JP2002172249A - Storage medium processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To apply a function for issuing sealed storage mediums to a storage medium processor and easily manage the sales on already issued storage mediums and sealed storage mediums on the outside of the device. SOLUTION: The sales related information of two kinds of cards including the loan sales amount information on already issued prepaid cards and the loan sales amount information on sealed prepaid cards can be outputted via output terminals 371-376 provided on an external information output terminal section.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording medium processing device represented by, for example, a card unit, and more particularly to a game machine using a game value specified by information recorded on a recording medium. The present invention relates to a recording medium processing device that performs a process for lending possible game media.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A game machine of this type is generally known from the related art. For example, a game machine provided adjacent to a game machine and specified by information recorded on a recording medium such as a card. There has been a recording medium processing apparatus that performs processing for lending (for example, lending) a game medium such as a ball that can be used for a game by a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine using a value.

[0003]

As described above, in the conventional recording medium processing apparatus, when a player has an already issued recording medium, the player records the already issued recording medium. The player can play the game by inserting it into the media processing device, but if the player does not have the already issued recording medium or if the player has used up the recording medium even if he does, the player It was necessary to leave the gaming machine and go to the recording medium issuing device to have the recording medium issued.

[0004] Therefore, a money receiving unit for receiving money as a purchase price of the player is further provided in the recording medium processing device,
After the issuance of an enclosed recording medium on which information for specifying a game value corresponding to a predetermined amount within a range of the amount of money accepted by the currency accepting unit is recorded, the captured medium is captured, and the captured encapsulated record is captured. It is configured so that a game medium can be rented using a medium, so that it is possible to avoid the trouble of a player leaving the gaming machine and going to the recording medium issuing device to issue the recording medium. It is possible.

In such a configuration, two types of recording media, that is, an already-issued recording medium and an enclosing recording medium, can be used. It is not possible to manage what kind of sales have been made by the recording medium outside the apparatus, which causes a business problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a recording medium processing device with a function of issuing an enclosed recording medium, and to provide a function of an already issued recording medium and an enclosed recording medium. The purpose is to make it easy to manage the sales related to each of them outside the device.

[0007]

Specific Examples of Means for Solving the Problems and Their Effects
(1) Lending (for example, a ball) a game medium (for example, a ball) that can be used for a game by a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 2) by using (withdrawing) a gaming value specified by recording information of a recording medium (card). A recording medium processing device (card unit 3) for performing a process of renting out a card, which is a recording medium on which information that can specify a game value usable for a game is recorded and has already been issued to a player. An already-issued recording medium processing means for reading the recording information of the already-issued recording medium (the already-issued prepaid card 21) and lending the gaming medium using the gaming value specified by the recording information ( The previously issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35, the main control device 33), a money receiving unit (a bill insertion slot 6) for receiving money as a purchase price for a player, and a money receiving unit. A money identifying means (money identifying device 32) for identifying the authenticity of the attached money, and a game value (card balance) corresponding to a predetermined amount within a range of the amount of money identified by the money identifying means. A recording medium on which possible information is recorded and which is once issued to the player by the recording medium processing device and taken in without passing to the player's hand, and specified from the recorded information of the taken recording medium. Enclosure type recording medium issuing means (enclosure type prepaid card reader / writer device 34) for performing a process of issuing an enclosing type recording medium (encapsulation type prepaid card 23) by which the game medium can be lent using the game value to be used. ) And lending the game medium using the game value specified by the recording information of the enclosing recording medium issued from the enclosing recording medium issuing means. Irigata recording medium processing unit (encapsulated prepaid card reader-writer device 3
4, main controller 33), an external information output terminal (external output terminal 370) for outputting information to the outside of the recording medium processing device, and the recording medium processing via the external information output terminal. External information output means (main control device 33, S11 to S16) for outputting information to the outside of the apparatus, wherein the external information output means is used from the gaming value specified by the recorded information on the issued recording medium. First use value information (lending sales amount information of the issued prepaid card 21) capable of specifying the size of the assigned value, and the value used from the gaming value specified by the record information of the enclosing recording medium. And second use value information (lending sales information of the enclosed prepaid card) that can specify the size of the
reference).

[0008] According to such a configuration, when money is accepted, it is possible to have the enclosure-type recording medium issued using the enclosure-type recording medium issuing function and play a game with the enclosure-type recording medium. Becomes This prevents the player from leaving the front of the gaming machine and the recording medium processing device for purchasing the recording medium usable for the game and lending the game medium, and as a result, the game machine and the recording medium processing device The operation rate can be improved. In addition, through the external information output terminal unit, first use value information capable of specifying the size of the used value from the game value specified by the record information of the already-issued recording medium, Since the second value-of-use information capable of specifying the magnitude of the value used from the game value specified by the record information is output to the outside, based on such output information, the already-issued recording medium and The sales of the enclosing recording medium can be totaled outside the apparatus, and the sales of the already-issued recording medium and the enclosing recording medium can be easily managed outside the apparatus.

(2) The external information output means includes issue value information (enclosed type) which can specify the size of the game value (card balance at the time of issuance of the card) recorded at the time of issuance of the encapsulated type recording medium. The issuance amount information of the prepaid card is further output (see S12 in FIG. 9).

According to such a configuration, the issuance value information which can specify the magnitude of the game value recorded at the time of issuance of the enclosing recording medium is further output to the outside. It is possible to easily manage the sales of the issuance outside the apparatus.

(3) The external information output means outputs the two pieces of information, the first use value information and the issuance value information, collectively from a common terminal (see S3 in FIG. 8) or individually. (S2 in FIG. 8)
(Refer to FIG. 3), and further includes an output mode setting means (output mode changeover switch 90) which can selectively set either of them.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to select whether to output the two pieces of information, the first use value information and the issuance value information, collectively from a common terminal or to output each information from an individual terminal. Regarding the output form of such information, it is possible to flexibly cope with needs based on various circumstances of the game arcade, such as a limited number of information transmission paths.

(4) The external information output terminal section has a plurality of output terminals (output terminals 371 to 376), and the plurality of output terminals are collectively arranged (see FIG. 4).

According to such a configuration, since a plurality of output terminals included in the external information output terminal portion are collectively arranged, the wiring work place can be concentrated, and the work efficiency of the wiring work can be improved. .

[0015]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment,
A pachinko gaming machine is used as an example of a gaming machine in which a recording medium processing device that performs a process for renting a gaming medium usable for a game using a gaming machine using a gaming value specified by recording information of a recording medium is used. Although described and explained, the gaming machine may be another gaming machine such as a coin gaming machine or a slot machine.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine 2 as an example of a gaming machine installed on a gaming machine installation island, and a card unit 3 as an example of a recording medium processing device and a gaming device. In the amusement arcade, a gaming machine installation island 200a in which a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 2 are provided side by side (in a mode in which the back sides face each other) is provided. A card unit 3 is attached to the left of each pachinko gaming machine 2 in a one-to-one correspondence with one pachinko gaming machine 2.

On the gaming machine installation island 200a,
At one end, an island edge control box 201 provided with an island edge control device for performing various controls related to the gaming machine installation island 200a such as a banknote transport control in the gaming machine installation island 200a and a device such as a bill collection box is provided. Have been. A prepaid card issuance device (not shown) is installed at the other end of the gaming machine installation island 200a, and a player inserts a bill into the prepaid card issuance device to purchase a prepaid card. Is performed, the issued issued prepaid card 21 composed of a magnetic card or the like is ejected and issued to the player.

The issued prepaid card 21 has recorded therein card balance data as compensation for a player's insertion price, security data for maintaining security, a card number for identifying the issued prepaid card 21, and the like. ing.

The player inserts the issued prepaid card 21 into the already issued prepaid card slot 4 of the card unit 3.
, The recorded information of the inserted issued prepaid card 21 is read by an already issued prepaid card reader / writer (not shown) provided in the card unit 3. Then, when the ball lending switch 80 is pressed, a part of the card balance included in the read data is withdrawn and the lending corresponding to the card balance is paid out to the upper plate 5 of the pachinko gaming machine 2 and payout. Is done. The card unit 3 and the pachinko gaming machine 2 are wired and connected, and are configured so that data can be exchanged between them. When the already issued prepaid card 21 is inserted and a part of the card balance is withdrawn and used for a game, a ball lending command signal is transmitted from the card unit 3 to the pachinko gaming machine 2, and the pachinko gaming machine 2 Pays out a predetermined number of lending balls to the upper plate 5 accordingly. Then, the player can play the ball by firing the lending ball paid out to the upper plate 5 to the game area. When the already issued prepaid card 21 is to be returned, the return switch 81 is pressed and returned. Also, when the card balance of the issued prepaid card 21 becomes 0, it is automatically returned.

The upper plate 5 is provided with a card balance display 8 for displaying the card balance recorded on the inserted issued prepaid card 21 and the card balance recorded on the enclosed prepaid card 23 described later. ing.

On the other hand, when a player inserts a bill (for example, a 1,000-yen bill) into the bill insertion slot 6 provided in the card unit 3, the sealed prepaid card 23 as an example of the sealed recording medium is inserted into the player. Issued to In the card unit 3, a single prepaid card 23 made of a magnetic card or the like is set, and when a bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 6, a card balance corresponding to the amount of the inserted bill is recorded. The enclosed prepaid card 23 is partially ejected from the enclosed prepaid card issuing port 22 (see FIG. 2B). In other words, a recording medium (encapsulated prepaid card 23) on which information capable of specifying the size of the game value (card balance) corresponding to the amount of money as the purchase price of the player is recorded is issued. . The enclosed prepaid card 23 is carried into the game arcade by the prepaid card issuing company, and is set one by one in each card unit 3 in the game arcade.

