JP2002336534A - Recording medium processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording medium processing device capable of facilitating the operation of installing a device provided to match a game machine. SOLUTION: A card unit 3 is provided with a plurality of input ports 361 to which predetermined game information indicating the condition of a game played on a pachinko game machine is input, and an output port 352a by which the game information input from the plurality of input ports 361 is output to a hall management computer 800 connected to the card unit 3 for communication. The input port 361 is capable of coping with the game information whether it is input by a no-voltage signal or a voltage signal.

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 value provided for a gaming machine and usable for gaming with the gaming machine. The present invention relates to a recording medium processing device that performs a use process for using a game value of a size specified by recording information of a recording medium on which information whose size can be specified is recorded within a range of the size.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In this type of recording medium processing apparatus, for example, a recording medium processing apparatus such as a card unit provided corresponding to a game machine such as a pachinko game machine is conventionally known. was there. Such a recording medium processing device is specified by recording information of a recording medium such as a card in which information capable of specifying a value of a gaming value such as a card balance usable for a game by a gaming machine is recorded. There has been a recording medium processing apparatus that performs a use process for using a game value of a size within a range of the size.

In a gaming machine provided with such a recording medium processing device, a management device such as a hall management computer further stores game information used for managing gaming information in the gaming machine. An input / output device having an output function is provided for each game machine separately from the recording medium processing device.

As described above, in the conventional case, as a device provided for a gaming machine, a device having a recording medium processing function and a device having a game information input / output function are separately provided.

[0005] Further, the above-mentioned game information may be input using a no-voltage signal or input using a voltage signal, and the signal format used varies depending on the manufacturer. The input / output device described above has two types of ports, an input port capable of responding to the input of a non-voltage signal and an input port capable of responding to the input of a voltage signal, so as to be compatible with either signal format. Was attached.

[0006]

However, in the conventional case as described above, a device having a recording medium processing function and a device having a game information input / output function are separately provided. Since the work of installing the device must be performed, there is a problem that the work of installing the device provided corresponding to the gaming machine is complicated. Further, in the conventional case, the connection mode of the signal input wiring differs depending on whether the game information is a no-voltage signal or a voltage signal,
The wiring work is complicated, and from this point, there is a problem that the installation work of the device provided corresponding to the gaming machine is complicated.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium processing apparatus capable of simplifying an installation operation of an apparatus provided for a gaming machine. That is.

[0008]

Specific Examples of Means for Solving the Problems and Their Effects
(1) A recording medium (member) that is provided corresponding to a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 2) and that records information that can specify the size of a gaming value (card balance) that can be used for playing with the gaming machine. Use process (member lending process in FIG. 11, visitor process in FIG. 12, etc.) for using a game value of a size specified by the record information of the card 21 and the visitor card 23 within the range of the size. ), A plurality of input ports (input ports 361) to which game information (game information) generated by the operation of the gaming machine is input, and the plurality of input ports input from the plurality of input ports. An output port (output port 352a) for outputting game information to a management device (hall management computer 800) communicatively connected to the recording medium processing device; The predetermined input port can correspond to both the game information input as a no-voltage signal and the game information input as a voltage signal (the corresponding input circuit 362 controls the no-voltage signal and the voltage signal). , And both signals can be input (see FIG. 8).

According to such a configuration, in the recording medium processing device, the input port to which the game information is input and the output port for outputting the game information input from the input port to the management device communicatively connected are provided. Since it is provided, there is no need to separately install a device for inputting and outputting game information. Thereby, the installation work of the device provided corresponding to the gaming machine can be simplified. By including a plurality of such input ports, a plurality of game information can be collected using these input ports.
Furthermore, since the recording medium processing device also serves as an input / output device for game information, the number of devices to be installed is reduced by consolidating functions into one device, so that the cost required for installation work can be reduced and the input of game information can be reduced. It is not necessary to purchase an output device separately, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the cost of introducing a device provided corresponding to a gaming machine into a game arcade. Furthermore, since the recording medium processing device also serves as an input / output device for game information, when the game machine and the device corresponding to the game machine are installed on the game machine installation island, the arrangement configuration of the device within the game machine installation island is simplified. can do. Further, a predetermined input port among the plurality of input ports can correspond to both game information input by a no-voltage signal and game information input by a voltage signal. Since the connection form of the signal input wiring is the same regardless of whether the signal is a non-voltage signal or a voltage signal, the wiring operation can be simplified, and the installation work of the device provided corresponding to the gaming machine can be simplified. be able to. Furthermore, since the predetermined input port can respond to the input signal regardless of whether the game information is input as a no-voltage signal or a voltage signal, the versatility can be improved (2). A no-voltage signal input circuit (no-voltage signal input circuit 362b) for receiving the game information transmitted by the no-voltage signal corresponding to the predetermined input port
A voltage signal input circuit (a voltage signal input circuit 362c) for receiving the game information transmitted by the voltage signal, and a switching means (input switching) for switching a circuit for receiving the game information input Circuit 362a).

According to such a configuration, the circuit for receiving the game information can be switched between the non-voltage signal input circuit and the voltage signal input circuit, so that either the non-voltage signal or the voltage signal is input. Game information can be received in response to the signal.

(3) It further includes signal conversion means (signal conversion circuit 353) for converting a signal indicating the game information input to the input port into a serial signal.

According to such a configuration, the signal indicating the game information input to the input port is converted into a serial signal, so that the game information can be output in the form of a serial signal. The number of signal lines can be reduced.

(4) When receiving the game information output from the output port, the management device returns information (response information) indicating that the game information has been received (see S73 in FIG. 15). ), The recording medium processing device outputs the game information from the output port to the management device, and then outputs the game information until receiving a reply indicating that the game information has been received from the management device. It further includes a storage and holding means (RAM 343) for storing and storing (see S63 to S68 in FIG. 14).

According to such a configuration, when outputting game information to the management device, the game information being output is stored and held until a response indicating that the game information has been received is received from the management device. Therefore, even if the communication is in a bad state, the game information can be reliably sent to the management device.

(5) Backup means (RAM) for backing up and storing information input from the input port according to satisfaction of a predetermined backup condition.
343, a backup power supply 345).

According to such a configuration, the information input from the input port is backed up and stored in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined backup condition. Information can be stored. Therefore, at the time of a power failure, game information that has been input but has not been output can be saved, and after the power failure is restored, the saved game information that has not been output can be output.

(6) An owner specifying recording medium (member card 21) which is a recording medium whose owner is specified and which records information capable of specifying the size of a game value (card balance) usable for a game. ) Is inserted, and a non-owner-specified recording medium (visitor card 23) which is provided at a position connected to the recording medium insertion port and whose owner is not specified. Storage medium storage unit (card reader / writer device 3)
3. More specifically, a card storage unit 33a) and a money receiving unit (a bill insertion slot 61, a coin insertion slot 62) for receiving money.
And a money identifying means (a bill identifying device 31, a coin identifying device 32) for identifying the money accepted by the money accepting section.
And the gaming value (card balance) corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of the amount of money identified by the currency identification means in a state where the owner-specific recording medium is not inserted from the recording medium insertion slot. Means for performing the processing (visitor processing in FIG. 12) for enabling the size of the file to be specified by the recording information of the non-owner-specified recording medium, and issuing the non-owner-specified recording medium. (Card reader / writer device 33, control device 34), the owner-specific recording medium inserted from the recording-medium insertion slot, and the owner-unspecified recording medium issued by the owner-unspecified recording medium issuing unit. A recording medium receiving unit (a card reader / writer device 33, more specifically, a card receiving unit 33b) for selectively accepting the recording medium received by the recording medium receiving unit; Of the value for a game of size specified from the recording information used in a game by the game machine and a use processing means for performing (e.g., ball and lend) processing for (controller 34).

According to such a configuration, in the recording medium processing device, the non-owner-specific recording medium stored in the non-owner-specific recording medium storage unit can be issued. Media can be repeatedly issued. As a result, the consumption amount of the recording medium can be reduced, and the running cost of the recording medium can be reduced. In addition, the recording medium whose owner is not specified can be reused without providing a recording medium collection processing device, and the recording medium can be collected. Cost can be reduced.

(7) In response to receipt of money from the owner (a member player) of the owner-specifying recording medium, the game value specified by the recording information of the owner-specifying recording medium is added and updated. It further includes value adding means (S16 in FIG. 10).

According to such a configuration, the game value specified by the record information of the owner-specific recording medium can be added and updated in response to receipt of money from the owner of the owner-specific recording medium. In addition, it becomes possible to add a game value without leaving the place in the recording medium processing device, and it is possible to improve the operation rate of the recording medium processing device and the gaming machine.

[0021]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment,
As an example of a recording medium processing device, a card unit provided corresponding to a pachinko gaming machine will be described and described.
The card unit is compatible with other gaming machines such as coin gaming machines, slot machines using coins, gaming machines for inserting a predetermined number of pachinko balls instead of inserting coins and playing slot machine games, and the like. It may be a provided card unit or a recording medium processing device other than the card unit. That is, the present invention is provided in correspondence with a gaming machine, and has a size specified by recording information of a recording medium on which information capable of specifying a size of a gaming value usable for a game by the gaming machine is recorded. The present invention can also be applied to a recording medium processing apparatus that performs a use process for using the game value of the game within the range of the size.

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. In the amusement arcade, a plurality of gaming machine installation islands 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) are provided. On the left of each pachinko gaming machine 2, one pachinko gaming machine 2
A card unit 3 is provided in a one-to-one correspondence.

The card unit 3 includes a member card (see the member card 21 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C) individually issued to players who are registered as members in the game arcade, and Visitor cards (see visitor cards 23 in FIGS. 3 (b) and 3 (d)) that can be used by the player can be used to borrow balls.

The member card is, for example, a recording medium that can be issued by a player by entering necessary items on a predetermined registration form and submitting it to a game hall. As will be described later, various information such as a card balance as a consideration for a player's input price and member information for specifying individual members is recorded on the member card as card information. The member card is owned by the member, and can be used in any card unit 3 in principle. The visitor card is a recording medium incorporated in the card unit 3 and is a recording medium that is issued and issued after a player inserts bills or coins, and is used repeatedly in one card unit 3. . As will be described later, various information such as a card balance as a consideration for a player's insertion price is recorded on the visitor card as card information. These membership cards and visitor cards are constituted by non-contact type IC cards as described later.

In the gaming machine installation island 200a,
At one end, an island provided with an apparatus such as an island end control device for performing various controls related to the gaming machine installation island 200a such as a money transfer control on the gaming machine installation island 200a and a money collection box (hereinafter referred to as a safe). End control box 201
Is provided.

When the player inserts the membership card into the card insertion / ejection port 4 provided at the lower end of the card unit 3,
The record information of the inserted membership card is read by a card reader / writer device (see FIGS. 4 to 6) provided in the card unit 3. And ball rental switch 8
When 0 is pressed (lending request operation), a part or all of the card balance included in the read data is withdrawn and the number of cards corresponding to the card balance is withdrawn to the upper plate 5 of the pachinko gaming machine 2. Balls are lent (paid). The card unit 3 and the pachinko gaming machine 2 are connected by wiring,
It is configured so that both data can be exchanged.

When a member card is inserted and the balance of the card is withdrawn according to the operation of the player and balls are lent, a ball lending command signal is transmitted from the card unit 3 to the pachinko gaming machine 2. . The pachinko gaming machine 2 pays out a predetermined number of balls to the upper plate 5 in accordance with the ball lending command signal. And
The player can play the ball by paying out the lending ball paid out to the upper plate 5 to a game area provided in the pachinko gaming machine 2. When returning the member card, pressing the return switch 81 returns the member card. Also, when the card balance of the member card 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 membership card and the card balance recorded on the issued visitor card. I have.

On the other hand, in a state where the member card is not inserted through the card insertion / ejection port 4, the player inserts a banknote (1000 yen banknote) into the banknote insertion slot 61 provided in the card unit 3, or By inserting coins (500 yen and 100 yen coins) into the coin insertion slot 62 provided in the card unit 3, the above-mentioned visitor card in which the card balance corresponding to the inserted amount is recorded is inserted from the card insertion / ejection opening 4. Issued to the player. This visitor card is
The prepaid card issuing company carries the card into the game arcade, and is set in each card unit 3 one by one in the game arcade, and is built in each card unit 3. At the time of issuance, the visitor card is once ejected from the card insertion / ejection port 4 in a manner that can be visually recognized but cannot be removed from the player. It is taken inside.

When a visitor card is issued, the entire card balance of the taken-in visitor card is automatically deducted, and is paid out to the upper plate 5 in the same procedure as in the case of the membership card described above. The lending of the ball is performed, and the lending for the entire card balance is performed collectively.

Since it is possible to issue a visitor card in accordance with the insertion of a bill, a relatively large amount (for example, 1000 yen) can be consumed with one issue, There is an advantage that sales of the amusement arcade are improved. Also, if a visitor card is issued once, the entire amount of the card balance will be deducted for lending of balls,
Since the player plays the game at least until the card balance specified from the record information of the issued visitor card is used up, the operation rate of the pachinko gaming machine 2 in the game hall is improved.

In the gaming machine installation island 200a, a transport path of the money transport 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. The banknotes and coins received by the card unit 3 are discharged from the back side of the card unit 3 onto the transport path after the processing for identifying the banknotes is performed, and the banknotes and coins are then provided to the safe provided at the end of the gaming machine installation island 200a. It is transported and collected. The safe is provided with an identification unit for identifying the collected money and a control unit (not shown) for controlling each unit of the safe, and the amount of the collected money is determined based on the identification information by the identification unit. Is recognized by the control unit.

When the player operates the hitting operation handle 51, the pachinko balls on the upper plate 52 are fired one by one and hit into the game area 53. When the hit ball hit into the game area 53 wins the starting winning port 54, the winning ball is detected by a starting winning ball sensor (not shown), and the variable display device 55 provided at the center of the game area 53 is provided. Variable display area (for example, variable display area
In this case, variable display (also called update display or variable display) of a special symbol including a plurality of types of symbols such as numbers is started. In addition, the fact that the hit ball wins the starting winning opening 54 is particularly called a starting winning.

If the result of stopping the variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 55 becomes a big hit symbol which is a predetermined specific display mode (for example, a combination of symbols in a zigzag pattern such as 777), the specific game state The big hit condition occurs. There are a plurality of combinations of big hit symbols, and if any of the big hit symbol combinations is stopped and displayed, a big hit state occurs.

When a big hit state occurs, a solenoid (not shown) is excited, whereby the open / close plate 57 provided on the variable winning ball device 56 located below the variable display device 55 is opened. The big winning opening is opened, and the variable winning ball device 56 is in a first state advantageous to the player. In the variable prize ball device 56, the earlier of the predetermined number (for example, 10) of the pachinko balls on the variable prize ball device 56 or the lapse of a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) is determined. When the condition is satisfied, the first state ends, and the open / close plate 57 closes to change to the second state disadvantageous to the player.

If the ball hits the starting port 54 again during the variable display on the variable display device 55, the start winning is stored, and after the variable display device 55 is variably stopped, it waits until the variable display device 55 is ready to start the variable again. The variable display device 55 is variably started again based on the start winning. The upper limit of the start winning prize memory is set to “4” and is displayed at a predetermined location.

