JP2022132451A - Each machine device and method for managing number of game media - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To match the number of possessed game media to a desired value of a game customer by simple operation.

SOLUTION: An inter-machine card processor 10 disposed side by side with a sealed game machine 20 sets a target value of owned balls and can shift surplus owned balls to the number of playable games of the game machine 20 when the number of owned balls exceeds the target value. In Fig. 1, the inter-machine card processor 10 sets a target value of owned balls to "500" by operation of a game customer (S1). When the number of owned balls is "2000", the inter-machine card processor 10 shifts the surplus "1500" to the number of playable games of the game machine 20 (S2), and adjusts the number of owned balls of the inter-machine card processor 10 to the target value "500".

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a game medium number management method and a game medium count management method that is installed in association with a game machine that performs a game using a game medium enclosed therein and performs processing related to the game medium.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, amusement arcades provide games through game media. For example, in a pachinko game, game balls are used as game media, and the game is played by hitting the game balls onto the game board surface. A plurality of prize-winning areas (award-winning openings) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined number of game balls are provided as prize balls based on the game balls passing through the prize-winning areas. In this way, the number of game media increases or decreases depending on the result of the game, and the player can exchange the obtained game media for prizes.

In order to facilitate the handling of acquired game media, each machine attached to the gaming machine is provided with a function of counting game media, and the counted number of game media is associated with a card as the number of game media. ing. By presenting this card at the prize counter, the player can exchange it for prizes according to the number of associated game media.

Here, there is a demand to set the number of game media associated with a card to a desired value. For example, such a request arises when the player wants to leave the number of game media required for exchange with a desired prize and use up the remainder in the game, or when he wants to manage the results of his own game. For this reason, each machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 compares the number of game media held with a target value and notifies the player of the result. Specifically, if the number of owned game media exceeds the target value, a notification is issued to prompt the payout operation of the owned game media. When the number matches the target value, that effect is notified.

In addition, recently, problems with brought-in balls from other stores and brought-in balls between different lending rates have become apparent, and therefore, attention is being paid to closed-type gaming machines that do not generate such brought-in balls. Enclosed-type gaming machines have a structure in which players do not touch game media, and the number of game media that can be shot (hereinafter referred to as the number of possible games) is managed as data (see, for example, Patent Document 2). .).

In each machine attached to such an enclosed type game machine, the number of game media is transmitted to the game machine as data instead of being controlled so that the game medium itself or the game machine pays out the actual game medium. Become. Also, when the game ends, each machine acquires the number of possible games from the gaming machine and adds it to the number of game media possessed. The operation of each machine acquiring the number of playable games from the gaming machine and adding it to the game media possessed corresponds to the operation of counting the game media, and is henceforth referred to as a counting operation in this specification.

JP 2017-093933 A JP-A-2002-233635

However, the conventional technique represented by Patent Document 1 has a problem that the operation for the player to set the number of game media to a desired value is complicated. Specifically, in the conventional technology, when the number of playing media exceeds the target value, the number of playing media is reduced to the target value by repeating the replay operation of paying out a predetermined number of playing media. had to match. In addition, since there is a limit to the number of game media that can be held on the upper tray of the gaming machine, the game media cannot be paid out sufficiently depending on the difference between the number of game media held and the target value. could not meet the target value.

For these reasons, it has become an important issue how to match the number of game media to the player's desired value with a simple operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an apparatus for each machine and a method for managing the number of game media that can match the number of game media possessed by a player with a desired value by a simple operation. intended to

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a game machine that is installed in association with a game machine that performs a game using a game medium enclosed therein, and that performs processing related to the game medium. a game medium number storage unit for storing the number of game media acquired by a player through a game as a game medium number; a target value setting unit for setting a target value for the number of game media; is not set, the number of game media managed by the game machine, which is the number of game media managed by the game machine, is set to a predetermined number of the number of game media stored in the number of game media storage unit When the target value is set and the number of possessed game media stored in the number of possessed game media storage unit exceeds the target value, the number of possessed game media in excess of the target value is set. and a second transition processing unit that shifts the number of media to the number of gaming machine management media.
In the present invention, in the above invention, when the target value is set, the second transition processing unit causes the number of game media stored in the number-of-game-media storage unit to exceed the target value. If so, it is characterized in that the excess number of owned game media is transferred to the number of gaming machine management media without replaying the number of owned game media.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, the second transfer processing unit performs a counting process for transferring the number of gaming machine management media to the number of playing media, and as a result, the number of playing media is equal to the target value. is exceeded, the excess number of game media possessed is transferred to the number of gaming machine management media.

In the present invention, in the above invention, the second transition processing unit performs the counting process when the number of game media stored in the number-of-game-mediums storage unit is less than the target value. characterized by waiting until

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the second transition processing unit notifies to prompt the counting process when the number of game media stored in the number-of-game-media storage unit is less than the target value. is characterized by executing

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, when the second transition processing unit receives a predetermined release operation or discharges the number of game media in association with a predetermined storage medium, the target value is characterized by canceling the setting of

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the second transition means cancels the setting of the target value when the number of game media stored in the number-of-game-media storage unit matches the target value. It is characterized by

The present invention also provides a method for managing the number of game media by each machine installed in association with a game machine that performs a game using a game medium enclosed therein and performing processing related to the game medium, comprising: a game medium number storage step of storing the number of game media acquired by the customer through the game as the game medium number in a game medium number storage unit; a target value setting step of setting the target value of the game medium number; A gaming machine management medium, which is the number of game media managed by the gaming machine when a target value is not set, a predetermined number of the number of owned game media stored in the storage unit for the number of owned game media If the number of owned game media stored in the number-of-game-medium storage unit exceeds the target value when the target value is set, the excess number of owned-game media is transferred to the game media. and a transition processing step for transitioning to the number of machine management media.

According to the present invention, the number of game media in possession can be adjusted to the value desired by the player with a simple operation.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of each machine device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the game parlor. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine and the gaming machine. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine and the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the inter-machine card processing machine. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the exactly held ball mode by the inter-machine card processing machine. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of the operation of the perfect ball mode. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of adjustment of stored balls and automatic payout.

Preferred embodiments of each machine device and game medium count management method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this specification, "balls in possession" refers to game media acquired by a player in a game or data indicating the number of such game media, which can be used again in the game only during the day (time before the store closes). Say what you can. Accumulated balls refer to game media acquired by a player in a game or data indicating the number of such game media, which can be used again in a game from the next day onwards (hours after the store closes). Possessed balls can be used by both general players and member players, and are used when the gaming machine used for the game is changed (so-called machine movement). The accumulated balls are normally usable only by the member players, and are used when the obtained game media are used in the game from the next day onwards. A predetermined fee may be charged for use of accumulated balls.

