JP2002078953A - Game medium processing communication system, game medium processing communication method, game medium renting machine, card issuing machine for supplying game medium, game medium renting command device, card adjusting machine for supplying game medium, reward game medium counting device, and prize exchage debit card teating terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a prize exchange function which is advantageous to a game player, a game parlor manager, and a third person, by supplying game mediums without using cash. SOLUTION: For supplying game mediums, accounts are settled by means of a debit card. Number of prize balls obtained in a game is stored, as points, in a debit card settling system, and debit member shops which are in cooperation with the game parlor provide commodities as a prize within a range of stored points in the debit card settling system.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game medium processing communication system, a game medium processing communication method, a game medium lending machine, a game medium supply card issuing machine, a game medium lending instruction device, a game medium supply card settlement machine, The present invention relates to a reward game medium counting device and a prize exchange debit card processing terminal, and more particularly to a function for renting a game medium and a prize exchange function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a pachinko game hall, a player receives a supply of game media with cash, or receives a supply of game media using a prepaid card or the like purchased with cash to play a game. Further, the player exchanges the remaining game media (prize balls) for the prize at the end of the game.

[0003]

There are the following problems with the above-mentioned game media supply (ball lending) function using cash directly or indirectly.

[0004] A player can play a game only with possession of cash. Even if the prepaid card remains, the game can only be played with the frequency corresponding to the remaining amount.

[0005] From the point of view of a game arcade operator, a large amount of cash is present in the game arcade, so that not only is the cash management complicated, but also the management system becomes complicated and the monitoring system must be enhanced. No. For example, the change cash in the prepaid card issuing machine must be constantly monitored, and when it becomes low, replenishment processing must be performed. For example, after business hours, cash must be collected from various devices and stored in a safe.

There is also the following problem in the function of exchanging the premium ball for a premium as described above.

[0007] For a player, even if there is no prize he or she wants, the player must exchange it for any prize.

[0008] From the point of view of a game arcade operator, the number of each prize type must be managed by a management system, and a replenishment operation must be performed appropriately, and personnel are also required. Also, in practice, special prizes that can be returned to cash are often exchanged, so that the game is gambling and the soundness of the game may be impaired.

An object of the present invention is to provide a game medium processing communication system and a game medium processing communication method capable of supplying game media without using cash.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a game medium processing communication system and a game medium processing communication method capable of realizing a prize exchange function which is more advantageous for a player, a game arcade operator and a third party. Things.

Further, the present invention provides a game medium lending machine, a game medium supply card issuing machine, a game medium lending command device, a game medium supply card settlement machine, which can be a component of such a game medium processing communication system. It is an object to provide a reward game medium counting device and a premium exchange debit card processing terminal.

[0012]

In order to solve such a problem, a game medium processing communication system according to the present invention of claim 1 is provided.
A gaming facility processing system having a game-related device for supplying a game medium according to a designated amount, or a game-related device for issuing a game medium supply card according to a designated amount used when supplying the game medium; And a card payment system for performing payment with a payment card owned by the player. The amusement arcade processing system has a payment card owned by a player inserted therein, and causes the card payment system to settle the designated amount. And a settlement requesting means provided in connection with the game-related equipment.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium processing communication system having a game-related device for issuing a game medium supply card corresponding to a designated amount used when supplying a game medium, and a debit system. A debit card payment system for performing payment with a card, wherein the amusement arcade processing system, the debit card owned by the player and the game media supply card is inserted, the balance of the game media supply card, The present invention is characterized in that there is provided a balance settlement request means for causing the debit card settlement system to transfer the balance to a player account relating to the debit card.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium processing communication system according to the present invention, wherein a counting device for counting prize balls, which are reward game media as a result of a game, and a debit card owned by a player are inserted. Amusement arcade processing system having an addition point transmitting means for transmitting points according to the debit card, a point storage means for each debit card for storing the number of points corresponding to the number of prize balls corresponding to the debit card, and the addition point transmitting means Point addition means for adding the points from the debit card to the storage points of the corresponding debit card stored in the debit card-specific point storage means, thereby updating the storage points. And a storage system.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication system for processing a game medium, a debit card owned by a player is inserted,
A prize exchange debit card processing terminal provided in a debit member store or amusement arcade cooperating with prize exchange in a game hall, having a prize exchange settlement request means for transmitting a prize exchange settlement request including the number of points according to the prize, Point storage means for each debit card which stores the number of points corresponding to the number of prize balls corresponding to the debit card, and the number of points included in the prize exchange settlement request in response to the prize exchange settlement request from the prize exchange settlement requesting means. The amount corresponding to the debit is deducted from the account of the game arcade, and the amount is transferred to the account of the debit cooperating member store or the account of the prize delivery company, and the corresponding debit stored in the point storage means for each debit card. Premium exchange settlement execution means for reducing the storage points of the card by the number of points included in the premium exchange settlement request. Characterized in that a point accumulation system provided outside the game arcade.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium processing communication system having a counting device for counting a premium ball, which is a reward game medium as a result of a game, and a debit card for performing settlement with a debit card. Payment system,
A gaming facility cooperating debit member store processing terminal provided at a debit member store that cooperates with the exchange of prizes at the amusement arcade, wherein the gaming room processing system includes a debit card owned by a player, Point transmitting means for transmitting points according to the debit card settlement system to the debit card settlement system, and the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal has a debit card owned by the player inserted therein, and the number of points according to the prize. Prize exchange settlement request means for transmitting a prize exchange settlement request including the prize exchange settlement request to the debit card settlement system. The debit card settlement system stores the number of points corresponding to the number of prize balls corresponding to the debit card. The points from the debit card-based point storage means and the points from the additional point transmitting means are stored in the debit card-based points. Point addition means for updating the storage points by adding to the storage points of the corresponding debit card stored in the storage means, and in response to the prize exchange settlement request from the prize exchange settlement request means, are included in the request. The amount corresponding to the number of points is deducted from the game center account, the amount is transferred to the debit cooperating member store account, and the storage points of the corresponding debit card stored in the debit card-specific point storage means are provided as prizes. Prize exchange settlement execution means for reducing by the number of points included in the exchange settlement request.

A game medium communication system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the game medium communication system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the point storage means for each debit card, the point addition means, and
The prize exchange settlement execution means is provided in a game center debit management center device that collectively manages settlement relating to game center related debit cards.

A game medium communication system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, is characterized in that the debit card is writable.

According to a eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium processing and communication method for supplying a game medium according to a designated amount, or for supplying a game medium according to a designated amount used when supplying the game medium. When a designated amount is input to a gaming-related device that issues a card, a debit settlement requesting unit in the game hall sends a debit card settlement request including the inserted debit card information and the designated amount to a debit card settlement system. And the debit card settlement system debits the designated amount from the owner account of the inserted debit card and deposits the designated amount into the game hall account.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium processing communication method according to the present invention, comprising: a game hall processing system having a game-related device for issuing a game medium supply card corresponding to a designated amount used when supplying a game medium; A debit card payment system for performing payment with a card, wherein the game hall processing system allows the player to insert the debit card and the game medium supply card, and the balance of the game medium supply card, The debit card settlement system is characterized in that it is transferred to a player account relating to the debit card.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the game medium processing communication method, the game hall processing system counts a prize ball as a reward game medium as a result of the game, and stores information on the inserted debit card owned by the player. At the same time, the points according to the number of the prize balls are transmitted, and the point accumulation system provided outside the game arcade transmits the points to the point number according to the number of the prize balls stored corresponding to the debit card. It is characterized by adding and updating the points transmitted from the field processing system.

[0022] According to a eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium processing communication method according to the present invention, wherein a prize exchange debit card processing terminal provided in a debit member store or a game hall cooperating with a prize exchange in a game hall is provided. A prize exchange settlement request including the number of points corresponding to the prize is transmitted together with the information of the debit card owned, and the point accumulation system provided outside the game hall stores the prize corresponding to the debit card. The number of points according to the number of balls is reduced in accordance with the received premium exchange settlement request, the amount corresponding to the number of points included in the request is deducted from the game arcade account, and the amount is debit cooperation participation It is characterized by depositing money into a store account or an account of a trader related to delivery of premiums.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium processing communication method according to the present invention, further comprising: The debit card payment system transmits the points to the debit card payment system. The debit card payment system stores the number of points corresponding to the number of premium balls corresponding to the debit card. The debit member store processing terminal provided at the debit member store that cooperates with the exchange of prizes at the amusement arcade, updates the storage point by adding it to the storage point of the A prize exchange settlement request including at least the corresponding number of points is transmitted to the debit card settlement system, and the debit card settlement In response to the prize exchange settlement request, the system debits the amount corresponding to the number of points included in the request from the game center account, deposits the amount into the debit cooperating member store account, and stores the amount. The storage points of the corresponding debit card are reduced by the number of points included in the prize exchange settlement request.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game media lending machine for supplying a game medium corresponding to a designated amount to its own outlet, wherein a debit card owned by a player is inserted, and Is provided by a debit payment requesting means for causing the debit card payment system to settle.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming medium lending machine provided between gaming machines for directly supplying a gaming medium according to a designated amount to a gaming machine, wherein the debit card owned by the player is provided. And a debit payment requesting means for causing the debit card payment system to settle the designated amount.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium supply card issuing machine for issuing a game medium supply card according to a designated amount for use in supplying a game medium. And a debit payment requesting means for causing the debit card payment system to settle the designated amount.

A game medium lending instruction device according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention instructs a gaming machine having a self-supply function of a game medium to supply a game medium within a range of a balance of the inserted game medium supply card. A game media supply card issuance function is also provided between the gaming machines, and a debit card owned by a player is inserted, and the amount required for issuing the game medium supply card is provided. Is provided by a debit payment requesting means for causing the debit card payment system to settle.

A game medium supply card settlement machine according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is used to settle the balance of a game medium supply card used when supplying a game medium. It is characterized by having a balance settlement requesting means for inserting the balance of the game medium supply card and transferring the balance to a player account relating to the debit card by a debit card settlement system.

The reward game medium counting device of the present invention according to claim 18 is for counting reward game media as a result of a game, wherein a debit card possessed by a player is inserted, and the number corresponding to the current counted number is counted. A point addition requesting means for transmitting the number of points to a point accumulation system provided outside the game arcade and accumulating and updating the number of points corresponding to the debit card stored in the point accumulation system is provided. And

A prize exchange debit card processing terminal according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention is a prize exchange debit card processing terminal which stores point numbers corresponding to the number of prize balls corresponding to a debit card; The amount corresponding to the number of points included in the request shall be deducted from the account of the game arcade, and the amount shall be deposited in the account of a debit cooperating merchant store or the account of a prize delivery company, and the debit card Prize exchange settlement execution means for reducing the storage points of the corresponding debit card stored in another point storage means by the number of points included in the prize exchange settlement request, provided outside the game hall. For the point accumulation system, prize exchange including information on the debit card owned by the inserted player and the number of points according to the prize It has a prize exchange settlement requesting means for transmitting a completion request, characterized in that provided in the debit merchant or game arcade cooperate to prize exchange game arcade.

[0031]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (A) First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Although the type of gaming machine installed in the game arcade according to the first embodiment is not limited, in the following, in consideration of simplification of the explanation, the gaming machine installed in the game arcade is a pachinko machine. The description will be made assuming that the game machine is used.

In the first embodiment, game media can be lent out using a payment card (called a debit card) having unique identification information.

