JPH1176591A - Pachinko ball dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce work load of workers in the generation of a special prize while achieving a better maintainability of the apparatus. SOLUTION: Repeated use judging sections 12 and 31 judge whether currently counted pachinko balls can be repeatedly used or not for game before the end of counting prize-won balls with a counter 4 as delivered from a game machine in a specified game position such as special prize. For example, a worker checks a special prize pattern displayed on a game machine to input the propriety of repeated use by the operation of a remote control. When the special prize position ends and the counting of the prize balls won with the counter is finished, a memory control means stores the counts into any of a first memory section for storing the member of the game mediums repeatedly usable and a second memory section for storing the number thereof forbidden to be repeatedly used. The counter 4 is detachably mounted on a body part 3 of a rental apparatus.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is provided for each gaming machine, receives and counts gaming media paid out as a prize from the gaming machine, and allows a player who plays the game with the gaming machine to play a virtual game. The present invention relates to a game medium lending device having a function of registering the game medium as a game medium held therein and paying out the virtually held game medium as a real game medium in response to a payout instruction from the player.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a game media lending device which is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with each pachinko machine or slot machine installed in a game arcade.
Such a game medium lending device usually includes a corresponding pachinko machine, a counter for counting game media such as pachinko balls and medals obtained by a player with a slot machine,
The game media paid out as a prize is taken in from the counter,
These are registered and managed on the game medium lending device side as game media virtually held by the player.

[0003] For example, a counter installed for each gaming machine usually transfers an inserted gaming medium directly through the top plate portion of the gaming machine island as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-10307. Is to be returned to

[0004] Further, as a game medium lending device provided with a counter, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-225972 and Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 6-5
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 8982, a game medium receiving port is provided below a lower plate of a corresponding gaming machine, and a game medium flowing from the receiving port is provided in a main body of the game medium lending apparatus by a counting means. Some game media are returned to the gaming machine island after counting.

[0005] Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-117557, depending on the sales means, a player temporarily obtains a large amount of game media as a prize depending on a predetermined game state (prize state) generated in a game machine. In the case where the game media that are acquired so far are exchanged for prizes, the game media that is virtually held in the game media lending device is virtually held when the game media is reused for the game. The number of game media,
The number of game media actually paid out is subtracted more than the actual number.

[0006] Further, in recent game stores, it is necessary to permit the reuse of the game media obtained by the player as it is in a special prize or the like, or to prohibit the reuse of the media and temporarily exchange them for premiums. There are stores that operate in such a way that the obligation is classified according to the type of special award that has occurred. In such a store, when the special prize state occurs, the employee goes to the gaming machine in which the special prize has occurred, and confirms the type of the special prize state based on the symbols displayed at the time of the special prize. Then, after the special prize is over, the player can go to the gaming machine again, or operate the remote control or the like to use the gaming medium taken into the counter again (hereinafter, referred to as a continuous gaming state). Whether to re-use or to re-use only the number reduced by a predetermined ratio (hereinafter referred to as a single replacement state) is determined.

[0007]

However, in the prior art, when a counter is installed for each gaming machine, a passage for returning the gaming medium from the top plate of the gaming machine island to the inside of the gaming machine island is formed. And the installation work becomes large.

Therefore, when providing a counter for each gaming machine,
There is an apparatus in which a game medium lending device and a counter are integrated, and game media is collected from the counter through the game medium lending device to the game machine island. However, in such a case, since the game media lending device and the counter are provided integrally, even if one of the counter and the game media lending device main body breaks down, the entire game media lending device is removed, Repairs and replacements have to be made, and there is a problem that maintenance is reduced and replacement work becomes large.

[0009] Further, regarding the sales means, when it is determined whether or not the game medium acquired in the special prize state can be used for the game again, when the special prize occurs, the employee once goes to the gaming machine and checks the symbol in the special prize state. At the same time, when the game is over, the remote control or the like must be operated according to the special prize state confirmed at the destination to the gaming machine again, which is troublesome. That is, the employee must go to the gaming machine twice before the special prize is generated and before it ends, and
It is necessary to operate the remote controller after confirming that the counting of the gaming media acquired by the special prize has ended. There was a problem that is.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art, and has good maintainability of the apparatus and can reduce the work of employees when a prize occurs. It is intended to provide a game media lending device.

[0011]

The gist of the present invention to achieve the above object lies in the following inventions. [1] A game medium installed for each gaming machine (1a), receiving and counting game media paid out as a prize from the gaming machine (1a), counts them, and a player playing with the gaming machine (1a) plays a virtual role. Media rental device (2) having a function of registering as a game medium to be temporarily held and paying out the virtually held game medium as a real game medium in response to a payout instruction from the player , A counter (4) for receiving game media paid out as a prize from the gaming machine (1a) and counting the number thereof, and reusing the gaming media received from the counter (4) for games. First storage means (8a) for storing the number of authorized game media, and second memory for storing the number of game media received from the counter (4), the media being prohibited from being reused in the game. Memory of Stage and (8b), the counting machine reuse determination means (12 for discriminating whether or not to permit reuse in a game the game media received from (4),
12a, 31), a storage control means (32) for storing the count value of the counter (4) in one of the first and second storage means (8b), and a predetermined payout instruction. Game medium discharging means (10, 10a) for paying out real game media to the player at a limit to the number stored in the first storage means (8a). (12, 12a, 31) determines whether or not the game media counted this time before the counting machine (4) ends the counting of the prize balls paid out by the gaming machine (1a) in a predetermined gaming state. And the storage control means (3
2) When the predetermined gaming state ends and the counting machine (4) finishes counting the prize balls paid out by the gaming machine (1a) in the gaming state, the counted value is changed to the first, second, or third value. A game medium lending apparatus (2), wherein the storage means (2) stores the storage medium according to the determination result of the reuse determination means (12, 12a, 31) among the storage means (8b).