First, the concept of each machine device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of each machine device according to the present embodiment. A plurality of game machines 20 are installed in the game parlor, and each game machine 20 is provided with an inter-machine card processing machine 10 which is a device for each machine.

The gaming machine 20 is an enclosed gaming machine having a structure in which a player does not touch the game balls, which are game media, and manages the number of game balls that can be shot as the playable number. A large number of obstacle nails are planted on the game board surface of the game machine 20, and the game balls shot to the game board surface by operating the handle fall between the obstacle nails and enter the winning opening and the starting opening. Alternatively, it is discharged outside the game board surface from the out port of the game board surface without winning. The game balls ejected from the game board surface are conveyed inside the game machine 20 and used for shooting again.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 is a device for each machine that executes processing such as acceptance of deposit and lending of game balls. The lending of game balls is performed by adding the playable number of the game machine 20 instead of putting out the game balls in kind. Similarly, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls held and adds a predetermined number to the number of possible games when the player performs a replay operation of the balls held. Further, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can count the number of game balls by transferring the number of possible games managed by the gaming machine 20 to the owned balls managed by its own device.

Further, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can set a target value for the number of balls held, and when the number of balls exceeds the target value, the excess balls can be transferred to the playable number. In FIG. 1, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sets the target value of the number of balls held to "500" by the player's operation (S1). If the number of balls held at this time is "2000", the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shifts the excess "1500" to the playable number of the gaming machine 20 (S2). Adjust the number of balls to the target value of "500".

Thus, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is installed in association with the enclosed type gaming machine 20, stores the game balls acquired by the player through the game as possession balls, and sets the target value of the possession balls. , when the number of balls exceeds the target value, the excess number of balls can be transferred to the playable number of the gaming machine 20.例文帳に追加For this reason, the player can adjust the number of balls possessed to the desired value only by setting the desired target value.

Next, the system configuration of the game parlor will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the game parlor. As shown in FIG. 2, the game parlor is provided with a plurality of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processors 10 provided corresponding to the respective gaming machines 20 . The inter-machine card processing machine 10 is connected via an island controller 30 to a communication line, which is a network within the store. An island controller 30, a card management device 40, a member management device 50, a prize management device 60, and a payment machine 80 are connected to the communication line.

The gaming machine 20 is a device for playing a game by hitting game balls enclosed inside the device onto a game board surface. A plurality of winning areas (award winning openings) are provided on the game board surface of the gaming machine 20, and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls based on the game balls passing through the winning areas. It's becoming A predetermined number of starting areas (starting openings) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is conducted based on the passage of game balls through the starting areas. If the lottery results in a big hit, an operation that is advantageous in terms of the game is performed by operating a predetermined movable member, etc., such as improving the probability of the game ball passing through the winning area or another starting area. It should be noted that it is also possible to provide an area that serves as both the starting area and the winning area.

The winning area is provided with a winning sensor for detecting the passage of game balls into the winning area. It's becoming In addition, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize memory for storing the number of game balls to be awarded as prize balls for each prize area, and a playable number memory for indicating the number of balls that a player can throw out. there is

Therefore, when the winning sensor detects that the hit game balls have passed through the specific winning area, the gaming machine 20 determines from the stored contents of the winning ball memory and the number of game balls that have passed through the winning area. It is possible to determine the number of prize balls and perform payout processing for the determined number of prize balls.

In the enclosed type gaming machine 20, the process of paying out the number of prize balls is performed by adding the number of prize balls to the number of possible games stored in the memory for the number of possible games to update the stored contents. When the number of possible games is transferred as the number of balls held by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the number of possible games held in the memory for the number of possible games is notified to the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the number of possible games is transferred. to zero. Further, when receiving notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of addition of the number of possible games by a ball lending operation or the like, the notified number of balls is added to the number of possible games to update the stored contents.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts deposits, lends out game balls, communicates with the card management device 40 , and communicates with the gaming machine 20 . When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the banknotes inserted by the player, it transmits payment notification data including the amount of the banknotes to the card management device 40, and stores the amount in the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Add the number corresponding to When a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, a ball lending request is transmitted to the card management device 40, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is subtracted, and the number of games corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value is played. Payout processing of balls is performed.

In the enclosed type game machine 20, the game ball payout process based on the ball lending is performed by notifying the game machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value and adding it to the number of possible games.

Further, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40 when the insertion of the card is accepted. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives data including the prepaid value, the number of owned balls, and the number of accumulated balls from the card management device 40, it stores the received prepaid value, the number of owned balls, and the number of accumulated balls. After storing the number of balls held, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits the ball possession subtraction request data to the card management device 40, thereby setting the number of balls managed by the card management device 40 to zero. clear.

In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the replay operation of the owned balls, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of owned balls stored in its own device, and pays out a number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of owned balls. conduct. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the stored ball replay operation, it transmits stored ball replay request data to the card management device 40, thereby subtracting a predetermined number from the number of stored balls managed by the member management device 50. Then, the payout process of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted stored number of balls is performed. The game ball payout process based on the replay of the owned balls and the replay of the stored balls is also performed by notifying the gaming machine 20 of the corresponding number and adding it to the playable number.

Further, when receiving the card return operation, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits to the card management device 40 ball-in-hand addition request data including the number of balls-in-hand managed by itself, After adding the number, the card ejection notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40 to control card ejection. It should be noted that it is preferable that the discharge control of the card is performed on the condition that the number of possible games of the gaming machine 20 is zero.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 also has a function of acquiring a gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 and authenticating the gaming machine 20 using the acquired gaming machine ID and the authentication key received from the card management device 40 . have. This authentication is performed at the time of the opening process or the like, and the gaming machine 20 is allowed to play on condition that the authentication is successful.

The island controller 30 is a relay device for bundling a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10 provided on a game island.

The card management device 40 is a device that manages the prepaid value of the card, the number of balls held, etc. as card data. Upon receiving the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processor 10, the card management device 40 associates the card ID of the inserted card with the device ID of the inter-machine card processor 10 and manages the card ID. to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Further, when the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data is the card ID of the membership card, the card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data to the membership management device 50 and receives the card insertion notification data from the membership management device 50. The accumulated ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball-on-hand subtraction request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the number of balls-on-hand to zero. Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball-in-hand addition request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the number of balls-in-hand included in the ball-in-hand addition request data is changed to the number of balls-in-hand managed by the card management device 40. to add.

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball lending request data from the inter-machine card processor 10, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID, and transfers the ball lending permission data to the inter-machine card processor 10. Send to When the accumulated ball replay request data is received, the accumulated ball replay request data is transmitted to the member management device 50, and when the member management device 50 outputs the accumulated ball replay data, the accumulated ball replay data is sent to the machine. Send to card processing machine 10 .

