JP2002000922A - Game system and game medium dispensing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the operating rate of a game hall while eliminating labor for making up for the shortage of money possessed by a player by demanding for the dispensing of game media even when the player possesses no cash (currency) on hand. SOLUTION: A card processing unit 520 receives a cash card B and performs a dispensing processing of game media within the range of value specified by the cash card B based on the demand for the dispensing of the game media from a game machine 510.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention accepts a recording medium (for example, a "prepaid card") which enables a game, and performs a process of renting a game medium within a value range of the received recording medium. The present invention relates to a game system of a game arcade provided with a recording medium processing device, and more particularly to an improvement in a lending mode of a game medium in the recording medium processing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a game system of this type of amusement arcade, a player plays a game by renting a game medium using a prepaid card issued from a card issuing machine, or directly plays a cash game. The game is played by renting a game medium by (money).

[0003] As described above, conventionally, when playing a game, a player prepares cash and goes to a game hall, and purchases a prepaid card with the cash and plays the game, or directly plays the game using cash. Was.

[0004] Therefore, when the money is lost,
It was necessary to give up the game at the amusement arcade or withdraw cash at a bank or the like and then try the game again.

[0005]

As described above, in the conventional method of renting a game medium in a game system,
If the player does not have cash, he will not be able to lend game media for playing games, and even if he has cash, if the money is gone,
The player had to withdraw cash at a bank or the like in order to play the game again.

[0006] In addition, for the amusement arcade side, when a player leaves a seat to purchase a prepaid card, or goes to a bank or the like to compensate for a shortage of money, the game is interrupted.
The operating rate of the game was decreasing.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a game system in which a player
, Even if you don't own the game, you can make a request to borrow the game media, thereby eliminating the labor required to replenish the shortage of money you have and improving the occupancy rate of the amusement arcade. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game system and a game medium lending method.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium issuing machine for issuing a recording medium enabling a game, and receiving the issued recording medium. A recording medium processing device for performing a game medium lending process based on a game medium lending request from a gaming machine arranged in a set with the player within a range of a value associated with the received recording medium. The recording medium processing device receives the debit card, and performs a payment processing requesting unit for requesting a payment processing to an information processing center performing communication related to the debit card; and responding to the request of the payment processing requesting unit. When the information processing center notifies that the settlement has been successfully completed, the game medium lending process is performed based on the game medium lending request from the gaming machine within the settlement amount range. The is characterized in that so as to and a game media lending processing means for performing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the recording medium processing device is associated with the recording medium received by the own device based on an instruction to return the balance from the gaming machine or the like. Update instructing means for instructing an update to add the balance to the value information, and after instructing the update,
Recording medium returning means for returning the recording medium.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the recording medium processing device pays out the money of the remaining money based on a return instruction of the remaining money from the gaming machine or the like. It is characterized by further comprising means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the recording medium processing device is configured such that, based on a return instruction of the balance from the gaming machine or the like, information associated with the value of the balance. Is further provided with a recording medium issuing means for issuing a recording medium on which is recorded.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the recording medium processing device receives a recording medium capable of directly updating data other than the recording medium, and has the received recording medium. Within the range of value, lending processing means for performing a game medium lending process based on a game medium lending request from a gaming machine arranged in a set with the own machine,
It is further provided with a storage updating means for storing and updating information corresponding to the value of the balance on the recording medium which can be directly updated by the own machine based on a return instruction for the balance from the gaming machine or the like. It is characterized by.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the recording medium processing device is managed in association with a member recording medium based on a return instruction for a balance from the gaming machine or the like. Update means for instructing an update to add the balance to the information on the value of the member, and member recording medium returning means for returning the member recording medium after the update instruction. I do.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the recording medium processing device includes a designation means for designating a method of paying out the balance by a player, and a payout method designated by the designation means. Discriminating means for discriminating, in accordance with the result of the discrimination, instructing an update to add the balance to the information on the value associated with the recording medium received by the own device, paying out the money for the balance, Issue a recording medium on which information related to the value of the balance is recorded,
The information corresponding to the value of the balance is stored and updated in the recording medium that can be directly updated by the data received by the user, and an update instruction is given to add the value of the balance to the information of the value associated with the member recording medium. And an execution unit for executing any one of the processes.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the recording medium processing apparatus further comprises a setting means for setting a time zone in which the debit card can be accepted, and the setting means sets the time zone. The debit card is accepted only during the set time zone.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium issuing machine for issuing a recording medium which enables a game, a receiving medium for receiving the issued recording medium, and a value range associated with the received recording medium. In a gaming medium lending method of a gaming system comprising a recording medium processing device that performs a lending processing of a gaming medium based on a lending request for a gaming medium from a gaming machine arranged in a set relationship with the own machine, The recording medium processing device accepts a debit card, requests the information processing center that performs communication related to the debit card to perform a payment process, and responds to the request of the payment processing requesting unit, Is notified that the settlement has been completed successfully, the game media lending process is performed based on the game medium lending request from the gaming machine within the settled amount range. Characterized in that the Migihitsuji.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, the recording medium processing device is associated with the recording medium received by the own machine based on a return instruction of a balance from the gaming machine or the like. An update instruction is given to add the balance to the value information, and after the update instruction, the recording medium is returned.