In the first embodiment, the number of prize balls in a game arcade is managed as a prize exchange point using unique identification information of a debit card, and processing of a debit card installed in a store is performed. The terminal is also used as a prize exchange processing terminal so that a prize exchange of a game arcade can be executed at a plurality of stores outside the game arcade. In this case, the center device of the communication partner when functioning as a debit card processing terminal is the same as the center device of the communication partner when functioning as a prize exchange processing terminal.

(A-1) Configuration of First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a game medium processing communication system according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a game medium processing communication system 1 of the first embodiment is configured such that a game hall processing system 2 is connected to a debit card settlement system 3. That is, the game medium processing communication system 1 of the first embodiment uses a debit card for predetermined processing related to game media.

The debit card settlement system 3 can be connected to a debit member store processing terminal 20 and a game room cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25 described later.

Here, the term "debit card" used in the detailed description of the invention of this specification refers to a general card which can correspond to a communication authentication (confirmation) system using a unique identification number for each card (to be described later). The payment card of the card system, which can be settled in real time by communicating in real time, is used as an example for convenience in the following description. Of course, it is not limited to the bank type (it may be a credit card, a prepaid card, etc.). Not only cards that can read and write data such as IC cards but also unique identification numbers for each card,
Say all cards used in multiple stores. In the following, a case where a bank-based payment card is used will be described.

The amusement arcade processing system 2 includes a management computer 10, a CR sand CR gaming machine 11a, a cash sand gaming machine 12a, a prepaid card issuing machine 13a, and a ball lending machine 14.
a, Prepaid card payment machine 15a, cash register PO for counter
S device 16a and prize exchange debit card processing terminal 1
Seven. In addition, CR sand CR gaming machine 11a, cash sand gaming machine 12a, prepaid card ticketing machine 13a,
The ball lending machine 14a, the prepaid card settlement machine 15a, and the cash register POS device 16a for the counter are respectively provided with debit card processing terminals 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b, 15b,
16b is provided in association therewith.

Although the connection lines are omitted in FIG. 1, the debit card processing terminals 11b and 12b provided in connection with the CR sand CR gaming machine 11a and the cash sand gaming machine 12a also have other debit cards. Card processing terminal 1
Like 3b, 14b, 15b, 16b and 17, it is connected to a data exchange network 23 described later.

The management computer 10 manages the entire game arcade. This management function will be clarified in the description of the other components and the operation description to be described later.

As in the prior art, the CR sand CR gaming machine 11a has a CR sand capable of executing a ball lending function using a prepaid card, and a CR gaming machine to which a gaming medium lent to the upper plate from the inside of the gaming machine is supplied. Connected to the machine. Although the conventional CR sand CR gaming machine also has a function of issuing a prepaid card of a predetermined amount by inserting cash, the CR sand CR gaming machine 11a of the first embodiment is used.
Has a function of issuing a prepaid card using a debit card instead of inserting cash. Therefore, CR
A debit card processing terminal 11b is provided in association with the sand CR gaming machine 11a.

The CR sand CR gaming machine 11a (especially CR sand) transfers the amount information to the debit card processing terminal 11b when a prepaid card is issued, and notifies the debit card processing terminal 11b of the end of settlement. It is the first time that a prepaid card is issued. When a prepaid card is issued, a predetermined amount of the prepaid card is once ejected, and then the card is drawn into the interior immediately so that a ball can be lent. On the other hand, the CR sand CR gaming machine 11a visually or audibly notifies that the prepaid card cannot be issued when the debit card processing terminal 11b notifies that the payment is impossible (insufficient balance). The detailed function of the debit card processing terminal 11b will be described later.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the front configuration of a CR sand CR gaming machine 11a in which a debit card processing terminal 11b is integrated. CR sand CR gaming machine 11a is CR
Consists of a gaming machine 11a-1 and a CR sand 11a-2,
The R-sand 11a-2 has a prepaid card entrance 11
0, a prepaid card purchase button 111, a ball lending request button 112, and the like, as well as a debit card entrance 113, a debit card ejection request button 11
4. Ten keys 115 are provided. Numeric keypad 115
Is used for inputting a password of a debit card. When a prepaid card having a different amount can be issued, the card is used to designate the amount. Although a display unit for displaying a message necessary for a debit card settlement process, which will be described later, is not clearly shown in FIG. 2, the display unit of the CR gaming machine 11a-1 may be used, or the CR sand 11a may be used. -2 may be provided with a dedicated display unit. Alternatively, a voice message output may be used.

CR gaming machine 11a-1 and CR sand 11a
-2 is performed by, for example, a microcomputer (CP not shown).
U, ROM, and RAM).

In the cash sand gaming machine 12a, a sand capable of accepting cash and executing a ball lending function from a ball lending nozzle is connected to the gaming machine as in the prior art. The cash sand gaming machine lends a ball by inserting cash, but the cash sand gaming machine 12a of the first embodiment.
Replaces the cash input method (or in addition to the cash input method)
It plays a ball lending function using a debit card. Therefore, a debit card processing terminal 12b is provided in association with the cash sand gaming machine 12a.

Cash-sand machine 12a (especially sand)
Is to transfer the amount information to the debit card processing terminal 12b when the ball lending is requested, and only when the settlement completion is notified from the debit card processing terminal 12b,
The ball rental is performed. Meanwhile, cash sand machine 1
Reference numeral 2a indicates visually or audibly that the ball cannot be lent when the debit card processing terminal 12b notifies that settlement is impossible (insufficient balance). The detailed functions of the debit card processing terminal 12b will be described later.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the front structure of a cash sand gaming machine 12a in which a debit card processing terminal 12b is integrated. The cash sand gaming machine 12a is a gaming machine 12a
-1 and a sand 12a-2. The sand 12a-2 includes a ball lending request button 120, a ball lending nozzle 121, and the like, and a debit card entrance 12a.
2. Debit card ejection request button 123, numeric keypad 1
24 and the like are provided. The numeric keypad 124 is used for inputting a password of a debit card or the like. It is also used to specify the amount of money. Although a display unit for displaying a message necessary for the debit card payment processing as described later is not clearly shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 12a
-1 may be used, or a dedicated display may be provided on the sand 12a-2. Alternatively, a voice message output may be used.

The control operation of the gaming machine 12a-1 and the sand 12a-2 is performed by, for example, a microcomputer (CPU, RO, not shown).
M, RAM).

The prepaid card issuing machine 13a is for issuing a prepaid card used for lending a ball for a game medium, as in the prior art. The conventional prepaid card issuing machine also has a function of issuing a prepaid card by inserting cash. However, the prepaid card issuing machine 13a of the first embodiment replaces the cash input method or adds to the cash input method. It also has the function of issuing prepaid cards using debit cards. Therefore, a debit card processing terminal 13b is provided in association with the prepaid card issuing machine 13a.

The prepaid card issuing machine 13a transfers the amount information to the debit card processing terminal 13b when it is required to issue a prepaid card using a debit card.
The stored prepaid card is issued only after the settlement end is notified from the company. On the other hand, the prepaid card issuing machine 13a visually or audibly notifies that the prepaid card cannot be issued when the debit card processing terminal 13b notifies that the settlement is impossible (insufficient balance). The debit card processing terminal 1
The detailed function of 3b will be described later.

The prepaid card settlement machine 15a, as in the prior art, is used to settle (pay back) the balance information (remaining balance) of the prepaid card with cash. In recent years, settlement of prepaid card balance information (balance) has also been performed. As described above, the conventional prepaid card payment machine has a cash payment function, but the prepaid card payment machine 15a of the first embodiment replaces the cash payment method or uses the cash payment method. In addition, it also has a payment function for prepaid cards using debit cards. Therefore, a debit card processing terminal 15b is provided in association with the prepaid card settlement machine 15a.

The prepaid card payment machine 15a transfers the balance information (the balance) from the game center account to the account relating to the debit card to the debit card processing terminal 15b, which has been required to settle the balance information, using the debit card. A request is made, and the settlement process is ended only when the transfer end is notified from the debit card processing terminal 15b. On the other hand, the prepaid card settlement machine 15a
When the transfer failure is notified from the debit card processing terminal 15b, the fact is notified visually or audibly. The detailed function of the debit card processing terminal 15b will be described later.

Each of the prepaid card issuing machine 13a and the prepaid card settlement machine 15a is constructed as a dedicated machine (see FIG. 1), and the prepaid card issuing machine 13a.
It may be constructed as a prepaid card ticketing payment machine that combines the functions of the prepaid card payment machine 15a. Such a prepaid card ticketing machine also has the functions of the debit card processing terminals 13b and 15b.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the front configuration of a prepaid card ticketing machine 130 in which the functions of the prepaid card issuing machine 13a and the prepaid card accounting machine 15a are combined. In addition, this prepaid card ticketing payment machine 13
0 indicates that the debit card processing terminals 13b and 15b are also integrated.

The prepaid card issuance and settlement machine 130 includes an amount designation button 131, a bill insertion slot 132, a prepaid card entrance 133, a cancel button 134, and a settlement button 13.
5, a bill outlet 136, a coin outlet 137, a debit card entrance 138, and a numeric keypad 139.

The elements of the prepaid card issuing machine 13a include a bill insertion slot 132 for inserting the inserted amount, an amount specifying button 131 for specifying the amount of the prepaid card,
Prepaid card entrance 1 to discharge the prepaid card
33 and so on.

The elements of the prepaid card settlement machine 15a include a prepaid card entrance 133 for inserting a prepaid card for settlement, and a settlement button 1 for starting settlement.
35 and a bill outlet 136 and a coin outlet 137 for discharging the settlement cash.

In the case of the first embodiment, a debit card is used both when a prepaid card is issued and when a payment is made. Therefore, a debit card entrance 138 and a numeric keypad 139 used for inputting a password of the debit card are provided. ing.

The cancel button 134 is for canceling the issue of a prepaid card and the settlement process. Further, a display unit for displaying a message necessary for a debit card settlement process (including a prepaid card settlement process) as described later is not clearly shown in FIG.
It may be provided or a voice message output means.

The control operation of the prepaid card issuing and payment machine 130 is performed, for example, by a microcomputer (CPU, RO
M, RAM).

The ball lending machine 14a lends game media independently of the gaming machines 11a and 12A. Ball rental machine,
The ball lending function is executed by inserting cash.
The ball lending machine 14a of the first embodiment also has a ball lending function using a debit card instead of, or in addition to, the cash input method. Therefore, ball rental machine 14
a is provided in association with the debit card processing terminal 14b.

The ball lending machine 14a transfers the money amount information to the debit card processing terminal 14b when a ball lending is requested. Lend media. On the other hand, the ball lending machine 14a, when notified from the debit card processing terminal 14b that settlement is impossible (insufficient balance), visually or audibly notifies that ball lending is not possible. The debit card processing terminal 1
The detailed function of 4b will be described later.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the front configuration of a ball lending machine 14a in which a debit card processing terminal 14b is integrated. The ball lending machine 14a includes a debit card entrance / exit 144, a debit card ejection request button 145, a debit card entrance / exit 144, a bill input slot 142, a bill ejection slot 143, a game media ejection slot 143, and other similar components. A ten key 146 is provided. The ten keys 146 are used for inputting a password of a debit card or the like. Although not clearly shown in FIG. 5, a display unit for displaying a message necessary for a debit card payment process as described later may be provided, or may be a voice message output unit.

The CR of the CR sand CR gaming machine 11a
The function of the prepaid card settlement machine 15a may be provided to a sand or a cash register POS device 16a to be described later (the term of the game medium supply card settlement machine in the claims includes such a case. ).

The control operation of the ball lending machine 14a is executed by, for example, a microcomputer (not shown) comprising a CPU, a ROM and a RAM.