A pachinko ball that has entered the variable winning ball device 56 while the variable winning ball device 56 is in the first state is detected by a 10-count sensor (not shown) or a specific winning ball device (not shown). Is done. If the pachinko ball is detected by the specific winning ball sensor, the continuous continuation control of controlling the variable winning ball device 56 to the first state again after the first state of the variable winning ball device 56 in that time is completed. Is performed. The upper limit number of executions of the repetition continuation control is set to, for example, 16 times.

After the repetition continuation control ends, the so-called big hit state ends, and the open / close plate 57 does not open unless a big hit occurs again. In addition, when shifting to such a state, the big hit that occurred before the state transition, especially,
In the case of a special combination of symbols, control is performed so that the probability of occurrence of a big hit increases. In other words, when there are a plurality of combinations of symbols in which a big hit occurs, and a big hit occurs in a certain combination of the symbols,
It is controlled so that the probability of occurrence of a big hit increases.

The gaming state in which the jackpot probability fluctuates in this manner is particularly called a probability fluctuation state (abbreviation, probable change). Such a state in which the jackpot probability fluctuates continues, for example, until the jackpot occurs twice thereafter.

During the variable display of the variable display device 55, a reach state may occur. Here, the term “reach” means that the variable display device has a variable display device whose display state can be changed, the variable display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results is a predetermined identification. In the gaming machine in which the gaming state becomes a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the combination of the display modes is displayed, at the stage where a part of the plurality of display results has not been derived and displayed yet, it is already derived and displayed. Means a display state in which the displayed result satisfies the condition for the combination of the specific display modes. In other words, the reach is a game state when the display result of the variable display device having a plurality of variable display units whose display state can be changed is a predetermined combination of specific display modes. In a gaming machine that is in a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player, when the display result of the variable display device has not been derived and displayed yet, the variable display mode has become a variable display mode in which the combination of the specific display modes is easily displayed. Display state to make the person think. Then, for example, a state in which a variable display is performed by the plurality of variable display units while maintaining a state in which the combination of the specific display modes is aligned is also included in the reach display state. Furthermore, some of the reach, when it appears, are more likely to cause a big hit than in a normal reach. Such a specific reach is called a super reach. Also, some of the reach, when they appear, will be a 100% jackpot. Such a specific reach is called a premium reach.

The reach state is a condition in which the display condition is such that the display condition is such that the display condition is maintained even when the display control progresses after the variable display device is variably started and the display result reaches a stage before the display result is derived and displayed. Display mode that does not deviate from the above.

The reach state is a display state at the time when display control of the variable display device progresses to a stage before display results are derived and displayed, and the display results are derived and displayed. It also refers to a display state in which at least a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display areas that have been determined before satisfy the condition for the specific display mode.

In the game area 53, a normal winning opening 58 is provided in addition to the starting winning opening 54 described above. Pachinko balls that did not win any of the winning areas (winning ports and winning areas in the variable winning ball device) are collected by an out port 58 provided below the game area 53. The ball collected by the out port 58 and the ball that has won the prize area are merged inside the pachinko gaming machine 2 and discharged to the outside through a predetermined discharge path.

In such a pachinko gaming machine 2,
When a ball is won, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out in accordance with the winning, and the ball can be continuously fired repeatedly using the ball to perform a game. The balls to be paid out for lending and the balls to be paid out as prize balls are both supplied to the inside of the pachinko gaming machine 2 through a predetermined supply path.

Further, among the plurality of gaming machine installation islands 200a provided in the game arcade, the end of some gaming machine installation islands (the end on which the island end control box 201 is not provided) is provided with a game. There is provided a jet counter (not shown) which is a device for counting the balls obtained by the user, recording the counted value on a receipt, and outputting the counted value. The jet counter
The number of balls flowing into the device is detected by the ball detection unit,
The control unit for controlling each unit of the jet counter counts the number of detections based on the detection signal of the ball detection unit, and issues a receipt recording the ball count value from the printing unit under the control of the control unit. The player obtains a receipt on which the counted value is recorded by putting the obtained ball into the jet counter, takes the receipt to the prize exchange counter, and submits it, thereby exchanging the obtained ball for a prize. Exchange can take place.

Next, the configuration of the card unit 3 will be described in detail. FIG. 2A is a partially enlarged front view of the card unit 3, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the card insertion / ejection port 4 along the line AA in FIG.

A card insertion / ejection port 4 is provided at the lower end on the front side in the card unit 3, and a card reader / writer device including an IC card reader / writer is provided behind the card insertion / ejection port 4 (see FIGS. 4 to 6). Is provided, and one visitor card 23 is set in the card reader / writer device and is always held (see FIG. 5).
(B)). Then, in a state where the member card is not inserted from the card insertion / ejection port 4, the player inserts a currency by inserting a banknote into the currency slot 61 or by inserting a coin into the coin slot 62. Then, the card balance corresponding to the amount of the inserted money is written into the visitor card 23 by the card reader / writer device, and the visitor card 23 is issued by partially protruding from the card insertion / ejection port 4 (FIG. 2 (b)). )reference).

The vicinity of the card insertion / ejection port 4 on the front side of the card unit 3 is formed as a concave portion 40 which is recessed toward the back side of the front side of the card unit 3. A cover 24 made of The cover 24 has a card insertion / reception hole 41 through which a card can be inserted / exited according to the shape of the card insertion / ejection opening 4, and is attached so as not to protrude outside the front surface of the card unit 3. The cover 24 is configured so that even if the card is slightly ejected from the card insertion / ejection port 4 by the prism effect, the ejection state of the card can be visually recognized from all angles including the front of the card unit 3.

A part of the visitor card 23 is ejected from the card insertion / ejection opening 4 to a position where the player can visually recognize the issued visitor card 23, and is issued immediately afterward, without being handed over to the player. At the time of this issuance, visitor card 2
3 is discharged into the cover 24 so as not to fly outside from the cover 24. Therefore, the visitor card 23
Can be taken into the card unit 3 again without being handed over by the player at the time of issuance. As described above, since the card insertion / ejection port 4 is covered with the cover 24,
When the visitor card 23 is issued, it is configured such that the player cannot pull out the visitor card 23.

It is to be noted that a card insertion / ejection port is provided on the front of the card unit 3 without providing a depression in the front of the card unit 3, and a cover member made of a transparent resin (the cover 24 described above) is provided on the outside of the card unit 3. Similarly to the above, a card card insertion / removal hole through which the member card 21 can be inserted / exited) is provided so as to protrude, and when the visitor card 23 is issued, a part of the card is projected into the cover member. Good. Even in that case, the presence of the cover member allows the card issuing state to be visually recognized, and prevents the player from pulling out the visitor card 23.

The card balance of the visitor card 23 taken in after the issuance is read by the card reader / writer device. Then, the number of lending coins corresponding to the total card balance read from the visitor card 23 is paid out from the pachinko gaming machine 2 into the upper plate 5. That is, the lending of the ball using the visitor card is performed collectively for the entire amount of the card balance. Then, after the ball is lent out, the visitor card is automatically returned to a predetermined standby position inside the card reader / writer device, and is brought into a standby state for the next issuance. As a result, the visitor card can be used repeatedly.

As described above, in the card unit 3, the operation of once issuing the visitor card 23, retaking the visitor card 23 and lending the ball can be repeated, and the running cost in the game hall can be suppressed as much as possible.

The cover 24 has a member light-emitting lamp 241 that emits red light when the entire member card 21 is used and a visitor light-emitting lamp 24 that emits green light when the visitor card 23 is used.
2 are provided. Specifically, the light-emitting lamp 2 for members
41 emits light while the member card 21 is inserted. On the other hand, the visitor light-emitting lamp 242 emits light from the time of issuance of the visitor card 23 to the end of lending of balls after issuance. Due to such difference in emission color,
The card unit 3 allows the player to know which card is being used, and the player can clearly recognize which card is being used by distinguishing the luminescent colors. it can.

In this embodiment, the card balance of the visitor card 23 has been described as being collectively debited. However, when the visitor card 23 is issued, only a part of the card balance may be debited. Good.

At the top of the card unit 3, an online display lamp 91 is provided to inform the card unit management device (see FIG. 6) whether or not the card unit 3 is online. I have. The online display lamp 91 is turned on when the card unit 3 is online with respect to the card unit management device, and is turned off when the card unit 3 is offline. At the bottom of the online display lamp 91, there is a visitor card 2
A visitor card usable lamp 92 is provided for notifying the user of the use of No.3. The visitor card usable lamp 92 is turned on when the visitor card 23 is usable, and is turned off when the visitor card 23 is not usable.

When an error occurs in the card unit 3 or when a communication error occurs between the card unit 3 and the pachinko gaming machine 2,
The visitor card available lamp 92 flashes.

Below the visitor card usable lamp 92, a bill insertion slot 61 and a coin insertion slot 62 are provided side by side in the vertical direction. The bill insertion slot 61 has 1000
A plurality of types of banknotes of yen, 200 yen, 5000 yen, and 10000 yen can be inserted. A plurality of types of coins of 100 yen and 500 yen can be inserted into the coin insertion slot 62.

When a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 61, the bill is recognized by the bill discriminating device 31 (see FIG. 6) and it is determined whether or not the bill is proper. By inserting a coin into the coin insertion slot 62, the coin identification device 3
2 (see FIG. 6), the coin is taken in and it is determined whether or not the coin is a proper coin. If such bills and coins, that is, the currency, are appropriate, payment to the member card 21 (in this embodiment, payment up to 10,000 yen is possible, depending on the situation, is possible) ) Or issuance of a visitor card 23 (in the case of this embodiment, it is possible to issue a card with a card balance of up to 1,000 yen).

In a state where the appropriate member card 21 is not inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 4, a currency (a banknote, a bill, etc.) not exceeding a predetermined upper limit (for example, 1000 yen).
When a coin is inserted, a visitor card 23 in which an amount corresponding to the inserted money is recorded as a card balance.
Is automatically issued without the player's operation. Further, in a state where the member card 21 is inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 4 and money is inserted not exceeding a predetermined upper limit (for example, 10,000 yen), the card balance becomes “0”. ", The member card 21 can be paid. Here, depositing refers to updating the card balance by adding an amount corresponding to the inserted money to the card balance. In this embodiment, in response to the insertion of money while the card balance is “0”,
Payment is automatically made without any operation by the player. As described above, the member card 21 cannot make a deposit unless the card balance once becomes “0”.

Below the coin insertion slot 62, a return button 93 is provided which is operated to request a return when the inserted coin is jammed inside. When the return button 93 is operated, the ejected coins are returned from the coin return port 94 provided below the display plate 30 by performing a mechanical ejection operation in accordance with the operation.

Below the return button 93, a display plate 30 for performing various displays and operations is provided. The display plate 30 has a currency usable lamp 1
3, a price setting button 14, a price display 15, a fraction display button 16, a price display 17, a ball display 18, a connecting stand direction display 19, and a card insertion lamp 20 are provided.

The currency usable lamp 13 is a member card 21
This is to notify whether or not money (banknotes and coins) can be inserted into the bill insertion slot 61 or the coin insertion slot 62 for depositing money into the banknote and issuing the visitor card 23. The currency usable lamp 13 is turned on when at least one of a banknote and a coin can be inserted, and is turned off when both the banknote and the coin cannot be inserted.

In this card unit 3, the membership card 2
When 1 is inserted, the visitor card 23 cannot be issued. Further, the card unit 3 is configured such that if the visitor card 23 is issued and the card balance of the visitor card 23 is not 0, the issue of the visitor card 23 and the payment to the membership card 21 cannot be performed. ing.

The amount setting button 14 is for setting the amount of a card balance used for one ball lending using the member card 21 (hereinafter referred to as a lending set amount). With this, the lending set amount can be selected. Each time the amount setting button 14 is pressed, the card balance used for one ball lending is switched. The amounts that can be selected by the amount setting button 14 are, for example, 100 yen, 200 yen, 300 yen, 400 yen,
A plurality of types are provided, such as 00 yen,... 1000 yen, and one of the amounts can be selectively determined by operating the amount setting button 14. Therefore, the player can freely select and set the lending set amount.
On the other hand, as for the visitor card 23, the entire amount provided for the card issuance is used for one lending, so that the lending set amount for one time cannot be freely set.

The relationship between the operation of the amount setting button 14 and the selection of the loan setting amount is as follows. For example, the loan setting amount has an initial value (default value),
Each time the amount setting button 14 is pressed once, the lending set amount is 100 yen, 200 yen, 300 yen, 400 yen,
The order is switched in the order of 500 yen,... 1000 yen, and if a further operation is performed from the selection state of 1000 yen, the lending set amount returns to 100 yen again, and is switched in the same order. In other words, each time the amount setting button 14 is operated, a plurality of types of lending amounts are rotated.

As the initial value of the loan setting amount, one amount selected from a plurality of types of amounts is set. As the loan setting amount, one of the plurality of types of selectable loan setting amounts described above is predetermined as an initial value. The initial value of the loan setting amount is desirably set to, for example, an amount (for example, 500 yen or the like in the case of the above-mentioned amount) which is considered to have the highest probability that the player selects the loan setting amount. By making such a setting, it is possible to save the trouble of the player performing the operation of changing the lending set amount, which is convenient for the player.

The lending set amount selected according to the operation of the amount setting button 14 is displayed on the amount display 15. Then, by operating the amount setting button 14, for example, 2
If the member card 21 is inserted and the ball lending switch 80 provided on the pachinko gaming machine 2 is operated with the lending set amount of 00 yen being selected, the member card 21 is recorded on the member card 21. 200 yen is deducted from the remaining card balance and 200 yen lending is paid out from the pachinko gaming machine 2.

When the use of the member card 21 is completed, as in the case where the member card 21 is ejected from the card insertion / ejection port 4 and removed from the member card insertion port 4 by a player, a new member card 21 is used. When a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed without being used, the set value of the lending set amount used for one ball lending (ball lending) is returned to the above-described initial value, and the initial value ( 500 yen) is displayed on the price indicator 15.

When the fraction display button 16 is pressed, a display for specifying a 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.

The money amount display 17 is for displaying various kinds of money, such as money paid in to the membership card 21 or issuance of the visitor card 23, and the like. , The number of replays is selectively displayed.
In this embodiment, the savings and the replay are permitted only to the member. Here, the term “storage” refers to an act of depositing the value of the points or balls possessed by the player to the game arcade side or a third-party management organization entrusted from the game arcade and the deposited value. For example, when a player brings a ball and a member card 21 to a ball counter (jet counter) in a game hall and counts the number of balls to be played, the player inserts the member card 21 into the device. If an operation is performed to designate that the player wants to save a ball, the counted number of balls is registered as a saved ball in a member management device (see FIG. 6), which will be described later. Further, the replay means that the player plays a game by borrowing a ball using the accumulated ball. The number of replays refers to the number of replays that can be performed in a predetermined number of balls as one unit and deducted from the number of stored balls. The relationship between the number of saved balls and the number of lent balls in the replay is predetermined, and the lending of the balls is performed by subtracting the number of replays from the number of the stored balls.

In this embodiment, as the ball,
The example of depositing a pachinko ball has been described as an example, but the concept of a ball-saving also includes depositing not only a pachinko ball but also other values such as a medal for depositing a medal, a saving score for depositing a score such as a score.