[2] The storage control means (32) stores the count value of the counter (4) in the first and second storage means (8).
b) the storage means for storing the count value of the counter (4) according to the determination result of the reuse determination means (12, 12a, 31). When switching to the storage means different from the initial value, the storage means for storing the count value of the counter (4) after storing the current count value in the storage means different from the initial value is changed to the direction indicated by the initial value. The game medium lending device (2) according to [1], wherein the device is returned.

[3] A timer control means (20) for measuring a predetermined time from the time when the predetermined game state ends is provided, and the game is performed before the predetermined time elapses from the time when the predetermined game state ends. When the predetermined game state occurs again in the machine (1a), the storage control means (3
2) storing the count value of the counter (4) in the first storage means (8a) irrespective of the determination result of the reuse determination means (12, 12a, 31) [1] ] Or [2], the game medium lending device (2).

[4] The reuse discriminating means (12, 12)
a, 31) is a game medium lending device (2) according to [2], [3] or [4], wherein it is determined whether or not re-use is possible based on an instruction from a remote controller operated by a clerk. ).

[5] The reuse discriminating means (12, 12)
a, 31) receives a predetermined signal indicating the gaming state of the gaming machine (1a) from the gaming machine (1a), and determines whether or not the gaming machine (1a) can be reused based on the signal. ,
A game medium lending device (2) according to [2], [3] or [4].

[6] The storage control means (32) finishes counting the prize balls paid out by the gaming machine (1a) in the gaming state when the predetermined gaming state ends and the counter (4) is in the gaming state. Until the count value of the counter (4) is temporarily stored in the first storage means (8a), and then the determination result of the reuse determination means (12, 12a, 31) is stored in the counter (4). ) Indicates that the count value should be stored in the second counter (4), the value once stored in the first storage means (8a) and the second storage means (8).
b) updating the storage value of the second storage means (8b) with the sum of the values already stored in b) and initializing the storage value of the first storage means (8a). A game medium lending device (2) according to [1], [2], [3], [4] or [5].

[7] Third storage means for a player playing a game with the gaming machine (1a) to receive from a predetermined ball storage system and temporarily store the number of stored balls already held in the game up to the previous time. (8c), wherein the player virtually determines both the number of game media obtained during the current game and the number of coins already obtained in the previous game received from the counter (4). [1], [2], [3], [4], [5] characterized by being managed as game media possessed
Or the game medium lending device (2) according to [6].

[8] When an instruction to end the game is received, the total number of game media stored in each of the storage means is calculated, and this is calculated at the time when the player ends the game. [1], [2], [3], [4],
A game medium lending device (2) according to [5], [6] or [7].

[9] There is provided display means (7a, 7b, 7c) for individually displaying the storage contents of the storage means, [1], [2], [3], [4], [5],
A game medium lending device (2) according to [6], [7] or [8].

[10] The game medium discharging means (10, 1
0a) has a function of reducing the number of virtual game media stored in the storage means other than the first storage means (8a) to a number obtained by multiplying the virtual game media by a predetermined ratio and paying out the number as actual game media. When receiving an instruction to pay out the game media virtually held as real game media, the first storage means (8a) is given the highest priority as the source of the payout game media, [1], [2], [3], [4],
The game medium lending device (2) according to [5], [6], [7], [8] or [9].

[11] When the value stored in the third storage means (8c) is subtracted, a proper possession of the number of virtual game media stored in the third storage means (8c). A game medium lending device (2) according to [7], [8], [9], or [10], which performs identity verification as to whether or not the user is a player.

[12] The counter (4) is configured so as to be detachable, [1], [2],
[3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8],
A game medium lending device (2) according to [9], [10] or [11].

The present invention operates as follows. The reuse discriminating means (12, 12a, 31) counts the number of prize balls paid out by the gaming machine (1a) in a predetermined gaming state such as a special prize before the counting of the gaming media before the counting machine (4) ends. It is determined whether or not it can be reused. For example, when a special prize occurs, an employee checks a special prize symbol displayed on the gaming machine (1a), and at that time, inputs whether or not re-use is possible by operating a remote controller or the like.

When the gaming state such as a special prize ends and the counter (4) finishes counting the prize balls paid out by the gaming machine (1a) in the gaming state, the storage control means (32) calculates the total. The numerical value is stored in the storage unit corresponding to the determination result of the reuse determination unit (12, 12a, 31) determined earlier.

