JP2002331141A - Prize exchange system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prize exchange system capable of changing prize balls to an optional matter desired by a game player. SOLUTION: The number of prize balls that is the counting result of game mediums acquired by the player is registered in an information storage medium 182 having a function as a financial card related to a prescribed account and owned by the player so as to be usable as the fund of the account. At this time, a prescribed number of points is further given according to various game conditions leading to the acquirement of the game mediums, and the total number of points accumulated every player is registered in the information storage medium 182 independently from the number of prize balls or in conformation thereto.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a prize exchange system for returning a profit based on a prize ball acquired as a result of a game to the player.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a gaming machine store, a prize ball or a medal obtained by a gaming machine from a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is exchanged for various prizes, and profits are returned to the gaming machine. Various kinds of prizes were prepared.

[0003]

However, recently,
The demands of players are becoming increasingly diversified, and if a prize desired by a player is not available at a gaming machine store, or a player does not desire any prize, a large number of prize balls will be played in the game. Even if they were won, those prize balls could not be exchanged for something useful for the player, and the player could not be satisfied.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. By making it possible to exchange a prize ball for an arbitrary one desired by a player, a large number of players can be exchanged. It is an object of the present invention to provide a prize exchange system that can satisfy demands for prizes.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems The gist of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object lies in the following inventions. [1] In a prize exchange system for returning a profit based on a prize ball acquired as a result of a game to a player, an information recording medium (182) having a function as a financial card associated with a predetermined account. In addition to registering the number of prize balls, which is the counting result of the game media acquired by the player, in association with the possession of the player or in association with the possession of the game media, the number of prize balls is registered so as to be usable as the fund of the account, and the game media is acquired. In order to give a predetermined number of points according to various game conditions and to execute various services according to the total number of points accumulated for each player, the total number of points is determined separately from the number of prize balls in the information recording medium (182). ) Or a prize exchange system which is registered in association with this.

[2] In a prize exchange system that manages the number of prize balls acquired by a player as a result of a game and returns profits based on the prize balls to the player, a prize exchange device (2)
00), a settlement management device (31), and a point management device (170), wherein the prize exchange device (200)
An information recording medium (182) having a function as a financial card associated with a predetermined account, which is a result of counting a card number read from a player's possession and a game medium obtained by the player. The payment management device (31) notifies the payment management device (31) of the number of prize balls, and the payment management device (31) transmits the prize ball for each card number based on the information notified from the prize exchange device (200). It has a prize ball number management function of storing and managing the number, and a cashing function of cashing the number of prize balls registered in association with the card number by the prize ball number management function as account funds. The point management device (170) assigns a predetermined number of points according to various game conditions leading to the acquisition of the game media when counting the game media, and adds the total number of points accumulated for each player. Prize exchange system wherein the Flip order to implement various services, and manages and stores the total number of points for each card number.

[3] A point calculation device (171) is provided, and the point calculation device (171) includes game elements including a game machine store component, a game date and time, a game situation and its result, and a cashing rate. And calculating the number of points to be given to the player when counting the number of game media acquired by the player, based on accumulated game condition data using at least one of the parameters as a parameter. The premium exchange system according to [1] or [2].

[4] The point calculation device (171)
[3] The premium exchange system according to [3], wherein a parameter for calculating the point number can be changed for each player.

[5] When lending game media using the information recording medium (182), the information recording medium (18)
Lending game media using the number of prize balls in preference to the balance of the account corresponding to 2) [1],
A prize exchange system according to [2], [3] or [4].

[6] When lending game media using the information recording medium (182), in addition to the number of game media corresponding to the amount specified by the player, a predetermined number of game media according to the total number of points [1], [2], [3], [4] or [5].

[7] The cashing function of the settlement management device (31) is for changing the number of prize balls according to a predetermined cashing rate, and changing the cashing rate based on the total number of points. The prize exchange system according to [2], which is characterized by the features.

[8] The information recording medium (182) has a function of specifying a gaming machine store to be used, [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], The premium exchange system according to [6] or [7].

[9] The amount of money obtained by converting the number of prize balls is deducted from a designated account of a gaming machine store and settled [1], [2], [3], [4], [4]. 5],
The premium exchange system according to [6], [7] or [8].

[10] The function of the information recording medium (182) as a financial card is a function as a payment card for settling a usage amount from a predetermined account. [1], [2], [3], and [3], wherein the number of prize balls is registered as a value that can be used for the settlement.
[4], [5], [6], [7], [8] or [9]
A prize exchange system as described.

[11] The prize exchange system according to [10], wherein the settlement is one or both of immediate settlement and credit settlement.

[12] Game medium lending information is notified to a first management organization (20), and the number of prize balls is notified to a second management organization (20) for managing the use status of the information recording medium (182). 30), [1], [2],
[3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8],
A prize exchange system according to [9], [10] or [11].

[13] Issue or display details describing at least one of the number of prize balls added this time, the number of prize balls cumulatively added, and the amount of money corresponding to the number of prize balls cumulatively added. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6],
A prize exchange system according to [7], [8], [9], [10], [11] or [12].

[14] The prize exchange device (200) includes:
The first information recording medium (181) in which the number of prize balls as a result of counting the game media are recorded and the information recording medium (182) of the player are accepted, and the first information recording medium (1) is received.
81) and the number of prize balls read from the information recording medium (1).
The card number read from (82) is notified to the settlement management device (31) [2].
A prize exchange system as described.

