JP2001239050A - Prepaid medium settlement system in game shop - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a settlement system of a prepaid card in a game shop, which can refund the amount of unused money, is not required to prepare coins to be returned, and urges a player to revisit. SOLUTION: When the inserted prepaid medium 5 has the balance at a prescribed amount of money, a reckoning machine 90 delivers the deliverable amount of money of specified types in cash and returns the prepaid medium 5 with the remainder left as the balance of the prepaid medium 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a management system for a game arcade such as a pachinko parlor, a pachislot shop, a game center, etc., and more particularly to a card settlement system and a card settlement machine for a game arcade using a prepaid card. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in a card system in a pachinko parlor, a customer purchases a prepaid card in advance, and a player inserts the card into a ball lending machine installed beside the pachinko machine using the card. The ball can be borrowed until the remaining amount of the card is exhausted by the ball lending button, and when the player wants to stop halfway down, pressing the card return button records the remaining amount and returns the card.

There are various types of card media, such as PET, paper, and rewrite type, and the ratio of the number of pachinko machines to pachislot machines varies from store to store. The card system has been diversified by increasing the face value of the cards. I have.

[0004] Conventionally, a general-purpose payment machine for paying out a prepaid card 5 is a unified one in which the remaining amount of the card is converted into cash.

[0005] On the other hand, the large amount of damage caused by fraudulent cards in a game arcade has become a major social problem.

[0006] In addition, an improper use of an incorrect card when paying the prepaid card 5, disconnection of the power of the checkout machine during the checkout process, or pulling out the card with a thread attached thereto, or In the case where a device failure occurs during the settlement, for example, measures have been required to prevent the payment of the settlement amount twice or the occurrence of unpaid payment.

Further, in the conventional countermeasures against fraud related to a game arcade, a method has been adopted in which the card data of each medium and the data of the terminal controller 10 which integrally manages the data are compared to exclude the fraudulent card. However, in this case, since there is a time difference between the update of the card data and the update of the data of the terminal controller 10, when data mismatch occurs, it is difficult to distinguish whether it is due to improper operation or a device failure, and Criminals who acted fraudulently on devices that pay out money tended to increase.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a service for cashing out the remaining amount of a card to a customer who wants to stop the game halfway. The purpose is to ensure that no small change remains in the hands of the customer.

Another object of the present invention is to eliminate the inconvenience of preparing a coin that was not necessary at the time of issuing a card only at the time of card settlement at a game store.

Further, the present invention provides a system in which a player can return by returning a prepaid card while leaving a payment amount of a predetermined amount of coins on the card, and ensuring an incorrect payment operation. The purpose of the present invention is to enable a transaction log and a balance inquiry to a terminal controller in order to eliminate the above.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a prepaid medium for enabling a player to play a game in accordance with an amount purchased by cash, and an issuance for issuing the prepaid medium. Means, a game medium lending means for lending game media based on the insertion of the prepaid medium or outputting a lending signal to a gaming machine, and a cash by inserting the prepaid medium when a player ends the game. It is connected by communication with the settlement means that can refund the payment, the issuing means, the game media lending means, the in-store equipment having the settlement means, etc., and centrally manages the prepaid medium data from issuance to use and settlement. And a management means. The payment method for a prepaid medium in a game arcade, comprising: If there is, and if there is a balance of a predetermined amount or more, pay out the amount that can be paid out with money of a separately specified denomination in cash, and leave the remaining amount as the remaining amount of the prepaid medium. It is characterized by returning prepaid media.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, in the case where the settlement means can pay out the remaining amount of the prepaid medium by paying out the designated denomination of money. In addition, the magnetic information of the prepaid medium is discarded and collected, and the storage item of the management means relating to the prepaid medium is invalidated.

