JP3964658B2 - Game system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, when an association operation is performed, processing related to association of a valuable value serving as a gaming media lending standard according to an instruction amount, specifically, issuance of a new recording medium, The present invention relates to a gaming system that performs processing related to addition processing of a valuable value associated with a recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a game store where game machines such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines are installed, how many players can be collected is extremely important for maintaining and increasing sales. For this reason, many game stores are striving to establish players by actively introducing a membership system or considering the introduction of new game systems that do not require cash.
[0003]
In the membership system, a player who has previously registered personal information such as address, name, age, and sex is specially handled as a member. Specifically, when a special membership card is issued to a member and a game is played using this membership card, various privileges are granted, or game information for each gaming machine, such as the number of jackpots or the number of starts And other services that cannot be obtained by general players.
[0004]
If such a membership system is introduced, it may be expected that the player who has become a member of the general player will be more motivated to play the game, and that the member will be established in the game store, and further increase in sales of the game store. become able to.
[0005]
On the other hand, a new gaming system that eliminates the need for cash may be a prepaid card issuance or value addition process that can be executed by a payment method other than cash, such as a debit card or a credit card. For example, when a device that processes a debit card or a credit card is attached to the card issuing machine, and the settlement by the debit card or the credit card carried out through the device is normally completed, a prepaid card is issued from the card issuing machine, Value addition processing for a prepaid card is performed.
[0006]
If such a new gaming system can be introduced, cash will no longer be required when playing games, so for example, even if there is no cash on hand and there are few balls, even if a big hit occurs in a pachinko machine, go to the bank Therefore, it is possible to issue a new prepaid card without any possibility of missing a missed chance, and the convenience of the player is remarkably improved and the willingness to play can be increased. Also, it becomes possible for amusement stores to expect a significant improvement in the operating rate of gaming machines. Furthermore, since handling of cash at the amusement store is reduced, labor saving such as money collection and change replenishment can be achieved, and it is also preferable from the viewpoint of crime prevention.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the current membership system, many of the benefits for members are obtained away from the gaming machine, and are not obtained when playing a game toward the gaming machine. In other words, in the operation directly connected to the gaming machine, regardless of whether or not it is a member, the deposit operation is performed to associate the valuable value with the prepaid card, and the prepaid card is used to pay out game media. There is no change in performing the operation. As a result, there are many players who are not attracted to becoming a member until they register their personal information, and the introduction of a membership system has not necessarily fixed the number of players and has not increased the sales of the game stores. Is the actual situation.
[0008]
On the other hand, in the new gaming system described above, a fee is charged for both use of the debit card and the credit card. It is common for debit card handling stores to pay the full amount of these fees at present, but if payments using debit cards and credit cards increase, especially if small payments increase, This will increase the burden on the amusement store. However, if the player is unilaterally charged a fee, the convenience of a debit card or credit card can be improved, but the player's willingness to play may be impaired. There is a risk that sales will be greatly affected. After all, in the present situation, there are places where it is not always a preferable choice for game shops to introduce a game system that supports the use of debit cards and credit cards, and its implementation has been slow. First, the fact is that the increase in sales at amusement stores has not been realized.
[0009]
In this way, in the current situation, it cannot be said that a gaming system that can sufficiently satisfy the demands of a gaming store is provided, and even in terms of sales of gaming stores, it often does not remain to maintain the current status. In addition, the demands of game stores vary depending on the business form set for each game store, and it is difficult to construct a game system that can satisfy all these requirements.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming system that can flexibly cope with various sales forms set for each gaming store and increase sales of the gaming store. .
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  A gaming system according to claim 1 of the present invention includes:In a gaming system for performing an issuance process for issuing a recording medium associated with a valuable value as a rental standard for gaming media, or an adding process for adding a valuable value to a valuable value associated with a recording medium, Multiple selection switches for selecting an instruction amount when issuing processing or an instruction amount when performing addition processing, and settlement that allows selection of the instruction amount and the instruction amount for each of the plurality of selection switches When an association operation with a method is performed, a process of storing this in a memory as a pass / fail condition is performed, while when it is detected that a bill is inserted or when a debit card is inserted , Activate the selection switch corresponding to the designated amount that can be selected by each settlement method according to the setting condition of the availability condition When the activated selection switch is turned on, an issue process for issuing a recording medium associated with a valuable value corresponding to the instruction amount associated with the selection switch that has been turned on can be performed, or And an issuance control unit capable of performing addition processing of a valuable value corresponding to an instruction amount associated with a selection switch that is turned ON with respect to the associated valuable value.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of a gaming system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko game is mainly shown.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a pachinko gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the pachinko gaming system exemplified here, a prepaid card, specifically, a member card MC and a general card PC are applied as recording media.
[0022]
The membership card MC is a synthetic resin card (JIS2) issued by an amusement store to a player who is a member who has registered membership information such as address and name, and various card information is magnetically recorded and printed. . Specifically, the identification information of the issue store and the member identification information such as the membership code are magnetically recorded, and the information such as the issued store code and the membership code is recorded so as to be visible.
[0023]
On the other hand, the general card PC is a paper magnetic card issued by an amusement store each time to an arbitrary general player, and various card information is magnetically recorded and printed. Specifically, the issuer identification information, card-specific identification code, issue amount, card type, etc. are magnetically recorded, as well as the issuer name, card-specific identification code (for example, card issuer number + serial number), issue The amount and expiration date are printed so that they can be seen.
[0024]
These member cards MC and general card PCs are different in material, plate thickness and recording contents, but have the same vertical and horizontal dimensions, and magnetic stripes for magnetically recording various card information are also provided at the same positions. The various magnetically recorded card information can be read by a common reading device.
[0025]
The membership card MC and the general card PC are each given a valuable value as a reference for borrowing a pachinko ball, specifically, a valuable value called “frequency”. The “frequency” here is a pachinko ball lending processing unit, and is set at a predetermined rate. Generally, the number of times corresponds to 100 yen, and it is set so that only 25 pachinko balls can be lent out at one time. In the case of the present embodiment, each frequency is not recorded in each prepaid card but is stored in the terminal controller 10 described later.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the pachinko gaming system of the present embodiment, a plurality of pachinko machines 20 and card processing units 30 are arranged in parallel for each group called “island”, and a card issuing machine is provided on each island. A recording medium processing device such as 40 or a card settlement machine 50 and a ball counter 60 are provided as appropriate. The pachinko machine 20 is a part in which a player plays a game by launching a pachinko ball into the game area 21. The card processing unit 30 has a main function of a pachinko ball lending process whose upper limit is the remaining number associated with the membership card MC or the general card PC. This card processing unit 30 is prepared so as to be paired with each of the plurality of pachinko machines 20 installed in the amusement store, and is installed so as to be sandwiched between the pachinko machines 20. The card issuing machine 40 has a main function of a general card PC issuing process and an addition process for each frequency associated with the general card PC and the membership card MC, and several cards are installed in the amusement store. . Each card issuing device 40 is provided with a debit slave device 70 to be described later. The card settlement machine 50 has a main function of a process of paying back the frequency associated with the membership card MC or the general card PC as cash, and several card settlement machines 50 are installed in the game store. The ball counting machine 60 has a main function of counting pachinko balls (mainly prize balls) acquired by a player, and several ball counters are installed in a game store.
[0027]
The pachinko machine 20, the card processing unit 30, the card issuing machine 40, the card settlement machine 50, and the ball counting machine 60 are under the control of a management device called a terminal controller 10 through an island controller 80 provided on each island. . At least one terminal controller 10 is installed in the amusement store, and performs overall management of the installed amusement store, for example, management of prepaid cards MC and PC, management of members, sales management, etc. This is a part for storing and managing information on the frequency which is the valuable value of each of the card MC and the general card PC.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the terminal controller 10. The RAM 11 of the terminal controller 10 is a part that stores various management information such as the frequency management tables DTM and DTP.