[15] The prize exchange device (200) includes:
[2] or [14], wherein the number of prize balls is further recorded and updated on the information recording medium (182) itself.
A prize exchange system as described.

[16] The prize exchange device (200) includes:
It has a function of introducing a prize exchangeable for a prize ball to a player, a function of accepting a designation operation of a prize desired to be exchanged, and a function of arranging a designated prize to arrive [2] ], [14] or [15].

Next, the operation of the invention described in each of the above items will be described. An information recording medium (182) having a function as a financial card associated with a predetermined account, which is a result of counting the number of game media obtained by the player in association with or associated with the player. The number of prize balls is registered so as to be usable as the fund of the account. Further, at this time, a predetermined number of points are given according to the game conditions leading to the acquisition of the game medium, and the total number of points accumulated for each player is calculated separately from the number of the prize balls in the information recording medium (182) or It is registered in association with this.

That is, the number of prize balls is registered in association with a payment card such as an immediate payment card (debit card) issued by a financial institution, a cashing card, a credit card, and a bank card. When paying for a purchase using a debit card or credit card, or when disbursing funds in an account for withdrawing cash from the account, a predetermined cash conversion rate (ball unit price)
And multiply it by cash and use it as the fund for the expenditure. In addition, the gaming machine store or the like can provide various services such as, for example, benefits such as preferential exchange rate, various preferential campaigns, etc., to the game players according to the total number of points.

More specifically, a prize exchange device (200) and a point management device (170) are arranged in a game machine store or the like,
A settlement management device (31) is arranged in a financial institution or the like. The prize exchange device (200) reads a card number from a financial card held by the player, and notifies the payment management device (31) of the card number and the number of prize balls obtained by counting the number of game media obtained by the player. I do.

The settlement management device (31) stores and manages the number of prize balls for each card number based on the information notified from the prize exchange device (200). Further, when expending funds in an account corresponding to a predetermined card number, the number of prize balls registered in association with the card number is used for cashing.

When counting the number of game media, the point management device (170) gives a predetermined number of points according to various game conditions leading to the acquisition of the game media, and according to the total number of points accumulated for each player. In order to execute various services, the total number of points is stored and managed for each card number read from the information recording medium (182).

The registration of the number of prize balls performed in association with the information recording medium (182) may be a registration of the number of prize balls in the information recording medium (182) itself, or an account corresponding to a financial card. May be registered in a database of a financial institution or the like that manages the information. Similarly, the registration of the total number of points performed in association with the information recording medium (182) may be a registration of the total number of points in the information recording medium (182) itself, or the total number of points may be managed. The information may be registered in a database of a game machine store or the like.

As described above, the number of prize balls acquired by the player is registered in the information recording medium (182) having a function as a financial card so that the number of prize balls can be used as funds in the account. Can be used to pay for shopping and the like, or can be cashed, and the prize ball can be effectively used in accordance with the wishes of the player. Moreover, in addition to the profit from the number of prize balls originally obtained by the game, various services are provided to the player according to the total number of points accumulated each time the game is played, so that the profit of the player is further increased It is possible to increase the customer attracting rate.

As the various services, for example, the following can be specifically considered. That is, when lending game media using the information recording medium (182), in addition to the number of game media corresponding to the amount specified by the player, a predetermined number of game media according to the total number of points is given as a privilege. You may. When the number of prize balls is changed according to a predetermined conversion rate by the settlement management device (31), even if the conversion rate is changed based on the total number of points such that the conversion rate increases as the total number of points increases, for example. good.

The number of points is preferably calculated by a point calculation device (171). That is, the point calculation device (171) is stored using at least one of the components of the gaming machine store, the date and time of the game, the state and result of the game, and various game conditions including the cashing rate as parameters. Based on the data of the game conditions, the number of points to be given to the player when counting the game media is calculated.

The components of the gaming machine store correspond to the type of gaming machine used by the player and the location of the gaming machine, and the date and time of the game refers to the day of the week or the time zone when the player actually played the game. is there. The situation of the game and the result thereof are the amount of money used, the change in payout and payout in the game, and the balance (win / loss) at the time of settlement. The conversion rate is a ratio when one prize ball is converted into cash, for example, a ball borrowed for 4 yen is 2.5 yen.
In the case of refund in yen, the exchange rate is 62.5%.

Each of these parameters is used to calculate the number of points, and based on the accumulated game condition data,
For example, with regard to the type of gaming machine, the less popular model, the higher the point unit price.
It is conceivable that the unit price of points is increased on the day of the week or the time period when the number of customers is small, or the unit price of points is increased as the model and the date and time are set lower with respect to the exchange rate.

Further, if the parameter for calculating the number of points can be changed for each player by the point calculation device (171), the stabilization of sales can be achieved for the gaming machine shop, or It is possible to realize a fine-grained service according to the individual characteristics of.

For example, for a game customer who frequently visits the store, the result of the game (win or loss) is used as a parameter, and when the game is lost, the number of points is increased to prevent a decrease in the desire to play the game. For players who do not come, it is conceivable to increase the number of points when visiting the store on weekdays, or for players who only play for a short time, set a higher number of points according to the playing time etc. .