Since the enclosed prepaid card 23 is issued by inserting bills, a relatively large amount (for example, 1000 yen) is consumed in one issuance, and the sales of the game arcade are reduced. There are benefits to improve.
In addition, the enclosed recording medium (enclosed prepaid card)
If the game is issued twice, the player plays the game at least until the game value specified from the issued recording information of the enclosing recording medium is used up, so that the operating rate of the gaming machine in the game hall is improved. .

Furthermore, even if there is an upper limit on the number of repetitions of the processing to be taken in and used for a game after the enclosing recording medium is issued, a relatively expensive enclosing recording medium is issued in one processing. Therefore, the total value of the gaming value used for the game until the upper limit is reached can be increased.

An enclosed prepaid card reader / writer device 34 (see FIG. 3) is provided in the card unit 3, and one enclosed prepaid card 23 is set in the enclosed prepaid card reader / writer device 34. And is in a state of being constantly held. Then, as described above, when the player inserts a bill into the bill insertion slot 6, a card balance corresponding to the inserted amount is written into the enclosing prepaid card 23 by the enclosing prepaid card reader / writer device 34, The enclosure type prepaid card 23 is issued by partially projecting from the enclosure type prepaid card issuance port 22.

The enclosed prepaid card issuing port 22 is covered with a cover 24 made of a transparent resin so that a player cannot pull out the enclosed prepaid card 23.

The enclosed prepaid card 23 is issued to the player side by partially protruding from the enclosed prepaid card issuing port 22, but is immediately taken into the inside without passing to the player's hand. The taken-in prepaid card 23 is inserted into the prepaid card reader / writer device 3.
The card balance is read by 4, the entire card balance is withdrawn, and the number of lending balls corresponding to the withdrawn amount is paid out from the pachinko gaming machine 2 into the upper plate 5.

At the time of paying out a lending ball using the card balance of the enclosed prepaid card, a lending command signal is sent from the card unit 3 to the pachinko gaming machine 2 similarly to the case of the previously issued prepaid card 21 described above. Is transmitted, and the ball payout control means provided in the pachinko gaming machine 2 operates the ball payout device in accordance with the lending command signal to pay out a predetermined number of lending balls to the upper plate 5. In the present embodiment, the card balance of the encapsulation type prepaid card 23 is described as being collectively debited, but the card balance may be partially debited. In the figure, reference numeral 7 denotes an enclosed type prepaid card confirmation window, and reference numeral 30 denotes a display plate, which will be described later in detail.

FIG. 2 (a) is a partially enlarged front view of the card unit 3, and FIG. 2 (b) is a sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 2 (a).

At the uppermost part of the card unit 3, a frequency identification sticker 9 is attached. The frequency identification sticker 9 communicates, for example, with a card unit management device 400 (see FIG. 5) for managing the card unit 3 and a hall management computer or the like, which is a management computer of a game arcade, and wireless communication with the card unit 3. This is for displaying the communication frequency when performing. The card unit 3 can select and set a plurality of types of communication frequencies, and can recognize which communication frequency the card unit 3 is set to by checking the color of the frequency identification sticker 9.

Below the frequency identification sticker 9, a card usable lamp 10 is provided. The card usable lamp 10 is for notifying the operation status of the card unit 30. When the card unit 3 is operating normally, the card usable lamp 10 is turned on to display a display to that effect. Is performed. Also, the card unit 30
When any error occurs in the card, or when a communication error occurs between the card unit 3 and the pachinko gaming machine 2, the card available lamp 10 blinks.
In the figure, reference numerals 11 and 12 are handles. A unit holder (not shown) is provided on the gaming machine installation island, and the card unit 3 can be installed on the gaming machine installation island by pressing the back side of the card unit 3 against the unit holder. Further, by pulling out the card unit 3 from the unit holder, the card unit 3 can be removed from the gaming machine installation island. Attachment and removal of the card unit 3 to and from such a unit holder are performed by gripping the handles 11 and 12.

Below the handle 11, a bill insertion slot 6 is provided. By inserting, for example, a 1000-yen bill into this bill insertion slot, the bill identifying device 32 (see FIG. 3) takes in the bill and determines whether or not the bill is a proper bill (genuine bill). If the bill is appropriate, the operation of issuing the enclosed prepaid card 23 is performed as described above.

Below the bill slot 6, there is provided a display plate 30 for performing various displays. Referring to the enlarged view of the display plate 30, the display plate 30
Includes a bill usable lamp 13, a money amount selection button 14, a money amount display 15, a fraction display button 16, a sealed prepaid card frequency display 17, a ball display 18, a connecting stand direction display 19, and a card insertion lamp 20. Is provided.

The bill usable lamp 13 is used to insert a bill into the bill insertion slot 6 so that the enclosed prepaid card 23 can be issued.
This is for lighting and displaying that it is possible to input the data. In the card unit 3, when the game is being played by inserting the already issued prepaid card 21, it is not possible to insert a bill and issue the enclosed prepaid card 23. In this case, the bill usable lamp 13 is turned off. On the other hand, a bill is inserted and an enclosing prepaid card 23 is issued and the encapsulating prepaid card 23 is issued.
When the card balance of is not 0, the game is not allowed to be performed by inserting the already issued prepaid card 21.

The amount selection button 14 is used to select the amount of the card balance (ball lending amount) used for one ball lending by the issued prepaid card 21. Each time the amount selection button 14 is pressed, the card balance used for one ball lending is switched. The amount that can be selected by the amount selection button 14 is, for example, 1
A plurality of types are set, such as 00 yen, 200 yen, 300 yen, 400 yen, and 500 yen.
The user can select and determine any of the amounts by the operation described above. Therefore, the player can freely select the ball lending amount.

The relationship between the operation of the amount selection button 14 and the selection of the ball lending amount is as follows. For example, an initial value (default value) is set for the ball lending amount, and each time the amount selection button 14 is pressed once, the ball lending amount becomes 100 yen, 200 yen, 300 yen, 400 yen, and 400 yen. 500
The order is switched in the order of circles, and one more from the selection state of 500 yen
When the rounding operation is performed, the ball lending amount returns to 100 yen again, and is continuously switched in the same order. That is, each time the amount selection button 14 is operated, a plurality of types of ball lending amounts rotate.

As the initial value of the ball lending amount, one amount selected from a plurality of types of amounts is set. As the ball lending amount, one of the plurality of types of selectable ball lending amounts described above is predetermined as an initial value. In the setting of the initial value, one ball lending amount is set from a plurality of types of ball lending amounts by the amount initial value setting device. The initial value of the ball lending amount is, for example, an amount that is considered to have the highest probability that the player selects the ball lending amount (for example,
It is desirable to set the amount to 500 yen or the like in the case of the amount of money described above. If such a setting is made, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of the player performing the operation of changing the ball lending amount. It will be convenient for players.

The ball lending amount selected in accordance with the operation of the amount selection button 14 is displayed on the amount display 15.
Then, by operating the amount selection button 14, for example, 500
When the already issued prepaid card 21 is inserted and the ball lending switch 80 provided on the pachinko gaming machine 2 is operated in a state in which the ball lending amount of the yen is selected, recording on the prepaid card 21 is performed. 500 yen is deducted from the paid card balance, and 500 yen lending is paid out from the pachinko gaming machine 2.

Further, the use of the issued prepaid card 21 is completed as in the case where the already issued prepaid card 21 is ejected from the already issued prepaid card insertion slot 4 and removed from the already issued prepaid card insertion slot 4 by the player. If a predetermined time (for example, one minute) elapses without using the newly issued issued prepaid card 21 from the time when the
The ball lending amount used for the ball lending (ball lending) is returned to the above-described initial value, and the initial value is displayed on the amount display 15.

By pressing the fraction display button 16, a display for specifying the card unit setting state such as an ID number for identifying the card unit 3 and a lending state immediately before the last time is performed.

Enclosed type prepaid card frequency indicator 17
Displays the current card balance of the enclosed prepaid card 23 that has been issued. The enclosed prepaid card frequency indicator 17 is also used for displaying an error code. For example, a code is displayed for each cause of abnormality, such as various abnormal states occurring in the card unit 3 and communication abnormalities between the card unit 3 and the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 2.

The ball display 18 displays the card unit 3
Is selectively lit to indicate whether it is for renting a pachinko ball or a medal. Some of the card units 3 are for lending medals (coins), such as slot machines, instead of lending pachinko balls.
Is configured to be able to be recognized by the lighting display of.

The link stand direction indicator 19 is for lighting and displaying which pachinko gaming machine 2 the card unit 3 is connected to by wire. The card insertion lamp 20 is for illuminating and displaying that the already issued prepaid card 21 is inserted into the already issued prepaid card insertion slot 4.

In the figure, reference numeral 7 denotes an encapsulation type prepaid card confirmation window, and the character of "encapsulation type prepaid card confirmation window" indicating that it is an issuance section of the encapsulation type prepaid card is a lower front surface of the encapsulation type prepaid card confirmation window 7. It is attached to the part. FIG. 2B shows an AA cross section of the enclosed prepaid card confirmation window 7. A cover 24 made of a transparent resin is provided on the front side of the enclosed prepaid card issuing port 22 provided on the front side of the card unit 3. Then, when the player inserts a regular bill into the bill insertion slot 6, a part of the enclosed prepaid card 23 in which a card balance (frequency) corresponding to the amount of the bill is recorded is transferred from the card issuing slot 22. As a result, the sealed prepaid card 23 is issued to the player. In this issuance state, the player
Although the projected portion of the enclosed prepaid card 23 can be visually recognized through 4, the player cannot pull out the enclosed prepaid card 23 due to the presence of the cover 24. As a result, the operation of once issuing the enclosed prepaid card 23, taking it in again, and lending the ball can be repeated, and the running cost in the game hall can be minimized.