Further, when the card ID is received from the prize management device 60, the card management device 40 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls associated with the card ID. Furthermore, when the card ID is received from the payment machine 80, the payment machine 80 is notified of the prepaid value associated with this card ID.

Also, the card management device 40 acquires the gaming machine ID from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and manages the gaming machines 20 installed in its own shop. Then, an authentication key for authenticating the game machine 20 set in the own store is acquired from an authentication key management center outside the game store, and distributed to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加

The member management device 50 is a management device that manages member management data of members registered as members of the amusement arcade. Specifically, the number of stored balls, the number of points, the personal identification number, the name, etc. are managed in association with the membership card ID issued to the member.

When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 generates accumulated ball replay data including the number of accumulated balls and a password associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data. It is transmitted to the interim card processing machine 10 . When the member management device 50 receives the accumulated ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number from the number of accumulated balls associated with the card ID indicated in the accumulated ball replay request data, Collected ball replay data including the number of accumulated balls after subtraction is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加Communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the member management device 50 is performed via the card management device 40 .

Further, when the member management device 50 receives an inquiry about the number of stored balls from the prize management device 60, the member management device 50 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of stored balls corresponding to the designated card ID.

The prize management device 60 is a prize exchange terminal installed at a prize exchange counter in the amusement arcade, and performs prize exchange processing for exchanging acquired balls, the number of stored balls, and the number of owned balls for prizes. A card reader for reading a card ID from a card and a prize payout device for paying out prizes are connected to the prize management device 60 . When the prize management device 60 reads a card ID from a general card or a membership card (or reads identification data corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal or the like), the prize management device 60 transmits the card ID to the card management device 40. to request the number of balls possessed by the card ID. When exchanging the number of accumulated balls for a prize, the number of accumulated balls is requested from the member management device 50 .

When the card associated with the prepaid value is inserted, the fare adjustment machine 80 transmits the card ID of this card to the card management device 40 and receives the response data to acquire the prepaid value associated with the card. and pays out money according to the acquired prepaid value.

Next, the ball lending process of the gaming system shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. When a player performs a ball lending operation to the inter-machine card processor 10, the inter-machine card processor 10 transmits ball lending request data to the card management device 40. - 特許庁This ball lending request data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and an address or arbitrary identification data for specifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender.

Upon receiving the ball lending request data, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID of the ball lending request data. Then, the card management device 40 transmits ball lending permission data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 as the transmission source. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission data performs payout processing of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

Next, a description will be given of the ball replay process when the ball is replayed in the gaming system shown in FIG. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40 when the insertion of a general card or a membership card is accepted. This card insertion notification data consists of the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification data specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the inter-machine card processor. and data to specify the 10 rates.

When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processor 10, the card management device 40 sends the inter-machine card processor 10 the number of balls at each rate associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data. Notice.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the number of balls received from the card management device 40 . Then, it transmits to the card management device 40 the card ID, the data specifying the rate, and the ball-on-hand subtraction request data indicating that the number of balls on hand is to be cleared to zero. Upon receiving the ball-on-hand subtraction request data, the card management device 40 clears the number of balls on each rate specified by the card ID to zero. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the replay operation of the balls and replays the balls, the card processing machine 10 subtracts a predetermined number from the stored number of the balls and performs payout processing of the corresponding number of the game balls. . Here, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is permitted to replay the number of balls owned by using the number of balls owned other than the rate of the machine itself when there is a number of balls owned other than the rate of the machine itself. When the setting is made, according to the player's operation, the number of owned balls other than the rate of the own machine can be converted into the number of owned balls of the rate of the own machine and replay can be performed. Here, assuming that the unit price for one game medium at another rate is A and the unit price for the rate of the player's own machine is B, the X balls possessed at the other rate are subtracted to process X×(A/B) payouts. It can be performed.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives from the gaming machine 20 the management transfer request data for transferring the management by setting the number of playable games of the game machine 20 as the balls possessed by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the management transfer is performed. The number of possible games indicated in the request data is added to the number of balls possessed by the own device. After that, when the card return operation is accepted, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits ball possession addition request data to the card management device 40 . This ball-in-hand addition request data includes the card ID of the card to be returned, an address or arbitrary identification data specifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and the number of balls in each rate. .

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits ball-in-hand addition request data to the card management device 40 when the card return operation is accepted. This ball-in-hand addition request data includes the card ID of the card to be returned, an address or arbitrary identification data specifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and the number of balls in each rate. .

When receiving the ball-in-hand addition request data, the card management device 40 adds the number of balls-in-hand contained in the ball-in-hand addition request data to the number of balls-in-hand for each rate associated with the card ID. After that, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits card ejection notification data to the card management device 40 .

Next, the stored ball replay processing in the gaming system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40 when the card ID is read from the member card or the mobile terminal that can be used as the member card. This card insertion notification data consists of the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification data specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the inter-machine card processor. and data to specify the 10 rates.

The card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 to the member management device 50 . When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data, the personal identification number associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data and the number of accumulated balls at the rate specified by the card insertion notification data. Then, stored ball replay data including the number of possible replays of stored balls is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. - 特許庁The number of possible replays of accumulated balls indicates the number of times that accumulated balls can be replayed, and corresponds to the quotient obtained by dividing the number of accumulated balls by the number of payout units of game balls in the replay of accumulated balls. However, when an upper limit is set for replaying accumulated balls, the number of possible replays for accumulated balls is limited by this upper limit.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the received ball replay data, and makes it possible to accept the accumulated ball replay operation when the number of possible ball replays indicated in the accumulated ball replay data is 1 or more.

After storing the accumulated ball replay data, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 requests the player to enter a personal identification number when receiving the accumulated ball replay operation for the first time. It is determined whether or not it matches the personal identification number shown in .

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits accumulated ball replay request data to the card management device 40 when the personal identification numbers match. This stored ball replay request data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification data specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the inter-machine card processing data. data for specifying the rate of aircraft 10;

The card management device 40 transmits accumulated ball replay request data to the member management device 50 . Upon receiving the accumulated ball replay request data, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of the accumulated balls at the rate specified by the electronic message among the accumulated balls associated with the card ID in the accumulated ball replay request data. and recalculate the number of possible replays of accumulated balls. Then, stored ball replay data including the balance after the subtraction and the possible number of stored ball replays are transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 .

