JP2003000932A - Game device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the number of game recording mediums issued and the cost that a game parlor incurs in buying or the like of game recording mediums. SOLUTION: The game device has a recording medium processing means provided correspondingly to a game machine and at least reading recorded information of a game recording medium, a coin identification means identifying coins accepted, fixedly holding a first game recording medium in a prescribed position of the interior of a device allowing the reading of recorded information and a window portion allowing visual confirmation of the first game recording medium from the outside of the device, an extraction prevention section preventing extraction of the first game recording medium, a money receipt processing means allowing identification of negotiable game value of an amount equivalent to a prescribed amount within the monetary amount of coins accepted by recorded information of the first game recording medium, and a use processing means executing use processing for making the amount of negotiable game value within a negotiable game value of the amount that is made identifiable to be used for a game.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game recording medium provided corresponding to a game machine, in which information (data) capable of specifying the value of a game valuable value usable for a game is recorded. The present invention relates to a gaming device that can be used for usage processing such as rental processing of a game medium for enabling a game in the corresponding gaming machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, for example, in a game arcade, a game machine has been used in which a pachinko ball, a coin or the like, which is a game medium, can be rented out by a recording medium such as a prepaid card to perform a game. -A game recording medium issuing device such as a card is installed at a game island edge or the like in the game arcade.

In the case of using a recording medium (game recording medium) such as these prepaid cards, all of the valuable game value remaining in the game recording medium such as the above prepaid cards is used for the game. In order to continue playing the game when used, it is necessary to go to the issuing device installed at the game island edge or the like to purchase a game recording medium such as a new prepaid card, which is troublesome. Not only that, but with the purchase of these new prepaid cards, the gaming machine will be left unoccupied and the operating rate of the gaming machine will decline, so it is compatible with gaming machines. A part of the game device that puts cash into a game device such as a card unit installed on the side of the game machine and can receive a new prepaid card while sitting at a seat has been put into practical use. Is coming.

[0004]

However, in the gaming machine in which these new prepaid cards can be issued, the issued prepaid card is carried away from the issued gaming machine. Since it may be used in other game devices, in consideration of these being taken away, each game device has a storage part of a game recording medium such as a prepaid card or has been used. Not only will it be necessary to provide a collecting mechanism and a storage portion for the game recording medium, but it is also necessary to prepare a game recording medium such as a prepaid card stocked in these storage portions. There is a problem that the total number of game recording media that must be prepared by the game hall becomes very large.

Therefore, the present invention has been made by paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and the total number of the game recording media that must be prepared by the game hall side is increased to increase the cost borne by the game hall. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game device that does not need to be provided with a game recording medium collecting mechanism or a storage unit even in the game device.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention is provided corresponding to a gaming machine, and it is possible to specify the magnitude of the valuable value for gaming that can be used for gaming. Recording medium processing means for reading at least the recorded information of the game recording medium on which various information is recorded, and a currency identifying means for identifying the currency accepted from the currency accepting portion, the currency identifying means having a currency accepting portion, A recording medium holding section for fixing and holding the game recording medium in a predetermined position inside the apparatus where at least the recording information can be read by the recording medium processing section; and a first holding section held by the recording medium holding section.
A window portion through which at least a part of the game recording medium can be visually confirmed from the outside of the apparatus, a withdrawal prevention portion for preventing the withdrawal of the first game recording medium, and the received currency amount identified by the currency identifying means. A deposit processing means for performing deposit processing for making it possible to identify a game valuable value of a size corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range from the record information of the first game recording medium, and the deposit processing means. It is characterized by further comprising: a use processing means for performing a use process for causing a game to use a predetermined value of the game valuable value within the range of the game valuable value of the processed size. According to this feature, the first game recording medium is fixedly held at a predetermined position in the game device so as to be visible from the outside and cannot be pulled out, and the range of the monetary amount of money received on the first game recording medium. Since it is possible to specify a game valuable value of a size corresponding to a predetermined amount in the game, the game valuable value of the specified size can be used for the game of the corresponding gaming machine. Since the first game recording medium will not be pulled out, the total number of these first game recording media that must be prepared by the game hall side can be greatly reduced. Not only can the cost for purchasing the recording medium be greatly reduced, but also it is not necessary to provide a collecting mechanism or a storage section for these first game recording media, and the game device can be simplified.

The game device of the present invention has a game recording medium insertion port into which a second game recording medium different from the first game recording medium can be inserted, and the recording medium processing means has the game medium. And at least read the record information of the second game recording medium inserted from the recording medium insertion port for
The use processing means performs a use process for causing the game to use a predetermined value of the game valuable value within the range of the game valuable value of the size specified from the recorded information of the second game recording medium. It is preferable to carry out. In this way, even if the second game recording medium is used, it is possible to play a game with the corresponding game machine as in the case of the first game recording medium.

The game device of the present invention is a second game recording medium detecting means for detecting that the second game recording medium is inserted from the game recording medium insertion port, and the second game. When the insertion of the second game recording medium is detected by the recording medium detection means, when the currency is accepted by the currency identification means, the second game recording medium being inserted is displayed. It is preferable to provide value addition processing means for adding and updating the game valuable value of a size corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of the received monetary amount to the remaining game valuable value. In this way, even if the player who owns the second game recording medium uses all the value of the game valuable value remaining in the second game recording medium, he / she can still play the seat. Not only can the value of the game valuable be added without increasing the distance, improving the convenience of the player, but also for the game arcade, the player occupies the gaming machine in order to add these valuable game values. It is possible to prevent a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine due to leaving the seat in the closed state.

The gaming apparatus of the present invention preferably comprises an in-insertion informing means for informing that the second game recording medium is being inserted. By doing so, it is possible to easily confirm that the second game recording medium is being inserted.

The gaming machine of the present invention preferably comprises an in-process notifying means for notifying that the processing to the first game recording medium by the deposit processing means and the use processing means is being executed. . By doing so, it is possible to easily confirm that the process for the first game recording medium is being performed.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the removal restricting portion is formed by a transparent cover provided on the window portion. With this configuration, by covering the entire surface of the window portion with the transparent cover, it is possible to prevent a failure from occurring due to intrusion of foreign matter or the like through the window portion.

In the game apparatus of the present invention, the second game recording medium inserted through the game recording medium insertion port is manually inserted, and the manually inserted second game recording medium is set to a predetermined size. A holding / discharging mechanism for automatically discharging the inserted second game recording medium based on a predetermined discharging operation by an elastic member that is held in the arranged position and elastically deformed by the insertion. Is preferred. By doing so, the transport mechanism for inserting, arranging, and ejecting the second game recording medium can be simplified, and the device cost can be kept low.

It is preferable that the gaming apparatus of the present invention comprises a pop-out prevention means for preventing the automatically ejected second game recording medium from protruding from the game recording medium insertion opening. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the second game recording medium from jumping out and dropping from the game recording medium insertion opening.

In the game apparatus of the present invention, at least one surface of the second game recording medium to be inserted and a passage wall are provided in an insertion passage of the second game recording medium connected to the game recording medium insertion opening. It is preferable to have a void that avoids the contact. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the surface of the second game recording medium from being scratched during the insertion and ejection.

In the game apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the insertion path of the second game recording medium is such that it is in contact with only the outer peripheral corners of the second game recording medium. .. By doing so, a gap exists between each surface of the second game recording medium and the insertion passage, and the gap can be preferably formed, and the second game recording medium and the insertion can be inserted. The contact area with the passage can be made small, and the insertion resistance can also be kept low.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, an example is shown in which the IC card reader / writer which is a recording medium processing device is used for a card unit which is a game device provided corresponding to a pachinko machine which is a game machine. Is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that these recording medium processing devices can be used for other devices.

(Example)

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a gaming system using a card unit 3 as a gaming device in an embodiment of the present invention. This gaming system is provided in a plurality of gaming islands in a gaming hall. A card reader-type pachinko machine (hereinafter referred to as a pachinko machine) 2 as a game machine arranged in parallel, and the pachinko machine as a game medium, which can be rented out on a one-to-one basis with respect to the pachinko machine 2. The card unit 3 and a management computer 10 that is installed at a predetermined place in the game hall and manages a member card 37 and a visitor card 38, which will be described later, used in the card unit 3.
0 and is mainly composed of the management computer 1
00 is connected to the card unit 3 via a communication cable 8 so that data communication is possible.

First, the recording medium used in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, a membership card 37 issued to a member player who has previously registered as a member is displayed. And an IC card, which is a recording medium of two types, a visitor card 38 issued by the card unit 3.

First, the member card 37 as the second recording medium used in this embodiment will be described. The member card 37 is formed in a substantially rectangular card shape as shown in FIG. 2 (a). At the same time, when the member card 37 is inserted into the CD-RW drive, the C
A mounting hole 81 that can be mounted on the rotor of the D-RW drive is formed, and an optical recording unit 82 capable of optically recording and reading data is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the mounting hole 81. C
D-RW card is applied and these membership cards 3
Various information for members, such as member information such as the name of the member possessed by the optical recording unit 82, can be recorded.

Further, an antenna coil 83 for inputting / outputting (transmitting / receiving) recording data in a non-contact manner and an integrated circuit for electrically rewritably storing the recording data (in the outer peripheral portion of the mounting hole 81) IC) 84 is the mounting hole 81
These are concentric circles with these membership cards 37
Is inserted into an IC card reader / writer 327, which will be described later, provided in the card unit 3, so that electromagnetic waves output from a pattern coil 355 of a communication board 356, which will be described later, provided in the card reader / writer 327 will be generated. The integrated circuit 84 is operably energized by generating an induced electromotive force in the antenna coil 83, and the card reader / writer 3 is mediated by the antenna coil 83.
It is possible to perform various data transmission / reception with 27 by non-contact with electromagnetic waves.

Further, in the internal memory of the integrated circuit 84 in these member cards 37, a member ID that can individually identify each member card 37, the issuing store where the member card 37 is issued, the card unit 3 and the management computer. 10
The security information used when the communication with 0 is offline, the type ID for the card reader / writer 327 to identify whether it is a membership card or a visitor card, and the like are recorded in a non-rewritable manner. By data communication with the card reader / writer 327, information such as the remaining frequency and the device ID of the card unit 3 (payment device) for which the additional deposit processing is finally performed is rewritably recorded.

Next, the visitor card 38 which is the first recording medium used in the present embodiment will be described. In the visitor card 38, as shown in FIG. The member card 37 is formed in a substantially rectangular card shape slightly shorter than the length of each side, and the antenna coil 83 and the integrated circuit 84 of the member card 37 have substantially the same central portion at the center thereof. Non-contact IC provided with 91 and integrated circuit 92
A card is applied, and like the member card 37, various data communications with the card reader / writer 327 can be performed by electromagnetic waves without contact.

The internal memory of the integrated circuit 92 in each of the visitor cards 38 is stored in the visitor card 38.
Card ID that can identify each individual and the visitor card 3
8 is used, the security information, the type ID, etc. are recorded in a non-rewritable manner, and the remaining frequency and the device ID of the equipped card unit 3 are maintained by data communication with the card reader / writer 327.
Information such as is rewritably recorded.