As described above, when a special prize or the like occurs, whether or not re-use is possible is input from a remote controller or the like. When the special prize is completed and the counting of game media is completed, the storage according to the previously input re-usability is stored. Since the current count value is registered in the means, there is no need to wait for the input of reusability until counting is completed,
It is possible to reduce the number of work steps for employees.

The storage control means (32) has an initial value as to which of the first and second storage means (8b) stores the count value of the counter (4). Storage means for storing the count values of the re-use determination means (12, 12a, 3
When switching to a storage means different from the initial value according to the determination result of 1), after the current count value is stored in the storage means different from the initial value, the count value of the counter (4) is stored thereafter. The means is returned to the one indicated by the initial value.

Thus, the storage means for storing the count value returns to the storage means set to the initial value each time. Therefore, even if the player is replaced, for example, It is possible to prevent unreasonable profits from being obtained.

A timer control means (20) for measuring a predetermined time from the end of a predetermined game state such as a special prize is provided. When the state occurs again, the storage control means (32) re-uses the re-use determination means (12, 1).
Regardless of the determination result of 2a, 31), the count value of the counter (4) is stored in the first storage means (8a), that is, the storage means on the side permitting reuse.

Thus, when a so-called ream occurs, the employee does not need to input the reusability information from the remote controller or the like each time, and the number of work steps can be reduced.

Reuse determining means (12, 12a, 31)
Receives a predetermined signal indicating the gaming state of the gaming machine (1a) from the gaming machine (1a), and determines whether or not the gaming machine (1a) can be reused based on the signal. That is, the gaming machine (1a) outputs a signal indicating the type of the generated special prize, and determines whether or not the game can be reused based on the signal. Thereby, the labor of the employee can be further reduced.

Further, the storage control means (32) operates until the predetermined gaming state such as a special prize ends and the counter (4) finishes counting the prize balls paid out by the gaming machine (1a) in the gaming state. , And temporarily stores the count value of the counter (4) in the first storage means (8a). Then, the re-use determination means (1
When the determination result of (2, 12a, 31) indicates that the count value of the counter (4) should be stored in the second counter (4), the value is temporarily stored in the first storage means (8a). The value stored in the second storage means (8b) is updated with the sum of the stored value and the value already stored in the second storage means (8b), and the storage value in the first storage means (8a) is updated. Initialize the value.

Thus, there is no need to separately provide a storage means for storing the count value during the counting, and the cost of the apparatus can be reduced. Normally, when reusing is prohibited, all of the game media obtained up to that time are set in the reusing prohibited state. Therefore, if the first storage means (8a) is made a temporary storage means, The number of game media counted until the use is prohibited can be cumulatively added.

Further, by accumulatively adding the storage values of the second storage means (8b), the prizes are virtually stored in the second storage means (8b) without the need to exchange prizes when reuse is prohibited. It is also possible to cope with a case where the used game medium is reduced at a fixed ratio and reused as a real game medium.

Further, the third player stores from the predetermined ball storage system the number of balls stored by the player playing the game with the gaming machine (1a) in the previous game and temporarily stores the number.
Storage means (8c) is provided to store both the number of game media obtained by the player during the current game and received from the counter (4) and the number of coins already obtained in the previous game. It is managed as a game medium virtually held by the player.

Thus, the game media lending device (2) collectively pays out the coins as real game media, or cumulatively adds the game media obtained this time to the previous game ball.
And convenience can be improved.

Further, when receiving an instruction from the player to end the game by pressing the settlement button or the like, the total number of game media stored in the first, second, and third storage means is calculated. Then, this is settled as the number of game media virtually held at the time when the player ends the game. As a result, it is possible to make a total payment for reusable game media and game media that are individually managed during the game, such as game media that cannot be reused or converted into real game media only with the discounted number. it can. By providing the display means (7a, 7b, 7c) for individually displaying the storage contents of each storage means, it is possible to allow the player to accurately recognize the breakdown of the game media virtually held by the player. it can.

Also, game medium releasing means (10, 10a)
Has a function of reducing the number of virtual game media stored in the storage means other than the first storage means (8a) to the number multiplied by a predetermined ratio and paying out the number as virtual game media, When receiving an instruction to pay out the game media virtually held as real game media, the first storage means (8a) is given the highest priority as the source of the payout game media,
The second storage means (8b) is given priority next.

That is, if a game medium is registered in the first storage means (8a), the game medium is first paid out as a real game medium. When the recording medium is not registered in the first storage means (8a), only the discounted number can be obtained.
The real game medium is paid out from the storage means (8b) or the like.
Thereby, the payout of the game medium can be performed from a more advantageous place for the player.

Further, when subtracting the value stored in the third storage means (8c), for example, when paying out or paying for the actual product, the person who issued the instruction is the third storage means (8c). Is confirmed as to whether or not the owner of the virtual game medium in which the number is stored is valid. Since the stored coins are registered in the third storage means (8c), it is possible to prevent the illegally paid out coins by another person by confirming the identity.

Further, by making the counter (4) detachable, the maintenance can be improved.