The parameters for calculating the number of points and the actual unit price of the number of points can be easily understood by the player by notifying the player in advance when renting a game medium. Of course, a plurality of parameters may be combined, and the point unit price may be appropriately changed. The player can be easily specified by the card number of the information recording medium (182).

When lending a game medium using the information recording medium (182), the information recording medium (18)
In the case of lending game media using the number of prize balls in preference to the balance of the account corresponding to 2), prior to cashing, the number of prize balls recorded on the information recording medium (182) is preferentially used. As a result, the game media can be lent out, so that the player can be invited to play the game again.

When the information recording medium (182) has a function of specifying a gaming machine store using the same, the increase or decrease in the number of prize balls is used as data related to the specific gaming machine store. Therefore, since the use of this information recording medium (182) in a gaming machine store other than the gaming machine store that can be used is restricted, its use range is limited, data processing is simplified, and safety is improved. The performance is also improved. Further, it is preferable that the amount of money obtained by converting the number of prize balls is deducted from the designated account of the gaming machine store and settled.

Further, the function of the information recording medium (182) as a financial card may be a function as a payment card for immediately or credit settlement of a usage amount from a predetermined account, or a function to transfer funds to the account. It may be a function as a bank card for taking in and out. Here, the immediate settlement means performing settlement processing immediately when a settlement request is made, and the credit settlement is a settlement method in which a later date is settled based on credit.

In addition, the second management institution (3) notifies the first management institution (20) of the lending information of the game media and manages the number of prize balls by managing the use status of the information recording medium (182).
In the configuration configured so as to notify 0), the third party (the first management organization (20) and the second management organization (30)) separates the lending information and the number of prize balls from the gaming machine store. , So that the operating balance can be managed properly and fairly. Note that the first management institution (20) and the second management institution (30) are preferably different in order to ensure fairness, but may be the same third party. .

Further, if a statement describing one or more pieces of information of the number of prize balls added this time, the number of prize balls cumulatively added, or the amount of money corresponding to the number of prize balls is issued or displayed, the player Can be given a sense of security and convenience can be improved.

Further, the prize exchange device (200)
Receives the first information recording medium (181) in which the number of prize balls as a result of counting the number of game media is recorded and the information recording medium (182) of the player, and receives the first information recording medium (1).
81) and the information recording medium (18)
The card number read from 2) and the payment management device (3
You may make it notify to 1).

Here, the first information recording medium (181) is, for example, an optically readable receipt, a magnetically readable hole card, or the like, which can be used in a game machine store. By doing so, the first information recording medium (18)
Since the prize ball can be held even in the form of 1), the holding form of the prize ball can be diversified, and it is possible to correspond to various players.

If the number of prize balls is also recorded and updated on the information recording medium (182) by the prize exchange device (200), for example, the number of prize balls can be confirmed offline. Becomes possible.

In addition, the prize exchange device (200) includes:
By adding a function to introduce a prize that can be exchanged for a prize ball to a player, a function to accept a designation operation of a prize to be exchanged, and a function to arrange for a designated prize to arrive,
In addition to registering the prize ball in association with the information recording medium (182), the prize ball can be exchanged for a specific prize. In addition, we will introduce a prize catalog and automatically arrange designated prizes to traders etc., so we do not need to stock up at gaming machine stores,
It becomes possible to exchange various prizes.

[0044]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a prize exchange system according to the present invention. This system is a gaming machine store 1
0, and a first management organization 2 that is a third party organization for managing information related to the lending of game media.
0, and a device installed in a second management organization 30, which is a third-party organization for managing the number of prize balls and managing settlement using the number of prize balls. ,
Each device can exchange information with each other through a communication line.

Further, a financial card 182 as an information recording medium
Payment terminal 41 such as a register for performing payment using
It is arranged in a supermarket, a convenience store 40 and the like. The settlement terminal 41 is also connected to a predetermined device of the second management institution 30 via a communication line. In addition,
The financial card 182 is a card having at least one or more functions such as a credit card, a cash card, a debit card, and a bank card.

In the present system, the number of game media (the number of prize balls) acquired by a player at the gaming machine store 10 is determined by the financial card 18.
When the payment of the usage amount such as shopping is performed at the payment terminal 41 using the financial card 182, the payment amount is registered using the valuable value corresponding to the registered number of prize balls. It is possible to make payments. That is, the prize balls and points acquired at the gaming machine store 10 are
Players can use the payment for shopping at general stores such as convenience stores. Also, the player can convert the number of prize balls into cash in an account, withdraw the cash, and convert the cash into cash.

In the gaming machine store 10, a large number of gaming machines 110 such as pachinko machines are arranged, and gaming machine lending machines 120 are arranged in parallel with the gaming machines 110, respectively. Gaming machine store 10
Is provided with a network 130 such as a LAN (local area network), and the gaming machine 110 and the gaming medium lending machine 1 through a stand controller and an island controller.
20 is connected to the network. The network 130 is connected to a management device 140 as a hall computer, a counter 150, a prize management device 160 having a function as a POS terminal, a point management device 170, a printer 172, and the like.

The game medium lending machine 120 is a device for renting a game medium such as a pachinko ball or a medal used for playing a game with the game machine 110 such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine. It is possible to lend game media using an instant settlement card. In addition, the game media lending machine 120 performs a function of counting game media by cooperating with the game machine 110.