The counter cash register POS device 16a counts the number of prize balls obtained by the player as a result of the game, and prints out. In the case of the first embodiment, information (points) of the number of prize balls obtained by counting by the cashier POS device 16a for a counter is transferred to a game hall debit management center device 26 described later.
The debit card is used for personal authentication at that time. Therefore, cash register POS for counter
The device 16a is associated with a debit card processing terminal 16b.

The counter cash register POS device 16a transfers points to the debit card processing terminal 16b when the accumulation of points is requested, and when the accumulation (accumulation) end is notified from the debit card processing terminal 16b. Is to clear the count value. On the other hand, the cashier POS device 16a for the counter is a debit card processing terminal 16a.
When the storage failure is notified from b, the fact is notified visually or audibly. The detailed function of the debit card processing terminal 16b will be described later.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the external configuration of a cashier POS device 16a for a counter in which a debit card processing terminal 16b is integrated. The cashier POS device 16a for a counter is
A point storage button 164, a debit card doorway 165, a numeric keypad 166, and the like are provided in addition to the conventional components such as the game medium input hopper 160, the display unit 161, the print button 162, and the printer 163. The numeric keypad 166 is used for inputting a password of a debit card or the like.

The control operation of the register POS device 16a for a counter is performed, for example, by a microcomputer (CPU, ROM, R
AM).

The debit card processing terminal 17 at the prize exchange area
Is provided in the prize exchange hall, and in the case of prize exchange using points accumulated in connection with the debit card, the prize exchange is provided by exchanging with a game hall debit management device 26 described later. The points related to the prize are subtracted from the accumulated points of the game hall debit management device 26. The prize exchange debit card processing terminal 1
7 and the debit card processing terminal 16b associated with the counter cash register POS device 16a may be the same terminal.

Each debit card processing terminal (including a premium exchange debit card processing terminal) 11b, 12b, 13
Each of b, 14b, 15b, 16b and 17 has substantially the same hardware configuration when viewed alone.

Each debit card processing terminal 11b, 12
Although the internal configuration of each of b, 13b, 14b, 15b, 16b, and 17 is omitted, a debit card reader (including a card entrance and a transport unit) for reading debit card information and a debit card owner (player) ), Etc., and account information that stores account information (may be taken out of the management computer 10 when necessary) related to a game arcade where the debit card processing terminal is provided. It has a storage unit, a payment information communication unit that executes communication with the debit card payment system 3, and the like.

The debit card processing terminals 11b, 12b,
13b, 14b, 15b, 16b and 17 have any of the following four functions.

The first function is to cause the debit card settlement system 3 to execute the debit card settlement when issuing a ball rental or a prepaid card. This first function is performed by the debit card processing terminals 11b, 12b, 13b and 14b.

Second, the process of refunding the balance information (remaining balance) of the prepaid card to the account related to the debit card,
It has a function to be executed by the debit card payment system 3. The second function is the debit card processing terminal 1
5b is responsible.

Third, the debit card settlement system 3 has a function of associating the points related to the prize ball with the debit card. This third function is performed by the debit card processing terminal 16b.

The fourth function is to reduce the points used in the prize exchange from the accumulated points in the debit card settlement system 3. The fourth function is performed by the debit card processing terminal 17.

The debit card processing terminals 11b, 12b, 13b and 14b having the first function perform similar processing in relation to the debit card settlement system 3.

Each debit card processing terminal 11b, 12
When the debit card is inserted, b, 13b, and 14b read the identification information (hereinafter, referred to as ID; also include information specifying the bank) and the password, and read the password entered by the owner. (The collation may be left to the debit card settlement system 3). Also, the debit card processing terminals 11b, 12
b, 13b and 14b are associated devices 11
a, a payment request signal including a debit card ID, a personal identification number, a playground account information, and a price information is transmitted to the debit card payment system 3 when a, 12a, 13a, and 14a are provided with the price information relating to the payment. It is. Further, the debit card processing terminals 11b, 12
b, 13b and 14b receive the return information from the debit card payment system 3 side and give it to the associated devices 11a, 12a, 13a and 14a.

When a debit card is inserted, the debit card processing terminal 15b having the second function
D and the password are read and collated with the password entered by the owner (the collation may be left to the debit card settlement system 3). Further, when the debit card processing terminal 15b is provided with the amount information relating to the settlement from the associated prepaid card settlement machine 15a, the debit card processing terminal 15b transmits a settlement request signal including the debit card ID, the password, the game center account information and the amount information. , To the debit card payment system 3 side. Further, the debit card processing terminal 15b receives the settlement end information from the debit card settlement system 3 and gives it to the prepaid card settlement machine 15a.

When the debit card is inserted, the debit card processing terminal 16b having the third function
D and the password are read and collated with the password entered by the owner (the collation may be left to the debit card settlement system 3). Further, the debit card processing terminal 16b is a cashier POS device 1 for a counter.
When the prize ball number information (points) is given from 6a, a point addition request signal including the debit card ID, the personal identification number and the prize ball number information is transmitted to the debit card settlement system 3 side. Further, the debit card processing terminal 16b receives the addition completion information from the debit card payment system 3 side as a counter cash register POS device 16
a.

When the debit card is inserted, the debit card processing terminal 17 having the fourth function
And the password is read and collated with the password entered by the owner (the collation may be left to the debit card settlement system 3). Further, when the ball number information (points) to be exchanged for a prize is given, the debit card processing terminal 17 sends a prize exchange settlement request including the debit card ID, the personal identification number and the prize ball number information to the debit card settlement system 3. What to send. Further, the debit card processing terminal 17 receives the settlement result from the debit card settlement system 3 and reports (for example, prints the remaining points).

Although the above description has been made on the assumption that the debit card stores the password, the debit card may not store the password. That is, the debit card records only identification information (ID) physically, magnetically, electrically, or optically, and the personal identification number is stored in the debit management center device 21 of the debit card settlement system 3 or the user. May be recorded and held on the bank processing device side of the debit card issuer, and the personal identification number may be authenticated in real time based on the communication line. Thus, even if the user loses the debit card, the acquirer does not know the password, so that it is possible to prevent the debit card from being illegally used.

The debit card settlement system 3 includes a debit management center device 21 and bank processing devices 22-1 to 22-22.
Have existing components such as -n. The debit card payment system 3 responds to a debit card payment request from the existing debit member store processing terminal 20. The debit member store processing terminal 20 and the debit management center device 21 are connected via a general data exchange network 23 such as an ISDN network, and the debit management center device 21 and the bank processing devices 22-1 to 22-n. CAF between
It is connected via an IS (JBA network) 24.

The first embodiment is characterized in that it has a game center debit management center device 26 in addition to the general configuration of the debit card settlement system 3 described above. It is also characterized in that the debit card payment system 3 can respond to a premium exchange payment request from the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25.

The game center debit management center device 26 is connected to the above-mentioned game room debit card processing terminals 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b, and 15 via the data exchange network 23.
b, 16b, and 17 and the game hall cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25. The gaming arcade debit management center device 26 can be connected to any of the bank processing devices 22-1 to 22-n via the CAFIS 24.

The game center debit management center device 26 is a debit card processing terminal 11 in the game hall related to the first function.
b, 12b, 13b or 14b, when a payment request signal is given, a debit card payment process is performed, and the processing result is transmitted to the debit card processing terminals 11b, 12b, 1b.
3b or 14b.

The game center debit management center device 26
Performs a settlement process when a settlement request signal is given from the debit card processing terminal 15b in the game arcade relating to the second function, and outputs the processing result to the debit card processing terminal 1.
5b.

Further, the game center debit management center device 2
When a point addition request signal is given from the debit card processing terminal 16b in the game arcade related to the third function, the point 6 executes addition processing for points related to the debit card.

Further, the game center debit management center device 26 includes a game room cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25,
Debit card processing terminal 1 in a game arcade related to the third function
7, when a prize exchange settlement request is given, prize exchange settlement processing such as point subtraction processing is appropriately performed, and the processing result is transmitted to the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25.
Or a reply to the debit card processing terminal 17.

The game center debit management center device 26
When a normal settlement request signal is given from the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25, debit card settlement processing is performed, and the processing result is returned.

The game arcade debit management center device 26, when executing a debit card settlement process or a settlement process, aggregates information such as the flow of money between banks. In addition, the arcade debit management center device 26, CAFIS
24 or a dedicated line between the centers, and can be connected to the debit management center device 21. At the end of each predetermined aggregation period, the aggregated value of information such as the flow of money between banks is managed by the debit management center. This is transferred to the center device 21.

In the following description of the operation, the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 performs all the prize exchange settlement processing based on the points accumulated by the user (player), in other words, not only the settlement of points but also the payment of money. Although the settlement is also described, the settlement processing may be distributed and shared between the game center debit management center device 26 and the debit management center device 21. For example, when the game center debit management center device 26 performs a prize exchange settlement process based on the points accumulated by the user, the debit management center device 21 is transmitted via the CAFIS 24 or the data exchange network 23.
The debit management center device 21 performs a cash settlement process based on the points used by the user between the debit member store and the game arcade in response to the settlement request signal, and completes the settlement. A signal may be returned to the game center debit management center device 26.

The cash settlement processing of the prize exchange based on the points between the debit member store and the amusement arcade may be performed in a lump sum with a fixed period of time, or may be performed in each case with immediate settlement (described later). The description of the operation to be performed is the latter). Since the prize exchange based on points can be exchanged only within a certain range of the user of the game center debit management center device 26, the settlement cost can be reduced by collectively performing settlement at the end of the month or the like.

The game center debit management center device 26
Is used to collect and manage other items (for example, the total number of points added per day or the total number of points subtracted per day).

The game arcade debit management center device 26 will actually be composed of a plurality of computer devices (for example, a configuration in which a large computer is centered and a small computer is connected to it), but functionally. Figure 7
The configuration shown in FIG.

The game center debit management center device 26 functionally includes a control unit 30, a storage unit (which is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk) 31, a printing unit 32, a communication processing unit 33, and the like (input unit). And the display unit are not shown).

The storage unit 31 stores a settlement journal 31a storing history information of processed settlement contents, point information 31b by debit card, interbank money transfer information 31c.
Are stored. If there are a plurality of gaming arcades related to the system, the settlement journal 31
a and the debit card-specific point information 31b may be stored. The contents of the settlement journal 31a etc.
The printing is performed by the printing unit 32 at predetermined intervals.

Amusement arcade cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25
Can not only operate as a normal debit member store processing terminal 20, but also has a prize exchange settlement processing function.
In other words, the arcade cooperating debit member store cooperates in providing the merchandise sold by itself as a prize of the arcade, and provides the debit card holder stored in the arcade debit management center device 26 with the debit card holder. Within the range of the points (corresponding to the number of prize balls), the merchandise can be provided as a prize.
Transmits a prize exchange settlement request to the game center debit management center device 26, and receives a settlement result from the game room debit management center device 26.

Amusement arcade cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25
For example, similarly to the debit member store processing terminal 20, the hardware can be realized by a computer device such as a personal computer having a debit card reader, and a general debit as a processing function (processing routine) of the control unit thereof. A payment processing function using a card and a prize exchange payment processing function are provided. In relation to the premium exchange settlement processing function,
Information on the number of exchange points for each product is stored. Instead, a return rate calculation method for converting a price into a point number or the like may be stored. In addition, the illustration of the internal configuration of the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25 is omitted.

(A-2) Operation of First Embodiment Hereinafter, the operation of the game medium processing communication system 1 of the first embodiment (the game medium processing communication method of the first embodiment) will be described.

(A-2-1) Ticketing Operation of Prepaid Card Next, the operation of the player and the system when the player obtains the prepaid card will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. In addition, all or a part of the actions described as being performed by the player in this section may be performed by a gaming hall employee. In the following, a ticketing operation of the prepaid card issuing machine 13a will be described.