As described above, in this embodiment, the contactless IC card capable of inputting / outputting (transmitting / receiving) the record data in a contactless manner is used as the recording medium.
Although it is preferable because the wear of the recording medium in reading and writing data can be reduced and the recording medium can be used for a long period of time, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recording medium is a contact type IC card. Alternatively, a magnetic card for magnetically recording recorded data may be used.

Further, in this embodiment, a CD-RW card in which the optical recording section 82 is provided to the membership card 37 is applied. However, this makes it possible to record a relatively large amount of information. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

In this embodiment, a CD-RW provided with the optical recording section 82 is mainly used as the membership card 37, but in the card unit 3,
It is also possible to use a non-contact IC card having the same structure as the visitor card 38 as a membership card.

Next, the pachinko machine 2 which is the game machine used in this embodiment will be briefly described.
As shown in FIG. 3, it has a glass door frame 202 formed in a frame shape, and a hitting ball supply plate 203 is provided on the lower surface of the glass door frame 202. The operation section 14 is provided at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the hitting ball supply plate 203, and the surplus ball receiving plate 204 for storing the prize balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply plate 203 and the hitting ball are shot under the hitting ball supply plate 203. A hit ball operation handle (hereinafter referred to as an operation knob) 205 is provided.

On the upper surface of the operation section 14, as shown in FIG. 4, a frequency display section 17 for displaying the frequency read from the membership card 37 or the visitor card 38 in the card unit 3 by the player. A lending button for leasing a predetermined number of pachinko balls when a game is started or when the number of balls in the hitting ball supply plate 203 is low or no, and is pressed, and a frequency is present in the frequency display section 17. 16 and a return button 15 for ending the game when the member card 37 is being received and returning the member card 37 being received, and these units are provided inside the operation unit 14. It is mounted on the operation board 18 that is provided.

At the rear of the glass door frame 202, as shown in FIG. 3, a game board 206 is detachably attached. In addition, a game area 207 is provided on the front surface of the game board 206. Near the center of this game area 207,
A variable display unit 209 on which a plurality of types of identification information called “special symbols” are variably displayed, and a variable display device 210 on which a plurality of types of identification information called “normal symbols” are variably displayed.
And are provided. In addition, the game board 206 is provided with a plurality of winning openings 224, a passage gate 211, a starting winning opening 214, and a variable winning ball device 216, and at the bottom of the game area 207, hit balls that have not been won An outlet port 226 for collecting is formed.

A hit ball shot by a hammer (not shown) rocked by the operation of the hit ball operation knob 205 enters a game area 207 through a hit ball rail, and then flows down in the game area 207. At this time, the pachinko balls that have not reached the game area 207 because the launching momentum is too weak, the surplus ball tray 20 is passed through a circulation path (not shown).
It is supposed to be recirculated to 4.

Further, when the hit ball hit in the game area 207 passes through the passage gate 211, the ordinary symbol stopped and displayed on the variable display device 210 is variably started.

The display result after the variable display operation of the variable display device 210 is a predetermined specific display result (for example, 7).
In this case, the movable piece 215 provided on the starting winning opening 214 is opened for a predetermined time, which is advantageous for the player.

When a pachinko ball is won in the starting winning opening 214, all the special symbols are variably displayed (variable display) on the variable display portion 209. And then left,
In the middle, the special symbol on the right is stopped, and when the stop display result becomes a predetermined specific display mode (for example, 777), a specific game state (big hit state) occurs. When such a big hit state occurs, the variable winning ball device 2
The opening / closing plate 220 provided at 16 is opened to enter the first state, which is advantageous for the player. The first state ends when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number of hit balls (for example, 10) wins, whichever comes first, whichever comes first. It is a disadvantageous second state. If a hit ball that has entered the special winning opening of the variable winning ball device 216 in the first state wins a specific winning area (V pocket) and is detected by a V count switch (not shown), the first time of that time Waiting for the end of the state, the repeat continuation control for controlling from the second state to the first state is performed. The upper limit number of times of this repeated continuation control is set to 15 times, for example.

The structure of the pachinko machine 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the pachinko machine 2, the variable display section 2 is provided.
09 is connected to a display control board 280 for performing display control and a ball payout device 297 for paying out pachinko balls supplied to a ball tank (not shown), and a game control board 231 described later.
The prize ball control board 237 for controlling the payout of the pachinko balls based on the prize ball signal output from the player and various signals input / output from the card unit 3, the lamp control board 235 for controlling the game effect lamps, and the speaker. A sound control board 270 for controlling the sound output from the ball, and a launching control for launching a ball striking device for launching a pachinko ball delivered to the ball striking plate 203 based on the operation of the ball striking handle 205 to the game area 207. A control board 291 and a game control board 231 for controlling each of these parts are provided, and these are connected as shown in FIG. 7, and the pachinko balls paid out to the hitting ball supply plate 203 are used. Then you can play the game.

The prize ball control board 237 is connected to the control unit 328 (see FIG. 7) of the card unit 3 via the signal cable 9, and is used for a terminal terminal lending completion signal (EXS) and a table to be described later. READY signal (PRDY)
Is output to the control unit 328 of the card unit 3, and the card unit 3
A card unit READY signal (BRDY), which will be described later, and a terminal lending request completion confirmation signal (BRQ) output from the control unit 328 are input.

The operation board 18 is connected to the card unit 3 via the prize ball control board and the signal cable 9 described above.
The lending input signal that is output when the lending button 16 is operated and the player lends a ball, and the return input signal that is output when the return button 15 is operated. The output signal is output to the control unit 328 of the card unit 3 and the frequency display signal of the frequency display unit 17 output from the control unit 328 is input.

Next, the card unit 3 as the game device in this embodiment will be described. On the front surface of the card unit 3, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation of the card unit 3 is at the uppermost position. Management computer 100
An operation lamp 301 for notifying the communication state with the is provided so that an attendant or the like of the game hall can perceive the occurrence of a trouble in the communication state with the inside of the card unit 3 or the management computer 100.

At the position below the operation lamp 301, a bill insertion slot 3 as a money receiving portion into which bills can be inserted.
02, a coin slot 303 serving as a coin receiving unit into which coins can be inserted, and a coin return button 304 for returning the inserted coins are provided, and the player inserts coins and bills as coins. You can do it.

Below the respective entrances 302 and 303 and the return button 304, it is possible to change the lending unit (the size of the frequency used in one lending operation) in the lending process described later. A changeable lamp 305 that is turned on, a lending unit change button 306 that changes the lending unit by being operated while the changeable lamp 305 is on, and a lending unit display unit 307 that displays the lending unit and the like. A fraction button 308 for changing and displaying the display content of a frequency display unit 309, which will be described later, such as a fraction display of the frequency.
And a frequency display section 309 displaying the frequency read from the membership card 37 or the visitor card 38, and a model setting lamp 31 indicating the corresponding game machine model by lighting.
0, a direction indicator lamp 311 indicating the connecting direction of the corresponding gaming machine, and an inserting lamp 312 indicating that the membership card 37 is being inserted into a card reader / writer 327 described later.
An operation panel having and is provided so that the player can perform various operations.

At the lower portion of the operation panel, a coin return port 313 for returning coins when the coin return button 304 is operated and the coin return port 313 are formed so as to project from below. A receiving portion 313 'for preventing the coins discharged from the coin return port 313 from falling is provided.

At a position further below the coin return port 313, a member card display portion 314 for displaying the number of refundable times based on the number of savings balls specified from the member card 37 being received, and a personal identification number. Numeric keypad 31 for input
5, the enter key 317 for deciding the personal identification number input by the ten-key pad 315 or for performing a predetermined number of refunds of the number of saved balls, and the membership card when the membership card 37 is accepted. The game is executed using the frequency recorded in, or the member I of the member card 37.
A member operation panel provided with a play selection button 316 for selecting whether to play a game using the number of savings balls specified by D is formed, and a member player can operate by inserting a membership card. It can be implemented.

At the lower position of the member operation panel, the member card insertion slot 3 into which the member card 37 can be inserted.
19 and a visitor card mounting opening 318, the front surface of which is covered with a transparent cover member 318 ', in which the visitor card 38 is mounted so as to be visible.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the member card insertion slot 319 and the visitor card mounting slot 318 are arranged substantially parallel to each other in the left-right direction when viewed from the player, and the visitor card is also installed. The mounting opening 318 is the card unit 3 provided with the membership card insertion opening 319.
Is provided on a stepped portion 480 formed so as to enter the inside of the device rather than the front surface of the device.

The member card slot 319 is provided in the member card slot 354 of the card reader / writer 327 which will be described later.
The member card 37 can be inserted into the member card slot 354 through the member card insertion port 319, and the visitor card mounting port 318 provided in the step portion 480 will be described later. The card reader / writer 327 is connected to the visitor card accommodation chamber 351 continuously, and the visitor card can be attached to the visitor card accommodation chamber 351 through the visitor card attachment opening 318.

When the visitor card 38 is loaded in the visitor card storage chamber 351, the tip of the loaded visitor card 38 is at the visitor card loading port 31.
It will be mounted in a manner protruding from 8. Also,
The step portion 48 provided with this visitor card mounting opening 318
0, a transparent cover member 318 'that covers the entire stepped portion 480 is attached, so that the visitor card 38 mounted on the card reader / writer 327 is visually recognized through the transparent cover member 318'. At the same time, the transparent cover member 318 'prevents the inserted visitor card 38 from being removed.

As described above, it is necessary to cover the entire surface of the stepped portion 480 as a window portion provided for making the visitor card 38 visible with the transparent cover member 318 '. This is preferable because it is possible to avoid problems caused by the intrusion of foreign matter into the inside of the device, but the present invention is not limited to this.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the transparent cover member 318 'is provided with a locking projection 481 provided on the front side end of the transparent cover member 318' on a side surface of the step portion 480. The transparent cover member 31 is locked to the stop hole 482.
The locking claw 483 provided at the rear end of the side surface of 8'is attached to the step portion 48.
It is designed to be attached by engaging with a locking hole 484 provided on the bottom surface of 0, and the locking of the locking claw 483 and the locking hole 484 is released by unlocking the card unit 3. The transparent cover member 318 'can be removed by exposing and releasing the engaging portion by pulling it out over the entire surface. As a result, a staff member of the game arcade who can unlock the lock can easily exchange the visitor card 38, and the card unit 3 is normally installed in parallel with the pachinko machine 2 to expose the engaging portion. Since the transparent cover member 318 'is not used, the transparent cover member 318' cannot be removed during normal use, that is, the mounted visitor card 38 cannot be removed.

In addition, at the position where the upper and lower end surfaces of the transparent cover member 318 'are in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the step portion 480 provided with the visitor card mounting opening 318, an LED module as a processing informing means for emitting green light. 486
Is provided. These LED modules 486 are
The visitor card 38 attached to the card reader / writer 327 is controlled so as to emit light when processing is in progress, and the transparent cover member 318 'is illuminated by the green light of the LED module 486 that has entered from its end face. This informs the player that the visitor card 38 is being processed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a member as an in-insertion notification means composed of an EL (electric luminescence) member that emits red light by applying a high frequency voltage around the member card insertion slot 319 A card receiving display section 485 is provided. The member card receiving display portion 485 is illuminated in red when the member card is being received, thereby notifying the player or the game hall attendant that the member card 37 is being received.

