JP2001038033A - Device for handling information medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the robbery of an information medium without requiring a special device by setting a specified information into the information medium, collating input information inputted by means of an input means with the specified information and taking-out the arranged information medium only when the collation result satisfies a prescribed condition. SOLUTION: A communication controller 13, a guide display device 14, a transmission/reception device 15, an insertion port 16, a discharge device 17, a discharge controller 18, a function operating device 19 and a ten-key operating part 20 are arranged in order from an upper part in an information medium handling device 12 arranged at the left end side of a Pachinko game machine 1. When a game player inserts the information medium to the insertion port 16, the game balls of a number corresponding to an inputted money amount are discharged by the device 12. Besides, the discharge controller 18 is depressed when the game is ended, a previously stored password is collated when the password is inputted after waiting for the display of 'Please input the password.', the discharge device 17 is operated only in the case of coincidence and the information medium is discharged.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technology relating to an apparatus for handling an information medium, particularly an IC card, a magnetic card, an optical card and the like. In particular, the present invention relates to an information medium handling apparatus which is an information medium carried by a player for use in a gaming machine, and which can rewrite, rewrite, and repeatedly use various kinds of information including money information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various cards (information media) including prepaid cards have been used in game stores such as pachinko halls. In particular, in recent years, a gaming system using an information medium in which information medium specifying information that can be repeatedly used by rewriting various kinds of information including money information has been developed.

[0003] The information medium includes a specific CPU (Central Control Unit) and / or ROM (Read Only Memory),
An information medium on which an information medium specifying information for specifying an information medium incorporating a RAM (random access memory) is added or rewritten with specific information of a user of the information medium, a so-called personal identification number, and various other information. Information media that can be used repeatedly, such as IC cards, magnetic cards,
It refers to an optical card, or a prepaid card capable of ID collation. The following are examples of the ROM. R
Regarding writing to the OM, there are a mask ROM in which the contents are fixed by the manufacturer at the time of manufacture, and a PROM (programmable) in which the user writes with a dedicated ROM writer. Do not change the contents of any of them. Many EPROMs (erasable) are removed from the socket for erasing and rewriting and are erased by ultraviolet rays. An EEPROM (electrically) can be erased and written by applying a current while being mounted on a printed board.

When playing a game at a game arcade using this information medium, first, insert the information medium into an information medium insertion slot of an information medium handling apparatus which handles the information medium, enter a predetermined password, and enter the password. After collation with the password set for the information medium, a required operation is performed to play the game.

[0005]

Here, the player uses the information medium, for example, the information which the player has the right to use in the information medium insertion slot of the information medium handling device which functions as a ball rental machine. When the desired number of balls to be lent is obtained by inserting the medium and performing the required operation, the information medium removal button may be pressed to take out the information medium and place it in the pocket of the player. Since it is troublesome to take the information medium in and out every time it is lent, the game may be continued with the information medium inserted in the information medium insertion slot. In such a case, the player goes to exchange the ball, goes to the toilet, etc., leaves his seat, or forgets to take out the information medium when the player finishes the game. In some cases, the user may return with the information medium inserted in the information medium insertion slot.

As described above, when the player leaves the seat, another person presses the information medium removal button without permission and removes the information medium and carries it away, and a large number of valid information medium users use the information medium. You may suffer damage. Compared to magnetic cards such as prepaid cards, more information is recorded on information media, and it is possible to withdraw a large amount of money from the bank account of the owner of the information medium, and various information about the individual player is Since browsing, plagiarism, and the like may occur, extra security is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an information medium handling apparatus for preventing the information medium inserted in the information medium insertion slot of the information medium handling apparatus from being stolen without using any special device or cost. Is to provide.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first configuration of an information medium handling apparatus according to the present invention is an information medium handling apparatus having an information medium detachably mounted. The information medium specifying information for specifying the information medium is set for the information medium, and the input information input from the input unit is compared with the information medium specifying information,
It is characterized in that the mounted information medium can be taken out only when the collation result satisfies a predetermined condition.