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 updates the number of stored balls to be stored, and performs payout processing for the number of game balls corresponding to the number of payout units for replaying the stored balls. Here, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is set to permit replaying of accumulated balls using the number of stored balls other than the rate of the own machine when there is a number of stored balls other than the rate of the own machine. In this case, the number of accumulated balls other than the rate of the own machine can be converted into the number of accumulated balls of the rate of the own machine according to the operation of the player, and the number of accumulated balls can be replayed, as in the case of replaying the balls held. can. In addition, after the payout process, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 determines whether or not the number of possible replays of stored balls after updating is one or more. If the number of possible replays of accumulated balls is 0, the operation of replaying accumulated balls is not accepted. If the number of possible replays of accumulated balls after updating is 1 or more, the operation of replaying accumulated balls can be accepted again. In the second and subsequent replays of the accumulated balls, confirmation of the personal identification number is unnecessary. In addition, you may make it confirm a personal identification number every time. Further, here, the case where the inter-machine card processing machine 10 performs the game ball payout process after the member management device 50 subtracts the balance of the accumulated balls has been exemplified, but the game ball payout process is performed based on the accumulated ball replay request. After doing so, the balance of the accumulated balls may be subtracted. This is because the stored ball replay data before the stored ball replay request indicates the possible number of stored ball replays, and the shortage of the balance will not be found after receiving the stored ball replay request.

Next, a description will be given of the transition from ball possession to ball storage in the closing process. The card management device 40 checks the number of balls in the card management data at the time of the closing process, and if there is a record associated with the number of balls greater than zero, the number of balls in the record is displayed together with the card ID and rate. The member management device 50 is notified. The member management device 50 adds the number of owned balls notified from the card management device 40 to the number of stored balls specified by the card ID and the rate. After that, the card management device 40 clears the number of possessed balls to zero.

Next, the appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20. As shown in FIG. In addition, although FIG. 3 illustrates the inter-machine card processing machine 10 for accepting only bills, a unit for accepting coins can also be provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a status display section 11, a bill insertion slot 12a, a display operation section 13, a display operation section 22, a card insertion slot 14a, and a holding section 14b.

The status display unit 11 displays the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by lighting or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color. The banknote insertion slot 12a is an insertion slot for various banknotes necessary for lending game balls. The display operation unit 13 is a device that displays operation buttons such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display and receives an input operation using the operation buttons.

The card insertion slot 14a is an insertion slot for a card owned by a player. The holding portion 14b is a portion where the mobile terminal used for member registration is held up. When the mobile terminal is held over the holding portion 14b, data such as the unique ID (for example, IDm) of the mobile terminal is read from the mobile terminal.

The display operation unit 22 is a display device such as a touch panel display, and is located on the front surface of the gaming machine 20. Input/output control of the display operation unit 22 is performed by the inter-machine card processing machine 10. FIG. The display operation unit 22 is used to display various information such as the balance of balls in hand, and to accept various operations such as display switching operations.

The game machine 20 is provided with a game board surface, a handle 21 used when the enclosed game balls are thrown onto the game board surface, and a counting button 23. - 特許庁

The counting button 23 subtracts the number of possible games of the gaming machine 20 and adds the corresponding number to the balls possessed by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, thereby managing the number of balls that can be thrown out from the gaming machine 20 to the machine. This is an operation button for performing management transfer to transfer to the card processing machine 10 . This management shift corresponds to a counting process in which the inter-machine card processing machine 10 counts the put-out game balls and adds them to the owned balls in an open-type game machine where actual game balls are put out by winning a prize.

Next, the configurations of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 includes a banknote transport section 12, a display operation section 13, a reader/writer 14, a holding section 14b, a communication section 15, a game management section 18, and a storage section. 16 , a control unit 17 , and a display operation unit 22 .

The banknote transport unit 12 is a transport unit that determines the denomination and authenticity of a banknote inserted from the banknote insertion slot 12a and transports the banknote to a banknote storage unit (not shown). The display operation unit 13 is an input/output device such as a touch panel liquid crystal display that displays various information such as the prepaid value that can be used for ball lending, the number of owned balls, the number of stored balls, etc., and accepts various operations such as ball lending operations. is.

The reader/writer 14 is a device for reading a card ID from a card inserted into the card slot 14a. A card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a passes through the reader/writer 14 and is stored in a card storage section (not shown). The holding unit 14b is an interface unit that reads various types of information such as a unique ID (for example, IDm) of the mobile terminal by short-range wireless communication when the mobile terminal or the like is held up, and is associated with the mobile terminal possessed by the player. It is used for replaying the accumulated number of balls. In addition, the reader/writer 14 has a function of associating the card stored in the card storage section with the value such as the ball and prepaid value shown in the card data 16b and issuing a new card in response to the player's return operation. also have However, if the prepaid value indicated in the card data 16b is 0 and the number of balls in possession is less than a fixed number, the card is controlled not to be returned even if there is a return operation. This is a control for preventing the gaming parlor from losing money due to discarding a card associated with a small amount of balls. As the fixed number, for example, it is possible to set the value obtained by multiplying the number of balls in possession by the rental unit price per ball to be the value of the card or the lowest price prize in the amusement arcade, but this is not limitative. It can be freely set according to the policy of the store. In addition, when controlling so as not to return the card even if there is a return operation, the stored balls can be transmitted to the gaming machine 20 as the number of playable balls, but the card cannot be returned and the number of balls held is not returned. A display prompting replay may be made.

Communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication with card management device 40 or the like via island controller 30 .

The storage unit 16 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 16 stores self-device state data 16a, card data 16b, and target value data 16c.

The own device state data 16a is data indicating the state of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. FIG. The device status data 16a includes the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine and game settings. The device ID of the inter-machine card processor is identification data for uniquely identifying the inter-machine card processor 10 within the amusement arcade. The game settings are data indicating game types and the like set in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . When handling game balls with multiple rates in the amusement arcade, "Ball 1" for game balls with a rate of 4 yen, "Ball 2" for game balls with a rate of 2 yen, and "Ball 3" for game balls with a rate of 1 yen. A game type name is set and managed for each rate, such as "ball 4" for a game ball with a rate of 0.5 yen. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 selects a rate to be used for a game from these game types and stores it as a game setting.

The card data 16b is data relating to the card being used by the player. The card data 16b includes a card ID, a prepaid value, owned balls, accumulated balls, the number of accumulated balls that can be replayed, and the like. The card ID is the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 . When a card is transported from a card storage unit (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and ejected, the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during transport. Also, when the card is conveyed from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage section (not shown), the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during this conveyance. The target value data 16c indicates the value specified by the player for the target value of the ball in hand.

The game management unit 18 is a processing unit that performs processing related to authentication and communication with the gaming machine 20 . It is desirable that the game management section 18 be formed on a board different from that of the control section 17 . The game management unit 18 has an authentication processing unit 18a, an authentication key management unit 18b, and a gaming machine state management unit 18c.

The authentication processing unit 18 a authenticates the gaming machine 20 using the authentication key received from the card management device 40 . The authentication processing unit 18a transmits operation permission to the gaming machine 20 when the authentication is successful. Even if authentication fails, the authentication processing unit 18a transmits operation permission to the gaming machine 20 within a predetermined period of time since the last successful authentication. does not transmit an operation permission to the game machine 20 and prohibits the use of the game machine 20. - 特許庁The authentication processing unit 18a transmits authentication results, such as success or failure of authentication, to the card management device 40, and controls display on the display operation unit 13 as appropriate.