The structure of the card unit 3 used in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. To the card unit 3, the operation lamp 301 provided at the uppermost front surface position is connected. In addition, the changeable lamp 305, the lending unit change button 306, the lending unit display unit 307, the fraction button 308, the frequency display unit 309, the model setting lamp 310, the direction indicator lamp 311, the inserting lamp 312, the lending unit display unit 307. And frequency display section 30
9, a display driver (not shown) and the like are mounted, and a first operation board 320 for inputting / outputting control signals to / from these units and a control unit 328, which will be described later, a member card receiving display unit 485, and an LED module 486. Is connected, the member card display unit 314 and the numeric keypad 3 are connected.
15, play selection button 316, enter key 317,
A display driver (not shown) of the member card display unit 314 is mounted, and these units and the control unit 32 are mounted.
Second operation board 32 for inputting / outputting control signals to / from 8, etc.
1 and the first operation board 320 and the second operation board 321 are arranged along the front panel of the card unit 3.

Further, at the upper position in the apparatus, the banknotes are inserted in the banknote insertion slot 302, the banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion slot 302 are taken in, and the authenticity and the banknote type are discriminated. Banknote identifying unit 322 that outputs the money to a control unit 328 (described later) provided in the central portion of the device.
Is provided, and at a lower position thereof, the coin insertion port 303 is continuously provided via a coin insertion path 323,
The authenticity of the coins (100-yen coin and 500-yen coin in this embodiment) inserted through the coin insertion port 303 and the type of the coin are identified, and the identification result is used as a control unit 32 described later.
The coin discriminating unit 324 for outputting to 8 is provided, and the bill discriminating unit 322 and the coin discriminating unit 324 constitute the coin discriminating means of the present invention. By including both discriminating units 322, 424, It is possible to accept various banknotes (10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 1,000 yen banknotes) and various coins (100 yen coins, 500 yen coins).

At the lower position of the card unit 3,
It is arranged so as to be connected to both the member card insertion slot 319 and the visitor card mounting slot 318, and is recorded in the integrated circuit (IC) 84 of the member card 37 which is inserted into the member card insertion slot 319 and accepted. A card reader / writer 327 is provided as a recording medium processing unit for reading and writing the recorded information stored therein and the recorded information stored in the integrated circuit 92 of the visitor card 38 mounted in the visitor card mounting slot 318. ing.

Further, at a substantially central position of the card unit 3, it is connected to the bill discriminating unit 322, the coin discriminating unit 324, and the card reader / writer 327 which are currency discriminating means, and input / output of various signals to / from these units. I / O port 332a for performing the above, an I / O port 332b for inputting / outputting various signals by being connected to the first operation board 320 and the second operation board 321, a prize ball control board 237 of the pachinko machine 2, and the like. An I / O port 332c for inputting / outputting various signals to / from the operation board 18, a communication section 334 for performing data communication with the management computer 100, control of each section constituting these card units 3, and the operation board 18 MPU 329 for controlling the mounted frequency display unit 17, RAM used as a work memory, etc.
330, a control unit 328 provided with a ROM 331 and the like in which a control program in which the control contents executed by the MPU 329 are written are stored, and these units are connected as shown in FIG. MPU32
By the control program executed by the card unit 3,
The operation of each part constituting the is controlled.

As shown in FIG. 6, the card unit 3 of this embodiment is engaged with the main body of the card unit 3 by the unit holders 31 'provided at the upper and lower positions thereof, and the main body of the card unit 3 is pulled out in the front direction. It is installed on a game island via a unit holder 31 that holds it possible, and a cylinder lock (not shown) that is a locking means is provided at the lower front position of the card unit 3 so that a person in charge can hold it. The card unit 3 can be pulled out by releasing the lock with the lock key. In addition, the unit holder 31 is provided with a connector for relaying various connection cables, and the cable connecting the control unit 328 and the management computer 100 is also the unit holder 3
The cable unit 3 is relay-connected via 1 and is devised so that these cables do not get entangled when the main body of the card unit 3 is pulled out and the main body of the card unit 3 cannot be pulled out.

The bill discriminating unit 322 used in this embodiment is constructed such that the rear end (the front end of the bill insertion side) of the bill is laid so as to traverse the inside of the game island via a bill collection path (not shown). It is connected to a road (not shown). The bill identifying unit 322 accepts the insertion of a bill and identifies the accepted bill when the membership card 37 is being accepted and the read frequency does not remain (in the case of 0 degree). It is controlled by the control unit 328. The banknote received by this identification is an authentic banknote (100
0 yen bill, 2000 yen bill, 5000 yen bill, 1000
When it is identified as a 0-yen banknote), the identification result is output to the control unit 328, the identified banknote is sent to the banknote transport path, and when the banknote is identified as not a regular banknote, The accepted bills are returned. In the present embodiment, the bill identifying unit 322 is a 1000-yen bill when the card unit 3 and the management computer 100 are not connected for communication (including communication failure) or when the membership card 37 is not being accepted. It is controlled by the control unit 328 so that only the banknotes are accepted and the other banknotes are not returned and accepted, the membership card 37 is being accepted, and the frequency specified by the membership card 37 remains. In this case, the control unit 328 controls so as not to accept any banknote.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the coin identification unit 324 used in this embodiment is connected to the coin return port 313 via a coin return passage 325, and the coin collection passage 326 and It is connected to a coin transport path (not shown) that is installed so as to cross the inside of the game island via a coin collecting gutter (not shown). The coin identification unit 32
No. 4 accepted the insertion of coins when the membership card 37 was being accepted and the read frequency did not remain (when it was 0 degrees), or when the membership card 37 was not accepting, and accepted the coin. It is controlled by the control unit 328 to identify coins. When it is determined that the received coins are legitimate coins (100-yen coins, 500-yen coins), the control unit 328 displays the identification result.
In addition to outputting to the coin, the identified coin is discharged to the coin transport path, and if it is identified as not a regular coin, it is returned. Further, when the membership card 37 is accepting and the frequency read from the membership card 37 remains, the coin identifying unit 324 controls not to accept coins as in the case of the banknote. It is controlled by the unit 328.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the card units 3 has a membership card 37 and a visitor card 38.
It is connected via the communication cable 8 to the management computer 100 which manages. This management computer 1
00, the management computer 100
As shown in FIG. 8, the management computer 1 is connected to a data bus 101 that transmits and receives data inside the computer.
00 for performing various processing executed by the control unit 00 and updating processing of a card management DB described later, a RAM 103 used as a work memory, an RTC 104 for outputting time information and calendar information, a storage device 105 including a magnetic disk or a magneto-optical disk. Input device 1 such as a keyboard or mouse
06, a display device 107 for displaying and outputting various information, a printer 108 for printing out various information, and a communication section 109 for performing data communication with the card unit 3 are connected to a normal computer.

In addition to the processing program for executing the processing of the management computer 100, the storage device 105 has a membership card 37 as shown in FIG. 9A.
For each member ID, the usage status of the membership card 37 (in use, standby), the device ID of the card unit 3 currently used (not registered in standby), and the remaining frequency at that time, The number of savings balls at that time and the membership card 37
The membership card master table in which the personal identification number set in step 1 and the device ID of the card unit 3 for which the additional deposit process is performed last are registered, and as shown in FIG. 9B, each card unit 3 Visitor card inserted into the visitor card mounting opening 318 of the card unit 3 for each device ID, that is, the card reader / writer 327.
Card ID of the visitor card 38 installed inside
And a data table for each card unit in which the total usage frequency used for lending in the card unit 3, the usage frequency used from the membership card 37, and the usage frequency used by the visitor card 38 are registered. , A card management database (DB) is stored, and the registration data in the card management DB is updated to the latest data on the basis of various information transmitted from the card unit 3. ing.

Next, various processing situations in the card unit 3 of the present embodiment will be described. The card unit 3 accepts processing for determining whether the membership card 37 inserted in the membership card insertion slot 319 can be used or not. Or
The usage process for using the frequency read from the membership card 37 accepted in this acceptance process for lending pachinko balls, and the case where the membership card 37 is accepting and the remaining frequency is 0 degree, , Banknotes (1000 yen banknotes, 2000 yen banknotes, 5000 yen banknotes, 10000 yen banknotes) or coins (100 yen coins, 500 yen coins) are inserted or inserted, and are identified, they correspond to the identified amount of money. The frequency (the value of the identification amount divided by 100)
Additional deposit processing (value addition processing) for adding to the frequency read from the accepted membership card 37, and low-value banknotes (10) when the membership card 37 is not accepted.
When a 00-yen bill) or coins (100-yen coins, 500-yen coins) are inserted or inserted and identified, the visitor card 38 in which a frequency corresponding to the identified amount is inserted into the visitor-card mounting opening 318. After recording in
An issuing and lending process in which all of the recorded frequencies are used for lending pachinko balls, and a refund process in which the number of savings balls saved in the previous game can be used again in the game are performed.

First, the reception process will be described.
First, the member card insertion slot 319 of the card unit 3
When the member card 37 is inserted into the card reader / writer 327, the member ID is read from the inserted member card 37.
And the frequency are read out and stored in the RAM 330, and the personal identification number is awaited.

When the personal identification number is input in this state in the card unit 3, the input personal identification number and the RAM 3 are entered.
The member ID and the frequency stored in 30 are transmitted to the management computer 100 together with the device ID individually assigned to each card unit 3.

The management computer 100, which has received the personal identification number, the member ID, the frequency, and the device ID, stores the personal identification number, the remaining frequency, and the number of savings balls registered corresponding to the member ID received in the member card master table. The personal identification number and frequency received from the card unit 3 are collated with the extracted personal identification number and remaining frequency, and when the collation matches, the usage state is updated to "in use" and the device ID is registered. Then, the extracted number of saved balls and the license are returned to the card unit 3 which is the transmission source. If the frequencies are not matched in the matching, it is determined whether the frequency received from the card unit 3 is less than the remaining frequency registered in the member card master table, and the frequency is less than the remaining frequency. In addition, the remaining frequency of the member card master table is updated to the received frequency while the usage state is being used, the device ID is registered, and the extracted savings ball number and license are transmitted from the sender. Reply to card unit 3. If the corresponding member ID does not exist in the membership card master table, the identification numbers do not match, or if the received frequency exceeds the remaining frequency in the membership card master table, it is determined that the card cannot be used. Reply to unit 3.

When the card unit 3 receives the number of saved balls and the license, the inserted membership card 37 is made usable, and the stored frequency is displayed in the frequency display section 30.
9 and the frequency display section 17 of the pachinko machine 2. Further, the received number of savings balls is stored in the RAM 330, the number of refundable times calculated based on the stored number of savings balls is displayed on the member card display unit 314, and the member card receiving display unit 485 is turned on. .

When the unavailability is received from the management computer 100, the inserted membership card 37 is returned as unusable.

Further, the card unit 3 of this embodiment can be used even in a state where it cannot communicate with the management computer 100 (offline state). The reception process in the card unit 3 in the offline state will be described. First, when the membership card 37 is inserted into the membership card insertion slot 319 of the card unit 3, the card reader / writer 327 causes the member card 37 to be inserted into the membership card 37. The ID and the frequency are read to read the RAM 33.
Store at 0.