This information medium handling apparatus is provided with reading means for reading information stored in the information medium received by the information medium insertion slot, transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving information read by the reading means, and transmission and reception means. Storage means for storing information in an information medium, input means in which information is input by a player, collation means for collating the information input by the input means with information medium identification information preset in the information medium, A take-out permitting means for enabling the information medium to be taken out when the input information collated by the collation means and the information medium specifying information match; and a discharge means for discharging the information medium permitted to be taken out by the take-out permitting means. It can be configured as provided.

[0010] In the game hall, the player is in the middle of the game,
Sometimes they leave the game machine and go to exchange balls or go to the toilet. In this case, even when the information medium is still inserted in the information medium insertion slot of the information medium handling device, the information medium identification information set in advance on the information medium (for example, written in a readable state in advance) Unless the personal identification number or the like is correctly input, the information medium cannot be taken out. Therefore, even if the player leaves the seat with the information medium inserted, the information medium that has been inserted into the information medium handling device is not taken away. Also, even if the player returns with the information medium inserted into the information medium handling device, the staff at the game arcade or others cannot easily remove the information medium from the information medium handling device, and the player may suffer damage. Absent.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information medium handling apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the information medium is inserted into the information medium handling apparatus. When a predetermined time has elapsed in a state in which no game is played, predetermined information is transmitted to a device other than the information medium handling device.

When a predetermined time has elapsed in a state where the information medium is inserted into the information medium handling apparatus and the game is not played, it is possible to notify the game room manager of the fact. If the player exits the game with the information medium inserted into the information medium insertion slot of the information medium handling device after the game, the information medium handling device cannot be used thereafter, and the store cannot operate. Would. In order to prevent this, when an information medium is inserted into the information medium handling device and a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes) elapses without the launching device of the game ball of the gaming machine assembled with the information medium handling device operating, A device other than the information medium handling device, for example, an amusement store central management device, may use an alarm lamp or an alarm sound to indicate that the information medium is still inserted in the information medium insertion slot of the information medium handling device. By informing so that the management number can be recognized, the attendant is informed of the status of the gaming machine.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a third configuration of the information medium handling apparatus of the present invention is the information medium handling apparatus of the first configuration, wherein the information medium is inserted into the information medium handling apparatus and the game is played. The information medium can be taken out by performing a predetermined operation that is valid after a predetermined time has elapsed without performing the operation.

When a predetermined time has elapsed in a state where the information medium is inserted into the information medium handling apparatus and no game is played, the information medium can be ejected by performing a predetermined operation on the information medium handling apparatus. I have. As mentioned above,
When a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes) elapses without the information medium being inserted into the information medium handling device and the launching device of the game ball of the gaming machine not being operated (or without the touch switch being operated), the game space manager Can perform a predetermined unlocking operation from the function operation unit and / or the ten-key operation unit of the information medium handling device, and can take out the information medium locked in the information medium insertion slot.

The predetermined operation that becomes effective as the predetermined time elapses is, for example, a setting in which a key operation is enabled only after the predetermined time elapses. According to this, the engagement body fitted in the keyhole portion is disengaged after the lapse of a predetermined time, and the key can be operated only after this disengagement, and is locked to the information medium handling device by a game arcade manager. Information media can be taken out. In addition, as an example of the unlocking operation, a key and a specific key of the function operating unit are pressed, and a password for unlocking is input from the numeric keypad operating unit. By this operation, the information medium locked in the information medium insertion slot of the information medium handling device is taken out.

As described above, when the launching device of the game ball of the gaming machine is not operated even after the lapse of the predetermined time, the predetermined unlock operation can be performed to take out the information medium locked in the information medium insertion slot. For the amusement arcade, the problem that the information medium stays in the information media handling device and the gaming machine combined with the information media handling device cannot be operated for a long time will not last for a long time. The effect is minimal and has a great effect on the player, which enhances the player's trust in the game hall and allows the player to enjoy a highly safe game.