[0041]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 15 show a first embodiment of the present invention.
Is shown. As shown in FIG. 9, the gaming medium lending devices 2 are juxtaposed on the left side of each of the gaming machines 1 a provided in large numbers on the gaming machine island 1. The game medium lending device 2 includes a lending device main body 3 and a counter 4. The counter 4 counts the number of game media paid out as a prize ball from the gaming machine 1a, and returns the counted gaming media to the gaming machine island 1 via the lending device main body 3. The counter 4 is detachable from the rental device main unit 3.

The lending device main unit 3 of the game medium lending device 2
Has a bill insertion slot 5 for inserting bills, a coin insertion slot 6 for inserting coins, coin return means 6a as a coin return button, and a coin return slot 6 as a coin return opening.
b, and a card insertion / ejection opening 11 as a magnetic card insertion / ejection opening. Further, game medium discharging means 10 serving as a discharge port of the game medium to be paid out, display means 7 for displaying the number of obtained game media counted by the counter 4, and operation buttons 9 (return button) for receiving various operations. 9
a, an end button 9b, a password input means 9c, etc.) and a receiving unit 12a for receiving an instruction from the remote control operation unit at the time of a special prize.

The counter 4 has a gaming machine 1a on its upper surface.
A game medium slot 13 for receiving game media paid out as a prize, and a receipt issuing means 14 for printing and outputting the number of game media obtained by a player on a receipt at the time of settlement.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the game medium lending device 2 is in a state where the lower portion of the lending device main body 3 and one end of the counter 4 are connected in a normal use state. The game medium that the player has won as a prize at the gaming machine 1a falls naturally from the gaming machine lower plate 1b and is inserted into the gaming medium insertion port 13, and the inserted gaming medium is transmitted from the counter 4 to the connection unit 21,
It is designed to be returned to the gaming machine island 1 through the lower part of the lending device main body 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the game medium lending device 2 when the lending device main unit 3 and the counter 4 are separated. In the lower part of the lending device main body 3, a counting game medium return port 22 for receiving the counting game media from the counter 4 is opened. The game media after counting is the counting game media return port 2
Returned to gaming machine island 1 through 2
Collection means 19 is provided as a guideway for guiding the game media after counting to the counting game medium return port 22 of the lending apparatus main body 3, and the collecting means 19 is inserted into the counting game medium return port 22 of the lending apparatus main body 3. It is configured to be.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the counter 4. The game media inserted into the game medium slot 13 of the counter 4 are aligned in four rows by the game medium alignment rail 16 and guided to the counting sensor 15b. The game media counted by the counting sensor 15b are formed substantially perpendicularly, and are returned to the game machine island 1 through the collection means 19 provided with the counter rotating portion 17 in the middle thereof.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the counter rotating unit 1 of the counter 4.
7 is shown. The counter rotation unit 17 is configured so that the counter 4 of the game medium lending device 2 rotates substantially at a right angle. The counter rotating part 17 is provided in the middle of the collecting means 19, and has a passage gutter 17b through which the game medium passes. As shown in FIG. 8, when the counter 4 rotates, the passage gutter 17
When the counter 4 is rotated by the rotation sensor 17a, the counting sensor 15b does not detect the game medium.

FIG. 1 shows a circuit configuration of the game medium lending apparatus 2. The counter 4 includes a counting unit 15 for counting the number of game media inserted from the game medium insertion port 13 and a rotation sensor 17a for detecting whether or not the counter rotation unit 17 is rotated.
And receipt issuing means 14 for issuing a receipt at the time of settlement.
It is composed of In addition, it includes a counting information transmitting unit for transmitting the counting information to the lending device main unit 3 and an information receiving unit for receiving the ticket issuing information of the receipt from the lending device main unit 3.

The lending device main unit 3 comprises a CPU (central processing unit) 30 and a ROM, RA
It is composed of a circuit whose main part is M. The CPU
Reference numeral 30 denotes a first storage unit 8a for storing the number of game media permitted to be reused in the game, and a second storage unit 8b for storing the number of game media prohibited from being reused in the game. And a third storage unit 8c for storing the accumulated coins.

The CPU 30 also includes a reuse determining means 31 for determining whether to permit the game media counted by the counter 4 to be reused in the game, a first storage unit 8a, a second storage unit 8b, It has a function as a storage control unit 32 that controls reading and writing of count values and the like to and from the third storage unit 8c.

The game medium discharge control section 10a is a device portion for paying out a designated number of game media supplied from the island through the game medium discharge means 10. The timer control unit 20 is a circuit part that measures the elapse of a predetermined period of time from the time when the gaming machine associated with the rental device main unit 3 has finished the special prize state. The first display unit 7a has a second display unit 7b, and the third display unit 7c has a first storage unit 8 respectively.
a, a display unit for displaying the storage contents of the second storage unit 8b and the third storage unit 8c. In addition, a transmission / reception means for exchanging information with the counter 4 and the management computer is connected to the CPU 30.

The game medium lending device 2 includes a lending device main body 3
It is configured to transmit and receive information to and from the counter 4 and to transmit and receive information between the management computer 24 and the lending device main unit 3. Is a receipt issuing means 14 and a counting means 1
5 and all other means are provided in the lending apparatus main body 3.

FIG. 9 shows the gaming machine island 1. A currency exchange machine 25 is installed substantially at the center of the gaming machine island 1, and a gaming medium lending device 2 is installed on the left side of each gaming machine 1a.