Further, the money amount display 17 is also used for displaying an error code. For example, an error code is displayed for each cause of abnormality, such as various abnormal states occurring in the card unit 3 and a communication abnormality between the card unit 3 and the pachinko gaming machine 2 corresponding thereto.

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 connecting 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 notifying by a lighting display that the membership card 21 is inserted into the membership card insertion slot 4.

Below the display plate 30, a coin return port 94 is provided. The inserted coin can be returned from the coin return port 94 as described above. Below the coin return port 94, a numerical value input unit 95 including a numeric keypad capable of inputting a numerical value such as a password is provided. When a player becomes a member, a PIN is determined for each member, and the PIN is included in the member information and registered on the gaming side. When the member performs the coin saving and the replay, the player inputs the personal identification number from the numerical value input unit 95 for the personal authentication. When the input personal identification number matches the registered personal identification number, it is possible to perform the coin saving and the replay. At the time of replay, the player can specify the number of replays by inputting the number of replays from the numerical value input section 95.

When the member card 21 is inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 4 and used for a game, and the player performs a pressing operation of the return switch 81 (see FIG. 1) as a game ending operation, the amount is reduced and updated. The member card 21 in which the card balance is recorded is ejected (returned) in such a manner that a part thereof jumps out of the cover 24 from the member card insertion slot 4. In addition,
The zero card that has completely used up the card balance is similarly discharged (returned) from the card insertion slot 4. The player receives the discharged membership card 21 by extracting the discharged membership card 21 in such a state.

Next, the membership card 21 and the visitor card 23 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration and recorded information of the membership card 21 and the visitor card 23.

In FIG. 3, (a) shows the membership card 21
, (B) is a partially broken plan view of the visitor card 23, (c) is recorded information of the member card 21,
(D) shows the record information of the visitor card 23, respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the membership card 21 has the same size as a conventional general card, but the visitor card 23 is smaller than the membership card 21. It is also composed of cards of small dimensions. The member card 21 and the visitor card 23 are both non-contact type IC cards.

Inside the member card 21, an IC chip 21a and an antenna coil 21b connected to the IC chip 21a are provided at one end. Such an I
The C chip 21 a and the antenna coil 21 b are provided so as to be embedded inside the membership card 21. The figure shows a state in which the vicinity of the IC chip 21a and the antenna coil 21b is broken.
1A shows a configuration in which the antenna coil 21b is embedded inside the card. The antenna coil 21b receives an electromagnetic wave output from the card reader / writer. As a result, power supply power is generated in the IC chip 21a,
The chip 21a operates. Also, the antenna coil 21b
Transmits and receives various data to and from a card reader / writer.

The IC chip 21a includes a power supply unit, a control unit,
Various components such as a memory (not shown) and the like are provided, and power supply power is generated by a power supply unit and supplied to each unit, and the control unit and the memory operate. The control unit is a processor that can execute various calculations and controls, and performs various controls such as data transmission and reception and data reading and writing by executing a control program.
The memory stores the data without losing data even when there is no power, and stores and holds card information.

Referring to FIG. 3B, inside the visitor card 23, an IC chip 23a and an antenna coil 23b connected to the IC chip 23a are provided at one end. In the drawing, a state in which the vicinity of the IC chip 23a and the antenna coil 23b is broken is shown, and a configuration in which the IC chip 23a and the antenna coil 23b are embedded in the card is shown. The IC chip 23a and the antenna coil 23b have the same configuration as the IC chip 21a and the antenna coil 21b of the membership card 21 described above, and perform the same function.

Referring to FIG. 3C, member card 21
Includes card number information 211, issuer information 212, card balance information 213, member identification information 214, deposit unit number information 215, information on the number of stored coins 216, and service information 21.
7, security information 218 and other information 2
19 is recorded in the memory. In the memory of the member card 21, an area for recording each information is provided in order to record such information. Card number information 2
Numeral 11 is information that can specify a member card number, which is identification information given to each member to identify the member. The issuance store information 212 is information for specifying a game arcade where the membership card 21 has been issued.

The card balance information 213 is information for specifying the card balance. The member identification information 214 is information for identifying the individual member such as the member's name, address, and date of birth. The deposit unit number information 215 is information for specifying the unit number of the card unit 3 in which the card balance recorded on the card is recorded. The number-of-saved-balls information 216 is
This is information for specifying the number of accumulated coins of the member. Service information 21
Numeral 7 is information for specifying the number of points for services to be described later given to the member and the information for services other than the number of points. The security information 218 is information for checking the security of the member card 21.
If matches with the predetermined security information,
The card is determined to be a legitimate card. In addition to the above information, the member card 21 records various kinds of information, that is, other information 219.

Next, referring to FIG. 3D, the visitor card 23 has card number information 231 and issuer information 2
32, card balance information 233, issue unit number information 2
34, security information 235, and other information 236 are recorded in the memory.

The card number information 231 is information capable of specifying a visitor card number, which is identification information given to each visitor card 23 in order to identify the visitor card 23. The issue store information 232 is information for specifying a game arcade where the visitor card 23 is issued, that is, a game arcade where the card unit 3 is provided. Card balance information 23
Reference numeral 3 denotes information for specifying the card balance of the visitor card 23. The issue unit number information 234 is information for specifying the unit number of the card unit to which the visitor card 23 has been issued, that is, the card unit 3 in which the visitor card 23 is built. Security information 23
5 is the security information 21 of the membership card 21 described above.
7 is the same information. The visitor card 23 records various information, that is, other information 236, in addition to such information.

Next, the processing operation of the member card 21 in the card reader / writer device 33 will be described. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the card reader / writer 33 showing the processing operation of the membership card 21 in the card reader / writer 33. 4A to 4E show changes in the state over time.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the card reader / writer device 33 is provided with a space having a width such that one card can be moved.
3 and the membership card 21 are conveyed. The transport of the card is performed by a plurality of transport belts (the transport belts 332 and 332) driven by a motor provided in the card reader / writer device 33.
333, 334).

A communication section 331 composed of an antenna coil for communicating with the antenna coil sections 21b and 23b of the card is provided at a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the space in the card reader / writer device 33. In the space inside the card reader / writer device 33, when the antenna coil portions 21b and 23b are located at positions facing the communication portion 331, each card and the card reader / writer device 33 can communicate with each other, and the recording information of each card is recorded. Can be read and written.

The card reader / writer 33 is provided with a plurality of card detection position sensors 335 to 338 for detecting the presence or absence of a card in the internal space of the card reader / writer 33. Each card detection position sensor optically detects the presence of a card by arranging a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit in the internal space of the card reader / writer device 33 so as to oppose each other and detecting whether or not the light receiving unit receives light emitted from the light emitting unit. It is a sensor. In the space inside the card reader / writer device 33, four card detection position sensors 33 are sequentially arranged from the card insertion / ejection port 4 side to the back.
8, 337, 336, 335 are provided.

The card detection position sensor 338 is provided at an intermediate point between the card insertion / ejection port 4 and the communication section 331. The card detection position sensor 337 is provided near the communication unit 331 and at a position closer to the card insertion / ejection port 4 than the communication unit 331 is. Card detection position sensor 336
Is provided near the communication unit 331 and at a position facing the card detection position sensor 337 with the communication unit 331 interposed therebetween. The card detection position sensor 335 is provided at an intermediate point between the card insertion / ejection port 4 and the communication unit 331.
The card reader / writer 33 is provided on the innermost side of the internal space.

In the internal space of the card reader / writer device 33, a transport belt 332 capable of transporting a card from the innermost position of the internal space to a position in the vicinity of the communication unit 331 is provided behind the communication unit 331. Have been. The transport belt 332 transports the card by sandwiching the card from both sides, and only one transport belt is shown in the drawing. In addition, the card reader / writer device 3
3, on the card insertion / ejection port 4 side of the communication unit 331, transport belts 333 and 334 capable of conveying cards from the position of the card insertion / ejection port 4 in the internal space to a position around the communication unit 331. They are provided side by side in parallel in the vertical direction. The transport belts 333 and 334 transport the card by sandwiching the card from both sides.
In the drawing, only one conveyor belt is shown.

Referring to FIG. 4A, in card reader / writer device 33, member card 21 is also a visitor card 23.
In the standby state in which the visitor card 23 is not processed, the visitor card 23 is held at the innermost position in the internal space of the card reader / writer device 33. In this state, the visitor card 23 is nipped by the transport belt 332 and the end is detected by the card detection position sensor 335.

Next, referring to FIG. 4B, when the member card 21 is inserted, the member card 21 is detected by the card detection position sensor 338. In response to the detection, the conveyor belts 333 and 334 are driven in the direction of conveying the member card 21 to the inside, and the conveyor belts 333 and 334 convey the member card 21 to the inside (see the white arrow in the figure).

Next, referring to FIG. 4 (c), the member card 21 is conveyed inside and its end (the front end in the conveying direction).
Is detected by the card detection position sensor 336, the driving of the conveyor belts 333 and 334 is stopped, and the member card 21 stops at a position where the antenna coil unit 21b faces the communication unit 331. As a result, data can be read and written between the member card 21 and the card reader / writer device 33. In other words, the card detection position sensor 336 is disposed at a position where the antenna coil portion 21b faces the communication portion 331 when detecting the end portion (tip portion in the transport direction) of the member card 21. . Also, even when the member card 21 enters the position of the communication unit 331, the visitor card 23
Since the card is held at a position where it does not come into contact with the incoming card, the built-in visitor card 23 does not come into contact with the inserted membership card 21.

Next, referring to FIG. 4D, in the case where payment is made to the member card 21, the card balance is updated and recorded by the payment to the member card 21, and then the conveyor belts 333 and 334 are transferred. Is driven in the direction of transporting the card to the outside (see the white arrow pointing right in the figure). As a result, the member card 21 is transported to the outside. Then, as shown in the figure, when the member card 21 is not detected by the card detection position sensor 337,
3,334 is temporarily stopped, and the member card 21 is stopped in a state in which the end (the leading end in the transport direction) protrudes into the case 24. Then, immediately, the conveyor belts 333, 3
34 is driven in the direction of transporting the card into the inside (see the left arrow in the figure). With this, membership card 2
1 is conveyed inward.

Next, referring to FIG. 4E, the member card 21 conveyed inward is returned to the original position. As described above, when the deposit is made to the member card 21, a part of the member card 21 is once projected into the case 24 to indicate that the deposit has been made, and then returned to the original position. In this case, when the end of the member card 21 (the rear end in the conveyance direction) is no longer detected by the card detection position sensor 336, the driving of the conveyance belts 333 and 334 is stopped, and the member card 21 is returned to the original position. Returned to

Next, the processing operation of the visitor card 23 in the card reader / writer device 33 will be described. FIG.
Visitor card 2 in card reader / writer device 33
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the card reader / writer device 33 illustrating the processing operation of No. 3; In FIG. 5, a state change with time is shown in (a) to (e). Referring to FIG. 5 (a), visitor card 23 is issued in card reader / writer device 33. In this case, the transport belt 332 is driven in a direction for transporting the card to the outside, and the visitor card 23 is transported to the outside by the transport belt 332 (see the white arrow in the figure).

Next, referring to FIG. 5B, when the visitor card 23 is conveyed and its end (the rear end in the conveying direction) is detected by the card detection position sensor 337, the conveying belt 332 is The driving is stopped, and the visitor card 23 is stopped at a position where the antenna coil unit 23b faces the communication unit 331. As a result, data can be read and written between the visitor card 23 and the card reader / writer device 33. That is, the card detection position sensor 337 is disposed at a position where the antenna coil portion 23b faces the communication portion 331 when the leading end of the visitor card 23 is detected. When the visitor card 23 is issued, various card information is recorded on the visitor card 23 at a position as shown in FIG.

Next, referring to FIG. 5 (c), after various kinds of card information are recorded on the visitor card 23, the conveying belts 332, 333, 334 convey the card to the outside (rightward direction in the figure). (See white arrow). Thereby, the visitor card 23 is transported to the outside. Then, as shown in the drawing, when the visitor card 23 is no longer detected by the card detection position sensor 338, the driving of the transport belts 332, 333, 334 is temporarily stopped, and the visitor card 23 projects the tip end portion into the case 24. Stop in the mode in which it was performed. Then, immediately, the conveyor belt 3
33, 334, 332 are driven in the direction of transporting the card into the inside (see the leftward white arrow in the figure). Thereby, the visitor card 23 is conveyed inward.
Thus, when the visitor card 23 is issued,
Once the visitor card 23 has been ejected, the player can visually recognize that the visitor card 23 has been issued.

Next, referring to FIG. 5 (d), the visitor card 23 conveyed inward is once sent to the communication section 331.
And the antenna coil portion 23b are returned to the original position where they overlap. Then, in this state, the record information is read. In this case, when the end of the visitor card 23 (the rear end in the transport direction) is no longer detected by the card detection position sensor 337, the driving of the transport belts 332, 333, and 334 is stopped, and the visitor card 23 is restored. Is returned to the position. Then, after that, the transport belt 332 is further added.
Is driven in the direction of transporting the card into the inside (see the white arrow pointing left in the figure).

Next, referring to FIG. 5E, the visitor card 23 conveyed inward is returned to the original position. That is, as shown in FIG.
When the end portion (the leading end portion in the transport direction) of No. 3 is detected by the card detection position sensor 335, the drive of the transport belt 332 is stopped, and the visitor card 23 stops at the standby position.

Next, the configuration of the card unit 3 and the configuration of the management system inside and outside the game arcade 100 will be described. FIG.
Is a block diagram showing a configuration of the card unit 3 and a configuration of a management system inside and outside the game arcade, and illustration and description of a part of the configuration are omitted.

In the game hall 100, a card unit management device 400 comprising a management computer for managing a plurality of card units 3 provided in the hall is provided so as to be able to communicate with the card units 3. Outside the gaming arcade 100, a unit management center 500 is provided, which is an institution that manages all the card units 3 in the plurality of gaming arcades 100 in which the card units 3 are provided. In this unit management center 500, a central management device 50 including a computer that comprehensively manages all card units 3 in a plurality of game arcades 100.
1 is provided. The central management device 501 is communicably connected to the card unit management device 400 of each game arcade 100 via a communication line.
00, all the card units 3 are collectively managed. In addition, the central management device 501 manages the card balances of all members registered in each of the gaming arcades 100.

The control unit 340 of the control unit 34 in the card unit 3 includes the bill recognizing device 31 and the coin recognizing device 3
2. Card reader / writer device 33, sensors and lamps 9
, 338, buttons 14, 16, and
It is connected to the numerical value input unit 95. Also, the control unit 340
Is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 2 and connected to a payout control unit 200 including a control microcomputer capable of performing payout for lending out balls through a communication unit 36 so as to be able to communicate with each other. I have. Further, the control unit 3
Reference numeral 40 denotes a ball lending switch 80, a return switch 81, a card balance display 8, a game control unit 300, a replenishment ball detector 701, provided in the pachinko gaming machine 2, via the communication unit 36.
And it is connected to the discharge ball detector 702.