When a player who has forgotten to take out the information medium returns to the game space and asks the attendant to return the misplaced information medium, any of the information medium handling in the game space is required. A person who inserts the information medium into a dedicated owner confirmation information medium handling device that can confirm that the personal identification number is as set as the device or information medium owner confirmation, and requests the return of the information medium is accurate. When a desired function such as withdrawal of an information medium is activated by inputting a personal identification number, the information is returned to the person.

Further, since the information medium stores many types of important information and is frequently used,
Even if a player inadvertently forgets to leave the amusement arcade, he / she recalls the matter early and returns to the amusement arcade.Therefore, there is no need for the amusement arcade to store information media for a long period of time. It does not take.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. First, FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the entire information medium system. The information medium is issued by an information medium issuing company (often a financial institution) at the request of the user. In FIG. 1, the term "information medium issuing company" refers to an information processing apparatus that processes information medium related information installed in the information medium issuing company (or a company that manages the information medium). Normally, the information medium is owned by the issuing company, and the user of the information medium borrows the information medium issued by the issuing company, and has a right to use but no ownership.

An information medium handling device for handling an information medium includes:
There are a game machine installed in a different place from the game machine and a game machine installed adjacent to the game machine as in the case of the inter-ball game rental machine, but here mainly refers to the latter. The information medium handling device is used in combination with a pachinko machine as a game machine, is electrically connected to a game center management device, and the information stored in the information medium inserted in the information medium handling device is the information medium issuing company's The information related to the information medium stored in the information processing device is collated, and new information is exchanged and updated and stored so that the latest information is added.

Next, a known shape and structure of a gaming machine to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. The front part of the pachinko machine 1 includes a main body frame 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, and an upper plate 5.
, A lower plate 6 and a locking device 7. The main body frame 2 is formed by assembling and fixing a wooden plate-like body into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The middle frame 3 is mainly made of plastic as a whole, has a frame portion (not shown) and a lower plate portion (not shown), and is pivotally mounted on the front side of the main body frame 2. Here, the frame body portion is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape about 2/3 downward from the upper end, and the upper end portion corresponds to the frame decoration lamp lens 4b of the front frame 4 and has a prize ball on the left side. A display LED (not shown) and a prize ball display LED board (not shown) are provided on the right side, and a stop display LED (not shown) and a stop display LED board (not shown) are provided on the right side.

Further, the lower plate portion is approximately one third upward from the lower end.
At the left end, a speaker (not shown) for generating a sound effect or other sound according to the game state is provided at a position corresponding to the speaker hole 5a formed in the upper plate portion 5,
A supply device (not shown) that supplies game balls stored in the upper plate portion 5 to a launching device (not shown) that shoots game balls is provided at substantially the center. Further, a lower plate 6 is provided below, and a locking device 7 is provided at the center of the right end.

The lower tray portion 6 is provided with an ashtray, a ball-drawing lever, and the like, is provided with a discharge port 6c for discharging game balls from the inside of the pachinko machine 1, and operates a firing device (not shown) at the right end. A firing handle 9 is provided. Further, a touch switch (not shown) for detecting that the player is touching is mounted on the firing handle 9, and a firing stop switch 9 b for temporarily instructing to stop firing is provided near the touch switch.
Is arranged. The locking device 7 has a substantially rectangular shape provided with a keyhole when viewed from the front, and is used for locking when the front frame 4 is closed.