FIG. 10 shows a distributed network game arcade management system to which the game media lending device 2 is applied.
In this system, a gaming machine controller is installed on each gaming machine island 1 and the gaming machine controller is provided with a LON (Local Operating Network).
or) detecting, monitoring, and controlling the gaming machine 1a, the gaming medium lending device 2, the currency exchange machine 25, and the like using chips.

Each gaming machine island 1 is connected to an island controller also serving as a gateway. The island controller temporarily accumulates and stores each data of the gaming machine 1a, the game medium lending device 2, the currency exchange machine 25, etc., which are the equipment of each gaming machine island 1. The island controller is connected to the LAN and the L
A POS device, a prize management server, a management computer 24, a prize exchange device, and the like are connected to the AN. A device such as the management computer 24 is further connected with a CRT, a printer, and the like.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show the flow of operations performed by the game medium lending apparatus 2 and the like from the start of the game to the end of the special prize. First, when a player sits on the gaming machine 1a and starts a game, a card such as a membership card is inserted from the card insertion slot 11 of the game medium lending apparatus 2, or a bill insertion slot 5, a coin insertion slot 6, and the like. Cash is input to the
00).

When the money is inserted, the amount is determined (S1202, S1302, S1402). If the result of the determination is that the currency is not genuine, the currency is returned (S1502). Also, in the case of genuine money, game media corresponding to the amount of the money is released (S1008),
Thereby, the player starts the game.

When starting the game with a card, it is determined whether or not the inserted card is genuine, and if it is determined that the card is not genuine, the card is returned (S16).
02) If the card is a genuine card, the personal identification number predetermined for each player is input, and if the password is incorrect, the card is returned (S1602). If the password is correct, it is determined whether or not to execute the replay based on whether or not the return button 9a is pressed (S100).
5).

Here, the replay refers to a case where the previously obtained coins or game media for which reuse is prohibited are used again for a game under a discount of a fixed rate. Therefore,
Here, it means paying out coins registered in association with the card as real game media at a fixed discount rate, and playing a game based on the payout.

As a result of the determination, if replay is not to be performed, the card is held (S1105), and if the end button 9b is pressed, the card is returned (S1602). If the end button is not pressed and there is no insertion of money, the system waits while holding the card (S1105). If there is insertion of money, the amount of money is determined (S120).
2, S1302, S1402). The following is the same as lending game media by money.

When replaying is performed, the third storage unit 8
It is determined whether or not c has stored contents. If not, the game medium is not released and the game cannot be replayed, but the card is held as it is (S1105). On the other hand, the third storage unit 8c
If the stored contents are stored in the third storage unit 8c (when there is a coin storage or the like), the storage contents of the third storage unit 8c are subtracted, and the game medium is released (S1008).

The player starts the game using the released game medium. When the ball is exhausted during the game, the player decides whether to end the game or pay out the ball and the like to continue the game, and to end the game, go to A (FIG. 13).
If the processing is not to be ended, the processing shifts to B (FIG. 14). Note that A
And the processing at the time of shifting to B will be described later.

When a special prize is generated during a game and a special prize is generated, a special prize signal is transferred from the gaming machine 1a to the game medium lending device 2, and a prize ball obtained by the player is transferred from the gaming machine lower plate 1b to the counter 4 After being dropped into the game medium input port 13 and counted by the counter 4, it is collected into the island through the lending device main body 3.

The number of game media counted by the counter 4 is
The information is temporarily stored in the first storage unit 8a. During the occurrence of the special prize, the employee confirms the special prize symbol appearing on the liquid crystal display of the gaming machine 1a and can reuse the present counting result in the counter 4 (continuously). It is determined whether the state is a game state) or the reuse is prohibited (one-time exchange state), and the result is transmitted from the remote controller 12 to the receiving unit 12a of the game medium lending apparatus 2.

The reuse discriminating means 31 discriminates, based on an operation from the remote controller 12, whether the game mode is a continuous game mode or a single exchange mode. If the continuous game mode is designated, the storage control section 32 determines the counting result. Is stored in the first storage unit 8a as it is, and if the exchange state is designated once, the content stored in the first storage unit 8a is stored in the second storage unit when there is no count signal for a certain period of time after the end of the special prize. The process proceeds to the section 8b (S1017), and the game medium lending device 2 is returned to the initial state.

More specifically, the initial state of the game medium lending apparatus 2 can be set to either the single exchange state or the continuous game state. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the single exchange state is set as the initial state. ing. When a special prize occurs in the gaming machine 1a, the employee visually checks the special prize symbol, and in the case of the special prize symbol to be set to the continuous gaming state, the remote control 12 is operated to shift the gaming medium lending device 2 to the continuous gaming state, In the case of a special prize symbol to be changed once, the game medium lending apparatus 2 is kept in the initial once-change state without operating the remote controller 12.

When the special prize ends and the counting ends,
If the remote controller 12 is not operated during the game,
Once in the exchange state, the storage control unit 32 determines the number of acquired game media stored in the first storage unit 8a as:
The process proceeds to the second storage unit 8b.