That is, when the player presses a checkout button (not shown) provided on the gaming machine 110, the number of game media obtained by the player is counted, and a predetermined number of prize balls recorded as the counting result is recorded. Has the function of issuing a card or receipt. The gaming machine 110 has a function of transmitting various data relating to the gaming machine, such as the occurrence of payouts and jackpots, to the management device 140. Have.

The management device 140 includes a gaming machine 110, a game media lending machine 120, and a prize management device 16 installed in a gaming machine store.
It functions as a hall computer that centrally manages gaming devices such as the gaming device 0, and receives and processes information sent from various gaming devices such as the gaming machine 110 and the game media lending machine 120. It also has a function of transmitting an instruction such as a setting change to the gaming device. The management device 140 has a function of storing and managing these game-related data in a predetermined database.

The management device 140 has a function of transmitting information (lending, breakdown, number, etc.) relating to the lending of game media to the lending management device 21 installed in the first management organization 20 via a communication line. ing. That is, all information related to the sales of the gaming machine store 10 is transmitted to the lending management device 21 and managed by the lending management device 21 of the first management organization 20. In FIG. 1, the first management institution 20
Is described inside the gaming machine store 10, but actually exists outside the gaming machine store 10.

The communication line with the lending management device 21 disposed in the first management organization 20 is connected to the network 130 via a firewall device (not shown) to ensure security. The management device 140 is connected to a device disposed in the second management institution 30 via the modem 141 and a predetermined communication line, and transmits and receives various information.

The counter 150 is a device for counting the number of game media such as pachinko balls and medals obtained by the player,
It has a function of issuing a receipt indicating the counting result as the number of prize balls, and transmitting the number of prize balls as the counting result to the management device 140 via the network 130.

The prize management device 160 is a device for exchanging the number of prize balls recorded on a receipt or card for a prize. When the player wishes to exchange a prize ball for a general prize, the prize management device 160 performs the prize exchange process, and the hole card 18 as a first information recording medium.
If it is desired to record the number of prize balls, the present prize ball number is added to the hole card already possessed by the player or a newly issued hole card and recorded. At the time of prize exchange, a predetermined inquiry is made to the counter 150 or the management device 140 in order to check whether the receipt or the like is genuine, and the data is collated.

The point management device 170 also serves as a point calculation device 171.
At the time of counting the game media by the counter 150, the management device 1
A predetermined inquiry is made to 40 to determine the game conditions leading to the acquisition of the game medium, and at least any one of the game conditions is used as a parameter based on the accumulated game condition data based on the stored game condition data. The number of points to be added to the customer this time is calculated.

The calculated number of points is stored by the point management device 170 to execute various services according to the total number of points accumulated for each player. That is, the point management device 170 uses the counter 150
The total number of points is stored and managed for each card number based on the information notified from.

Of the parameters used for point calculation,
The component of the gaming machine store corresponds to the type of gaming machine used by the player, the arrangement position thereof, and the like, and the date and time of the game is the day of the week or the time zone when the player actually played the game. The situation of the game and the result thereof are the amount of money used, the change in payout and payout in the game, and the balance (win / loss) at the time of settlement.
The cashing rate is a rate when one prize ball is converted into cash. For example, when a ball borrowed for 4 yen is refunded for 2.5 yen, the cashing rate is 62.5%.

Data indicating the correlation between each of these parameters and the sales at the gaming machine store is stored in the database of the management device 140. Based on such accumulated game conditions data, for example, regarding the type of gaming machine,
The less popular model, the higher the unit price of points, the date and time of the game, the higher the unit price of points for days and hours when the number of customers is less, or the lower the model and date and time set for the cash exchange rate Various types of data used for point calculation, such as a higher unit price per point, are stored and managed in the point management device 170.

Also, the point management device 170
The parameters used to calculate the number of points in the point calculation device 171 can be changed as appropriate, and for a gaming machine store, sales can be stabilized, or fine-grained services can be provided in accordance with individual characteristics of a gaming player. Realization becomes possible.

For example, for a player who frequently visits the store, the result of the game is set as a parameter of winning or losing, and when the player loses the game, the number of points is increased to prevent a decrease in the desire to play the game.
For players who come only on weekends with many customers, increase the number of points when visiting the store on weekdays, or for players who only play for a short time, set the number of points higher according to the playing time And so on. The parameters for calculating the number of points and the actual unit price of the points are displayed when renting a game medium, or the hole card 1
If it is recorded in 81 and notified to the player, it is easy for the player to understand.

In the gaming machine store 10, a hole card 18 is provided.
A card conversion device 200 is installed as a prize exchange device for exchanging the number of prize balls recorded in 1 for a prize of the next stage. The card conversion device 200 may be installed outside the gaming machine store 10. Card conversion device 200
Includes a hole card insertion slot 201 for inserting a hole card 181, a password input unit 202 for receiving a password input operation, a product catalog selection unit 203 for displaying a product catalog and receiving a selection, A debit card insertion / ejection unit 204 for inserting the card 182 is provided.

The card conversion device 200 receives the hole card 181 as the first information recording medium on which the number of prize balls as a result of counting the game media is recorded, and the financial card 182 as the information recording medium of the player, It has a function of notifying the number of prize balls read from the hole card 181 and the card number read from the financial card 182 to the payment management device 31 of the second management institution 30 through a predetermined communication line. In order to authenticate that the user is the owner of the financial card 182, the card conversion device 200 requests the user to input a personal identification number through the personal identification number input unit 202.