The entire front frame 4 is mainly made of plastic, and has a substantially arcuate upper side corresponding to the shape of the game area 11 formed on the game board 10 so that the game board 10 can be visually recognized from the front. The whole has an opening 4a opened in a substantially bullet shape. The back surface has an opening 4a.
A substantially rectangular glass frame (not shown) in which a glass plate is fitted according to (1) is mounted. Also, this front frame 4
The pachinko machine 1 occupies 2/3 of the entire front surface of the pachinko machine 1 and is pivotally mounted on the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. Further, a frame decoration lamp lens 4b is provided at the upper end, and a frame decoration lamp substrate (not shown) and a plurality of game effect lamps are provided inside the lens 4b along an arc portion at the upper end of the opening 4a. (Not shown) is provided.

The upper plate 5 is pivotally mounted on the left end of the middle frame 3 below the front frame 4 so as to be openable and closable. Dish outer edge 5
In d, a ball removal button, a game ball lending / returning button, and the like are provided. Further, an outlet 5c for discharging game balls from the inside of the pachinko machine 1 is provided. A speaker surface 5a having a plurality of long holes is formed on the left end, and a volume switch board (not shown) is provided on the back surface.

At the left end of the pachinko machine 1, an information medium handling device 12 assembled with the pachinko machine 1 is mounted. The information medium handling device 12 includes a communication control device 13, a guidance display device 14, an information medium transmission / reception device 15, an information medium insertion slot 16, an information medium ejection device 17, an information medium ejection control device 18, Operation device 19
(For example: a place where a key for designating an operation function such as a ball lending request key) and a ten-key operation unit 20 are arranged.

Next, the electrical configuration of the information medium handling device 12 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. The information medium transmitting / receiving device 15 receives the information from the information medium received by the information medium insertion port 16, transmits the information to the communication control device 13, and transmits new information based on a command from the communication control device 13. Means for transmitting the information to a medium and storing the information in the information medium. The communication control device 13 receives information transmitted from the information medium transmitting / receiving device 15, the function operation device 19, and the ten-key operation unit 20, and transmits the information to the information medium issuing company via the game center central management device. The necessary information is displayed on the guidance display device 14 based on the information from the medium issuing company, and the information to be stored in the information medium is transmitted to the information medium transmitting / receiving device 15.

The guidance display device 14 functions as one means for informing the player, and displays guidance (for example,
"Welcome, thank you for visiting us every time.", Etc., instructions (for example, "Please insert your card into the card slot", "Please enter your PIN code", "Enter the amount" Please do ", etc.), and various messages such as displaying the status of the game (for example, the current date and time, the input amount). The information medium insertion slot 16 is a device for receiving an information medium to be inserted.

The ROM 22 stores the CP of the information medium handling device 12.
U25 is a read-only memory storing a program to be controlled. The RAM 23 is a random access memory for temporarily storing data necessary for setting and controlling the work area. The EEPROM 24 is an electrically rewritable ROM that stores rewritable information such as various setting values. The CPU 25 is a central control device that performs necessary control based on a control program stored in the ROM 22. The clock 26 is a clock generation device that supplies an operation clock. The clock IC 27 is a timekeeping unit that performs timekeeping and outputs information on the time measured. Communication between the gaming machine central management device and the information medium issuing company (the information processing device thereof) and the above devices is communicated via the interface 21 and the bus 28.

FIG. 8 schematically shows a mode of receiving and reading an information medium. That is, the information medium handling device 12 includes an information medium insertion slot 16 for receiving the information medium 29, a pair of upper and lower feed rolls 30 located near the information medium insertion slot 16, and a pair of the feed rolls 30.
A motor 31 for rotating forward or backward, a connector 32 for transmitting and receiving information set on the information medium,
A reading unit 33 that reads information on the information medium 29 is provided. Information medium 2 received from information medium insertion port 16
9 is sandwiched from above and below by a pair of feed rolls 30, transferred forward by the forward rotation of the motor 31, and connected to the connector 32. When the information medium 29 is taken out, the information medium 29 is taken out of the information medium insertion slot 16 by the reverse rotation of the motor 31.