[0029]
In the frequency management tables DTM and DTP, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the card identification information and the frequency information are stored in association with each type of the prepaid card MC and PC. It is. The card identification information of the frequency management tables DTM and DTP corresponds to a membership code in the case of a membership card MC, and corresponds to a unique identification code in the case of a general card PC. The frequency information of the frequency management tables DTM and DTP stores the purchased frequency, the used frequency, and the remaining frequency. Further, in the frequency management table DTM of the member card MC, stored ball information related to the number of stored balls, which will be described later, is also stored in association with the card identification information.
[0030]
The frequency information and the stored ball information stored in the frequency management tables DTM and DTP are read from the RAM 11 by the CPU 13 each time there is a read request through the communication interface (I / F) unit 12, while subtraction update or addition is performed. When there is a request for updating or the like, it is appropriately updated by the CPU 13. The communication interface unit 12 is also connected to the card company center 90 through the public line network 1000, and can transmit and receive necessary information between the card company center 90 and the terminal controller 10. Is possible.
[0031]
The CPU 13 described above is configured to implement the various processes described above based on programs and data stored in the ROM 14 in advance. In addition, the code | symbol 15 in a figure is a display part for displaying the various management information mentioned above, and the code | symbol 16 is an input / output part operated when an operator performs a setting.
[0032]
4 is a front view showing the appearance of the pachinko machine 20 and the card processing unit 30 applied in the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the card processing unit 30. As shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the pachinko machine 20 and the card processing unit 30 will be described with reference to these drawings.
[0033]
The card processing unit 30 is configured to be vertically long in appearance, and the front panel 301 has a card lamp 302, a cash lamp 303, a bill slot 304, a coin slot 305, a return lever 306, a type lamp 307, and a money amount display unit 308. , A money amount setting switch 309, a fraction setting switch 310, a coin return port 311, and a card insertion port 312.
[0034]
The card lamp 302 and the cash lamp 303 are lit on the basis of a control signal from the lending control unit 313, and are used to notify the player of the prepaid card MC, PC and cash acceptable state.
[0035]
The bill insertion slot 304 is an opening for receiving bills and taking them into the bill validator (BV) unit portion 314. The bill validator unit 314 identifies the denomination of the taken banknote, gives the identification result to the lending control unit 313, and leads the taken banknote to the banknote transport path 315 so as to be carried out to the island edge collection box. is there.
[0036]
The coin insertion slot 305 is an opening for accepting coins and taking them into the coin selector unit 316. The coin selector 316 is a part that identifies the denomination of the coins that have been taken in, provides the result of the discrimination to the lending control unit 313, and leads the coins to the coin transport path 317 in order to carry them out to the island edge collection box. .
[0037]
The return lever 306 is for returning the inserted money. When the return lever 306 is operated, the returned banknote is returned to the player as it is from the banknote insertion slot 304, while the return coin is returned to the player from the coin return slot 311.
[0038]
The type lamp 307 is used to illuminate and display the type of game medium to be rented, that is, whether a pachinko ball or a medal is lent.
[0039]
The money amount setting switch 309 is for the player to set the amount (payment unit) of a pachinko ball to be lent each time a lending switch 22 of the pachinko machine 20 described later is operated once.
[0040]
The card insertion slot 312 is an opening for accepting the prepaid cards MC and PC and taking them into the prepaid card processing unit 318. The prepaid card processing unit 318 is a part that performs processing to read the recorded information of the prepaid card MC and PC that has been taken in and give the read result to the lending control unit 313.
[0041]
On the other hand, the pachinko machine 20 which is a gaming machine is provided with a frequency display section 24, a lending switch 22 and a return switch 25 on the front surface of an upper plate 23 provided below the gaming area 21, as shown in FIG.
[0042]
When the prepaid card MC and PC are taken into the prepaid card processing unit 318 of the card processing unit 30 described above, the frequency display unit 24 is a part for numerically displaying the remaining frequency associated with the prepaid card MC and PC. is there.
[0043]
The lending switch 22 is a switch that a player turns on when borrowing a pachinko ball. The return switch 25 is a switch for returning the prepaid card MC and PC taken into the prepaid card processing unit 318 to the player when the ON operation is performed. The ON operation detection signals of the lending switch 22 and the return switch 25 are respectively given to the lending control unit 313 of the card processing unit 30.
[0044]
Further, the pachinko machine 20 is provided with ball throwing means 26 therein. The ball throwing means 26 receives a hitting ball throwing request from the lending control unit 313 of the card processing unit 30 and receives a winning ball throwing request from a control means (not shown) of the pachinko machine 20. In this case, a predetermined number of pachinko balls are thrown onto the upper plate 23 of the pachinko machine 20 as prize balls.
[0045]
The lending control unit 313 is a part for controlling each unit based on information given from a program given in advance, a prepaid card processing unit 318, a coin selector unit 316, a bill validator unit 314, and operation input units 306 and 309. It is. The lending control unit 313 can appropriately exchange information with the outside through the first communication interface (I / F) unit 319 and the second communication interface (I / F) unit 320. In the present embodiment, the first communication interface unit 319 is connected to the terminal controller 10 via the island controller 80, while the second communication interface unit 320 is connected to the corresponding pachinko machine 20.
[0046]
Hereinafter, the operation of the card processing unit 30 will be briefly described. First, when the prepaid card MC or PC is inserted into the card insertion slot 312 in the lending standby state, the lending control unit 313 reads the card identification information magnetically recorded on the prepaid card MC or PC through the prepaid card processing unit 318. After making an inquiry request for the remaining number to the terminal controller 10 including this card identification information, it enters a reception waiting state for an answer.
[0047]
During this time, the terminal controller 10 that has received the inquiry request from the card processing unit 30 reads the remaining frequency of the corresponding prepaid card MC, PC from the frequency management table DTM, DTP of the RAM 11 based on the card identification information, and this is processed in the card processing. Transfer to unit 30.
[0048]
The lending control unit 313 of the card processing unit 30 that has received the remaining frequency from the terminal controller 10 stores it in the memory 321 and displays it through the frequency display unit 24 of the pachinko machine 20, and then enters an operation standby state. .
[0049]
When the player turns on the lending switch 22 in the operation standby state, the lending control unit 313 causes the ball throwing means 26 of the pachinko machine 20 to throw the pachinko balls for the amount set by the amount setting switch 309. A ball throwing request is given to the player. Thereafter, the remaining number stored in the memory 321 is subtracted and updated according to the set amount, and the terminal controller 10 including the card identification information is requested to update the remaining number according to the set amount.
[0050]
On the other hand, when the player inserts coins or banknotes in the operation standby state, the lending control unit 313 obtains the deposit amount through the coin selector unit 316 or the bill validator unit unit 314, and enters the remaining number stored in the memory 321. In addition to updating according to the amount of money, the terminal controller 10 including the card identification information is requested to update the remaining frequency according to the amount of money to be added.
[0051]
In the terminal controller 10 that has received the subtraction update request or the addition update request for the remaining frequency, as described above, the corresponding frequency information is appropriately updated by the CPU 13. That is, when the pachinko ball is thrown out by operating the lending switch 22, the remaining number is reduced, whereas when the depositing operation is performed, the remaining number can be increased.
[0052]
Hereinafter, by repeatedly performing the above-described operation, a pachinko ball is lent up to the upper limit of the remaining number associated with the prepaid cards MC and PC, and the pachinko game of the player is enabled by the pachinko ball. If the return switch 25 is turned on during the above-described processing, the respective processing is interrupted, and the prepaid card MC, PC or money is returned to the player. Further, in the pachinko gaming system described above, the card processing unit 30 performs addition update and subtraction update of the remaining frequency. However, the pachinko ball lending information and money deposit information are directly sent to the terminal controller 10, Of course, only the terminal controller 10 may be configured to perform addition update or subtraction update.