[0013] Further, according to the invention of claim 3, a prepaid medium enabling a game to be played in accordance with the amount of money purchased by a player, a medium ID given to the prepaid medium, and a display ID related thereto being added to the prepaid medium. Issuing means for recording and issuing readable to the surface of a medium, game medium lending means for renting out a game medium or outputting a lending signal by inserting the prepaid medium, and prepaid medium reissuing for reissuing the prepaid medium Means, a settlement means capable of repaying cash by inserting the prepaid medium when the player finishes the game, the issuing means, the game medium lending means, the prepaid medium reissuing means, the settlement means It is connected by communication with in-store equipment etc. that has a Management means, and, if the settlement means has a valuable value equal to or more than a predetermined amount remaining in the prepaid medium, while paying back only a predetermined denomination in cash, and giving the remaining amount to the prepaid medium A prepaid medium settlement system in a game store for recording and returning, wherein the settlement means has a non-volatile storage unit for storing a state of a transaction, and the storage unit is configured such that the settlement machine inserts the prepaid medium. A first state step indicating that the settlement button has been pressed, and a second state step indicating that the checkout button has been pressed.
State step, a third state step indicating that the management means has completed the settlement process, and a fourth state step indicating that the settlement has been completed.
If an abnormality occurs during the settlement process and the settlement process is interrupted, an error message corresponding to the state step stored in the storage unit and the remaining amount of the prepaid medium at the start of the settlement are stored. The payment amount, the final prepaid medium balance, and the payment balance are printed, and the prepaid medium reissue unit accepts the input of the display ID number of the prepaid medium, inquires the management device of the medium information, and can visually check the prepaid medium balance. The feature is that the prepaid medium recorded in (1) is reissued.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a unique medium ID is provided in advance, and a display ID that can be viewed is provided on the surface, and the medium is provided in accordance with the amount of money purchased by the player in cash. A prepaid medium for enabling a game, issuing means for registering the prepaid medium at the time of issuance after registering the ID and the purchase price thereof, and a game for renting out a game medium or outputting a lending signal by inserting the prepaid medium Medium lending means, prepaid medium reissuing means for reissuing the prepaid medium, settlement means capable of repaying cash by inserting the prepaid medium when a player finishes a game, The game media lending unit, the prepaid medium reissue unit, and the in-store device having the settlement unit are connected by communication, and the prepaid medium Management means for centrally managing the data from issuance to use and settlement, and when the settlement means has a valuable value equal to or more than a predetermined amount remaining in the prepaid medium, only a predetermined amount of denomination is provided. Refund in cash, and the remaining amount is attached to the prepaid medium and returned to the prepaid medium in a prepaid medium settlement system in a game store, wherein the settlement means has a non-volatile storage unit for storing the state of the transaction, the storage A first state step indicating that the payment machine has inserted the prepaid medium, a second state step indicating that a payment button has been pressed, and that the management means has completed the payment processing. A third state step indicating the settlement completion state
If an abnormality occurs during the settlement process and the settlement process is interrupted, an error message corresponding to the state step stored in the storage unit and the remaining amount of the prepaid medium at the start of the settlement are stored. , The payment amount, the final prepaid medium balance and the payment balance are printed, and the prepaid medium reissuing means accepts the input of the display ID number of the prepaid medium, inquires the management means of the prepaid medium information, and reissues the information. The method is characterized in that the medium ID of the prepaid medium is read, the remaining amount of the prepaid medium is registered in the management device based on the medium ID, and the prepaid medium is reissued.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A prepaid medium 5 (a medium is a magnetic card, an IC card, a non-contact card,
As shown in an example in FIG. 3, the display card ID, the expiration date, and the issue amount which are different from the ID managed by the terminal controller are recorded on the surface of the issue store, as shown in FIG. ing. Then, it can be used only at the issue store for a predetermined period (for example, 8 days, here, this predetermined period is indicated as an expiration date) from the issue date, but if it is within a certain period (for example, on the day only) ,
If the prepaid medium 5 has a balance, the balance can be cashed.

At this time, the prepaid medium settlement machine 90 queries the terminal controller 10 for data based on a medium ID obtained by reading a storage unit such as an IC of the prepaid medium 5 or a recording unit such as a magnetic water tripe. If is normal, the payment is performed.

At this time, if the remaining amount exceeds a predetermined amount, the money can be refunded in cash. Here, a money denomination larger than a predetermined amount is refunded. The prepaid medium 5 is returned in a state where the fractional amount is given to the prepaid medium 5 without performing a refund for a small money denomination called a fraction.

The payment machine 90 reads data from the inserted prepaid medium 5 and inquires the terminal controller 10 about the data. Then, in the case of an abnormal time such as when the data has been tampered with or the data has been copied and already settled, the prepaid medium 5 is returned without performing the settling process.