[0018] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, the recording medium processing device pays out the remaining money based on a return instruction of the remaining money from the gaming machine or the like. Features.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium processing device, the information associated with the value of the balance is based on a return instruction of the balance from the gaming machine or the like. The recording medium on which is recorded is issued.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, the recording medium processing device receives a recording medium capable of directly updating data other than the recording medium, and has the received recording medium. Within the range of the valuable value, while performing the process of renting the game media based on the request for renting the game media from the gaming machine arranged in a set relationship with the own machine, and instructing the return of the balance from the gaming machine, etc. Based on this, information corresponding to the value of the balance is stored and updated in the recording medium that can be directly updated by the data received by itself.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, the recording medium processing device manages the recording medium in association with the member recording medium based on a return instruction for a balance from the gaming machine or the like. It is characterized in that an update instruction is given to add the balance to the information on the value of the customer, and after the update instruction, the member recording medium is returned.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the method of paying out the balance is designated by the player in the recording medium processing device, the designated payout method is determined. In accordance with the result of the determination, instruct the update to add the balance to the information of the value associated with the recording medium received by the own device, pay out the money of the balance,
Issue a recording medium on which information related to the value of the balance is recorded, store and update information corresponding to the value of the balance on a recording medium that can be directly updated by data received by the user, and for members And performing an update instruction to add the balance to the value information associated with the recording medium.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, the recording medium processing device sets a time zone in which the debit card can be accepted, and uses the debit card only in the set time zone. It is characterized by accepting.

[0024]

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a game system according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, this game system is premised on a system installed in a game room such as a pachinko parlor.

Pachinko parlor 3 which is the core of this game system
[3-1, 3-2, ..., 3-n (n: an arbitrary integer)] includes a member management terminal controller (hereinafter, referred to as "member management") for managing game information of members of the pachinko parlor 3 concerned. T / C ”.) 10, for managing pre-paid card management that manages data collected from each component of each island 30 described below, and in particular, manages card information of a prepaid card issued from a card issuing machine 60 described below. A terminal controller (hereinafter referred to as “prepaid card management T / C”) 20 and a plurality of islands 30 are installed, of which a member management T / C 10 and a prepaid card management prepaid card management T / C 20 are provided at the store. Installed in the office, each island 30 is installed in the hall. The prepaid card management T / C 20 and each island 30
Are connected to each other by a LAN (local area network) 25 via an island controller 40 described later.

Each island 30 includes an island controller (hereinafter simply referred to as "S / C") 40, a plurality of game units 50 controlled by the S / C 40, and a card issuing machine for selling cards such as prepaid cards. 60, a card settlement machine 70 that performs settlement of these cards (payment of cash or the like according to the residual value of the valuable value stored in the cards) and the like.

Here, the card issuing machine 60 is usually provided about one for each island 30. When the card is issued, the card is issued an ID number (a medium ID on a magnetic stripe and a visible display on the surface). ID). That is, in the card issuing machine 60, after the money is inserted, when the amount is selected and designated by the player, the information such as the issuing store, the date, the medium ID, etc. is displayed together with the amount data (initial frequency) for the selected amount. Prepaid card A magnetically recorded on the magnetic stripe portion of the card and printed with the amount and display ID on the card surface
Issue The medium ID recorded on the magnetic stripe portion is encrypted, and is different from the display ID printed on the card surface, which is useful for security protection. Prior to issuing this prepaid card A,
The card issuing machine 60 requests the prepaid card management prepaid card management T / C 20 to register the card issuance data, inquires whether the card issuance is possible, and issues the prepaid card A only when the issuance is possible.

The gaming unit 50 includes a gaming machine 510.
And a card processing unit 520 provided between the adjacent gaming machines 510. The card processing unit 520 has at least a card insertion slot and a lending requesting means. When the player inserts, for example, a prepaid card A into the card insertion slot, the card processing unit 520 inquires the prepaid card management T / C 20 to check its value data. Based on a request for lending game media (pachinko balls, medals, etc.) to the gaming machine 510 by the player, the game device lends the game media within the range of the value data (remaining number). The player can play pachinko or the like using the game medium. In this system, as the type of the gaming machine 510, a pachislot machine,
There are a CR pachinko machine, a pachinko machine, and the like, and as the card processing unit, there are a card medal lending machine, a CR card unit, a card ball lending machine, and the like corresponding to the above type.

The components of each island 30 described above are connected to the island controller 40 by a communication line, and the prepaid card management T / C 20 and the LAN 25 are connected via the island controller.
Is used to exchange various data.

