JP2000229164A - System for game - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a waiting time of a game player when a recording medium is ejected by ejecting the recording medium to the outside by means of a recording medium treating means during the period from a time at which the ejecting condition of the medium is established to a time at which an updating treatment of information relating to the recording medium is completed at a recording medium control device. SOLUTION: When a player depresses a clearing button 8 or saving button 9, after the completion of a game, to establish a delivery supporting and delivery condition of an IC card based on the depressing operation and then the player is depressing the button 9, the points of game in reserve are added to saved points to calculate new saved points. The saved points are then updated on the IC card by means of a control computer 49, following which the card is ejected to the outside. When the button 8 is being depressed, points in reserve are updated on the IC card as cleared points together with times data by means of the computer 49 and, thereafter, the card is ejected to the outside so as to be returned.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording medium such as a game card used for playing a game in a game machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine, and more particularly to an ID capable of identifying at least each recording medium. A gaming machine having recording medium processing means such as a card unit for reading out the identification information from the recording medium on which the identification information is recorded, performing a predetermined process, and issuing or returning the recording medium. , While being communicably connected to the gaming device,
Management that collects and manages information relating to the recording medium in the gaming device, such as a value, a savings score, and a possession point, which are valuable values usable in a game, in association with identification information (ID) of the recording medium. The present invention relates to a game system including a recording medium management device such as a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a gaming island where a plurality of gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines are juxtaposed, pachinko balls, coins, etc., which are gaming media obtained in the game, are discharged from each gaming machine. In order to prevent the shortage of game media discharged from these gaming machines, it is not only necessary for the game hall to prepare a large amount of game media and store it in the game island, It is necessary to install a storage mechanism and a supply mechanism for these large amounts of game media, and a lifting device and a polishing device for lifting and polishing the game media inside the game island, and for the player, the game media obtained by the game. It is necessary to carry out counting by bringing it to a counting device provided at a predetermined position in the game arcade, and when the amount of these acquired game media increases, the weight also increases, and in order to bring it to the counting device, There is a problem that always takes a lot of effort.

[0003] For this reason, in recent years, in order to reduce the amount of game media to be stored in the game island and to reduce the labor for transporting the acquired game media to the counter, the game media have been installed side by side on the game island. A counting device for counting the number of acquired game media is provided for each gaming machine to be provided, and information capable of specifying the number of acquired game media counted and the size of valuable value based on the number of acquired game media is recorded on a recording medium. Recording and discharging (issuing) the game media inside the gaming machine so that the game media cannot be touched, and recording and discharging information that can specify the value of valuables such as scores obtained by the game on the recording medium. A game island using a recording medium (card) type game device to be issued (issued) has been put to practical use.

In the case of using such a recording medium (card) type game device, since the game is performed using the recording medium (card) as described above, the management of the recording medium (card) is performed. 6
As shown in JP-A-1-32709 and JP-B-51-17106, the value, the savings score, the possessed points, and the status, which are valuable values usable for games related to the recording medium (card), are described. Various types of information are collected and managed by a recording medium management device such as a management computer connected to each of the gaming devices.

[0005] When collecting and managing various information related to the recording medium (card) in these recording medium management devices, as proposed in Japanese Patent No. 2663206, matching of the various information to be collected and managed is proposed. In order to enhance the performance, the recording medium (card) is discharged after the various information in the recording medium management device is updated.

[0006]

However, in the case where the recording medium (card) is discharged (issued or returned) after the above-mentioned various information is updated in these recording medium management devices, a recent recent problem has arisen. As described above, when the game space becomes large and a great number of gaming devices are installed inside the game space, a large number of data are updated at the same time. Since the time until the information is updated is increased, the time until the recording medium (card) is discharged (issued or returned) is also increased, and the player waits during this time. In addition, since the gaming machines are occupied during the waiting time, there is a problem that the operating rate of the gaming machines in the gaming hall decreases for the gaming hall.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to shorten the time for which a player waits for discharging a recording medium (card), and the operating rate of a gaming machine does not decrease. It aims to provide a gaming system.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a gaming system according to the present invention reads out the identification information from a recording medium on which identification information capable of identifying at least each recording medium is recorded. A gaming machine having a recording medium processing means for performing a predetermined process, and communicably connected to the gaming machine, and information relating to the recording medium in the gaming machine, and identification information of the recording medium. A recording medium management device that collects and manages the information in association with each other, and updates the information related to the recording medium in the recording medium management device from the time when the discharge condition of the recording medium is satisfied. The recording medium is discharged from the recording medium processing means to the outside by the time the processing is completed. According to this feature, the recording medium is ejected without waiting for the completion of the update processing of the information related to the recording medium ejected by the recording medium management device, so that the player can wait for Not only can the player's feeling of frustration be eliminated or reduced, but also the operating rate of the gaming machine can be prevented from lowering for the game arcade.

A game system according to the present invention further comprises a confirmation signal transmitting procedure for transmitting a communication status confirmation signal to the recording medium management device when the ejection condition of the recording medium is satisfied. A confirmed signal return procedure in which the recording medium management device returns a communication status confirmed signal to the gaming device based on the reception of the confirmation signal, and discharges the recording medium on condition that the communication status confirmed signal is received. A discharge procedure, a transmission procedure for transmitting information related to the recording medium to the recording medium management device together with the identification information, and the identification information based on the data transmitted in the transmission procedure in the recording medium management apparatus. It is preferable to sequentially execute the update processing procedure in which each information corresponding to the above is updated. With this configuration, the gaming device receives the communication status confirmed signal that the gaming device and the recording medium management device are in a state where transmission of information related to the recording medium to be discharged is possible. By executing the ejection of the recording medium at the stage confirmed by the above, the time until the recording medium is ejected while avoiding deteriorating the consistency of various information updated in the recording medium management device. Can be shortened.

A gaming system according to the present invention has a recording medium processing means for reading out the identification information from a recording medium on which identification information capable of identifying at least each recording medium is recorded and performing a predetermined process. And a recording medium management device that is communicably connected to the gaming device and collects and manages information related to the recording medium in the gaming device in association with the identification information of the recording medium. A storage system provided in the gaming apparatus, wherein when the discharge condition of the recording medium is satisfied, information relating to the recording medium at that time is stored together with the identification information in a storage unit provided in the gaming apparatus. And a discharge procedure for discharging the recording medium from the recording medium processing unit to the outside, and transmitting the information stored in the storage unit to the recording medium management device. And an update processing procedure in which each information corresponding to the identification information is updated in the recording medium management device based on the data transmitted in the transmission procedure. I have.
According to this feature, by ejecting the recording medium at a stage where the information related to the recording medium at the time of ejection is stored together with the identification information of the recording medium in the storage means provided in the gaming device, Not only can the time for which the player waits for the discharge to be shortened and the frustration of the player can be eliminated or alleviated, but also the operating rate of the gaming machine can be prevented from being reduced for the game arcade. Furthermore, even if a failure occurs in the communication between the gaming device and the previous recording medium management device, the update processing in the recording medium management device based on the data stored in the storage means at the stage when the failure is resolved. By performing the above, the consistency of various types of information to be updated can be ensured.

A gaming system according to the present invention has a recording medium processing means for reading out the identification information from a recording medium on which identification information capable of identifying at least each recording medium is recorded and performing a predetermined process. And a recording medium management device that is communicably connected to the gaming device and collects and manages information related to the recording medium in the gaming device in association with the identification information of the recording medium. When the discharge condition of the recording medium is satisfied, the information related to the recording medium at that time corresponds to predetermined information that needs to be immediately transmitted to the recording medium management device. Information determining means for determining whether or not to perform the transmission of information related to the recording medium after the recording medium is ejected if the determination by the information determining means is negative. Be implemented, it is characterized in that updating of the recording medium management apparatus is made. According to this feature, in a case where the information related to the recording medium when the recording medium is ejected does not correspond to the information that needs to be immediately transmitted to the predetermined recording medium management device, the information is output after the ejection of the recording medium. Since the information is transmitted to the recording medium management device and updated, the player does not needlessly wait for the ejection, and the time required for the ejection can be appropriately shortened. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operating rate of the gaming machine from unnecessarily decreasing.

[0012] In the gaming system according to the present invention, when the determination by the information determination means is possible, only the information necessary for the immediate transmission in the information related to the recording medium is transmitted to the recording medium management device. After the update process is completed, the recording medium is ejected, and after the ejection, information related to the recording medium other than the transmitted one is transmitted to the recording medium management device and updated. Preferably. With this configuration, even when the determination by the information determination unit is possible, the amount of information that is immediately transmitted to the recording medium management device and updated before the recording medium is discharged is minimized. Can be shortened, and the time required for the transmission and update processing can be shortened, so that the time until the recording medium is discharged can be shortened, and the frustration of the player can be eliminated or alleviated, For a gaming arcade, it is also possible to prevent the operating rate of the gaming machine from decreasing.