When the data is OK, the cash is dispensed after waiting for the response. In this case, by confirming that the data has been updated in the terminal controller 10 and then dispensing the cash, a communication error may occur to hinder the data update, or the prepaid medium 5 may be pulled out to hinder writing to the prepaid medium. Prevent illegal transfer of cash to players due to fraudulent activities such as.

On the other hand, if an error occurs in the cash dispensing section between the time when the user selects the settlement and the time when the data update of the terminal controller 10 is confirmed, the transaction is totaled and added, and the data is reset. By resending the update request, the mismatch between the tally of the terminal controller 10 and the tally of the checkout machine is minimized. In this case, an invalid mark is printed on the prepaid medium 5, and the magnetic data is all “0”.
, The card is invalidated, and the prepaid medium 5 is collected.

At the time of cash withdrawal by payment, the paid-out prepaid medium 5 may be collected. However, if a certain denomination is not returned, such as a setting in which coins are not prepared, the prepaid medium 5 may be collected.
Is stored in the prepaid medium 5 or / and the terminal controller 10 as a balance, and a mark indicating the balance is printed on the prepaid medium 5 and the prepaid medium 5 is returned. I do.

When the data stored or recorded in the prepaid medium 5 is destroyed, the card data stored in the terminal controller 10 is called using the updater 30 based on the display ID, and the data is read. Is used to reissue the prepaid medium 5 for relief.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are a schematic diagram and a system block diagram, respectively, showing an outline of a game medium supply system according to the present invention.

In this apparatus, a terminal controller 10 is connected to each of the amusement stores connected to the management computer 2 of the center 1 via the public line network 3 with the center 1 as the center.
Are connected to a plurality of islands, each of which is connected to a plurality of gaming units 50 controlled by an island controller 40, and a prepaid card (a card which is an embodiment of a prepaid medium will be described below). 5, a prepaid card issuing machine 20 for selling 5, a card updating machine 30 for updating the card 5, and a card adjusting machine 90 for adjusting the prepaid card 5.

Normally, about one prepaid card issuing machine 20 is provided for each island, and when a card is issued, an ID is issued.
A number (a medium ID for the magnetic stripe and a visible display ID for the surface) is assigned.

That is, the prepaid card issuing machine 2
From 0, after the insertion of money, the data corresponding to the amount selected and designated by the customer, that is, the issuing store, date, medium ID, and the like are magnetically recorded on the card, and the card is issued as the prepaid card 5 on which the amount and the display ID are printed. It is to be noted that the magnetically recorded medium ID is encrypted, and is different from the printed display ID, which is useful for security protection.

At this time, a request is issued to the terminal controller 10 for registration of the card issuance data, and an inquiry is made as to whether or not the issuance is possible, and the card 5 is issued from the prepaid card issuing machine 20 only when the issuance is possible.

Then, on the issued card 5, data such as an ID number, an expiration date and an issuance amount are printed as shown in FIG. Note that the card 5 may be assigned an ID at the time of issuance, or may be assigned an ID in advance before being loaded into an issuing machine, a reissuing machine, or the like.

The prepaid card issuing machine 20
Sells "house cards" that can only be used by stores that have introduced this system.

However, the issued card 5 can be used only when a condition other than the issuing store satisfies the conditions described later.

In this embodiment, a unique ID number is assigned to each card 5 when the card 5 is issued, and the data of the card 5 is issued by the terminal controller 10 based on the card ID, the issue amount, the issue date and time, and the current balance. , And information such as validity / invalidity of the card.

In addition, about one card update machine 30 is provided for each game store, and when the expiration date of eight days has passed from the first card issue date and within one month from the card issue date, When the card 5 is inserted into the update machine 30, the ID number of the card 5 and the data of the card 5 are collated by the management computer 2, and when the card 5 is OK, a new card 5 with the remaining amount as the initial frequency is issued.

At this time, a new expiration date of eight days is recorded. In addition, within 8 days from the date of issuance of the card, the card 5 can be used only at the store where the card 5 is issued. You can play. Here, the card 5 can be updated repeatedly. Also, in the event that a failure occurs in the card at the time of settlement, for example, when the recorded content is broken such as an IC failure, a magnetic stripe abnormality, etc., the staff must manually input the display ID printed or printed on the surface. With this, the data stored in the terminal controller 10 is inquired, and the substitute card can be reissued.