The bill discriminating device 31 includes a discriminating section for discriminating whether or not a bill inserted from the bill insertion slot 61 is a proper bill and a transport section for transporting bills (both not shown). In the bill discriminating apparatus 31, the inserted bill is sent to the discriminating section by the transport section, the discriminating section performs bill discriminating processing, and provides information indicating the discrimination result of the bill to the control section 340. The bill identifying device 31 is controlled by a control signal from the control unit 340.

The coin discriminating device 32 includes a discriminating section for discriminating whether or not the inserted coin is a proper coin and a transport section for transporting coins (both not shown). Coin identification device 3
In 2, the inserted coin is sent to the identification unit by the transport unit, the identification unit performs a coin identification process, and provides information indicating the identification result of the coin to the control unit 340. The coin identification device 32 is controlled by a control signal from the control unit 340.

The control unit 340 of the control device 34 includes an off-line display lamp 91, a visitor card available lamp 92,
Money available lamp 13, amount indicator 15, amount indicator 1
7, ball display 18, connection stand direction display 19, card insertion lamp 20, member card use lamp 241, and
A display control signal is given to each of the visitor card use lamps 242, and the above-described display control is performed for each lamp and display.

The control section 340 of the control device 34 receives the operation signals of the respective buttons from the price setting button 14 and the fraction display button 16 and performs the above-described control according to the operation signals. Further, the control unit 340 includes a numerical value input unit 95
And receives an operation input signal from the
The control as described above is performed.

[0110] When money is inserted in a state where the member card 21 is not inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 4, the control unit 340 of the control device 34 records an amount corresponding to the inserted money as a card balance. The control for issuing the visitor card 23 is performed. In the control, a control signal is given to the card reader / writer device 33 while monitoring the position of the visitor card 23 based on the detection signals from the card detection position sensors 335 to 338, and the issuance control of the visitor card 23 as described above is performed. .

Further, when money is inserted in a state where the member card 21 is inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 4, the control unit 340 of the control device 34 indicates that the card balance is “0”. On the condition that this is the case, control is performed to add the amount corresponding to the inserted money to the card balance of the member card 23. At the time of the control, a control signal is given to the card reader / writer device 33 while monitoring the position of the member card 21 based on the detection signals from the card detection position sensors 335 to 338, and the payment control to the member card 21 as described above is performed. Do.

The control unit 340 of the control device 34 controls the lending of the balls as described above in response to the lending request operation signal from the ball lending switch 80. Also, the control unit 340
Performs the card return control as described above in response to a return request operation signal from the return switch 81 ball lending switch 80. Also, the control unit 340 gives a display control signal to the card balance display 8 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 2,
The card balance of the member card 21 or the visitor card 23 is controlled to be displayed on the card balance display 8.

Further, when any abnormality occurs in the card unit 3, the control device 34 controls to display an error code indicating the cause of the abnormality on the money amount display 17 or the card balance display 8. As a result, the money amount display 17 or the card balance display 8 displays an error code indicating the cause of the abnormality.

The control unit 340 of the control device 34 controls the lending of the ball by deducting the card balance immediately after the issuance of the visitor card 23 and when there is a lending request operation when the member card 21 is inserted. . At the time of control for lending the ball, the control unit 340 performs control to transmit a lending command signal for lending a number of pachinko balls corresponding to the lending amount to the payout control unit 200 in the pachinko gaming machine 2. .

The lending command signal is a signal for instructing lending of a ball by one payout unit (for 100 yen).
When instructing lending of a ball for 000 yen, a lending command signal for instructing lending of a ball in one payout unit is sent ten times. The payout control unit 200 controls the lending of the ball in response to the lending command signal, and outputs the lending completion signal to the control unit 3 of the control device 34 each time the unit of the unit is paid out.
Reply to 40.

The control section 340 performs an operation of subtracting and updating the card balance read from the membership card 21 or the visitor card 23 and stored in the control section 340 every time a lending completion signal is received. Further, the control unit 340 performs control to display the updated card balance on the card balance display 8 in accordance with the subtraction update of the card balance. Then, when the lending of the ball for the set lending amount (in the case of the member card 21) or for the inserted amount (in the case of the visitor card 23) is completed, the control unit 340 sets the member set in the card reader / writer device 33. Update record control is performed to rewrite the card balance of the card 21 or the visitor card 23 with the updated card balance.

When the visitor card 23 is issued, issuance amount data indicating the amount (issuance amount) recorded (deposited for issuance) at the time of issuance of the visitor card 23 in response to the insertion of the bill is controlled in real time. The data is output from the unit 340 to the outside of the card unit 3 via the communication unit 35. When payment is made to the member card 21, payment amount data indicating the payment amount is output from the control unit 340 to the outside of the card unit 3 via the communication unit 35 in real time. When a ball is lent by the withdrawal of the visitor card 23 or the member card 21, consumption amount data indicating the lending amount is transmitted from the control unit 340 to the card unit 3 via the communication unit 35 in real time. Is output to the outside.

When such issue amount data, deposit amount data, and consumption amount data are output, the following data is added to the data. A game arcade number (a number specifying a game arcade in which a card unit is installed), a unit number (a number specifying a card unit), and a member ID are added to the deposit amount data and the consumption amount data by the member card 21. Is done. Further, to the consumption amount data by the member card 21, data for specifying whether the consumed amount is paid in on the day or in a day earlier than that is also added.

Further, the issue amount data and consumption amount data of the visitor card 23 include a game place number (a number specifying a game place where a card unit is installed), a unit number (a number specifying a card unit), and , A visitor card ID (a number assigned to the visitor card in advance and identifying the visitor card) is added. By adding such data to the issue amount data, the deposit amount data, and the consumption amount data output to the outside, on the receiving side, the output data is output from any card unit. Of the membership card 21 and the data corresponding to the visitor card 23. Further, for the membership card 21, I
D-specific data can be grasped.

The issuance amount data, deposit amount data, and consumption amount data output to the outside as described above are relayed by a plurality of relay devices 60 provided in the game arcade 100 and provided to the card unit management device 400. Can be The relay device 60 is a game machine installation island 200a in the game hall 100.
Each of these devices is provided with an information relay function, and relays various data output from a plurality of card units 3 in the gaming machine installation island. A plurality of card units 3 are connected to each relay device 60 by serial communication. The plurality of relay devices 60 are connected in serial communication with the card unit management device 400.
Except for the relay device 60 directly connected to the card unit management device 400, the data is transmitted to the card unit management device 400 via another relay device 60. in this way,
Due to the connection relationship between the card unit 3, the relay device 60 and the card unit management device 400, the card unit 3
00 is connected by serial communication.

The issue amount data, the deposit amount data, and the consumption amount data are similarly provided from the control unit 340 to the game information of the pachinko gaming machine 2 provided in the game hall 100 and the game information of the game hall 100. Is also transmitted to the hall management computer 800 which manages the sales of the hall.

Further, such issue amount data, deposit amount data, and consumption amount data are similarly transmitted from the control unit 340 to the hall management computer 800 provided in the game hall 100.

The hall management computer 800 performs information processing for various managements required for the management of the game arcade, such as the sales management of the game arcade 100, for example.

The card unit management device 400 is a management device including a microcomputer that executes various management processes related to the card unit 3. One card unit management device 400 is provided in the game arcade 100, and manages all the card units 3 installed in the game arcade 100 in an integrated manner. The management contents include management of the operation status of the card unit 3, sales management of the card unit 3, management of the membership card 21, and management of the visitor card 23. For example, the card unit management device 400 classifies and compiles sales information such as issue amount data, deposit amount data, and consumption amount data for each member card and visitor card, or for each card unit 3. By transmitting the information to the unit management center 500, it is possible to help the management of the prepaid card issuing company. Further, the card unit management device 400
Collects the payment information including the issue amount data and the payment amount data and the consumption information including the consumption amount data for each type of card, and performs sales management in the game hall 100.

Further, the card unit management device 400
In order to manage sales by members registered in the amusement arcade 100, a member management database including member registration data is stored. The member management database also stores authentication data for authenticating whether the member card 21 inserted into the card unit 3 is a proper member card.

In the game arcade 100, the card unit management device 400 includes a member management device 71 for managing members on the game arcade 100 side, and settlement of the member card 21 (converting the card balance into cash to give the player Refund)
And a settlement device 72 for performing the above.

The member management device 71 includes an input unit, a display unit, a control unit (a microcomputer capable of executing processing for managing member information), an external storage unit, and a communication unit. When the member is registered, the member management device 71 inputs member information regarding the member from the input unit. In the member management device 71, based on the input member information, the membership card number, name, address, date of birth, card balance, number of coins stored, password, and Predetermined member information such as service information (information relating to service provision to a player and service provision other than point provision) is converted into a database in an external storage unit and stored as a member database.

The member management device 71 is communicably connected to the card unit management device 400. When member information is input according to a new member registration, the newly registered member information (the number of coins to be saved and Member information excluding PIN)
To the card unit management device 400. This allows
In the card unit management device 400, the member management device 71
The member information sent from is additionally stored. By additionally storing the member information in this manner, the card unit management device 400 stores the latest member information in the member management database.

[0129] The player enters the membership card 2 in the card unit 3.
When the card unit 3 is inserted, the card unit 3 first reads out the record information of the member card 21 by using the card reader / writer device 33 and, based on the read out information, communicates via the relay device 60 to the card unit management device 400.
Authentication data (card number information, card balance information, security information). The authentication data is data for authenticating that the inserted card is a proper card. When the card is recognized as a proper card based on the authentication data, the member card 21 is used. Various processes such as payment and lending can be performed.

In the card unit management device 400, the authentication data (card number information, card balance information) stored in the member management database corresponding to the member card number included in the authentication data sent from the card unit 3 is stored. , Security information), and compares the read authentication data with the authentication data sent from the card unit 3. If the data match, it is determined that the member card 21 is an appropriate member card. After authentication, the use is permitted, and permission information indicating that the use is permitted is returned to the card unit 3. In other words, the player can freely insert the member card 21, but payment and lending using the card are performed on condition that the card is authenticated by the card unit management device 400.

In the case where the replay using the coins is performed using the membership card 21 permitted to be used by the authentication as described above, the card unit 3 inputs the password from the numerical value input unit 95 described above. Input is requested from the player. In that case, the card unit 3 is
Then, by communication via the card unit management device 400, the information on the personal identification number and the number of coins stored corresponding to the membership card 21 as described above is acquired from the member management device 71. Then, the obtained personal identification number is collated with the input personal identification number, and when the personal identification numbers match, the replay by the savings is permitted, and the number of the savings is displayed on the money amount display 17.

When the replay using the coins is performed using the member card 21 permitted to be used by the authentication as described above, the card unit 3 inputs the password from the numerical value input unit 95 described above. Input is requested from the player. In that case, the card unit 3 transmits the information of the member card number and the password of the inserted member card 21 to the relay device 60 and the card unit management device 40.
0 to the member management apparatus 71 by communication. In the member management device 71, based on the member information stored in the above-described database, the password of the transmitted member card number is compared with the password of the member card number stored in the database, and the password is compared. When the numbers match, replay by ball storage is permitted, and replay number information indicating the number of replays corresponding to the number of stored balls is returned to the card unit 3 indicating that replay is permitted. The card unit 3 receiving such replay number information,
The number of replays specified by the replay number information is displayed on the money amount display device 17, and replay is permitted.

When the member card 21 is inserted, every time the card balance or the number of stored coins is updated and recorded in the member card 21 for lending a ball, the updated record information specifies the member card ID. Along with the information
It is provided to the card unit management device 400 by communication via the relay device 60. Card unit management device 400
Then, the information of the card balance of the corresponding member is updated based on the received card balance information. Further, the information on the card balance or the number of accumulated balls received by the card unit management device 400 from the card unit 3 is also given to the member management device 71. The member management device 71 updates the information of the card balance and the number of stored coins of the corresponding member in the database based on the received card balance information and the information of the number of stored balls.

When the card unit 3 and the card unit management device 400 are online, the member communicates with the card unit 3 and the card unit management device 400 as described above. The card 21 is authenticated. When the card unit 3 and the card unit management device 400 are offline, the card unit 3 authenticates the member card 21 alone. In the authentication in that case, for example, security information is stored in the control unit 340 of the card unit 3 and if the security information matches the security information read from the member card 21, the member card 21 Perform simple authentication to authenticate the card. In the case of such an offline state, the upper limit of the payment is set to a lower value than the upper limit in the case of the online state for the purpose of preventing fraud.

[0135] Also, in this amusement arcade 100, when a member is registered, as described above, the member management device 71
Is registered, but on the day of registration, the member card 21 is managed so as not to be used. That is, when a member is registered, the registration information is stored in the member management device 71 on the day, and the new registration information is sent from the member management device 71 to the card unit management device 400 the next day. It is. Furthermore, the member identification information described above is not recorded on the member card 21 on the day of registration. Then, when the new member card 21 is inserted into the card unit 3, the card management device 400 is notified from the card unit 3 that a new card in which the member identification information is not recorded is used. The member identification information of the member is sent from the card management device 400 to the card unit 3 and recorded on the member card 21 by the card unit 3 of the member identification information, so that the member card 21 becomes a usable card. It is. The member card 21 may not be used from the day after the member registration, but may be used from the day of registration.

In the case of this embodiment, when the card balance remains in the member card 21, the player who wishes to settle the card balance takes the member card 21 to the settlement device 71 and proceeds to the settlement device 71. The card can be inserted into the payment processing.

When the player inserts the membership card 21 into the settlement device 72, the settlement device 72
1 is read, and based on the read information,
The authentication data (card number information, card balance information, security information) is sent to the card unit management device 400. It is obtained by communication from the card unit management device 400 via the communication unit, and is collated with authentication data (card number information, card balance information, security information) recorded on the member card 21. If the authentication data matches, the card unit management device 400 authenticates the data stored in the member management database (corresponding to the member card number included in the authentication data sent from the card unit 3). Card number information, card balance information,
Security information) is read, the read authentication data is compared with the authentication data sent from the card unit 3, and if the data match, the member card 2 is read.
1 is authenticated as an appropriate member card, the use thereof is permitted, and permission information indicating that the use is permitted is returned to the card unit 3. In other words, the player can freely insert the membership card 21, but the settlement using the card is performed on condition that the card is authenticated by the card unit management device 400. The payment device 72
When the card is authenticated, the balance of the card is displayed on the display unit, and a payment process for paying out the cash corresponding to the entire card balance of the inserted member card 21 from the cash dispensing unit is performed. By providing such a settlement device 72, the card balance of the day can be paid out to the player as cash as desired by the player. When such a settlement is performed, the card balance information after the settlement is sent from the settlement device 72 to the card unit management device 400 together with the member card number information, whereby the card unit management device 400 is sent as such. The card balance of the corresponding member card number is updated in the database based on the incoming information.