When the player attempts to obtain a prepaid card, the player activates the prepaid card issuing machine 13a and, based on the display at that time, sends a debit card processing terminal 13b to his / her debit card processing terminal 13b. Is inserted and a personal identification number is entered (T1). At this time,
The debit card processing terminal 13b checks whether it is a debit card that can be handled and whether the input password matches the one stored in the debit card (T2). If the password is not stored in the debit card, the collation of the password is omitted.

If the debit card cannot be handled, or if the inputted password is different from the stored one, a notification process is carried out (T3).

On the other hand, upon confirming the validity of the debit card, the debit card processing terminal 13b notifies the prepaid card issuing machine 13a of the fact, and the prepaid card issuing machine 13a informs the player of the prepaid card to be issued. The user is requested to input money amount information on the card (T4). In response to this, the player issues a prepaid card issuing machine 13a.
Is input to the user (T5).

This amount information is transferred from the prepaid card issuing machine 13a to the debit card processing terminal 13b, and the debit card processing terminal 13b setstle the payment request signal including the debit card ID, the password, the game hall account information and the amount information. The game center debit management center device 26
(T6).

At this time, the game center debit management center device 26 transmits the debit card ID to the bank processing device 22-i (i is 1 to n; omitted in FIG. 8) of the issuing bank of the debit card related to the current settlement processing. The personal identification number, the amount information, etc. are given, and a request is made to confirm whether or not the amount can be debited from the account related to the debit card (T7). In addition,
At this point, execution of the debit may be requested. Thereafter, the game center debit management center device 26 waits for a reply to the request from the bank processing device 22-i, and determines the content of the reply (T8).

The purchase of a prepaid card using a debit card may be performed in the same manner as the conventional product purchase using a debit card. That is, the debit card processing terminal 13b may directly output a settlement request signal to the debit management center device 21.
Further, from the viewpoint of user management, a settlement request signal may be output to the debit management center device 21 via the game center debit management center device 26.

If the account specified by the debit card ID and the password does not exist, or if the account exists but its balance is less than the specified amount, a reply indicating that the account cannot be debited is returned. The center device 26 adds the current processing history to the settlement journal 31a, and indicates that the settlement is impossible in the debit card processing terminal 13.
b (T9). As a result, the debit card processing terminal 13b notifies the prepaid card issuing machine 13a that the prepaid card cannot be issued and ejects the debit card (T10, T1).
1). The player receives the discharged debit card (T12).

On the other hand, the game center debit management center device 26, which has been notified of the possibility of debit from the bank processing device 22-i related to the debit card, causes the bank processing device 22-i to execute the debit, and at the same time, related to the game account. The bank processor 22-j (j is 1 to n; omitted in FIG. 8) executes the payment of the designated amount to the game center account (T1).
3). And the game center debit management center device 26,
Waiting for the acknowledgment of the processing end from both the bank processing devices 22-i and 22-j, storing the current processing history in the settlement journal 31a, and updating the interbank money transfer information 31c in accordance with the current settlement, The settlement completion is returned to the debit card processing terminal 13b (T14).

At this time, the debit card processing terminal 13b
Causes the prepaid card issuing machine 13a to discharge the designated amount of the prepaid card and discharge the debit card (T15). The player receives the discharged prepaid card and debit card (T16).

[0113] In the CR sand CR gaming machine 11a and the debit card processing terminal 11b, the prepaid card issuance is also performed by the debit card settlement system 3.
The same processing as on the side is performed. Therefore, description using a sequence diagram is omitted. However, CR sand CR gaming machine 1
In the case of 1a, the issued (discharged) prepaid card is immediately drawn into the inside, and ball lending using the prepaid card becomes possible.

(A-2-2) Ball lending operation without using the prepaid card Next, the operation of the player and the system when the player obtains the game medium without using the prepaid card will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. It will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, all or a part of the actions described as being performed by the player in this section may be performed by a gaming hall employee. In the following, the ball rental machine 14a
The ball lending operation in will be described.

When the player wants to obtain a game medium without using a prepaid card, the player activates the ball lending machine 14a and, based on the display at that time, sends a message to the debit card processing terminal 14b. Insert the debit card owned by the user and input the password (T31). At this time, the debit card processing terminal 14b checks whether the debit card can be handled and whether the input personal identification number matches the one stored in the debit card (T32). If the password is not stored in the debit card, the collation of the password is omitted.

If the debit card cannot be handled or if the inputted password is different from the stored one, a notification process is carried out (T33).

On the other hand, when confirming the validity of the debit card, the debit card processing terminal 14b notifies the ball lending machine 14a to that effect, and the ball lending machine 14a gives the player information on the amount of money related to ball lending. An input is requested (T34). The player
In response, the amount information is input to the ball lending machine 14a (T
35).

This amount information is transferred from the ball lending machine 14a to the debit card processing terminal 14b, and the debit card processing terminal 14b sends a settlement request signal including a debit card ID, a personal identification number, game hall account information, and amount information. ,
It is transmitted to the game center debit management center device 26 (T3
6).

At this time, the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 sends the debit card ID to the bank processing device 22-i (i is 1 to n; omitted in FIG. 9) of the issuing bank of the debit card related to the current settlement processing. The personal identification number, the amount information, and the like are given, and a request is made to confirm whether or not the amount can be withdrawn from the account of the debit card (T37). At this point, execution of the withdrawal may be requested. Thereafter, the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 waits for a reply from the bank processing device 22-i to the request,
The content of the reply is determined (T38).

It should be noted that, for a ball lending using a debit card, the same processing as the conventional product purchase using a debit card may be performed. That is, the debit card processing terminal 14b may directly output a settlement request signal to the debit management center device 21. Further, from the viewpoint of user management, a settlement request signal may be output to the debit management center device 21 via the game center debit management center device 26.

If the account defined by the debit card ID and the password does not exist, or if the account does exist but its balance is less than the specified amount, a reply indicating that the account cannot be debited is returned. The center device 26 adds the current processing history to the settlement journal 31a and sets the settlement failure to the debit card processing terminal 14
b (T39). As a result, the debit card processing terminal 14b notifies the ball lending machine 14a that the ball cannot be lent and ejects the debit card (T40, T41). The player receives the discharged debit card (T42).

On the other hand, the game center debit management center device 26, which has been notified of the possibility of debit from the bank processing device 22-i related to the debit card, causes the bank processing device 22-i to execute the debit, and also controls the game room account. The bank processor 22-j (j is 1 to n; omitted in FIG. 9) executes the payment of the designated amount to the game arcade account (T4).
3). And the game center debit management center device 26,
Waiting for the acknowledgment of the processing end from both the bank processing devices 22-i and 22-j, storing the current processing history in the settlement journal 31a, and updating the interbank money transfer information 31c in accordance with the current settlement, The settlement end is returned to the debit card processing terminal 14b (T44).

At this time, the debit card processing terminal 14b
Ejects the debit card, and the player receives the ejected debit card (T45, T46). The ball lending machine 14a causes the designated amount of game media to be discharged, and the player receives the discharged game media (T47, T4).
8).

Note that the cash sand gaming machine 12a and the debit card processing terminal 12b also perform the same processing as the debit card settlement system 3 for ball lending that does not use a prepaid card. Therefore, description using a sequence diagram is omitted. However, in the case of the cash sand gaming machine 12a or the like, the game medium is directly discharged from the sand to the cash sand gaming machine 12a.

(A-2-3) Prepaid Card Balance Settlement Operation Next, the operation of the player and the system when the player setstle the prepaid card balance will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. . In addition, all or a part of the actions described as being performed by the player in this section may be performed by a gaming hall employee.

When the balance of the prepaid card is settled, the player inserts the prepaid card to be settled into the prepaid card settlement machine 15a and starts the process (T50). At this time, the prepaid card payment machine 15a
Reads the balance (remaining frequency) of the prepaid card and asks the player for the type of settlement method (T51, T5).
2).

The prepaid card records only a unique ID, and the balance information is stored in the management computer 10.
If the ID is stored in correspondence with the ID, the balance information is taken out from the management computer 10 instead of reading the balance (remaining frequency). Although omitted in FIG. 10, when the balance information is 0, a notification to that effect is made and the series of processing ends.

[0128] In the case of requesting settlement by account transfer, the player inserts a debit card into a prepaid card settlement machine 15a.
To enter the password and input the password. On the other hand, when asking for cash settlement, the cash settlement button is operated (T53 to T55).

The debit card processing terminal 15b of the prepaid card settlement machine 15a into which the debit card is inserted and the personal identification number is input is a debit card which can be handled or the input personal identification number is stored in the debit card. Confirm that they match the existing ones (T5
6). If the password is not stored in the debit card, the collation of the password is omitted.

If the debit card cannot be handled or if the inputted password is different from the stored one, a notification process is performed for that (T57).

On the other hand, when the validity of the debit card is confirmed, the debit card processing terminal 15b sends a settlement request signal including a debit card ID, a personal identification number, game center account information and amount information to the game center debit management center. The data is transmitted to the device 26 (T58).

At this time, the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 gives the money amount information and the like to the bank processing device 22-j (j is 1 to n; omitted in FIG. 10) of the amusement arcade account related to the current settlement settlement process. Then, a request is made to confirm whether or not the amount can be withdrawn (T59). At this point, execution of the withdrawal may be requested. Thereafter, the game center debit management center device 26 waits for a reply from the bank processing device 22-j to the request, and determines the content of the reply (T60).

The payment of the prepaid card is also performed by the debit card processing terminal 15b from the debit management center device 2.
1 may be directly output a settlement request signal. Also, from the viewpoint of user management, a settlement request signal may be output to the debit management center device 21 via the game center debit management center device 26.

If the debit from the game center account is not possible, a message indicating that the debit cannot be made is returned. At this time, the game center debit management center device 26 adds the current processing history to the payment journal 31a and debits the payment failure. A reply is sent to the card processing terminal 15b (T61). As a result, the debit card processing terminal 15b informs that the account transfer cannot be settled, the prepaid card adjuster 15a discharges the settled amount of cash, and the player receives the discharged cash (T62 to T64). ).

When the cash settlement is requested by the player, the prepaid card settlement machine 15a immediately discharges the cash of the settlement amount, and the player receives the discharged cash (T63, T64).

On the other hand, the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 notified of the possibility of debit from the amusement arcade account causes the bank processing device 22-j to execute the debit and the bank processing device 22-i related to the debit card. (I is 1 to n; omitted in FIG. 10) and the payment of the settlement amount (communications costs and other settlement fees may be reduced) is executed (T65). Then, the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 waits for an acknowledgment of the processing end from both the bank processing devices 22-i and 22-j, and then setstle the settlement journal 31.
a to store the current processing history, update the inter-bank money transfer information 31c according to the current settlement, and return the settlement settlement end to the debit card processing terminal 15b (T6).
6).

At this time, the debit card processing terminal 15b
Collects the prepaid card (T67) and discharges the debit card, and the player receives the discharged debit card (T68, T69).

[0138] Even when the cash is settled because it is impossible to withdraw the money from the game center account, the collection of the prepaid card, the discharge of the debit card, and the like are executed.

[0139] The information of the debit card at the time of issuing the prepaid card may be stored in the management computer 10 or the like, and the same debit card may be inserted even when the balance of the prepaid card is settled.

(A-2-4) Premium Ball Processing Operation Next, the operation of the player and the system at the time of processing the premium ball as a reward of the game result will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. Note that all or a part of the actions described as being performed by the player in this section may be performed by the cashier POS staff.