When the continuous game state is set by operating the remote controller 12 during the game, the number of the acquired game media stored in the first storage unit 8a is maintained even after the special prize is completed and the counting is completed. In the first storage unit 8a
And the game medium lending apparatus 2 is returned to the initial exchange state.

In the above example, whether re-use is possible or not, that is, whether to enter the continuous gaming state or the one-time exchange state is set by the operation of the remote controller 12 by the employee. A signal indicating a gaming state (type of a special prize symbol, etc.) in the gaming machine 1a is received from a device provided separately from the gaming machine 1a, and the gaming medium lending device 2 itself determines whether or not re-use is possible. You may.

For example, when a special prize is generated in a symbol matching game executed on the liquid crystal display (variable display unit) of the gaming machine 1a, a continuous game is performed based on a symbol of the execution result (display content when scrolling or the like is stopped). An apparatus for determining whether the state is the exchange state or the one-time exchange state may be separately provided, and a signal or the like output from the apparatus may be received by the medium lending apparatus 2 to determine the special prize state.

After the end of the special prize, the process proceeds to A (FIG. 13) if the game is to be ended, and if not, the game medium lending apparatus 2 is returned to the initial state (S1009), and the game is started again.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the game shifts to A to end the game and the player presses the end button 9b, each of the first, second, and third storage units 8a, 8b, 8b is stored.
It is determined whether or not there is a storage content in c (whether or not it is “0”) and whether or not a card is inserted.
a, if there is no storage content in all of the second storage unit 8b and the third storage unit 8c and no card is inserted, the game is ended as it is. If there is no stored content and the card is inserted, the card is returned (S4406), and the game ends. That is, since there is no game medium virtually held by the player at the end of the game, the receipt is not output.

If the first storage unit 8a and the second storage unit 8b have no storage contents and the third storage unit 8c has the storage contents, the storage contents of the third storage unit 8c are transmitted to the management computer 24 (S4505). ), Return the card (S4406), and end the game. That is, since only coins are present and the game media newly acquired during the current game is not registered, the receipt is not issued and only the card is returned.

If there is no storage content in the first storage unit 8a and there is storage content in the second storage unit 8b, it is determined whether or not a card is inserted (S4203). Prints the contents of the second storage unit 8b on a receipt and issues a ticket (S4106). If a card has been inserted, it is determined whether or not there is storage content in the third storage unit 8c (S4303). If not, (S420)
4) The contents stored in the second storage unit 8b are transferred to the third storage unit 8c, and the contents stored in the third storage unit 8c are transferred to the management computer 2.
4, the card is returned (S4206), and the game ends.

If the third storage unit 8c has storage contents (S4303), the storage contents of the second storage unit 8b are stored in the third storage unit 8b.
The process proceeds to the storage unit 8c, and the content of the third storage unit 8c is added, and then the storage content stored in the third storage unit 8c is transmitted to the management computer 24, and the card is returned (S42).
06), the game ends. That is, if the game medium acquired this time is present and a card is inserted, the total of the number of game media acquired this time and the coins registered in the third storage unit 8c is registered as a new coin storage number. Has become.

If the first storage section 8a has the stored contents,
It is determined whether or not the storage contents are stored in the second storage unit 8b (S4).
101) If there is no storage content in the second storage unit 8b, the content stored in the first storage unit 8a is transferred to the second storage unit 8b as it is, and it is determined whether or not a card is inserted (S4).
103). If the second storage unit 8b has the storage contents, the storage contents of the first storage unit 8a are transferred to the second storage unit 8b, the addition operation is performed on the storage contents of the second storage unit 8b, and the card is inserted. It is determined whether or not it is (S4103). Thereafter, there is no storage in the first storage unit 8a as described above, and the first storage unit 8a
The same processing as in the case where there is a memory in a is performed, and the game ends.

As shown in FIG. 14, when there is no ball and the game is continued, that is, when the game shifts to B, it is determined whether or not the first storage unit 8a and the second storage unit 8b have storage contents. It is determined, and whether or not a card is inserted is determined. First, when there is no stored content in the first storage unit 8a and the second storage unit 8b, it is determined whether or not money is inserted (S5).
003) When the money is inserted, the game is to be continued, so the flow shifts to (S1202). If money is not inserted, it is determined whether a card is inserted (S5004).

When a card is inserted in (S5004), it is determined whether or not to replay (S5005).
The process moves to (S1006) when replaying the game, and moves to (S1200) when not replaying. If no card is inserted in (S5004), it is determined whether or not a card is inserted (S5104), and if a card is inserted (S1002).
If not inserted, go to (S1200).

If the first storage unit 8a has no storage contents and the second storage unit 8b has storage contents, it is determined whether the return button 9a has been pressed (S5102), and the return button 9a
Is pressed, the second storage unit 8b is subjected to subtraction processing, and (S
Move to 1008). If the return button 9a has not been pressed in (S5102), the process moves to (S5003).

If the first storage unit 8a has stored contents,
It is determined whether the return button 9a has been pressed (S510).
1) When the return button 9a is pressed, the first storage unit 8
a is subtracted, and the routine goes to (S1008). Also, (S5
If the return button 9a is not pressed in 101),
Move to (S5003).