Also, when the player inserts the card 5 into the gaming unit 50, the terminal controller 1
The card unit (CR unit) 70 is configured to acquire the valuable data by inquiring of the game medium 0 and rent out the gaming medium within the range of the valuable data based on a request from the player to lend the gaming medium to the gaming table. , Gaming table 60
The components are connected by a LAN (local area network), and can exchange data with each other.

Then, the terminal controller 10
It comprises a control unit for controlling the entire system, a display unit such as a memory and a display, and an input / output unit such as a keyboard and a printer. Information on the issued card is stored in the storage unit based on the card ID, and this data is updated every time an event occurs.

The terminal controller 10 is connected to the management computer 2 of the center 1 via the public network 3 so that data in the terminal controller 10 can be managed using the management computer 2.

The data of the card 5 is also managed by the terminal controller 10, and together with the card ID including the medium ID and the display ID, the date of issue, the initial purchase price, the remaining valuable data, and the sales at the prepaid card issuing machine 20 And data relating to the remaining amount after exchanging for lending balls in the game unit 50.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing an example of the settlement machine 90. The card 5 is inserted into the card insertion slot 91 and returned.

The display window 92 displays the remaining amount of the card 5. Further, a “payment” selection button 94 and a “cancel” selection button 93 are provided, and the user operates after inserting the card 5. A bill outlet 95 and a coin outlet 96 are provided for paying out cash.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which the main body door of the payment machine 90 is opened. The display / operation unit 103 includes a customer money amount display 92, a "payment" selection button 93, and a "cancel" button on the front door surface. "Selection button 94, and an operation unit for maintenance is provided on the back surface of the door.

The card processing section 110 at the upper right inside the main body has a reader / writer for reading and writing the card and a collection box for the card 5 into which the card 5 invalidated by erasing the magnetic data is sent. .

A coin dispensing section 106 is arranged below the coin dispensing section 106. A communication I / F unit 120 for communicating with the island controller 40 is provided on the left rear side, a printer 105 is provided in front of the communication I / F unit 120, a bill dispensing unit 107 is provided below the communication I / F unit 107, and a power supply unit 109 is provided therebelow. ing.

Further, as shown in the functional block diagram of the control system of FIG.
00 and ROM for storing control programs and control data
101, a RAM 102 that can hold data even when the power is turned off and is a read / write memory, and a terminal controller 10 via an island controller 40.
A card processing unit 110 comprising a card reader / writer for receiving and transporting the inserted card 5 and reading magnetic data, and a collection box for collecting the card 5 after the settlement process; Display / operation unit 10 comprising a button for the customer to select the settlement / cancellation of the card 5 and a panel capable of operating a clerk, together with a display unit for displaying the balance of the card and a return reason code.
3, a printer 105 for printing a transaction log and a summary table,
A coin dispensing unit 106 and a bill dispensing unit 107 are provided. In addition, a part corresponds to the code | symbol of FIG. 5, and shows the same thing.

Next, the settlement operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

7 to 9 are flowcharts showing the operation of the card settlement machine according to the present invention. Card settlement machine 90
The card reader / writer 110 detects the insertion of the card 5 at the entrance (step S100), sets the transaction failure flag (flag that has not been updated in the settlement transaction) in the RAM 102, and simultaneously receives and conveys the card 5 to read the magnetic data. Is read (step S101), it is not a discarded card from the magnetic data (step S102), it is not a card of another store (step S103), it is a prepaid card and it is not a card of a different mode (step S10).
4) The expiration date has not passed (step S10)
If the payment is not possible, the return code is displayed on the display / operation unit 103, and the card 5 is returned (step S1).
13).

If the date is not a legitimate card date with the possibility of fraud (step S105) or if it is not legitimate data (step S107), an error occurs with the card 5 taken in (step S112).

If payment is possible, the read magnetic data of the card 5 is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 and
The existence is confirmed (step S108). When the response is received and the data is abnormal (step S109), an error occurs (step S112). In order to recover from this error down, a staff operation is required.

Next, if the terminal controller 10 has set the card 5 so that it cannot be settled and the terminal controller 10 instructs the card 5 to be returned (step S110), the card 5 is returned. (Step S
113). Next, confirm that there is a balance (step S
111), if there is no remaining amount, the card 5 is returned (step S113).