[0053]
Next, the ball counter 60 will be described. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the ball counter 60 applied in the present embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the ball counter 60. As shown in FIG. 6, the ball counter 60 includes a ball slot 601, a display unit 602, a confirmation switch 603, a member card insertion / return port 604, and a receipt discharge port 605.
[0054]
The ball slot 601 is an opening for accepting a pachinko ball acquired by a player and introducing it into the counting unit 606. The counting unit 606 is a part that counts the pachinko balls received from the ball insertion slot 601 and gives the count value to the count control unit 607. The pachinko balls after being counted by the counting unit 606 are discharged to the ball collecting mechanism through the ball discharge port 608.
[0055]
The display unit 602 is a part that numerically displays the count value given from the count control unit 607 to the player, and is configured by a liquid crystal display, for example.
[0056]
The confirmation switch 603 is provided as an external operation input unit, and is a part that provides a detection signal to the count control unit 607 when turned ON by the player.
[0057]
The membership card insertion / return port 604 is an opening for receiving the membership card MC and taking it into the membership card processing unit 609, while returning the membership card MC after the member card processing unit 609 performs a desired process. is there. The member card processing unit 609 is a part that reads the member identification information magnetically recorded on the taken-in member card MC and gives the read result to the count control unit 607.
[0058]
The receipt discharge port 605 is an opening for discharging the receipt RC that has been printed by the printing unit 610. The print unit 610 is a part for printing out the count information given from the count control unit 607 as a receipt RC.
[0059]
The counting control unit 607 is a part for controlling each unit based on a program given in advance, information given from the counting unit 606, the confirmation switch 603, and the member card processing unit 609. The count control unit 607 is connected to the terminal controller 10 via the communication interface (I / F) unit 611 and the island controller 80, and can exchange information with the terminal controller 10 as appropriate.
[0060]
Hereinafter, the operation of the ball counter 60 will be briefly described. First, when a pachinko ball is inserted into the ball insertion slot 601 in the counting standby state, the count control unit 607 sequentially obtains the count value of the pachinko ball through the counting unit 606 and outputs the count value to the player through the display unit 602. indicate.
[0061]
When all the pachinko balls have been counted, the count control unit 607 monitors the insertion of the member card MC through the member card processing unit 609 and also monitors whether the confirmation switch 603 has been turned ON.
[0062]
In the state described above, when the confirmation switch 603 is turned on without inserting the membership card MC, the count control unit 607 outputs the final count value to the printing unit 610 as count information. As a result, since the counting result is printed out as a receipt RC in the printing unit 610, the player can obtain a prize according to the counting result by presenting the receipt RC to the hall counter. Become.
[0063]
On the other hand, when the confirmation switch 603 is turned on after the member card MC is inserted in the above state, the count control unit 607 displays the card identification information magnetically recorded on the member card MC through the member card processing unit 609. After reading and making a request for adding the number of balls to the terminal controller 10 including this card identification information, the apparatus enters a reply reception standby state.
[0064]
During this time, the terminal controller 10 that has received a request for adding the number of balls from the ball counter 60 acquires the number of balls stored for the corresponding member card MC based on the card identification information, and this time the number of balls stored for the acquired number of balls. Addition processing for the number of stored balls transmitted from the counter 60 is executed. Furthermore, the executed addition processing result is stored in the frequency management table DTM as the number of balls stored in the corresponding member card MC, and the addition processing result is transferred to the ball counter 60.
[0065]
The count control unit 607 of the ball counter 60 that has received the addition result from the terminal controller 10 outputs the addition processing result as count information to the printing unit 610. As a result, the addition processing result is received as a receipt RC in the printing unit 610. It will be printed out.
[0066]
In this way, a general player who does not own the membership card MC can only output the counting result as a receipt RC and exchange it for a prize, but the player who owns the membership card MC, That is, the member can deposit the acquired pachinko ball as a stored ball in the game store by inserting the member card MC in addition to the same operation as the general player described above.
[0067]
Next, the card issuing machine 40 and the debit slave unit 70 attached thereto will be described. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the external appearance of the card issuing machine 40 and the debit slave unit 70 applied in this embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the card issuing unit 40 and the debit slave unit 70. is there. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the card issuing machine 40 and the debit slave machine 70 are provided as separate units in individual casings 401 and 701, respectively. The housing 401 of the card issuing machine 40 and the housing 701 of the debit slave device 70 are configured to include door bodies 402 and 702 that can be opened and closed on the front surfaces thereof. Each door body 402, 702 is provided with main locking means 403, 703 between the housing 401, 701, and can be locked in a closed state.
[0068]
The card issuing machine 40 has a member card insertion / return port 404, a general card insertion / issue / return port 405, a bill insertion / return port 406, a plurality (in this embodiment, a door 402 provided on the front surface of the housing 401. 5) a selection switch 407, a numeric key switch 408, a cancel switch 409, a display unit 410, a premium ball outlet 411, and a handy receiving recess 412.
[0069]
The membership card insertion / return slot 404 is an opening for receiving the membership card MC and taking it into the membership card processing unit 413, while returning the membership card MC after the member card processing unit 413 performs a desired process. is there. The member card processing unit 413 is a part that reads the member identification information magnetically recorded on the taken-in member card MC and gives the read result to the issue control unit 414.
[0070]
The general card insertion / issue / return port 405 accepts the general card PC and takes it into the general card processing unit 415, while returning the general card PC after the desired processing is performed in the general card processing unit 415, or the general card This is an opening for issuing a general card PC issued by the card processing unit 415. The general card processing unit 415 is a part that reads the card unique identification code magnetically recorded on the fetched general card PC, gives the read result to the issue control unit 414, and issues the general card PC. In the issuance processing of the general card PC, for example, roll paper (not shown) loaded in advance is appropriately cut, printed, and data processed, and is issued as a general card PC.
[0071]
The bill insertion / return port 406 is a portion that accepts bills and takes them into the bill processing unit 416. The banknote processing unit 416 identifies the denomination of the captured banknote and gives the identification result to the issuance control unit 414, classifies the identifiable banknote as a denomination, and stores it in the banknote collection box 417. It is a part for returning impossible banknotes.
[0072]
The selection switch 407, the numeric keypad switch 408, and the cancel switch 409 are provided as external operation input units, respectively, and are portions that provide individual detection signals to the issue control unit 414 when turned ON by the player.
[0073]
The display unit 410 is a part for displaying various types of information such as input guidance and setting input guidance given from the issue control unit 414, and is configured by a liquid crystal display, for example.
[0074]
The premier ball throwing port 411 is an opening for paying out a pachinko ball discharged from the premier ball throwing unit 418 to a player. The premier ball throwing unit 418 is a portion that discharges a predetermined number of pachinko balls as premier balls based on a control signal given from the issuance control unit 414.
[0075]
The handy receiving recess 412 is a recess that can be opened and closed by the auxiliary door body 419 and can be locked by the auxiliary lock means 420 separate from the main lock means 403 of the door body 402. The auxiliary lock means 420 is provided with a lock detection sensor 421 that detects whether or not the lock is in a locked state and always gives the detection result to the issuance control unit 414.
[0076]
In addition, the handy terminal input device 422 is accommodated in the handy accommodating recess 412. The handy terminal input device 422 includes various function switches and numeric key switches, and functions as an internal operation input unit. When various function switches and numeric key switches of the handy terminal input device 422 are turned ON, individual detection signals are given to the issuance control unit 414 in the same manner as the selection switch 407 and the cancel switch 409 described above. Become.