The authentication key management unit 18b is a processing unit that manages authentication keys. A usage time is set for the authentication key, and the authentication key becomes unusable when the cumulative operation time of the gaming machine 20 reaches the usage time of the authentication key. Specifically, the authentication key management unit 18b manages the usage time of the authentication key by using the power-on time of the board on which the game management unit 18 is formed as the operating time of the gaming machine 20 . When the authentication key becomes unusable, the authentication key management unit 18b acquires a new authentication key from the authentication key management center via the card management device 40, and updates the authentication key.

The gaming machine state management unit 18 c is a processing unit that communicates with the gaming machine 20 and manages the state of the gaming machine 20 . Specifically, the gaming machine state management unit 18c acquires the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, transmits a request for addition to the number of possible games by lending balls, and increases the number of possible games from the number of balls by replaying the balls. Transmission of a request for transition to management, transmission of a request to add to the number of playable balls by replaying stored balls, reception of game results such as the number of balls driven and the number of winning balls in the gaming machine 20, and conversion from the number of playable balls to the number of balls held by counting Receives a management transfer request. In addition, the gaming machine state management unit 18c periodically acquires the number of possible games of the gaming machine 20 as a reference value. The number of possible games acquired by the gaming machine state management unit 18c can be controlled to be displayed on the display operation unit 13 or the like. The communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the game machine 20 may use encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

The gaming machine state management unit 18c may further acquire the current playable number of the gaming machine 20, the state set for the game such as “jackpot”, and the operating state of the handle 21. FIG. The time interval at which the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the status of the gaming machine 20 is preferably set shorter than the interval at which the gaming machine 20 shoots (uses) game balls.

The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-machine card processing machine 10, and has a data management unit 17a, a game setting processing unit 17b, a target value setting unit 17c, and a ball control unit 17d.

When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits card insertion notification data including the device ID of the own device status data 16a and the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40. FIG. Further, when the data management unit 17a receives data including a value (at least one of the prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of stored balls) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 17a updates the card data 16b with the received value. . The data management unit 17a appropriately controls the display operation unit 13 to display the prepaid value, the number of owned balls, and the number of stored balls indicated in the card data 16b.

Further, when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits payment notification data including the amount of the inserted banknote, the card ID, and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the card management device 40 .

Further, the data management unit 17a transmits ball lending request data including the card ID and the device ID to the card management device 40 when the player performs the ball lending operation. When the ball lending permission data is received as a response to the ball lending request data, the data management section 17a instructs the game management section 18 to add a predetermined number of balls to the number of possible games of the gaming machine 20. to process the payment.

Further, the data management unit 17a subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls held indicated in the card data 16b when the player performs a replay operation of the balls held by the player, Payout processing is performed by instructing the game management unit 18 to add the number to the possible number.

Further, when the possible number of accumulated balls replay indicated in the card data 16b is 1 or more, the data management unit 17a displays a accumulated balls replay button on the display operation unit 13, and can accept the accumulated balls replay operation. and The data management unit 17a transmits accumulated ball replay request data including the card ID and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the member management device 50 when the player performs the accumulated ball replay operation. When the accumulated ball replay data is received as a response to the accumulated ball replay request data, the number of accumulated balls in the card data 16b is updated, and the number of payout units for the accumulated ball replay is added to the number of possible games of the gaming machine 20. Payout processing is performed by instructing the management unit 18 . At the time of the first accumulated ball replay operation, the input of the personal identification number is requested, and the accumulated ball replay request data is transmitted on the condition that the personal identification number matches the personal identification number indicated in the card data 16b.

Further, when the game management unit 18 receives a transfer request for game balls from the game machine 20, the data management unit 17a adds the number of balls instructed by the game management unit 18 to the balls in the card data 16b. Update.

Further, when the player performs a card return operation, the data management unit 17a transmits to the card management device 40 ball-in-hand addition request data including the card ID, the device ID, and the number of balls-in-hand, and collects the card data 16b. After clearing the number of possessed balls to zero, the card ejection notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is ejected.

The game setting processing unit 17b displays the rate corresponding to the current game type set in the game setting of the own device state data 16a on the display operation unit 13 or the display operation unit 22, and allows the player to select a rate. If the setting is made to accept the rate, selectable rates are displayed on the display operation section 13 or the display operation section 22 . When the player selects a desired rate, the game setting processing section 17b updates the game setting of the own device state data 16a according to the game type corresponding to the selected rate. On the other hand, if the player is not set to accept rate selection, selectable rates are not displayed during the game. In this case, selectable rates are displayed on the condition that the remote control operation or the like by the employee is accepted and authenticated. When the employee selects a rate, the game setting processing section 17b updates the game setting of the own device state data 16a with the game type corresponding to the selected rate. Further, in this case, when there is a signal instructing the selection of a game type from a higher-level device such as the card management device 40, the own device status data 16a is displayed according to the instructed game type without displaying the selectable rates. update the game settings.

The target value setting unit 17c is a processing unit that sets the target value of the ball. Specifically, the target value setting unit 17c receives an input specifying the target value of the ball held by the display operation unit 13 or the like, and stores the received target value in the storage unit 16 as the target value data 16c.

Here, the input for designating the target value may be input of an arbitrary numerical value using numeric buttons or the like, or may be input for selecting a target value from a plurality of candidate values prepared in advance. Moreover, the target value does not need to be single, and multiple values can be set. Furthermore, the input value may be used as the reference value of the target value, and all integral multiples of this reference value may be used as the target values.

The ball-in-hand adjustment unit 17d is a processing unit that compares the ball-in-hand with a target value and adjusts the value of the ball-in-hand. Specifically, the ball-handling adjustment unit 17d starts the "perfect ball-ball mode" based on the player's operation, and causes the target value setting unit 17c to set the target value.

When the target value is set, the ball adjustment unit 17d determines the magnitude relationship between the ball and the target value, and performs processing according to the determination result. The balls used for this determination are the balls of the player's own rate indicated in the card data 16b. Also, the target value used for determination is the target value indicated in the target value data 16c.

When the number of owned balls exceeds the target value, the owned balls adjustment unit 17d shifts the excess number of owned balls to the playable number. In other words, the ball-handling adjustment unit 17d automatically executes the ball-handling replay with an irregular number of balls. When the player performs the ball replay operation, the predetermined number of balls is shifted to the number of possible games. is the number of balls to replay.

Further, when the number of balls in possession is less than the target value, the ball in possession adjustment unit 17d waits until the counting process is performed. Alternatively, a notification is made to prompt the counting process. As a result of the counting process, if the number of owned balls exceeds the target value, the excess number of owned balls is transferred to the playable number.