The prepaid card management T / C 20 is based on data collected from each component of each island 30 as shown in FIG.
By constructing a database as shown in (a) and updating these data each time there is a sequential event,
Various information on the prepaid card A issued by the card issuing machine 60 is managed based on the card ID. Furthermore, this prepaid card management T / C 20
It is connected to the management computer of the card company center 1 outside the pachinko parlor by the public line network 2 and can use this management computer to manage the data in the T / C 20 for managing the prepaid card.

The whole part including the above-mentioned components can be called a prepaid card system which is widely used in game arcades such as pachinko parlors.

As a structural feature of the gaming system of the present invention, a debit card processing function is added as a new function to the card processing unit 520 provided between the gaming machines 510 of the gaming unit 50. Have been.

Then, the card processing unit 520
As shown in FIG. 1, is connected to an information processing center 5 for performing debit card settlement communication via a public line network 4 outside a pachinko parlor 3 via a communication line.

The information processing center 5 is the core of the debit card system, and has a card issuing bank 7-1,
CAFIS (Credit and Finance Inf) that manages and processes settlement processing collectively between the settlement bank 7-2 and the merchant bank 7-3
ormation System) connected to the clearing center of the network 6.

As described above, the entire part of the CAFIS network 6 serving as a core and connected from the information processing center 5 to the card processing unit 520 having the debit card processing function installed in the pachinko parlor 3 is a debit card. It can be called a card system.

From the above, the system of the present invention (see FIG. 1) implements each pachinko machine by mounting the debit card processing function unit at the end of the debit card system inside the card processing unit 520 at the end of the prepaid card system. It can be said that it is a component in the store 3.

Then, in the system of the present invention,
Card processing unit 5 having debit card processing function
20 cooperates with the gaming machine 510 connected as one set (pair), and a game medium (pachinko ball,
It has a settlement processing function using a debit card (cash card) for lending of medals and the like.

Here, the flow of the settlement processing in the debit card system in the case of the player renting out the game media (pachinko balls, medals, etc.) using the debit card in the system having the above configuration will be described. Keep it.

First, the player inserts the cash card B from a predetermined slot of the card processing unit 520 having a debit card processing function installed in the pachinko parlor 3-1 and inputs a password. After that, the player
A desired amount is input using a predetermined operation unit.

As a result, the card processing unit with debit card processing function 520 performs settlement communication with the information processing center 5 via the public line network 4, and stores the card ID of the cash card B, the password, and the data of the designated amount. Send

When the information processing center 5 receives a request for a payment agency and a communication agency, the information processing center 5 uses the received various data to execute a CAFIS (Credit and Finance Information Sys- tem).
tem) Instruct the clearing center of the network 6 to perform the settlement processing.

Upon receiving this instruction, the clearing center:
Card issuing bank 7-1, settlement bank 7-2, member store bank 7
-3, and finally pays the amount obtained by subtracting the commissions and the like in the settlement process into the account of the information processing center 5 of the affiliated bank 7-3.

Thereafter, the amount obtained by subtracting the commission of the information processing center 5 from the amount transferred to the account of the information processing center 5 of the member store bank 7-3 is transferred to the account of the card company of the xx bank 7-4. It is.

Thereafter, in accordance with the transfer by the agreement between the card company and the pachinko parlor, the prepaid card is transferred from the money transferred to the account of the card company 1 of the xx bank 7-4 to the corresponding account 7-5 of the pachinko parlor 3-1. The price corresponding to the frequency of use is transferred.

FIG. 2 shows the member management T / C1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the ０0 ’.

Referring to FIG.
Is a ball number management computer (hole computer) (not shown) that manages the flow of pachinko balls and medals in the store.
The clerk uses the workstation 110 to perform comprehensive management of pachinko balls and medals in the store.

Here, the workstation 110 has a control unit 110-1 for controlling the overall operation of the workstation 110, and stores a database for storing game information and member information in a record format in association with a member code of a member card. Memory 110-2, a display unit 110 for displaying various management information in the workstation 110
-3, input / output unit 110 used for inputting various information and printing management information in the workstation 110
-4.

The personal computer 120 is connected to the workstation 110 via a communication line (for example, a LAN), and the clerk can use this personal computer 120 to register a new account in the workstation 110 or to transfer data. Perform statistical processing.

The printer 130 is connected to the personal computer 120, and is used, for example, when a clerk issues direct mail based on ledger data stored in the workstation 110.

The membership card issuing machine 140 is connected to the personal computer 120, and when a new account is registered by the personal computer 120, a membership card of the registered account is issued.

In the member management T / C 10 having the above-described structure, member information such as address, name, telephone number, etc. for each member code of the member player, as well as outgoing, incoming, ball purchase amount, savings,
A database for storing game information such as the number of visits is provided.