When trying to process a prize ball obtained as a result of the game, the player activates the processing at the cash register POS device 16a and, based on the display at that time, sends a command to the debit card processing terminal 16b. The user inserts his / her debit card and inputs his / her personal identification number (T61). At this time,
The debit card processing terminal 16b checks whether it is a debit card that can be handled, and whether the inputted password matches the one stored in the debit card (T62). If the password is not stored in the debit card, the collation of the password is omitted.

If the debit card cannot be handled, or if the inputted password is different from the one stored, a notification process is carried out (T63).

On the other hand, upon confirming the validity of the debit card, the debit card processing terminal 16b informs the register P
Notifying the OS device 16a, the cash register POS device 16a requests the player to perform a prize ball counting operation (T64). In response, the player causes the cash register POS device 16a to count the number of premium balls (T65, T66). Of course, the prize ball may be counted in advance by a counter, and the counting result may be received as a recording medium such as a receipt or a card and input to the cash register POS device 16a.

Information on the number of counted prize balls (points)
Is transferred from the cash register POS device 16a to the debit card processing terminal 16b,
Transmits a point addition request signal including a debit card ID, a password, and information on the number of premium balls to the game center debit management center device 26 (T67).

At this time, the game center debit management center device 26 sets the debit card-specific point information 31b as
It is determined whether or not the point information of the debit card related to the current arrival information has already been stored (T68).

If it is not stored in the debit card-specific point information 31b, the game center debit management center device 2
6 is the bank processor 2 of the bank that issued the debit card
2-i is given a debit card ID, PIN, etc.
The validity of the debit card is confirmed (T69).
If the account specified by the debit card ID and the password does not exist, the account absence is returned,
The amusement arcade debit management center device 26 adds the current processing history to the settlement journal 31a, and replies to the debit card processing terminal 16b that points cannot be added (T
70). Thereby, the debit card processing terminal 16b
Notifies the cashier POS device 16a of the fact and ejects the debit card (T71, T7
2). The player receives the discharged debit card (T73).

In this case, general prize exchange processing is executed, or the processing shifts to processing using another debit card.

On the other hand, the account relating to the debit card for which point addition is to be executed is valid (a positive result in T69), and the game center debit management center device 26 has received a reply from the bank processor 22-i. Sets the storage field for the debit card in the debit card-specific point information 31b and stores the given point (T74).

If the storage field of the debit card related to the point addition request already exists in the debit card-specific point information 31b (Yes at T68), the game center debit management center device 26 executes the debit card processing. The current point from the terminal 16b is accumulated (T75).

When the game center debit management center device 26 completes the point initialization and accumulation processing as described above, it stores the current processing history in the settlement journal 31a, and stores the current ( The end of the point addition process including the updated point information is returned (T76).

At this time, the debit card processing terminal 16b
Discharges the form printed with the current point information by the cash register POS device 16a and discharges the debit card (T77). The player receives the discharged current point information printing form and debit card (T78).

(A-2-5) Point / Commodity Exchange Operation Next, the operation of the player and the system when the player exchanges the points accumulated in the game center debit management center device 26 for a commodity (prize) will be described. This will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. Note that the point / commodity exchange operation is described as being executed using the gaming arcade debit member store processing terminal 25.

A player who wants to exchange points for a product (prize) goes to a game center cooperation debit member store, decides a product to be exchanged, and requests the debit member store to exchange points. At this time, the employee of the debit member store activates the prize exchange settlement processing on the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25, causes the player to insert the debit card owned by the player based on the display by the activation, and Is input (T81). At this time, the gaming facility cooperation debit member processing terminal 25 confirms whether the debit card can be handled, whether the input password matches the one stored in the debit card, and the like (T8).
2). If the password is not stored in the debit card, the collation of the password is omitted.

If the debit card cannot be handled or if the inputted password is different from the stored one, a notification process is performed for that (T83).

On the other hand, after confirming the validity of the debit card, the gaming facility cooperation debit member processing terminal 25 informs the debit member employee or the player of the type of product to be exchanged and information on the related gaming field. Ask for input (T8
4). The employee of the debit member store or the player inputs the product type (a plurality of items can be used) and the information on the amusement arcade in response to this, so that the amusement arcade debit affiliated store processing terminal 25 determines the number of points to be settled and the number of games. Recognize place information (T85,
T86). Although illustration is omitted, when a game arcade that is not targeted is specified, an abnormality notification process or the like is performed.

Then, the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25 stores the debit card ID, the password, the product information,
A prize exchange settlement request signal including member store account information, game arcade information, the number of points to be settled, and the like is transmitted to the game arcade debit management center device 26 (T87).

At this time, the game center debit management center device 26 determines that the debit card information relating to the present premium exchange settlement processing is the debit card-specific point information 3 of the game center.
1b, and if so, it is determined whether the number of points to be settled is equal to or less than the number of stored points (T88).

If the information on the debit card is not stored in the point information 31b for each debit card of the game hall, or if the number of points to be settled is larger than the number of stored points even if the information is stored, The debit management center device 26 adds the current processing history to the settlement journal 31a and returns a prize exchange settlement failure to the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25 (T8).
9). As a result, the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25 notifies that the premium cannot be exchanged, and discharges the debit card (T90, T91). The player or debit member employee receives the discharged debit card (T92).

On the other hand, the game center debit management center device 26
If the field of the debit card related to the present premium exchange is in the debit card-specific point information 31b and the number of points to be settled is equal to or less than the number of stored points, the bank processing device 22-j related to the game center account Withdrawing the amount corresponding to the number of points from the amusement arcade account, the bank processor 22-k (k is 1 to n) relating to the account of the amusement arcade cooperative debit merchant stores the amount to the merchant account. A deposit process is executed (T93).
Then, the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 waits for an acknowledgment of the processing completion from both the bank processing devices 22-j and 22-k, stores the current processing history in the settlement journal 31a, and stores the number of points for each debit card. Is further reduced, and the interbank money transfer information 31c is updated in accordance with the present premium exchange settlement, and then the completion of the premium exchange settlement (including various information) is returned to the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25. (T94, T95).

As described above, the transfer of money between banks may be performed by the debit management center device 21 which has been notified from the game center debit management center device 26, taking the initiative. Further, the points may be updated immediately, or the money may be changed periodically, such as once a month.

Upon receiving the end of the prize exchange settlement (including various kinds of information), the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25 discharges a form on which the updated remaining point information and the current product information are printed, and outputs the debit card. Is discharged (T96). The player or the employee of the debit member store receives the discharged printing form or debit card (T9).
7).

Note that the exchange of points and prizes using the prize exchange debit card processing terminal 17 in the amusement arcade is performed in the same manner as when the amusement arcade debit member store processing terminal 25 is used.

Here, the game center debit management center device 2
In the case of the point / prize exchange using the debit card processing terminal 17 at the prize exchange hall debit card, the amount corresponding to the points is deducted from the game hall account and transferred to the prize supplier's account to the game hall. (In the case of a system that does not pay for premium delivery), or may simply perform point reduction processing (if payment has been paid for premium delivery, or cash separately). Etc.).

(A-3) Effect of First Embodiment According to the game medium processing communication system and the game medium processing communication method of the first embodiment, even if the player does not own cash, the debit card can be used. , The player can enjoy the game by receiving the supply of game media (ball lending). Further, from the viewpoint of the game arcade operator, there is no need to prepare a large amount of cash in the game arcade, so that cash management is simplified, and the management system and the monitoring system can be simplified. That is, it is a measure against fraud, crime prevention, and trouble. Further, in the game center debit management center device 26, it is possible to centrally manage the money amount information relating to the supply of the game media, and to increase the accuracy of the information by collation with the management computer 10 in the game room, and to increase the accuracy of the information. The transparency of the third party organization is also increased, and the image of the game arcade can be increased.

By newly providing the game center debit management center device 26, point management and settlement processing with the debit management center device 21 can be centralized and performed in a unified manner. Investment is only required to purchase the debit card processing terminals 11a to 16a and 17. The amusement arcade can use the existing card management system, ball storage system, etc. with a slight change of management software.

The game center debit management center device 26
Is also managed based on the unique ID of the debit card, so that the management can be unified. In this embodiment, the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 and the debit management center device 21 are provided separately, but it can be said that they can be integrated as a matter of course.

[0167] By separately providing, debit management center device 21 periodically collects procedures that do not require immediate settlement, such as point offset processing of prize exchange by points and offset processing of coins and points.
By performing the settlement processing, the communication cost can be reduced.

[0168] As a method of receiving supply of game media (ball lending) even if the player does not own cash, there is a method using an Internet bank. In this method, authentication of the player is performed. It is difficult to target many players due to problems or the like, and a method using a debit card settlement system as in the above embodiment is more preferable.

Further, according to the game medium processing communication system and the game medium processing communication method of the first embodiment, the number of prize balls is stored as points in association with the debit card,
As it is possible to exchange prizes at amusement arcade debit franchise stores, it is possible for players to obtain various products as prizes, and for amusement arcade operators to manage the number of each prize type This can be unnecessary or reduced. It can also be expected as a solution to the problem of returning cash to cash through exchange for special prizes. As a result, it is possible to reduce the gambling property of pachinko games and the like, and to improve the game image.

[0170] In terms of the prize exchange function at the external store, the card using the identification information to manage the points does not need to be a debit card (financial settlement card). When different cards are applied in exchange, the player feels troublesome and burdensome. However, in the first embodiment, both functions use a debit card, and when a player performs an action related to a game including a prize exchange, the player may have one card. All that is required is a small burden on the player.

[0171] The effects described above can lead to cost reduction (for example, reduction in the number of employees) in the game arcade, and an improvement in the rate of return to the player can be expected. In addition, the number of opportunities for staff to handle items having a monetary value such as cash can be reduced, which can contribute to fraud prevention.

Further, from the social point of view, it can contribute not only to the spread of debit cards but also indirectly to regional development such as a shopping street near a game arcade. Amusement arcades are often caught by tax evasion, but they can also help prevent such behavior. Thereby, the social image of the game hall can be improved.

(A-4) Modified Embodiment of First Embodiment In the description of the first embodiment, various modified embodiments have been described. However, modified embodiments as exemplified below may be mentioned. it can.

A prepaid card issued by using a debit card has a suppliable balance stored therein and also has no suppliable balance stored therein. It may be one that can withdraw the suppliable balance managed by the management computer of the game arcade.

As a matter of course, the system may be constructed as a system including only one of the method of using the debit card relating to the function of supplying the game medium and the method of utilizing the debit card relating to the processing function of the prize ball. Further, even if the game medium processing communication system supports both methods, the game hall processing system may be one that can support only one of them.

The game arcade debit management center device 26 may be provided for each game arcade or each game arcade group. Conversely, the game center debit management center device 26 may be configured on the same device as the debit management center device 21.

In the above description, the debit card processing terminal 11a
Although 16a and 17 have been described as executing the communication function with the game center debit management center device 26, the management computer 10 may execute the communication function with the game center debit management center device 26.

In the above description, the points related to the prize ball are shown for each game arcade, but may be common regardless of the game arcade. In this case, for example, the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 performs a withdrawal process from the corresponding amusement arcade account and a deposit process to a prize exchange account common to all amusement arcades during the point addition process. In the process of exchanging points for commodities (prizes), a process of debiting from a prize exchange account common to all gaming arcades and a process of depositing money into a gaming arcade debit member store account may be performed. In addition, the expression of the claims does not directly include this case, but since the premium exchange account is a buffer-like account for settlement, the expression of the claims is , Including this case.

[0179] The upper limit price of commodities related to point / commodity (prize) exchange may be determined, and the check may be performed by a gaming arcade debit member store, or by the gaming arcade debit management center device 26. good.