As described above, the enclosed prepaid card 23
Is issued by partially protruding the enclosed prepaid card forward of the front surface of the enclosed prepaid card issuing port 22. A recess may be provided in the front portion of the card unit 3 and the enclosed prepaid card issuing port 22 may be formed in the recess. In this case, the recessed bottom portion is the front surface of the enclosed prepaid card issuing port 22. In order to become, the enclosed prepaid card 2
When a part of 3 protrudes, the enclosed prepaid card 23 is issued. That is, the term “front surface of the enclosing recording medium issuing unit” in the present invention is not limited to the front surface of the card unit 3, but includes a concave bottom surface of the enclosing recording medium issuing unit when the enclosing recording medium issuing unit is depressed. is there.

When the issued prepaid card 21 is inserted into the issued prepaid card insertion slot 4 and used for a game, and the player performs a pressing operation of the return switch 81 as a game end operation, the updated card balance is reduced. The recorded issued prepaid card 21 is ejected (returned) from the issued prepaid card insertion slot 4. It should be noted that the zero card that has completely used up the card balance is also discharged (returned) from the card insertion slot 4. In such a case, the issued prepaid card 21 is ejected from the already issued prepaid card insertion slot 4 while being held in a manner that allows the player to remove it. The player receives the discharged issued prepaid card 21 by extracting the discharged issued prepaid card 21 in such a state.

Although the issued prepaid card 21 is conventionally formed in a general size, the enclosed prepaid card 23 is formed of a card smaller in size than the issued prepaid card 21.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the inside of the card unit 3. An issued issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35 is provided below the card unit 3. The issued issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35 has an issued issued prepaid card reader / writer and a microcontroller for controlling the same. And a control board on which a computer or the like is mounted.

Although not shown, at the card entry side of the already issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35, for example, in the case of returning the card, the card is located near the already issued prepaid card insertion slot 4. There is provided an entrance card detection switch 341 (see FIG. 5) for detecting the inserted card.

At a position above the previously issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35, an enclosed type prepaid card reader / writer device 34 is provided. The information in the recording section of the enclosed prepaid card 23 is erased or newly written by the enclosed prepaid card reader / writer device 34.

A main controller 33 is provided above the enclosed type prepaid card reader / writer device 34. In the main controller 33, a control board on which a control unit 330 (see FIG. 5) composed of a control microcomputer for controlling the entire card unit 3 as a whole is provided. .

A bill discriminating device 32 is provided above the main controller 33. A bill inserted from the bill insertion slot 6 is identified by the bill discriminating device 32, and its authenticity is determined. In the bill validator 32, a transport unit 321 that transports the inserted bill by a roller driven by a motor, an identification unit 322 that optically determines the authenticity of the bill transported by the transport unit 321, and And a control board on which a control unit 320 (see FIG. 5) including a control microcomputer for controlling the transport unit 321 and the identification unit 322 is mounted.

The side of the main control device 33 is provided with a state in which the banknote recognition device 32 is in the banknote acceptance prohibition state.
2. A bill use control switch 39 comprising a toggle switch for selecting one of the bill accepting states in 2
Is provided. In the vicinity of the bill use control switch 39, there is provided an output mode changeover switch 90 capable of switching an output mode (selection of an output path) of the external output information to be sent to the hall management computer (see FIG. 5). I have. The output mode changeover switch 90 is included in a function setting switch composed of a dip switch capable of setting bit data of a plurality of bits (for example, 4 bits), and is a switch constituting a specific bit switch in the switch. The output mode switch 90 is based on whether the switch is turned on or off.
The output mode can be set to be switchable.

Although not shown, the bill validator 32
An entrance banknote detector 301 (see FIG. 5) for detecting a banknote carried in from the outside of the banknote recognition device 32 is provided on the entrance side of the banknote recognition device 32, and a banknote recognition device is provided on the exit side of the banknote recognition device 32. An exit bill detector 302 (see FIG. 5) for detecting bills carried out from the inside of the device 32 to the outside is provided.

A communication relay device 31 is provided above the bill validator 32. Communication with a terminal box installed in the game hall is performed via the communication relay device 31.

At the lowermost part of the card unit 3, a junction box 36 is provided. The junction box 36 stores ID information of the card unit 3, that is, identification information.

As shown in FIG. 3, the card unit 3
The shape of the front part of the is a sealed prepaid card issuing port 2
The front face of the card unit provided with the cover 24 and the issued prepaid card insertion slot 4 and the face provided with the bill insertion slot 6 are compared with the other front face of the card unit (display plate 30). Protruding forward. This allows the player to enter the enclosed prepaid card issuing section 22 and the issued prepaid card insertion slot 4.
And the portion where the bill insertion slot 6 is provided and the other portion can be easily distinguished.

Also, on the back (back) side of the card unit 3, a payout control unit (control unit for performing payout control of ball lending) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 2, a hall management provided in the game hall A relay board 37 provided with electronic components such as a computer and a connector for connection to an external device such as an interface device described later is provided. The controller 330 in the card unit main controller 33 (FIG. 5)
) Is communicably connected to an external device as described above via a relay board 37.

In the gaming machine installation island 200a, a transport path of the bill transporting device is provided in a space between the rows of the pachinko gaming machines and the card units 3 in which the back side is arranged opposite to each other. After the banknotes received by the card unit 3 are processed, the bills are discharged from the back side of the card unit 3 onto a transport path, transported to a collection box provided at an end of the gaming machine installation island, and collected. .

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the control operation of the above-described various devices will be described. Junction box 36
Has a function of supplying DC power to the inside of the card unit 3 and setting the above-described ID information (identification number) indicating the installation position in the game arcade. The identification number, which is the set ID information, is transmitted to the hall management computer of the game hall together with information for specifying the use value (sales) associated with the use of the card. The hall management computer is configured so as to classify and output sales information and the like for each identification number of the card unit and to serve for business management of the amusement arcade.

The already-issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35 takes in the already-issued prepaid card 21 inserted into the already-issued prepaid card insertion slot 4 and reads the information recorded on the already-issued prepaid card 21 to determine the authenticity. And the card balance included in the read information is transmitted to the main controller 33. Main controller 33 performs control for displaying the card balance based on the received card balance information. Specifically, a display control signal for digitally displaying the card balance is output to a balance display 8 provided on the upper plate of the pachinko gaming machine or the like.

Further, main controller 33 outputs a lending command signal to the ball payout control microcomputer of the pachinko gaming machine to pay out a number of lending balls corresponding to a predetermined unit amount (for example, 100 yen). Is output. By repeating the lending operation for one unit amount a plurality of times, a lending corresponding to a predetermined amount is executed. Then, it outputs a subtraction command signal for subtracting the value of the amount of money lent to the already issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35. Already issued prepaid card reader / writer device 3
Reference numeral 5 updates the card balance of the issued issued prepaid card 21 inserted in accordance with the output command signal and writes the reduced card balance into the issued issued prepaid card. Then, when the game is over, a process of discharging the already issued prepaid card 21 from the already issued prepaid card insertion slot 4 is performed.

When a 1,000-yen bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 6, the bill validator 32 discriminates the authenticity of the bill, and when the bill is recognized as a correct bill, a signal to that effect is sent to the main controller 33. Transmit to The main control device 33 sends a control signal to the enclosed prepaid card reader / writer device 34. Receiving the control signal, the encapsulation type prepaid card reader / writer device 34 records balance information for 1,000 yen in the encapsulation type prepaid card 23, and transmits the encapsulation type prepaid card from the encapsulation type prepaid card issuing port 22. 23 is protruded and issued. Then, the encapsulation type prepaid card reader / writer device 34 takes in the encapsulation type prepaid card 23 and the encapsulation type prepaid card 2
3 is read, and the card balance (1000 yen) included in the read information is transmitted to the main controller 33.

The main controller 33 displays the size of the card balance (1000 yen) transmitted to the enclosed prepaid card frequency display 17 and the above-mentioned card balance display 8 in accordance with the transmitted information. Display control to perform the display. Specifically, a display control signal for digitally displaying the transmitted balance of the enclosed prepaid card (1,000 yen) is output to the enclosed prepaid card frequency display 17 and the card balance display 8. The enclosed prepaid card frequency display 17 and the card balance display 8 digitally display the size of the card balance (1000 yen) according to the output display control signal.

Further, the main controller 33 outputs the above-mentioned ball lending command signal of one unit (for example, for 100 yen) to the ball payout control microcomputer of the pachinko game machine, and performs the ball lending operation of one unit. Let them do it. By performing the ball lending operation of one unit a plurality of times (10 times in the present embodiment), the ball lending operation for 1,000 yen is performed.

When the ball lending operation for the amount of one thousand yen has been completed, the main controller 33 outputs a reduction update control signal for the one thousand yen to the enclosed prepaid card reader / writer device 34. In response to this, the enclosed prepaid card reader / writer device 34 rewrites the card balance information of the enclosed enclosed prepaid card 23 to zero.