Further, the card conversion device 200 converts the number of prize balls read from the hole card 181 into the financial card 182.
It also has the function of recording and updating. For example, when an IC card is used as the card conversion device 200, detailed information such as a change history of the number of prize balls can be written and registered in the financial card 182.

The merchandise catalog selecting section 203 of the card conversion device 200 displays a list of prizes exchangeable for prize balls and detailed information on the display based on the catalog data of the merchandise stored locally or remotely, and displays the list on the display. It has a function to introduce. When the player wishes to exchange for a prize listed in the product catalog, the player performs a predetermined operation to display the product catalog first, and further performs a prize designation operation and an address of the home 70 as a delivery destination. Perform input operation.

When the card conversion device 200 receives a product designation operation, it performs processing for arranging ordering and delivery of the product so that the designated product reaches the player. That is, the order and delivery instructions are transmitted to the store 50, the product distribution center 60, and the like that handle the product via the communication line.

When the card conversion device 200 performs the order processing of a commodity as a prize based on the commodity catalog, the card conversion apparatus 200 calculates the number of prize balls recorded on the hole card 181 by:
Update by subtracting the amount used for exchange with the ordered product. When the number of prize balls is notified to the second management organization 30 and registered based on the financial card 182, the number of prize balls corresponding to the notification is subtracted from the number of prize balls recorded on the hole card 181, and the number of the prize balls is reduced. Update the recorded contents of. Here, the total number of prize balls recorded on the hole card 181 is notified to the second management organization 30 and registered.

The second management organization 30 is an organization that fulfills a bank function of managing customer accounts.
Settlement management device 31 for each customer, manages the balance of funds to and from an account, records and manages the number of prize balls,
It has a function to record and manage the history of addition and use of prize balls. In particular, when viewed in relation to the number of prize balls, it has a prize ball number management function of storing the number of prize balls for each card number based on information notified from the card conversion device 200 and managing the history thereof. .

When a request for immediate settlement of the usage amount using the financial card 182 is received from a predetermined settlement terminal 41 together with the card number, the balance of the account managed in association with the card number or It has a settlement function for immediately settling the usage amount using one or both of the valuable values corresponding to the number of prize balls managed in association with the card number. In addition, it also has a function of redeeming the number of prize balls when withdrawing funds in an account using the financial card 182. The money converted here is deducted from the designated account of the gaming machine store and settled.

The settlement terminal 41 arranged in the supermarket or the convenience store 40 accepts the input of the personal identification number when the customer performs the settlement of the use amount using his / her own financial card 182, and the card number, the personal identification number and the use amount Are transmitted to the settlement management device 31 of the second management institution 30 via a communication line, and a function of receiving a response indicating whether or not immediate settlement is possible from the settlement management device 31. Note that the financial card 182 also functions as a bank card, and is provided at an ATM or a CT installed at a branch of a financial institution or a street.
It is a card that allows cash to be paid and received using M80.

Next, the operation will be described. When starting the game, the player borrows the game media by, for example, inserting cash into the game media lending machine 120. Data relating to the lending of game media is transmitted from the game media lending machine 120 to the lending management device 21 of the first management organization 20 via the network 130, the management device 140, and a predetermined communication line, and is registered. Thereby, the information on the sales of the gaming machine store 10 is managed by the first management organization 20.

When the gamer 110 finishes the game at the gaming machine 110 and makes a payment, the player puts the acquired game media into the counter 150 and counts the number of game media. At this time, the point calculation device 171 makes a predetermined inquiry to the management device 140, determines the game conditions leading to the acquisition of the game medium by the player, and accumulates at least one of the game conditions as a parameter. Based on the data of the playing conditions,
The number of points to be added to the player this time is calculated.

The calculated number of points is stored by the point management device 170 to execute various services according to the total number of points accumulated for each player. That is, the point management device 170 uses the counter 150
And stores and manages the total number of points for each card number based on the information notified from.

Then, the player receives the number of prize balls as the counting result of the game media, the number of points given this time, and a predetermined receipt or card on which the identification code is recorded. The identification symbol is for preventing fraud, and a different number is assigned every time a receipt or the like is issued. The information in which the identification symbol and the number of prize balls are paired is stored in the management device 140.
And is recorded and managed by the management device 140.

The player goes to the prize exchange office with the receipt or card issued by the counter 150 and exchanges prizes. At this time, a receipt or card is inserted into the premium management device 160. The prize management device 160 reads information on the identification symbol and the number of prize balls from the inserted receipt or card, and transmits these to the management device 140 as collation data. The management device 140 is a prize management device 1
The collation data sent from the counter 60 is checked to see if it matches the data already sent from the counter 150, and if they match, a notification of the completion of the collation is sent to the prize management device 160. On the other hand, if the verification fails, an error notification is sent to the prize management device 160.

If the collation result from the management device 140 is an error, the prize management device 160 refuses to exchange the prize with a prize. If the collation is completed, a process of exchanging the prize ball for a prize designated by the player is performed. Then, after the completion of the prize exchange processing, the fact is transmitted to the management device 140 together with the identification code. In response to the notification, the management device 140 registers that the prize ball of the corresponding identification symbol has been exchanged.