The game center debit management center device 26 may not only count and manage money transfers between banks, but may also count and manage other data. For example, how much money the debit card owner has spent in the game so far, the number of points handled at a game center cooperation debit member store for each predetermined period, and the like may be totaled and managed.

In the above description, the game center debit management center device 26 debits from the game center account and deposits money into the game center cooperation debit member store account every time the premium exchange settlement request is given. For a predetermined period (for example, one week), the debit amount and the deposit amount may be totaled, and the debit and the deposit may be collectively executed at the end of the predetermined period. Even in this case, it is necessary to perform the process of reducing the number of storage points every time a prize exchange settlement request is given. The wording of the claims includes this case.

(B) Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of a game medium processing communication system and a game medium processing communication method according to the present invention will be briefly described with reference to the drawings.

The game medium processing communication system and the game medium processing communication method of the second embodiment
The configuration and processing of A are slightly different from those of the second embodiment, and the configuration and processing of the debit card payment system 3 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(B-1) Configuration of Second Embodiment FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main part of a game arcade processing system 2A according to a second embodiment. Are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that portions not shown may be the same as in the first embodiment.

In FIG. 13, the game arcade processing system 2A of the second embodiment has a management computer 10A for managing the entire game arcade, a CR gaming machine 11A, and a debit card sand device 11B. In addition, in a game arcade, if a system for exchanging prizes in the same manner as in the past, the cashier POS
An apparatus 16A is also provided.

In the case of the second embodiment, the game medium is C
A debit card sand 11B is provided as a sand device that issues a command to be supplied to the R gaming machine 11A.
Although the detailed configuration of the debit card sand 11B is omitted, a debit card for reading storage information of the debit card is used in addition to a general configuration as a card sand device such as a control unit and a communication processing unit with the management computer 10A. It is provided with an input unit for inputting a password, a game medium supply amount, and the like relating to a reader, a debit card owner, and the like.

[0187] Also in the case of the second embodiment, the CR gaming machine 11A basically has a gaming medium circulating on its base.
It is intended to have a mechanism for counting the number of game media supplied, collected and the number of premium balls.

Further, in the case of the second embodiment, the management computer 10A executes a communication function with the above-mentioned game center debit management center device 26 (not shown) (see FIG. 1).

(B-2) Operation of Second Embodiment Next, the operation of the game medium processing communication system of the second embodiment (game medium communication method of the second embodiment) will be described with reference to a sequence diagram and the like. A brief explanation will be given without using it.

In the case of the second embodiment, the debit card also functions as a prepaid card.

When the player wants to receive the supply of the game medium, the player inserts his / her own debit card into the debit card sand 11B of the CR game machine 11A for executing the game and inputs the personal identification number. . At this time, the debit card sand 11B checks whether the debit card can be handled, whether the input personal identification number matches the one stored in the debit card, and the like, and then supplies the game medium to be supplied. Have the user enter the amount information that defines the number. Thereby, the debit card sand 11B is used by the management computer 10A to debit card ID,
The settlement request signal including the password, the game account information, the money amount information, and the like is transmitted to the game center debit management center device 26 (debit card settlement system 3).

At this time, the debit card settlement system 3
Is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the debit card payment system 3 returns information indicating that payment is impossible or information that indicates completion of payment.

The debit card sand 11B, which has received the settlement failure via the management computer 10A, notifies that the game medium cannot be supplied, discharges the debit card, and the player receives the discharged debit card.

On the other hand, via the management computer 10A,
The debit card sand 11B receiving the settlement end receives the C
The R game machine 11A is caused to execute the supply of the specified number of game media. At this point, debit card sand 11B
Will not eject the debit card.

The debit card is debit card sand 1
In the state of being inserted into 1B, the player can request additional supply of game media by designating the amount. The operation at this time is the same as that at the time of the initial supply of the game medium, except for the operation related to the confirmation of the personal identification number.

At the end of the game, the player sets the number of prize balls to C
The R game machine 11A is caused to count, and the debit card sand 11B is instructed to discharge the debit card. In addition,
In the discharge command in a state where the number of prize balls does not remain, the debit card sand 11B immediately discharges the debit card.

The debit card sand 11B uses the management computer 10A to transmit a point addition request signal including a debit card ID, a password, and information on the number of prize balls (points) to the game center debit management center device 26 (debit card settlement system 3). ).

At this time, the debit card settlement system 3
Is the same as in the first embodiment, and the debit card payment system 3 outputs information indicating that points cannot be added,
Alternatively, information indicating the end of the point addition processing is returned.

The debit card sand 11B, which has received the point addition failure via the management computer 10A,
This is reported (abnormal notification) and the debit card is ejected. The player receives the discharged debit card. At this time, abnormal time processing is performed by an employee or the like.

On the other hand, via the management computer 10A,
Debit card sand 11 receiving the end of point addition
B discharges the form printed with the current point information and discharges the debit card. The player receives the discharged form or debit card.

In the second embodiment as well, the operation of the player and the system when the player exchanges points accumulated in the game center debit management center device 26 for goods (prizes) is the same as that of the first embodiment. This is the same as the embodiment.

(B-3) Effects of the Second Embodiment According to the second embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0203] In addition to this, the initial investment is slightly increased as compared to the first embodiment, but the prepaid card is eliminated, so that the investment after that is drastically reduced. Can be done. In addition, the management system and the like can be made simpler than in the first embodiment because the management of the prepaid card becomes unnecessary.

(B-4) Modified Embodiments of the Second Embodiment Among the modified embodiments of the first embodiment, many can be applied as they are in the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the case where the debit card sand 11B is used for both the processing of supplying the game medium and the processing of the prize ball has been described. However, the latter processing is the same as that of the first embodiment. The method may be used.

In the second embodiment, a card sand device (debit card sand 11B) handles a debit card. On the other hand, a debit card can identify an individual. Therefore, the debit card information may be applied not only to the tallying function of the entire game hall but also to various tallying functions for each individual and each stand. In addition, such a tallying function may be entrusted to the game center debit management center device 26. In such a case, the configuration of the management computer 10A in the game center can be simplified as much as possible. Instead, centralized management becomes easier.

In the second embodiment, since the debit card processing terminal is integrated as the debit card sand 11B, it is necessary to perform the authentication work for each game console. Therefore, by installing a terminal dedicated to authentication so that the user can only perform the authentication work using the debit card before entering the store, the authentication work in the debit card sand 11B can be omitted. Is also preferred. By providing the terminal device dedicated for authentication in this way, the debit card sand 11B does not need to be provided with a password input mechanism, so that the effect of cost reduction can be obtained. In addition,
When the authentication process is performed in advance, it is desirable that there is a system that can monitor whether or not the user is the authenticator by using a security camera or the like.

Note that the authentication-dedicated terminal may perform not only authentication but also allow a user to settle in advance the amount that will be used. The settled amount is temporarily paid to the game store account as a temporary payment, and after the game is over, the cash register P
The clearing process may be performed at the time of processing the prize ball in the OS device 14A. At the time of settlement, addition processing may be performed together with points corresponding to the premium sphere as points equivalent to the balance, or refund processing may be performed as cash in a user's account. Even if the debit card is stolen after the prepaid payment, the damage will be limited to the provisional payment.

(C) Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of a game medium processing communication system and a game medium processing communication method according to the present invention will be briefly described with reference to the drawings.

(C-1) Configuration of Third Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, the debit card is read-only, but in the third embodiment, the debit card is an IC card. It is also possible to perform writing composed of, for example. The debit card according to the third embodiment includes account balance information,
The number of points (corresponding to the number of premium balls), a settlement journal, etc. are prepared.

The game media processing communication system according to the third embodiment can also have the system configuration shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and will be described below with reference to FIG. Note that the debit card processing terminals 11b to 16b,
17 and the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25 can also perform a writing operation on a debit card.
This is different from the embodiment.

(C-2) Operation of Third Embodiment Hereinafter, the operation of the game medium processing system of the third embodiment (game medium processing method of the third embodiment) will be described.

(C-2-1) Ticketing Operation of Prepaid Card First, the operation of the player and the system when the player receives the ticket of the prepaid card will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. In addition, all or a part of the actions described as being performed by the player in this section may be performed by a gaming hall employee.

When the player attempts to obtain a prepaid card, the player activates the prepaid card issuing machine 13a and, based on the display at that time, sends a debit card processing terminal 13b to the debit card processing terminal 13b. Is inserted and a password is entered (T101). At this time, the debit card processing terminal 13b checks whether the debit card can be handled, whether the input personal identification number matches the one stored in the debit card, and the like (T102).

If the debit card cannot be handled or if the inputted password is different from the stored one, an abnormality notification process is performed (T10).
3).

On the other hand, upon confirming the validity of the debit card, the debit card processing terminal 13b notifies the prepaid card issuing machine 13a of the fact and the account balance information stored in the debit card. Then, the account balance information is displayed to the player, and the player is requested to input the amount information relating to the prepaid card to be issued (T104). In response, the player inputs amount information to the prepaid card issuing machine 13a (T1
05).

This amount information is transferred from the prepaid card issuing machine 13a to the debit card processing terminal 13b, and the debit card processing terminal 13b checks whether the amount information is equal to or less than the account balance information stored in the debit card. Confirmation (T106).

[0218] If the amount information is larger than the account balance information, the debit card processing terminal 13b performs abnormality notification processing for that (T107). On the other hand, if the money amount information is equal to or less than the account balance information, the debit card processing terminal 13b sends a settlement request signal including the debit card ID, the password, the game room account information, the balance information, the money amount information, etc. Is transmitted to the debit management center device 26 (T
108).

At this time, the game center debit management center device 26 gives the debit card ID, personal identification number, balance information, and the like to the bank processing device 22-i of the issuing bank of the debit card related to the current settlement processing, and Is confirmed, and the confirmation result is taken in (T109).

When the game center debit management center device 26 receives the confirmation result indicating that the debit card is not valid, it adds the current processing history to the settlement journal 31a and returns a settlement failure to the debit card processing terminal 13b. (T110). Thereby, the debit card processing terminal 13b notifies the prepaid card issuing machine 13a that the prepaid card cannot be issued and ejects the debit card (T111, T11).
2). The player receives the discharged debit card (T113).

On the other hand, the game center debit management center device 26
Receives the return of the confirmation result indicating that the debit card is valid, causes the bank processing device 22-i to execute the withdrawal, and causes the bank processing device 22-
-J is caused to execute payment of the designated amount to the game hall account (T114). Then, the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 waits for an acknowledgment of processing completion from both the bank processing devices 22-i and 22-j, and then setstle the settlement journal 31a.
In step S115, the inter-bank money transfer information 31c is updated according to the current settlement, and the end of the settlement is returned to the debit card processing terminal 13b.

At this time, the debit card processing terminal 13b
Updates the account balance information of the debit card (also displays it to the player) and additionally stores the processing history (T116). After that, the debit card processing terminal 13b
Causes the prepaid card issuing machine 13a to discharge the designated amount of the prepaid card and discharge the debit card (T117). The player receives the discharged prepaid card and debit card (T118).

(C-2-2) Premium Ball Processing Operation Next, the operation of the player and the system at the time of processing a premium ball as a reward of a game result will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. Note that all or a part of the actions described as being performed by the player in this section may be performed by the cashier POS staff.

When trying to process a prize ball obtained as a result of the game, the player activates the processing at the cash register POS device 16a and, based on the display at that time, sends a message to the debit card processing terminal 16b. The user inserts his / her debit card and inputs his / her personal identification number (T121). At this time, the debit card processing terminal 16b confirms whether the debit card can be handled and whether the inputted password matches the one stored in the debit card (T122).