On the other hand, the main control unit 33 outputs the above-mentioned deduction update control signal, and at the same time, outputs a display control signal for setting the frequency display of the enclosed prepaid card frequency display 17 and the card balance display 8 to 0. It outputs to the enclosed type prepaid card frequency display 17 and the card balance display 8.
In the enclosed prepaid card frequency display 17 and the card balance display 8, the display of the card balance is set to "0" according to the control signal. Further, when any abnormality occurs in the card unit 3, the main controller 33 performs control to display an error code indicating the cause of the abnormality on the enclosed prepaid card frequency display 17 or the card balance display 8. . As a result, the enclosed prepaid card frequency display 17 or the card balance display 8 displays an error code indicating the cause of the abnormality.

More specifically, the enclosed prepaid card frequency indicator 17 blinks the card balance (remaining number) of the enclosed prepaid card 23 during the lending of the game medium, and displays the card balance (remaining number) when an error occurs. ) And an error code (a code indicating the cause of the error) are alternately displayed as a time difference. If an error occurs during standby for bill insertion, only the error code is displayed. The error codes displayed by the enclosed prepaid card frequency indicator 17 include:
An enclosed prepaid card such as an error related to the enclosed prepaid card 23 such as a jam or a reading error of the enclosed prepaid card 23, an error related to the bill validator 32 such as a banknote jam, an error of an enclosed prepaid card-related component, or the like. There is a code indicating a predetermined error related to the processing of 23 (hereinafter referred to as an error relating to the processing of the enclosed prepaid card).

Here, the errors related to the above-mentioned enclosed prepaid card 23 include the enclosed prepaid card 2
3 also includes an error caused by the number of issuances reaching the upper limit as described later.

On the other hand, the error codes displayed by the card balance display 8 include a hardware failure of the issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35 and a card unit 3.
Card unit 30 side errors such as communication errors in various devices, clogging of the issued prepaid card 21, abnormal insertion errors of the issued prepaid card 21, and other errors related to the issued prepaid card, the card unit 3 and the pachinko gaming machine An error related to the connection cable such as a communication error with the second, a previously issued prepaid card 21 such as an error on the pachinko gaming machine side such as an error on the pachinko gaming machine side when the lending refusal situation due to a broken ball or the like occurs on the pachinko gaming machine side during lending of the ball There is a code indicating a predetermined error (referred to as an already issued prepaid card processing related error) related to the above processing.

As described above, depending on the cause of the error, the case where the error code is displayed on the enclosed prepaid card frequency display 17 and the case where the error code is displayed on the card balance display 8 are divided into two cases. No error code is displayed.

As described above, the main controller 33 controls the enclosing type prepaid card frequency display 17 to display the balance of the enclosing type prepaid card 23. In addition, the main controller 33 additionally controls the upper plate of the pachinko gaming machine 2 described above. The display control signal is also transmitted to the card balance display 8 provided in the display 5 to control the display of the balance of the enclosed prepaid card. The card balance display 8 is a dual-purpose display that also displays the card balance of the issued prepaid card 21 under the control of the main controller 33. May be provided respectively. In addition, when it is provided, it is not limited to the upper plate 5 and may be provided at another location, for example, a curtain plate or the like, or may be provided at the same location as the trouble lamp. Further, the balance of the enclosed prepaid card 23 may be displayed on only one of the enclosed prepaid card frequency display 17 and the card balance display 8.

The main controller 33 also performs control to display the bill usable lamp 13, the card usable lamp 10, the card insertion lamp 20, and the like as described above.

Next, the configuration of the external information output terminal section 370 will be described. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the external information output terminal unit 370. The external information output terminal 370 is connected to the first
And a plurality of (specifically, six) output terminals 371 to 376 to which wiring can be connected. These output terminals are collectively arranged in a manner arranged in the up-down direction, and among these, the upper two output terminals 371, 3
72 (first and second pins) constitute a first output unit, two middle output terminals 373 and 374 (third and fourth pins) constitute a second output unit, and two lower terminals Output terminal 375,
376 (fifth and sixth pins) constitutes a third output unit. That is, the external information output terminal unit 370 is provided with three output units, namely, first to third output units.

From the first output unit, one piece of information of only the loan sales amount information of the issued prepaid card 21 or
Two pieces of information, namely, the loan sales amount information and the issue amount information as sales information relating to the issuance of the enclosed prepaid card 23, are output. Here, the loan sales information of the issued prepaid card 21 is information that can specify the ball lending amount performed using the issued prepaid card 21, that is, the ball lending sales amount. The issuance amount information of the encapsulation type prepaid card is information that can specify the card balance recorded on the card when the encapsulation type prepaid card 23 is issued, that is, card issuance sales information.

The second output unit outputs rental sales amount information as sales information relating to the enclosed prepaid card 23. Here, the enclosed prepaid card 23
The loan sales amount information is information that can specify the lending amount of a ball made using the enclosed prepaid card 23.
Further, from the third output unit, issuance amount information as sales information on the above-described enclosed prepaid card 23 can be output.

Next, the configuration of the control device in the card unit 3 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the card unit 3, and illustration and description of a part of the configuration are omitted.

In the game arcade, there is provided a card unit management device 400 comprising a management computer for managing a plurality of card units 3 provided in the arcade. Outside the game arcade, a unit management center (not shown) is provided, which is an institution that manages all card units 3 in a plurality of game arcades in which the card units 3 are provided. In this unit management center, all card units 3 in a plurality of game arcades
A central management device (not shown) including a computer that manages all of the devices is provided. This central management unit
Card unit management device 4 at each game hall via communication line
00 and is communicably connected to each of the card unit management devices 400, so that all the card units 3 in each of the amusement arcades are comprehensively managed.

The control unit 330 of the main control unit 33 of the card unit 3 includes a control unit 340 of the enclosed prepaid card reader / writer device 34, a control unit 350 of the issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35,
The two control units 320 are communicably connected to each other. The control unit 330 of the main control device 33 is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 2 and can communicate with the payout control unit 200, which is a control microcomputer including a control microcomputer capable of paying out balls for lending. Connected by

The control section 320 of the bill validator 32 gives a control signal to the transport section 321 to drive and control the transport section 321 provided for the bill validator 32.
The transport unit 321 is driven and controlled in accordance with a control signal received from the control unit 320, and performs an operation of transporting the inserted bill. The control unit 320 of the banknote recognition device 32 provides a control signal for controlling a recognition operation to a banknote recognition unit 322 provided in the banknote recognition device 32. The identification unit 322 includes the control unit 3
In accordance with the control signal received from 20, a bill discriminating operation is performed, and information indicating the discrimination result is provided to the control unit 320.

Various information (information including signals and data) such as banknote acceptance prohibition command information and banknote acceptance prohibition release command information is sent from the control unit 330 of the main control unit 33 to the control unit 320 of the banknote recognition device 32. Given. Banknote recognition device 3
From the second control unit 320 to the control unit 330 of the main control device 33, various information such as information indicating the identification result of the bill is given.

The controller 330 of the main controller 33 controls the lamp to be turned on by supplying power to the card usable lamp 10 when the issued prepaid card 21 can be used, so that the card can be used. When it is impossible (when prohibited), power is supplied to the card-usable lamp 10 at a predetermined cycle, so that the lamp is controlled to blink. The control unit 330 of the main control device 33
Controls the lamp to be turned on by supplying power to the bill usable lamp 13 when the bill can be accepted, and cuts off the supply to the bill usable lamp 13 when the receipt of the bill is prohibited. Thus, the lamp is controlled to be turned off.

The control unit 330 of the main control unit 33 receives detection signals from the above-described entrance banknote detector 301 and the above-mentioned exit banknote detector 302,
No. 2 recognizes the presence or absence of a bill on the entrance side and the exit side. Further, the control unit 330 of the main control device 33 receives the setting information of the reception prohibition time from the reception prohibition time setting device 38, and after receiving the previous bill, cannot accept the next bill for the set reception prohibition time. Control to make the next bill valid. Here, the reception prohibition time setting device 38 is formed of a dip switch provided on a control board on which the control unit 330 of the main control device 33 is provided, and the reception prohibition time can be switched in a plurality of stages by a staff member. Things. Note that the reception prohibition time setting device 38 may be constituted by other setting means such as a changeover switch other than the dip switch, and is not provided on the control board on which the control section 330 is provided. It may be provided at another position such as a wall surface.

Basically, the reception prohibition time set by the reception prohibition time setting unit 38 is issued in accordance with the amount of the bill from the time when the inserted bill is identified as a genuine bill by the bill validator 32. Enclosed prepaid card 23
Is set to a time corresponding to the time until it is considered that all the balls lent based on the card balance are consumed by firing the balls. In other words, the reception prohibition time is set in a plurality of stages by the reception prohibition time setting device 38, but when it is considered that all the balls lent in such a manner are consumed by firing the balls in any of the stages. Set to a time within the time until Therefore,
Even if the reception of the bill is prohibited for a predetermined time by the reception prohibition timer, for a general player who performs a normal game,
By the time all the balls are consumed by firing, the state of prohibition of acceptance of bills has been released, so that prohibition of acceptance does not become a particular problem and does not hinder the use of bills by the player. Therefore, there is no disadvantage of a general player and disadvantage of a game hall.

As described above, by prohibiting the acceptance of the next bill until a predetermined period elapses after the bill has been identified, excessively frequent use of the bill is restricted, and a prepaid card using a counterfeit bill is restricted. Since the efficiency of illegal issuance and illegal lending of balls is reduced, it is possible to make it difficult to perform fraudulent acts using counterfeit bills. In addition, since the reception prohibition time setting device 38 can set the reception prohibition time for bills, such a reception prohibition time can be arbitrarily set at the game hall. as a result,
It is possible to set a reception prohibition time suitable for the operation of the game arcade.