If the gaming machine 110 is provided with a settlement switch, the player may press the settlement switch at the end of the game to perform the settlement processing. In this case, the number of gaming media obtained by the player is counted by the gaming machine 110,
A receipt or card is issued from the gaming medium lending machine 120. This receipt or card is inserted into the prize management device 160 in the same manner as that issued by the counter 150,
Used for exchange with prizes.

When the exchange with the general prize is desired, the prize management device 160 performs a process of exchanging the prize ball for the general prize. Specifically, the number of prize balls is subtracted by the number corresponding to the general prize to be exchanged, and if there is any remaining, the corresponding amount is recorded on the hole card 181. The actual prize is
It is handed over to a player from a clerk or the like. When an operation for not exchanging general prizes in stock at the gaming machine store 10 is performed, all the number of prize balls read from a receipt or a card are recorded on the hole card 181 and issued.

Next, the player enters the hole card 181 issued by the prize management device 160 and the financial card 18
2 is input to the card conversion device 200. The card conversion device 200 reads the number of prize balls recorded on the hole card 181 from the hole card 181. The card number or the card number and the password are read from the financial card 182. Thereafter, the card conversion device 200 requests the player to input a password, and authenticates whether the player is the genuine owner of the financial card 182 using the input password.

When a personal identification number is recorded on the financial card 182, as in the case where the financial card 182 is an IC card, authentication is performed by collation with the personal identification number. If the personal identification number is not recorded on the financial card 182, the card number and personal identification number are transmitted online to the second management institution 30 through a communication line to request an authentication process, and the result is sent to the second management organization. It is to be received from the institution 30.

When the authentication is completed normally, the card converter 2
00 displays a selection screen for registering all the number of prize balls in association with the financial card 182 or selecting a prize from a product catalog, and accepts selection by the player. When the player selects to register all the number of prize balls in the financial card 182, the card number and the number of prize balls are notified to the settlement management device 31 of the second management organization 30, and the prize balls are notified. An instruction to register the number as usable is transmitted to the settlement management device 31. After the transmission is completed, the card conversion device 200 resets the number of prize balls registered in the hole card 181 to 0 or records information indicating that the prize has been exchanged for the prize in the hole card 181.

When a selection to select a premium from the product catalog is made, the product catalog is displayed on the display, and a product selection operation from the user is accepted. In order to make it easy to select a product, the product is first classified according to the category of the product, the number of required premium balls, and the like, and the product information is presented. When the player selects a product, a process for ordering the product and arranging the delivery is performed.

Specifically, the order information of the product is transmitted to the corresponding store 50 and, if necessary, an instruction to arrange the delivery is transmitted to the delivery company 60. Information such as the ordering destination and the necessity of delivery arrangement is registered in advance in association with the product code. Information on the product catalog is stored in the memory of the card conversion device 200. The contents of the product catalog are updated as appropriate. The product catalog may be registered in a separate server and downloaded to the card conversion device 200 through a communication line.

If the number of prize balls remains after subtracting the amount used for prize exchange, the card conversion device 200
The card number, the number of prize balls, and an instruction to register the number of prize balls as a valuable value are transmitted to the settlement management device 31. Then, the number of prize balls registered in the hole card 181 is reset to 0, or the fact that the prize has been exchanged is recorded in the hole card 181.

The settlement management device 31 of the second management organization 30
When the number of prize balls, the card number, and the registration instruction are received from the card conversion device 200, the number of prize balls received this time is cumulatively added to the number of prize balls stored in association with the card number. As a result, the prize ball acquired by the player is
It is registered as a valuable value that can be used for immediate settlement at the time of shopping at a general store or the like.

Next, a case will be described in which a player pays for the amount of money used for shopping at a supermarket, a convenience store 40, or the like using the financial card 182.
When the financial card 182 is inserted into the settlement terminal 41 and the usage amount and the password are entered, the card number, the password and the usage amount are transmitted from the settlement terminal 41 to the payment management device 31 of the second management institution 30 via the communication line. Is done. Receiving this, the settlement management device 31 performs authentication processing by checking whether the card number and the password match those registered in advance.
Further, it is checked whether or not the sum of the valuable value corresponding to the number of prize balls registered in association with the account corresponding to the card number and the card number is equal to or more than the usage amount.

If the authentication and the inspection of the balance and the like are passed, a notice that the settlement is possible is returned to the settlement terminal 41. When the authentication fails or the inspection of the balance or the like fails, a notification that settlement is impossible is transmitted to the settlement terminal 41. If the payment is possible, the card conversion device 200 may use one of the balance of the account managed in association with the card number or the value according to the number of prize balls managed in association with the card number, or Immediate settlement of the usage amount is performed using both.

More specifically, the balance of the account is subtracted from the amount used for the balance of the account, and the balance is transferred to the supermarket or convenience store 40 account. In the case of making a payment using the value of the number of prize balls, the number of prize balls corresponding to the value is subtracted, and an amount corresponding to the value of the number of used prize balls is deducted from the account of the gaming machine store 10. This is transferred to a supermarket or convenience store 40 account. At this time, the second management organization 30
May collect a commission from the account of the gaming machine store 10 or the like.

As described above, the number of prize balls is registered in such a manner that the number of prize balls can be settled or cashed as an account in association with the information recording medium 182 having a function as an immediate settlement card.
The player can make payment for shopping or the like using the number of prize balls registered in the information recording medium 182, and can effectively use the prize balls for purchasing desired products.