If the debit card cannot be handled, or if the inputted password is different from the stored one, a notification process is carried out (T123).

On the other hand, upon confirming the validity of the debit card, the debit card processing terminal 16b notifies the register P
Notifying the OS device 16a, the cash register POS device 16a requests the player to perform a prize ball counting operation (T124).
In response, the player causes the cash register POS device 16a to count the number of premium balls (T125, T126).

Information on the number of prize balls counted (point)
Is transferred from the cash register POS device 16a to the debit card processing terminal 16b,
Sends a point addition request signal including a debit card ID, a personal identification number, the number of remaining points (which may not be stored) stored in the debit card, and information on the number of premium balls to the game center debit management center device 26. It is transmitted (T127).

At this time, the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 sets the point information 31b for each debit card as
It is determined whether the remaining point information of the debit card related to the current arrival information is already stored and matches the remaining point number stored in the gaming center debit management center device 26 (T128).

[0229] Although stored in the debit card-specific point information 31b, if the stored information does not match the number of remaining points stored in the debit card, the game center debit management center device 26 The current processing history is added to the settlement journal 31a, and the remaining point mismatch is returned to the debit card processing terminal 16b (T129). As a result, the debit card processing terminal 16b causes the cash register POS device 16a to notify the user of the abnormality and discharge the debit card (T130, T131). The player receives the discharged debit card (T132).

[0230] If the debit card field itself is not stored in the debit card-specific point information 31b, the game center debit management center device 26 sends the debit card ID and the debit card ID to the bank processing device 22-i of the issuing bank of the debit card. By giving a personal identification number or the like, the validity of the debit card is confirmed (T133). If the account specified by the debit card ID and the password does not exist, the account absence is returned. At this time, the game center debit management center device 26 adds the current processing history to the settlement journal 31a, A point addition failure is returned to the debit card processing terminal 16b (T134). As a result, the debit card processing terminal 16b sends the cash register PO
The S device 16a informs the user of the abnormality and ejects the debit card (T135, T13).
6). The player receives the discharged debit card (T137).

On the other hand, an account relating to the debit card for which point addition is to be executed is valid (a positive result in T133), and the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 has received a reply from the bank processor 22-i. Sets the storage field related to the debit card in the debit card-specific point information 31b and stores the given point as the number of remaining points (T138).

In the gaming arcade debit management center device 26, the number of remaining points of the debit card related to the current arrival information is already stored in the debit card-specific point information 31b, and is stored in the gaming arcade debit management center device 26. If the number of remaining points matches the number of remaining points, the current point (corresponding to the number of prize balls) from the debit card processing terminal 16b is added thereto (T139).

When the initial setting and the accumulation processing of the number of remaining points as described above are completed, the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 stores the current processing history in the settlement journal 31a, and stores the processing history in the debit card processing terminal 16b. The end of the point addition process including the current (updated) remaining point number is returned (T140).

At this time, the debit card processing terminal 16b
Updates the number of remaining points on the debit card, adds a processing history, discharges the form printed with the number of remaining points by the cash register POS device 16a, and discharges the debit card (T141). The player receives the discharged print form or debit card (T142).

(C-2-3) Point / Commodity Exchange Operation Next, when the player exchanges the number of remaining points accumulated in the game center debit management center device 26 for a commodity (prize), The operation will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

A player who wants to exchange the remaining points for a product (prize) goes to a game center cooperation debit member store, decides a product to be exchanged, and requests the debit member store to exchange the remaining points. At this time, the employee of the debit member store activates the prize exchange settlement processing on the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25, causes the player to insert the debit card owned by the player based on the display by the activation, and Is input (T151). At this time, the gaming facility cooperation debit member processing terminal 25 confirms whether the debit card can be handled, whether the entered personal identification number matches the one stored in the debit card, and the like (T152). ).

If the debit card cannot be handled or if the inputted password is different from the stored one, a notification process is carried out (T153).

On the other hand, after confirming the validity of the debit card, the gaming facility cooperation debit member processing terminal 25 informs the debit member employee or player of the type of product to be exchanged and information on the related gaming field. Find input (T1
54). The debit merchant employee or player will enter the product type (s) and / or playground information accordingly,
With this, the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25,
Recognize the number of points to be settled and game hall information (T15
5, T156). Then, the playground cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25 determines whether or not a non-targeted playground has been designated,
It is checked whether the number of points to be settled is equal to or less than the number of remaining points stored in the debit card (T15).
7).

Amusement arcade cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25
Performs anomaly notification processing when an out-of-target playground is specified, or when a target playground is specified but the number of points to be settled is larger than the number of remaining points stored in the debit card (T158).

If the target game arcade is designated and the number of points to be settled is equal to or less than the number of remaining points stored in the debit card, the gaming arcade debit member store processing terminal 25 sends the debit card ID, A prize exchange settlement request signal including a number, merchandise information, member store account information, remaining points, amusement arcade information, and the number of points to be settled is transmitted to the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 (T
159).

At this time, the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 determines that the debit card information relating to the present premium exchange settlement processing is the debit card-specific point information 3 of the gaming arcade.
It is determined whether or not the information is stored in 1b (T160).
In this case, it is also possible to confirm whether the number of points to be settled is equal to or less than the number of remaining points stored in the game center debit management center device 26.

If the information of the debit card is not stored in the point information 31b for each debit card of the game arcade, the game arcade debit management center device 26
Adds the current processing history to the settlement journal 31a and returns a prize exchange settlement failure to the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25 (T161). As a result, the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25 notifies that the prize cannot be exchanged and discharges the debit card (T162, T163). The player or debit member store employee receives the discharged debit card (T16
4).

On the other hand, the game center debit management center device 26
Means that if the field of the debit card related to the present premium exchange is in the debit card-specific point information 31b, the amount corresponding to the number of points is deducted from the game hall account to the bank processing device 22-j related to the game hall account. At the same time, the bank processing device 22-k related to the account of the game arcade cooperation debit member store executes the payment processing for the amount to the member store account (T165). Then, the amusement arcade debit management center device 26 waits for an acknowledgment of the processing completion from both the bank processing devices 22-j and 22-k, stores the current processing history in the settlement journal 31a, and stores the number of points for each debit card. 31b, the number of remaining points in the corresponding field is reduced by that amount, and the inter-bank money transfer information 31c is updated in accordance with the present premium exchange settlement. Reply to the member store processing terminal 25 (T166, T
167).

At this time, the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25 updates the number of remaining points on the debit card, and discharges a form printed with the updated number of remaining points and the current product information. The number of remaining points on the debit card is updated, the processing history is added, and the debit card is ejected (T168, T169). The player or the employee of the debit member store receives the discharged printing form or debit card (T170).

(C-2-4) Other Operations In the above description, the prepaid card issuance operation by the prepaid card issuance machine 13a, the prize ball processing operation by the cash register POS device 16a, the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25
In the point / product exchange operation described above, the writing to the debit card and the use of the written information have been described, but other devices also appropriately write to the debit card and use the written information.

For example, the processing in the CR sand CR gaming machine 11a is the same as the processing in the prepaid card issuing machine 13a. The processing of the cash sand gaming machine 12a and the ball lending machine 14a is the same as the processing of the prepaid card issuing machine 13a, although there is a difference between directly supplying game media or issuing a prepaid card. Further, the processing of the prize exchange debit card processing terminal 17 is the same as the processing of the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal 25.

Further, the prepaid card settlement machine 15
When the account balance related to the debit card increases due to the settlement, a rewrites the effective balance of the debit card to the account balance or writes the processing journal to the debit card.

(C-3) Effects of the Third Embodiment According to the third embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, since the debit card is writable, by writing the amount of the balance, the number of remaining points, and the like on the debit card, the validity of the processing can be performed independently of the game center debit management center device 26. Can be judged more often.

Further, by writing the processing history on the debit card, it is possible to confirm the abnormal processing later based on the processing history, and it is possible to suppress an illegal act or an illegal act accordingly.

(C-4) Modified Embodiments of the Third Embodiment Of the modified embodiments of the first embodiment, there are many that can be applied as they are in the third embodiment.

[0252] Information written in the debit card may include information arbitrarily determined by the game arcade. For example, information on the total amount of money spent on the game up to now may be written.

In the third embodiment, the writable debit card is applied to the technical idea of the first embodiment. However, the writable debit card is applied to the technical idea of the second embodiment. A card may be applied. In this case, accumulated payout data and the like can be written to the debit card.

Further, in the third embodiment, the total number of prize exchangeable points is stored and managed by the game center debit management center device 26. However, the total number of prize exchangeable points is stored only in the debit card. The gaming facility cooperation debit member processing terminal 25 allows the exchange of prizes within the total number of points stored in the debit card, and the game center debit management center device 26 sets the gaming facility cooperation debit member processing terminal. Only the payment process related to the prize exchange notified from 25 may be performed.

(D) Other Embodiments In the above description, various modified embodiments have been described.
Further, there can be mentioned modified embodiments as exemplified below.

The gaming machines provided in the gaming arcade are not limited to pachinko gaming machines, but may be other gaming machines such as pachislot gaming machines.

A system can be constructed so that a debit card is used only for the supply of game media.
In this case, the game center debit management center device 26 may be omitted, and only the debit management center device 21 may be provided.

The game center debit management center device 26
(And the debit management center device 21) also stores the account information related to the debit card,
Confirmation of the account related to the debit card may be executed without inquiring -1 to 22-n.

In the above description, the game center debit management center device 26 instructs the bank processing devices 22-i, 22-j, and 22-k to perform a debit or deposit processing.
The game center debit management center device 26 may request the debit management center device 21 to issue such a command.

A dedicated point processing terminal may be provided separately from the cash register POS device 16a without using the cash register POS device 16a for a player who processes all of the premium balls as points.

This is because the point processing of all the prize balls can be performed only by the user's own input operation. If a part of the prize ball is exchanged for a prize on the spot only by using the cash register POS device 16a which is provided by an employee, the expensive cash register POS device 16a and exclusive employees can be reduced.

Further, the prize ball processing system in each of the above embodiments may be performed by providing a card dedicated to prize processing or the like without using a card related to settlement.
That is, a card having identification information capable of identifying a player or the like may be used as long as it can add points to a center device provided outside the game hall or subtract points related to prizes from the points. For example, a cash payment method not related to a card, for example, from a game hall to a store cooperating with the game hall may be used.

Further, the exchange of the prize balls may not use a card. For example, when adding points to a center device provided outside a game arcade, the information is stored in association with the photograph information of the player captured by an electronic camera in the game arcade, and a terminal of a store cooperating with the game arcade. May take out the photo information and confirm the person who is requesting a prize exchange, or use a driver's license etc. to verify the identity when adding points or requesting a prize exchange so that the card is not required good.

Also, the game center debit management center device 26
However, each time a game medium is lent using a debit card, a predetermined amount (usage fee) may be charged to a game arcade related to the processing, and similarly, the game arcade debit management center device 26 transmits the debit card to the game arcade. For each prize exchange process used for authentication, a predetermined amount (usage fee) at a game hall etc. related to that process
May be charged.

Further, when converting the prize balls obtained as a result of the game into the points of the player, an exchange rate in which the commission of the management center (gaming center debit management center device 26) is added may be applied. . For example, in the case of each of the above-described embodiments in which no premium is added, 10 points are added for 100 prize balls, but in this modified embodiment, 10 points are added for 120 prize balls, and an amount equivalent to 2 points is added. May be collected from the account of the amusement store as a usage fee of the game center debit management center device 26.