[0077]
The issuance control unit 414 includes a predetermined program, a membership card processing unit 413, a general card processing unit 415, a banknote processing unit 416, a selection switch 407, a numeric key switch 408, a cancel switch 409, a lock detection sensor 421, and a handy terminal input device. This is a part for controlling each part based on the information given from 422. The issuance control unit 414 can appropriately exchange information with the outside through the first communication interface (I / F) unit 423 and the second communication interface (I / F) unit 424. In the present embodiment, the first communication interface unit 423 is connected to the terminal controller 10 via the island controller 80, while the second communication interface unit 424 connects the first communication interface unit 712 of the debit slave unit 70. To the debit control unit 710.
[0078]
In addition, the code | symbol 425 in a figure is a printing part for printing sales information, and is provided in the part exposed outside when the door body 402 is opened.
[0079]
The debit slave device 70 includes a debit card insertion / return port 704, a receipt discharge port 705, a display unit 706, and an external operation input unit 707 on a door body 702 provided on the front surface of the housing 701. An internal operation input unit 708 is provided in a portion exposed when opened.
[0080]
The debit card insertion / return port 704 is an opening for receiving the debit card DC and taking it into the debit card processing unit 709 while returning the debit card DC after the debit card processing unit 709 has performed a desired process. is there. The debit card processing unit 709 is a part that reads information magnetically recorded on the taken debit card DC and gives the read result to the debit control unit 710.
[0081]
The receipt discharge port 705 is an opening for discharging the receipt RC that has been printed by the printing unit 711. The printing unit 711 is a part for printing out the payment information given from the debit control unit 710 as a receipt RC.
[0082]
The display unit 706 is a part for displaying various information such as input guidance given from the debit control unit 710, and is configured by a liquid crystal display, for example.
[0083]
The external operation input unit 707 includes various function switches such as a confirmation switch and a cancel switch, and further includes a numeric keypad switch for inputting numerical values such as a password of the debit card DC. The internal operation input unit 708 includes an attendant mode switch. When the external operation input unit 707 and the internal operation input unit 708 are turned on, individual detection signals are given to the debit control unit 710, respectively.
[0084]
The debit control unit 710 is a part that controls each unit based on information given from the debit card processing unit 709, the external operation input unit 707, and the internal operation input unit 708. The debit control unit 710 can appropriately exchange information with the outside through the first communication interface (I / F) unit 712 and the second communication interface (I / F) unit 713. In the present embodiment, the first communication interface unit 712 is connected to the issuance control unit 414 via the second communication interface unit 424 of the card issuing machine 40, while the second communication interface unit 713 is connected to the public line network. 1000 is connected to the information processing center 1001 of the debit card system, and as shown in FIG. 1, issuance of a debit card having a CAFIS (Credit and Finance Information System) network 1003 including a clearing center 1002 and a player's account A bank 1004 and an information processing center 1001 are connected to a member store bank 1005 having an account.
[0085]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing executed by the debit control unit 710 of the debit slave device 70, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing executed by the issue control unit 414 of the card issuing device 40. Hereinafter, operations of the debit slave unit 70 and the card issuing unit 40 according to the present embodiment will be described according to these flowcharts.
[0086]
First, the debit control unit 710 of the debit slave unit 70 determines whether or not the attendant mode switch 708 is turned on as shown in FIG. 10 (step S10). When the clerk mode switch 708 is turned on, that is, when the clerk at the amusement store unlocks and opens the door body 702, and the clerk mode switch 708 is turned on, the clerk mode switch 708 enters the clerk mode. The mode process can be executed (step S100).
[0087]
On the other hand, if the clerk mode switch 708 is not turned on in step S10, the handling standby mode is set, and the player can handle the debit card DC (step S200).
[0088]
These processes described above are repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle while the debit slave unit 70 is in operation. That is, in the debit slave unit 70, the clerk mode and the handling standby mode are switched depending on whether or not the clerk mode switch 708 is turned on.
[0089]
In the clerk mode process performed in step S100 of the debit slave unit 70, if there is a key input through a function switch or numeric key switch of the external operation input unit 707, a process of appropriately executing the clerk mode process corresponding to this key input is performed. It will be. This clerk mode process includes, for example, a process of outputting a receipt sum total by the debit card DC.
[0090]
On the other hand, the issue control unit 414 of the card issuing machine 40 determines whether or not the auxiliary door body 419 is in an open state through a detection signal from the lock detection sensor 421 as shown in FIG. 11 (step S20). If the auxiliary lock means 420 is unlocked by a clerk at the amusement store and it is determined in step S20 that the auxiliary door body 419 is open, the process waits for the input of a password for shifting to the maintenance mode (step S21). . The password requested here is the password set by the game shop.
[0091]
If it is determined that the password entered in step S22 is correct, the issuance control unit 414 shifts to the maintenance mode and executes maintenance processing (step S300). In this maintenance mode, the handy terminal input device 422 stored in the handy storage recess 412 can be operated. For example, various kinds of maintenance necessary for a staff of a game shop who is a maintenance worker through the display unit 410 are performed. It is preferable to notify information. If it is determined in step S22 that the password entered is not correct, the current process is terminated without shifting to the maintenance mode.
[0092]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the auxiliary door body 419 is closed, that is, when the handy terminal input device 422 stored in the handy storage recess 412 cannot be operated by locking the auxiliary lock means 420, The normal sales standby mode is set, and card issue / addition processing is executed (step S400). In this sales standby mode, for example, it is preferable to notify the player through the display unit 410 that the customer is in a sales standby state and that the prepaid card MC, PC or bill can be inserted.
[0093]
The above-described processing is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle while the card issuing machine 40 is in operation. That is, in the card issuing machine 40, the sales standby mode and the maintenance mode are switched according to the opening / closing of the auxiliary door body 419.
[0094]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the maintenance process performed in step S300 in the card issuing machine 40. In this maintenance process, first, a setting input screen is displayed on the display unit 410 by a control signal from the issuance control unit 414 (step S301), and then the setting input wait is performed (step S302). If there is a setting input from the various function switches or numeric key switches of the handy terminal input device 422 by a game shop clerk during the display of the setting input request, the setting input information is displayed on the display unit 410 and the setting input information is displayed. The data is stored in its own memory (not shown) (step S303). Thereafter, the above-described operation is repeatedly executed until the auxiliary door body 419 is closed (step S304), and the current process is terminated when the auxiliary door body 419 is closed.
[0095]
FIG. 13 shows a screen display example of the setting input executed in steps S301 and S302 in the card issuing machine 40, and shows a setting input screen for availability conditions. As is apparent from the figure, in the present embodiment, in the setting input of availability conditions, an instruction amount and a settlement method capable of designating the instruction amount are set for each of the plurality of selection switches 407 described above. It is possible.
[0096]
That is, in this maintenance mode, when the number of the selection switch 407 to be set is input, a setting input screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed, and the designated amount and the settlement amount for which the support amount can be specified for the selection switch 407. You can set the method. As settlement methods, it is possible to input the propriety of each of three types of cash settlement, debit settlement and replay settlement. Among these settlement methods, the replay settlement uses the above-mentioned membership card MC as a settlement method, and it is not necessary to use cash or debit card DC. Regarding debit payment, the amusement store bears the entire center fee to be paid to the clearing center 1002 and the information processing center 1001.
[0097]
In the specific example shown in FIG. An instruction amount of 1000 yen is set for one selection switch 407, and cash settlement and replay settlement are set as settlement methods capable of instructing 1000 yen. Hereinafter, NO. 2 selection switch 407, NO. 3 selection switch 407, NO. 4 selection switch 407, NO. The same operation is performed on the 5 selection switch 407 to set each instruction amount and an instructable settlement method. In this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the selection switch 407 at the left end when viewed from the front in FIG. 1 and go to the right. 2, NO. 3, NO. 4, NO. 5 and so on.