[0013] The gaming system according to the present invention comprises: an initial information storage means for storing information related to the recording medium when the recording medium is inserted; And comparing means for comparing the information to be performed with each corresponding information stored in the initial information storage means, wherein only the information that has changed from the initial information in the comparison is recorded on the recording medium. It is preferable that the data is transmitted to the management device and updated.
In this way, only the changed information that needs to be updated by the recording medium management device is transmitted from the gaming device, so that the amount of data to be transmitted is minimized and the communication load is reduced. In addition to this, since the data to be updated by the recording medium management device is minimized, the time required for the update process can be reduced.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In the following description, a gaming machine using an enclosed pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to these enclosed pachinko gaming machines. , Game machines equipped with counting means for each pachinko gaming machine capable of discharging these non-enclosed ordinary pachinko balls, coin gaming machines and slot machines, and games without using these coins The present invention is also applicable to gaming machines using possible slot machines and the like.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a game island 1 used in this embodiment 1, and FIG. 2 is an IC card as a recording medium arranged in parallel with the game island 1. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the gaming machine of the first embodiment in which a game can be played in a game, FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the gaming machine of the first embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating an operation unit provided on the enclosed pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a game system according to the first embodiment. FIG. IC used for the card unit
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the card reader / writer, and FIG.
FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway front view showing a non-contact IC card which is a game recording medium used in Example 1. FIG.
FIG. 9 is an external perspective view showing an issuance and payment device arranged at the end of the game island used in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the issuance and payment device. FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management computer constituting one gaming system, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing display contents on a display device of the management computer.

As shown in FIG. 1, a predetermined number of gaming devices according to the first embodiment are used side by side on a game island 1 installed in a game arcade. It comprises a pachinko machine 2 in which a certain pachinko ball is enclosed, and a card unit 3 arranged one by one for each pachinko machine 2 at a position on the peripheral side of the pachinko machine 2.

The enclosed pachinko machine 2 used in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. The pachinko machine 2 is on the front.
An operation unit 32 is provided in a manner to protrude therefrom.

On the upper surface of the operation unit 32, as shown in FIG. 4, a player reads out from an IC card 37 which is a recording medium inserted into an IC card insertion slot 12 described later provided in the card unit 3. A display unit 103 for displaying a value which is a game value or a savings score which is a savings value based on the purchased purchase amount or the additional payment amount, and a total number of points possessed by the player at that time (total score)
Is displayed, and the display unit 10
3, a lending button 101 for lending a point of a predetermined size by being pressed when the frequency or the savings score remains, and a pressing operation when the player leaves the seat due to use. By the above-mentioned enclosed pachinko machine 2
Button 102 on which the game interruption process is performed at
And an interruption time selection button 1 that allows the player to select the leaving (game interruption) time from either “long” or “short”.
06 are provided, and these components are mounted on a substrate 100 provided inside the operation unit 32.

The pachinko balls enclosed in the pachinko machine 2 are driven one by one into the game area 17 by the hammer 28 by operating the hitting operation handle 15. The hit pachinko balls are detected one by one by the firing ball detector 26, and each time the pachinko balls are detected, the score of the total score display unit 104 is subtracted and updated one by one.

The pachinko balls which have not reached the game area 17 because the firing momentum is too weak are collected from the foul ball inlet 27 and detected by a foul ball detector 38 (see FIG. 3) provided on the back of the game board. Is detected. Every time these foul balls are detected, the total score of the total score display unit 104 is added and updated one by one. As a result, the player can effectively use the updated points that have been subtracted and updated without having the opportunity for the ball to reach the game area 17.

When a ball hit into the game area 17 wins the starting port 19, the normal winning port 20, or the variable winning ball device 16, a predetermined number of points are given to the player according to the winning. Is done. The points awarded to the player are:
The total score is displayed on the total score display unit 104. Pachinko balls that did not win any of the winning ports are collected from the out port 25.

The winning ball that has entered the normal winning port 20, the starting port 19, or the variable winning ball apparatus 16 is guided to the back face of the game board and guided to the winning ball collecting gutter 30. on the other hand,
The out ball collected by the out port 25 is guided by the out ball guiding gutter 36 and merges with the winning ball detected by the winning ball detector 31. After the out ball and the winning ball are detected by the driving ball detector 33, the driving ball collecting gutter 3
Guided to 4. Further, the foul ball collected from the foul ball inlet 27 is detected by a foul ball detector 38 and then guided to the driving ball collecting gutter 34.

The pachinko balls guided to the driven ball collecting gutter 34 are guided to the shooting ball supply port 39 along the inclination thereof. When the player operates the hit ball operation handle 15, the hit ball motor 29 is driven, and the hammer 28 is intermittently swung. The firing ball supply port 39 with the intermittent swing of the hammer 28
The pachinko balls guided to the game area 17 are fired one by one into the game area 17. As described above, the pachinko balls enclosed in the pachinko machine 2 are repeatedly used.

When a staff member of the amusement arcade operates a predetermined ball removal switch (not shown), the solenoid 41 is excited, and the rotating plate 4 forming a part of the driving ball collecting gutter 34 is formed.
0 is rotated by a predetermined angle, and the ball drain gutter 42 and the driving ball collecting gutter 34
And communicate. Thus, after being detected by the driving ball detector 33, the enclosing ball guided to the driving ball collecting gutter 34 is guided to the ball discharging gutter 42 without being guided to the firing ball supply port 39, and the ball discharging is performed. The enclosed ball guided to the gutter 42 is discharged out of the pachinko machine 2.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 35 denotes a game control board on which a game microcomputer 56 (see FIG. 5) for controlling various game contents is mounted. Also, 4
Reference numeral 3 denotes a point control board, on which a point control microcomputer 55 (see FIG. 5) for controlling the point is mounted. It is connected to a card unit control board (not shown) provided in the unit 3.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 105 denotes an analog display unit, and the points (total score) displayed on the total score display unit 104 are analog-displayed according to the lighting amount of the lamp. Reference numeral 14 denotes a transparent plate holding frame, which is a game area 17.
Holds a transparent plate that covers the front of the camera.

When the ball hit in the game area 17 wins the starting port 19, the variable display device 18 starts variable display of symbols. Then, the variable display result of the variable display device 18 is set in a predetermined display mode (for example, 77
In the case of 7), a so-called big hit occurs.

When a big hit occurs, the solenoid 21 is excited, and the open / close plate 24 provided on the variable winning ball device 16 is released, so that a first state advantageous to the player is attained. In this first state, the pachinko ball variable winning ball device 16 is used.
A second state that is terminated when the earlier condition of the winning of the predetermined number (for example, 10) of the player or the lapse of the predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) is satisfied, that is, the player is disadvantageous, , The opening / closing plate 24 is closed.

A pachinko ball that has entered the variable winning ball device 16 during the period when the variable winning ball device 16 is in the first state is detected by the winning number detector 23 or the specific winning ball detector 22. You.

If the pachinko ball is detected by the specific winning ball detector 22, the first time the variable winning ball device 16 of that time detects the pachinko ball.
After the end of the state, the repetition continuation control for controlling the variable winning ball device 16 from the second state to the first state again is performed. The upper limit number of the repetition continuation control is set to, for example, 16 times.

Next, as shown in FIG. 2, an operation lamp 4 for notifying the operation of the card unit 3 by lighting up, and a personal identification information are provided on the front surface of the card unit 3 constituting the gaming machine of the first embodiment. An input unit 5 for inputting a personal identification number, a decision button 6 for finalizing the operation and input in each operation unit, and a stop button 7 for interrupting various processes based on the operation and input in each operation unit. A payment button 8 that is operated at the end of the game to execute predetermined payment processing for the points awarded by the game and returns the IC card 37; A saving button 9 for which a predetermined saving process is executed and the IC card 37 is returned; and a value that is a value based on the purchase amount or the additional deposit amount or the value that has already been saved. A switching button 11 for switching the savings point as a value to be provided for the game, and the frequency provided at the upper and lower positions of the switching button 11 and alternately lit by the operation of the switching button 11. A corresponding prepaid display section 10a and a replay display section 11b corresponding to the saving score;
Are provided, and a card indicator 13 located near the IC card insertion slot 12 to notify the player of the ejection of the IC card 37 is provided.

The settlement button 8 provided on the card unit 3 is operated at the end of the game, so that the points (total score) given by the game displayed on the total score display section 104 become prizes. The IC card 37 is recorded and updated and registered as an exchangeable settlement value (cannot be reused in a game) in the IC card 37 and a management computer 49 described later, and the IC card 37 is returned.

When the saving button 9 provided on the card unit 3 is operated at the end of the game, the points (total score) given by the game displayed on the total score display section 104 are displayed. The IC card 37 is recorded and updated and registered in the IC card 37 and a management computer 49 to be described later as a saving score that can be used for a game again, and the IC card 37 is returned. By switching and selecting the replay, the game can be used again for the game.