Further, in addition to the profit based on the number of prize balls originally obtained by the game, various services are provided to the player in accordance with the total number of points accumulated each time the game is performed. Can be further increased, and the rate of attracting customers can be increased.

Various services include the information recording medium 18
When lending out the game media using 2, a predetermined number of game media corresponding to the total number of points may be given as a privilege in addition to the number of game media corresponding to the amount specified by the player.
Further, when the payment management device 31 converts the number of prize balls according to a predetermined conversion rate, the conversion rate is changed based on the total number of points, for example, such that the conversion rate increases as the total number of points increases. May be.

In addition, information on the number of prize balls is recorded and managed by the settlement management device 31 of the second management organization 30. Since the first management organization 20 manages information related to the lending of game media and the second management organization 30 manages information related to the number of prize balls, the operating balance of the gaming machine store 10 (both IN and OUT) is determined by the first management organization. It can be managed objectively by a three-party organization, and can increase the transparency of accounting.

Next, the gaming media lending machine 120 is
The operation when renting out a game medium using 82 will be described. The player puts the financial card 182 on the gaming medium lending machine 12
When the number is set to 0, the game medium lending machine 120 requests input of a password. The game media lending machine 120 transmits the input personal identification number, the card number read from the financial card 182, the number of game media to be lent, and the amount of money required for lending to the settlement management device 31 of the second management organization 30. Request authentication.

[0093] The settlement management device 31
Authentication is performed by collating the personal identification number and the card number received from the company with those registered in advance. If the authentication is successful, first, if there is the number of prize balls stored in association with the card number, the number of prize balls is preferentially used for the lending of the game medium this time, and The payment is processed from the balance of the account of the card number.

That is, when the number of premium balls ≧ the number of loans,
The number of rentals is subtracted from the number of prize balls, and a notification of settlement completion is transmitted to the game media lending machine 120. On the other hand, the number of loans> the number of premium balls> 0
In the case of, the remaining amount of money obtained by subtracting the number of prize balls from the number of loans is deducted from the balance of the account corresponding to the card number, and the number of prize balls is reset to zero. If the number of prize balls is 0, the payment is made from the balance of the account. In addition, the number of prize balls may be used only when the number of prize balls is equal to or more than the specified rental number.

When the settlement is completed, a notice of the settlement completion is transmitted to the game medium lending machine 120. If both the number of prize balls and the balance of the account are insufficient and settlement is impossible, the game media lending machine 120 is notified of that fact. When the game media lending machine 120 receives the notification of the payment completion from the payment management device 31,
When a game medium is lent out and a notice indicating that settlement is impossible is received, an error message is displayed and the financial card 182 is ejected.

As described above, when there is a number of prize balls registered in association with the financial card 182, the prize balls are preferentially used to rent out the game media, so that the player can return to the game again. You can invite.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiment, but may be modified or added without departing from the gist of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the gaming machine has been mainly described as a pachinko machine.
The present invention can be similarly applied to game machines such as smart ball game machines and arrange ball game machines.
In each of these cases, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

In the above embodiment, the first management organization and the second management organization are separate organizations in order to ensure fairness, but may be the same third party organization. . Further, in the embodiment, the case of the immediate settlement has been described as an example, but the same effect can be obtained even in the case of performing the credit settlement.
In the case of credit settlement, when a request for credit settlement of the usage amount is received from the settlement terminal 41 together with the card number using the financial card 182 having a function as a credit card, the request is stored in a management database. Register to etc.

Then, when a predetermined settlement date has arrived, either the balance of the account managed in association with the card number or the value corresponding to the number of prize balls managed in association with the card number One or both may be used to settle the amount used during the predetermined period. Further, the present invention is not limited to the payment card, and may be a financial card that can be used to cash out the number of prize balls and withdraw it.

In the above embodiment, the financial card 1
Although the number of prize balls is registered in the settlement management device 31 in association with the number 82, the amount as valuable value may be registered together with or instead of the number of prize balls. Further, the prize management device 160 calculates the amount of money when the number of prize balls is exchanged at a predetermined exchange rate,
1 may be registered in the card conversion device 200 in association with the financial card 182.

In the above-described embodiment, the number of prize balls is temporarily recorded on the hole card 181, and this is further recorded by the card conversion device 200 in association with the financial card 182. Without intervention
The number of prize balls may be registered directly in association with the financial card 182.

In the above embodiment, the number of prize balls is registered in both the settlement management device 31 and the financial card 182. However, the configuration may be such that the number of prize balls is registered only in the settlement management device 31. In the card conversion device 200,
It is not always necessary to provide a component for presenting a product catalog and receiving a selection of a product.

The card conversion device 200 issues a statement in which at least one piece of information of the number of prize balls added this time, the accumulated number of prize balls, and the amount of prize balls available for settlement is described. Or, if it is displayed, it is possible to give a sense of security to the player and enhance convenience.

Further, the financial card 182 has a function of specifying a gaming machine store to be used. However, data on the number of prize balls and the like can be registered for a plurality of gaming machine stores so that one financial card May be used in a game machine store.