During the bill acceptance prohibition time, the bill available lamp 13 is turned off to notify that bills will not be accepted. Therefore, the player can easily recognize that the banknote will not be accepted during the banknote acceptance prohibition time, and the confusion of the player due to the failure to accept the banknote can be prevented.

The control unit 330 of the main control unit 33 receives the payment by the bill and issues the issuance command information for instructing the issuance of the encapsulation type prepaid card 23 to the control unit 340 of the encapsulation type prepaid card reader / writer device 34. Control unit 330
In response to receiving the issuance command information, the encapsulation type prepaid card reader / writer device 34 controls the issuance of the encapsulation type prepaid card 23, and in response, issues the issuance command response information indicating that the issuance has been issued. Device 3
3 to the control unit 330.

In response to receiving the issuance command response information, the control unit 330 transfers issue amount data indicating the issue amount of the enclosed prepaid card to the control unit 350 of the already issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35. Then, the control unit 330 controls the enclosed prepaid card frequency indicator 1
7 is provided with an issuance amount display signal, and control is performed to display the issuance amount as a balance on the enclosed prepaid card frequency indicator 17.

Control unit 35 that has received the transfer of the issue amount data
In the case of 0, the issue amount data is accumulated and stored, and the accumulated issue amount data is transmitted to the card unit management device 400 installed in the amusement arcade via the communication relay device 31 at regular intervals together with the consumption amount data described later. I do.

After confirming the response information from control unit 340, control unit 330 of main control unit 33 sends a lending command signal for lending pachinko balls corresponding to the deposit amount to payout control unit 200 in pachinko gaming machine 2. Controls transmission.
The lending command signal is a signal for instructing lending of balls by one payout unit. For example, in the case of instructing lending of balls for 1000 yen, a lending instruction signal for instructing lending of one payout unit of balls is 10 units. Will be forwarded. Payout control unit 2
At 00, a lending command signal is received to control the lending, and a lending completion signal is returned to the control unit 330 of the main control device 33 each time one unit of the ball is paid out.

The control unit 330 of the main control unit 33 performs control to update the balance displayed on the enclosed prepaid card frequency display 17 every time the lending completion signal is received. In addition, when the lending of the full amount of the accepted bill is completed, the control unit 330 of the main controller 33 controls the control unit 340 of the encapsulation type prepaid card reader / writer device 34.
The balance 0 recording command information for writing “0” as the card balance to the enclosed prepaid card 23 is given. The control unit 340 sets the card balance of the encapsulation type prepaid card 23 to “0” in response to receiving the balance 0 recording command information.
After the rewriting is completed, balance 0 recording command response information indicating that the card balance has been rewritten to "0" is returned.

As described above, the enclosed prepaid card 23
In the case of using, when the player inserts a bill, the enclosed prepaid card 23 is automatically issued, and thereafter, lending of a ball for the entire amount of the issued amount is automatically performed regardless of the operation of the player. It is done. This prevents the player from leaving the pachinko gaming machine 2 and the card unit 3 in front of the pachinko gaming machine 2 and the card unit 3 for purchasing a card usable for the game and lending the ball, and as a result, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 2 and the card unit 3 Rate can be improved.
Furthermore, since the enclosed prepaid card 23 that has been issued is taken in without being handed over to the player's hand, it is possible to make it difficult to perform an illegal act of recording illegal information on the enclosed prepaid card 23.

When the balance is filled with “0” as a balance upon completion of the lending of the ball, the consumption amount data indicating the amount consumed for the lending of the ball among the issued amounts is included. The information is transferred to the control unit 350 of the issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35. The control unit 350 that has received the transfer of the consumption amount data accumulates and stores the consumption amount data, and stores the accumulated and stored consumption amount data together with the above-mentioned issue amount data to the game hall via the communication relay device 31 at regular intervals. This is transmitted to the installed card unit management device 400. Further, the issue amount data and the consumption amount data of the enclosed prepaid card 23 are also provided from the control unit 350 to the hall management computer 50 via the communication relay device 31.

When a ball is to be lent based on the card balance of the issued prepaid card 21, the ball lending switch 80 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 2 is operated in accordance with a ball lending operation. Receives a ball lending operation signal to the control unit 330 of the main control device 33, and in response to receiving the ball lending operation signal, the control unit 330 pays out the selected amount of money when using the already issued prepaid card 21. Is transmitted to the payout control unit 200. When it is confirmed that the payout of the selected amount of the ball lending (for example, 500 yen or the like) is completed, the control unit 330 of the main control device 33 transmits the card balance to the control unit 350 of the issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35. An update command is given, and the control unit 350 controls to rewrite the card balance of the issued prepaid card 21.

When the lending of the ball is completed,
Consumption amount data indicating the amount consumed for lending the ball is transferred from the control unit 330 to the control unit 350 of the already issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35. The control unit 350 that has received the transfer of the consumption amount data of the already issued prepaid card 21 accumulates and stores the consumption amount data,
The accumulated and stored consumption amount data is transmitted to the card unit management device 400 installed in the amusement arcade via the communication relay device 31 at regular intervals together with the issuance amount data and the consumption amount data of the enclosed prepaid card 23 described above. . In addition, the control unit 350 transmits such consumption amount data of the issued prepaid card 21 to the communication relay device 31.
Is also provided to the hall management computer 50 via the.

When an error related to the encapsulation type prepaid card processing described above occurs, the banknote identification device 32, the encapsulation type prepaid card reader / writer device 34, and the issued prepaid card reader / writer are controlled by the control unit 330. The device 35 is deactivated (however, the issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35 can be activated in accordance with the operation of the bill use control switch 39), the card usable lamp 10, the enclosed prepaid card frequency indicator 17, and a predetermined notification indicating that an error has occurred is performed using the bill usable lamp 13. In the case of this notification, the card usable lamp 10 blinks. An error code indicating the type of error that has occurred is displayed on the enclosed prepaid card frequency indicator 17 (if an error occurs during lending of a ball, the card balance and the error code at that time are determined by a predetermined number). Displayed alternately in a cycle). The bill usable lamp 13 is turned off. When performing such notification, the control unit 330
Based on the control signals to the relevant indicators and lamps,
The corresponding indicators and lamps are controlled. When deactivating the encapsulation type prepaid card reader / writer device 34 and the issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35,
Each device is deactivated by the control unit 330 not performing the process for controlling the corresponding device.

The bill use control switch 39 is provided on a control board on which the control unit 330 of the main controller 33 is provided, and changes the state of the bill identification device 32 into two states: a bill acceptance permitted state and a bill acceptance prohibited state. And an operation signal indicating the selected state is given to the control unit 330 of the main control device 33.
When the control unit 330 receives the operation signal, the banknote reception prohibition command information for prohibiting the reception of the banknote is given to the control unit 320 of the banknote recognition device 32 when the banknote reception prohibition state is selected. And control part 320 performs control which prohibits acceptance of a bill according to bill acceptance prohibition command information. For this reason, when the banknote acceptance prohibition state is selected due to the above-described error state, the control unit 330 controls the banknote recognition device 32 to a state where banknotes cannot be accepted.
Further, in the control unit 330, when the banknote acceptance prohibited state is selected when an error relating to the processing of the enclosed prepaid card occurs, the already issued prepaid card 2 which has been deactivated is selected.
Control for activating the process 1 is also performed. The control unit 33
In the case of 0, when the bill accepting state is selected, the bill recognizing device 32 is controlled to a state in which bills can be accepted.

As described above, the enclosed prepaid card 23
If the above-described error occurs in the banknote recognition device 32 and the enclosed prepaid card reader / writer device 34 that perform the operations related to the processing described above and it is unlikely that the error can be resolved, the control unit 330 uses In accordance with the operation of the bill use control switch 39, the bill discriminating device 32 is controlled to a state in which bills cannot be accepted, thereby controlling the use of the enclosed prepaid card 23 and an already issued prepaid card reader / writer device. 35, the processing of the issued prepaid card 21 is activated. As a result, in such a case, the card unit 3 cannot use the enclosed recording prepaid card 23 but can use the issued prepaid card 21.

When the above-mentioned error related to the issued prepaid card processing occurs, the bill discriminating device 32, the enclosed prepaid card reader / writer device 34, and the
Inactivation of the already issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35, card usable lamp 10, lendable lamp (a lamp provided on the upper plate 5 for indicating that lending of balls is possible), and card balance A predetermined notification indicating that an error has occurred by the display unit 8 and invalidation of the operation of the ball lending switch 80 are performed under the control of the control unit 330.
In the case of this notification, the card usable lamp 10 blinks. An error code indicating the type of error that has occurred is displayed on the card balance display 8 (if an error occurs during lending of a ball, the card balance at that time and the error code alternate at a predetermined cycle. Will be displayed on your device). The lendable lamp is turned off. When such notification is made, the control unit 330 controls the corresponding display and lamp based on a control signal to the relevant display and lamp.

As described above, when the encapsulation type prepaid card reader / writer device 34 and the issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35 are deactivated, the control unit 330 does not execute the processing for controlling the corresponding device. As a result, each device is deactivated.

If the number of times the enclosed prepaid card 23 has been issued has reached the upper limit, the card acceptance prohibition signal is output from the main controller 33 during the closing process and when the power is turned on.
Is sent from the control unit 330 to the control unit 350 of the already-issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35, thereby performing control to prohibit acceptance of the already-issued prepaid card 21.