The operation of the switching button 11 provided on the card unit 3 is enabled only when the identity is confirmed by the password input from the input unit 5.

The configurations of the pachinko machine 2 and the card unit 3 which constitute the gaming machine used in the first embodiment are as shown in FIG. The device for use and the issuing / receiving device 45 provided at the end of the gaming island 1 are connected to a management computer 49 as a recording medium management device via a communication cable 48.

First, the structure of the pachinko machine 2 will be described. The gaming control board 35 provided on the back of the pachinko machine 2 includes a gaming microcomputer 56 for controlling the game operation of each part of the pachinko machine 2. The game microcomputer 56 is connected to a point control microcomputer 55 provided on the point control board 43, and the game microcomputer 56 controls various situations in a game, for example, a big hit. Information such as occurrence of a prize and winning is output.

The display units and the operation buttons provided on the operation unit 32 protruding from the front of the pachinko machine 2 are connected to the point control microcomputer 55, respectively. A signal from the button is output to the score control microcomputer 55, and the display data associated with the consumption and addition of the score associated with the lending or the game from the frequency or the saving score displayed on each display unit. The display is updated by the point control microcomputer 55.

The point control microcomputer 55 is provided with various detectors for detecting the enclosed pachinko balls (the driving ball detector 33, the winning ball detector 31, the firing ball detector 26, Ball detector 38, analog display unit 10
5), and based on a signal output from each detector in the game, a score (total score) is calculated by a score calculation program stored in an internal ROM of the score control microcomputer 55 in advance. Addition by winning balls,
And subtraction of the use score is implemented.

The point control microcomputer 55 is connected to a microprocessing unit (MPU) 50 described later mounted on the card unit control board (not shown) provided inside the card unit 3. And the frequency data or the saving score read from the inserted IC card 37 is the MPU 50
Is output from

The structure of the card unit 3 according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation lamp 4, the input unit 5, and the operation buttons 6, 7, 8, 9, 1, 1 are provided.
1. Management via an IC card reader / writer 54 and a communication cable 48 for reading and writing information recorded on an IC card 37 inserted and connected to the IC card insertion slot 12 together with the card indicator 13. An MPU 50 which is a card unit control unit connected to a communication unit 47 for performing data communication with a computer 49 and controls these units;
There is provided a storage section 52 for storing a control program in which the control contents executed by 50 are described, and various data related to the IC card 37 at the time of insertion read out from the IC card 37.

The IC card 37, which is a recording medium used in the first embodiment, is a member card issued to a member player by being registered as a member in a game hall in advance, and a IC card 37 issued to a non-member. There are two types of visitor cards. Each of the IC cards 37 includes, as identification information capable of identifying an individual IC card, the member card has "MC".
The ID of (issue date)-(serial number) is assigned and recorded on the visitor card, and the ID of "VC (issue date)-(serial number)" is assigned and recorded. It is possible to determine whether the card is a member card or a visitor card, and to identify the date of issuance.

When each of these IC cards 37 is issued, the personal identification number determined by the player at the time of issuance is registered in the management computer 49 in association with the ID and the use of the IC card 37 is controlled. At the time, by inputting the personal identification number by the holder, personal identification is performed by comparison with the registered personal identification number,
Only the legitimate player to whom the IC card 37 has been issued is
C card can be used.

The structure of the IC card 37 used in the first embodiment is such that a predetermined thickness is provided as shown in FIG. A dedicated microcomputer 82 having a built-in non-volatile memory (not shown) therein by means of mounting by means of port bonding (TAB);
A flexible printed board 84 having a pattern coil 83 provided along the outer periphery of the base 81 is inserted thereinto, and the entire concave portion is covered with a top film 85. , The IC
When inserted into the card reader / writer 54 or the IC card reader / writer 63 of the issue / payment device 45 described later, the electromagnetic wave output from the reader / writer causes the pattern coil 83 to generate an induced electromotive force, and the dedicated microcomputer 82 Operablely urged and the pattern coil 83
A non-contact IC capable of performing various data communications with the IC card reader / writer 54 and the IC card reader / writer 63 shown in FIG.
The IC card 37 has the identification information (ID) for identifying the individual IC card 37 recorded in the nonvolatile memory in advance as described above.

The configuration of the IC card reader / writers 54 and 63 into which the IC card 37 can be inserted will be described with reference to FIG.
In the inside of the IC card 63, I
An insertion sensor 97 for detecting insertion of the C card 37 and an IC card 3 extending to the IC card insertion ports 12 and 66 are provided.
7 is slidable, and the IC card 37 is disposed so as to sandwich the guide rail 98.
Rollers 87 and 88 that are driven by the drive motors 86 and 93 to rotate, and a transport belt 91 stretched on one side of the transport rollers 87 and 88.
And the transported IC card 37
An electromagnetic solenoid 89 for projecting and retracting a stop pin for stopping the IC card 3 at a predetermined position, and the IC card 3 stopped at a predetermined position.
A communication head 90 for supplying power and data communication to the control unit 7 and a control board 92 connected to the above-described units and performing control thereof are provided. Reference numeral 94 in the figure denotes a free rotation which assists the transfer by free rotation. Roller.

Further, the IC used in the issuing / receiving device 45
A storage unit (not shown) for storing and supplying the IC card 37 issued to the rear position in the card reader / writer 63
And a new IC card 37 can be issued.

Next, the issuing and depositing device 45 used in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. The issuing and depositing device 45 is one of the plurality of gaming islands 1 installed in a game arcade. As shown in FIG.
, And its external shape is as shown in FIG. The issuance and payment device 45 includes a box-shaped housing 59.
On the front surface, an operation display section 58 for notifying a user that the issuance of the IC card 37 and the additional deposit processing are possible, and a coin insertion slot 61 and a bill insertion slot 62 which are currency insertion slots. The money input unit 60, a total amount display unit 70 for sequentially displaying the total amount of the money inserted from each of the input ports, an issue / confirmation button 69, a stop button 68, an issue process or an additional deposit process. A processing lamp 64 for notifying that the IC card is being implemented;
An IC card insertion slot 66 into which the IC card 7 is inserted and ejected, a card indicator 65 for notifying the ejection of the IC card from the IC card insertion slot 66, and an inner lower surface of a concave portion 71 formed on the front surface of the issuing / receiving device 45. And said I
An input unit 73 for a player to input a personal identification number when the C card 37 is inserted; and a display unit 72 disposed on the inner bottom surface of the concave portion 71 and displaying the personal identification number input by the input unit 73. A return slot 57 for inserted coins, a coin indicator 79a and a bill indicator 79b provided near each of the return slot 57 for the coin and the bill insertion slot 62 to notify a user of return of coins or bills; Is provided.

The internal structure of the issuing / receiving device 45 is shown in FIG.
The operation display section 58, the processing lamp 64, the card indicator 65, the coin and bill indicators 79a, 79b are shown in FIG.
And a coin sensor 7 connected to the coin slot 61 together with the issue / confirmation button 69 and the stop button 68 for detecting coin insertion into a communication path with the coin slot 61.
4 ′, a coin identification and counting unit 74 for identifying a coin to be inserted, and a coin identification and counting unit 74,
A bill sensor 75 'for detecting insertion of a bill in a communication passage with the bill insertion slot 62, a bill identification counting unit 75 for identifying the inserted bill, and control of a display operation of the total amount display unit 70; A display driver 77 that performs the following operations: the input unit 73 including a numeric keypad, an enter key, and a clear key;
A display driver 7 for controlling the display operation of the display unit 72
8 and read out the identification information and frequency data recorded on the inserted IC card 37 connected to the IC card insertion slot 66, and read out the read frequency data (" 0)), the IC card reader / writer 63 that performs non-contact update recording of new frequency data in which the frequency corresponding to the input amount is added, the total amount data displayed on the total amount display section 70, , Said I
A storage unit 76 for storing data read or written from the C card 37, a control program in which control contents of a micro processing unit (MPU) 80 which is a control unit described later, and the like, are shown in FIG. As described above, the communication unit 67 for performing data communication with the management computer 49 via the communication cable 48, and the microprocessing unit (MP) as a depositing device control unit for controlling these units and calculating the total amount.
U) 80, and these units are connected as shown in FIG. 9 so that the IC card 37 as the visitor card can be issued and additional payment processing to all the IC cards 37 can be performed. I have.