The card unit 3 collates the security information registered in advance with the security information stored in the RAM 330, and if the collation matches, the inserted member card 37 can be used. The stored frequency is displayed on the frequency display unit 309 and the frequency display unit 17 of the pachinko machine 2, and the member card receiving display unit 485 is turned on. If the security information does not match, the inserted member card 37 is returned as unusable.

In this way, the membership card 37 can be used even when communication with the management computer 100 is not possible (offline state).
Is enabled, the member player can continue to play the game even if communication with the management computer 100 is disabled due to a communication failure or the like, and damage to the game hall is minimized. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

Further, in the card unit 3,
By inputting the lending button 16 when the frequency remains on the frequency display unit 309 and the frequency display unit 17 of the pachinko machine 2, the number of pachinko balls used for the game of the pachinko machine 2 is used by using the frequency. Lending is carried out.

The control status of this lending process will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The prize ball control board 237 of the pachinko machine 2 is described.
Is in a standby state when it is connected to the card unit 3 and is in a state where communication is possible, and the PRDY is set to LO.
W (S1).

When the lending button 16 is operated while PRDY is being output in this way, the control unit 328 of the card unit 3 sets the BRDY to LO.
It is set to W (S2), and in this state, the BRQ is set to LOW (S3).

Next, the award ball control board 237 detects the BRDY LOW and detects the BRQ LO.
When W is detected, it is confirmed whether or not the pachinko balls can be paid out, and if it is possible, the EXS is set to LOW (S4).

The control unit 328 which has detected the LOW of the EXS sets the BRQ to HIGH (S5),
The prize ball control board 237 which has detected the HIGH of Q outputs a ball payout signal to the ball payout device 297, and based on this, the payout of the number of balls corresponding to one time (25 balls in this embodiment) is carried out. , The EXS is set to H based on the end of the payout.
IGH (S6).

The control unit 328 that has detected the EXS HIGH subtracts 1 degree from the stored frequency and outputs 1 from the frequency displayed on the frequency display section 17.
Subtract the degree and update the display.

The control unit 328 controls these (S3)-
The signal control of (S6), the subtraction update control of the frequency, and the output control of the lending signal are repeatedly performed for the lending frequency set by the lending unit change button 306, and after these controls are completed, BRDY is set to HIGH. (S7), the lending process ends.

At the end of the lending processing by the member card 37, the control unit 328 is used for lending the member lending completion information indicating that the lending processing by the member card has been performed and the member ID of the inserted member card 37 and lending. The usage frequency and the device ID are transmitted to the management computer 100, and based on this, the corresponding data in the card management DB in the management computer 100 is updated.

As described above, the prize ball control board 237 rents out the number of pachinko balls corresponding to one time (25 balls) based on the number of times of detecting the BRQ HIGH output from the control unit 328 of the card unit 3. The pachinko balls thus lent out can be used by the player to play a game on the pachinko machine 2.

In this embodiment, one time is subtracted when S6 is completed.
After repeatedly performing the processing of S6 for the lending frequency (for example, 5 times for lending for 5 times), that is, after the pachinko balls for the lending frequency are paid out, the lending frequency (for example, 5 times If it is a loan for 5 minutes, it may be subtracted.

Further, in the card unit 3 of this embodiment, when the membership card 37 is accepted by the acceptance processing and the number of refundable times displayed on the membership card display unit 314 remains, When "Saving" is selected by the selection button 316, the enter key 317 is operated to use the number of savings balls read and stored from the membership card 37 and use a predetermined number of balls (this implementation). In the example, a refund process of causing the pachinko machine 2 to refund 125 coins is performed.

Explaining the control of this refund processing, the number of saved balls (the member card display portion 314) in which the membership card 37 has been received, savings have been selected by the play selection button 316, and are stored. When the enter key 317 is input in a state in which the number of refundable times displayed in (1) remains, the payout of the predetermined number of balls in the pachinko machine 2 is performed in a manner substantially similar to the lending process described above.

At this time, the stored number of stored balls is subtracted and updated by the number of paid-out balls, and the member card display unit 31 is displayed.
The refundable number displayed in 4 is subtracted and updated by one. Further, at this time, the refund completion information indicating that the number of saved balls has been refunded, the number of refunded balls, the member ID of the member card 37 being accepted, and the device ID are transmitted to the management computer 100. Based on this, the corresponding data in the card management DB in the management computer 100 is updated.

Next, the additional deposit processing will be described. The member card 37 is being received and the member card 37 is being received.
If the read frequency does not remain (when it is 0)
A banknote (1000 yen banknote, 2000 yen banknote, 5000 banknote
When a yen bill, a 10,000-yen bill) or a coin (100-yen coin, 500-yen coin) is inserted or inserted, the amount of the inserted bill or the inserted coin is identified in the bill identification unit 322 or the coin identification unit 324. The identification amount is output to the control unit 328.
Based on this, the control unit 328 temporarily stores the identification amount.

Then, the control unit 328 converts the stored identification amount into a frequency (a value obtained by dividing the identification amount by 100), and the converted frequency is the membership card 3 which is accepting.
By adding and updating the frequency read from 7 and stored and updating the frequency displayed on the frequency display section 309 and the frequency display section 17 to the updated frequency, the player adds the frequency. The lending process can be performed based on the updated frequency.

When the additional deposit process is executed, the control unit 328 sets the device ID of the deposit device recorded in the member card 37 being accepted by the card reader / writer 327 to the device ID of the card unit 3 concerned. In addition to updating, the payment completion information indicating that the additional payment processing has been performed, the member ID of the inserted member card 37, and the payment frequency added by the additional payment processing are transmitted to the management computer 100. Based on this, the corresponding data in the card management DB in the management computer 100 is updated.

In the card unit 3 of this embodiment, even when the communication state with the management computer 100 is offline, the membership card 37 is accepting and the frequency read from the membership card 37 is If not remaining (0
In the case of a degree), additional deposit processing of 1000 yen or less can be carried out. In addition, the card unit 3 in the offline state
The frequency added in the additional deposit processing by can be used for the lending processing only in the card unit 3 concerned.

Further, in the card unit 3 of the present embodiment, when the return button 15 is input, the stored frequency is updated and recorded in the record information of the member card 37 being accepted, and then the member card The reception-in-progress display portion 485 is turned off, the member card insertion slot 319 ejects the card, and the card is returned to the player. At this time, the control unit 32
The management computer 100 displays the member ID of the returned member card 37 and return information indicating that the member card has been returned.
And the corresponding data in the card management DB in the management computer 100 is updated based on this.

Next, the issuing and lending process will be described. When the membership card 37 is not being accepted,
When a low-value banknote (1000-yen banknote) or a coin (100-yen coin, 500-yen coin) is inserted or inserted, the inserted banknote or the inserted coin amount is identified in the banknote identification unit 322 or the coin identification unit 324. The identification amount is output to the control unit 328.
Based on this, the control unit 328 temporarily stores the identification amount.

The control unit 328 then controls the LED
The module 486 emits light, and the transparent cover member 318 '
Is turned on, and the stored identification amount is converted into a frequency (a value obtained by dividing the identification amount by 100), and the visitor card 38 (installed in the card reader / writer 327 is inserted into the visitor card mounting opening 318. The visitor card 38 is issued to the player by recording the converted frequency on the visitor card 38).

Then, the frequencies recorded on the visitor card 38 are read again and stored, and the stored frequencies are displayed on the frequency display unit 309 and the frequency display unit 17, and all the read frequencies are used for the lending process. Then, while letting the pachinko machine 2 pay out the pachinko balls, after finishing the lending process of all these frequencies, the frequency recorded on the visitor card 38 is updated to 0 degree, and the light emission of the LED module 486 is stopped, The transparent cover member 318 'is turned off. A player can play a game on the pachinko machine 2 by using the pachinko balls lent out in this manner.

At the end of this issuing and lending process, the control unit 328 controls the deposit lending completion information indicating that the issuing and lending process by the visitor card 38 has been performed and the usage frequency used at that time (1 or 5). Degree or 1
0 degree) is transmitted to the management computer 100, and based on this, the management computer 100
The corresponding data in the card management DB in is updated.

The card reader / writer 327 which is the recording medium processing means (apparatus in P12MY01SK) used in the card unit 3 of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 19.

First, the card reader / writer 32 of the present embodiment.
Describing the structure of 7, the card reader / writer 3
As shown in FIG. 11, 27 is a visitor card storage chamber 351 in which a visitor card 38 can be mounted on one side portion of an upper position thereof, and a side of the visitor card storage chamber 351.
A base member 353 having a mounting portion into which a member card slot 354 described later can be mounted and a substrate housing portion 352 that accommodates a control substrate 357 described later and the like is formed below the mounting portion.
And a fixing mechanism that can be attached to and detached from the mounting portion of the base body 353 and that receives the membership card 37 and fixes it at a predetermined arrangement position (reading position), and an ejection mechanism that automatically ejects the membership card when returning the membership card. A member card slot 354 capable of accommodating a member card and the integrated circuits 84 and 92 mounted on the member card 37 and the visitor card 38, and the member card 37 and the visitor card 38. A communication board 356 provided with a pattern coil 355 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the controller, a controller (not shown) for controlling output of electromagnetic waves from the pattern coil 355, and the like, and various control units and control unit 328. A control board provided with a control microcomputer 392 (see FIG. 18) for transmitting and receiving signals and data 57 and side covers 358 and 359 that cover both side portions of the base body 353, and as shown in FIG. 12, a control board 357 is arranged in the board housing portion 352 of the base body 353. Fixing screw 3
The visitor card storage chamber 3 is fixed at 60
The communication board 356 is arranged on the side of 51 and the fixing screw 361 is provided.
Member card slot 354 in a manner that the communication board 356 is sandwiched between the visitor card storage chamber 351 and the communication card 356.
And side covers 358 on both sides of the base 353,
These members are integrated by covering with 359 and fixing with fixing screws 362.
The member card 37 accommodated in 4 and the visitor card 38 mounted in the visitor card accommodating chamber 351 are arranged substantially in parallel with a predetermined distance. Incidentally, 363 shown in FIG. 11 is the communication board 35.
6 is a support projection for fixing 6 to the base 353.

Further, the card reader / writer 32 of the present embodiment.
7, in the communication board 356, as shown in FIG.
The visitor card storage chamber 351 has an upper end portion provided with a pattern coil 355 that outputs an electromagnetic wave to the visitor card 38 mounted in the visitor card storage chamber 351 and the membership card 37 inserted in the membership card slot 354. And the member card slot 354, and the lower device mounting portion on which the controller and the like are mounted is the lower end of the card slot portion in which the visitor card storage chamber 351 and the member card slot 354 are arranged in parallel. It is arranged so as to project downward from the portion.

As described above, in this embodiment, the pattern coil 355 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the visitor card 38 and the member card 37, and various devices serving as a drive circuit for the pattern coil 355 are formed on the same communication board 356. This is preferable because it does not require connection between the pattern coil 355 and each drive circuit or the like at the time of assembly, so that the assembly process can be simplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is not limited to this.