When the number of balls in possession coincides with the target value, the ball adjustment unit 17d notifies the player to that effect. The player who has received the notification can obtain a card associated with a set value of balls possessed by him/herself by performing a card return operation.

When the card is returned, the ball adjustment unit 17d terminates the perfect ball mode. In addition, even when the release operation is received, the "perfect ball mode" is ended. In addition, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the "perfect ball possession mode" is ended when the ball possession coincides with the target value.

The ball adjustment unit 17d deletes the target value of the card data 16b when the "perfect ball mode" is ended. Alternatively, a target value setting flag indicating "valid" or "invalid" may be provided for the target value, and the target value setting flag may be set to "invalid" when the "perfect ball mode" is ended. In this configuration, the target value is retained even after the "perfect ball mode" ends, and can be used as a candidate for the target value used in the next and subsequent "perfect ball mode".

Next, the internal configuration of the gaming machine 20 will be described. The gaming machine 20 has a communication control section 24 , an effect control section 25 , a game control section 26 and a game ball control section 27 . The communication control unit 24 is a control unit for controlling data communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . The communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 may use encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

When the game machine 20 is activated, the communication control unit 24 reads the identification information from the control CPU provided in the game control unit 26 and/or the game ball control unit 27, checks whether the identification information is appropriate, and if appropriate, , establish communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and enter a standby state. In the standby state, if an operation permission is received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the effect control section 25, the game control section 26 and the game ball control section 27 are activated to make the game ready.

The game control unit 26 is a control unit that controls games by the gaming machine 20 . Specifically, the game control unit 26 controls the shooting of game balls to the game board surface by detecting the handle operation, detects game balls that have entered the winning opening on the game board surface, and random numbers (from 0 to Acquisition and lottery (special symbols and normal symbols), movable members provided on the game board (tulips, etc.) ), display control of the special symbol display device provided on the game board, detection of abnormalities that may be fraudulent (front frame is open, vibration is detected, etc.) and notification to the host device.

A large number of obstacle nails are planted on the game board surface, and a game ball launched onto the game board surface by operating the handle falls between the obstacle nails and enters the winning opening and the starting opening or does not win. It is discharged out of the game board surface from the out port of the game board surface. A lottery is performed when a game ball enters a starting hole, and when a big win is achieved, a big win game is performed in which a predetermined winning hole on the game board surface is controlled to be opened multiple times, and the game balls enter the winning hole. prize balls are given to the players by facilitating the

Also, the big win includes a big win game with a privilege in which a predetermined privilege game is given to the player after the big win game is finished. The bonus jackpot game includes a probability variable jackpot and a time-saving jackpot. The probability variation jackpot and the time reduction jackpot are respectively provided with the probability variation game and the time reduction game as privilege games after the jackpot. The time-saving game is the fluctuation time of the normal pattern lottery (opening and closing lottery of the movable members described above) and / or the special pattern lottery (big hit lottery by winning the game ball described above) (from the start of the lottery process to the display of the results Time) is shortened to increase the number of lotteries per unit time, thereby increasing the probability of winning a jackpot per unit time. This privilege game may include a normal symbol probability variation that increases the probability of winning a normal symbol. The time-saving game by the time-saving jackpot is terminated when the special pattern lottery is performed a predetermined number of times after the jackpot. The probability variation game will be described later.

The game control unit 26 has a probability variation function. The probability variation function changes the random number range of the big win to be used for the next lottery when the lottery result falls within a particularly defined random number range among the big wins (generally increases it to about 10 times). It is a function. The probability variation game is to perform a special symbol lottery using the probability after this change. The probability variation game is continued until the next big win is won. Moreover, you may provide a probability variation game and a time-saving game simultaneously. However, in order to prevent unexpected damage to the amusement arcade, if a player acquires a certain amount of game media after the start of a variable probability game or a time-saving game, the game will be stopped (the card will be ejected once, and the prize will be exchanged or the machine will be requested to move). ) processing. In this case, the game machine 20 counts the number of acquired game media after entering the probability variable game state, and when the count reaches a predetermined value, game stop control such as stopping the shooting of game balls is performed. It can be realized by

The performance control unit 25 is a control unit that controls the performance during the game, and has a performance symbol lottery unit 25a and a performance lottery unit 25b. The performance symbol lottery unit 25a draws lots of performance symbols (symbols displayed on a performance symbol display device such as a display device in the game board surface) based on the special symbol lottery in the game control unit 26 (specifically, the display is finally displayed. whether to stop at 7, 7, 7, etc.).

The performance lottery part 25b performs a lottery for the type of performance to be performed before the lottery result of the performance pattern is displayed (e.g., a ready-to-win performance with a character appearing). Such an effect is set so that the effect selected for the main lottery result is different.

The performance control unit 25 stores performance data for each performance. Furthermore, the effect control unit 25 controls the display of the effect pattern display device, and when the effect is executed, the effect display is performed by superimposing the effect data on the background pattern data. Also, when the probability fluctuates, background color data different from that in the normal state is set.

The game ball control unit 27 is a control unit that controls the number of possible games. Specifically, the number of possible games is stored in the number of possible games memory 27a, the number of possible games is decremented by "1" each time a game ball is shot, and the number of prize balls provided by winning is added to the number of possible games. . Further, when the number of balls is notified from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the notified number of balls is added to the number of possible games stored in the possible game number memory 27a, and A confirmation signal is sent to indicate that the number has been added to the playable number. The game ball control unit 27 can also perform cleaning control of game balls (circulating balls) enclosed in the gaming machine 20 .

In addition, the game ball control unit 27 periodically transmits the possible game number stored in the possible game number memory 27a to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . In this case, the game ball control unit 27 does not clear the contents of the possible game number memory 27a to zero, and while continuing to update the possible game number according to the game state, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the data at the time of data acquisition. Sends the number of games that can be played.

The gaming machine 20 is also provided with a counting button 23 , and a signal indicating that the counting button 23 has been pressed is input to the game ball control section 27 . The game ball control unit 27 detects the pressing operation of the count button 23, and if the detection signal rises to falls within a certain time, the number of possible games is increased by a certain number (for example, 100 balls per operation). data and a management transfer request to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is subtracted (invalidated) from the playable number. Further, when the operation of pressing the count button 23 is detected, and the fall of the detection signal is not detected for a predetermined period of time after the rise of the detection signal, a certain number (for example, every 5 seconds 200 balls), and a management transfer request to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is subtracted (invalidated) from the playable number. When subtracting from the playable number, the value to be subtracted is decremented from the value of 1 stored in the memory, or the value stored in the memory is updated with the value after subtraction, and the value before subtraction is deleted or logically. A method of deleting and invalidating is conceivable, but there is no particular limitation as long as the value after subtraction can be specified.