[0138] Further, game information used for managing game information of each pachinko gaming machine 2 in the gaming hall 100 (game information generated by operation of each pachinko gaming machine 2).
, A supply ball detector 701, a discharge ball detector 702, and a communication unit 3 from the game control unit 300 of the pachinko gaming machine 2.
6 to the control unit 340. Here, the replenishment ball detector 701 is provided with a ball tank (a tank for storing balls to be paid out) from a supply gutter for replenishing balls to each of the pachinko gaming machines 2 in the gaming machine installation island 200a. )
Is provided on the supply path to the pachinko gaming machine 2 to detect a ball (supply ball) to be supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 2 through the supply path, and sends a detection signal of the supply ball to the control unit 340 as game information. Output. Supply ball detector 701 in this example
Is to detect replenished balls in units of ten,
One detection pulse signal is output for every ten detection balls.
The discharged ball detector 702 is provided on a discharge path of balls (discharged balls) discharged to the outside from each pachinko gaming machine 2 for recovery, and detects balls discharged to the outside through the discharge paths. And outputs a detection signal of a discharged ball to the control unit 340 as game information. The discharged ball detector 702 in this example detects the balls to be paid out in units of ten, and outputs one detection pulse signal for every ten discharged balls. Note that each of the replenishment ball detector 701 and the discharged ball detector 702 may detect a ball in units of one ball.

The game control section 300 is a control section including a microcomputer for performing various game controls in the pachinko game machine, such as the control of the variable display device as described above, and a predetermined type of game information ( It is possible to output big hit information, probability variation information, start information, and the like, which will be described later.

When receiving the above-mentioned game information, the control section 340 accumulates and stores the game information, and stores such game information every time a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) elapses. Output to outside via. In each of the gaming machine installation islands 200a, an island terminal device 50 including a control unit (comprising a microcomputer or the like) configured to execute various information processing such as an information totalizing process is provided. Game information output from all card units 3 in the gaming machine installation island 200a is provided to the island terminal device 50.

Each of the island terminal devices 50 receives and totals the game information output from each of the card units 3 on the island, and sends the totaled game information to the hall management computer 800. In the hall management computer 800, when game information is received from the island terminal device 50, the game information is stored, and based on the stored game information, the game information of each pachinko gaming machine 2 in the game hall 100 is grasped. Then, various management processes such as management of game information of each pachinko gaming machine 2 and provision of game information to a player are performed.

The following information is communicated between each card unit 3 and the central management unit 501 via the card unit management unit 400. Playground 10
When the power of the card unit 3 is turned on before the store is opened on the 0th business day, the operation start indicating that the business operation (normal operation) is started from the control device 34 of the card unit 3 to the card unit management device 400. Information is given. The card unit management device 400 transmits the operation start information received from all the card units 3 in the game arcade 100 to the central management device 501 by specifying the unit number of the card unit 3 of the transmission source. When the central management device 501 receives the operation start information from each of the amusement arcades 100, it indicates that the operation of the corresponding card unit 3 is permitted on condition that a predetermined operation permission condition is satisfied. The operation permission information is sequentially transmitted to the card unit management device 400 of each game arcade 100 by designating the unit number of the destination card unit 3. Then, the card unit management device 400 that has received the operation permission information immediately transmits the operation permission information to each card unit 3 together with the self-managed date information (at a stage before the start of business). The card unit 3 is permitted to operate for business on condition that such operation permission information is received, and starts business operation.

When the game hall 100 is closed, after the store is closed, daily sales information for each card unit 3 in the game hall 100 is transmitted from the card unit management device 400 to the central management device 501. You. Here, the sales information is information including the above-mentioned issue amount data, deposit amount data, and consumption amount data. In response to the receipt of the sales information, the central management device 501 totals the sales information for each card unit, totals the sales information for each amusement arcade, and aggregates the sales information for the card units of all the arcades. And manage sales information.

Although the example in which the sales information is transmitted to the central management device 501 after the game arcade 100 is closed is shown here, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sales information may be transmitted from the card units 3 to the card unit management device 400. Each time the sales information is received, it may be transmitted from the card unit management device 400 to the central management device 501. Further, the card unit management device 400 receives the sales information from each card unit 3, aggregates the sales information to some extent, and manages the card units at a timing longer than the cycle at which the sales information is sent from each card unit 3. The information may be transmitted from the device 400 to the central management device 501. That is, for example, when the cycle at which the sales information is sent from each card unit 3 is 30 minutes, the timing at which the sales information compiled from the card unit management device 400 to the central management device 501 is transmitted every three hours May be used.

As described above, the visitor card 23
In the case of using, when a player inserts a bill or a coin, a visitor card 23 is automatically issued, and thereafter,
Balls for the entire issue amount are automatically lent out, regardless of the operation of the player. 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 a game, and as a result, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 2 and the card unit 3 Rate can be improved. Furthermore, since the issued visitor card 23 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 visitor card 23.

Next, the transmission path of the game information will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a transmission path for game information. Communication unit 36 of card unit 3
Includes an information input section 360 into which game information is input. The information input section 360 has a plurality of input ports 361, 361,... For inputting game information in parallel, and is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of input ports. A plurality of input circuits 362, 362,... For performing input processing for converting signals into internal signals of the card unit 3 are included.

For example, when the above-mentioned big hit state occurs, the game control section 300 outputs big hit information indicating that the big hit has occurred as game information. further,
When the above-described probability variation state occurs, the game control unit 300 outputs probability variation information indicating that the probability variation state has occurred as game information. Furthermore, the game control unit 3
00 outputs start information indicating that the start has occurred as game information when the change of the variable display device 55 starts (starts) in response to the above-mentioned start winning. These pieces of game information are input through different input ports 361, respectively, and are input from corresponding input circuits 362 to signal conversion circuits 353.
Sent to

When a replenishing ball is detected by the replenishing ball detector 701, a detection signal is also output as replenishing information which is one of the game information. Further, when a discharged ball is detected by the above-described discharged ball detector 702, the detection signal is also output as discharge information which is one of the game information. The supply information and the discharge information are input via different input ports 361, respectively, and sent from the corresponding input circuit 362 to the control unit 340.

The input ports 361, 361,... In the information input section 360 and the input circuits 362, 362,
.. Are input ports and input circuits capable of receiving the collected amount information from the control unit 202 of the safe (the input port 36 to which the control unit 202 is connected by a broken line in the figure).
1 and an input circuit 362), an input port and an input circuit capable of receiving ball counting information from the control unit 203 of the jet counter described above (an input port 361 and an input circuit to which the control unit 203 is connected by a broken line in the figure) 36
2) is included. The input port 361 for inputting the collection amount information is used for inputting the collection amount information only in one card unit 3 adjacent to the safe in the gaming machine installation island 200a, and the input port 361 for inputting the ball count information is a jet counter. Is used for inputting ball counting information only in one card unit 3 adjacent to. Therefore, the input port 36 for inputting the collection amount information
Numeral 1 indicates an empty port in the card unit 3 not used for inputting the collection amount information, and an input port 361 for inputting ball counting information becomes an empty port in the card unit 3 not used for inputting ball counting information.

The control unit 202 of the safe outputs a signal of one pulse per 100 yen of the collected amount as the collected amount information.
For example, when 1000 yen is collected, a signal of 10 pulses is output as the collection amount information. In addition, the control unit 203 of the jet counter outputs the ball 10 as ball counting information.
One pulse signal is output per count. For example, 1
When counting 00 pieces, a signal of 10 pulses is output as ball counting information.

The control unit 340 has a CPU (Central Processes).
sing unit) 341, ROM (ReadOnly Memory) 34
2 and a microcomputer including a RAM (Random Access Memory) 343. In the control unit 340, the CPU 341 executes various processes by reading the control program stored in the ROM 342 and executing the control program using the RAM 343 as a work area.

When the game information including the jackpot information, the probability variation information, the start information, the replenishment information, and the discharge information as described above is input, the control unit 340 sets the input information. Is temporarily stored in the RAM 343. Then, the control unit 340 operates for a predetermined time (for example, 1
Each time (0 minutes) elapses, control is performed to output the information once stored in the RAM 343 as game information via the communication unit 35 in a parallel signal format. For this reason,
The RAM 343 is provided with areas for storing large hit information, probability variation information, start information, supply information, and discharge information, and the information is temporarily stored (saved) in these storage areas. The stored information is output at an output timing of a predetermined cycle.

The control device 34 operates by receiving the power for operation from the main power supply 100. When the power supply from the main power supply 100 is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the control device 34 stores the data stored in the RAM 343. A backup power supply 345 that supplies backup power to the control unit 340 to perform backup storage for a predetermined period is provided. The backup power supply 340 is supplied from the main power supply to the control unit 340.
In the state where power is supplied to the main power supply 100, the electric power is accumulated based on the electric power. ing. In addition,
The backup power supply 345 is not limited to a large-capacity capacitor, and may be configured by another backup power supply source such as a battery.

In the signal conversion circuit 353, jackpot information, probability variation information, start information,
The game information including the replenishment information and the discharge information is converted into information in the form of a serial signal and provided to the control unit 340 (when the collected money amount information and the ball count information are input, the signal indicating the input information is also used). In addition to the signal input in the parallel signal format, the signal is converted into serial signal format information by the signal conversion circuit 353 and given to the control unit 340.) The communication unit 35 of the card unit 3 is a parallel unit output from the control unit 340. A signal conversion circuit 353 for converting game information in a signal format into information in a serial signal format, an information output unit 352 for outputting various information such as game information, and various types of information provided from the hall management computer 800 described above. And an information input unit 351 for receiving an input. The information output unit 352 includes an output port 352a and an output circuit 352b for converting the level of the signal converted by the signal conversion circuit 353 into a predetermined external output signal level and outputting the same. I have.

The signal conversion circuit 353 converts the game information including the jackpot information, the probability variation information, the start information, the replenishment information, and the discharge information output from the control section 340 in a parallel signal format into information in a serial signal format. . And such big hit information, probability fluctuation information, starting information,
When game information (supply amount information and ball count information) including supply information and discharge information is input, a signal indicating the input information is also added to the information converted into the serial signal format by the signal conversion circuit 353. ) Is output from the output circuit 352b to the outside via the output port 352a in the form of a serial signal. The game information output in this way is input to the hall management computer 800 via the island terminal device 50.

As for the game information given to the island terminal device 50 from the pachinko gaming machine 2, the game information of each pachinko gaming machine 2 on the island where the gaming machine is installed is once counted in the island terminal device 50. The game information collected by the island terminal device 50 is output in a serial signal format and input to the hall management computer 800. Further, the card unit 3 receives the input of the ball counting information or the collection amount information described above.
As for the game information, the ball counting information or the collection amount information input to the control unit 340 as described above is transmitted from the control unit 340 to the information output unit 35 every predetermined time as described above.
2, and the output information is input to the hall management computer 800 via the island terminal device 50.

The information input unit 351 has an input port 351
a and an input circuit 351b for performing input processing for converting an input signal input from the input port 351a into an internal signal of the card unit 3. When receiving the game information of each pachinko gaming machine 2 from the island terminal device 50, the hall management computer 800 stores the game information, and sends reply information indicating that the reception of the game information is completed to the game information. A process for returning a reply to the transmission source card unit 3 is performed. Such reply information is output from the hall management computer 800 and input to the card unit 3 that is the source of the game information via the island terminal device 50.
Therefore, when such reply information is input to the card unit 3 of the reply destination, it is input via the information input unit 351 of the card unit 3.

The hall management computer 800 includes an input unit 801, a display unit 802, a control unit 803, and an external storage unit 8.
04, and a communication unit 805.

The control unit 803 includes a CPU 803a, a ROM
803b and a microcomputer including a RAM 803c. In the control unit 803, the CPU 803a
Performs various processes by reading the control program stored in the ROM 803b and executing the control program using the RAM 803c as a work area.

Further, the control unit 803 controls each of the island terminal devices 50.
Is performed via the communication unit 805. Also,
The display unit 802 includes an image display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and is controlled by the control unit 803 to display various information such as management information. The external storage unit 804 is formed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk device and stores various information such as game information. The input unit 801 includes various operation input units such as a keyboard and a switch (button), and provides operation input information to the control unit 803.

The control unit 803 performs predetermined control processing such as display of management information (game information and the like) on the display unit 802 according to the operation input information. Further, the control unit 8
03 stores the aforementioned game information input from the card unit 3 via the island terminal device 50, grasps the game information of each pachinko game machine 2 in the game hall 100, and stores the game information of each pachinko game machine 2. Various management processes such as management and provision of game information to a player are performed.

Next, the configuration of the input circuit 362 in the information input section 360 will be described in detail. FIG. 8 shows the information input unit 3
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an input circuit 362 in 60. In FIG. 8, the parts common to FIG.
The same reference numerals are assigned and duplicate descriptions are not given.

Referring to FIG. 8, input circuit 362 includes an input switching circuit 362a, a non-voltage signal input circuit 362b, and a voltage signal input circuit 362. Input switching circuit 3
62a is a circuit for switching a circuit for performing input processing on an input signal from the input port 361 between the no-voltage signal input circuit 362b and the voltage signal input circuit 362c. The signal is sent to a selected one of the non-voltage signal input circuit 362b and the voltage signal input circuit 362.

The no-voltage signal input circuit 362b is a circuit selected as an input circuit when the input signal is a no-voltage signal, and has a circuit configuration for performing an input process of converting a no-voltage signal as an input signal into an internal signal. Have. On the other hand, the voltage signal input circuit 362c is a circuit selected as an input circuit when the input signal is a voltage signal, and has a circuit configuration for performing an input process of converting a voltage signal as an input signal into an internal signal. .

The input switching circuit 362a receives a switching signal for switching an input circuit to be selected, and responds to the switching signal to select a circuit to be selected as an input circuit between the non-voltage signal input circuit 362b and the voltage signal input circuit 362. Switch between. That is, if the circuit configuration of the source of the input signal is a configuration for a no-voltage signal, the input circuit is switched to the no-voltage signal input circuit 362b according to the switching signal, and the circuit configuration of the source of the input signal is In the case of a signal configuration, the input circuit is switched to the voltage signal input circuit 362c according to the switching signal. Thus, the information input circuit 360 can receive either a non-voltage signal or a voltage signal in accordance with the circuit configuration of the source of the input signal. in this case,
A no-voltage signal input circuit 36 is provided at a predetermined portion of the pachinko gaming machine 1.
A switching switch (not shown) is provided as a switching operation unit for switching between the non-voltage signal input circuit 362b and the voltage signal input circuit 362b. Switching with the signal input circuit 362 is possible. That is, the above-described switching signal is supplied to the input switching circuit 362a in accordance with the operation state of the above-described switching switch, and the non-voltage signal input circuit 362
The switching between b and the voltage signal input circuit 362 is performed.

Next, the card processing executed in the control section 340 of the control device 34 will be described. This card processing is one of subroutine programs started by a main program executed for various controls in the control unit 340, and is used to lend a ball using the member card 21 and the visitor card 23. This is the process to be performed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the card processing. First, in step S (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 1, it is determined whether or not a member card (member card authenticated as a regular member card) 21 is being inserted. If it is determined in S1 that the insertion is not being performed, the process proceeds to S6 described below. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1 that insertion is being performed, the process proceeds to S2, and it is determined whether or not money (a bill or a coin) has been inserted.

If it is determined in S2 that money has been inserted, a subroutine for member deposit processing is executed to deposit the inserted member card 21. The contents of the member deposit processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2 that there is no insertion of money, the flow proceeds to S4, and it is determined whether or not a lending operation (lending request operation) by the ball lending switch 80 has been performed. If it is determined in S4 that a lending operation has been performed,
Proceeding to S5, a subroutine of a member lending process is executed for lending a ball using the balance of the inserted member card 21. The contents of this member lending process are described in FIG.
Will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined in S4 that there is no lending operation, the card processing ends.