FIG. 3 shows the database 201 [FIG. 3 (a)] stored in the memory of the prepaid card management T / C 20 shown in FIG. 1, and the member management T / C shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of databases 101 and 102 (FIGS. 3B and 3C) stored in a memory 110-2 in a workstation 110 of / C10.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the database 201 stored in the memory of the prepaid card management T / C 20 is associated with the card ID of the prepaid card issued by the card issuing machine 60 as described above. Information is stored in record format. Specifically, for example, information such as “purchase frequency”, “remaining frequency”, and “valid flag” is stored in association with the “card ID”.

In FIG. 3B, a database 101 stored in the memory of the member management T / C 10 is shown.
As described above, the game information and the member information are stored in a record format in association with the member code of the member card. Specifically, corresponding to the "member code", for example,
Information such as “PIN”, “Number of accumulated coins”, and “Effective flag” is stored.

Further, in FIG. 3C, a database 102 stored in the memory of the member management T / C 10 is shown.
3B has a configuration different from that of the database 101 in FIG. 3B, and corresponds to “member code”, for example, “PIN”, “remaining number”, “number of stored coins”, “valid flag”, etc. Is stored. That is, this configuration is used when the unused balance of the amount specified by the debit card received by the card processing unit 520 according to the present invention is returned as the remaining number associated with the member code of the member card. Applicable.

Here, when the valid flag is stolen by the member card, it can be set to 0 to disable the validity flag. The recovery is performed by operating the personal computer 220 after the clerk receives the report from the member that the card cannot be used and confirms the identity of the card.

FIG. 4 shows the gaming unit 5 shown in FIG.
Card processing unit 5 with debit card processing function of 0
FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the embodiment 20.

In FIG. 4, a control unit 520-1 controls the entire processing unit.

The card identification section 520-2 identifies whether the inserted card is a prepaid card A, a debit card B, or a membership card C, and a debit card processing section 520-3 to be described later. Part 520-
4. Allocate to one of the prepaid card processing units 520-5.

The debit card processing section 520-3 processes the debit card identified and sorted by the card identification section 520-2. Specifically, the settlement processing is performed based on the amount specified by the player and the input personal identification number.

The member card processing section 520-4 processes the member card identified and distributed by the card identification section 520-2. Specifically, a process associated with the replay using the saved coins and a process associated with the member card balance return process according to the present invention are performed.

The prepaid card processing section 520-5 processes the prepaid card identified and sorted by the card identification section 520-2. Specifically, a process for lending game media within the valuable value range of the prepaid card and a process for returning the balance of the prepaid card according to the present invention are performed.

The display section 520-6 displays various kinds of information. For example, in the present invention, when the player inserts a debit card and specifies the amount, the display section 520-6 is used to display the specified amount. Can be

The input section 520-7 is composed of numeric keys and the like, and is used for inputting various information. For example, in the present invention, when a player inserts a debit card, the player inputs a personal identification number or specifies an amount. Used in cases.

The money dispensing section 520-8 is for paying out money, and is particularly used for returning the remaining balance that has not been used among the amount specified by the debit card in the present invention. Can be

The communication control section 520-10 controls communication when exchanging various information with the member management (T / C) 10 shown in FIG.

The communication control unit 520-11 controls communication when exchanging various information with the prepaid card management T / C 20 shown in FIG.

The communication control section 520-12 controls communication when exchanging various kinds of information relating to the settlement processing with the information processing center 5 of the debit card system shown in FIG. 1 via the public line network 4.

Next, a description will be given of the operation of lending game media with a debit card in the card processing unit according to the present invention having such a configuration.

FIG. 5 shows a case where a debit card is received by the card processing unit 520 having the debit card processing function shown in FIG. 1, and a game medium is transmitted from the gaming machine 510 within the range of the amount specified by the received debit card. Flow until lending (~ (circled number 10)) and processing flow until returning the unused balance of the specified amount [(circled number 11), (a) ~ (W), (A) ~
(G)], in which the numbers are simplified in alphabetical order. In particular, a card processing unit 520 with a debit card processing function, and a gaming machine connected to the card processing unit 520 as a pair (pair) 510
T / C10 for member management, T for prepaid card management
3 shows a schematic configuration of / C20.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow (-) of the game medium lending process using the debit card in more detail, and FIGS. 7 to 11 show the flow of the balance return process [ (Circled number 11), (a)-(w), (A)-
(G)] is a sequence diagram for explaining in further detail.

Here, first, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the flow of processing until the game medium is rented out when the game medium is requested to be rented out using the debit card by the player ( (Circled numeral 10)) will be described.

In FIG. 6, the process is as follows: When a debit card is inserted from the card insertion / ejection port 5201 in the card processing unit 520 (step S101Y).
ES) is started.

Next, in the card processing unit 520,
It is determined whether or not the current time is the card usable time (step S102). If it is determined that the current time is not the card usable time (step S102 NO), the card is returned from the card insertion / ejection port 5201 (step S10).
3).

On the other hand, as a result of the above-described determination, when it is determined that it is the card usable time (step S102YE)
S): Next, the card processing unit 520 determines whether or not a password has been input via the operation unit 5202 (step S104).