Furthermore, when exchanging points for prizes (goods), an exchange rate in which a commission of the management center (gaming center debit management center device 26) is added may be applied. For example, in the case of each of the above-described embodiments in which no addition is made, 10 points are subtracted when exchanging for the product A. In this modified embodiment, 11 points are subtracted when exchanging for the product A. May be collected from the account of the game arcade as a usage fee of the game center debit management center device 26.

According to these two types of modified embodiments, compared to collecting the usage fee of the management center (amusement arcade debit management center device 26) separately from the amusement shop, it is possible to exchange the player for points and / or exchange prizes. It can be collected every time, so the collection of the usage fee will be ensured.

[0268]

As described above, according to the present invention, the card settlement is performed for the supply of the game media, so that the game media can be supplied without using cash.

Further, according to the present invention, the number of prize balls is stored as points, and the store cooperating with the amusement arcade provides products as prizes within the range of the storage points. It is possible to realize a prize exchange function that is more advantageous than the current one for the venue operator and the third party.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to minimize the capital investment in the amusement arcade for exhibiting the above-mentioned effects, and to realize the above-described prize exchange system practically early. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game medium processing communication system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a front configuration of a CR sand CR gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a front configuration of the cash sand gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a front configuration of a prepaid card ticketing machine which combines the functions of the prepaid card issuing machine and the prepaid card accounting machine of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a front configuration of the ball lending machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an appearance of a cash register POS device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game center debit management center device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a ticket issuing operation of the prepaid card issuing machine of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a ball lending operation of the ball lending machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a balance settlement operation of the prepaid card of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing operation of a prize ball according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating a point / commodity exchange operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a game arcade processing system in a game media processing communication system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating a ticketing operation of a prepaid card according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing a processing operation of a prize ball according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing a point / commodity exchange operation of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game media processing communication system 2, 2A ... Game hall processing system, 3 ... Debit card settlement system, 10, 10A ... Management computer, 11a ... CR sand CR gaming machine, 11b-16b, 17 ... Debit card processing terminal, 11A: CR gaming machine, 11B: Debit card sand, 12a: Cash sand gaming machine, 13a: Prepaid card ticketing machine, 14a: Ball rental machine, 15a: Prepaid card settlement machine, 16a, 16A: Cash register POS device, 22-1 22-n: bank processing device, 25: gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal, 26: gaming center debit management center device.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification FI FI Theme Court ゛ (Reference) G07F 7/08 G07F 7/08 S (72) Inventor Tomonori Itakura 3-1-1, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 25 Ariake Frontier Building (72) Inventor Masayuki Nonaka 3-1-1, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo Ariake Frontier Building F-term (Reference) 2C088 BB03 BB07 BB16 BB29 CA27 CA31 3E044 AA05 BA05 BA06 BA08 DA06 DA08 DB02 DB15 DC05 DC06 DE01 DE07 (54) [Title of the Invention] Game media processing communication system, game medium processing communication method, game medium lending machine, game medium supply card ticketing machine, game medium lending instruction device, game medium supply card settlement machine, reward game medium Counter and prize exchange Debit card processing terminal

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A game processing system having a game-related device for supplying a game medium according to a designated amount of money, or a game-related device for issuing a game medium supply card according to the designated amount of money used when supplying the game medium. And a debit card payment system for performing a payment with a debit card. The game hall processing system has a debit card owned by a player inserted therein, and causes the debit card payment system to settle the designated amount. And a debit payment request means provided in connection with the game-related equipment. 2. A game arcade processing system having a game-related device for issuing a game medium supply card according to a designated amount used when supplying a game medium, and a debit card settlement system for making a settlement with a debit card. The game space processing system has a debit card and a game medium supply card which are owned by a player, and the remaining amount of the game medium supply card is related to the debit card by the debit card settlement system. A game medium processing communication system, comprising: a balance adjustment request means for causing a transfer to a player account. 3. A counting device for counting prize balls as a reward game medium as a result of a game, and an addition point transmitting means for inserting a debit card owned by a player and transmitting points corresponding to the number of prize balls. A game arcade processing system, a debit card-specific point storage means for storing the number of points corresponding to the number of prize balls, corresponding to the debit card, and a point from the addition point transmitting means, the debit card-specific point storage means. A point accumulating system provided outside of the game arcade, having point addition means for adding the storage points of the corresponding debit card stored in the game card to update the storage points. Processing communication system. 4. A debit member store which cooperates with a prize exchange in a game arcade, in which a debit card owned by a player is inserted, and a prize exchange settlement request means for transmitting a prize exchange settlement request including a point number corresponding to the prize. Or, a prize exchange debit card processing terminal provided in the game hall, a debit card-specific point storage means for storing the number of points corresponding to the number of prize balls corresponding to the debit card, and a prize exchange settlement requesting means. In response to the prize exchange settlement request, the amount corresponding to the number of points included in the request is deducted from the game center account, and the amount is transferred to the debit cooperating member store account or the account of the prize delivery company, and The storage points of the corresponding debit card stored in the debit card-specific point storage means are included in the premium exchange settlement request. Game media processing communication system characterized by comprising point and a prize exchange settlement execution means of reducing the number of minutes, a point accumulation system provided outside the game arcade that. 5. A game processing system having a counting device for counting a prize ball, which is a reward game medium as a result of a game, a debit card payment system for performing payment with a debit card, and cooperating with a prize exchange at the game hall. A game room cooperation debit member processing terminal provided at a debit member store, wherein the game room processing system inserts a debit card owned by a player, and points the debit card according to the number of prize balls to the debit card. It has an additional point transmitting means for transmitting to the settlement system side, and the gaming facility cooperation debit member store processing terminal receives the prize exchange settlement request including the number of points according to the prize, in which the debit card owned by the player is inserted. A premium exchange payment requesting means for transmitting to the debit card payment system side; The debit card-based point storage means for storing the number of points corresponding to the number of prize balls, and the points from the additional point transmission means are stored in the debit card-based point storage means in accordance with the number of premium balls. Point addition means for updating the storage points by adding the storage points of the debit card; and, in response to a prize exchange settlement request from the prize exchange settlement request means, an amount corresponding to the number of points included in the request is provided at the game hall. Withdraw the money from the account, deposit the amount into the account of the debit cooperating member store, and save the relevant debit card storage points stored in the debit card-specific point storage means to the points included in the prize exchange settlement request. And a prize exchange settlement execution means for reducing the number of minutes by several minutes. . 6. The debit card-based point storage means, the point addition means, and the prize exchange settlement execution means are provided in a game center debit management center device that collectively manages settlement related to game center-related debit cards. The game media processing communication system according to claim 5, wherein: 7. The game medium processing communication system according to claim 1, wherein said debit card is writable. 8. A designated amount for a game-related device that supplies a game medium according to a designated amount or a game-related device that issues a game medium supply card according to a designated amount used when supplying the game medium. Is input, the debit payment requesting means in the game hall sends a debit card payment request including the inserted debit card information and the designated amount to the debit card payment system, and the debit card payment system A designated medium amount is debited from the owner's account of the debit card, and a designated amount is deposited into the game hall account. 9. A game arcade processing system having a game-related device for issuing a game medium supply card according to a designated amount used when supplying a game medium, and a debit card settlement system for making a settlement with a debit card. The gaming facility processing system has a debit card and a game medium supply card owned by a player inserted therein, and the balance of the game medium supply card is transmitted to the debit card settlement system according to the debit card. A game medium processing communication method characterized by causing a transfer to a player account. 10. A game arcade processing system counts a prize ball as a reward game medium as a result of a game, and transmits a point corresponding to the number of the prize ball together with information on an inserted debit card owned by a player. The point accumulation system provided outside the game hall adds the points transmitted from the game hall processing system to the number of points corresponding to the number of prize balls stored corresponding to the debit card. A game medium processing communication method characterized by updating. 11. A prize exchange debit card processing terminal provided in a debit member store or a playground which cooperates with a prize exchange in a game arcade, and the information on the debit card possessed by the inserted player and the information corresponding to the prize. The prize exchange settlement request including the number of points is transmitted, and the point accumulation system provided outside the game hall receives the number of points corresponding to the number of prize balls stored corresponding to the debit card, and receives the prize. While reducing according to the exchange settlement request, deducting the amount corresponding to the number of points included in the request from the game center account,
A game medium processing communication method characterized by depositing the amount into a debit cooperation member store account or an account of a trader related to delivery of premiums. 12. The addition point transmitting means in the game hall transmits a count value of a premium ball, which is a reward game medium as a result of a game, together with information of an inserted debit card to a debit card payment system, The system stores the number of points corresponding to the number of prize balls corresponding to the debit card, updates the storage points by adding the points from the additional point transmitting means to the storage points of the corresponding debit card. The debit merchant processing terminal provided at a gaming facility cooperating debit member store that cooperates in the exchange of a prize at a game hall is a request for a prize exchange settlement request including at least information on the inserted debit card and the number of points corresponding to the prize. To the debit card payment system, and the debit card payment system responds to the prize exchange payment request. , Deduct the amount corresponding to the number of points included in the request from the game center account, deposit the amount into the debit cooperating merchant account, and transfer the stored points of the corresponding debit card stored as prizes A game medium processing communication method characterized by reducing the number of points included in an exchange settlement request by the number of points. 13. A game media lending machine for supplying a game medium corresponding to a designated amount to its own outlet, wherein a debit card owned by a player is inserted, and the designated amount is settled by a debit card settlement system. A game media lending machine having a settlement request means. 14. A game media lending machine provided between gaming machines for directly supplying game media corresponding to a designated amount to a gaming machine, wherein a debit card owned by a player is inserted, and the designated amount is debited. A game media lending machine comprising a debit payment request means for making a card payment system make payment. 15. A game medium supply card issuing machine for issuing a game medium supply card according to a designated amount used when supplying a game medium, wherein a debit card owned by a player is inserted, and And a debit payment requesting means for causing a debit card payment system to make payment. 16. Within the range of the balance of the inserted game medium supply card, the game machine having a self-supply function of the game medium is instructed to supply the game medium and the ticketing function of the game medium supply card is performed. A game media lending command device provided between gaming machines, wherein a debit card owned by a player is inserted, and a debit for causing a debit card payment system to settle the amount required for issuing the game medium supply card issuance. A game medium lending instruction device comprising a settlement requesting means. 17. A game medium supply card settlement machine for adjusting the balance of a game medium supply card used when supplying a game medium, wherein a debit card possessed by a player is inserted, and the game medium supply card A card settlement machine for supplying a game medium, comprising a balance settlement request means for causing the balance to be transferred to a player account relating to the debit card by a debit card settlement system. 18. A reward game medium counting device for counting reward game media as a result of a game, wherein a debit card possessed by a player is inserted, and a point number corresponding to the current counted number is provided outside the game hall. A reward game medium counting device, comprising: a point addition requesting means for transmitting to a designated point accumulating system and accumulating and updating the number of points corresponding to the debit card stored in the point accumulating system. 19. A debit card-specific point storage means for storing a point number corresponding to the number of prize balls corresponding to a debit card, and a point number included in the request in response to a prize exchange settlement request. The corresponding amount is deducted from the amusement arcade account, and the amount is transferred to a debit cooperating member store account or an account of a prize delivery company, and the corresponding debit card stored in the debit card-specific point storage means. A player who has inserted the player into the point accumulation system provided outside the amusement arcade having a premium exchange settlement execution means for reducing the number of stored points by the number of points included in the premium exchange settlement request. Prize exchange settlement requesting means for transmitting a prize exchange settlement request including information on a debit card to be executed and a point number corresponding to the prize. Prize exchange debit card processing terminal that is provided to debit the merchant or the game arcade to cooperate with the prize exchange of place.