FIG. 15 shows that when the above processing is executed,
This is a schematic diagram showing a state where the contents stored in each storage section are displayed on the display means 7 of the game medium lending apparatus 2. The first display unit 7a displays the number of suspended game media stored in the first storage unit 8a, and the second display unit 7b displays the second storage unit 8
The number of exchange game media stored in b is displayed, and the number of coins stored in the third storage unit 8c is displayed on the third display unit 7c.

When a special prize is generated during a game and the remote controller 12 is operated by an employee (continuous game state), the character "HOLD" on the first display 7a is switched to the character "CONTINUOUS". , The number of acquired game media being played. If the remote controller 12 is not operated,
At the end of counting after the end of the special prize, the contents stored in the first storage unit 8a are transferred to the second storage unit 8b, and are displayed on the second display unit 7b as exchanges. Next, at the time of ending the game, by operating the end button 9b, the first storage unit 8a
Then, the sum of the contents stored in the second storage unit 8b is transferred to the third storage unit 8c, and the sum is displayed on the third display unit 7c as a stored coin.

Further, according to the business policy of the game store, if there is an unlimited state in which the acquired game medium can be used again on the acquired day, the display content of the first display section 7a may be switched to the display of unlimited. Good.

The first storage unit 8a accumulates and counts the count value from the counter 4 until the stored contents are transferred to the second storage unit 8b or the third storage unit 8c. It has become. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, before the occurrence of the special prize, twelve game media are registered, and when the special prize is generated, the number of game media newly received from the counter 4 becomes the count value ( 12).

The values stored in the second storage section 8b are also cumulatively added until the game end button is pressed. In other words, even if the game is changed once in the current special prize, the game media registered in the second storage unit 8b as the once changed state can be replayed at a fixed discount rate. Since it is possible, until the end of the game, the number of game media once exchanged is cumulatively added.

The game media virtually held in the game medium lending device 2, that is, the first storage unit 8a, the second storage unit
When the return button for paying out the number of game media stored in the storage unit 8b and the third storage unit 8c as a real one is pressed, the payout from the one stored in the first storage unit 8a is performed. Is given the highest priority, then the second storage unit 8b is given priority, and when there is no game medium registered in any of the first storage unit 8a and the second storage unit 8b, the payout is performed from the third storage unit 8c. I have.

That is, the second storage unit 8b and the third storage unit 8
Since a certain discount is applied to the payout from c, by giving priority to the real game medium from the first storage unit 8a without the discount, a situation as advantageous as possible to the player is formed. Can be. When paying out from the third storage unit 8c, that is, when paying out coins, the player is required to input a personal identification number, thereby preventing an unauthorized person from paying out coins.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show the flow of processing performed by the game medium lending apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment from the start of the game to the end of the special prize. Hereinafter, points different from the above-described first embodiment will be described.

The operation of renting a game medium by the game medium renting device 2 is the same. The difference is that a timer control unit 20 that measures a certain time after the end of the special prize during the game is provided, and when the special prize occurs again within the certain time, the re-use determination is performed again, for example, the operation from the remote controller 12 is performed. It is configured not to execute the reception. This eliminates the need to perform a new operation from a remote controller or the like when a so-called ream-chan occurs, thereby reducing the labor of the employee.

In the second embodiment, the timer is used for a fixed time. However, for example, a prize to a start prize port for changing a variable display device for generating a special prize of the gaming machine 1a is provided. The control may be performed based on the number of times or the number of times the variable display device of the gaming machine 1a changes.

In addition, if the probability of occurrence of a special prize is increased based on a signal or the like indicating a gaming state emitted from the gaming machine 1a, that is, a so-called probability variation, the continuous gaming state without receiving an operation of a remote controller or the like. To the exchange state once if the probability does not fluctuate.

Further, depending on the game store, a counter 4 may be provided on each unit.
When it is determined that there is no need to attach the counter, the counting game media return port 22 below the lending device main unit 3 is covered with the counter 4 removed, and the illustration is omitted. It may be used as the unit 3.

[0093]

According to the gaming medium lending apparatus of the present invention, the number of awarded balls paid out by the gaming machine in a predetermined gaming state such as a special prize is counted up before the counting machine is finished. Whether or not use is possible is determined by, for example, remote control operation by an employee, and when the special prize ends and the counter finishes counting the prize balls, the count value is determined by the reuse determining means which has been determined first. Since the data is stored in the storage means corresponding to the result, there is no need to wait for an input from a remote controller or the like until the counting is completed, and the number of work steps of the employee can be reduced.

Further, since the counter and the lending apparatus main body are configured to be separable, when the lending apparatus main body or the counter breaks down, only the failed parts are separated to repair or repair. Since the replacement can be performed, the maintainability can be improved. Furthermore, according to the demand of the game store, only the game media lending device can be used and the game media lending device can be changed to a replay-dedicated game media lending device, so that it can be applied to a wide variety of business forms.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a game medium lending apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a game medium lending device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game medium lending device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which the game medium lending device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided in a corresponding gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the counter of the game medium lending device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is separated from the lending device main body.