Next, using the table shown in FIG.
(F1 (X1)) (F2: Premier amount, F1: Purchase amount, X1: Initial frequency)) Settled amount obtained by subtracting the premium from the initial frequency (step S114), and first settled amount A from the current frequency (remaining card amount) Is calculated (step S
115). Please note that the premium is excluded at the checkout so that it is valid only when it is fully used.

Here, the setting of the premium using the table shown in FIG. 11 will be described.

The RAS / premium setting table shown on the right side of FIG. 11 is used when setting in the checkout machine 90, and shows the situation stored in the RAM 102 which is a storage unit of the apparatus.

That is, in this example, from 1,000 yen to 40
No premium is added to cards up to 00 yen. 5
Initial settings such as 200 yen for 000 yen and 300 yen for 6000 yen are made at the time of introduction of the settlement machine 90 or the like.
Similarly, in the card issuing machine 20, it is necessary to add the premium amount to the purchase amount in order to add the value to the actual issued card.

Referring to the left diagram of FIG. 11, the setting is 1
The price is set to 1 yen for 10000 yen, but the premium is set to 500 yen, but there are cases where you can buy it for 1500 yen at the time of actual sales, so the initial purchase is 1000 yen to 1999 yen. The figure shows a conversion table for including in the category of the amount of 1000 yen. However, this premium may not be set at all depending on the policy of the game store, and may differ in amount.

Subsequently, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG. Next, if the coin is settled (step S11)
6), there is no fraction (step S117), and if the coin is not settled, if the settlement amount A is divided by 1000, the coin payment amount of the remainder of the settlement amount is set as a fraction (step S118). The settlement amount B to be actually paid out by subtracting the amount is calculated (step S11).
9).

If the result is 0 or negative and the settlement amount B is not present, the process proceeds to step S124 (step S120), and it is impossible to settle an unused card that has not been used after purchase. It is determined whether or not the setting is an unused card prohibition setting (step S121). If there is a setting of prohibition, the card 5 whose initial frequency is equal to the current frequency is determined as an unused card (step S122). The card 5 is returned (Step S124).

If the settlement is possible, the settlement amount is displayed on the display / operation unit 103 and the button lamps 93 and 94 are turned on to notify the customer. Upon detecting that the cancel button 93 has been pressed (step S123), the card 5 is returned (step S124).

When the settlement button 94 is pressed (step S125), the transaction settlement flag A is set in the RAM 102, and a card settlement request is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 (step S126).

The terminal controller 10 searches the card information on the basis of the ID of the corresponding card, and if there is a fraction, sets the fraction as the balance if there is a fraction, and if the balance is 0, performs processing for determining that the card has been settled and returns a response. The settlement machine 90 receives the response, and if the data is abnormal (step S127), an error occurs (step S128). If the response is normal, the transaction completion flag B is set in the RAM 102 (step S129), and if there is the fraction (step S129).
130), this fraction is taken as the new card balance
At the same time, and pay out the settlement amount by bill (step S
131).

If there is no fraction, the magnetic data is discarded and sent to the collection box, and at the same time, the settlement amount is paid out in bills and coins (step S132). During the dispensing, the display unit 10
3 indicates subtraction display, and the operation unit 104 turns off the other while keeping the pressed button on.

When the payout is completed and the collection or return of the card 5 is completed, in any case, the transaction addition (unsatisfaction) flag is cleared by adding up the total. In the case of full settlement, step 130 unconditionally proceeds to step 132 and pays the balance in bills and coins.

Next, the reset processing of the card settlement machine 90 will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing resetting of the card settlement machine. After the power switch is turned on or an error occurs, the card settlement machine 90 operates the display / operation unit 10.
When the reset key provided in 3 is pressed, the reset process is started, and if the transaction establishment (unsuccessful) flag in the RAM 102 is A or B, the transaction is determined to be in progress (Step S200), and the settlement request is resent to the terminal controller 10. (Step S201).

When the response is received and the data is abnormal (step S202), the error is reduced again (step S203). If the data is normal and the fraction is present (step S205), the card 5 is returned as a card having the fraction as a new card balance (step S205).
206). If there is no fraction, the magnetic data is erased and sent to the collection box (step S207).