The game control unit 26 and the game ball control unit 27 are configured on separate substrates. The game control board on which the game control section 26 is configured and the game ball control board on which the game ball control section 27 is configured each have a unique ID. The game machine 20 combines the ID of the game control board and the ID of the game ball control board and uses it as a game machine ID.

Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. As shown in FIG.

The own device state data 16a shown in FIG. 5(a) indicates a state in which the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "3001" and "ball 3" is set as the game type of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. showing.

The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "2002". Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, a card with the first digit "1" is a general card, and a card with the first digit "2" is a membership card. Also, the card data 16b indicates a state where the prepaid value is "2000 points". Here, one degree of the prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen. Further, in the card data 16b, the number of balls held by ball 1 is "0 balls", the number of balls held by ball 2 is "0 balls", the number of balls held by ball 3 is "875 balls", and the number of balls held by ball 4 is "875 balls". It shows the state of "500 balls".

Further, the card data 16b indicates that the personal identification number for replaying accumulated balls is "7777", the number of possible replays of accumulated balls is "1", the number of accumulated balls for ball 1 is "250 balls", and the number of accumulated balls for ball 2 is "250". The number of stored balls is "0", the number of stored balls of ball 3 is "50", and the number of stored balls of ball 4 is "0". Although not shown, the card management device 40 also stores ON/OFF of a "lock" flag indicating validity/invalidity of the card in addition to the balls held, stored balls, and prepaid value in association with the card ID. , is turned ON by an employee's operation when the theft of the card is discovered. These data are also included in the card data 16b and stored. Furthermore, this "lock" flag can be set for each function ("use of accumulated balls", "boarding", etc.). , can also be used to prevent erroneous operations.

The target value data 16c shown in FIG. 5(c) is data in which the target value of the balls set by the target value setting unit 17c and the target value setting flag are associated with each other. FIG. 5(c) shows a state where the target value is "500" and the target value setting flag is "valid".

Next, the processing procedure of the perfect holding ball mode by the inter-machine card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure of the exactly held ball mode by the inter-machine card processing machine 10. As shown in FIG. First, the ball adjustment unit 17d starts the "perfect ball mode" when a predetermined operation (for example, operation of the "perfect ball" button) is received (step S101).

Then, the target value setting unit 17c causes the display operation unit 13 to display a target value input screen, and sets the target value based on the player's input (step S102). The set target value is stored in the storage unit 16 as target value data 16c.

The target value setting unit 17c performs a ball determination process for determining the magnitude relationship between the number of balls and the target value (step S103). As a result of the ball determination process, if the number of balls is larger than the target value (step S104; Yes), the ball adjustment unit 17d shifts the excess number of balls to the playable number by the ball payout process (step S105). ). Due to this ball payout process, the number of balls in possession matches the target value.

If the number of balls is equal to or less than the target value (Step S104; No), the balls adjustment unit 17d determines whether the number of balls is less than the target value (Step S106). Here, if the number of balls in possession is not less than the target value, the number of balls in possession matches the target value.

When the number of balls is not less than the target value and matches the target value (step S106; No), or after the number of balls matches the target value by the excess balls payout process in step S105, the ball adjustment unit 17d , reports that the number of balls and the target value match (step S108). Then, it is determined whether or not the returning operation has been accepted (step S109), and if the returning operation has been accepted (step S109; Yes), the ball is associated with the card and the card is returned (step S110).

When the number of balls in possession is less than the target value (step S106; Yes), notification is given to prompt the counting process (step S107).

After step S107, or when the return operation of the card has not been received (step S109; No), the ball adjustment unit 17d determines whether or not the release operation has been received (step S112). If the canceling operation is not received (step S112; No), the ball adjustment unit 17d proceeds to step S103 and performs the ball determination process. This is because, if the number of balls in hand changes due to counting processing or the like, the result of the ball in hand determination processing may differ from the previous time.

If the card is returned in step S110 or a release operation is received (step S112; Yes), the ball adjustment unit 17d releases the "perfect ball mode" (step S111) and ends the process. In addition, when the "perfect ball possession mode" is canceled, the ball adjustment unit 17d erases the target value of the card data 16b or sets the target value setting flag to "invalid".

Next, a specific example of the operation of the perfect ball mode will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of the operation of the perfect ball mode. FIG. 7(a) is a specific example of a menu screen displayed on the display operation unit 13 by the inter-machine card processing machine 10. FIG. On this menu screen, a "member information" button, a "ball information" button, a "split ball" button, a "perfect ball" button and a "return" button are displayed.

The "member information" button is an operation button for displaying information about the member managed by the amusement arcade when the player is registered as a member of the amusement arcade. The "ball information" button is an operation button for displaying information about the current ball. The "split ball" button is an operation button for dividing the ball into a plurality of cards and associating them with each other. A "return" button is an operation button for returning to the previous display screen.

The "exact ball" button is an operation button for starting the exact ball mode. When receiving an operation on the "exact ball possession" button, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 starts the "exact ball possession mode" and, as shown in FIG. accept. FIG. 7(b) shows a state in which numeric buttons, a cancel button, and a confirmation button are displayed, and 500 balls are set as the target value by operating these buttons.

When the target value is set, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 determines the magnitude relationship between the number of balls held and the target value, and performs processing corresponding to the determination result.

If the number of balls in hand is larger than the target value, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 executes a ball-in-hands payout process for shifting the number of balls in excess to the playable number. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7(c1), the display operation unit 13 performs a display indicating that the balls on hand are being paid out. In FIG. 7(c1), "250/1500 during payout" is displayed. Then, when the payout is completed, the number of balls in possession matches the target value.

If the number of balls in hand matches the target value, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 notifies to that effect as shown in FIG. 7(c2). In FIG. 7(c2), the message "Possible balls have reached the target value" is displayed. Moreover, while displaying a possession ball and a target value, the release button is displayed. In FIG. 7(c2), both the balls and the target value are "500". Then, when the release button is operated, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 releases the exact holding ball mode and returns to the standby screen. Also, when the card return operation is performed, the card is returned in association with the ball that has become equal to the target value, and the exact ball mode is released.

When the number of balls in hand does not reach the target value, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 issues a notification prompting the counting process as shown in FIG. 7(c3). In FIG. 7(c3), the message "Please count the shortage" is displayed. Moreover, while displaying a possession ball and a target value, the release button is displayed. In FIG. 7(c3), the number of balls held is "400" and the target value is "500". Then, when the release button is operated, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 releases the exact holding ball mode and returns to the standby screen. Also, when the counting operation is performed, the number of balls in possession is added, so the magnitude relationship between the number of balls in possession and the target value is determined again, and processing corresponding to the determination result is performed.