A predetermined number (for example, 4) of the relay board 37 provided in the card unit 3 and a predetermined number of game machine installation islands 200 are provided between the control section 330 of the main control device 33 and the hall management computer 50. (E.g., a plurality of pachinko machines), one terminal device 51 provided for each pachinko gaming machine, and one island terminal device 52 provided for one gaming machine installation island 200 communicably connected. ing. The platform terminal device 51 is a device having a function of relaying information communication between the card unit 3 and the pachinko gaming machine 2 and the island terminal device 52. In addition, the island terminal device 52
This device has a function of relaying information communication between the platform terminal device 51 and the hall management computer 50.

An output mode changeover switch 90 is connected to the control section 330 of the main control device 33. In the control unit 330, when the output mode to the hall management computer 50 is set by the output mode switch 90,
Receives a setting input according to the setting operation state of the switch,
An output mode according to the setting is selected. Then, the control unit 330 performs control to output various information to the hall management computer 50 in the output mode selected in this manner.

The output of information from the control unit 330 to the hall management computer 50 is performed at the following timing, for example. The control unit 330 lends one unit using the issued prepaid card 21 (lending for 100 yen).
Every time is completed, the rental sales information of the issued prepaid card is output at the time of completion. Further, the control unit 330
The issue amount information (the issue amount of 1000 yen) is output at the time when the enclosed prepaid card 23 is issued. In addition, the control unit 330 uses the enclosed prepaid card 23 to
Each time a unit lending (lending for 100 yen) is completed, the lending sales information of the enclosed prepaid card is output at the time of completion.

As described above, the hall management computer 5
In the case of 0, the main controller 33 (control unit 330) sends various types of information such as the loan sales information of the issued prepaid card, the lending sales information of the encapsulated prepaid card, and the sales information including the issuance information of the encapsulated prepaid card. Receive information. In the hall management computer 50, regarding the sales information, the loan sales information of the issued prepaid card,
Aggregate prepaid card lending sales information and enclosed prepaid card issue amount information are aggregated,
Manage the sales status of each card unit.

Next, the configuration of a communication path between the main controller 33 and the hall management computer 50 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication path between the main control device 33 and the hall management computer 50.

Referring to FIG. 6, each pair of output terminals 37
1, 372, 373, 374, 375, and 376 are connected to the hall management computer 50 by wiring via the platform terminal device 51 and the island terminal device 52, respectively. Have been. Thus, the card unit 3 and the hall management computer 50
Are connected by three communication lines. First
To each of a pair of output terminals 371,
372, 373, 374, 375 and 376 are connected in parallel with a relay switch 37a provided in the main control device 33 and a disconnection resistor 37b (variable resistor type resistor) provided in the relay board 37. ing. Relay switch 3
7a is turned off when an applied voltage is supplied under the control of the control unit 330 of the main controller 33, and turned on when the applied voltage is not supplied. The disconnection resistor 37b is a dial-type variable resistor, and can change the setting of the resistance value according to the operation of the dial by an attendant.

A constant current is supplied from the hall management computer 50 via the island terminal device 52 and the base terminal device 51 to each pair of output terminals constituting each of the first to third output sections. When the switch 37a is in the off state, a current flows through the disconnection resistor 37b, and the voltage between the pair of output terminals becomes high level (inactive state),
Conversely, when the relay switch 37a is in the ON state, current does not flow through the disconnection resistor 37b but flows through the relay switch 37a, and the voltage between the pair of output terminals becomes low level (active state).

In main controller 33, control unit 330 outputs each of the above-mentioned issued sales information of the issued prepaid card, the sales information of the enclosed prepaid card, and the issued amount information of the enclosed prepaid card. In order to generate a pulse signal of a predetermined cycle, a voltage is applied to the corresponding relay switch 37a for a predetermined time when the above-described information output condition is satisfied, and the relay switch 37a is turned on for a predetermined time. After that, the application of the voltage is stopped. Accordingly, when the output conditions of the various information described above are satisfied, the voltage between the terminals of the corresponding output unit is set to the active level for a predetermined time, and thereafter, becomes inactive. Such a change in the state generates a pulse signal corresponding to each output unit. This pulse signal is a signal indicating external output information corresponding to each output unit.

A signal indicating the setting state of output mode changeover switch 90 is provided to main controller 33. Control unit 3
In 30, when the output mode changeover switch 90 is in the off state, the first output unit performs control to output only the loan sales information of the issued prepaid card. On the other hand, when the output mode changeover switch 90 is in the ON state, the first output unit controls to output the loan sales amount information of the issued prepaid card and the issuance amount information of the enclosed prepaid card. In that case, the pulse waveforms of both information are similar waveforms. When the output mode changeover switch 90 is in the ON state, no information is output from the third output unit. That is, the control unit 330 outputs information using the three signal output paths when the output mode changeover switch 90 is in the off state, and outputs the two signal output paths when the output mode changeover switch 90 is on. Control to output information by using the information.

FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram showing pulse signals of the information on the amount of the enclosed prepaid card issued, the information on the sales amount of the issued prepaid card, and the information on the sales amount of the enclosed prepaid card.

Referring to FIG. 7, the pulse signals of the information on the amount of the issued prepaid card, the information on the sales amount of the issued prepaid card and the information on the sales amount of the enclosed prepaid card are all the same signal waveforms. Is the signal of
The pulse width W is the same. As for the pulse signal of each information, one pulse indicates 100 yen, and the hall management computer 50 determines the amount of information of the enclosed prepaid card based on the number of received pulses and the amount of one pulse. The amount indicated by the prepaid card lending sales information and the lending sales information of the enclosed prepaid card are grasped and totaled.

Of the three types of information described above, the sales information for each of the encapsulation type prepaid card and the issued prepaid card is output in one pulse unit, that is, every time the lending of 100 yen is completed. . Also,
The issuance amount information of the encapsulation type prepaid card includes a pulse signal of a number (10) corresponding to the issuance amount (1000 yen) from the time when the card is issued (when the card is partially ejected) for a predetermined time. Output at intervals.

Next, the contents of the output mode setting processing executed in the control section 330 of the main control device 33 will be described. The output mode setting process is one of subroutine programs started by a main program executed for various controls in the control unit 330. The hall management process is performed according to the operation state of the output mode switch 90. This is processing for setting the output mode of information to be output to the computer 50 (output mode of information to be transmitted through which signal output path) to be changeable.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the output mode setting processing. First, in step S (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 1, it is determined whether or not the output mode changeover switch 90 is in the off state.

If it is determined in S1 that the switch is in the off state, the process proceeds to S2, where a three-output-portion setting process is performed. The three-output-portion setting process is performed in response to the output mode changeover switch 90 being turned off.
This is a process for making settings for outputting information to the hall management computer 50 using the three output units.

More specifically, in S2, the rent sales information of the issued prepaid card is set to be output from the first output unit, and the rent sales information of the enclosed prepaid card is output from the second output unit. The output is set, and the issue amount information of the enclosed prepaid card is set to be output from the third output unit. Accordingly, the sales-related information output to the hall management computer 50 is output using three output paths. After S2, the output mode setting process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1 that the switch is not in the OFF state but in the ON state, the process proceeds to S3, and the two-output unit setting process is executed. This two-output-portion setting process directs information to the hall management computer 50 by using the first and second two output units in accordance with the output mode changeover switch 90 being turned on. This is a process for making settings for output.

More specifically, in S3, the rent sales information of the issued prepaid card is set to be output from the first output unit, and the rent sales information of the enclosed prepaid card is output from the second output unit. The output is set, and the issue amount information of the enclosed prepaid card is set to be output from the first output unit. Thus, the sales-related information output to the hall management computer 50 is output using two output paths. After S3, the output mode setting process ends.

Next, the contents of the sales amount output processing executed in the control section 330 of the main control device 33 will be described.
This sales amount output process is one of subroutine programs started by a main program executed for various controls in the control unit 330, and includes information on the issuance amount of the enclosed prepaid card, the enclosed prepaid card, and the like. This is a process for outputting three pieces of sales-related information, namely, the loan sales amount information and the loan sales amount information of the issued prepaid card according to the establishment of the output condition of each information.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the sales amount output processing. First, in step S11,
It is determined whether or not the enclosed prepaid card 23 has been issued (information has been recorded on the enclosed prepaid card and the card has protruded from the card issuing port 22).

If it is determined in S11 that it is at the time of issuance, the process proceeds to S12, where processing for outputting issuance amount information (the issuance amount of 1000 yen) of the enclosed prepaid card 23 is performed. In this case, one pulse of the issue amount information is 1
Since this corresponds to 00 yen, a process of sequentially outputting ten pulses at predetermined time intervals is performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S13. On the other hand, if it is determined in S11 that it is not the time of issuance, the process directly proceeds to S13.

At S13, the enclosed prepaid card 23
It is determined whether the lending of one unit (lending for 100 yen) using is completed. If it is determined in S13 that the lending of one unit has been completed, the process proceeds to S14, and a process for outputting the lending sales amount information of the enclosed prepaid card 23 is performed. When lending a ball using the enclosed prepaid card 23, lending for 1000 yen is automatically performed.
In S14, every time one unit of lending (lending for 100 yen) is completed, a pulse of the lending sales amount information is output.
Then, the process proceeds to S15. On the other hand, if it is determined in S13 that the lending of one unit has not been completed, the process proceeds to S13.
Proceed to 15.