Next, a game start flowchart when the information medium is used will be described with reference to FIG. When the player inserts the information medium into the information medium insertion slot 16 (S100), the information medium transmitting / receiving device 15 detects that the information medium has been inserted. This information is transmitted to the CPU 25,
25, first, the guidance display device 14 displays, for example, "Thank you for coming, thank you for visiting the store.", And subsequently, the display device 14 displays "Please input your password" (S110). The player inputs the personal identification number from the numeric keypad operation unit 20 in accordance therewith (S12).
0), the data is transmitted to the CPU 25, and the information medium transmitting / receiving device 15 transmits information unique to the information medium from the information medium,
For example, various kinds of information including an information medium number (in many cases, an information medium user number, so-called account number) that can identify an information medium user is received, and this information is temporarily recorded in the RAM 23. At the same time, the CPU 25 verifies that the information medium is an information medium based on a predetermined standard by using a control program stored in the ROM 22.

The information medium handling device 12 transmits this information to the information medium issuing company via the game center management device by the communication control device 13, and subsequently receives the information on the information medium from the information medium issuing company and transmits it to the RAM 23. And
The RAM 23 temporarily stores this data. CPU2
5 collates the password input from the numeric keypad operation unit 20 with the password set for the information medium based on the information and confirms whether or not they match (S13).
0).

If the passwords do not match,
Once again, "Please enter your personal identification number" is displayed on the guidance display device 14 (S131), and the player is guided to enter his personal identification number. When the player inputs the password again according to the instruction (S132), the CPU 25 collates the password input from the ten-key operation unit 20 with the password for the information medium and confirms whether or not they match (step 132). S135). If the passwords match, "Please enter the amount" is displayed on the guidance display device 14 (S140).

If the collation result is NO in step S135, "Please input a password" is displayed on the guidance display device 14 (S136), and the player is guided to input a password. . When the player inputs the password again according to the instruction (S137), the CPU 25
Checks the password input from the numeric keypad 20 with the password for the information medium to determine whether they match (S138). If both passwords match,
The process proceeds to step S140. If the passwords do not match, the information medium is ejected (S139). In the case of an apparatus in which an alarm lamp or an alarm speaker is installed in the pachinko machine 1 or the information medium handling apparatus 12, an alarm may be generated from any or all of these apparatuses.

Next, the player inputs the desired amount (A) from the numeric keypad operation unit 20 according to the display of "Please enter the amount" on the guidance display device 14 (S140) (S140).
145) and the information (A) is transmitted to the CPU 25,
The CPU 25 performs the following operations in accordance with the control program stored in the RAM 23. That is, it is confirmed that the balance amount (C) after subtracting the input amount (A) from the balance amount (B) relating to the information medium does not become negative (S150 → YES), and the balance amount (C) ) Is updated and stored in the RAM 23 as a new balance amount, and the new balance amount is transmitted to the communication control device 13 (S160). The communication control device 13 transmits the information to the information medium issuing company via the central management device. . The information medium issuing company stores and manages the date and time when this operation was performed, the name of the gaming store, the input data (A), the balance C, and the like. The information medium issuing company inputs a new balance (B) and other predetermined information into the information medium via the communication control device 13 and stores the information.

The information medium handling device 12 has its CPU 25
Then, the number of balls corresponding to the input amount (A) is calculated, and a command signal is transmitted to the pachinko machine 1 so as to discharge the number of game balls. The discharging device of the pachinko machine 1 discharges a predetermined number of balls based on the signal (S16).
5).

If it is confirmed that the balance amount (C) is not negative, and if the result is NO (when the inputted amount is larger than the balance), the guidance display device 14 indicates that "the balance is insufficient. Please enter the amount again "(S151). Here, the usable amount at that time, that is, the balance at that time may be displayed. The player inputs the amount again (S153).
The CPU 25 subtracts the re-input amount from the balance and checks whether the result is not negative (S155). If the result is YES, the process proceeds to the step S160.
If the re-entered amount is larger than the balance and the result of the confirmation step S155 is NO, the process returns to the step S151.