On the other hand, if the flag in the RAM 102 indicates that the transaction is not established in step S200 and the card 5 remains in the card reader / writer 110 (step S208), the card 5 is returned (step S209). If the transaction is not established, the settlement can be performed by restarting the settlement process from the beginning.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the previous transaction printout in the case where the entire settlement amount is returned in cash. Printing example 131
Indicates the latest transaction at the last time. In this case, it is indicated that “Trichiki Seiritsu” is printed and the card is inserted (transaction failure flag is set), but an error has occurred before the settlement button is pressed (transaction success flag A is set). I have.

The card balance at the time of insertion is 10,000 yen,
The payment amount is 0 yen for both the 1000-yen bill and the 100-yen coin, and the current card balance below it is equal to the card balance at the time of insertion, indicating that this card must be returned to the customer.

In this case, since the terminal controller has not been updated, the reset processing in FIG. 10 proceeds from step S200 to step S208 and step S209.

Next, a print example 132 shows the transaction of the previous one and shows the state of the transaction immediately before the previous one. Also in this case, the error code “E123” is printed, and an abnormality has occurred. In this case, the message “Tick” is printed to indicate that an error has occurred after the settlement button has been pressed, and that the settlement request response processing to the terminal controller 10 has proceeded to step S129 of the completed transaction establishment flag B set. I have.

That is, when the card balance at the time of insertion is 1000
At 0 yen, 500 yen is paid for 100 yen coins, and the premium 500 yen is not paid, so the remaining balance 900 yen
It indicates that 0 yen must be returned to the customer. In this case, in the resetting process of the checkout machine 90, the process proceeds from step S200 of FIG. 10 to step S201 and proceeds to step S20.
7 will pass.

Next, a print example 133 shows the last two transactions, and is printed as "Torihikifumei". It is unclear whether an error has occurred between the time when the transaction completion flag A was set and the time when the transaction completion flag B was set, and whether the settlement process of the terminal controller 10 has been completed.

The reset processing in this case also proceeds from step S200 of FIG. 10 to step S201, and proceeds to step S2.
07.

At this time, if the settlement machine 90 remains unable to communicate with the terminal controller 10 and the settlement cannot be confirmed, the ID number printed on the card 5 in the card reader / writer 110 is updated by the updating machine. By manually inputting the number into the terminal 30, the terminal controller 10 issues a current balance card stored in the state.

If the face value of the reissued card is equal to the remaining amount of the card in the printing example 133, if it is 0 yen as in this example,
This shows that it is necessary to return the remaining 9500 yen of the printing example 133 to the customer in cash. If the card balance is not equal, it indicates that only the reissued card must be returned to the customer.

Next, print example 134 shows the last three transactions. No error code is displayed, indicating normal termination. Here, the card balance at the time of insertion is 10,000 yen, the premier 500 yen is deducted, and 1
This means that 9000 yen is paid for a 000 yen bill and 500 yen is paid for a 100 yen coin, and both the card balance after settlement and the unpaid balance are 0 yen.

Next, FIG. 13 shows an example of a previous transaction printout in the case where a payment is given to a card and returned without paying out with coins. The print example 135 shows the previous transaction of 0. Here, it indicates that the transaction has failed,
Although the transaction failure flag is set, it indicates that an error occurred before the transaction completion flag A was set.

That is, the balance when the card is inserted is 1000
It is 0 yen, the payment amount is 1000 yen Bill payment is 0 yen,
It shows that the current card balance is 10,000 yen. In this case, since the terminal controller has not been updated, in the reset process of FIG. 10, steps S200 to S208 and step S20 are performed.
Go to 9.

Next, a print example 136 shows the transaction of the previous one, and shows the state of the transaction immediately before the previous one. Also in this case, the error code “E123” is printed, and an abnormality has occurred. In this case, “Tick” is printed.
This indicates that the process has proceeded to step S129 of the set.

That is, the balance when the card is inserted is 1000
0 yen, the current card balance is 500 yen, the payment of the 1000 yen bill is 0 yen, and the premium 500 yen is not paid, so the remaining payment balance is 9000 yen. In this case, in the reset process of FIG.
From 200, the process proceeds to steps S201 and S206, and the card is returned to the user from the settlement machine 90, and the attendant pays 9000 yen manually.

Next, a print example 137 shows the last two transactions, and is printed with "Torihikifumei". It is unclear whether an error has occurred between the time when the transaction completion flag A was set and the time when the transaction completion flag B was set, and whether the settlement process of the terminal controller 10 has been completed.