If it is determined that a password has been entered (YES in step S104), then:
In the card processing unit 520, it is determined whether or not the player has designated the amount of money through the operation unit 5202 (step S105).

If it is determined that there is an instruction for inputting the amount (YES in step S105):
In the card processing unit 520, the designated amount is displayed on the display unit (step S106).

Thereafter, the card processing unit 520 communicates with the information processing center 5 of the debit card system for settlement processing (step S10).
7) The data of the cash card ID, the password, and the designated amount are transmitted (step S108).

The information processing center 5 that has received the request receives the C
The clearing center 6 of the AFIS network is instructed to perform the settlement processing (step S109). As a result, when the clearing center 6 is notified that the settlement is completed,
The settlement completion notification is sent to the card processing unit 520 (step S110).

Thus, the card processing unit 52
0, the amount data specified by the player is
0 (step S111): After that, the cash card is ejected from the card insertion / ejection port 5201 (return).
(Step S112).

On the other hand, in the gaming machine 510, the designated amount is displayed on the amount display section 5101 based on the received amount data (step S113).

Thereafter, the gaming machine 510 monitors whether the return button 5103 has been pressed by the player (step S114), and monitors whether the ball lending button 5102 has been pressed (step S115).

(Circled numeral 11): If it is determined that the return button 5103 has been pressed as a result of the monitoring (YES in step S114), a balance return process described later (see FIGS. 7 to 11) is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the ball lending button 5102 has been pressed (YES in step S115),
The gaming machine 510 lends a ball for the amount specified by the ball lending button 5102 (step S11).
6), (circled numeral 10): Thereafter, a display obtained by subtracting the rented amount is displayed on the amount display unit 5101 (step S117), and the process returns to step S114 to perform the same process.

With the above processing, the card processing unit 5
At 20, it becomes possible to rent out a game medium from the gaming machine 510 using the debit card B.

According to this configuration, the debit card processing function is added to the card processing unit so that the game medium can be lent out within the amount specified by the accepted debit card. ), You can use a debit card to make a request to borrow a game media, and for a player to leave a seat to purchase a prepaid card, or to make up for a shortage of money by using a bank, etc. Efforts such as going to the destination can be omitted, and accordingly, the operating rate can be improved for the game arcade.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIGS. 7 to 11, in the processing of FIG. 6, the flow of the return processing of the balance remaining unused by the amount specified by the debit card [ (Circled numeral 11), (a) to (x), (A) to (H)] will be described.

First, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the balance is converted into the remaining number by the prepaid card management T / C 20 in association with the card ID of the prepaid card and stored and managed, so that the balance is returned. The flow of the process in the case of performing [(circled numeral 11), (a) to (g)] will be described.

In FIG. 7, this processing is represented by (circled number 11):
In the gaming machine 510, the return button 510
When 3 is pressed (YES in step S201), the process starts.

(A): Then, the gaming machine 510 notifies the card processing unit 520 of transmitting the balance data and pressing the return button (step S202).

(B): The card processing unit 520 which has received this notification determines whether or not a frequency T / C (20) management prepaid card has been inserted (step S20).
3), (c): If it is determined in this determination that the frequency T / C (20) management prepaid card A has been inserted from the card insertion / ejection slot 5201 (step S203 YES), the prepaid card management T / C 20 is used. In response to this, an instruction to update the frequency of the balance is issued in association with the ID of the card (step S204), and the card ID, balance data, etc. are transmitted (step S205).

(D): The prepaid card management T / C 20 updates the remaining number in association with the card ID (step S206).

(E): When the prepaid card management T / C 20 completes the update, it notifies the gaming machine 510 and the card processing unit 510 of the completion (step S20).
7).

(F): In response to this, the gaming machine 510 sets the amount display on the amount display section 5101 to “0” (step S).
208), the process proceeds to the standby state, and (g): the card processing unit 520 discharges (returns) the prepaid card A from the card insertion / ejection port 5201 (step S209), and proceeds to the standby state.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, the flow of the process for returning the balance in cash ((circled number 11), (h)
To (k)) will be described.

In FIG. 8, this processing is represented by (circled number 11):
In the gaming machine 510, when the return button 5103 is pressed (step S301 YES), the processing is started.

(H): Then, the gaming machine 510 notifies the card processing unit 520 that the balance data is transmitted and the return button is pressed (step S302).

(I): Receiving this, the card processing unit 5
At 20, the cash (money) for the remaining balance is transferred to the money payout exit 5204.
(Step S303).

(J): Thereafter, the card processing unit 520
Then, a payout / completion notification is made to the gaming machine 510 (step S304), and thereafter, the processing shifts to a standby state.

(K): In the gaming machine 510 which has received the notification, the amount display of the amount display section 5101 is set to “0” (step S305), and thereafter, the state shifts to the standby state.

Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 9, the flow of the process for returning the balance by issuing a prepaid card having a value corresponding to the balance ((circled number 11), (l ) To (q)) will be described.