[0098]
FIG. 14 shows a specific example of the availability condition set in the selection switch 407. In the availability condition shown in this specific example, the only NO. Only in the case of 1000 yen set in the 1 selection switch 407, it is set so that debit settlement is not possible. In other words, for debit payments that involve a fee burden on the amusement store, the minimum value of the indicated amount is 2000 yen, which is set higher than other payment methods that do not involve a fee burden.
[0099]
The availability condition set as described above is stored in the memory of the issuance control unit 414, and is read each time an association operation described later is performed. It should be noted that the setting regarding the availability condition is not necessarily performed by the card issuing machine 40, and may be performed by the debit slave unit 70. Alternatively, the terminal controller 10 may perform batch setting, and the set content may be given to each card issuing device 40 or debit slave device 70. In particular, if the terminal controller 10 is configured to set the availability conditions collectively, even if a large number of card issuing machines 40 and debit slaves 70 are installed in the amusement store, it is very easy to set the availability conditions. become. In addition, there is no possibility that the setting contents of the card issuing machine 40 and the debit slave machine 70 are different from each other, and there is no possibility that the player will unnecessarily feel distrust and suspicion.
[0100]
FIGS. 15A and 16A are flowcharts showing details of the card issue / addition processing executed in step S400 of the card issuing machine 40. FIGS. 15B and 16B are debit children. 7 is a flowchart showing details of a debit card handling process performed in step S200 of the machine 70. Hereinafter, the operations of the card issuer 40 and the debit slave unit 70 will be described with reference to these drawings.
[0101]
First, the issuance control unit 414 of the card issuing machine 40 reads the setting stored in the memory as shown in FIG. 15A (step S401). What is read in step S401 is the availability condition set in the previous step S302.
[0102]
The issuance control unit 414 that has read the availability condition transmits a notification that the transaction is possible to the debit slave unit 70 (step S402), and further displays that the transaction is waiting through the display unit 410. After that (step S403), it waits for the player's operation input. Specifically, whether the membership card MC is inserted (step S404), whether the cancel switch 409 is turned on (step S405), whether a bill is inserted (step S406), and the debit slave unit 70 It is determined whether or not a debit card insertion notification has been received (step S407).
[0103]
When the member card MC is inserted into the card issuing machine 40 while waiting for this operation input, the issuance control unit 414 reads the card identification information recorded on the member card MC through the member card processing unit 413 and reads the read card. Based on the identification information, it is determined whether or not there is a stored ball in the member card MC (step S408). That is, the terminal controller 10 is inquired of the number of stored balls together with the read card identification information, and it is determined whether or not the number of stored balls associated with the member card MC exceeds 0 from the answer result.
[0104]
When the number of stored balls associated with the membership card MC exceeds 0, a transaction impossible notification is transmitted to the debit slave unit 70 (step S409), and then a replay process described later is performed (step S409). (S500), the procedure is returned to step S402.
[0105]
If the cancel switch 409 of the card issuing machine 40 is turned on while waiting for the operation input, the procedure proceeds to step S411 to determine whether or not the prepaid card MC or PC is inserted, and further inserted. If this is the case, it is returned (step S412), and then the procedure is returned to step S402 to end the current process.
[0106]
On the other hand, when a banknote is inserted into the card issuing machine 40 while waiting for the operation input, a transaction impossible notice is transmitted to the debit slave 70 (step S413), and then a cash handling process described later is performed. (Step S600), the procedure is returned to Step S402.
[0107]
Further, when the card issuing device 40 receives a debit card insertion notification (from step S205) from the debit slave device 70 (to be described later) while waiting for the operation input, the card issuing device 40 cancels the operation input wait and selects input from the debit slave device 70. It waits for reception of a request (step S415, step S416).
[0108]
During the processing by the card issuing device 40 described above, the debit slave device 70 is waiting to receive a transaction available notification in the debit card handling processing (step S201), as shown in FIG. When a transaction available notification is received from the machine 40 (from step S402), a message indicating that the transaction is waiting is displayed through the display unit 706 (step S202), and thereafter, waiting for insertion of the debit card DC (step S203, step S204). ).
[0109]
During this time, a member card MC having a stored number of balls exceeding 0 is inserted into the card issuing machine 40, or a bill is inserted, and a transaction impossible notice (from step S409 or step S413) transmitted from the card issuing machine 40 is received. In such a case, the transaction is temporarily disabled, and the transaction waiting notification is again received from the card issuing machine 40 (step S201).
[0110]
When the debit card DC is inserted into the debit slave unit 70 in the above-described state, a notification that the debit card DC has been inserted is transmitted to the card issuing unit 40 (step S205), and a password is input to the display unit 706. After the request is displayed (step S206), the process waits for input of a personal identification number (steps S207 and S208). The personal identification number requested here is a personal identification number set when the debit card DC is issued.
[0111]
During this time, when the cancel switch of the external operation input unit 707 is turned ON, a cancel notification is transmitted to the card issuing machine 40 (step S209), and then the debit card DC is returned (step S210), and the procedure is stepped. Return to S201.
[0112]
On the other hand, when the player inputs the password through the numeric key switch of the external operation input unit 707, the debit control unit 710 transmits a selection input request to the card issuing machine 40 (step S211), and then issues the card issuance. It waits to receive an instruction amount from the machine 40 through the selection switch 407 (steps S212 and S213). During this time, when a cancellation notice (from step S420) is received from the card issuing machine 40 described later, the debit card DC is returned (step S210), and the procedure is returned to step S201.
[0113]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15A, when the card issuing machine 40 receives the cancellation notification (from step S209) from the debit slave unit 70 while waiting for the selection input request reception described above, the procedure proceeds to step S411. It is determined whether or not the prepaid card MC or PC is inserted. If the prepaid card MC or PC is inserted, it is returned (step S412). Thereafter, the procedure is returned to step S402 and the current process is terminated. .
[0114]
On the other hand, when a selection input request (from step S211) is received from the debit slave unit 70, the issuance control unit 414 validates a plurality of selection switches 407 that meet the above-described availability condition (step S417). Thereafter, it is monitored whether the activated selection switch 407 is turned on (steps S418 and S419). When the selection switch 407 is activated, the activated selection switch 407 is preferably caused to emit light, and further, a display for prompting the player to operate the selection switch 407 through the display unit 410 is preferably performed.
[0115]
Here, the selection switch 407 that is activated in step S417 is debit payment with a fee burden of the amusement shop, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, 2000 yen, 3000 yen, 5000 yen, and 10000 yen. The selection switch 407 corresponding to the original minimum amount of 1000 yen set in the card issuing machine 40 is not activated. In other words, a player who makes a debit payment is forced to instruct an amount of at least 2000 yen or more. As a result, the game store does not have to pay a fee each time for a small settlement of 1,000 yen, so even if the handling of the debit card DC increases, the fee burden may significantly affect sales. There is no. Moreover, since it does not impose a fee burden on the player, there is no possibility of causing a situation that impairs the game motivation, and the setting of the above-mentioned availability condition does not have a great influence on the sales of the game store. . Furthermore, the above-described availability condition can be set uniquely for each gaming store in the maintenance mode described above. Therefore, for example, in the case of debit payment, it can be changed arbitrarily such that payment of 2000 yen or less cannot be made, and can be flexibly dealt with according to the business form of the amusement store.
[0116]
If the cancel switch 409 is turned on while the operation state of the selection switch 407 is monitored, a cancel notification is transmitted to the debit slave unit 70 (step S420), and the procedure proceeds to step S411. It is determined whether or not the prepaid card MC or PC is inserted. If it is further inserted, it is returned (step S412), and then the procedure is returned to step S402 to end the current process.