The reset processing in this case proceeds from step S200 to step S201 in FIG.
If the card 5 is returned after the processing of the terminal controller through 206 and there is no remaining balance, in this case, the attendant manually pays out the printed balance.

At this time, if the settlement machine 90 continues to be unable to communicate with the terminal controller 10 and it is not possible to confirm the settlement at the terminal controller,
I printed on the card 5 in the card reader / writer 110
By manually inputting the D number into the updating machine 30, the current balance card stored in the terminal controller 10 is issued.

If the face value of the reissued card is equal to the remaining amount of the printed example 137, that is, in this example, if it is 500 yen, the reissued card is given to the user and the printed example 1 is printed.
This indicates that the balance of 9000 yen of 37 must be given to the customer in cash. If the remaining card amounts are not equal, it indicates that only the reissued card needs to be returned to the customer.

Next, a print example 138 shows the last three transactions. Here, it is shown that no error code is displayed and the process ends normally. The card balance at the time of insertion is 10,000 yen, the premium 500 yen is deducted and 1
This indicates that 9000 yen has been paid with a 000 yen bill and the card with the remaining balance of 500 yen has been returned.

In this embodiment, the remaining amount of the prepaid medium is stored only in the terminal controller 10. However, even if the remaining amount of the prepaid medium is stored only in the prepaid medium 5, the remaining amount of the prepaid medium 5 and the terminal controller 10 are further stored. The case where both are memorized may be sufficient.

The display ID input when re-issuing the update machine is a character string printed or displayed on a prepaid medium, but is a medium ID managed by the terminal controller 10.
May be the same or different.

Further, in this embodiment, the card settlement machine 90 is provided independently. However, each function may be integrated with the prepaid card issuing machine 20 and the card updating machine 30 so that each function can be performed by one machine.

It is also possible to sell the prepaid medium 5 in such a manner that the prepaid medium 5 is added to the amount of the prepaid medium 5 deducted from the balance of the original prepaid medium 5 in card settlement.

Further, in this embodiment, the prepaid medium 5 prints the medium ID and the display ID at the time of issuance, but it may have been recorded by printing or printing before issuance.

[0090]

As described above, according to the present invention, by providing means for preventing the fraction of the prepaid medium from being cashed, it is possible to provide a customer who does not want to leave coins at hand and a fishing coin for settlement of the prepaid medium. It is possible to make a flight to both game stores that you do not want to prepare. In addition, since it is possible to eliminate the need for reserves of coins at the game store, it is possible to reduce the burden of funds on the game store.

Also, against fraud, the payment machine 90 confirms that the data has been updated in the terminal controller 10 and then withdraws money, thereby causing a communication error and preventing the data update, or pulling out the prepaid medium 5. To prevent illegal transfer of cash due to obstruction of writing.

On the other hand, even if the equipment goes down between the time when the customer selects "payment" and the time when the data update of the terminal controller 10 is confirmed, the payment machine adds up the transactions and adds up the transaction. 10
By resending the data update request to the server, the discrepancy between the total of the terminal controller 10 and the total of the checkout machine is minimized. Here, the communication time for confirming the update has no effect on the transaction time by using a commonly used high-speed LAN.

Further, even if the payment cannot be made due to the damage of the data of the prepaid medium 5, the management device 10
Can be reissued by contacting.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a processing system used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration in a game store of the system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a prepaid card used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a checkout machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a checkout machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the checkout machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a table showing a setting example of premiums handled by the checkout machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a printing example of the settlement machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a print example of the settlement machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view showing another example of printing of the settlement machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 5 Prepaid Card 10 Terminal Controller 20 Prepaid Card Issuing Machine 30 Card Renewal Machine 40 Island Controller 50 Gaming Unit 60 Amusement Table 70 Card Unit 90 Checkout Machine 130 Printing Paper

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Motoichi Yano 1-3-1 Shimoteno, Himeji-shi, Hyogo Glory Industries Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C088 BA90 BB01 BB07 BB20 BB28 BB30 BB33 BB36