[0170] Also, the membership card 21 is obtained by the aforementioned S1.
When it is determined that no is inserted, and the process proceeds to S6, it is determined whether or not money (banknotes and coins) has been inserted. If it is determined in S6 that money has been inserted, the process proceeds to S7, where a visitor processing subroutine is executed to issue the inserted visitor card 23. The details of the visitor process will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined in S6 that there is no insertion of money, the card processing ends.

As described above, in the card processing, the progress of the processing depends on whether the member card 21 has been inserted at the time of insertion of the money, and the processing of the member card 21 and the visitor card 23
And processing.

Next, the member deposit processing executed in S3 of FIG. 9 will be described. This member deposit processing is performed by the control unit 340.
One of the subroutine programs executed in
This is a process executed for depositing money into the member card 21.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the member deposit processing. First, in S11, processing for displaying the inserted amount on the amount display 17 is performed. Next, S
Proceeding to 12, it is determined whether or not the card balance of the inserted member card 21 is "0".

In the case of this card unit 3, one of the conditions for permitting payment to the member card 21 is that the card balance is “0”. Therefore, if it is determined in S12 that the card balance is not "0", the flow proceeds to S21 to perform a process of returning the inserted amount, and then the member payment processing apparatus ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S12 that the card balance is “0”, the process proceeds to S13, and it is determined whether or not the card unit 3 and the card unit management device 400 are online.

If it is determined in step S13 that the server is not in the online state but in the offline state, the process proceeds to step S1 described later.
Go to 5. On the other hand, if it is determined in S13 that the online state is set, the process proceeds to S14, and it is determined whether the inserted amount exceeds the online upper limit. Here, the online upper limit value is the upper limit value of the amount of money to be inserted in the case of the above-mentioned online state, and payment exceeding that amount is not allowed. In the case of this embodiment, the online upper limit is set to, for example, 10,000 yen. Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, payment of any denomination is allowed in the online state. Note that the on-run upper limit may be set to another amount such as 5000 yen in operation.

If it is determined in step S14 that the value exceeds the online upper limit, the process proceeds to step S21, in which the processing for returning the inserted amount is performed, and then the member payment processing ends. In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the online upper limit is set to 10,000 yen, and since the input of the amount is limited to one banknote or one currency, the input amount is returned. Never. On the other hand, if it is determined in S14 that the value does not exceed the online upper limit, the process proceeds to S16 described below.

As described above, when it is determined in S13 that the state is the offline state and the process proceeds to S15, it is determined whether or not the inserted amount exceeds the offline upper limit value. Here, the offline upper limit value is the upper limit value of the input amount in the case of the offline state described above,
Deposits beyond that amount are not allowed. In the case of this embodiment, the offline upper limit is set to a value lower than the online upper limit, for example, 1000 yen.

The reason why the offline upper limit is set lower than the online upper limit is as follows. That is, in the off-line state, the card unit management device 400 does not manage the sales information and the membership card information for the card unit 3, and thus it is considered that an illegal act is more easily performed than in the on-line state. For this reason, even if fraud is likely to occur, if the amount of one deposit is low, multiple fraudulent deposits must be made in order to make a large fraudulent deposit, and the efficiency of fraudulent activities will be reduced. As a result, fraudulent acts can be suppressed. For this reason, the offline upper limit was set lower than the online upper limit.

If it is determined in step S15 that the value exceeds the offline upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S21, in which the processing for returning the inserted amount is performed, and then the member payment processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value does not exceed the offline upper limit value in S15, the process proceeds to S16.

In the case of proceeding to S16, in the inserted member card 21, the card balance recorded in the recording area of the card balance information 213 shown in FIG. A process of updating and recording the deposit unit number recorded in the recording area of the unit number information 215 to the number of the card unit 3 is performed. As a result, the input amount is paid, and the number specifying the card unit 3 in which the input was made is recorded.

Then, the flow advances to S17, for performing the operation of discharging a part of the member card 21 in order to perform the operation of partially discharging the member card 21 at the time of payment shown in FIG. 4D. You. This process is performed as shown in FIG. 4 while checking the detection signals of the card detection position sensors 335 to 338. Then, the process proceeds to S18, and FIG.
In order to take in the member card 21 after the partial ejection operation shown in (1), a process is executed to execute the operation of taking in the partly ejected member card 21. This process is performed as shown in FIG. 4 while checking the detection signals of the card detection position sensors 335 to 338. Such an operation makes it possible to visually appeal to the player that the deposit has been made.

Next, the flow advances to S19, where the card balance indicator 8
Is displayed to update the display of the card balance to the card balance after the addition update according to the payment.
Is performed to clear the input amount displayed on the amount display 17 to "0". As a result, it is possible to clearly indicate to the player that the card balance has been increased by the inserted amount. Further, by updating the card balance after the partial discharging operation of the member card 21, the meaning of the partial discharging operation can be easily understood by the player. After S20, although not shown, the payment amount data indicating the received amount is stored in the card unit management device 40.
After the process of transmitting to member 0, the member deposit process ends.

Next, the member lending process executed in S5 of FIG. 9 will be described. This member lending process is performed by the control unit 340.
One of the subroutine programs executed in
This is a process executed for lending a ball using the card balance of the member card 21.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the member lending process. First, in S21, it is determined whether or not the space between the card unit 3 and the card unit management device 400 is online.

If it is determined in S21 that the user is online, the process proceeds to S23 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined in S21 that the user is not in the online state but in the offline state, the process proceeds to S22, and the member card 21
And the credit card unit 3 that has just been deposited and the credit card unit 3 that has been inserted and is about to lend.
Are determined to be the same card unit. Specifically, the deposit unit number recorded on the member card 21 and the currently inserted card unit 3
By determining whether or not the unit numbers match, the identity of the card units is determined.

In the case of this embodiment, in the off-line state, the card balance of the member card 21 can be used for lending only in the card unit 3 where payment has been made. In other words, in the offline state, the card balance paid in one card unit 3 cannot be used for lending in another card unit 3. That is, in S22, the distribution is performed to exclude the use of the member card 21 in which the card balance in which the payment has been made in the other card unit 3 is recorded.

If it is determined in S22 that the payment and lending are not the same card unit, the flow advances to S27, and the inserted member card 21 is discharged to a position where the player can take out the card in order to return the card. After the return process is performed, the member lending process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S22 that payment and lending are the same card unit, the process proceeds to S23. Thereby, in the case of the offline state, the same card unit 3
Only the card balance due to payment at can be used for lending.

If the process proceeds to S23, it is determined whether or not the currently inserted member card 21 has a card balance corresponding to the set lending amount. If it is determined in S23 that there is no card balance for the set lending amount, the card balance is insufficient, and the process proceeds to S23a, where the card balance is “0”.
Is determined.

If it is determined in S23a that the card balance is "0", the flow advances to S27 to perform the member card return processing as described above, and the member lending processing ends. As a result, if the card balance of the member card 21 is "0" and the balance is less than the set lending amount, the member card 21 is returned as it is.

On the other hand, the card balance becomes “0” by S23a.
If it is determined that the total amount of the card balance is less than the set lending amount in S23b, the process proceeds to S23b. A process of updating and recording the subtracted card balance to “0” is performed. Then, the process proceeds to S27, where the member card return processing as described above is performed, and then the member lending processing ends. As a result, if the card balance of the member card 21 is not “0” but the balance is less than the set lending amount, after all of the current card balance is used and balls are lent,
The member card 21 whose card balance has become “0” is returned.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S23 that there is a card balance for the set lending amount, the flow advances to S24 for lending balls for the set lending amount and subtracting the card balance due to withdrawal at the time of lending. , And a process of updating and displaying according to the withdrawal of the card balance.

Then, the flow advances to S25 for performing processing of subtracting, updating, and recording the card balance recorded in the recording area of the card balance information 213 in the member card 21 by the amount of the loan. Next, the process proceeds to S26, where it is determined whether or not the card balance is "0".

If it is determined in S26 that the card balance is "0", the flow advances to S27 to perform processing for discharging the inserted member card 21 to a position where the player can take out the card. As a result, the member card 21 for which the card balance is exhausted is returned without going through a return operation by the player. By automatically returning the member card 21 with no card balance,
The operation burden on the player can be reduced, and the player can be prevented from forgetting to take the member card 21. After S27, the member lending process ends. on the other hand,
If it is determined in S26 that the card balance is not "0", there is no need to return the member card 21, and the member lending process is terminated as it is.

As described above, the member card 21 is ejected in a state where the player can withdraw the card when the card balance is exhausted, but after such ejection, when the same card unit 3 is deposited again, It is only necessary to once remove the member card 21 and insert it again. When the member card 21 is ejected in response to the card balance being exhausted, in response to the insertion of money while the member card 21 is still in the card insertion / ejection port 4, The member card 21 may be automatically taken in without the player's insertion operation, and the depositing control may be performed.
By doing so, the operation burden on the player can be reduced.

Next, the visitor process executed in S7 of FIG. 9 will be described. This visitor processing is performed by the control unit 340.
One of the subroutine programs executed in
This is a process executed to issue a visitor card 23 and lend a ball using the card balance.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the details of the visitor process. First, in S31, processing for displaying the inserted amount on the amount display 17 is performed. Next, S
Proceeding to 32, it is determined whether or not the inserted amount exceeds the visitor issuance upper limit. Here, the visitor issuance upper limit is the upper limit of the amount of money to be paid when a visitor card is issued, and the amount of issuance exceeding that amount is not allowed.

In this embodiment, the visitor issuance upper limit is set to, for example, 1000 yen. The above-mentioned visitor issuance upper limit is set in order to give the member a privilege related to the usage amount (equivalent to the deposit amount for members and the equivalent to the issuance amount for visitors) in the relationship between the member and the visitor. Is set to a value lower than the online upper limit of the deposit amount of the membership card 21 that has been set. Note that the visitor issuance upper limit may be changed to another amount such as 500 yen other than 1000 yen in operation.

If it is determined in step S32 that the number of visitors exceeds the upper limit of visitor issuance, the process proceeds to step S38, in which the processing of returning the inserted amount is performed, and then the visitor processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S32 that the value does not exceed the visitor issuance upper limit value, the process proceeds to S33.

In the case of proceeding to S33, the card information described above is recorded on the visitor card 23 while performing the operation control as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C in the card reader / writer device 33. Then, processing for issuing the visitor card 23 is performed. This causes a part of the visitor card 23 to be ejected in the state shown in FIG. 5C, thereby indicating to the player that the visitor card 23 has been issued.

Then, the flow advances to S34, where the card reader / writer device 33 performs the operation control as shown in FIGS. 5 (c) and (d) in FIG.
Is read out from the visitor card 23 and the record information recorded at the time of issuance is read out.

Next, the process proceeds to S35, where the visitor card 23
Is performed for lump-sum lending of balls for all card balances, calculation for card balance deduction by debit at the time of lending, and processing for updating and displaying according to the debit of the card balance.

Next, the process proceeds to S36, where the visitor card 23
Is performed to update and record the card balance recorded in the recording area of the card balance information 233 to “0” (becomes “0” for full lending). Then, the input amount displayed on the amount display unit 17 in S37 is set to “0”.
Is performed. This makes it possible to clearly indicate to the player that the player has been debited for lending the ball by the amount of the inserted money. After S37, the visitor process ends.

[0203] If a password is entered while the member card 21 is inserted, the replay using the saved coins can be executed. The processing for performing such replay is described above. Since the subroutine is executed by a subroutine different from those in FIGS. 9 to 12, a detailed description thereof will not be given here.

Next, processing related to input / output of game information executed by the control unit 340 of the card unit 3 will be described.

FIG. 13 shows the control unit 34 of the card unit 3.
This is a process showing the content of the game information input process executed by the process 0. First, in S41, it is determined whether or not supply information has been input. If it is determined in S41 that replenishment information has been input, the process proceeds to S42, in which the input replenishment information is stored in the replenishment information storage area in the RAM 343, and then the process proceeds to S43. On the other hand, S
If it is determined by 41 that there is no input of supply information,
Proceed directly to S43. In the case of the supply information, the number of supply balls indicated by the supply information input during the output timing is added and stored in response to the input of the supply information. The stored number of replenishment balls is cleared in response to the completion of the output of the stored game information.

If the process has proceeded to S43, it is determined whether or not discharge information has been input. If it is determined in S43 that there is an input of the discharge information, the process proceeds to S44, where the process of storing the input discharge information in the storage region of the discharge information in the RAM 343 is performed, and then proceeds to S45. on the other hand,
If it is determined in S43 that there is no input of emission information, the process proceeds to S45. In the case of discharge information, the number of discharge balls indicated by the discharge information input during the output timing is added and stored in response to the input of the discharge information. The stored number of discharged balls is cleared in response to the completion of the output of the stored game information.

If the process proceeds to S45, it is determined whether or not big hit information has been input. If it is determined in S45 that the jackpot information has been input, the process proceeds to S46, where the process of storing the inputted jackpot information in the storage area of the jackpot information in the RAM 343 is performed, and then proceeds to S47. The big hit information stored in this way is cleared when the output of the stored game information is completed. on the other hand,
If it is determined in S45 that the jackpot information has not been input, the process proceeds directly to S47.

If the process has proceeded to S47, it is determined whether or not probability variation information has been input. If it is determined in S47 that the probability variation information has been input, the process proceeds to S48, in which the input probability variation information is stored in the probability variation information storage area in the RAM 343, and then the process proceeds to S48.
Go to 49. The stored probability variation information is cleared when the output of the stored game information is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined in S47 that there is no input of the probability variation information, the process directly proceeds to S49.

[0209] If the flow has proceeded to S49, it is determined whether or not start information has been input. If it is determined in S49 that the start information has been input, the process proceeds to S50, where the input start information is stored in the start information storage area in the RAM 343, and then the game information input processing ends. The start information stored in this way is cleared when the output of the stored game information is completed.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S49 that the start information has not been input, the game information input processing ends. In the case of the start information, the number of the start information input during the output timing is added and stored in response to the input of the start information. The start information thus stored indicates the number of starts, and is cleared upon completion of the output of the stored game information.

For the ball counting information and the collection amount information described above, a process different from the game information input process is performed by the control unit 3.
When the information is input by the execution of 40,
The input information is stored in the RAM 343. In that case, as the ball count information, the ball count value of the ball count information input during the information output timing is added and stored,
It is cleared when the output of the stored information is completed. Similarly, as the collection amount information, the amount of the collection amount information input during the information output timing is added and stored,
It is cleared when the output of the stored information is completed.

FIG. 14 shows the control unit 34 of the card unit 3.
This is a process showing the processing contents of the game information output process executed by 0. First, in S61, it is determined whether or not the output flag is set. Here, the output flag is a flag indicating that the game information is being output, and is set in S64 to be described later.
7 cleared.

If it is determined in S61 that the output flag is set, the flow advances to S65 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined in S61 that the output flag is not set, the process proceeds to S62, and it is determined whether or not it is the game information output timing. The game information is output every time a predetermined time elapses by performing timer management by the control unit 340. In S62, it is determined whether or not the output timing of the game information has come based on the timer management.