[0117]
On the other hand, when the activated selection switch 407 is turned on, information on the amount corresponding to the selection switch 407 is transmitted to the debit slave unit 70 (step S421), and thereafter, shown in FIG. In this manner, the transaction amount reception waiting from the debit handset 70 is awaited (step S422).
[0118]
The debit slave device 70 that has received the designated amount from the card issuing machine 40 through the selection switch 407 sets the designated amount as the transaction amount as shown in FIG. 16B (step S214). The debit handset 70 that has set the transaction amount transmits the transaction amount to the card issuing machine 40 (step S215), further displays a transaction confirmation request to the player through the display unit 706 (step S216), and then cancels. It is monitored which of the switch and the confirmation switch is operated (step S217, step S218).
[0119]
When the cancel switch is turned on in the above-described state, a cancel notification is transmitted to the card issuing machine 40 (step S219), and then the debit card DC is returned to the player (step S220), and the procedure is stepped. Return to S201.
[0120]
On the other hand, when the player turns on the confirmation switch, the debit control unit 710 displays a communication screen with the information processing center 1001 on the display unit 706 (step S221), and then the information processing center through the public line network 1000. 1001 is accessed and settlement processing is performed (step S222).
[0121]
During these processes, as shown in FIG. 16A, the card issuing machine 40 that has received the transaction amount from the debit slave unit 70 displays the transaction amount on the display unit 410 (step S423), and then It waits for reception of the settlement end result (step S424, step S425). If a cancellation notice (from step S219) is received from the debit slave device 70 before receiving the settlement end result, the procedure proceeds to step S411 (FIG. 15A), and the prepaid cards MC and PC are inserted. If it is further inserted, it is returned (step S412), and then the procedure is returned to step S402 to end the current process.
[0122]
The settlement process by the debit control unit 710 described above can be realized by the following procedure, for example. That is, the debit control unit 710 provides information on the payment agent / communication agent (payment request) including the information on the instruction amount received from the card issuer 40 and the read information and the PIN number of the debit card DC acquired so far. The information is sent to the processing center 1001 and a settlement processing end notification from the information processing center 1001 is awaited (step S223).
[0123]
The information processing center 1001 that has received the settlement request requests the clearing center 1002 of the CAFIS network 1003 for settlement processing based on various information included in the settlement request.
[0124]
Upon receiving the request, the clearing center 1002 performs a settlement process between the debit card issuing bank 1004 (a bank having a player's account) and a member store bank 1005 (a bank having an information processing center 1001 account). This payment process includes a process that requires immediate execution and a process that is performed after a preset period (for example, three business days) has elapsed.
[0125]
As a process that requires immediate execution, for example, there is a process in which the debit card issuing bank 1004 deducts an amount corresponding to the current payment request from a player's account. When this immediate execution process ends, the clearing center 1002 immediately notifies the information processing center 1001 that the process has ended. The information processing center 1001 that has received the notification transmits a settlement end notification to the debit slave device 70 that has transmitted the settlement request based on this notification.
[0126]
Settlement processing other than immediate execution performed after the elapse of a predetermined period is as follows. A price obtained by subtracting the center fee of the above-described clearing center 1002 or information processing center 1001 is transferred to an account of the card company center 90 of the XX bank 1006. After that, according to the agreement between the card company and the amusement store, the use of the prepaid card MC, PC is finally made from the account of the card company center 90 in the XX bank 1006 to the account of the amusement store held by the △△ bank 1007. The price calculated based on the frequency and the set input information described above is transferred.
[0127]
Now, the debit slave device 70 that has received the settlement end notification from the information processing center 1001 in step S223 described above transfers the settlement end result to the issuance control unit 414 as shown in FIG. 16B (step S224). ). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the debit payment is a normal payment (step S225). If the debit payment is not a normal payment, the reason why the payment is not possible is displayed on the display unit 706, and FIG. As shown, a receipt RC describing the reason for failure is issued to the player (step S226), the debit card DC is returned (step S227), the procedure is returned to step S201, and the current process is terminated.
[0128]
On the other hand, if the settlement end notification received from the information processing center 1001 in step S223 is a normal settlement, the display unit 706 displays that the settlement has been terminated normally and is shown in FIG. In this manner, a receipt RC that is a confirmation of debiting according to the current debit payment is issued to the player from the player account of the debit card issuing bank 1004 (step S228). Thereafter, the extraction check of the debit card DC is performed (step S229), and when the extraction is confirmed, a card extraction notification is transmitted to the card issuing machine 40 (step S230), and the reception of the transaction end notification is awaited (step S231).
[0129]
On the other hand, the card issuing machine 40 that has received the settlement end result from the debit slave unit 70 determines whether or not this is a normal settlement (step S426). If the settlement is not a normal settlement, the procedure proceeds to step S411 (FIG. 15A). ) To determine whether or not the prepaid card MC or PC has been inserted, and if it has been inserted, return it (step S412), and then return the procedure to step S402 to perform the current process. finish.
[0130]
On the other hand, if the settlement end result received from the debit slave unit 70 is a normal settlement, it is determined whether or not the prepaid card MC or PC is currently inserted (step S427).
[0131]
In a state where the prepaid cards MC and PC are inserted, an instruction amount addition request corresponding to the selected selection switch 407 is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 together with the card identification information (step S428). As a result, the remaining frequencies associated with the card identification information in the frequency management tables DTM and DTP stored in the terminal controller 10 are added. Therefore, if the prepaid cards MC and PC are inserted into the card processing unit 30, it is possible to lend pachinko balls up to the upper limit of the remaining number after the addition process.
[0132]
On the other hand, in a state where the prepaid card MC or PC is not inserted, a general card issuance request with an instruction amount corresponding to the selected selection switch 407 is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 (step S429). In this case, the issuance control unit 414 sends an issuance processing signal to the general card processing unit 415 in response to the issuance permission from the terminal controller 10, and the general card processing unit 415 performs a new general card PC issuance process. Will come to be.
[0133]
Thereafter, the issuance control unit 414 of the card issuer 40 waits for reception of a card removal notification from the debit slave device 70 (step S430). After receiving the card removal notification transmitted in the previous step S230, the prepaid card MC , PC is returned or issued (step S431). Further, a transaction end notification is transmitted to the debit slave unit 70 (step S432), and then the procedure is returned to step S402 to end the current process.
[0134]
The debit slave device 70 that has received the transaction end notification from the card issuer 40 returns the procedure to step S201 and ends the current process.
[0135]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of the replay process performed in step S500 of the card issuing / adding process, and FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing details of the cash handling process executed in step S600 of the card issuing / adding process. is there. Hereinafter, the replay process and the cash handling process will be described with reference to these drawings.
[0136]
First, in the replay process, the issuance control unit 414 of the card issuing machine 40 displays a password number input request display as shown in FIG. 19 (step S501), and then waits for input of a password (step S502, step). S503). The password requested here is the password set when the member card MC is issued.
[0137]
When the cancel switch 409 is turned on in the state described above, the member card MC is returned (step S504), and then the procedure is returned.
[0138]
On the other hand, when the player inputs the personal identification number through the numeric keypad 408, the issuance control unit 414 activates one of the plurality of selection switches 407 that meets the above-described availability condition (step S505), and then validates it. It is monitored whether or not the changed selection switch 407 is turned on (steps S506 and S507). When the selection switch 407 is activated, the activated selection switch 407 is preferably caused to emit light, and further, a display for prompting the player to operate the selection switch 407 through the display unit 410 is preferably performed.