Further, only the upper end portion of the communication board 356 where the pattern coil 355 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the visitor card 38 and the membership card 37 is provided is between the visitor card storage chamber 351 and the membership card slot 354. The drive circuit portion in which a device having a larger thickness than those of the pattern coil 355 is mounted is provided in the lower portion of the visitor card housing chamber 351 and the member card slot 354 while avoiding the space between them. Arranging so as to position the pattern coil 35
5 and the visitor card 38 and the membership card 37 can be significantly close to each other, and good contactless communication can be performed, and the thickness of the card reader / writer 327 itself in the width direction can be suppressed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. (Required items for P12MY01SK)

In the present embodiment, the drive circuit portion of the communication board 356 is arranged so as to project downward, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the drive circuit portion may be provided. May be provided above the upper ends of the visitor card storage chamber 351 and the membership card slot 354, and at least the drive circuit portion has the visitor card storage chamber 351 and the membership card slot 35.
4 and the drive circuit portions may be appropriately arranged.

As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the visitor card storage chamber 351 provided above the base body 353 supports the side plate 364 and the visitor card 38 mounted inside together with the side plate 364. Support piece 365
And a side plate 364 and a support piece 365.
The visitor card 38 is mounted in a state in which it is sandwiched between and. In addition, at the rear end portion of the visitor card storage chamber 351, the installed visitor card 3
A holding piece 366 for holding the 8 from each other from the side is formed, and the visitor card 38 mounted by these holding pieces 366 is stably fixed.

Further, the side portion of the visitor card storage chamber 351 on the member card slot 354 side has a depth and a width corresponding to the thickness of the communication board 356.
A communication board housing 367 into which 56 can be fitted is formed. In this way, forming the communication board housing portion 367 that can be fitted to the upper end portion of the communication board 356 where the pattern coil 355 is formed is formed on the side portion of the visitor card housing chamber 351 by the pattern coil of the communication board 356. Since the portion 355 is fitted and integrated with the communication board storage portion 367 and the side surface of the board is supported in contact with the visitor card storage chamber 351 and the membership card slot 354, the communication board 356 is loosened. This is preferable because it can prevent the sticking, facilitate the positioning at the time of mounting, and simplify the assembly process, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The member card slot 354 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), a side view is open, and a central wall 369 that divides the left and right spaces in FIG.
The main body is formed of a box-shaped housing 370. Further, a protrusion 371 whose end in the insertion direction protrudes upward is formed in a space on the left side of the central wall 369 in the drawing, and a shutter member 3 described later is provided below the tip in the discharge direction.
A guide member 373 having a guide rail 372 for guiding the guide pin 389 of 77 is supported by a locking pin 374 provided on the central wall 369 as shown in FIG. It is mounted so that it can slide in the insertion direction. The guide member 373 is always biased in the card ejection direction by the bias of the coil spring 378.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (c),
At the end of the central wall 369 in the discharge direction, the central wall 369 is
A shaft portion 376 is rotatably supported by a bearing 375 formed on the shaft 376, and the shutter member 377 that is retractable with respect to the insertion path of the membership card 37 is attached by swinging around the shaft portion 376 as a fulcrum. There is. A guide pin 389 protruding upward is formed at the rear end of the shutter member 377 in the insertion direction, and the guide pin 389 is guided by the guide rail 372 of the guide member 373. The guide pin 389 is guided in the guide rail 372 as the guide member 373 slides, and the shutter member 377 swings. The shutter member 377 interlocks with the slide of the guide member 373.
Appears in and out of the insertion path of the membership card 37.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, the membership card 3 is internally provided in the space on the right side of the central wall 369 in the figure.
7, a transfer member 379 is formed in a substantially U-shape in a cross-section having a space capable of accommodating 7 and has an insertion direction end closed, and a guide rail 380 formed at the upper and lower ends of the transfer member 379.
0 by engaging with the engaging portion 381 provided in FIG.
It is mounted slidably in the card ejection direction and the card insertion direction shown in FIG. 5 (a). The end of the transfer member 379 in the card insertion direction is fixed to the end of the guide member 373 in the card insertion direction through the communication hole 383, and the transfer member 379 is interlocked with the slide of the guide member 373. Also slides. That is, the transfer member 379 is also biased by the coil spring 378,
It is always urged in the card ejection direction. The transfer member 379 has a member card slot 35.
4 is placed on the base 353, the communication board 356
At the position corresponding to the pattern coil 355 of
The electromagnetic wave output from the pattern coil 355 is transmitted without being attenuated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, a leaf spring 391 for urging downward is attached to the inner surface of the upper portion of the casing 370 located above the transfer member 379.
As a result, even when a non-contact IC card used as the visitor card 38 having a height lower than that of the membership card 37 is used as the membership card 38 ', the upper surface of the membership card 38' is lowered by the leaf spring 391. Since the member card 38 ′ is received, the member card 38 ′ can be stably placed in the transfer member 379.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (c),
The central wall 369 is formed with a claw portion 385 which is engageable with the projecting portion 371 of the guide member 373 at an end portion in the card ejection direction, and has a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion of a photo sensor 390 described later at an end portion in the card insertion direction. Blocking piece 386 for blocking between the parts
A lock member 387 formed with is pivotally supported via a shaft portion 388. Normally, the lock member 387 is urged downward by the pawl portion 385 as the coil spring 384 of the solenoid 382 provided at the end of the housing 370 in the card insertion direction is urged upward. ,
The claw portion 385 engages with the protruding portion 371 of the guide member 373. Also, the solenoid 382
Is excited, the claw 385 side swings upward,
The engagement between the claw portion 385 and the protruding portion 371 of the guide member 373 is released. In addition, FIG.
As shown in (a) to (c), the presence or absence of the blocking piece 386 in the lock member 387 is detected at the end of the housing 370 in the card insertion direction, and the detection status is output to the control board 357. A photo sensor 390 as a second recording medium detection unit is provided, and the photo sensor 390 is provided.
Allows the control board 357 of the card reader / writer 327 to detect the insertion / non-insertion of the membership card 37, and the control board 357 sends a signal corresponding to the insertion / non-insertion of the membership card 37 to the card unit. 3 to the control unit 328.

FIG. 15 (a) (c) and FIG. 16 (a) (b), FIG. 17 show the operation status of each part associated with the insertion and ejection of the membership card 37 in the membership card slot 354.
Describing based on (a) and (b), first, when the membership card 37 is not inserted into the membership card slot 354, as shown in FIGS. The member 379 is located on the card ejection direction side by the bias of the coil spring 378. At this time, the shutter member 377 is in an open state (a state in which it is sunk in the insertion path), and the claw portion 385 of the lock member 387 is pushed up by the protruding portion 371 of the guiding member 373, so that the blocking piece on the opposite side is formed. 386 is located below,
The photo sensor 390 is in a state where the blocking piece 386 is not detected.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, when the membership card 37 is inserted, the membership card 37 is inserted.
Are housed inside the transfer member 379. When the member card 37 is further pressed in the insertion direction in this state, the end of the transfer member 379 is pressed by the end of the member card 37 in the insertion direction, and the transfer member 379 and the guide member 373 urge the coil spring 378. It is slid in the card insertion direction.

These transfer member 379 and guide member 37
When 3 slides, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the coil spring 394 of the solenoid 382 urges the blocking piece 386 side of the lock member 387 upward to swing the claw portion 385 side downward. Then, the claw portion 385 engages with the protruding portion 371 of the guide member 373. Accordingly, the coil spring 37 of the transfer member 379 and the guide member 373 is
The movement in the card ejection direction due to the bias of 8 is restricted, and the member card 37 accommodated in the transfer member 379 is
It is arranged at a communication position for communicating with the communication board 356, and the state is maintained. As the guide member 373 slides, the guide rail 372 of the guide member 373 guides the guide pin 389 of the shutter member 377, whereby the shutter member 377 swings and the inserted membership card 37 is ejected. The leading end in the direction is pressed by the shutter member 377.
Further, with the engagement of the claw portion 385, the lock member 387 is
Since the blocking piece 386 side of the device swings upward, this blocking piece 3
The state 86 is detected by the photo sensor 390. Since the blocking piece 386 is detected by the photo sensor 390 in the state where the membership card 37 is placed at the communication position as described above, the detection signal of the blocking piece 386 by the photo sensor 390 is the control board. By inputting to 357, the control microcomputer 392 of the control board 357 can determine the insertion state of the membership card 37.

Next, when the member card 37 is ejected in the state where the member card 37 is arranged at the communication position in the member card slot 354, the solenoid 382 is excited. This allows the solenoid 3
82 together with the locking pin 395 of 82, the blocking piece 386 side of the lock member 387 is pulled downward, the claw portion 385 side swings upward, and the engagement between the claw portion 385 and the projecting portion 371 of the guide member 373 is released. It This releases the restriction on the movement of the transfer member 379 and the guide member 373 in the card ejection direction due to the urging of the coil spring 378, so that the transfer member 379 and the guide member 373 slide in the card ejection direction to reach the transfer member 379. The stored membership card 37 is also discharged by being pressed by the transfer member 379. Further, as the guide member 373 slides in the card ejection direction, the guide rail 372 of the guide member 373 causes the guide pin 38 of the shutter member 377.
9 is guided, whereby the shutter member 377 swings, and the member card 37 is discharged with the inserted member card 37 in the discharge direction end portion being opened. At this time, since the upper surface of the membership card 37 is ejected while being pressed by the leaf spring 391, the ejection speed of the membership card 37 is regulated and it is possible to prevent the membership card 37 from popping out in the ejection direction. . Further, by releasing the engagement between the claw portion 385 and the protruding portion 371 of the guiding member 373, the blocking piece 386 side of the lock member 387 swings upward, and the blocking piece 386 is not detected by the photo sensor 390. Therefore, the blocking piece 3 by the photo sensor 390 is
The output of the detection signal of 86 is stopped, and the control board 357 is
The control microcomputer 392 can identify the ejection of the membership card 37.

Next, the structure of the card reader / writer 327 will be described. This card reader / writer 32
The control of No. 7 is mainly performed by the control microcomputer 392 provided on the control board 357 as described above. Specifically, the control microcomputer 392 controls the membership card slot 35
Photosensor 390 that outputs a detection signal of the blocking piece 386 that can determine the insertion status of the membership card 37 in FIG.
A communication board 356 for reading and writing information recorded on the solenoid 382, the membership card 37 and the visitor card 38 for releasing the engagement between the lock member 387 and the guide member 373, that is, for ejecting the inserted membership card 37. , Is connected to an I / O port 393 that inputs and outputs various signals to and from the I / O port 332a of the control unit 328, controls the operation of the solenoid 382, and reads and writes recorded information by the communication board 356. And I / O
Various signals are input to and output from the control unit 328 via the port 393. Reference numeral 394 shown in FIG. 18 is a RAM used as a work memory or the like of the control microcomputer 392, and 395 is a ROM in which the control program of the control microcomputer is stored.

As described above, the control board 357 is connected to the control unit 328 that controls the entire card unit 3 through a signal cable 396, and the I / O port 332a of the control unit 328 and the control board 357 are connected. The I / O port 393 provided in the transmission / reception transmits / receives a signal through each signal line to transmit / receive data or information. Specifically, a processing completion signal and an error signal output from the control board 357, a consumption signal (a lending start enable signal), a member insertion signal, an addition signal input from the control unit 328,
A subtraction signal, a return signal, a data signal (8 data lines + 2 transmission / reception signal lines) for transmitting and receiving data such as frequency data and various IDs are transmitted and received.