If it is determined in S62 that it is not the game information output timing, the game information output process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in S62 that it is the output timing of the game information, the process proceeds to S63, and a process of starting the output of the game information is performed. In S63, a process of outputting various game information stored in the above-described game information input process in a predetermined order is performed. The game information output in this case is output from the card unit 3 of the output source.
Is added and output.
By adding the card unit number of the output source to the game information in this manner, in the hall management computer 800 on the receiving side of the game information, the game information from which card unit 3 the received game information is sent. Can be grasped.

Then, the flow advances to S64 for performing the processing for setting the above-described output flag. This indicates that the game information is being output. After S64, the process proceeds to S65. In S65, it is determined whether or not there is reply information. As described above, the hall management computer 800
Then, when the game information is received from the card unit 3,
When the reception is completed, reply information indicating the completion is returned to the card unit 3. In S65, it is determined whether or not such response information is present, thereby confirming whether or not the reception of the game information is completed.

If it is determined in S65 that there is no response information, the game information output process ends to wait for the response information. In this case, when the next game information output process is executed, since the output flag is set, the process directly proceeds from S61 to S65. On the other hand, if it is determined in S65 that there is reply information, the process proceeds to S66, and a process of stopping the output of the game information is performed. Then, in S67, a process of clearing the output flag is performed. Next, the routine proceeds to S68, where processing for clearing the stored game information is performed. As a result, the game information stored as described above is retained until it is confirmed that the reception of the information by the hall management computer 800 is completed. After S68, the game information output process ends.

For the above-mentioned ball counting information and collected money amount information, a process different from the game information output process is performed by the control unit 3.
The information stored in the RAM 343 is output at the output timing of each information by the execution of 40. In this case, as the ball count information, the ball count value of the ball count information input during the information output timing is added and stored, and is cleared upon completion of the output of the stored information. Similarly, as the collection amount information, the amount of the collection amount information input between the output timings of the information is added and stored, and cleared when the output of the storage information is completed. The information thus output is output with the information of the card unit number of the output source card unit 3 added thereto. By adding the card unit number of the output source to the game information in this manner, in the hall management computer 800 on the receiving side of the game information, the game information from which card unit 3 the received game information is sent. Can be grasped.

Also, the ball counting information output in this way,
The collected money amount information is stored and held in the same manner as the above-described game information until it is confirmed that reply information described later has been received from the hall management computer 800.

Next, in response to the reception of the game information output from the card unit 3, the hall management computer 80
The game information receiving process executed by the control unit 803 of 0 will be described. FIG. 15 shows a hall management computer 800.
It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the game information reception process performed by the control part 803 of (a).

First, in S71, it is determined whether or not game information has been input. If it is determined in S71 that no game information has been input, the game information receiving process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in S71 that the game information is input, the process proceeds to S72, and based on the information of the card unit number of the transmission source card unit 3 added to the game information, the input game information is Unit 3
The pachinko gaming machine 2 corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 2, that is, the game information relating to the pachinko gaming machine 2 is determined, and the input game information is stored in the gaming information storage area corresponding to the corresponding pachinko gaming machine. Here, in the storage area of the external storage unit 804 of the hall management computer 800, an area for storing the above-described game information for each pachinko gaming machine 2 is provided. Is stored. In that case,
As for each of the supply information and the discharge information, the respective numbers are accumulated for one day based on the input information and stored. For the big hit information, the number of big hit occurrences for one day is stored based on the input information. As for the probability variation information, the number of occurrences of the probability variation is accumulated for one day based on the input information and stored. As for the start information, the number of starts is accumulated for one day based on the input information and stored.

After S72, the process proceeds to S73, in which the above-described response information is returned to the card unit 3 that outputs the game information. After S73, the game information receiving process ends.

Thus, the inputted game information is accumulated and stored. Then, the control unit 803 grasps the game information of each pachinko gaming machine 2 in the game hall 100 based on the inputted game information, and manages the game information of each pachinko gaming machine 2 and the game information to the player. In order to perform various management processes such as provision, various management programs are executed.

For the above-mentioned ball counting information and collected money amount information, a process different from the game information receiving process is performed by the control unit 8.
The information is received and stored in the storage area of each information provided in the storage area of the external storage unit 804 of the hall management computer 800 by the execution of the information management program 03. In that case,
The ball count value is 1 based on the received information.
For the collection amount information, the collection is accumulated for one day based on the received information. When such information is received, the response information is transmitted to the card unit 3 which is the information output source, as in the case of the game information described above.
The process of replying to is performed.

Then, the control unit 803 grasps the ball counting status and the collected money amount information in the game hall 100 based on the inputted ball counted information and collected money amount information, respectively, and performs various management processes. And execute various management programs.

Next, the main effects obtained by this embodiment will be described together. As shown in FIG. 7 and the like, the card unit 3 is provided with the input port 361 and the output port 352a for outputting the game information input from the input port 361 to the hall management computer 800 connected for communication. This eliminates the need to separately install a device for inputting and outputting game information. This allows
The installation work of the device provided corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 2 can be simplified. Such an input port 36
1 are included, these input ports 36
A plurality of game information can be collected using 1,361. Further, since the card unit 3 also serves as an input / output device for game information, the number of devices to be installed is reduced by consolidating functions into one device, so that the cost required for installation work can be reduced and input / output of game information can be performed. There is no need to purchase equipment separately, and as a result, pachinko machine 2
Can be reduced in the cost of introducing a device provided correspondingly to a game arcade. Further, since the card unit 3 also serves as an input / output device for game information, when the pachinko game machine 2 and a device corresponding thereto are installed on the game machine installation island 200a, the arrangement of the devices in the game machine installation island 200a is changed. It can be simplified. In addition, input port 3
Since the game information 61 can correspond to both the game information input by the no-voltage signal and the game information input by the voltage signal, the game information is either the no-voltage signal or the voltage signal. Even so, since the connection mode of the signal input wiring is the same, the wiring work can be simplified, and the installation work of the device provided corresponding to the gaming machine can be simplified. Furthermore, since the game information can be input in any signal format of the no-voltage signal and the voltage signal, the versatility can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 8, the input switch circuit 362a allows the circuit for receiving the game information to be input to the non-voltage signal input circuit 362b and the voltage signal input circuit 362c.
Therefore, the game information can be received in response to both the non-voltage signal and the voltage signal.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the information output section 352, the game information input in the parallel signal format is converted into the serial signal format by the signal conversion circuit 353, so that the signal input in parallel Can be output in the form of a serial signal, so that the number of signal lines for outputting game information can be reduced.

As shown in S63 to S68 in FIG. 14, when game information is output to the hall management computer 800, a reply of response information indicating that game information has been received from the hall management computer 800 is sent. Until it is received, the game information being output is stored and held in the RAM 343. Therefore, even if the communication between the card unit 3 and the hall management computer 800 is in a communication failure state, the service information is reliably transmitted to the hall management computer 800. Can be sent.

The RA controlled by the control unit 340
By the operation of M343 and backup power supply 345,
Since the game information input to the control unit 340 and stored in the RAM 343 is backed up in accordance with establishment of a predetermined backup condition (power failure occurrence), the input game information is stored even when a power failure occurs. Since the information can be saved, it is possible to output game information that has been input but not output at the time of the power failure.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 and the like, since the visitor card 23 stored (built-in) in the card unit 3 can be repeatedly issued, the visitor card 23 stored in the card unit 3 can be issued. Can be issued repeatedly. As a result, the card consumption can be reduced and the running cost of the card can be reduced, and the visitor card 23 can be reused without providing a card recovery processing device, thereby reducing the cost related to the recovery of the card. it can.

As shown in S16 of FIG. 10,
In accordance with the receipt of money from the player, it is possible to make a deposit for adding and updating the card balance of the member card 21, so that the player can make a deposit in the card unit 3 without leaving the place. 3 and the operating rate of the pachinko gaming machine 2 can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 7 and the like, the card unit 3 is provided with an input port 361 and an input circuit so as to be able to input and output collected money information and ball counting information in addition to game information. Since such input information is configured to be output from the information output unit 352, it is not necessary to separately provide a device for inputting and outputting the collected amount information and the ball count information. Thereby, the installation work of the device provided corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 2 can be further simplified.

Further, S1 to S3 in FIG. 9 and S1 in FIG.
As shown in 11 to S21, when there is an amount of money identified while the member card 21 is accepted, a card balance corresponding to the amount of money is specified from the record information of the member card 21. Since the processing for adding to the card balance is performed, payment to the card balance of the member card 21 can be performed by the card unit 3 corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 2. This allows
It becomes possible for a player to make a deposit without going to a place away from the pachinko gaming machine 2.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6,
When the member card 21 is inserted, the member card 21 is received based on the notification because the member light-emitting lamp 241 is provided to notify the user that the member card 21 can be specified by issuing the card. Can be easily grasped.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,
Since the visitor card 23 is smaller than the membership card 21, the area required for incorporating the visitor card 23 can be saved in space, and thereby the entire card unit 3 can be saved in space. it can.

Also, in steps S17 and S18 in FIGS.
As shown in the figure, when the deposit into the member card 21 is completed, an operation of taking in the member card 21 without performing an operation by the player is performed after a part of the member card 21 is discharged in a visually recognizable manner. Therefore, the completion of the deposit can be easily grasped visually.

Further, as described above, a plurality of types (for example, 100
Yen, 500 yen, 1000 yen, 2000 yen, 5000 yen,
(10000 yen) can be accepted, and a plurality of types of currency can be identified by the bill identifying device 31 and the coin identifying device 32. Therefore, it is possible to cope with the use of the currency desired by the player, and as a result, The convenience for the player can be improved.

Next, modifications and features of the embodiment described above 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. In addition, the ball or coin included in the game media, in addition to the actual ball or coin,
Also included are those displayed from images.

In the above-described embodiment, the control device 34 controls the debit of the card balance of the member card 21 and the visitor card 23 to transmit a lending command signal for lending a ball. Card 2
1, a game value (card balance) of a size specified from the recorded information of the visitor card 23) is shown as an example of processing for using the gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 2) for a game. Here, in the case of a gaming machine that pays out gaming media (balls, coins, etc.) based on the card balance, a process for using a gaming value of a size specified from the recording information of the recording medium for a game by the gaming machine. Is a recording medium (card)
This is a process including all processes related to withdrawing game media (balls, coins, etc.) by deducting a game value (card balance) of a size specified from the record information of the above-described lending instruction. It is not limited to signal transmission and the like. Further, in the case of a gaming machine that gives a score based on the card balance, a process for using a gaming value of a size specified from the recording information of the recording medium for a game by the gaming machine includes a recording medium (card) This is a process including any process as long as it is a process related to deduction of a gaming value (card balance) of a size specified from the record information of the above and awarding a score.

Further, in order to monitor an abnormal situation where the player breaks the cover 24 and pulls out the visitor card 23, wiring is laid on the inner surface of the cover 24, electricity flows through the wiring, and electricity flows. If the state is detected and determined to be normal, and if the cover 24 is broken and the wiring is cut and the current stops flowing, an abnormal alarm control such as sounding an alarm may be performed.

(2) The cover 24 prevents the owner-unspecified recording medium (the visitor card 23) issued from the recording medium issuing means (the card reader / writer device 33) from reaching the player's hand. Is configured.
The blocking means is not limited to the cover 24. For example, if the owner-unspecified recording medium that partially protrudes from the recording medium issuing means is locked and the player tries to pull it out, it cannot be pulled out. Etc.
It can be anything.

(3) Non-owner-specified recording medium issuance display indicating that the non-owner-specified recording medium (visitor card 23) can be issued using the banknote usable lamp 13 using funds owned by the player. Means are configured.
In addition, issuance of the visitor card 23 is performed in place of bills.
Coins may be used, and may be issued, for example, using a credit card or a debit card or using electronic money. As described above, the issue of the visitor card is not limited to the banknote, and other value objects may be used.

(4) The money amount display 17 constitutes value display means for displaying the size of the game value (card balance) specified by the record information of the visitor 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 membership card 21 or the visitor card 23 in addition to the recording medium identification information such as the card number. In addition to the above, the management computer for the hall of the game hall or the management computer of the card issuing company (card unit management device 400)
The game value at the present time of the recording medium is stored together with the recording medium identification information, and when the recording medium is used, the recording medium identification information of the recording medium is transmitted to the management computer, and the game value corresponding to the recording medium identification information is transmitted. A configuration may be adopted in which a search is performed, and after checking that the magnitude of the retrieved game value and the game value of the member card 21 match, a game can be performed using the game value. Further, the game value is not recorded on the member card 21, but the game value is recorded only on the hall management computer, and based on the recording medium identification information recorded on the member card 21 as described above. The corresponding game value may be searched, and the game medium may be lent (lent) using the game value.

Further, both or one of the membership card 21 and the visitor card 23 described above may be constituted by a contact type IC card. Further, these cards may be constituted by magnetic recording type cards provided with a magnetic stripe. Further, one or both of these cards may be constituted by a magnetic recording and IC recording combined type IC card in which a magnetic stripe is partially provided. In this case, for example, the membership card may be an IC card that uses both magnetic recording and IC recording to magnetically record information relating to the coin storage.

(6) A record provided with a card unit 3 shown in FIG. 1 and the like corresponding to a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 2) in which a game is played using a game medium, and whose owner is specified. The game medium (ball) using the game value (card balance) specified by the record information of the owner specifying recording medium (member card 21) which is a medium on which information capable of specifying the game value is recorded. And a recording medium processing device for performing a process for lending the same. The recording medium processing device may be a device that can use not only money but also a recording medium such as a debit card and a credit card for depositing and issuing a card. In other words, the recording medium processing device is provided corresponding to a gaming machine in which a game is played using a game medium, and is a recording medium whose owner is specified, in which information capable of specifying a gaming value is recorded. Any recording medium processing device that performs a process for lending the game medium using the game value specified by the record information of the owner specifying recording medium is applicable. . In addition, when such a recording medium processing device is provided corresponding to a pachinko gaming machine, a game medium to be paid out is a ball, and such a recording medium processing device inserts a coin to perform a slot machine game. A game medium paid out when provided corresponding to a machine is a coin, and such a recording medium processing apparatus inserts a predetermined number of pachinko balls instead of inserting a coin to play a slot machine game ( For example, a game medium paid out when provided corresponding to a so-called gaming machine such as a pachilot or a slit slot is a ball.

(7) The above-mentioned money amount indicator 17 is provided on, for example, the upper plate of a pachinko game machine instead of being provided on the card unit 3, and is connected to the control device 34 by wiring so that the card balance (card frequency) is displayed. It may be.

(8) The value objects accepted by the recording medium processing device (card unit 3) include bills, coins,
A debit card or a credit card may be used, but the value object identification means for identifying the authenticity of a value object is a bill identification device for a bill, a coin identification device for a coin, a debit card and a credit card. In this case, a card identification device is used.

(9) Central management device 50 shown in FIG.
1, a plurality of recording medium processing device management devices (card unit management devices 40
0), a centralized management device that centrally manages a plurality of recording medium processing devices (card units 3) provided in each game hall is configured.

(10) Between the centralized management device and the plurality of recording medium processing device management devices provided in the amusement arcade, a plurality of recording medium processing device management devices are located in the area where the game hall exists ( For example, a block management device that divides the entire country into blocks of a plurality of districts and manages the blocks may be provided. In that case, the block management device totals and manages the sales information of the management devices in the block,
The management information is transmitted to the central management device. And
The central management device further collects and manages information transmitted from a plurality of block management devices that manage each area. That is, the block management device has some of the functions of the central management device 501 described in the above-described embodiment. By doing so, the central management device 5
01 and the block management device share the processing load of total management, so that the processing load of the central management device 501 can be reduced.