A game ball is supplied from the prize ball discharging device to the launching device supply means (for example, the upper plate 5 (see FIG. 2)), and the player grips and rotates the firing handle 9 (see FIG. 2) (S17).
0), a game ball is driven into the game area 11 of the pachinko machine 1 to start the game (S180), and the game proceeds.

Next, an information medium ejection flowchart when the game is over will be described with reference to FIG. The information medium ejection control device 18 in the function operation device 19 of the information medium handling device 12 is pressed (S210). As a result, "Please enter your password" is displayed on the guidance display device 14 (S220), and the player inputs the password (S23).
0), the CPU 25 collates the input password with the password set for the information medium (S2).
40), after confirming that both passwords match, sends a signal to the information medium ejection device 17 to eject the information medium inserted in the information medium ejection device 17, and the information medium ejection device 17 The information medium is ejected (S290).

If the result of the comparison in step S240 is NO
Is displayed on the guidance display device 14 ("Please enter a password") (S250), and a password is entered according to the guidance display (S252).
In step S253, the entered password is compared with the password set for the information medium (S253), and if the passwords match, the process proceeds to step S290.

If the collation result is NO, "Please enter a password" is displayed on the guidance display device 14 (S260), and the password is entered according to the guidance display (S262). Then, the CPU 25 checks the input personal identification number with the personal identification number set for the information medium (S263). If the two personal identification numbers match, the process proceeds to step S290, but if the result is NO, For example, "PIN mismatch" is displayed and notified to the game store central management device so that the cause of the notification can be found together with the management number of the information medium handling device 12 (S280).

If the player leaves the store with the information medium inserted into the information medium insertion slot 16 of the information medium handling device 12 after the game, the information medium handling device 12 and the information medium handling device 12 After that, the pachinko machine 1 that has been assembled cannot be used after that, and the store becomes inoperable. In order to prevent this, the information medium is inserted into the information medium handling device 12 and the game ball launching device (not shown) of the pachinko machine 1 does not operate for a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes).
When the elapsed time has elapsed, the information medium handling device 12 is displayed on the central management device of the amusement shop with an alarm lamp or an alarm sound so that the user can recognize that the information medium is still inserted from the information medium handling device 12.
Is notified so that the management number of the pachinko machine 1 can be recognized, thereby informing the attendant of the status of the pachinko machine 1.

Next, an information medium forgetting notification flowchart according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The game ball is supplied from the premium ball discharging device to the launching device supply means (for example, the upper plate 5 (see FIG. 2)), and the player handles the launching handle 9.
(See FIG. 2) is rotated (S310), and a game ball is driven into the game area 11 (see FIG. 2) of the pachinko machine 1 to advance the game. It is detected whether the launching device is activated and the game is continued (S320), and if the detection result is NO,
The time at that time is stored (S330), and the detection result is YES
If so, the process returns to S320 and repeats this operation.

After storing the time in S330, it is detected whether or not the launching device is operating (S340).
, The time stored in S330 is subtracted from the time at that time, and it is detected whether the value has exceeded a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes) (S350), and if YES, a notification is made (S360). The notification is made by an alarm sound and / or an alarm lamp, such as an amusement store central management device or an alarm device in the management room.

Next, an information medium unlocking flowchart will be described with reference to FIG. When the notification shown in step S280 or S360 is made, that is, when shown in the information medium ejection flowchart of FIG. 5 or shown in the information medium forgetting notification flowchart of FIG. A predetermined unlock operation is performed from the function operation unit and / or the numeric keypad operation unit 20 of the medium handling device 12 (S410), and the locked information medium is discharged into the information medium insertion slot 16 (S420). As an example of the predetermined unlocking operation, a key and a specific key of the function operating unit are pressed, and a password for unlocking is input from the numeric keypad operating unit 20 to perform the operation. By this operation, the information medium locked in the information medium insertion slot 16 of the information medium handling device 12 is taken out.