At S15, the issued prepaid card 21
It is determined whether the lending of one unit (lending for 100 yen) using is completed. If it is determined in S15 that the lending of one unit has been completed, the process proceeds to S16, and a process for outputting the loan sales information of the issued prepaid card 21 is performed. Through these steps S15 and S16, every time one unit of lending (lending for 100 yen) is completed, a pulse of the lending sales amount information is output. Thereafter, the sales amount output processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S15 that the lending of one unit has not been completed, the sales amount output processing ends as it is.

Next, the main effects obtained by this embodiment will be described together. As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and the like, when money is accepted, the enclosed prepaid card 2 is utilized by using the enclosed prepaid card issuing function.
3 and the enclosed prepaid card 23
It is possible to play a game. This prevents the player from leaving the pachinko gaming machine 2 and the card unit 3 in front of the pachinko gaming machine 2 and the card unit 3 for purchasing a card usable for the game and lending a ball as a game medium. The operating rate of the card unit can be improved. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 and the like, information including the loan sales information of the issued prepaid card 21 and the lending sales information of the enclosed prepaid card 23 is output via the external output terminal unit 370. Because it is output to the outside, based on such output information,
The sales relating to the issued prepaid card and the enclosed prepaid card can be tabulated outside the apparatus, that is, by the hall management computer 50. Management computer 5
0 can be easily managed.

As shown in FIG. 9, issuance amount information capable of specifying the card balance at the time of issuance of the encapsulation type prepaid card 23 is output via the external output terminal section 370. Can be easily managed outside the apparatus, that is, by the hall management computer 50.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5,
The two pieces of information, that is, the sales amount information of the issued issued prepaid card and the issued amount information of the enclosed prepaid card, are output together from a common terminal (first output unit) (see S3 in FIG. 8) or individually. An output mode changeover switch 90 is provided which can selectively set whether to output from each of the terminals (the first output unit and the third output unit) (see S2 in FIG. 8). One type of information can be selected to be output collectively from a common terminal or to be output from individual terminals. For this type of information output, the number of information transmission paths is limited. Can flexibly respond to needs based on circumstances. Specifically, the card unit 3 and the hall management computer 5
In some cases, the number of transmission paths of information (signal) between 0 and 0 may be limited (more specifically, the number of terminals that can be input / output by the input / output function of the hall management computer 50 may be limited). ). That is, there are cases where the three transmission paths as shown in the above-described embodiment cannot be secured in the game arcade, and the two transmission paths cannot be secured. In such a case, it is possible to make settings for performing three types of information transmission using two transmission paths by operating the output mode changeover switch 90 described above. When three types of information transmission are performed using two transmission paths in this way, the issue amount information of the enclosed prepaid card and the loan sales amount information of the issued prepaid card are mixed on the same transmission path. However, neither information is substituted for the sales information of the amusement arcade, and if the amusement arcade does not need to manage the sales information for each type of sales, it can be operated without any problem.
Therefore, by providing such an output mode changeover switch 90 so that the number of information transmission paths can be selected, the card unit 3 of this embodiment is also installed in a game arcade where many signal paths are not provided. This makes it possible to make the card unit 3 versatile.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the external output terminal section 370 has a plurality of output terminals 371 to 376,
Since these output terminals 371 to 376 are arranged collectively, the wiring work place when performing the wiring work in the external output terminal portion 370 can be concentrated, so that the work efficiency of the wiring work can be improved.

Next, modifications and features of the above-described embodiment will be enumerated below. (1) Although the gaming machine described in the present embodiment pays out gaming media such as lending balls or lending coins, the present invention is not limited to this, and is specified by recording information of a recording medium. Instead of paying out (using) the game value and paying out the game media, the gaming machine gives a score corresponding to the deducted value (score indicating the number of game media for lending such as lending balls or lending coins). ) By adding and updating the score of the player, so that the game is performed using the number of game media corresponding to the score, and by controlling the score to be increased or decreased according to the situation of the game, A game machine may be used in which the game media is not directly paid out, but the game media is provided to the player in the form of scores.

Therefore, according to the present invention, in a recording medium processing apparatus for performing a process for lending a game medium usable for a game using a game machine by using a game value specified by recording information of a recording medium, "Lending a medium" includes the concept of both paying out (lending) an actual ball or coin lending to a player and granting a ball or lending coin indicated by a score to a player. included. In addition, balls or coins included in the game media,
In addition to actual balls or coins, those displayed from images are also included.

In order to monitor an abnormal situation in which the player breaks the cover 24 and pulls out the enclosed prepaid card 23, wiring is laid on the inner surface of the cover 24, electricity is supplied to the wiring, and electricity flows. If an abnormal state is detected by detecting the abnormal state in which the wiring is cut due to the breakage of the cover 24 and the current stops flowing, abnormal state control such as sounding an alarm may be performed.

(2) The cover 24 allows the enclosed recording medium (enclosed prepaid card 23) issued from the enclosed recording medium issuing section (enclosed recording medium issuing port 22) to reach the hands of the player. A blocking means for blocking is configured. The blocking means is not limited to the cover 24. For example, the locking means locks the enclosing recording medium partially exposed from the enclosing recording medium issuing section, and the player cannot pull out the locking medium. Etc.
It can be anything.

(3) By the frequency identification seal 9,
Frequency display means for displaying a frequency at the time of wireless communication with the recording medium processing device (card unit 3) is configured.

The bill usable lamp 13 constitutes an enclosed prepaid card issuable display means for displaying that an enclosed recording medium (enclosed prepaid card 23) can be issued using funds owned by the player. I have. It should be noted that the enclosed prepaid card may be issued using coins instead of banknotes, and may be issued using, for example, a credit card or a debit card or using electronic money. . As described above, the issuance of the encapsulation type prepaid card is not limited to bills, and other valuable objects may be used.

[0134] Enclosed prepaid card 23 using coins
In order to enable the issuance of a coin, instead of or in addition to the bill insertion slot 6 and the bill identification device 32, a coin insertion slot as an example of a coin accepting unit and a coin identification device for determining the authenticity of the inserted coin. Are provided in the card unit. Then, the coin discriminating apparatus determines that the coin inserted from the coin receiving unit is an appropriate coin, and a predetermined amount of money (for example, 50
(0 yen), a signal to that effect is transmitted to the main controller 33, and thereafter, the encapsulation type prepaid card 23 is controlled by the same control as in the case of the bill described above. publish. When accepting both banknotes and coins to enable the issuance of the enclosed prepaid card 23, if a banknote is inserted, the enclosed prepaid card 23 is issued only with the inserted banknote and if a coin is inserted, the One method of issuing with only the inserted coin is conceivable, but as another method, according to the selection of the player, the enclosed prepaid card 23 can be issued using the total amount of the inserted bill and the inserted coin. You may.

(4) The enclosed prepaid card frequency indicator 17 constitutes value display means for displaying the size of the game value (card balance) specified by the recorded information of the enclosed prepaid card. This value display means also has a function of displaying information by which the cause of the abnormality at the time of occurrence of the abnormality can be recognized.

The card insertion lamp 20 constitutes an already-issued recording medium insertion display means for displaying that an already-issued recording medium is being inserted.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the game value (card balance) is recorded directly on the issued prepaid card 21 or the enclosed prepaid card 23 in addition to the recording medium identification information such as the card number. However, in addition to this, the management computer for the hall of the game arcade or the management computer of the prepaid card issuing company also stores the current game value of the recording medium together with the recording medium identification information, and records the value when the recording medium is used. The recording medium identification information of the medium is transmitted to the management computer, and the gaming value corresponding to the recording medium identification information is searched, and the searched gaming value and the prepaid card 2 are retrieved.
It may be configured such that after checking that the magnitudes of the game values 1 and 23 match, the game can be played using the game values. Further, the game value is not recorded on the already issued prepaid card 21 or the enclosed prepaid card 23, but the game value is recorded only on the hall management computer.
The corresponding game value may be searched based on the recording medium identification information recorded in the storage device 23, and the game may be performed using the game value.

Further, both or one of the previously issued prepaid card 21 and the enclosed prepaid card 23 may be constituted by an IC card. This IC card may be either a contact type or a non-contact type (including a contact type).

(6) The present embodiment is divided into a case where an error code is displayed on the enclosed prepaid card frequency display 17 and a case where an error code is displayed on the card balance display 8 depending on the cause of the error. The same error cause is not displayed as an error code in both, but the same error cause may be displayed as an error code in both the enclosed prepaid card frequency display 17 and the card balance display 8 instead. . Furthermore, the error code is composed of a roughly classified error code roughly classified and a finely divided error code which further classifies each major classified error code, and the above-described enclosed prepaid card frequency indicator 17 and card balance One of the displays 8 may display a large classification error code, and the other may display a fine classification error code.

(7) The card unit 3 shown in FIG. 1 and the like uses the game value (card balance) specified by the recording information (the issued prepaid card 21 and the enclosed prepaid card 23) of the recording medium. A recording medium processing device that performs a process for lending game media (for example, balls) usable for a game by a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 2). This recording medium processing device may be capable of using a recording medium such as a debit card or a credit card, as well as a card such as an already issued prepaid card. Further, the above-described recording medium processing device may be capable of processing not only banknotes but also coins in addition to recording media. That is, the above-described recording medium processing device may be capable of processing money including bills and coins in addition to the recording medium. Further, the card unit may be a unit that can use a recording medium such as a debit card or a credit card instead of the cash such as the above-mentioned bill. That is, the recording medium processing device is a recording medium processing device that performs a process for lending a game medium that can be used for a game by a gaming machine using a game value specified by recording information of the recording medium. , Whatever the subject. Also, when such a recording medium processing device is provided corresponding to a pachinko gaming machine, the game medium to be paid out is a ball, while, when such a recording medium processing device is provided corresponding to a slot machine, The game medium to be paid out is a coin.