The configuration of the management computer 49 used in the first embodiment is, as shown in FIG. 10, a data bus 1 for transmitting and receiving data inside the computer 49.
12, a central processing unit (CPU) 113, a RAM 1
08, a display device 107 as an output means, a timer device 110 capable of outputting time information, a printing device 111 as an external output, a storage device 109 composed of a magnetic disk or a magneto-optical disk, the card unit 3 and the issuance and payment device 4
A communication interface 114 for performing data communication with the communication interface 5;
Is an ordinary computer connected to the storage device 109, and identification information (ID) assigned and recorded on the storage card 109 to or from the IC card 37 issued or used by the issuing / receiving device 45 or the card unit 3. Issuance card database (DB) that is updated and registered together with the personal identification number, frequency data and savings point data corresponding to the identification information (ID), the purchase amount information related to the issuance of the IC card 37, and the additional payment amount information. The information is stored and collected and managed, and based on the issued card DB, the information is displayed on the display device 107 as shown in FIG.

Visitors in these issuing / receiving devices 45
The issuance status of the card (IC card 37) and the exchange of data with the management computer 49 accompanying the issuance will be described with reference to FIG. A player who wants to receive the issuance inserts a desired amount to be used for the game in a predetermined amount (2,000 yen in the first embodiment) or more from the coin insertion slot 61 and / or the bill insertion slot 62 in advance.

The inserted money is identified by the coin identification and counting unit 74 and the bill identification unit 75, and the MPU 80 calculates the total amount based on the identification information output from each of the identification and counting units, and displays the total amount. The information is displayed on the storage unit and stored in the storage unit.

Next, after confirming the display of the total amount displayed on the total amount display section 70, the player proceeds to the issue /
The confirmation button 69 is pressed.

Thus, the MPU 80 specifies the total amount as a purchase amount to be issued for the issuance of the IC card 37, converts the purchase amount into frequency data, and determines a predetermined position of the IC card reader / writer 63. The ID is read from the IC card 37 provided for issuance set in
Further, the display on the display section 72 is made to blink, and the input section 7 is turned on.
The user is prompted to enter a password from Step 3. Along with this, the player performs the input of the personal identification number determined from the input unit 73, and after confirming the input personal identification number on the display unit 72, the player presses the determination key provided on the input unit 73. Press operation.

The pressing operation of these determination keys is detected as "there is a discharge instruction" in step Sa1 shown in FIG.

Based on the detection of these discharge instructions, the MP
U80 transmits a status request as a communication status confirmation signal to the management computer 49 via the communication section 67 and the communication cable 48 (Sa2), and turns on the processing lamp 64.

The management computer 49 returns a status response as a communication status confirmed signal based on the reception detection of the status request (Sb1). (S
b2) Based on the reception detection of the status response (Sa3), the MPU 80 records the frequency based on the purchase amount on the IC card 37 issued by the IC card reader / writer 63, and The card is ejected from the insertion slot 66 (Sa5), the lamp 64 is turned off, and the card indicator 65 blinks.

After the ejection of the IC card 37, the MPU 8
0 judges that the information (ID, password, purchase amount, frequency) related to the issued IC card 37 is changed data (Sa6), and manages the data by the management computer.
To the data 49. (Sa7) On the basis of the transmission of the data, the management computer 49
These data are registered in the issue card DB.
(Sb3) Further, the IC card 37, which is the member card used in the first embodiment, is registered as a member at a game hall, and is registered at a predetermined position in the game hall (not shown). ) Is operated by the staff at the game arcade, and the IC card 37 as the member card is operated.
The ID and the password are registered in the issuing card DB of the management computer 49 to issue the ID.

Further, the IC in the issuing / receiving device 45
The state of the additional payment processing to the card 37 will be described below.
The IC card 37, which is a
6 and a password is input from the input unit 73.

The insertion of the IC card 37 is detected by the IC card reader / writer 63, and based on the detection of the insertion, the MPU 80 transmits the identification information (ID) and the frequency data recorded from the inserted IC card 37. Is read out via the IC card reader / writer 63, and the read data is transmitted to the management computer 49 via the communication unit 67 and the communication cable 48 together with the password data input from the input unit 73. .

Based on the transmitted data, the management computer 49 searches for the personal identification number and frequency data registered in the issued card DB in association with the transmitted identification information (ID). A comparison is made to determine whether the received password number data and the frequency data match, and if the two data do not match, a discharge instruction of the IC card 37 is returned to the issuing / receiving device 45. Returns a permission to use the IC card 37.

Next, when the player inserts a desired amount of money, for example, a 1,000-yen bill, to be played in the game from the bill insertion slot 62 provided in the issuance and depositing device 45, the insertion of the bill is performed by the bill identification unit 75. Is detected by the banknote sensor 75 'provided in the MPU 80, and the detection is output to the MPU 80.

The MPU 80 instructs, based on the output, the identification of the bill inserted in the bill identifying unit 75, that is, the 1,000-yen bill.

If the identification is "NG" in the identification, the 1,000-yen bill is returned, and the bill indicator 79b blinks for a predetermined time to notify the player of the return of the bill, and the identification is returned. In the case of “OK”, the MPU 80 calculates the total amount based on the identification information output from the bill identification unit 75 by the identification, displays the total amount on the total amount display unit 70, and displays the total amount. Is converted into frequency data and added to the frequency data read from the IC card 37 to calculate new frequency data.

After confirming the total amount display on the total amount display section 70, the player presses the issue / confirm button 69.

The operation of the issue / confirmation button 69
As in the case of the issuance of the C-card 37, it is detected that "the discharge instruction is present" (Sa1).
Is sent to the management computer 49 via the communication section 67 and the communication cable 48 as a status as a communication status confirmation signal.
A task request is transmitted (Sa2), and the processing lamp 64 is turned on.

The management computer 49 returns a status response as a communication status confirmed signal based on the reception detection of the status request (Sb1). (S
b2) Based on the detection of the reception of the status response (Sa3), the MPU 80 records the calculated new frequency on the IC card 37 discharged (returned) by the IC card reader / writer 63, and The lamp 6 is discharged (returned) from the IC card insertion port 66 (Sa5), and
4 is turned off and the card indicator 65 blinks.

After discharging the IC card 37, the MPU 8
0 specifies the changed data (frequency data) in the information related to the added-in IC card 37 (S data).
a6) The changed data (frequency data) is transmitted to the management computer 49 together with the ID of the additionally deposited IC card 37. (Sa7) On the basis of the transmission of the data, the management computer 49
The frequency data corresponding to the ID and registered in the issue card DB is updated. (Sb3) The IC card 37 to which these additional payments have been made and the IC card 37 as a member card in which the points awarded in past games are stored are connected to the pachinko machine 2 selected by the player. IC of the card unit 3
It is inserted into the card slot 12 and used.

The usage of the IC card 37 will be described. The player inserts the IC card 37 into the IC card insertion slot 12 and inputs a password determined at the time of issuing the IC card 37 from the input unit 5. The user presses the enter button 6 if the input is correct.

Based on the insertion, the IC card reader / writer 54 detects the insertion of the IC card 37, takes in the card by the transport mechanism, and sets the communication head 90
The identification information (ID) recorded on the IC card 37, the frequency data of the purchase or the additional payment, and the saving score data (only for the member card) are read out from the IC card 37 and stored in the storage unit 52. The password information is stored as initial information related to 37 and the input personal identification number data is transmitted to the management computer 49 via the communication section 47 and the communication cable 48 together with the read information data.

Based on the output, the management computer 49
Identification information (ID) output from the card unit 3
Whether the personal identification number and frequency data and the savings score registered in the issuing card DB in correspondence with the personal identification number data, frequency data and the savings score output from the card unit 3 match. The IC inserted into the card unit 3 is compared under the condition that these match.
The license of the card 37 is returned and the status of the card is changed to "in use". If the comparisons do not match, an instruction to eject the IC card 37 is returned.

Based on the reply of the license, the MPU 50 of the card unit 3 inserts the inserted IC card 37.
Is determined based on the identification information (ID). If the card is a visitor card, only the prepaid display section 10a is lit and displayed. If the card is a member card, the prepaid display section 10a is Both of the replay display sections 10b are turned on and off, and the switching button 11 is used to urge the user to select a value to be provided for the game.

Thus, the member player selects “Prepaid” when the value to be used for the game is a frequency based on the additional payment, and selects “Replay” when reusing the savings points. The enter button 6 is operated.

When the switching button 11 is pressed,
Is selected or the visitor card, the MPU 50 transfers the frequency data read from the IC card 37 and stored in the storage unit 52 to the point control microcomputer 55. And the frequency data is displayed on the display unit 103.

When “replay” is selected by the switching button 11, the MPU 50 changes the saving score read from the IC card 37 and stored in the storage unit 52 into the point control. The saving score is displayed on the display unit 103.

At the stage where the frequency or the saving score is displayed on the display section 103, the player presses the lend button 101 provided on the operation section 32 to display the frequency or the saving score on the display section 103. A predetermined frequency or score out of the frequency or the saving score is converted into a point that can be used for the game, and is displayed on the total score display unit 104.