[0139]
Here, the selection switch 407 activated in step S505 is a replay settlement method and does not involve a fee charge of the amusement shop. Therefore, all the selection switches 407 are determined based on availability conditions. Will be activated. However, the replay settlement has an upper limit on the number of stored balls stored in the frequency management table DTM of the terminal controller 10. Therefore, for example, if the number of stored balls associated with the membership card MC is less than 2500, only the selection switch 407 corresponding to 1000 yen, 2000 yen, 3000 yen and 5000 yen is activated as shown in FIG. The selection switch 407 corresponding to 10,000 yen is not activated. Of course, if the number of stored balls is 2500 or more, all the selection switches 407 are activated. Further, as in the case of the debit settlement described above, the availability condition can be set uniquely for each amusement store in the maintenance mode described above. Therefore, for example, in the case of replay settlement, it can be arbitrarily changed such that settlement of 3000 yen or more cannot be made, and can be flexibly dealt with according to the business form of the amusement store.
[0140]
When the cancel switch 409 is turned on while monitoring the operation state of the selection switch 407 described above, the membership card MC is returned (step S504), and then the procedure is returned.
[0141]
On the other hand, when one of the activated selection switches 407 is turned on, the issuance control unit 414 stores the number of balls corresponding to the instruction amount corresponding to the selection switch 407 together with the card identification information acquired previously. Is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 (step S508). As a result, among the number of stored balls associated with the card identification information in the frequency management table DTM stored in the terminal controller 10, the number corresponding to the selected amount is replaced with the frequency, and thereafter, the replaced frequency remains. It is added to the frequency. Therefore, if the member card MC is subsequently inserted into the card processing unit 30, it is possible to lend a pachinko ball with the remaining number subjected to the addition processing as an upper limit.
[0142]
The issuance control unit 414 that has transmitted the migration request then returns the membership card MC (step S509) and returns the procedure.
[0143]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, in the cash handling process, the issuance control unit 414 activates a selection switch 407 that matches the above-described availability condition (step S601), and then activates the selection switch. It is monitored whether or not 407 is turned on (steps S602 and S603). When the selection switch 407 is activated, the activated selection switch 407 is preferably caused to emit light, and further, a display for prompting the player to operate the selection switch 407 through the display unit 410 is preferably performed.
[0144]
Here, since the selection switch 407 activated in step S601 has a settlement method of cash settlement and does not involve a fee charge of the amusement shop, all the selection switches 407 are determined based on the availability condition. Will be activated. However, the cash settlement has an upper limit on the amount of bills inserted. Therefore, for example, if the inserted banknote is a 5000 yen bill, as shown in FIG. 21, only the selection switch 407 corresponding to 1000 yen, 2000 yen, 3000 yen, and 5000 yen is activated and corresponds to 10000 yen. The selection switch 407 to be activated is not activated. Of course, if the inserted banknote is 10,000 yen, all the selection switches 407 are activated. It should be noted that the above-described availability condition can be set uniquely for each amusement store in the maintenance mode described above, and can be arbitrarily changed according to the business form of the amusement store. This is the same as debit payment and replay payment.
[0145]
When the cancel switch 409 is turned on while monitoring the operation state of the selection switch 407 described above, it is determined whether or not the prepaid card MC or PC is being inserted (step S604), and further inserted. If this is the case, this is returned (step S605), then the inserted banknote is returned (step S612), and the procedure is returned.
[0146]
On the other hand, when any of the activated selection switches 407 is turned on, the issuance control unit 414 determines whether or not the prepaid card MC or PC is currently inserted (step S606).
[0147]
In a state where the prepaid card MC or PC is inserted, an instruction amount addition request corresponding to the selected selection switch 407 is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 together with the card identification information (step S607). As a result, the remaining frequencies associated with the card identification information in the frequency management tables DTM and DTP stored in the terminal controller 10 are added. Therefore, if the prepaid cards MC and PC are inserted into the card processing unit 30, it is possible to lend pachinko balls up to the upper limit of the remaining number after the addition process.
[0148]
On the other hand, in the state where the prepaid card MC or PC is not inserted, a general card issuance request with an instruction amount corresponding to the selected selection switch 407 is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 (step S608). In this case, the issuance control unit 414 sends an issuance processing signal to the general card processing unit 415 in response to the issuance permission from the terminal controller 10, and the general card processing unit 415 performs a new general card PC issuance process. Will come to be.
[0149]
Thereafter, the issue control unit 414 of the card issuing machine 40 returns or issues the prepaid card MC or PC to the player (step S431). In this case, if the instruction amount by the selection switch 407 is high, for example, if the instruction amount is 10,000 yen, a control signal is sent from the issuance control unit 414 to the premium ball throwing unit 418 and set in advance. A number of pachinko balls may be paid out to the player from the premier ball outlet 411 as a premier ball. Further, the issuance control unit 414 determines whether or not there is change in the current process (step S610), and returns the change when the indicated amount is smaller than the input amount (step S611). And the indicated amount match, the procedure is returned without returning the change.
[0150]
As described above, in the pachinko gaming system described above, the association of the frequency to the prepaid card MC, PC based on the preset availability condition (the addition processing of the frequency to the member card MC and the general card PC, and the general card PC) Issuance) is limited to the settlement method. Accordingly, in the case of debit payment accompanied by a fee charge of the game shop, it is possible to expect an increase in sales by reducing the charge burden of the game shop, such as prohibiting a small amount payment. In addition, since it does not impose a fee burden on the player, there is no possibility of impairing the game motivation, and the setting of the availability condition described above does not greatly affect the sales of the game store. Furthermore, the above-described availability condition can be set uniquely for each gaming store in the maintenance mode described above. Therefore, for example, in the case of debit payment, it is possible to change arbitrarily such as making payment less than 2000 yen impossible, and in case of replay payment making it impossible to make payment more than 3000 yen. It is possible to respond flexibly according to the type of business.
[0151]
As a result, not only will the merits of the game shop be increased when a pachinko gaming system corresponding to the use of the debit card DC is constructed, but also an increase in sales can be expected, and the realization thereof can be achieved.
[0152]
In the above-described embodiment, only the debit card DC is used as a payment method involving a fee charge of an amusement shop. However, as long as the payment method using a credit card is accompanied by a fee charge of the amusement shop. The same can be applied to other settlement methods. Even in this case, in the case of credit settlement with a game store fee burden, if it is set to prohibit small amount settlement, it is possible to reduce the fee burden of the game store and expect an increase in sales. . In addition, since it does not impose a fee burden on the player, there is no possibility of impairing the game motivation, and the setting of the availability condition described above does not greatly affect the sales of the game store.
[0153]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the replay settlement, the number of stored balls associated with the member card MC is shifted to the frequency and added, but a new recording medium having the frequency corresponding to the indicated amount (Replay card) may be issued.
[0154]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a settlement method that can be associated with a plurality of types of instruction amounts is set as the availability condition, but other availability conditions may be set.
[0155]
22 and 23 show another embodiment of the availability condition. That is, in this embodiment, player types that can be associated with a plurality of types of instruction amounts, that is, members / nonmembers, are set as availability conditions. For example, in the specific example shown in FIG. An instruction amount of 10,000 yen is set for the 5 selection switch 407, and only members are set as players who can instruct this 1000 yen. Hereinafter, NO. 1 selection switch 407, NO. 2 selection switch 407, NO. 3 selection switch 407, NO. The same operation is performed on the 4-select switch 407 to set each instruction amount and the type of player that can be instructed.
[0156]
FIG. 23 shows a specific example of the availability condition set in the selection switch 407. In the availability condition shown in this specific example, all instruction amounts can be instructed if it is a member, but in the case of non-members, the instruction amount that can be instructed is limited to only 1000 yen. .
[0157]
When the above-described availability conditions are set, a large profit can be given to the member when actually playing the game toward the gaming machine. That is, in the case of a non-member, only a general card PC associated with a frequency of up to 1000 yen can be inserted into the card processing unit 30. On the other hand, in the case of a member registered in an amusement store, a member card MC associated with a frequency of an amount arbitrarily selected from 2000 yen, 3000 yen, 5000 yen and 10000 yen as well as 1000 yen is used. It becomes possible to play by inserting. Therefore, for example, a member who owns a membership card MC associated with a frequency of 10,000 yen can perform a continuous game toward a gaming machine while a non-member purchases a general card PC 10 times by simple calculation. An advantageous condition can be obtained in a portion directly connected to the game, such as a significant decrease in the probability of missing the jackpot.
[0158]
As a result, while giving a sense of superiority to general players to members, general players who have recognized the convenience of the members will be greatly attracted to becoming members. As a result, it will be possible to expect a steady increase in the number of members.
[0159]
In order to determine whether or not the player who has performed the association operation in the card issuing machine 40 is a member when the above-described availability condition is applied, the insertion of the member card MC may be monitored. That is, when the association operation is performed with the member card MC inserted, the player is determined to be a member, while the general card PC is inserted or the prepaid card MC or PC is inserted. If the association operation is performed without accompanying, the player may be determined to be a non-member.
[0160]
In the above-described embodiment, a prepaid card such as a membership card and a general card is exemplified as the recording medium, but other magnetic cards, IC cards, IC coins, and the like may be used. Further, the application target is not limited to the pachinko gaming system, but can be applied to a pachislot machine or the like. Furthermore, the replay settlement function is added to the card issuing machine, but the replay slave function may be provided as a dedicated slave unit separate from the card issuing machine as in the debit slave unit described above. Good. On the contrary, the debit payment function is provided as an individual dedicated handset, but the debit payment function may be added to the card issuing machine.
[0161]
In the above-described embodiment, the button switch is exemplified as the means for inputting the instruction amount. For example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display is applied and displayed on the liquid crystal display. The indicated amount may be input by touching the button. In this case, it is not always necessary to display buttons for all the set amounts, and it is sufficient to display buttons corresponding to selectable instruction amounts.
[0162]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above, according to the present invention,In a gaming system for performing an issuance process for issuing a recording medium associated with a valuable value as a rental standard for gaming media, or an adding process for adding a valuable value to a valuable value associated with a recording medium, Multiple selection switches for selecting an instruction amount when issuing processing or an instruction amount when performing addition processing, and settlement that allows selection of the instruction amount and the instruction amount for each of the plurality of selection switches When an association operation with a method is performed, a process of storing this in a memory as a pass / fail condition is performed, while when it is detected that a bill is inserted or when a debit card is inserted , Activate the selection switch corresponding to the designated amount that can be selected by each settlement method according to the setting condition of the availability condition When the activated selection switch is turned on, an issue process for issuing a recording medium associated with a valuable value corresponding to the instruction amount associated with the selection switch that has been turned on can be performed, or An issue control unit that enables the addition processing of the valuable value corresponding to the instruction amount associated with the selection switch that is turned ON with respect to the associated valuable value.The association operation can be restricted according to the settlement method.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a pachinko gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a terminal controller.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a frequency management table stored in a terminal controller, in which FIG. 3A is a chart showing a frequency management table for members, and FIG. 3B is a chart showing a frequency management table for general players; .
FIG. 4 is a front view showing the appearance of a pachinko machine and a card processing unit applied in the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a card processing unit.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a ball counter applied in the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the ball counter.
FIG. 8 is a front view showing an appearance of a card issuing machine and a debit slave machine applied in the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a card issuing machine and a debit slave machine.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing executed by a debit control unit of a debit slave unit.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing executed by an issue control unit of the card issuing machine.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of maintenance processing performed in the card issuing machine.
FIG. 13 is a view showing a display example of a setting input screen implemented in the card issuing machine.
FIG. 14 is a chart showing a specific example of availability conditions.
15A is a flowchart showing details of a card issuing / adding process performed by a card issuing machine, and FIG. 15B is a flowchart showing details of a debit card handling process executed by a debit slave. .
16A is a flowchart showing details of a card issuance / addition process performed subsequently to FIG. 15A, and FIG. 16B is a debit card handling performed subsequently to FIG. 15B. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a process.
FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of enabling a selection switch according to availability conditions.
FIGS. 18A and 18B are conceptual diagrams showing an example of a receipt issued from a debit slave.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of a replay process performed by the card issuing machine.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing details of a cash handling process performed by the card issuing machine.
FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of enabling the selection switch according to the availability condition.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another display example of the setting input screen implemented in the card issuing machine.
FIG. 23 is a chart showing another example of availability conditions.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Terminal controller
11 RAM
12 Communication interface section
13 CPU
14 ROM
20 Pachinko machine
21 Game area
22 Lending switch
23 Fine dishes
24 frequency display
25 Return switch
26 Ball throwing means
30 card processing unit
40 card issuing machine
50 card checkout machine
60 ball counter
70 debit handset
80 island controller
90 Card company center
301 Front panel
302 Card lamp
303 Cash lamp
304 bill insertion slot
305 coin slot
306 Return lever
307 type lamp
308 Amount display
309 Amount setting switch
310 fraction setting switch
311 coin return slot
312 Card slot
313 Lending Control Department
314 Bill Bali Unit
315 bill transport path
316 coin selector
317 Coin transport path
318 Prepaid card processing unit
319 First communication interface unit
320 Second communication interface unit
321 memory
401 housing
402 Door
403 Main lock means
404 Member card insertion / return slot
405 General card insertion / issuance / return port
406 bill insertion / return slot
407 Selection switch
408 numeric key switch
409 Cancel switch
410 display
411 Premier ball outlet
412 Handy receiving recess
413 Membership card processing department
414 Issuance control unit
415 General card processing unit
416 Banknote processing unit
417 bill collection box
418 Premier Ball Throwing Club
419 Auxiliary door
420 Auxiliary locking means
421 Locking detection sensor
422 Handy terminal input machine
423 First communication interface unit
424 Second communication interface unit
601 Ball slot
602 display unit
603 Confirmation switch
604 Membership card insertion / return slot
605 Receipt outlet
606 Counting unit
607 Count control unit
608 ball outlet
609 Membership card processing department
610 Printing section
611 Communication interface unit
701 housing
702 Door
703 Main lock means
704 Debit card insertion / return slot
705 Receipt outlet
706 Display
707 External operation input unit
708 Staff mode switch (internal operation input section)
709 Debit card processor
710 Debit control unit
711 Printing section
712 First communication interface unit
713 Second communication interface unit
1000 public network
1001 Information processing center
1002 Clearing center
1003 CAFIS network
1004 Debit card issuing bank
1005 Merchant bank
1006 ○○ Bank
1007 △△ Bank
DC debit card
DTM, DTP frequency management table
MC membership card
PC general card
RC receipt

Claims (1)

In a gaming system that performs an issuance process for issuing a recording medium associated with a valuable value serving as a rental standard for gaming media, or an adding process for adding a valuable value to a valuable value associated with a recording medium,
A plurality of selection switches for selecting an instruction amount when the recording medium issuance process is performed or an instruction amount when the addition process is performed;
When an operation for associating an instruction amount with a settlement method capable of selecting the instruction amount is performed for each of a plurality of selection switches, a process for storing the instruction amount in a memory as a condition is performed, while a bill is inserted. If it is detected that a debit card has been inserted, the selection switch corresponding to the indicated amount set to be selectable by each payment method according to the setting contents of the above-described availability condition is enabled. When the activated selection switch is turned ON, an issue process for issuing a recording medium associated with a valuable value corresponding to the indicated amount associated with the ON-selected selection switch can be executed or recorded It is possible to perform addition processing of a valuable value corresponding to the indicated amount associated with the selection switch that has been turned ON with respect to the valuable value associated with the medium. Issue control unit and that
Gaming system comprising the.

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