In FIG. 9, this processing is represented by (circled number 11):
In the gaming machine 510, when the return button 5103 is pressed (YES in step S401), the processing is started.

(L): Then, the gaming machine 510 notifies the card processing unit 520 that the balance data is transmitted and the return button is pressed (step S402).

(M): Receiving this, the card processing unit 5
At 20, the prepaid card A having the value of the balance is issued (step S403), and (n): the issued card ID and the frequency information are notified (step S4).
04), (o): Further, an issuance completion notification is issued to the gaming machine 510 (step S406). Thereafter, the card processing unit 520 shifts to the standby state.

(P): The prepaid card management T / C 20 having received the notification of the issued card ID and the frequency information stores and manages various information of the issued card (step S4).
05).

(Q): When the gaming machine 510 receives the issuance completion notification (step S 406), the money amount display unit 5
The amount display of 101 is set to "0" (step S407),
Move to the standby state.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 10, a process for returning the balance by storing and updating the value corresponding to the balance in a prepaid card capable of storing the value information in the card itself. Flow ((circled number 11),
(r) to (w)) will be described.

In FIG. 10, this processing is performed by (circled numeral 1).
1) :: When the return button is pressed in the gaming machine 510 (step S501 YES), the processing is started.

(R): Then, the gaming machine 510 notifies the card processing unit 520 of transmitting the balance data and pressing the return button (step S502).

(S): Receiving this, the card processing unit 5
In step 20, it is determined whether a directly updatable prepaid card has been inserted (step S503). (T): In this determination, it is determined that the directly updatable prepaid card A has been inserted from the card insertion / ejection port 5201. In this case (step S503 YES), the balance is stored and updated directly as value information on the inserted prepaid card A (step S504).

(U): Thereafter, the card processing unit 520
Then, the update is notified to the gaming machine 510 (step S505), and (v): After that, the prepaid card A is discharged (returned) (step S506).
After that, the card processing unit 520 shifts to the standby state.

(W): Further, in the gaming machine 510 which has received the update completion notification, the money amount display of the money amount display portion 5101 is set to “0” (step S507), and thereafter, the state shifts to the standby state.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 11, the prepaid card management T / C 10 converts the balance into a residual number by associating it with the member code of a member card capable of managing valuable information, and stores and manages the balance. The process flow ((circled number 11), (A) to (G)) when the balance is returned will be described.

In FIG. 11, this processing is performed by (
1): When the return button is pressed on the gaming machine 510 (step S601 YES), the processing is started.

(A): Then, the gaming machine 510 notifies the card processing unit 520 of transmitting the balance data and pressing the return button (step S602).

(B): The card processing unit 520 which has received the notification, the member card C which can manage the valuable information.
Is determined and a password is input (step S603), and (C): when it is determined that the membership card C is inserted and the password is input (YES in step S603). , T / C for member management
10 is instructed to update the frequency of the balance in association with the member code of the member card C (step S60).
4) The member code, password, balance data, etc. are transmitted (step S605).

(D): As a result, the member management T / C 10
Then, the remaining number is updated in association with the member code of the member card C (step S606).

(E): Upon completion of the update, the member management T / C 10 notifies the gaming machine 510 and the card processing unit 520 of the completion (step S607).

(F): In response to this, the gaming machine 510 sets the amount display on the amount display section 5101 to “0” (step S).
609), the process proceeds to the standby state, and (G): the card processing unit 520 discharges (returns) the member card C from the card insertion / ejection port 5201 (step S6).
08), the process proceeds to a standby state.

According to the configurations shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 described above, the amount specified by the debit card is deducted and the unused amount is returned to the player, so that the player can use the debit card with confidence. To make a ball lending request.

In the above embodiment, the card processing unit 520 shows the card insertion / ejection port 5201 of the debit card B and the prepaid card A as a common one, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, an insertion / ejection port for a debit card and an insertion / ejection port for a prepaid card may be separately provided. According to this, in the case of the common case, the prepaid card A and the debit card B can be used without distinction by using the same card slot, so that there is an effect that a customer does not make an operation mistake, and When the insertion slot is different, if the remaining amount decreases while using the prepaid card A, additional balls can be lent using a debit card, so that the occupancy rate increases without leaving the player There is.

The timing of setting the display of the amount of money of the gaming machine 510 to "0" in the flow of FIGS. 7 to 11 may be performed immediately after the return button is pressed.

Further, in the above embodiment, since the time zone in which the debit card B can be used can be set in the card processing unit 520, the use of the debit card can be adjusted to the opening hours of the hall.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the return button for instructing the return of the balance is provided on gaming machine 510, and the return instruction is issued from this gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The unit 520 may be provided with a balance return button so that the card processing unit issues a return instruction.

Further, in the above embodiment, when a designated amount deducted by a debit card causes a balance to be returned to the player as a prepaid card, the cash is settled by a payment machine using the prepaid card. Can be.

Further, the balance return processing shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 is shown to be performed individually, however, the present invention is not limited to this. Means for selecting and specifying any of the balance return processing methods shown in FIG. 11, means for determining the balance return processing method designated by this means, and means for executing the determined balance return processing. You may comprise so that it may provide. According to this configuration, the player can return the balance in a desired manner, so that it is easy to use.

Lastly, a description will be given of a processing operation when the card processing unit accepts a membership card for replaying the accumulated coins.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure in the card processing unit 520 for identifying a card inserted at the time of lending a ball and performing processing according to the type of each card.

In FIG. 12, this process is started when a card is inserted (step S701).

The card processing unit 520 first determines whether or not the inserted card is a membership card (step S702).

If it is determined in this determination that the inserted card is a membership card (YES in step S702),
The card processing unit 520 performs a game medium lending process by replay (step S703). In addition,
When the replay processing ends, the processing here ends.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S702, when it is determined that the inserted card is not a membership card (NO in step S702), the card processing unit 520 determines whether the inserted card is a debit card. It is determined whether or not it is (step S704).

If it is determined that the inserted card is a debit card (step S704YE)
S), the card processing unit 520 performs a game medium lending process by debit card settlement, that is, performs the above-described flow process of FIG. 6 (step S705).
When the debit payment processing is completed, the processing here ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S704 that the inserted card is not a debit card (step S704: NO), the card processing unit 520 returns the inserted card (step S704). S706), the process here ends.

According to this configuration, the card processing unit having the debit card processing function can not only lend the game medium with the debit card but also perform the replay of the accumulated coins using the membership card.

[0138]

As described above, according to the gaming system of the present invention, the recording medium processing device accepts a debit card and requests the information processing center for performing communication related to the debit card to perform a settlement process. In addition, when the information processing center notifies that the settlement has been successfully completed in response to the settlement processing request, the game medium lending process is performed based on the game medium lending request from the gaming machine within the settled amount range. Since the player does not have cash (money) directly, he can use the debit card to make a request for lending of the game media, thereby making it possible to replenish the shortage of money the player has. Can be eliminated, and the operating rate on the game arcade side can be improved accordingly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a game system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a T / C shown in FIG.

3 is a configuration example of a database stored in a memory of a prepaid card management T / C shown in FIG. 1 and a database stored in a memory of a member management T / C shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a card processing unit with a debit card processing function of the gaming unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a process flow for renting out a game medium from a gaming machine within a range of an amount designated by a debit card of the present invention, and returning an unused balance of the designated amount. FIG. 1 is a diagram simply showing the flow of processing up to a serial number and alphabetical order.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining in more detail the flow of a game medium lending process using the debit card shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining in detail a flow of a balance return process shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining in detail a flow of a balance return process shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram for explaining in detail the flow of the balance return process shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining in detail a flow of a balance return process shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining in detail the flow of the balance return process shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for identifying a card inserted at the time of lending a ball in the card processing unit and performing a process according to the type of each card.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Card company center, 2: Public line network, 3-1 to 3-
n: Pachinko parlor, 4: Public line network, 5: Information processing center, 6: CAFIS network, 7-1: Card issuing bank, 7-2: Settlement bank, 7-3: Member store bank (information processing center account) , 7-4 ... xx bank (card company), 7
-5: Pachinko parlor account, 10: Member management terminal controller (T / C), 20: Prepaid card management terminal controller (T / C), 30: Island, 40 ...
Island controller (S / C), 50 ... Gaming unit, 60
... Card issuing machine, 70 ... Payment machine, 510 ... Game machine, 52
0: Card processing unit with debit card processing function
110: workstation, 110-1: control unit, 1
10-2: memory, 110-3: display unit, 110-4:
Input / output unit, 120 ... personal computer, 130 ...
Printer, 140 ... Member card issuing machine, 520-1 ... Control section, 520-2 ... Card identification section, 520-3 ... Debit card processing section, 520-4 ... Member card processing section, 52
0-5: Prepaid card processing section, 520-6: Display section, 520-7: Input section, 520-8: Card issuing section,
520-9: Money dispensing unit, 520-10: Communication control unit 1, 520-11: Communication control unit 2, 520-12: Communication control unit 3, 5101: Money display unit, 5102: Ball lending button, 5103: Return Button, 5201 ... Card insertion /
Discharge port, 5202: operation unit, 5203: display unit, 520
4 ... Money exit