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A prepaid medium for enabling a player to play a game in accordance with an amount purchased by cash, an issuing means for issuing the prepaid medium, and lending of a game medium based on insertion of the prepaid medium. Game medium lending means for outputting a lending signal to a gaming machine; payment means capable of repaying cash by inserting the prepaid medium when a game is completed by a player; issuing means; and the game medium lending means A prepaid medium settlement system in a game arcade, comprising: a management unit connected by communication with an in-store device or the like having the settlement unit and integrally managing data from issuance to use and settlement of the prepaid medium. If the inserted prepaid medium has a balance, and if there is a balance equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, A method for paying out a prepaid medium in a game store, wherein the prepaid medium is repaid in a state in which the amount that can be paid out with money of the designated denomination is paid out in cash, and the prepaid medium is returned with the remaining amount remaining as the remaining amount of the prepaid medium. system. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the payment unit is capable of paying out the remaining amount of the prepaid medium by paying out money of the designated denomination.
2. The prepaid medium settlement system in a game arcade according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic information of the prepaid medium is discarded and collected, and a storage item of the management means relating to the prepaid medium is invalidated. 3. A prepaid medium enabling a player to play a game in accordance with an amount purchased by cash, and a medium ID assigned to the prepaid medium, and a display ID associated with the medium ID can be read on the surface of the prepaid medium. Issuance means for recording and issuing; game medium lending means for renting out a game medium by outputting the prepaid medium or outputting a lending signal; prepaid medium reissuing means for reissuing the prepaid medium; And a settlement unit that can refund cash by inserting the prepaid medium when ending, communicating with the in-store equipment having the issuing unit, the game medium lending unit, the prepaid medium reissuing unit, and the settlement unit And a management means for centrally managing data from issuance to use and settlement of prepaid medium data. In the case where the settlement means has a valuable value equal to or more than a predetermined amount remaining in the prepaid medium, only a predetermined denomination is refunded in cash, and the remaining amount is provided to the prepaid medium and recorded and returned. A prepaid medium settlement system in a store, wherein the settlement unit has a non-volatile storage unit for storing a transaction state, wherein the storage unit indicates that the payment machine has inserted the prepaid medium. A first status step, a second status step indicating that a payment button has been pressed, a third status step indicating that the management means has completed the payment process, and a fourth status step indicating completion of payment. If an error occurs during the settlement process and the settlement process is interrupted, an error message and a settlement corresponding to the state step stored in the storage unit are stored. The prepaid medium balance, payment amount, final prepaid medium balance and payment balance at the start of the calculation are printed, and the prepaid medium reissuing means accepts the input of the display ID number of the prepaid medium and inquires the management device for medium information. A repaid prepaid medium in which the remaining amount of the prepaid medium is recorded so as to be visually perceived. 4. A prepaid medium in which a unique medium ID is individually assigned in advance, and a visible display ID is provided on a surface, so that a player can play a game according to the amount of money purchased by cash. Issuing means for registering the ID and the purchase amount thereof at the time of issuing the prepaid medium, and issuing the prepaid medium; lending game media by inserting the prepaid medium or outputting a lending signal; A prepaid medium reissuing unit for reissuing a medium, a settlement unit capable of refunding cash by inserting the prepaid medium when a player ends a game, the issuing unit, the gaming medium lending unit, It is connected by communication with prepaid medium reissuing means, in-store equipment etc. having the settlement means, and issues prepaid medium data from issuance Management means for centrally managing up to the settlement, and wherein the settlement means refunds only the predetermined denomination in cash when the prepaid medium has a predetermined value or more valuable value remaining in the prepaid medium. A prepaid medium settlement system in a game store for giving and returning a balance to the prepaid medium, wherein the settlement means has a non-volatile storage unit for storing a state of a transaction, and the storage unit includes: A first state step indicating that the machine has inserted the prepaid medium, a second state step indicating that the checkout button has been pressed, and a third state step indicating that the management means has completed the checkout process. A status step and a fourth status step indicating a status of the settlement completion are stored. Further, when an abnormality occurs during the payment process and the settlement process is interrupted, the storage unit stores the status step. The error message corresponding to the status step and the prepaid medium balance at the start of settlement, the payment amount, the final prepaid medium balance and the payment balance are printed, and the prepaid medium reissue unit inputs the display ID number of the prepaid medium. And inquires the management means of the prepaid medium information, reads out the medium ID of the prepaid medium to be reissued, registers the remaining amount of the prepaid medium in the management device based on the medium ID, and rewrites the prepaid medium. A prepaid media settlement system in a game arcade characterized by being issued.