FIG. 6 is a top view showing a counter included in the game medium lending device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a counter rotating unit of the counter included in the game medium lending device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state before and after a counter rotating unit is displaced.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a gaming machine island containing a plurality of gaming machines to which the gaming medium lending device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a distributed network game arcade management system to which the game media lending device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the gaming medium lending apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process performed by the game medium lending apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process performed by the gaming medium lending apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the gaming medium lending apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of transition of display contents of a display unit included in the game medium lending device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process performed by the game medium lending apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process performed by the game medium lending apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine island 1a ... Game machine 2 ... Game medium lending device 3 ... Lending device main body part 4 ... Counter 7 ... Display means 7a ... First display part 7b ... Second display part 7c ... Third display part 8a ... Second 1 storage unit 8b ... second storage unit 8c ... third storage unit 10 ... game medium discharge means 13 ... game medium insertion port 14 ... receipt ticket issuing means 17 ... counter rotation unit 17a ... rotation sensor 19 ... collection means 20 ... Timer control unit 22 counting game medium return port 30 CPU 31 reuse determination means 32 storage control unit

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A game medium installed for each game machine, receiving and counting game media paid out as a prize from the game machine, and counting them as a game medium virtually held by a player playing with the game machine. A game medium lending device having a function of registering and paying out the virtual holding game medium as a real game medium in response to a payout instruction from the player, A counter for receiving the counted game media and counting the number of the game media; first storage means for storing the number of game media received from the counter that are permitted to be reused in the game; Second storage means for storing the number of game media received from the machine, the number of which is prohibited from being reused in the game, and the game media received from the counter is reused for the game. Re-use determining means for determining whether or not to permit the operation, storage control means for storing the count value of the counter in one of the first and second storage means, and a predetermined payout instruction Game medium discharging means for paying out real game media to the player's hand as much as the number stored in the first storage means when receiving, the reuse determining means includes a predetermined game state In the game machine, the number of prize balls paid out by the gaming machine is determined before the counting machine is finished to determine whether or not the game medium counted this time can be reused, and the storage control means ends the predetermined gaming state and When the counting machine finishes counting the prize balls paid out by the gaming machine in the gaming state, the counting value is stored in the first and second storage means according to the determination result of the reuse determining means. Characterized in that it is stored in Game media lending apparatus. 2. The storage control means has an initial value indicating which one of the first and second storage means stores the count value of the counter, and stores the count value of the counter. When the storage means is switched to a storage means different from the initial value according to the determination result of the reuse determination means, after the current count value is stored in the storage means different from the initial value, the count value of the counter is changed. 2. The game medium lending device according to claim 1, wherein the storage means for storing is returned to the one indicated by the initial value. 3. A timer control means for measuring a predetermined time from the end of the predetermined game state, wherein the predetermined time is elapsed before the predetermined time elapses from the end of the predetermined game state. The storage control means stores the count value of the counter in the first storage means, regardless of the result of the determination by the reuse determination means, when the game state occurs again. 2. The game medium lending device according to item 2. 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said reusability determination means determines whether reusability is possible based on an instruction from a remote controller operated by a store clerk.
Game media lending device according to the above. 5. The reuse determining means according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined signal indicating a game state of the gaming machine is received from the gaming machine, and based on the signal, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine can be reused. A game media lending device according to any one of claims 2, 3, and 4. 6. The storage control means according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined gaming state is terminated and the counting value of the counting machine is counted until the counting machine finishes counting the prize balls paid out by the gaming machine in the gaming state. When the determination result of the reuse determination means indicates that the count value of the counter should be stored in the second counter, the first storage means temporarily stores the count value in the first storage means. The sum of the value once stored in the storage unit and the value already stored in the second storage unit
And updating the storage value of the first storage means, and updating the storage value of the first storage means.
The game media lending device according to 3, 4, or 5. 7. A third storage means for receiving, from a predetermined ball storage system, the number of stored balls already held by a player who plays a game with the gaming machine in a previous game from a predetermined ball storage system, The number of game media obtained during the current game received from the counter and the number of coins already obtained in the previous game are both managed as game media virtually held by the player. Claims 1, 2,
7. The game medium lending device according to 3, 4, 5 or 6. 8. Upon receiving an instruction to end a game, the total number of game media stored in each of the storage means is calculated, and this is virtually determined when the player ends the game. 8. The game medium lending device according to claim 1, wherein the payment is made as the number of held game media. 9. A display device according to claim 1, further comprising display means for individually displaying the storage contents of said storage means.
The game media lending device according to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. 10. The game medium release means according to claim 1, wherein said number of virtual game media stored in storage means other than said first storage means is reduced to a number obtained by multiplying said number by a predetermined ratio. When receiving an instruction to pay out the game media held virtually as real game media, the source of the game media to be paid out is the first source.
Wherein the storage means is given top priority and the second storage means is given priority next.
10. The game medium lending device according to 7, 8 or 9. 11. When the value stored in the third storage means is subtracted, it is determined whether the virtual game medium is a valid owner of the number of virtual game media stored in the third storage means. 11. The identity verification method according to claim 7, 8, 9, or 10.
Game media lending device according to the above. 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said counter is detachable.
The game media lending device according to 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11.