The control status of the card reader / writer 327 will be described below. First, the situation until the membership card 37 is inserted and ejected will be described. When the membership card 37 is inserted into the membership card slot 354 and placed at the communication position, the photo sensor 390
Then, the detection signal of the blocking piece 386 is output, and the control microcomputer 392 detects the insertion of the membership card 37 based on this. Next, the control microcomputer 392 outputs a member insertion signal to the control unit 328 and requests the communication board 356 to read the recorded information from the card in which the type ID of the member card is recorded. Based on this, the communication board 356 reads out the record information such as the member ID and the frequency from the inserted member card 37 to control the microcomputer 3
The read record information is output to 92. On this occasion,
In the communication board 356, only the session with the card in which the type ID of the membership card is recorded is held, and the session with the visitor card 38 in which the type ID of the visitor card is recorded is not held. There is. Next, the control microcomputer 392 outputs the record information of the member card 37 output from the communication board 356 to the control unit 3
No. 28 is transmitted to the control unit 328, and a signal from the control unit 328 is awaited.

In this state, when the control microcomputer 392 receives the subtraction signal and the subtraction frequency from the control unit 328, the subtraction update of the frequency recorded in the card having the type ID of the membership card is performed on the communication board 356. Request. Based on this, the communication board 356 carries out the subtraction update of the frequency recorded in the inserted member card 37. Upon completion of the subtraction update of this frequency, the control microcomputer 392 causes the control unit 3
A consumption signal indicating that pachinko balls can be rented is output to 28.

When the control card 392 receives the addition signal and the addition frequency from the control unit 328 while the member card 37 is inserted and the reception of the signal from the control unit 328 is awaited, the communication board 356 is used.
Request the addition and update of the frequency recorded on the card of the membership card type ID. Based on this, the communication board 356
Executes the addition update of the frequency recorded in the inserted membership card 37. When the addition update of this frequency is completed, the control microcomputer 392 outputs to the control unit 328 a processing completion signal indicating that the addition update is completed.

When the membership card 37 is inserted and the control microcomputer 392 receives a return signal from the control unit 328 while waiting for reception of a signal from the control unit 328, the solenoid 382 is driven, The inserted membership card 37 is ejected. As a result, the output of the detection signal of the blocking piece 386 is stopped from the photo sensor 390, so that the control microcomputer 392
Detects the ejection of the membership card 37, and the control unit 32
The output of the member insertion signal for 8 is stopped.

Next, the situation when the membership card 37 is not inserted will be explained.
Reference numeral 92 indicates a state in which the detection signal of the blocking piece 386 from the photo sensor 390 is not output, that is, the membership card 37.
When the addition signal and the addition frequency are received from the control unit 328 in a state in which the insertion of the lock member 387 has not been detected, the solenoid 382 is excited and the lock member 387 is excited.
Is not engaged with the guide member 373, that is, the member card 37 cannot be received, and the communication board 356
Is requested to record the received addition frequency to the card of the visitor card type ID. Based on this, the communication board 356 records the addition frequency on the visitor card 38.

Then, when the recording of the addition frequency on the visitor card 38 is completed, the control microcomputer 392 reads the frequency recorded on the card of the visitor card type ID and records it on the communication board 356. Request a subtraction record of the given frequency. Based on this, the communication board 356 reads out the frequency recorded in the visitor card 38, outputs it to the control microcomputer 392, and records the frequency recorded in the visitor card 38 by subtracting it to 0 degree.
Based on this, the control microcomputer 392 transmits the frequency of the visitor card 38 output from the communication board 356 to the control unit 328. Further, when the subtraction recording of the frequency of the visitor card 38 is completed, a consumption signal indicating that the pachinko balls can be lent out is output to the control unit 328, and the excitation of the solenoid 382 is released so that the membership card 37 Ready to accept.

Further, the card reader / writer 32 of the present embodiment.
7, the detection signal of the blocking piece 386 is output from the photo sensor 390, and when the control microcomputer 392 detects the insertion of the membership card 37 based on this, the control microcomputer 3
92 is adapted to output a member insertion signal to the control unit 328, whereby the control unit 3
At 28, the insertion status of the member card 37 in the card reader / writer 327 can be detected.

Further, the card reader / writer 32 of the present embodiment.
In FIG. 7, when the membership card 37 is inserted into the membership card slot 354, the shutter member 377 closes the end of the inserted membership card 37 in the ejection direction, and the insertion of a new card is restricted. And membership card 37
It is possible to prevent a new member card 37 from being inserted while accepting.

Next, the characteristics of the shape of the member card insertion opening 319 in the card unit 3 and the sectional shape of the transfer member 379 for carrying the member card 37 inserted from the member card insertion opening 319 are shown in FIGS. ), The member card insertion slot 319 has a substantially octagonal shape, as shown in FIG. 19 (a).
Moreover, only the outer peripheral corners of the membership card 37 that is inserted or ejected on this oblique side are in contact with each other. The cross-sectional shape of the space in which the member card 37 of the transfer member 379 for carrying the inserted member card 37 is accommodated is also shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), similar to the shape of the membership card insertion slot 319, it is formed into a substantially octagonal shape, and only the outer peripheral corners of the membership card 37 transferred to this oblique side are in contact. As a result, a space S1 is formed between the side surface of the member card 37 that is inserted or ejected and the member card insertion slot 319.
Therefore, when the member card 37 is inserted or ejected, the side face of the member card 37 and the member card insertion slot 319 are not inserted into or contact with each other. In addition, since the space S2 is formed between the side surface of the member card 37 to be inserted, the side surface of the transfer member 379, and the central wall 369 of the member card slot 354, when the member card 37 is stored, these member cards 37 are stored. Side, the side surface of the transfer member 379, and the central wall 369 of the membership card slot 354 are inserted without contact.

As described above, in the card unit 3 of this embodiment, the shape of the card insertion opening 319 and the transfer member 37 are used.
The cross-sectional shape of the space for accommodating the membership card 37 of 9 is formed so as to have voids S1 and S2 between the side surface of the membership card 37 to be inserted or ejected. For this reason,
A conventional card unit having a problem that a side face of a recording medium to be inserted or ejected is scratched because a space is not surely formed like an insertion opening and an insertion path formed in a rectangle matching the shape of a card. Compared to the card insertion opening and the insertion path, the member card insertion opening 319 and the transfer member 369 of the card unit 3 of this embodiment can surely avoid the contact of the side surface of the member card 37, and It can prevent scratches. In particular, when the member card 37 having the optical recording unit 82 on the side surface is used as the member card as in this embodiment, when the optical recording unit 82 is scratched, the optical recording unit 82 is damaged.
Since there is a possibility that a problem may occur in reading the information recorded in (1), it is very preferable to prevent the side surface of the membership card 37 from contacting, as it can prevent the optical recording section 82 from being damaged.

Further, in the card unit 3 of this embodiment,
The shape of the member card insertion slot 319 and the transfer member 37
The membership card 3 that is inserted into or discharged from the hypotenuse of the octagonal sectional shape of the space in which the 9 membership card 37 is accommodated
By having a shape in which only the outer peripheral corners of 7 contact, voids S1 and S2 on the side surface of the membership card 37 are formed, and voids S1 on the side surface of the membership card 37,
Since S2 can be preferably formed and the contact area between the membership card 37 and the card insertion portion 319 can be reduced, the insertion resistance of the membership card 37 can be kept low.

In this embodiment, the space S1 is formed on both side surfaces of the member card 37 to be inserted or ejected. However, if it is sufficient to protect only one side of the card, for example, optical recording. When using a card provided with only one side, a gap may be formed only on the side surface requiring protection, which prevents at least the side surface requiring protection from being damaged. .

As described above, the card unit 3 which is the game device of the present embodiment cannot normally take out the visitor card 38 which is the first game recording medium into the device of the card unit 3, In addition to being mounted so that the player can visually check it, the bill identifying unit 32
2. After writing the frequency of the amount corresponding to the amount of money received by the coin identification unit 324 to the visitor card 38 and performing the deposit processing that enables the visitor card 38 to identify it, read the frequency again. The number of visitor cards 38 that must be prepared by the amusement hall side because the visitor card 38, which is the first game recording medium, will not be removed from the card unit 3 by making it usable for the game. Can be significantly reduced, and the cost required for purchasing these visitor cards 38 can be greatly reduced. Moreover, it is not necessary to provide a collection mechanism or a storage portion for these visitor cards 38 in the card unit 3, and as a result, the card unit The configuration of 3 can also be simplified.

Each element in each of the above embodiments corresponds to the present invention as follows.

[0124] Claim 1 of the present invention is provided corresponding to a gaming machine (card reader type pachinko machine 2) and is capable of specifying the value of the valuable value (frequency) for gaming that can be used for gaming (frequency). ) Is recorded in the game recording medium (member card 3
7. Recording medium processing means (card reader / writer 32) for reading at least the recorded information of the visitor card 38)
7), and a currency accepting unit (a banknote identifying unit 322, a coin identifying unit 324) that has a currency accepting unit (banknote insertion port 302, coin insertion port 303) and identifies the currency accepted from the currency accepting unit. The first game recording medium (visitor card 38) is fixedly held at a predetermined position (visitor card accommodating chamber 351) inside the device where at least recording information can be read by the recording medium processing means (card reader / writer 327). The recording medium holding portion (visitor card mounting opening 318, sandwiching piece 366) and at least a part of the first game recording medium (visitor card 38) held in the recording medium holding portion are visually checked from outside the device. A window part (step part 480) that can be formed, and an extraction preventing part (transparent part) that prevents the first game recording medium (visitor card 38) from being extracted. The game valuable value of a size corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of the accepted currency amount identified by the cover member 318 ') and the currency identifying means (the bill identifying unit 322, the coin identifying unit 324) is used as the first value. Deposit processing means (control unit 328, card reader / writer 327) for performing deposit processing for making it possible to identify it from the recorded information of the game recording medium (visitor card 38), and the size processed by the deposit processing means. And a use processing means (control unit 328, card reader / writer 327) for performing a use process for causing a game to use a predetermined value of game value (frequency) within the range of value of game value. ing.

According to claim 2 of the present invention, a game recording medium insertion port (member) into which a second game recording medium (member card 37) different from the first game recording medium (visitor card 38) can be inserted. A card insertion slot 319), and the recording medium processing means (card reader / writer 327) has a second game recording medium (member card 37) inserted from the game recording medium insertion slot (member card insertion slot 319). ) At least the recorded information is read and the use processing means (control unit 328, card reader / writer 327)
Is a predetermined game valuable value (frequency) within the range of the game valuable value (frequency) of the size specified from the record information of the second game recording medium (member card 37). Perform the usage process to use it.