[0106]

According to the prize exchange system according to the present invention, an information recording medium having a function as a financial card associated with an account and possessed by a player or associated with the prize is provided. The number of balls is registered so as to be usable as the fund of the account, and a predetermined number of points are given according to the game conditions leading to the acquisition of a prize ball, and the total number of points is recorded separately from the number of prize balls on an information recording medium or on an information recording medium. The player can use the profit from the prize ball to pay for shopping, etc., or cash it out,
The prize ball can be effectively used according to the player's request. Moreover, in addition to the profit from the number of prize balls originally obtained by the game, the various services provided to the player according to the total number of points accumulated each time the game is played, thereby further increasing the profit of the player. It is possible to increase the customer attracting rate.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a prize exchange system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game machine store 20 ... First management institution 21 ... Lending management device 30 ... Second management institution 31 ... Payment management device 40 ... Supermarket or convenience store 41 ... Payment terminal 50 ... Store 60 ... Product distribution center 70 ... Home 80 ATM or CTM 110 Gaming machine 120 Gaming machine lending machine 130 Network 140 Management device 141 Modem 150 Counter 160 Premium management device 170 Point management device 171 Point calculation device 172 Printer 181 Hall Card 182: Financial card 200: Card converter 201: Hole card slot 202: PIN input section 203: Product catalog selection section 204: Financial card insertion / ejection section

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 410 G06F 17/60 410A 410C G07F 7/08 G07F 7/08 SF term (Reference) 2C088 BA90 BB07 BB21 BB23 BB32 BC80 CA02 CA07 3E044 AA04 BA04 DC05 DE01 DE07

Claims (16)

[Claims] An information recording medium having a function as a financial card associated with a predetermined account in a prize exchange system for returning a profit based on a prize ball obtained as a result of a game to the player. The number of prize balls, which is the counting result of the game media acquired by the player, is registered in such a manner that the number of prize balls, which is the counting result of the game media acquired by the player, can be used as the fund of the account. A predetermined number of points are given according to various conditions, and in order to perform various services according to the total number of points accumulated for each player, the total number of points is set separately from the number of the prize balls on the information recording medium or the information recording medium. A prize exchange system characterized by being registered in association with each other. 2. A prize exchange system for managing the number of prize balls acquired by a player as a result of a game and returning profits based on the prize balls to the player. Device, the prize exchange device is an information recording medium having a function as a financial card associated with a predetermined account, a card number read from what the player has, and the player obtained The payment management device notifies the payment management device of the number of prize balls, which is the result of counting the game media, and the payment management device performs the prize ball counting for each card number based on the information notified from the prize exchange device. And a cash function for cashing the number of prize balls registered in association with the card number by the prize ball number management function as fund for the account. The point management device, when counting the game media, gives a predetermined number of points according to game conditions leading to the acquisition of the game media, according to the total number of points accumulated for each player A prize exchange system for storing and managing the total number of points for each card number in order to perform various services. 3. A point calculation device, wherein the point calculation device includes at least one of a game machine store component, a game date and time, a game situation and its result, and various game conditions including a cashing rate. As a parameter,
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the number of points to be given to the player when counting the number of game media acquired by the player is calculated based on the accumulated data of the game conditions.
A prize exchange system as described. 4. The prize exchange system according to claim 3, wherein the point calculation device is capable of changing a parameter for calculating the number of points for each player. 5. When renting out a game medium using the information recording medium, the game medium is lent out using the number of prize balls in preference to the balance of the account corresponding to the information recording medium. Item 7. A prize exchange system according to Item 1, 2, 3, or 4. 6. When renting out game media using the information recording medium, a predetermined number of game media corresponding to the total number of points are given as a bonus in addition to the number of game media corresponding to the amount specified by the player. Claims 1, 2, 2,
The prize exchange system according to 3, 4 or 5. 7. The cashing function of the payment management device is for changing the number of prize balls according to a predetermined cashing rate, and the cashing rate can be changed based on the total number of points. Item 7. The prize exchange system according to Item 2. 8. The information recording medium has a function of specifying a gaming machine store to be used.
A prize exchange system according to 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the amount equivalent to the number of said prize balls is deducted from a designated account of a gaming machine store and settled. Free gift exchange system. 10. The function of the information recording medium as a financial card is a function as a payment card for paying a usage amount from a predetermined account, and the prize is provided on or in association with the information recording medium. 10. The prize exchange system according to claim 1, wherein the number of balls is registered so as to be usable as a valuable value usable for the settlement. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the settlement is one or both of an immediate settlement and a credit settlement.
0 prize exchange system. 12. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: notifying the first management organization of the rental information of the game medium; and notifying the second management organization of the number of the prize balls to manage the use status of the information recording medium. Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11
A prize exchange system as described. 13. A statement describing or displaying at least one of information on the number of prize balls added this time, the number of prize balls cumulatively added, and the amount of money corresponding to the number of prize balls cumulatively added is issued or displayed. Claim 1 characterized by having a function.
2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 or 1
2. The prize exchange system according to 2. 14. The prize exchange device receives a first information recording medium in which the number of prize balls as a result of counting the number of game media is recorded and the information recording medium possessed by a player, and receives the information from the first information recording medium. 3. The prize exchange system according to claim 2, wherein the prize exchange system notifies the payment management device of the read number of prize balls and the card number read from the information recording medium. 15. The prize exchange system according to claim 2, wherein the prize exchange device further records and updates the number of prize balls on the information recording medium itself. 16. The prize exchange device has a function of introducing a prize exchangeable for a prize ball to a player, a function of receiving a designation operation of a prize to be exchanged, and arranging a designated prize to arrive. The prize exchange system according to claim 2, 14 or 15, having a function.