At this time, a score of a predetermined size converted from the frequency or saving point displayed on the display unit 103 to the point or a predetermined size to which a fee is added is calculated as the score. The display is updated by subtraction by the control microcomputer 55.

As a result, a score is present in the total score display section 104, and the score control microcomputer 55 sends a signal indicating that a score is present in the score display section 104 to the gaming microcomputer. The game microcomputer 56 validates the operation of the hit ball operation handle 15 based on the output.

In this state, the player operates the hit ball operating handle 15 to execute a game, and a ball is won in each of the winning holes as described above. A predetermined score is given and added, and a predetermined score, for example, 1 for each ball hit.
Points are subtracted, and when the score decreases or disappears, when the frequency or the saving score remains on the display unit 103, the lending button 101 is input again and the predetermined The game can be continued with the lending of a point having a size.

When the player wishes to interrupt the game during the game, the desired time to interrupt following the release button 102 provided on the operation unit 32 of the pachinko machine 2 is set to the interruption time. Select button 106
And press operation.

The point control microcomputer 55
Are the button 102 and the interruption time selection button 106
Is detected and the game microcomputer 56 outputs a game interruption to the MPU 50 and the game microcomputer 56 so that the game microcomputer 56 invalidates the operation of the hit ball operation handle 15 so that a third party cannot execute a game. At the same time, the IC card 37 in which the MPU 50 is inserted is ejected (returned) from the IC card insertion slot 12, and after the ejection, the ID of the IC card 37 is
At the same time, the fact that the user is away is output to the management computer 49, and the usage status of the card is changed to "away." In addition, the point control microcomputer 55 displays “away” on the total score display section 104.

The player pulls out the returned IC card 37, brings it with him, and selects either “long” (for example, 30 minutes) or “short” (for example, 5 minutes) selected by the interruption time selection button 106. When the predetermined time has elapsed, “time over” is displayed on the total score display section 104.

When the player resumes the game, the IC card 37 extracted above is again inserted into the IC card insertion slot 12.
, The identification information (ID) of the IC card 37 is collated by the MPU 50, the operation of the hit ball operation handle 15 is validated, and the game can be performed again. Management computer
The status of the corresponding IC card 37 is transmitted to the data 49 and is changed to “in use”.

In these games, when the player finishes the game, the enter button 8 or the save button 9 is pressed next to the enter button 6 or the frequency or the saving score and the possession point are all set to “0”. "(The discharge condition is satisfied), the inserted IC card 37
Is discharged.

The discharge instruction and the establishment of the discharge condition based on the pressing operation of the settlement button 8 or the saving button 9 are detected as "the discharge instruction is present" or "the discharge condition is satisfied" as shown in FIG. 12 (Sa1). Based on this, the MPU 50 transmits a status request as a communication status confirmation signal to the management computer 49 via the communication section 47 and the communication cable 48 (Sa2).

The management computer 49 returns a status response as a communication status confirmed signal based on the detection of the reception of the status request (Sb1). (S
b2) Based on the detection of the reception of the status response (Sa3), when the inserted IC card 37 is a visitor card, the MPU 50 sets the information related to the IC card 37 as the information related to the IC card 37. If there is a frequency and a point at the time, the point is updated and recorded in the IC card 37 which returns the point as a settlement score, and the card is ejected (returned) from the IC card insertion slot 12 and the card indicator 65 flashes. Let it. Also, the inserted IC card 37 is a member card.
When the savings button 9 is operated, the MPU 50 updates and records the new savings score obtained by adding the points and the savings score at that time to the IC card 37 and updates the IC card 37. It is discharged (returned) from the card insertion slot 12. In addition, when the game is played using the membership card frequency, the point at the time of the discharge is set when the settlement button 8 is operated, and when the saving button 9 is operated. As described above, a new saving score is calculated as described above, and is updated and recorded on the IC card 37 together with the frequency data at that time, and is discharged (returned). (Sa
5) If the status response is not detected, a predetermined error process such as notifying a store clerk or the like by turning on a call lamp or the like is performed as a malfunction of the communication line.

After discharging the IC card 37, the MPU5
0 compares the frequency or the savings score and the settlement score at that time with the initial information stored in the storage unit 52 to identify the changed information (Sa)
6), the IC card 3 that has returned the changed information.
7 and transmitted to the management computer 49.
(Sa7) On the basis of the transmission of the data, the management computer 49
The corresponding data registered in the issuance card DB corresponding to the ID is updated. (Sb3) As described in the first embodiment, the issuance / payment device 45 and the card unit 3, which are gaming devices, receive the status response, which is the communication confirmed signal, from the management computer 49. By issuing or discharging (returning) the IC card 37 under the condition of, the time until the IC card 37 is issued or discharged (returned) can be shortened. The feeling of frustration can be reduced or eliminated, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

Further, as in the first embodiment, initial information related to the IC card 37 at the time of insertion is stored in the storage unit 52, and the initial information and the IC card 37 are discharged (returned). Is compared with the information related to the IC card 37 in FIG.
It is preferable that the data is transmitted and updated so that the amount of data transmitted for the update processing can be reduced and the communication load on the system can be reduced. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

(Embodiment 2) The gaming system of the second embodiment corresponds to claim 3 of the present invention, and the equipment configuration of the gaming system of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The feature is that the issuing and depositing device 45, which is a gaming device, and the I
Since the processing operation is performed when the C card 37 is ejected, the processing operation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the IC in the issuance / payment device 45
The operation of issuing the card 37 will be described in the same manner as in the first embodiment up to the operation of the enter key in the operation of inserting the money and inputting the personal identification number.

The pressing operation of these determination keys is detected as "there is an ejection instruction" in step Sc1 shown in FIG.

Based on the detection of these discharge instructions, the MP
U80 stores information (ID, password, password, etc.) related to the issued IC card 37 in the storage section 76 as storage means.
(Purchase amount, frequency) is stored. (Sc2) After the storage in the storage unit 76 is completed, the IC card 37 to be issued is issued (discharged) by the IC card reader / writer 63 recording frequency data based on the purchase price. (Sc3) Next, the MPU 80 determines that the information (ID, password, purchase amount, frequency) related to the IC card 37 has been changed (Sc4), and manages the data with the management computer. To the data 49. (Sc5) In the management computer 49, based on the reception detection of the changed data (Sd1), the received data is associated with the ID of the issued IC card 37 and the issued card is issued. Registered and updated in DB (Sd
2), the update (registration) processing completion is returned. (Sd
3) If the reply is received (Sc6), the MP
U80 deletes the information related to the issued IC card 37 stored in the storage unit 76 (S80).
c7) If the reception of the reply is not detected, the data in the storage section 76 is held (Sc8), and a predetermined error processing, for example, a notification to a store clerk by turning on a calling lamp, etc. Execute

The additional deposit processing in the issuing / dispensing apparatus 45 will be described.
The player is an IC that is a member or a visitor card possessed by the player
The user inserts the card 37 into the IC card insertion slot 66 and inputs a password through the input section 73.

The identification information (ID) and the frequency data recorded on the inserted IC card 37 and the input personal identification number are transmitted to the management computer 49 and are transmitted to the management computer 49. The issuing card D
B is checked to see if it matches the personal identification number data and the frequency data registered in correspondence with the identification information (ID). It is returned from the management computer 49.

Next, the total amount of money inserted by the player is calculated by the MPU 80 and displayed on the total amount display section 70, and the player confirms the display and presses the issue / confirmation button 69. The steps up to this are the same as in the first embodiment.

The operation of the issuance / confirmation button 69 is detected as "discharge instruction" as in the issuance processing operation (Sc1), and based on this, the MPU 80 reads out from the inserted IC card. The new frequency is calculated by adding the frequency based on the total amount to the calculated frequency, and the identification information (ID) of the IC card 37 in which the new frequency is inserted.
And stored in the storage unit 76. (Sc2) After the completion of the storage, the new frequency data is updated and recorded on the inserted IC card 37, and the card is returned. (Sc3) After the return, the MPU 80 specifies the new frequency data as changed data (Sc4), and the new frequency data
Management computer 4 together with the identification information (ID).
Send to 9. (Sc5) In the management computer 49, based on the reception detection (Sd1) of the change data, the frequency data stored in the issue card DB in correspondence with the identification information (ID). The data is updated with the received new frequency data (Sd2), and the completion of the update processing is returned. (Sd
3) When the reception of the reply is detected (Sc6), the MPU 80 deletes the new frequency and identification information (ID) stored in the storage unit 76 (Sc6).
7) If the reply is not detected, the data in the storage unit 76 is held (Sc8), and a predetermined error process is performed, for example, a notification to a store clerk by turning on a calling lamp is executed. I do.

The visitor and the member card of the present embodiment 2 which are issued or added as described above are IC cards.
The card 37 is inserted into the card unit 3 and used for a game as in the first embodiment, and various data when the IC card 37 is inserted are stored in the storage unit 52 as initial information. It has become.

In these games, when the player finishes the game, the decision button 6 is pressed following the settlement button 8 or the savings button 9, or any of the frequency, the savings score, and the points held is When it becomes "0" (discharge condition is satisfied), the inserted IC card 37 is discharged (returned).

The discharge instruction and the establishment of the discharge condition based on the pressing operation of the settlement button 8 or the saving button 9 are detected as "the discharge instruction is present" or "the discharge condition is satisfied" as shown in FIG. 13 (Sc1). On the basis of this, the MPU 50 obtains information (ID, frequency, saving score, and the like) relating to the inserted IC card 37 at that time.
Is stored in the storage unit 52 and (Sc
2), when the savings button 9 is operated, a new savings score is calculated by adding the point to the savings score;
The new saving score is updated and recorded on the IC card 37 and returned. When the settlement button 8 is operated, the score is set to the IC card 37 together with the frequency data as the settlement score. Update record and return. (Sc3) Next, the MPU 50 compares each piece of information stored in the storage unit 52 with the corresponding initial information, specifies changed information (Sc4), and identifies the changed information as identification information. The ID is transmitted to the management computer 49 together with the (ID). (Sc5) In the management computer 49, based on the detection of the change data reception (Sd1), each data stored in the issue card DB in correspondence with the identification information (ID). The data is updated (Sd2), and the completion of the update (registration) processing is returned. (Sd3) If the reply is received (Sc6), the MP
U80 deletes the information (including the initial information) related to the IC card 37 stored in the storage unit 52 (Sc7). When the reply is not detected,
The data stored in the storage unit 52 is held (Sc8), and a predetermined error process, for example, a notification to a store clerk by turning on a calling lamp is executed.

As described above, as in the second embodiment, the issuance / return of the issuance / payment device 45 or the card unit 3 which is a game device, and various information related to the IC card 37 at that time are described. It is carried out after being stored in the storage units 52 and 76, and thereafter, the stored various information is stored in the management computer.
By transmitting the information to the IC card 37, the time until the IC card 37 is issued or returned can be shortened, so that the frustration of the player can be reduced or eliminated, and the operation of the gaming machine can be reduced. The rate can also be improved.

As in the second embodiment, the initial information related to the IC card 37 at the time of insertion is stored in the storage unit 52,
The initial information and the information related to the IC card 37 at the time of discharging (returning) the IC card 37 are compared with each other, and only the changed information is managed by the management computer 49. It is preferable that the data is transmitted and updated so that the amount of data transmitted for the update processing can be reduced and the communication load on the system can be reduced. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

(Embodiment 3) The gaming system of the third embodiment corresponds to claim 4 of the present invention, and the equipment configuration of the gaming system of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The characteristic feature lies in the processing operation when the card unit 3 ejects the IC card 37. The processing operation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The issuance / additional payment processing of the issuance / additional payment device 45 in the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The card 37 is inserted into the card unit 3 and used for a game as in the first embodiment, and various data when the IC card 37 is inserted are stored in the storage unit 52 as initial information. It has become so.

In these games, when the player terminates the game, he or she presses the settlement button 8 or the save button 9 and then presses the enter button 6, or when the player interrupts the game for his / her use, the release is performed. When the enter button 6 is pressed after the seat button 102, or when the frequency, the saving score, and the holding point both become “0” (the discharge condition is satisfied), the inserted IC card The code 37 is discharged (returned).

First, the processing operation of the card unit 3 when the IC card 37 is ejected by operating the seat release button 102 will be described.
Is detected as "there is an ejection instruction" as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 (Se1), and then it is determined that the operation is "leaving the seat". (Se2) If it is determined that the operation is "leaving", the information relating to the inserted IC card 37 and the information indicating the leaving are transmitted to the data to be transmitted immediately. It is determined that the information is not applicable, and the information related to the IC card 37 at that time is updated and recorded in the IC card 37 and immediately returned (Se8). “Away” is displayed on the total score display unit 104.

After the return, the information relating to the IC card 37 and the information indicating that the user has left the seat are stored in the IC card 3.
7 is transmitted to the management computer 49 together with the identification information (Se9), and the "status" of the IC card 37 in the management computer 49 is changed to "away" as shown in FIG.
And the information related to the IC card 37 is updated, and the updated information is given parentheses to indicate that it is provisional data.

The player pulls out the returned IC card 37, brings it with him, and selects either “long” (for example, 30 minutes) or “short” (for example, 5 minutes) selected with the interruption time selection button 106. When the predetermined time has elapsed, as shown in the first embodiment, “time of display” is displayed on the total score display unit 104.
r "is displayed.

When the player resumes the game, the IC card 37 extracted above is again inserted into the IC card insertion slot 12.
, The identification information (ID) of the IC card 37 is collated by the MPU 50, the operation of the hit ball operation handle 15 is validated, and the game can be performed again. Management computer
The status of the corresponding IC card 37 is transmitted to the data 49 and is changed to “in use”.

Further, the discharge instruction based on the pressing operation of the settlement button 8 or the saving button 9 and the establishment of the discharge condition are determined as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
Alternatively, it is detected that the discharge condition is satisfied (Se1), and it is determined that the operation does not correspond to the unattended operation. (Se2) Next, the MPU 50 outputs information (frequency, saving score, and so on) related to the inserted IC card 37 at that time.
Is compared with the initial information stored in the storage unit 52, the changed information is specified (Se3), and the changed information corresponds to the predetermined immediate transmission data. It is determined whether or not to perform. (Se4) In the third embodiment, the frequency data and the saving score data are obtained.
Data is registered in advance in the processing program executed by each MPU 50 as immediate transmission data, and other information data is registered.
Data (settlement score in the third embodiment) does not correspond to immediate transmission data, and as described above,
Even if the data corresponds to the immediate transmission data, if the operation is the leaving operation, it is determined that the information is not required to be transmitted immediately.

In the determination at Se4, the changed data corresponding to the immediate transmission data is transmitted to the management computer 49 together with the identification information (ID) data (Se).
5) Based on the transmission, the management computer 49 detects the reception of the transmission data (Sd1), and stores the transmission data in the issue card DB in correspondence with the identification information (ID) data. The stored corresponding information is updated (Sd2), and the completion of the further processing is returned. (Sd3) The presence or absence of the reply is detected in Se7, and if the reply is not made within a predetermined time, the MPU 50 executes a predetermined error processing, for example, a notification to a store clerk by lighting a call lamp, and the like. When the return is received, when the savings button 9 is operated, the point held at that time is added to the savings score at that time, a new savings score is calculated, and the IC card 37 is calculated. Are recorded and returned on the IC card 37 together with other data (frequency) related to the above, and when the payment button is operated, the frequency at that time and the possessed point, if any, are used as the payment score. It is recorded on the IC card 37 and returned (discharged). (Se8) After the return of the IC card 37, of the changed data specified in Se2, the data which has not been transmitted immediately because it does not correspond to the immediate transmission data (the settlement in this embodiment 3 If there is a score, the MPU 50 transmits the data to the management computer 49 together with the identification information (ID).
(Se9) Based on the transmission, the management computer 49 detects the reception of the transmission data (Sd1),
The corresponding information stored in the database corresponding to the identification information (ID) data is updated (Sd2), and the completion of the further processing is returned. (Sd3) The presence or absence of the reply is detected in Se10, and if the reply is not made within a predetermined time, the MPU 50 executes a predetermined error processing, for example, a notification to a store clerk by turning on a call lamp. .

As described above, as in the third embodiment, the information regarding the IC card 37 as the recording medium is discriminated between the immediate transmission data and other data based on the status of the ejection instruction and the like. By doing so, the amount of data to be transmitted immediately and subjected to update processing can be kept to a minimum, the time required for these update processing can be shortened, and the player is unnecessarily disputed with the IC. Without having to wait when returning the card 37, not only can the frustration of the player be reduced or eliminated, but also the operation of the gaming machine can be improved for the game arcade.

Further, as in the third embodiment, initial information relating to the IC card 37 at the time of insertion is stored in the storage section 52, and the initial information and the IC card at the time of returning the IC card 37 are stored. By comparing the information related to the code 37 with only the changed information, it is determined whether or not the changed information corresponds to the immediate transmission data. Is transmitted to the management computer 49 so as to be updated, the amount of data transmitted for the immediate update processing can be minimized, and the communication load on the system can be reduced. However, the present invention is not limited to this, because it is possible to shorten the time required for discharging the IC card 37 discharged after the immediate update processing. .

In the third embodiment, the immediate transmission data is frequency and savings score data. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and the instant transmission data is not limited thereto.
The management computer 4 is used for the operation of the gaming system.
9 is not particularly limited as long as the data is to be updated promptly, but it is preferable to use the minimum necessary data to be updated promptly.

Further, in the third embodiment, any data at the time of the leaving process is not transmitted immediately. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The immediate transmission may not be performed based on a predetermined situation other than the seat operation.

Each element in each of the above embodiments corresponds to the present invention as follows.

The first aspect of the present invention relates to identification information (I) capable of identifying at least an individual recording medium (IC card 37).
Recording medium processing means (IC card reader / writers 54 and 63) for reading the identification information (ID) from the recording medium (IC card 37) on which D) is recorded and performing predetermined processing;
(Card unit 3 and issuance and depositing device 45) having communication and connected to the gaming device so as to be able to communicate with each other, and information related to the recording medium in the gaming device (password, frequency, A storage medium management device (management computer 49) that collects and manages the savings points and the settlement points) in association with the identification information (ID) of the recording medium. (IC card 3
7) between the time when the discharge condition is satisfied and the time when the updating process of the information related to the recording medium (IC card 37) is completed in the recording medium management device (management computer 49). The recording medium (IC card 37) is used as the recording medium processing means (IC card writer 54).
63).

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, when the discharge condition of the recording medium (IC card 37) is satisfied, the gaming device (card unit 3, issuing / paying device 45) is used for the game device. A confirmation signal transmission procedure (Sa2) for transmitting a communication status confirmation signal (status request) to the recording medium management device (management computer 49), and the recording medium management device (management) based on the reception of the communication status confirmation signal. The computer 49) is the gaming device (card unit 3, issuing / receiving device 45).
A signal return procedure (Sb2) for returning a communication status confirmed signal (status response) to the server, and the recording medium (IC card 37) is ejected on condition that the communication status confirmed signal is received. A discharging procedure (Sa5) and a transmitting procedure (Sa7) for transmitting information related to the recording medium (IC card 37) to the recording medium management device (management computer 49) together with the identification information (ID). In the recording medium management device (management computer 49), the transmission procedure (Sa
An update processing procedure (Sb3) in which information corresponding to the identification information (ID) is updated based on the data transmitted in 7) is sequentially performed.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, at least an individual recording medium (IC card 37) is identified from a recording medium (IC card 37) on which identification information (ID) capable of identifying the individual recording medium (IC card 37) is recorded. Recording medium processing means (IC card reader / writers 54, 6) for reading out information (ID) and performing predetermined processing
(3) a game device (card unit 3, issuing / paying device 45), which is communicably connected to the game device, and which has information (a password, A recording medium management device (management computer 49) that collects and manages (frequency, savings score, settlement score) in association with the identification information (ID) of the recording medium. When the discharge condition of the recording medium (IC card 37) is satisfied, information (frequency, saving score, settlement score) relating to the recording medium (IC card 37) at that time is identified by the identification information (ID). ) Together with a storage procedure (Sc2) for storing in storage means (storage units 52, 76) provided in the gaming machine (card unit 3, issuing / receiving device 45), and the recording medium (IC card).
(Sc) for discharging the recording medium 37) from the recording medium processing means (IC card reader / writers 54 and 63) to the outside.
3) and the respective information stored in the storage means (storage units 52 and 76) are stored in the storage medium management device (management computer).
(Sc5) to be transmitted to the data medium 49, and the identification information (ID) in the recording medium management device (management computer 49) based on the data transmitted in the transmission procedure (Sc5). The update processing procedure (Sd2) in which each piece of information is updated is sequentially performed.

Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the identification information is obtained from a recording medium (IC card 37) on which identification information (ID) capable of identifying at least an individual recording medium (IC card 37) is recorded. Recording medium processing means (IC card reader / writers 54, 6) for reading out information (ID) and performing predetermined processing
(3) a game device (card unit 3, issuing / paying device 45), which is communicably connected to the game device, and which has information (a password, A recording medium management device (management computer 49) that collects and manages (frequency, savings score, settlement score) in association with the identification information (ID) of the recording medium. When the discharge condition of the recording medium (IC card 37) is satisfied, information (frequency, saving score, settlement score) related to the recording medium (IC card 37) at that time is stored in the recording medium management. The apparatus (management computer 49) is provided with information determination means (MPUs 50 and 80) for determining whether or not the information corresponds to predetermined information that requires immediate transmission, and the determination by the information determination means is negative. In case The recording medium (IC Ca - de 3
After the ejection of 7), the information related to the recording medium (IC card 37) is transmitted, and the recording medium management device (management computer 49) performs an updating process.

Further, according to the present invention, when the information judging means (MPU 50, 80) can judge, the immediate information in the information related to the recording medium (IC card 37) is used. Only the information that needs to be transmitted is transmitted to the recording medium management device (management computer 49) and updated, and after the updating process is completed, the recording medium (IC card 37) is discharged. After the ejection, information related to the recording medium (IC card 37) other than the transmitted one is stored in the recording medium management device (management computer 4).
The information is transmitted to 9) and is updated.

Further, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an initial information storage means for storing information related to the recording medium (IC card 37) when the recording medium (IC card 37) is inserted. Units 52 and 76) and information relating to the recording medium (IC card 37) when the discharge condition of the recording medium (IC card 37) is satisfied. 76), a comparing means (MPU 50, 80) for comparing with the corresponding information stored in the game device (card unit 3, issuing / paying device 45) is provided in the gaming machine. Only the changed information is stored in the recording medium management device (management computer 49).
To be updated.

Further, as the predetermined processing of the gaming machine in the claims, when the gaming machine is the issuing and depositing device 45, the depositing process on the recording medium in the above embodiment (the recording process of the prepaid frequency) If the gaming machine is the card unit 3, the loan processing based on the prepaid frequency, the lending processing based on the saving score, and the processing related to release from seats in the above embodiment correspond to the above.

The discharge condition in the above-mentioned claim is, as shown in the above-mentioned embodiment, a condition in which the issuance / payment device 45 which is a game device and the card unit 3 can discharge an IC card which is a recording medium. When the payment button 8, the savings button 9, or the unseat button 102 is pressed and a discharge instruction is issued, or as described above, the prepaid frequency or the savings score and the holding point are all “0”. FIG.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described in the above embodiments with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but may be modified or changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. It goes without saying that the addition is included in the present invention.

In each of the above embodiments, the issuance and depositing device 45 provided at the end of the game island 1 is used as the issuance and additional depositing device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. These functions of issuing and additional payment may be given to the card unit 3.

In each of the above embodiments, the operation unit operated during the game is provided by the lending button 101 or the unseat button 1.
02 and the interruption time selection button 106 are provided on the operation unit 32 provided on the pachinko machine 2. The switching button 11, the settlement button 8, the saving button 9, and the like which are operated at the start and end of the game are provided in the card unit. It is preferable that such an arrangement be provided since an operation unit to be operated at the time of starting or ending the game during a game is prevented from being erroneously operated. The present invention is not limited to this, and the arrangement position and the like of each operation button and the like are not particularly limited, and further, the type and the like of each of the operation units are not limited to the embodiment.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the switching button 11 is used to switch and select between "prepaid" and "replay". In this way, the number of operation buttons is reduced and the number of operation buttons is reduced. The present invention is not limited to this, because the units can be simplified. However, the operation units corresponding to “prepaid” and “replay” may be individually provided.

In the above embodiment, the settlement button 8
And the savings button 9 are provided individually. However, since any one of these buttons is selected and operated at the end of the game, it is possible to switch and select these items like the switching button 11. good.

In the above embodiment, the password is registered as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the password may not be used if necessary. Further, these passwords are not limited to numbers, but may be passwords, and the number of digits and the number of characters may be arbitrarily selected.

Further, in the above embodiment, the frequency data, the saving score, the settlement score, etc., which are information related to the IC card 37 as the recording medium, are stored in the IC card 37 together with the management computer 49 from the viewpoint of security. The data is registered or recorded, and both data are compared when the IC card 37 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the frequency data, the saving score, the settlement score, etc. The information related to the IC card 37 may be registered only in the management computer 49 together with the ID which is identification information capable of identifying the IC card 37.

In each of the above embodiments, the non-contact IC card 37 is used as a recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Or a medium on which a predetermined information recording symbol such as a barcode or the like is printed so as to be readable. Examples of such a recording medium include, for example, an ID which is the identification information capable of specifying the recording medium. There is no particular limitation as long as it can at least read information that can specify the value of possible value.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the frequency is used as the form of the value of the purchase amount and the value of the additional payment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The corresponding number of pachinko balls and coins may be used, and the form may be arbitrarily selected.

In each of the above embodiments, the savings value that can be used again for the game is used as the savings score, and the score data as the holding point is used as it is. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As in the case of the frequency, the form of these savings values may be arbitrarily selected.

In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 2 in which the pachinko balls are sealed so as not to be touched is used. However, the present invention is not limited to these pachinko machines 2. Card-type gaming machines capable of playing games using the recording medium, such as slot machines for playing games without using coins and the like, pachinko balls, coins, etc., which are game media for each gaming machine. The present invention can also be applied to a game device provided with a counting means for performing counting.