A third aspect of the present invention is to detect that the second game recording medium (member card 37) is inserted from the game recording medium insertion port (member card insertion port 319). Game recording medium detecting means (photo sensor 3
90) and the second game recording medium detecting means (photo sensor 390) detects the insertion of the second game recording medium (member card 37), the currency identifying means (banknote identifying unit). 322, coin identification unit 3
24) When the money is received by the second game recording medium (membership card 37) being inserted, the value of the remaining game valuable value (frequency) is within the range of the received money amount. Value for games (frequency) of a size equivalent to a fixed amount
Value addition processing means (control unit 32)
8, a card reader / writer 327).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an in-insertion notification means (member card acceptance display section 485) for informing that the second game recording medium (member card 37) is being inserted.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the first game recording medium by the deposit processing means (control unit 328, card reader / writer 327) and the use processing means (control unit 328, card reader / writer 327) ( An in-process notification means (LED module 486) is provided to notify that the process for the visitor card 38) is being performed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the removal restricting portion (transparent cover member 318 ') is provided with the window portion (step portion 48).
0) It is formed by a transparent cover (transparent cover member 318 ') provided so as to cover the entire surface.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the second game recording medium (membership card 37) inserted through the game recording medium insertion opening (membership card insertion opening 319) is manually inserted, and the manual insertion is performed. The second game recording medium (member card 37) is held at a predetermined arrangement position (communication position), and is inserted by an elastic member (coil spring 378) that is elastically deformed by the insertion. A holding and ejecting mechanism (membership card slot 354) for automatically ejecting the second game recording medium (membership card 37) based on a predetermined ejecting operation (pressing operation of the return button 15) is provided.

According to claim 8 of the present invention, a skip for preventing the automatically ejected second game recording medium (membership card 37) from the game recording medium insertion opening (membership card insertion opening 319). A protrusion restraining means (a leaf spring 391) is provided.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a second game recording medium (membership card 37) which is connected to the game recording medium insertion port (membership card insertion port 319) is inserted into the insertion passage of the second game recording medium. At least one side of the game recording medium (membership card 37) and the passage wall (central wall 3369, transfer member 379)
It has voids (S1, S2) to avoid contact with.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the sectional shape of the insertion passage of the second game recording medium (membership card 37) is
The second game recording medium (member card 37) has a shape (a circumscribed octagon) that contacts only the outer peripheral corners.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings in the above examples, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and changes and additions can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that even if there is, it is included in the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, a membership card 37 as a second game recording medium different from the visitor card 38 which is the first game recording medium is accepted, and the valuable value for the game by the member card 37 is accepted. Although it is possible to carry out a game with a number of points and a stored value that is a savings value, the present invention is not limited to this.

Further, in the above embodiment, while the membership card 37 as the second game recording medium is being accepted, it is possible to add the value of the gaming valuable value based on the cash inserted into the membership card. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Further, in the above embodiment,
The value addition to these member cards 37 can be carried out only when the frequency, which is the valuable value for gaming remaining in the member cards 37 for value addition, is "0", but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, the value addition may be performed when the frequency becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency such as 10 times or less, or the value may be always added.

Further, in the above embodiment, the member card receiving display section 485 serves as an inserting notification means for notifying that the member card 37 as the second game recording medium is being inserted (accepting). Although notifying that the insertion is in progress by providing a lamp, the present invention is not limited to this, and other methods, for example, lighting or blinking a notification lamp, or providing a display unit and inserting The insertion of the membership card 37 may be notified by displaying a message or an image indicating that, and further, the notification of the insertion may be appropriately omitted.

Further, in the above embodiment, in the process of depositing and using the visitor card 38, which is the first game recording medium, in the depositing process and the using process, an LED as an in-process informing means for informing that the various processes are being executed. Module 48
6 is provided to notify that the LED module 486 is being processed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and another method such as lighting or blinking of a notification lamp is used. The visitor card 38 may be informed that the visitor card 38 is in process by displaying a message or an image indicating that the process is in progress by providing a display unit. May be appropriately omitted.

Further, in the above embodiment, the member card slot 354 is used to manually fix and hold the member card 37 as the second game recording medium at the predetermined communication position. The inserted member card 37 is automatically ejected based on the pressing operation of the return button 15 by the coil spring 378 which is elastically deformed in accordance with the insertion. Although it is preferable because the transport mechanism and the like can be simplified, the present invention is not limited to this, and the membership card 37 may be transported and discharged by a driving device such as a motor. .

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the leaf spring 391 which is the ejection preventing means is provided so that the ejected member card 37 does not eject from the member card insertion opening 319 and fall. However, the ejection preventing means are not limited to the member card 37 to be ejected.
It is possible to use as long as it can prevent the fall of.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the photo sensor 390 is applied as the second recording medium detecting means, and the photo sensor 390 detects the presence or absence of the blocking piece 396 of the lock member 387 to determine whether or not the membership card 37 is accepted. Although the present invention is not limited to this, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be provided with a detection unit for directly detecting the member card 37 placed at the communication position, or the photo sensor 390 and the member. The presence or absence of acceptance of the membership card 37 may be detected in combination with the detection unit of the card 37.

In the above embodiment, the member card insertion slot 319 and the passage of the member card slot 354 connected to the member card slot 319 are circumscribed octagonal as described above, and the member card is inserted. In this embodiment, both the membership card 37 and the visitor card 38 can be used as a technique for preventing the surface of the member card 37 from coming into contact with the inner wall of the passage so as not to damage the surface of the member card 37. The example applied to the card unit 3 has been described, but the technique is not limited to the card unit 3 and a normal membership card 37 is used.
Alternatively, it is also applicable to the card unit 3 that can use one type of recording medium such as the visitor card 38. In other words, this technology accepts a game recording medium in which information for identifying the magnitude of the game valuable value that can be used for a game is provided corresponding to the game machine, and the accepted game recording medium is received. It is applicable to a game device that performs a process for causing the game to use the value of the game valuable value specified by the recorded information of, and is connected to a game recording medium insertion port that receives the game recording medium. The insertion passage may have a gap for avoiding contact between at least one surface of the game recording medium to be inserted and the passage wall, and further, the cross-sectional shape of the insertion passage may be changed to that of the game recording medium to be inserted. The shape may be such that it contacts only the outer peripheral corners.

Further, in the above embodiment, the card reader / writer 327 capable of reading and writing (updating) the record information of the non-contact IC card as the recording medium is used as the recording medium processing device. However, the card reader is not limited to the above, and may be a card reader capable of reading the recorded information of the non-contact IC card.

Further, the card reader / writer 327 in the above-described embodiment carries out data input / output (transmission / reception) with the member card 37 and the visitor card 38 in a non-contact manner. Although writing or the like is performed, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the recording information can be read or written in accordance with the specifications of the recording medium to be used, for example, a contact type. When an IC card is used, the contact information may be read or written by contacting the contact terminals. When a magnetic card is used, the magnetic head may slide on the recording surface to record information. May be read and written.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the card reader type pachinko machine 2 is used by using the frequency of the member card 37 inserted as a game device or the installed visitor card 38.
The card unit 3 for paying out pachinko balls is used in the above, but the present invention is not limited to this.
As shown in FIG. 20, a card-type ball lending unit 3a for paying out pachinko balls by itself using the frequency of a membership card 37 or a visitor card 38 as these gaming devices.
Alternatively, a card type medal lending unit (not shown) for paying out medals may be used.

Further, the card unit 3 of the above embodiment is designed to accept the input of the personal identification number in order to confirm the identity when the membership card 37 is accepted, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the membership card 37 may be used without accepting the personal identification number, or the personal identification number may be accepted only when replaying is performed using the savings balls.

Further, in the card unit 3 of the above embodiment, the number of savings balls recorded on the membership card 37 can be used to pay back the pachinko balls to play the corresponding game on the pachinko machine 2. Although the refund process can be performed, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the lending process can be performed at least by using the frequency of the membership card 37 and the visitor card 38. Alternatively, the refund process may be disabled.

Further, the card unit 3 of the above-mentioned embodiment accepts 1000-yen bills, 2000-yen bills, 5000-yen bills, 10000-yen bills, 100-yen coins, 500-yen coins, and performs additional deposit processing to the membership card 37. It is possible to accept 1000 yen bills, 100 yen coins and 500 yen coins, and issue and lend the visitor card 38. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, only bills. Alternatively, it may be possible to accept only coins for these additional deposit processing and issue lending processing, or to accept coins or banknotes of a single denomination and perform additional deposit processing and issue lending processing. Is also good.

In addition, in the card unit 3 of the above embodiment, when the member card 37 is not accepted, when the money is inserted, the issuing and lending process of the visitor card 38 is executed, and the frequency of the inserted money is counted. Is recorded on the visitor card 38, and all the recorded frequencies are automatically used for the lending process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a predetermined frequency is used. It is also possible to automatically lend out a loan for a predetermined number of times by operating the lending button 16, or do not automatically lend, but lend based on the operation of the lending button 16. You may make it implement.

In the card unit 3 of the above embodiment, when the membership card 37 is received, the membership card 37
Each information such as the frequency is stored in the RAM 330, the stored frequency is updated based on the lending process or the additional deposit process, and when the return operation is performed, the updated frequency is recorded in the membership card 37. The frequency is updated and recorded, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the membership card 3 is updated every time the frequency is updated.
The frequency recorded in 7 may be updated.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the frequency as the game valuable value specified by the membership card 37 is recorded or registered in both the membership card 37 and the management computer 100, and the frequency is obtained from both information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the frequency may be recorded only in the membership card 37, or the management computer 100 or a card management server of a third party institution. It is also possible to specify the registered frequency by registering the frequency only in such a case and reading the identification code such as the member ID of the member card 37.

Further, in the above embodiment, the frequency as the game valuable value specified by the member card 37 is associated with the member ID of the member card 37, and the management computer 10
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the frequency is registered and managed in association with the prepaid ID provided for each value addition. Is also good.

Also, in the above embodiment, the visitor card 3
The frequency as the game valuable value specified by 8 is recorded on the visitor card 38, and the frequency is specified by reading the recorded frequency, but the present invention is not limited to this. However, the frequency is registered only in the management computer 100 or a card management server of a third party institution, and the registered frequency is specified by reading the identification code such as the card ID of the visitor card 38. You may do it.

Further, although the non-contact type IC card 37 is used as the first and second game recording media in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and a magnetic card or a A contact type IC card may be used, or in the case where the recorded information can be specified by using the identification code, it is possible to record at least readable information such as the identification code that can specify the game recording medium. Good luck
For example, it may be a recording medium on which a predetermined information recording symbol such as a bar code is readable printed, an information terminal on which the information recording symbol or the like is readable displayed, and the like.

The shape of the IC card 37 as the game recording medium used in the above embodiment is a card shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a disk shape, a spherical shape, or a chip. It may have other shapes such as a shape.

Further, the membership card 37 used in the above embodiment.
Is usable only within a predetermined game hall, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be used as a common membership card that can be used at a plurality of halls.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is not possible to settle the amount of money remaining in the membership card 37, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by providing a settlement device. Alternatively, the frequency remaining in the membership card 37 may be settled to the amount of money corresponding to the frequency.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the frequency and the amount of money corresponding to the frequency are used as the form of the game valuable value used in the pachinko machine 2 which is the game machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, these valuable values for gaming may be set as predetermined points or the corresponding numbers of pachinko balls and coins, and the form thereof may be arbitrarily selected.