In the explanation so far, the case of matching the number of balls desired by the player has been described, but it is also possible to match the number of stored balls to the value desired by the player. Further, it is possible to combine with automatic payout in which when the number of playable balls falls below the designated number of balls, the number of owned balls or stored balls is automatically transferred to the number of playable balls.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of adjustment of stored balls and automatic payout. FIG. 8(a) shows the setting of automatic payout. First, when the operation of the "automatic payout" button on the menu displayed on the display operation unit 13 is accepted, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts selection of "balls held" or "balls stored". Here, if a ball on hand is selected, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 automatically pays out from the ball on hand of its own rate. On the other hand, if the accumulated balls is selected, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the setting of the rate used for automatic payout, and automatically pays out the accumulated balls at the set rate. In FIG. 8(a), "4 yen" is selected from among "4 yen", "2 yen", and "1 yen", and automatic payout is performed from the accumulated balls at this rate.

FIG. 8(b) is an explanatory diagram of the adjustment of the accumulated balls. FIG. 8(b) shows a state in which the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts selection of "perfect ball accumulation setting" in the menu displayed on the display operation unit 13, and sets the number of balls to be left for each rate's accumulated balls. there is Specifically, 1,000 4-yen coins and 2,000 2-yen coins are set to be left, and the number of 1-yen coins to be left is not set.

As shown in FIG. 8(c), when the accumulated number of balls set for automatic payout reaches the set number of balls, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the selection of the rate to be used for the next automatic payout. In FIG. 8(c), a message saying "There are 1,000 remaining 4-yen coins. Please select the rate to be used next." It is possible.

In this way, the convenience of the player can be improved by performing the automatic payout, the adjustment of the balls held, and the adjustment of the stored balls. In FIG. 8, the confirmation screen is displayed after the set number of balls is automatically paid out, but the order of using the stored balls may be set in advance and the stored balls to be used may be automatically switched. It may be configured such that the use target of automatic payout can be switched between owned balls and stored balls.

As described above, in this embodiment, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is installed in association with the enclosed type gaming machine 20, and stores the game balls acquired by the player through the game as possession balls. is set, and when the number of owned balls exceeds the target value, the excess number of owned balls can be transferred to the playable number of the gaming machine 20.例文帳に追加For this reason, the player can adjust the number of balls possessed to the desired value only by setting the desired target value.

In addition, not only when the target value is set, but also when the number of possessed balls exceeds the target value by counting, the exceeding number of possessed balls can be transferred to the playable number of the gaming machine 20 . Therefore, when the number of balls in possession is less than the target value, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 waits until the counting process is performed. Alternatively, a notification prompting the counting process is executed.

In addition, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 cancels the setting of the target value when receiving a predetermined canceling operation or discharging the ball in association with the card. In addition, it is also possible to cancel the setting of the target value when the number of balls in possession matches the target value.

In addition, in the present embodiment, when the counting process is performed, the number of balls increased until the target value is exceeded, and then the excess is returned to the number of playable balls by the ball payout process. The counting process may be stopped when the number of balls reaches the target value.

Further, in this embodiment, the target value is specified numerically, but it may be possible to select from target value candidates. Candidates for the target value may be determined based on actual usage by players, or may be values that are easy to use for exchange with prizes.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, a detailed description of the form of the card, which is the medium associated with the number of game media, has been omitted, but such cards include magnetic cards, IC cards, and the like. In addition, although the "card" is used as an example for convenience of explanation, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a chip, a stick, a portable terminal, or the like is used other than such a card.

Also, each configuration illustrated is a functional schematic, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of distribution/integration of each device is not limited to the illustrated one, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed/integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, each machine and the method for managing the number of game media according to the present invention are suitable for adjusting the number of game media in possession to the desired value of the player with a simple operation.

10 inter-machine card processing machine 11 status display unit 12 banknote transport unit 12a banknote insertion slot 13, 22 display operation unit 14 reader/writer 14a card insertion slot 14b holding unit 15 communication unit 16 storage unit 16a own device status data 16b card data 16c target Value data 17 control unit 17a data management unit 17b game setting processing unit 17c target value setting unit 17d ball adjustment unit 18 game management unit 18a authentication processing unit 18b authentication key management unit 18c gaming machine state management unit 20 gaming machine 21 handle 23 counting button 24 communication control unit 25 effect control unit 25a effect symbol lottery unit 25b effect lottery unit 26 game control unit 27 game ball control unit 27a playable number memory 30 island controller 40 card management device 50 member management device 60 prize management device 80 payment machine

Claims (8)

Each machine is installed in association with a gaming machine that performs a game using a game medium enclosed therein, and performs processing related to the game medium,
a game media number storage unit for storing the number of game media acquired by the player through the game as the number of game media;
a target value setting unit for setting a target value for the number of game media;
gaming machine management, wherein a predetermined number of the number of owned game media out of the number of owned game media stored in the number of owned game media storage unit is the number of game media managed by the gaming machine when the target value is not set; a first transition processing unit that transitions to the number of media;
When the target value is set, if the number of owned game media stored in the stored number of owned game media exceeds the target value, the excess number of owned game media is set as the number of gaming machine management media. and a second transfer processing unit for transferring. The second transition processing unit
When the target value is set, if the number of game media stored in the number-of-game-medium storage unit exceeds the target value, the number of game media exceeding the target value is displayed without replaying the number of game media. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of game media possessed by the player is transferred to the number of gaming machine management media. The second transition processing unit
As a result of performing counting processing for transferring the number of gaming machine management media to the number of owned gaming media, when the number of gaming media exceeds the target value, the excess number of owned gaming media is transferred to the number of gaming machine management media. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number is shifted to a number. The second transition processing unit
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the number of game media stored in the number-of-game-medium storage unit is less than the target value, the apparatus stands by until the counting process is performed. . The second transition processing unit
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the number of game media stored in said number-of-game-medium storage unit is less than said target value, a notification prompting said counting process is executed. The second transition processing unit
6. The setting of the target value is canceled when a predetermined cancellation operation is received, or when the number of game media is discharged in association with a predetermined storage medium. Each unit device described in 1. The second transition processing unit
6. The setting of the target value is canceled when the number of game media stored in the number-of-game-media storage unit matches the target value. Each device. A method for managing the number of game media by each machine installed in association with a gaming machine that performs a game using a game medium enclosed therein and performing processing related to the game medium, comprising:
a game medium number storage step of storing the number of game media acquired by the player through the game as the number of game media in a game medium number storage unit;
a target value setting step of setting a target value for the number of game media;
gaming machine management, wherein a predetermined number of the number of owned game media out of the number of owned game media stored in the number of owned game media storage unit is the number of game media managed by the gaming machine when the target value is not set; If the number of playing media stored in the number-of-playing-medium storage unit exceeds the target value when the number of playing media is shifted to the number of media and the target value is set, and a transfer processing step of transferring to the number of gaming machine management media.

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