In the above embodiment, the card units 3 are arranged between the pachinko machines 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The position is not particularly limited as long as it is a predetermined position around the pachinko machine 2 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 on a one-to-one basis.

[0135]

The present invention has the following effects.

(A) According to the first aspect of the present invention, the recording medium can be ejected without waiting for the completion of the update processing of the information relating to the recording medium ejected by the recording medium management device. Therefore, the waiting time of the player can be shortened, the feeling of frustration of the player can be eliminated or alleviated, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be prevented from being reduced for the game arcade.

(B) According to the second aspect of the present invention, the communication status has been confirmed that the gaming device and the recording medium management device are in a state where information relating to the recording medium to be discharged can be transmitted. By executing the ejection of the recording medium at the stage confirmed by the reception of the signal by the gaming apparatus, the recording medium management apparatus can avoid the loss of consistency of various information updated in the recording medium management apparatus while avoiding loss of consistency. The time until the recording medium is discharged can be reduced.

(C) According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the information relating to the recording medium at the time of the ejection is stored in the storage means provided in the game device together with the identification information of the recording medium, the recording is performed. By discharging the media,
In addition to shortening the time for which the player has to wait for the discharge and eliminating or alleviating the frustration of the player,
For a game arcade, it is also possible to prevent the operating rate of the gaming machine from decreasing. Furthermore, even if a failure occurs in the communication between the gaming device and the previous recording medium management device, the update processing in the recording medium management device based on the data stored in the storage means at the stage when the failure is resolved. By performing the above, the consistency of various types of information to be updated can be ensured.

(D) According to the invention of claim 4, when the information related to the recording medium at the time of ejection of the recording medium does not correspond to the information that needs to be immediately transmitted to the predetermined recording medium management device, Since the information is transmitted to the recording medium management device after the recording medium is ejected and updated, the player does not needlessly wait for the ejection, and the time until the ejection is appropriately reduced. Not only can the game machine be operated, but also the operating rate of the gaming machine can be prevented from being unnecessarily reduced for the game arcade.

(E) According to the fifth aspect of the invention, even if the judgment by the information judgment means is possible, the information is immediately transmitted to the recording medium management device before the recording medium is discharged. Since the amount of information to be updated can be minimized and the time required for the transmission and update processing can be shortened, the time until the recording medium is discharged can be shortened, and the player's feeling of frustration can be eliminated. Or, it can not only ease, but also prevent the operating rate of the gaming machine from being reduced for the game arcade.

(F) According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, only the changed information that needs to be updated in the recording medium management device is transmitted from the gaming device, so that the transmitted data is Since the communication load can be reduced by minimizing the amount and the data to be updated by the recording medium management device is also minimized, the time required for the update process can be shortened.

[0142]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a game island provided with a game device used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an operation unit of the enclosed pachinko machine used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gaming management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an IC used in the card unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a card reader / writer.

FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway front view showing the IC card used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an external perspective view showing the issuance and payment device in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the issuing / receiving device in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management computer used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display on a display device of the management computer used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing contents and data exchange between the card unit or the issuing / receiving device and the management computer in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing processing contents and data exchange between the card unit or the issuing / paying device and the management computer in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing contents and data exchange between a card unit and a management computer in a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 gaming island 2 (enclosed) pachinko machine 3 card unit 4 operation lamp 5 input section 6 enter button 7 stop button 8 checkout button 9 saving button 10a prepaid display section 10b replay display section 11 switching button 12 IC card insertion slot 13 card Indicator 14 Transparent plate holding frame 15 Hitting operation handle 16 Variable winning ball device 17 Game area 18 Variable display device 19 Starting port 20 Normal winning port 21 Solenoid 22 Specific winning ball detector 23 Winning number detector 24 Opening / closing plate 25 Out opening 26 Launch Ball detector 27 Furl ball entrance 28 Hammer 29 Ball hitting motor 30 Winning ball collecting gutter 31 Winning ball detector 32 Operation unit 33 Driving ball detector 34 Driving ball collecting gutter 35 Game control board 36 Out ball guiding gutter 37 IC card (Game recording media) 38 Furl ball detector 9 Launching Ball Supply Port 40 Rotating Plate 41 Solenoid 42 Ball Drop Trough 43 Control Board for Pointing 44 Connector Portion 45 Deposit / Payment Device 47 Communication Portion 48 Communication Cable 49 Management Computer 50 Micro Processing Unit 52 Storage Unit 54 IC Card Reader / Writer 55 Point control microcomputer 56 Gaming microcomputer 57 Return slot 58 Operation display section 59 Housing 60 Currency slot 61 Coin slot 62 Bill slot 63 IC card reader / writer 64 Processing lamp 65 Card indicator 66 IC card Insertion slot 67 Communication unit 68 Stop button 69 Issue / confirm button 70 Total amount display unit 71 Depression 72 Display unit 73 Input operation unit 74 Coin identification and counting unit 74 'Coin sensor 75 Banknote identification and counting unit 75' Banknote sensor 76 Unit 77 display driver 78 display driver 79a coin indicator 79b bill indicator 80 microprocessing unit 81 substrate 82 dedicated microcomputer 83 pattern coil 84 flexible printed circuit board 85 top film 86 drive motor 87 transport roller 88 transport roller 89 electromagnetic solenoid 90 communication head 91 transport belt 92 control board 93 drive motor 94 free roller 97 insertion sensor 98 guide rail 100 board 101 lending button 102 leaving button 103 display section (frequency / saving point display) 104 total score display section 105 analog display section 106 interruption time selection button 107 display Device 108 RAM 109 Storage device 110 Timer device 111 Printing device 112 Data bus 113 CPU 114 Communication in Over Face

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine having a recording medium processing means for reading out the identification information from a recording medium on which at least identification information capable of identifying each recording medium is recorded and performing a predetermined process, and the gaming machine A recording medium management device that is communicably connected to the game device and that collects and manages information related to the recording medium in the game device in association with identification information of the recording medium. Between the time when the discharge condition of the recording medium is satisfied and the time when the update process of the information related to the recording medium is completed in the recording medium management device, the recording medium is externally transmitted from the recording medium processing unit. A gaming system characterized by being discharged to the game. 2. A confirmation signal transmission procedure in which the gaming machine transmits a communication status confirmation signal to the recording medium management device when the ejection condition of the recording medium is satisfied, and based on the reception of the communication status confirmation signal. A confirmed signal return procedure in which the recording medium management device returns a communication status confirmed signal to the gaming device; an ejection procedure in which the recording medium is ejected on condition that the communication status confirmed signal is received; A transmission procedure for transmitting information related to a medium together with the identification information to the recording medium management device, and the information corresponding to the identification information is based on the data transmitted in the transmission procedure in the recording medium management device. 2. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein the updating process is sequentially performed. 3. A gaming machine having a recording medium processing means for reading out the identification information from a recording medium on which at least identification information capable of identifying the individual recording medium is recorded and performing a predetermined process, and the gaming machine A recording medium management device that is communicably connected to the game device and that collects and manages information related to the recording medium in the game device in association with identification information of the recording medium. When the discharge condition of the recording medium is satisfied, a storage procedure for storing information related to the recording medium at that time together with the identification information in a storage unit provided in the gaming machine; A discharge procedure for discharging the recording medium processing means to the outside, a transmission procedure for transmitting the information stored in the storage means to the recording medium management device, and the transmission procedure And an update processing procedure in which the recording medium management device updates each piece of information corresponding to the identification information based on the data transmitted in (i). 4. A gaming machine having a recording medium processing means for reading out the identification information from a recording medium on which at least identification information capable of identifying each recording medium is recorded and performing a predetermined process, and the gaming machine A recording medium management device that is communicably connected to the game device and that collects and manages information related to the recording medium in the game device in association with identification information of the recording medium. When the discharge condition of the recording medium is satisfied, it is determined whether or not the information related to the recording medium at that time corresponds to predetermined information that needs to be immediately transmitted to the recording medium management device. If the determination by the information determining means is negative, information related to the recording medium is transmitted after the recording medium is discharged, and A game system in which an update process is performed in a management device. 5. When the determination by the information determination means is possible, only the information necessary for the immediate transmission in the information related to the recording medium is transmitted to the recording medium management device and updated, and 6. The recording medium is ejected after the completion of the update processing, and after the ejection, information related to the recording medium other than the transmitted medium is transmitted to the recording medium management device and updated. Gaming system. 6. An initial information storage means for storing information relating to the recording medium when the recording medium is inserted, and storing the information relating to the recording medium when the discharge condition of the recording medium is satisfied. And a comparing means for comparing with the corresponding information stored in the storage means, provided in the gaming machine, and only the information that has changed from the initial information in the comparison is transmitted to the recording medium management apparatus and updated. The gaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is processed.