In the above embodiment, the pachinko balls are used as the game media used in the pachinko machine 2 which is a game machine. However, these game media are coins or points, and further image-type pachinko machines and slots described later. It may be a pachinko ball, a coin, or the like formed by an image in a machine or the like, and these game media are included in the game media of the present invention as long as they are media used in the game, and the form thereof is limited. Not a thing.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the card reader type pachinko machine 2 which uses the cards of the card unit 3 to pay out the pachinko balls by itself is used as the gaming machine. Pachinko machine 2
In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, a pachinko machine 2a capable of playing a game by receiving a supply of pachinko balls from the card-type ball lending unit 3a, etc., or a slot machine 2c or a pachinko machine for playing a game using coins. Pachilot 2d that uses balls to play games, Pachinko machines that can play without ejecting pachinko balls and coins, and slot machines 2e that are fully creditable, and data without using these game media. Applicable to amusement machines that can be played by, etc., image-type pachinko machines in which game boards and pachinko balls are displayed in images, and image-type slot machines and pachilot machines in which reels are displayed in images. Needless to say, these gaming machines are not limited.

[0161]

The present invention has the following effects.

(A) According to the invention of claim 1, the first
The game recording medium is fixedly held at a predetermined position in the game device so as to be visible from the outside and cannot be pulled out, and has a size corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of the received monetary amount in the first game recording medium. Since the valuable value for gaming can be specified and the valuable value for gaming of the identifiable size can be used for playing the corresponding gaming machine, the first game recording medium is The first of these must be prepared by the amusement hall side because they will not be pulled out.
It is possible to greatly reduce the total number of recording media for games.
It is possible not only to greatly reduce the cost for purchasing the game recording medium, but also to simplify the game device without the need to provide a collecting mechanism or a storage section for these first game recording media.

(B) According to the invention of claim 2, the second
Even if the game recording medium is used, a game can be played on the corresponding game machine as in the case of the first game recording medium.

(C) According to the invention of claim 3, the second
Even if the player who owns the game recording medium uses all the value of the game valuable value remaining in the second game recording medium, the value of the game valuable value remains large without leaving the seat. In addition to improving the convenience of the player, it is also possible for the game hall to leave the seat while the player occupies the game machine in order to add these valuable values for the game. It is possible to prevent the accompanying decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine.

(D) According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to easily confirm that the second game recording medium is being inserted.

(E) According to the invention of claim 5, it can be easily confirmed that the process for the first game recording medium is being executed.

(F) According to the invention of claim 6, by covering the entire surface of the window portion with the transparent cover, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of obstacles due to intrusion of foreign matter or the like through the window portion.

(G) According to the invention of claim 7, the transport mechanism for inserting, arranging and ejecting the second game recording medium can be simplified and the device cost can be kept low.

(H) According to the invention of claim 8, it is possible to prevent the second game recording medium from falling out of the game recording medium insertion opening.

(I) According to the ninth aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the surface of the second game recording medium from being scratched during the insertion and ejection.

(J) According to the invention of claim 10, there is a gap between each surface of the second game recording medium and the insertion passage, and the gap can be suitably formed, and The contact area between the second game recording medium and the insertion passage can be made small, and the insertion resistance can also be kept low.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a gaming system to which a card unit as a gaming device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2A is a front view showing a membership card used in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a front view showing a visitor card.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a pachinko machine and a card unit used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an operation unit of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a front structure of the card unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a partially cutaway side view and a rear view of a card unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing configurations of a card unit and a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9 (a) and 9 (b) are diagrams showing registration statuses of a member card master table and a card unit-specific data table that constitute a card management DB in the management computer used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an output state of each signal output from the prize ball control board and the card unit of the pachinko machine in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a card reader / writer as a recording medium processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a card reader / writer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the base body that constitutes the card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the base body shown in FIG.

15A is a side view of a membership card slot that constitutes a card reader / writer according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15B is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 15A, and FIG.
[Fig. 4] is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of (a).

FIG. 16A is a side view when a membership card is inserted into a membership card slot that constitutes a card reader / writer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16B is a D view of FIG.
It is a -D sectional view.

FIG. 17 (a) is a side view when a membership card is inserted into a membership card slot that constitutes the card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention and is placed at a communication position,
(B) is a EE sectional view of (a).

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a card reader / writer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 (a) is an enlarged front view of a member card insertion slot in the card unit according to the embodiment of the present invention,
(B) is an enlarged sectional view showing a sectional shape of a member card slot in the card reader / writer 327.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a modified example of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 Card reader type pachinko machine (gaming machine) 2a Pachinko machine (gaming machine) 2b Enclosed type pachinko machine (gaming machine) 2c Slot machine (gaming machine) 2d Pachilot (gaming machine) 2e Full credit type slot machine (gaming machine) 3 Card unit (gaming device) 3a Card type ball lending unit (gaming device) 8 Communication cable 9 Signal cable 14 Operation part 15 Return button 16 Lending button 17 Frequency display part 18 Operation board 31 Unit holder 31 'Slide rail 37 Member card (Second recording medium, game recording medium) 38 Visitor card (first recording medium, game recording medium) 38 'Member card (second recording medium, game recording medium) 81 Mounting hole 82 Optical recording unit 83 Antenna coil 84 integrated circuit 91 antenna coil 92 integrated circuit (IC) 100 management computer 1 1 Data Bus 102 CPU 103 RAM 104 RTC 105 Storage Device 106 Input Device 107 Display Device 108 Printer 109 Communication Unit 202 Glass Door Frame 203 Battering Ball Supply Plate 204 Surplus Ball Receiving Plate 205 Battering Ball Operation Handle (Operation Knob) 206 Game Board 207 Game Area 209 Variable display unit 210 Variable display device 211 Passing gate 214 Starting winning hole 215 Movable piece 216 Variable winning ball device 220 Opening / closing plate 224 Winning hole 226 Out port 231 Game control board 235 Lamp control board 237 Prize ball control board 270 Voice control board 280 Display Control board 291 Firing control board 297 Ball payout device 301 Operation lamp 302 Banknote insertion slot (coin receiving section) 303 Coin insertion slot (coin receiving section) 304 Coin return button 305 Changeable lamp 306 Lending unit change button 307 Output unit display section 308 Fractional button 309 Frequency display section 310 Model setting lamp 311 Direction indicator lamp 312 Inserting lamp 313 Coin return slot 313 'Receiving section 314 Member card display section 315 Numeric keypad 316 Play selection button 317 Enter key 318 Visitor card mounting Mouth (recording medium holding part) 318 'Transparent cover member (regulating part) 319 Member card insertion port (game recording medium insertion port) 320 First operation board 321 Second operation board 322 Banknote identification unit (coin identification means) 323 Coins Input path 324 Coin identification unit (coin identification means) 325 Coin return path 326 Coin collection path 327 Card reader / writer (recording medium processing means, deposit processing means, use processing means, value addition processing means) 328 Control unit (deposit processing means, (Use processing means, value addition processing means) 3 29 MPU 330 RAM 331 ROM 332a I / O port 332b I / O port 332c I / O port 334 Communication unit 351 Visitor card storage chamber (predetermined position) 352 Substrate storage unit 353 Base body 354 Member card slot (holding and discharging mechanism) 355 patterns Coil 356 Communication board 357 Control board 358 Side cover 359 Side cover 360 Fixing screw 361 Fixing screw 362 Fixing screw 363 Supporting protrusion 364 Side plate 365 Supporting piece 366 Holding piece (recording medium holding section) 367 Communication board storing section 369 Central wall ( Passage wall) 370 Housing 371 Projection portion 372 Guide rail 373 Guide member 374 Locking pin 375 Bearing 376 Shaft portion 377 Shutter member 378 Coil spring (elastic member) 379 Transfer member (passage wall) 380 Guide rail 381 Engagement portion 382 Solenoid 383 Communication hole 384 Communication window 385 Claw 386 Blocking piece 387 Locking member 388 Shaft 389 Induction pin 390 Photo sensor (second game recording medium detecting means) 391 Leaf spring (projection suppressing means) 392 Control microcomputer 393 I / O port 394 Coil spring 395 Locking pin 480 Step (window) 481 Locking protrusion 482 Locking hole 483 Locking claw 484 Locking hole 485 Member card receiving display (insertion notification means) 486 LED module (processing) Medium notification means) S1, S2 Gap SG2001-29

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Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A recording medium process for reading at least recorded information of a game recording medium, which is provided corresponding to a game machine and records information capable of specifying the value of a game valuable value usable for a game. At least the record information can be read by the recording medium processing means, including the means and the currency accepting portion, and the currency identifying means for identifying the currency accepted from the currency accepting portion, and the first game recording medium. A recording medium holding section which is fixedly held at a predetermined position inside the apparatus, a window section through which at least a part of the first game recording medium held in the recording medium holding section can be visually confirmed from the outside of the apparatus, and the first And a removal prevention unit for preventing the removal of the game recording medium, and a game valuable value of a size corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of the accepted currency amount identified by the currency identifying means. Deposit processing means for performing deposit processing for making it possible to identify it from the record information of the game recording medium, and a predetermined game valuable value within the range of the game valuable value of the size processed by the deposit processing means. A gaming machine, comprising: a usage processing means for performing usage processing for allowing the size to be used for a game. 2. A second recording medium different from the first game recording medium.
Has a game recording medium insertion port into which the game recording medium can be inserted, and the recording medium processing means reads at least the record information of the second game recording medium inserted from the game recording medium insertion port. At the same time, the use processing means causes the game to use a predetermined value of the game value within the range of the value of the game value specified by the record information of the second game recording medium. Claim 1 which performs use processing
The game device described in. 3. The second from the game recording medium insertion opening
The second detecting that the game recording medium is inserted
When the insertion of the second game recording medium is detected by the game recording medium detecting means and the second game recording medium detecting means, when the currency is accepted by the currency identifying means, Value addition processing means for adding and updating a game valuable value of a size corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of the received money amount to the value of the game valuable value remaining in the second game recording medium being inserted. The gaming device according to claim 2, further comprising: 4. The game device according to claim 2, further comprising an in-insertion notification means for informing that the second game recording medium is being inserted. 5. An in-process notifying means for notifying that the processing on the first game recording medium by the deposit processing means and the use processing means is being executed.
4. The game device according to any one of 4. 6. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the extraction restricting portion is formed of a transparent cover provided so as to cover the entire surface of the window portion. 7. The second game recording medium inserted through the game recording medium insertion port is manually inserted, and the manually inserted second game recording medium is held at a predetermined position. 7. A holding / ejecting mechanism for automatically ejecting the inserted second game recording medium based on a predetermined ejecting operation by an elastic member that is elastically deformed with the insertion. The game device described in Crab. 8. The gaming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a pop-out prevention unit that prevents the automatically ejected second game recording medium from protruding from the game recording medium insertion opening. 9. A second connecting to the game recording medium insertion opening
9. The game device according to claim 2, wherein the insertion passage of the game recording medium has a gap for avoiding contact between at least one surface of the second game recording medium to be inserted and a passage wall. . 10. The gaming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the insertion passage of the second game recording medium is such that only the outer peripheral corners of the second game recording medium abut. .