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A recording medium issuing machine for issuing a recording medium enabling a game, and a pair of the recording medium issuing machine and the own machine within a range of a value associated with the received recording medium. And a recording medium processing device for performing a game medium lending process based on a game medium lending request from a gaming machine arranged in the relationship of: a recording medium processing device accepts a debit card, and relates to the debit card. A settlement processing requesting means for requesting a settlement processing to an information processing center for communication; and in response to the request of the settlement processing requesting means, when the information processing center notifies that the settlement has been completed successfully, the settlement is performed. Game medium lending processing means for performing a game medium lending process based on a game medium lending request from the gaming machine within the money amount range described above. Game system according to claim. 2. The recording medium processing device, based on a return instruction of the balance from the gaming machine or the like, issues an update instruction to add the balance to information of a value associated with the recording medium received by the game machine. 2. The gaming system according to claim 1, further comprising: update instruction means for performing the update instruction; and recording medium return means for returning the recording medium after the update instruction. 3. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a money dispensing unit that pays out the money corresponding to the balance based on a return instruction of the balance from the gaming machine. Gaming system. 4. The recording medium processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a recording medium issuing unit that issues a recording medium on which information associated with the value of the balance is recorded based on an instruction to return the balance from the gaming machine or the like. The gaming system according to claim 1, further comprising: 5. The recording medium processing apparatus receives a recording medium that can be directly updated in data other than the recording medium, and establishes a set of relations with its own device within a value range of the received recording medium. A lending processing means for performing a lending process of a game medium based on a lending request for a game medium from a gaming machine arranged in the game machine; and the direct data update received by the own machine based on a return instruction for a balance from the gaming machine. 2. The gaming system according to claim 1, further comprising storage updating means for storing and updating information corresponding to the value of the balance on a possible recording medium. 6. The recording medium processing device, based on an instruction to return the balance from the gaming machine or the like, updates the value of the balance to be added to the information on the value managed in association with the recording medium for the member. 2. The gaming system according to claim 1, further comprising: an update instructing means for instructing; and a member recording medium returning means for returning the member recording medium after the updating instruction. 7. A recording medium processing apparatus, comprising: a designation unit for designating a method of paying out the balance by a player; a decision unit for distinguishing a payout method designated by the designation unit; Instructs an update to add the balance to the value information associated with the recording medium received by the user, pays out the money corresponding to the balance, and records the information associated with the value corresponding to the balance. Issue the medium, store and update the information corresponding to the value of the balance on the recording medium that can be directly updated by the data received by the own device, and add the balance to the information on the value associated with the member recording medium. 2. The game system according to claim 1, further comprising: an execution unit that executes any one of processing for instructing an update to be performed. 8. The recording medium processing apparatus further comprises setting means for setting a time zone in which the debit card can be accepted, and accepts the debit card only in a time zone set by the setting means. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein 9. A recording medium issuing machine for issuing a recording medium enabling a game, receiving the issued recording medium, and pairing with the own machine within a range of a value associated with the received recording medium. In a gaming medium lending method of a gaming system comprising a recording medium processing device that performs a lending process of a gaming medium based on a lending request for a gaming medium from a gaming machine arranged in the relationship of, the recording medium processing device, It accepts the debit card, requests the information processing center that performs communication relating to the debit card to perform the payment processing, and responds to the request of the payment processing requesting means that the payment is successfully completed from the information processing center. When notified, the game media lending process is performed based on the game media lending request from the gaming machine within the settled amount range. Game media lending method of a gaming system according to. 10. The recording medium processing device, based on an instruction to return the balance from the gaming machine or the like, issues an update instruction to add the balance to information on the value associated with the recording medium received by the game machine. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the recording medium is returned after the update instruction. 11. The game medium lending of the game system according to claim 9, wherein the recording medium processing device pays out the money of the balance based on a return instruction of the balance from the gaming machine or the like. Method. 12. The recording medium processing device, according to a return instruction for the balance from the gaming machine or the like, issues a recording medium on which information associated with the value of the balance is recorded. A game medium lending method for the game system according to claim 9. 13. The recording medium processing apparatus receives a recording medium that can be directly updated in data other than the recording medium, and sets a relationship between the recording medium processing apparatus and its own device within a range of a value of the received recording medium. Lending game media based on a request for lending game media from a gaming machine arranged at
10. The information corresponding to the value of the remaining balance is stored and updated in the recording medium that can be directly updated by the own machine based on a return instruction for the remaining balance from the gaming machine or the like. A game medium lending method of the game system according to the above. 14. The recording medium processing device, based on an instruction to return the balance from the gaming machine or the like, updates the value of the balance to be added to the value information managed in association with the member recording medium. The method according to claim 9, further comprising returning the member's recording medium after the instruction and the update instruction. 15. The recording medium processing device, when a method of paying out a balance is designated by a player, discriminates the designated payout method, and according to a result of the discrimination, a recording medium received by the player. An instruction to update to add the balance to the information on the value of money associated with the money, pay out the money of the money of the balance, issue a recording medium on which information related to the value of the money of the balance is recorded, Storing and updating the information corresponding to the value of the balance in the recording medium that can be directly updated in the data received in the update instruction to add the balance to the value information associated with the recording medium for the member;
10. The game medium lending method for a game system according to claim 9, wherein any one of the processes is executed. 16. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a time zone in which the debit card can be accepted is set, and the debit card is accepted only in the set time zone. A game media lending method for a game system.