FIG. 9 shows one form of the predetermined lock release. In this mode, the key operation is valid only when a predetermined time has elapsed. That is, until the predetermined time elapses, the engaging body 34 is located at the position shown by the two-dot chain line of the keyhole 35 to block the keyhole 35 and the key 36
However, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the engaging body 34 is disengaged from the two-dot chain line position blocking the key hole 35 to the open position indicated by the one-dot chain line,
Only after this withdrawal can the key 36 be operated,
The information medium locked in the information medium insertion slot 16 of the information medium handling device 12 can be taken out by the game arcade manager.

When the player wants to store the ball obtained in the game hall when the game has settled down while the game is in progress, a predetermined operation is performed with a ball counter (see FIG. 1) and the information is stored in the information medium. May be added, and the current storage number may be added to the previous storage number, and the updated storage value may be stored. If the information medium has a balance of stored balls,
Instead of displaying "Please enter the amount" in S140 (Fig. 4), "Your current number of stored balls is XX."("○" indicates the number of balls stored at that time) and the current balance of the number of stored balls are displayed, "Please enter the number of balls to be paid out" is displayed, and the number of balls to be paid out is entered You may. In this case, it is transmitted to the information medium issuing company that the deducted balance number is updated from the number of stored balls to the remaining number by the input amount, and the information medium is updated and stored with the new stored number, and the input is performed simultaneously. The number of game balls may be discharged from the ball discharge device.

Further, as examples of information (data) transmitted between the information medium and the pachinko machine 1 (or the ball lending machine), the name of a game arcade to be visited, the date and time of visit, and the time of exit (date of insertion of the information medium) Date and discharge time), number of visits, number of balls to be rented (or number of balls to be paid out) = amount, name of machine used, number, number of balls to be paid out as prize balls, number of stored balls in the game hall, prize exchange balls There are numbers (exchanged premium names) and the like.

[0049] In some cases, as a game arcade, it is also possible to obtain information on the name of a visiting player and the individual / family of the player from an information medium issuing company.

It should be noted that the present invention can be carried out by modifying a part of the above-described embodiments within a range not departing from the technical idea and not significantly impairing the effects of the invention. Belongs to the range.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram of an information medium system.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a pachinko machine (game machine) in which the information medium handling device according to the present invention is incorporated.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the information medium handling device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of starting a game when using an information medium.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of information medium ejection when a game is over.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of information medium forgetting notification.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of unlocking of the information medium.

FIG. 8 is a schematic explanatory view showing an information medium reading device.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory perspective view showing an information medium unlocking mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine (game machine) 12 Information medium handling device 14 Guidance display device 17 Information medium discharge device 20 Numeric keypad operation unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (Reference) G07F 17/32 G07F 7/08 C F-term (Reference) 2C088 BB20 BB41 3E044 AA05 AA06 BA04 BA06 CA03 CA05 CA06 CA10 DA03 DA06 DB02 DB05 DB12 DD03 DE01 DE02 EA01 EA04 EA06 EA20 EB01 EB09 FA01 FA03 3E048 AA03 BA07 5B058 KA12 KA33 YA06

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An information medium handling device having an information medium detachably configured, wherein information medium specifying information for specifying the information medium is set for the information medium, and is input from input means. An information medium handling method, wherein input information and the information medium identification information are collated, and the information medium mounted can be taken out only when the collation result satisfies a predetermined condition. apparatus. 2. The information medium handling device according to claim 1, wherein
An information medium handling apparatus characterized in that, when a predetermined time has elapsed in a state where an information medium is inserted into an information medium handling apparatus and a game is not played, predetermined information is transmitted to a device other than the information medium handling apparatus. 3. The information medium handling device according to claim 1, wherein
An information medium handling apparatus characterized in that the information medium can be taken out by performing a predetermined operation which becomes effective after a predetermined time has elapsed in a state where the information medium is inserted into the information medium handling apparatus and no game is played. .