(8) The above-mentioned enclosed prepaid card frequency indicator 17 is provided on a pachinko gaming machine, for example, instead of being provided on the card unit 3, and is connected to the card unit main control device 33 by wiring so that the card balance ( (Card frequency) may be displayed.

(9) During the period in which the receipt of money (banknotes) is disabled, the money recognition means (the banknote recognition device 3).
Although the value object is not guided in 2), the following examples are included when the value object is not guided. For example, this includes stopping the transfer of money to the money identifying means. Also, in the case of coins, there are cases where the coin slot is closed and cases where the coin is dropped to the return port without closing the slot. Is switched from the path to the money identifying means to the path to the return port.

(10) The bill usable lamp 13 shown in FIG. 1 or the like constitutes a notifying means for notifying that the value object is not received during the period in which the value object is delayed. . This notifying means is not limited to a lamp, and an LED for notifying by light emission, extinguishing or blinking,
Alternatively, other notification means such as a sound notification means including a speaker or the like for performing notification by voice may be used.

(11) As a value object accepted by the gaming machine (card unit 3), bills, coins, debit cards, and credit cards may be used.
Value object identification means for identifying the authenticity of a value object includes:
In the case of a bill, a bill identification device is used, in the case of a coin, a coin identification device is used, and in the case of a debit card and a credit card, a card identification device is used.

(12) In the above-described embodiment, the means (issued recording medium-related operation means) that operates in connection with the processing of the issued prepaid card 21 such as the issued prepaid card reader / writer device 35 has a predetermined abnormality. As an example of performing control such that lending of a ball becomes impossible in the state, it has been described that prohibition of acceptance of banknotes and prohibition of acceptance of pre-issued prepaid cards have been described. In the case of such a predetermined abnormal state,
The entire card unit 3 may be automatically stopped (for example, each unit (particularly, each control unit) in the unit)
Power is not supplied to the

(13) Card balance display 8 described above
May be provided in the card unit 3 instead of the pachinko gaming machine 2 to display the card balance (card count) and display an error (display an error code, etc.).

(14) In the above-described embodiment, the error codes relating to the error state relating to the processing of the enclosed prepaid card and the error state relating to the processing of the enclosed prepaid card are displayed on two displays (enclosed prepaid card frequency display). Although the example in which the display is performed separately by the display 17 and the card balance display 8) is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display of the error code may be performed using any one display. The display of such an error code may be performed by providing a display dedicated to error notification.

(15) In the above-described embodiment, as an example of the notification by the notification means for notifying the occurrence of the predetermined abnormal state, the display of the error code and the blinking display are described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the notification by the notification means may be performed by notification using a notification sound or a combination of the notification using the notification sound and the display or blinking display of the error code.
Instead of displaying the error code, a message using characters (a message indicating the type of error) may be displayed.

(16) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a plurality of terminals are arranged in the vertical direction in the external information output terminal unit 370 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the plurality of terminals may be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.
The arrangement of the terminals is not limited to the arrangement in a row as described in the embodiment, but may be a plurality of arrangements in two rows in which a pair of terminals (two terminals) are arranged in a horizontal or vertical direction. May be collectively arranged.

(17) First output value information (lending sales information of the issued prepaid card) and issuance value information (issued amount information of the enclosed prepaid card) by the output mode changeover switch 90 shown in FIG. ) And
Collectively output from a common terminal (see S3 in FIG. 8)
An output mode setting means is provided which can selectively set either to output the data from the individual terminals (see S2 in FIG. 8). This output mode setting means includes:
The switch is not limited to the dip switch as shown in the above-described embodiment, and may be constituted by other switches such as a toggle switch and a rotary switch.

(18) As shown in FIG. 8, the output mode setting means is configured to output two pieces of information, the first use value information and the issuance value information, collectively from a common terminal. In this case, of the terminals (plurality) provided corresponding to the first use value information and the issuance value information, respectively, the terminal provided for outputting one of the information is the information Not used for output.

(19) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the first use value information (lending sales information of the issued prepaid card) and the second use value information (enclosed type) Prepaid card lending sales information)
In this example, the waveform of the pulse signal is the same as the issue value information (issue amount information of the enclosed prepaid card). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and these waveforms may be made different (for example, the pulse width is made different). In particular, the output mode setting means (output mode switch 90)
When two pieces of information, ie, first use value information (lending sales amount information of an issued prepaid card) and issuance value information (issue amount information of an enclosed prepaid card) are output collectively from a common terminal, The waveforms of the two information pulses may be different (for example, the pulse widths may be different). In this way, even if a plurality of types of signals coexist in one signal path, the hall management computer 50
In the above, it is possible to easily distinguish and manage which information the received pulse signal indicates.

(20) In the above-described embodiment, the enclosure in which information capable of specifying the game value (card balance) corresponding to the total amount of money identified by the money identifying means (the bill identifying device 32) is recorded. Although only an example in which a type recording medium (enclosed type prepaid card 23) is issued is shown, a change dispensing function (change dispensing section, change storing section, change dispensing apparatus, and change dispensing) is provided to the card unit 3 as follows. Control means)
And a game value (card balance) corresponding to a partial amount (for example, 1000 yen) of the identified money (banknote).
May be issued, and the remaining amount of money may be paid out as a change. For example, in the embodiment as described above, 1 such as 10,000 yen, 5000 yen, and 2000 yen
To accept and identify banknotes of 000 yen or more,
When issuing an enclosed prepaid card 23 recording a card balance of a predetermined amount (1000 yen), a necessary change (for example, a change of 4000 yen in the case of accepting 5000 yen) may be calculated and paid out. Good. That is, the enclosed recording medium (enclosed type prepaid card 23) has a game value (including both a full amount and a partial amount) within a range of the amount of money identified by the money identifying means. Any information that can specify the card balance) may be recorded.

(21) The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine and a card unit installed on a gaming machine installation island.

FIG. 2A is a partially enlarged front view of the card unit, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the inside of the card unit.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a configuration of an external information output terminal unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the card unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication path between a main control device 33 and a hall management computer 50.

FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram showing pulse signals of the issuance amount information of the enclosed prepaid card, the loan sales amount information of the issued prepaid card, and the lending sales amount information of the enclosed prepaid card.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing contents of an output form setting processing.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing contents of a sales amount output processing;

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 pachinko machine, 3 card unit, 35 pre-paid card reader / writer already issued, 33 main controller, 6 bill slot, 23 enclosed prepaid card,
22 Encapsulated prepaid card issuing port, 34 Encapsulated prepaid card reader / writer device, 370 External output terminal section, 90 output mode changeover switch, 371-376
Output terminal.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (71) Applicant 000128946 Mamiya OP Co., Ltd. 10-13-1, Nishibori, Saitama-shi, Saitama (72) Inventor Shohei Ugawa 1-164, Aioi-cho, Kiryu-shi, Gunma 5 72) Inventor Mitsuo Abe 2-14-21 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Japan Inside Advanced Card System Co., Ltd. Inside (72) Inventor Keijiro Arauchi 10-13-1, Nishibori, Urawa-shi, Saitama F-term (reference) 2M088 BA88 BB03 BB14 BB19 BB20 BB21 BB23 BB27 BB30 BB32 BB36 BB41 BC79 CA02 CA07 CA35 EA46 3E044 AA05 BA01 BA02 BA06 DA01 DC05

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A recording medium processing apparatus for performing a process for lending a game medium usable for a game using a game machine using a game value specified by recording information of the recording medium, wherein the processing medium is used for a game. Read the recorded information of the already issued recording medium which is a recording medium on which information capable of specifying a possible game value can be specified and has already been issued to the player, and use the game value specified by the recorded information. A previously issued recording medium processing means for performing a process for renting the game medium, a money receiving unit for receiving money as a purchase price of the player, and identifying the authenticity of the money received by the money receiving unit. Money identifying means, and information capable of specifying a game value corresponding to a predetermined amount within a range of the amount of money identified by the money identifying means are recorded, and the recording medium processing device informs the player of the information. It is a recording medium that is taken without being passed to the player after being issued, and the game medium can be lent using the gaming value specified from the recorded information of the taken recording medium. An enclosure-type recording medium issuing means for performing a process of issuing an enclosure-type recording medium, and a game value specified by the recording information of the enclosure-type recording medium issued from the enclosure-type recording medium. An enclosing recording medium processing means for performing a process for renting a game medium; an external information output terminal for outputting information to the outside of the recording medium processing device; and the recording via the external information output terminal. External information output means for outputting information to the outside of the medium processing device, wherein the external information output means specifies the magnitude of the used value from the game value specified by the recorded information of the issued recording medium. Outputting first usable value information and second use value information capable of specifying the magnitude of the used value from the game value specified by the record information of the enclosing recording medium. A recording medium processing device. 2. The external information output means further outputs issuance value information capable of specifying the magnitude of a game value recorded at the time of issuance of the enclosing recording medium. 2. The recording medium processing device according to 1. 3. The external information output means determines whether to output two pieces of information, the first use value information and the issuance value information, from a common terminal or from individual terminals. 3. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an output mode setting unit capable of selectively setting one of them. 4. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the external information output terminal section has a plurality of output terminals, and the plurality of output terminals are collectively arranged. Processing equipment.