of exchangeable prizes calculated by the exchange prize calculation means to the electronic price tag corresponding to each prize, respectively,
Each electronic price tag is
Storage means for storing free gift information of the corresponding free gift received from the free gift management device;
Display control means for changing the display unit from a light-off state to a light-on state and displaying the number of replaceable premiums on the display unit in response to reception of the number of exchangeable prizes related to the corresponding prize from the prize management device. The premium exchange system according to claim 4, wherein: The replaceable prize display device is:
A display section for displaying a list of prizes including a prize name, information indicating whether exchange is possible, and the number of exchangeable prizes for each prize;
Based on the exchangeable prize name and the number of exchangeable prizes received from the prize management device, the exchangeable information and the number of exchangeable prizes in the prize list displayed in the list are displayed as the prize name and exchange. 5. The prize exchange system according to claim 4, further comprising: a dedicated display device having display control means for updating and displaying the number of possible prizes. The replaceable prize display device is:
The display unit comprising a touch panel;
Accepting means for accepting selection of the prize in response to a touch on the exchangeable prize displayed on the touch panel;
Transmission means for transmitting information on the prize accepted by the accepting means to the prize management device;
The giveaway management device includes:
The prize exchange system according to claim 6, further comprising the prize selection means for accepting selection of the prize and the number of prizes based on the selected prize information received from the exchangeable prize display device. The selected prize giving device that accommodates the prizes registered in the prize database, and throws out the designated prizes by the designated number of prizes based on the payout instruction including the prize name and the number of prizes, and the prize management apparatus Connected to be communicable,
The giveaway management device includes:
Holding means for holding a prize name and the number of prizes selected by the prize selection means;
And a payout instruction means for sending out a payout instruction including a prize name and the number of prizes held in the holding means to the selected prize dispensing device based on a predetermined prize payout instruction operation. Item 8. The prize exchange system according to any one of Items 3 to 7.

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