(11) The management device for a recording medium processing device is the card unit management device 4 described in the embodiment.
It is not limited to 00. For example, the card unit management device 400 may not be provided, and the central management device 501 described in the embodiment may directly manage the card unit 3. In that case, the central management device 501 corresponds to the management device for the recording medium processing device. Further, the card unit management device 400 may be provided outside the game arcade, not inside the game arcade. In that case,
Each card unit 3 is connected to the card unit management device 400 by using a communication line, and information mutual communication as described in the above-described embodiment is performed. When the card unit management device 400 is provided outside the game hall, a plurality of game halls (for example, a plurality of game halls of different management provided in a predetermined area and a plurality of game halls of the same management) are provided. One card unit management device 400 (a card unit management device that manages the card units 3 of a plurality of amusement arcades) may be provided in correspondence with both.

(12) In the above-described embodiment, information capable of specifying a game value (card balance) corresponding to the total amount of money of money identified by the money identifying means (the bill identifying device 31) is recorded. Only the example in which the enclosed recording medium (the visitor card 23) is issued is shown, but the change dispensing function (the change dispensing section, the change storing section, the change dispensing device, and the 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).
It is also possible to issue a visitor card 23 in which information capable of specifying the information is recorded and pay out the remaining amount as change. For example, in the embodiment described above, 1
1000 such as 0000 yen, 5000 yen, 2000 yen
It is possible to accept and identify banknotes of yen or more, and to issue a visitor card 23 recording a card balance of a predetermined amount (1000 yen), a necessary change (for example, 500 yen).
In the case of 0 yen reception, a change of 4000 yen) may be calculated and paid out. In other words, the enclosed recording medium (the visitor card 23) has a game value (card balance) corresponding to a predetermined amount (including both the entire amount and a partial amount) within the range of the money amount identified by the money identifying means. ) May be recorded as long as it can specify the information.

(13) In the above-described embodiment, a password is used for personal authentication when replaying with a ball is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
Personal identification may be performed using physical features of the individual such as a face and a fist-shaped shape. In addition, personal identification may be performed using personal characteristics other than the physical characteristics of the user, such as handwriting. That is, such a feature point of the person is converted into data and registered on the game arcade side, and a detection device capable of detecting such a feature point is provided in the card unit,
When the data of such feature points match, the user may be authenticated. Note that replay may be permitted without performing personal authentication using a password or the like as described above.

(14) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the member management apparatus 71 is provided in the game arcade to manage the member information including the savings. However, the present invention is not limited to this. 400 may also be used as the member management device 71.

(15) The card balance display 8 shown in the above-described embodiment is a dual-purpose display that also displays the card balance of the membership card 21 under the control of the control device 34. A member card dedicated display may be provided. In addition, when provided, it is not limited to the upper plate, and may be provided at another location, for example, a curtain plate, or may be provided at the same location as the trouble lamp.

(16) In the above-described embodiment, in the case of depositing the membership card 21 and issuing the visitor card 23, an example in which only one banknote or coin can be inserted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the case of depositing the membership card 21 and issuing the visitor card 23, a plurality of bills and coins may be inserted.

(17) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which only one bill or coin can be inserted in the case of depositing the membership card 21 and issuing the visitor card 23. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the case of depositing the membership card 21 and issuing the visitor card 23, a plurality of bills and coins may be inserted.

(18) In the above-described embodiment, the upper limit of the deposit amount is more restricted than in the online state when using the member card 21 when the card unit 3 and the card unit management device 400 are offline. An example of doing this has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the user is offline, the same processing as that of the visitor card 23 may be performed, such as, in addition to the upper limit of the deposit amount, using the entire amount of the input amount collectively for lending balls. It may be.
By doing so, fraudulent acts in the offline state can be prevented as much as possible.

(19) In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the visitor card 23 is of a built-in type. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the visitor card 23 is not built in the card unit 3 and is similar to the member card 21. May be portable by the player.

(20) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which the visitor card 23 cannot adjust the card balance. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
The card balance may be settled like the member card 21. Such payments are based on the visitor card 23
Is provided in the card unit 3, a payment function for the visitor card 23 is provided.
Regarding 3, a function is provided that enables the same settlement as the membership card 21.

(21) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the replenishment ball detector 701 is provided outside the pachinko gaming machine 2 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May detect a replenishing ball. Further, the example in which the discharged ball detector 702 is provided outside the pachinko gaming machine 2 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the discharged ball detector may detect discharged balls inside the pachinko gaming machine 2. Good.

(22) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 340 temporarily stores the input game information and outputs the game information at predetermined time intervals. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control unit 340 may output the input game information in real time each time there is an input. Further, the game information may be output separately from information output in real time and information output after accumulation for a predetermined time.

(23) A game information display device having a display section for displaying game information is provided above each pachinko gaming machine 2, and game information output from the game control section 300 of each pachinko gaming machine 2 is displayed. You may make it. Specifically, the following configuration is used. Among the game information sent from the game control unit 300 of the pachinko gaming machine 2 to the control unit 340 of the card unit 3, big hit information, probability variation information,
In addition, a signal line for transmitting start information is branched on the way, and connected to a game information display device corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 2. In the game information display device, the jackpot information, the probability variation information, and the start information transmitted via the signal line connected as described above are received by the control unit, and based on the information received by the control unit. Jackpot information, probability variation information, and start information are displayed on the display unit. In this way, the player can visually recognize the game information of each pachinko gaming machine 2 and can refer to the game.

(24) In the above-described embodiment, each island terminal device 50 once sums up the game information sent from the pachinko gaming machine 2 in each gaming machine installation island 200a and sends it to the hall management computer 800. Although an example is shown, the timing of outputting game information from each of the pachinko gaming machines 2 in the gaming machine installation island is not limited to this, and different pachinko gaming machines are used, and each of the island terminal devices 50 once collects the gaming information. Instead, the game information may be sent directly from each island terminal device 50 to the hall management computer 800 as it is.

(25) In the above-described embodiment, the jackpot information, the probability variation information, the start information, the replenishment information, and the discharge information are shown as the game information input and output in the card unit 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the game information is provided, for example, in addition to the starting opening winning information (information indicating a winning ball that has won the starting winning opening 54), the winning information to the general winning opening (other than the starting winning opening 54 and the variable winning ball device 56). Prize ball information (information indicating payout of prize balls), ball lending information (information indicating lending of balls), driving information (information indicating driving of balls into the game area) ), And other information such as start information of a normal symbol (start information of a normal symbol variably displayed separately from the special start symbol) may be included. That is, such game information is not limited to the information described in the above-described embodiment as long as the information indicates the state of the game in the gaming machine.

(26) In the embodiment described above, FIG.
In this example, the switching between the non-voltage signal input circuit and the voltage signal input circuit shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and such switching may be performed by the control unit 340 as follows. That is, the administrator performs an input operation on the control unit 340 from an operation unit such as a predetermined switch, so that the circuit to be selected from the non-voltage signal input circuit and the voltage signal input circuit in advance Make settings to specify. Then, control unit 340 outputs a switching signal indicating a circuit to be selected according to such a setting.

(27) In the above-described embodiment, FIG.
As shown in the example, the example in which the card unit 3 outputs the input game information via the control unit 340 has been described.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the card unit 3 may be configured to send the inputted game information as it is to the signal conversion circuit 353 and output it to the outside. That is, the card unit 3 may output the input game information without passing through the control unit 340.

(28) With the card insertion / ejection port 4 shown in FIG. 1 or the like, it is possible to specify the size of a game value (card balance) which is a recording medium whose owner is specified and which can be used for a game. A recording medium insertion slot into which an owner-specific recording medium (member card 21) on which information is recorded is inserted is configured. As described in the above-described embodiment, the recording medium insertion slot allows the owner-specific recording medium (member card 21) to be inserted from the outside of the recording medium processing device (card unit 3). This includes a part of the specific recording medium (the visitor card 23) which can be put in and taken out of the player's hand.

(29) The pachinko gaming machine 2 shown in the above-described embodiment has a configuration in which a game can be played by firing a ball into a game area. That is, in the embodiment, the case where the pachinko gaming machine 2 is a gaming machine in which the player can directly get a pachinko ball is described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Other gaming machines such as a ball-filled pachinko gaming machine of a type in which pachinko balls enclosed therein are circulated and used for gaming may be used. In the pachinko gaming machine 2 described above, structures related to the pachinko gaming machine such as pachinko balls, such as pachinko balls, include a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquor).
Other game machines, such as image-type game machines, which are displayed as images on an image display device such as an id crystal display, and which can play a game based on the displayed images.

(30) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which payment to the membership card 21 is possible when there is no card balance (when card balance = 0). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the condition under which the member card 21 can be paid may be a condition in which there is a card balance (when card balance> 0). In addition, the conditions under which the deposit to the member card 21 becomes possible are irrespective of the card balance,
Payment may be made at any time.

(31) The card balance recorded on the membership card 21 shown in the above-described embodiment may have an expiration date or may not have an expiration date (indefinite). If you want your card balance to expire,
The expiration date may be set to a predetermined period (for example, a fixed period such as one day, one week, one month, one year, etc.)
In addition, the expiration date may be irregularly extended such that it is extended every predetermined period (for example, every 30 days) based on the update by the player.

(32) In the above-described embodiment, the issue amount data, the deposit amount data, the consumption amount data, etc. transmitted from the recording medium processing device (card unit 3) to the recording medium management device (card unit management device 400). Has been shown in real time when issuance, payment, consumption, etc. are performed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and transmission of information from the recording medium processing device to the recording medium It may be performed at other timings such as the end timing of use of the card (for example, the ejection timing of the card in the case of the member card 21, the timing of returning the card to the standby position in the case of the visitor card 23). Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the card reader / writer for the member card 21 and the card reader / writer for the visitor card 23 are configured by one card reader / writer (card reader / writer device 33). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a card reader / writer for the membership card 21 and a card reader / writer for the visitor card 23 may be separately provided.

(33) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the visitor card 23 is issued in the card unit 3. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the visitor card 23 used in the card unit 3 may be used.
May be issued by an issuing device such as a card issuing machine other than the card unit and can be used by being inserted into the card unit 3. Further, in this embodiment, as the visitor card 23, a card which is built in the card unit 3 and cannot be taken out is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a visitor card which can be taken out is used. (It is a card that is built and used repeatedly, but it may be made to be able to be taken out, or a card that can be freely inserted and taken out without being built in.)

(34) In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which a card unit is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with a gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be provided in a two-to-one (plural-to-one) correspondence (for example, a card unit is provided between adjacent gaming machines).

(35) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the card unit is arranged on the side of the gaming machine has been described.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the card unit may be provided at other arrangement positions such as above and below the gaming machine.

(36) In the above-described embodiment, all the input ports out of the input ports for receiving the game information input are the game information input by a no-voltage signal and the game information input by a voltage signal. An example has been shown in which the game information can be adapted to any of the game information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, five of the ten input ports are configured to be able to support both the non-voltage signal and the voltage signal, and the remaining five ports are set to the non-voltage signal or You may comprise so that it can respond to only one of a voltage signal. That is, all of the plurality of input ports may be capable of supporting both the non-voltage signal and the voltage signal, and some of the plurality of input ports may have the non-voltage signal and the voltage signal. It may be possible to support both of the voltage signals.

(37) 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 a card unit, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a card insertion / ejection port taken along line AA in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure and recorded information of a membership card and a visitor card.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the card reader / writer, showing a processing operation of a membership card in the card reader / writer;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the card reader / writer, showing a processing operation of a visitor card in the card reader / writer;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a card unit and a configuration of a management system inside and outside the game arcade.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a game information transmission path.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an input circuit in the information input unit.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of card processing.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing contents of a member deposit processing.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of a member lending process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the details of a visitor process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a game information input process executed by the control unit of the card unit.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process of a game information output process executed by the control unit of the card unit.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of a game information receiving process executed by the hall management computer.

FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the present invention.

[Description of Signs] 2 Pachinko machine, 21 member card, 3 card unit, 360 information input section, 361 input port, 8
00 hall management computer, 352 information output unit, 362b non-voltage signal input circuit, 362c voltage signal input circuit, 363 signal conversion circuit, 343 RA
M, 345 backup power supply, 23 visitor card, 33 card reader / writer device, 34 control device,
340 control unit.

Claims (7)

[Claims] Claims: 1. A game machine having a size specified by recording information of a recording medium, provided corresponding to a gaming machine, and recorded with information capable of specifying the magnitude of a gaming value usable for a game by the gaming machine. A recording medium processing device for performing a use process for using a game value for a game within the range of the size, a plurality of input ports to which game information generated by operation of the game machine is input, An output port for outputting the game information input from a plurality of input ports to a management device communicatively connected to the recording medium processing device, wherein a predetermined input port of the plurality of input ports is a non-voltage signal. A recording medium processing apparatus capable of responding to both the game information input by the game device and the game information input by a voltage signal. 2. A non-voltage signal input circuit for receiving the game information transmitted by the non-voltage signal corresponding to the predetermined input port; and the non-voltage signal transmitted by the voltage signal. 2. The recording medium processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a voltage signal input circuit for receiving game information input; and switching means for switching a circuit for receiving the game information input. 3. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a signal conversion unit configured to convert a signal indicating the game information input to the input port into a serial signal. 4. The management device, when receiving the game information output from the output port, returns information indicating that the game information has been received, and the recording medium processing device includes: After outputting the game information to the management device from the above, further comprising a storage holding means for storing and holding the output game information until receiving a reply of information indicating that the game information has been received from the management device. 4. The recording medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a backup unit for backing up and storing information input from said input port in accordance with satisfaction of a predetermined backup condition. 3. The recording medium processing device according to claim 1. 6. A recording medium insertion slot into which an owner-specified recording medium, which is a recording medium whose owner is specified and in which information capable of specifying the value of a game value usable for a game, is recorded, is inserted. An owner-unspecified recording medium storage unit that is provided at a position connected to the recording-medium insertion slot and stores an owner-unspecified recording medium that is a recording medium whose owner is not specified; a currency accepting unit that accepts money; A currency identifying means for identifying the currency accepted by the currency accepting unit, and in a state where the owner identification recording medium is not inserted from the recording medium insertion port, within a range of the amount of money identified by the currency identifying means. Processing for enabling the magnitude of the gaming value corresponding to the predetermined amount in the above-mentioned non-owner-specified recording medium to be specified by the recording information of the non-owner-specified recording medium, and An unspecified recording medium issuing unit, and a recording for selectively receiving the owner-specified recording medium inserted from the recording medium insertion slot and the owner-unspecified recording medium issued by the owner-unspecified recording medium issuing unit. A medium receiving unit, and use processing means for performing processing for using the gaming value of the size specified from the recording information of the recording medium received by the recording medium receiving unit for a game by the gaming machine. The recording medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium processing device includes: 7. A value adding means for adding and updating a game value specified by record information of the owner specifying recording medium in response to receipt of money from an owner of the owner specifying recording medium. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: