JP2003079932A - System for operating medal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for operating medals which offers users services, prizes or the like according to a common value regardless of the medals obtained from any amusing center by converting the medals obtained at the amusing center to chips for granting the common value. SOLUTION: Medals to be deposited by users are counted with a medal counter 5 and the data of the medals deposited is converted to a chip data with a data conversion terminal 4. The server 3 at the amusing center stores users' information and the medal data while transmitting the chip data converted with the data conversion terminal 4 to the server 2 at the service center, which the server 2 manages the users' information and the chip data per user.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention provides common value by converting medals acquired at an amusement center into chips, and regardless of which amusement center the medal is acquired, a service, a prize or the like corresponding to the value is provided. The present invention relates to a medal operation system provided to users.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the current state of the amusement industry, the sluggishness of video games is very noticeable, and the number of visitors has decreased sharply from the peak. Due to the remarkable improvement in the performance of consumer game machines, extremely high quality games can be played without going to the amusement center. There are few games unique to the amusement center. The reason is considered.

However, among them, the medal game machine still holds a certain amount of weight. This means that there are many strong fixed customers, and it seems that the market still remains. However,
Even if a large number of medals are acquired at the amusement center, there is little merit for the user, and it is speculated that this is the most important factor that cannot be captured by the user. For this reason, it is necessary to provide a way of playing that gives the user the purpose of acquiring a medal.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a common value by converting medals acquired at an amusement center into chips, and no matter which amusement center is used to acquire a medal, a service corresponding to the value is obtained. -To provide a medal operation system capable of giving a prize or the like to a user.

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a medal operation system according to a first aspect of the present invention is to provide an amusement center server installed in each of a plurality of amusement centers and a service center server of the service center. Are connected so that they can communicate with each other, a medal counter and a data conversion terminal are connected to each of the amusement center servers, and when the medal counter counts the medals deposited by the user, the amusement center server deposits user information and deposits. The medal data is stored, and the amusement center server converts the deposited medal data into chip data according to an operation instruction from the data conversion terminal, transmits the converted chip data to the service center server, and then the service center. Service Server is characterized in that it manages the chip data for each user information and user.

The medal operation system according to claim 2 is
The device according to claim 1, wherein the amusement center server converts the chip data received from the service center server into medal data according to an operation instruction from the data conversion terminal, and converts the converted medal data into total medal data. In addition to storing the addition, the converted chip data is transmitted to the service center server, and the service center server manages user information and chip data for each user.

The medal operation system according to claim 3 is
The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein chip data acquired and converted at a plurality of amusement centers are added together at the service center server so that a user can receive a service. .

The medal operation system according to claim 4 is
4. The service according to claim 3, wherein the service received by the user through the user terminal device is a chip that can be acquired, and the chip is acquired as a result of the execution of the service. By transmitting the obtained chip from the device to the service center server, the chip data stored in the service center server is updated.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows the medal operation system 1
2 is a schematic block diagram of the embodiment of FIG. The medal operation system 1 of the present embodiment includes a service center server 2 installed in a service center and an amusement center server installed in each amusement center (amusement center A and amusement center B are shown in FIG. 1). 3, a data conversion terminal 4 and a medal counter 5, a user terminal device 6, a content providing server 7 owned by a content provider, and a communication line such as the Internet 8 for connecting these devices so that they can communicate with each other. Has been done. Further, in FIG. 1, as the user terminal device 6, a personal computer 6a, a consumer game machine 6b, a mobile phone (mobile terminal) 6c, and a set box 6d are illustrated.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the flow of data between the service center server 2 of the service center, the amusement center server 3 of the amusement center, the data conversion terminal 4 and the medal counter 5.

The service center server 2 is composed of, for example, a personal computer (having a personal computer main body, a display device, a keyboard device, a mouse, and a printer). Also,
The service center server 2 has a router (not shown) and a user database 2a in addition to the personal computer. The service center server 2 stores and manages user-related data in the user database 2a. It manages user information from the amusement center server 3 and the user terminal device 6 and chip data described later, and the chip data depends on the usage status of the user. Update. Also,
The home page provides various services to the user's access from the Internet 8.

The amusement center server 3 is composed of, for example, a personal computer (having a main body of a personal computer, a display device, a keyboard device, a mouse, and a printer).
In addition to the personal computer and the like, it has a router (not shown) and a user database 3a. The amusement center server 3 stores and manages data related to the user in the user database 3a. The amusement center server 3 manages user information and the number of medals deposited by the user, and provides user information and chip data converted by the data conversion terminal 4. Send to the center server 2.

The medal counter 5 includes a display unit for displaying data and an operation input unit (for example, a ten-key pad) for selecting items, which are not shown. The medal counter 5 is a counter for counting medals when depositing or withdrawing medals at the amusement center. When depositing medals, the user counts the number of medals deposited by the user, and the amusement center server 3 stores the number of medals of the user. Send data. When drawing out medals, the medal data stored in the amusement center server 3 is received and the number of medals desired by the user is paid out.

The data conversion terminal 4 is an operation terminal for a user to exchange medals for chips or convert chips to medals, and although not shown, a display unit for data display and operation input means for selecting items ( For example, a numeric keypad). When converting from medals to chips, the data conversion terminal 4 acquires medal data from the user database 3a of the amusement center server 3 and transmits the chip data desired by the user to the service center server 2. When converting from chips to medals, chip data is acquired from the service center server 2 and the medal data desired by the user to be exchanged is transmitted to the amusement center server 3.

The user terminal device 6 can use, for example, the personal computer 6a owned by the user, access the home page of the service center server 2 using a dedicated application or an internet browser,
It is possible to receive various services. Also,
A game machine 6b sold for home use can also be used as the user terminal device 6, and it is possible to access the home page of the service center and receive various services by using a dedicated application or an internet browser.

Further, a mobile phone 6c or a dedicated set BOX 6d can be used as the user terminal device 6, and it is possible to access the home page of the service center and receive various services by using the dedicated contents.

The content providing server 7 receives an instruction to provide content such as game software from the service center,
The content is transmitted to the service center server 2. still,
The provided content may be stored in the service center server 2 or in the providing server of the content provider. In addition, the service center may also serve as the content provider.

Next, the contents of the user database of each server will be described. FIG. 3 shows the service center server 2.
It is a figure which shows the content of the user database 2a stored and managed by FIG. In the user database 2a, a user ID given to each user, a password given differently to each user, a user's name, date of birth and gender, user's contact information (for example, email address, occupation, telephone number). , Zip code, address, etc.), the number of chips held by the user,
The user's member registration date and the like are stored and managed.

FIG. 4 shows the amusement center server 3
It is a figure which shows the content of the user database 3a memory-managed by FIG. The amusement center server 3 has a user ID given to each user, a password given differently to each user, a user's name, date of birth and sex, and user's contact information (for example, email address, occupation,
Data common to the contents of the user database 2a, such as a telephone number, zip code, address, etc.), a user's member registration date, etc.
The number of medals held by the user is stored and managed.

Further, the service center server 2 has a configuration shown in FIG.
In addition to the user database shown in FIG. 3, an exchange rate management database, a chip conversion database, a content database, a content usage database, and a customer-specific content usage database are stored and managed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of the exchange rate management database. The exchange rate management database is a database for storing and managing the exchange rate when converting from medals to chips and the exchange rate when converting from chips to medals for each store (amusement center). The store management number, the exchange rate 1 when converting from medals to chips, and the exchange rate 2 when converting from chips to medals are stored and managed.

For example, in FIG. 5, in the store with the store management number "000001", 5 medals are converted into 1 chip when converting from medals to chips, and 1 chip is converted into 5 medals when converting from chips to medals. In addition, in the store with the store management number “000002”, it is shown that when converting from medals to chips, 5 medals are 1 chip, and when converting from chips to medals, 1 chip is 6 medals. .

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents of the chip conversion database. The chip conversion database stores and manages the number of exchanged medals and the number of chips when converting medals into chips and when exchanging chips from medals for each store and each member, and stores management number, user ID,
Number of medals and chips when converting from medals to chips,
The number of medals and the number of chips when exchanging chips for medals are stored and managed. For example, in the first data of FIG. 6, the member with the user ID “000010” in the store with the store management number “000001” exchanges 100 medals for 20 chips, and the number of chips from 20 is changed to 100.
An example of exchanging with a sheet is shown.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the contents of the contents database. The content database is a database that stores and manages the content of content provided as a service to users and the number of chips required to receive the service. The content number for identifying the content, the content name, and the content provider. The provider management number and the required number of chips are stored and managed. In the first data in FIG. 7, the content with the content number “00001” is the provider management number “10.
It is a "pachinko game" provided by the provider "506", and "300 chips" is required to receive the service.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the contents of the content usage database. The content usage database is a database that stores and manages the usage status of each content and the number of chips acquired by the user by the content.
In the content usage database, the content number for identifying the content, the number of used chips, which is the cumulative number of chips paid when the user receives the service (recognized as income from the user at the service center), the content The number of paid chips, which is the cumulative number of chips acquired by the user (recognized as payment to the user at the service center), is stored and managed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the contents of the customer-specific content usage database. The customer-specific content usage database is a database that stores and manages the usage status of the content for each user and the number of chips acquired by the user by the content. The customer-specific content usage database has a user ID for identifying a user, a content number for identifying a content used by the user, a number of chips used for paying the number of chips used when the content is used, and a content The number of acquired chips, which is the number of acquired chips, is stored and managed.

Each process of the medal operation system 1 of the embodiment configured as described above will be described. The user needs to register as a member in order to deposit and withdraw medals at the amusement center. 10 is a flowchart showing a member registration process executed by the amusement center server 3, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a member registration process executed by the service center server 2.

When the amusement center server 3 starts the member registration process, the user is prompted to input a registration required item while displaying a registration required item input screen as shown in FIG. 23 (step A01). The user inputs items necessary for registration (user's name, date of birth and sex, user's contact information, such as e-mail address, occupation, telephone number, postal code, address, etc.). The amusement center server 3 determines whether or not the input items match (step A02), and if they match, the user ID and password are given to the user, and the user ID
The user information entered together with the password is transmitted to the service center server 2 (step A03).

On the other hand, when the user information and the user information are sent from the amusement center server 3 to the service center server 2, the service center server 2 receives these data (step S41), and based on the received user information, this user is a member. It is determined whether or not it can be registered as (step S42). The determination as to whether or not registration as a member is possible is made according to check items such as whether or not the input items are valid and whether or not the members are not in the admission refusal list. If the service center server 2 can be registered as a member, the user database 2a of the service center server 2
In addition to creating a data record of the corresponding user as shown in FIG. 3, the user ID, the password, and the user information are stored (step S43), and the conformity registration is transmitted to the amusement center server 3 as the determination result (step S).
44). On the other hand, if the determination result in step S42 is non-conforming, the non-conforming items are listed (step S45), and the non-conforming result as the determination result is transmitted to the amusement center server 3 (step S46).

After transmitting the user ID, password and user information, the amusement center server 3 monitors whether or not the registration result is transmitted, and the registration judgment result (conformance result) transmitted from the service center server 2 Is received (step A04), it is discriminated whether it is conforming or non-conforming (step A05), and if it is conforming, it is stored in the user database 3a of the amusement center server 3 as shown in FIG.
In addition to creating a data record of the corresponding user as shown in (1), the user ID, password, and user information are stored (step A06), and when membership registration is completed, a membership card is issued (step A07). If the result of step A05 is non-conforming, the amusement center server 3 displays the non-conforming result as shown in FIG. 24, for example, and again prompts the user to enter the registration required item input screen as shown in FIG. Is displayed, and the necessary items for registration are input (step A01). The service center server 2 manages the user information transmitted from a plurality of amusement center servers 3 as the same record if the user is the same user (determined by the user ID).

In the following description, determination of conformity / incompatibility, determination of whether or not storage has ended, determination of whether or not a member is a registered member,
Whether the data is valid or not is determined, but the determination result is incompatible,
If it is not the end of storage, if it is not a registered member, or if it is not valid data, all are processed as an error. In addition,
The description of the case of processing as an error is not directly related to the gist of the present invention, and therefore the illustration and description in the flowchart are omitted.

When the user deposits the medals acquired in the amusement center, the medal counter 5 counts the number of medals to be deposited, and the amusement center server 3 stores the medal. 12 to 13 are flowcharts of deposit / withdrawal processing executed by the medal counter 5, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the amusement center server 3.
6 is a flowchart of a deposit / withdrawal process executed by the.

The medal counter 5 monitors whether or not the member card is inserted. When the member card is inserted, the medal counter 5 reads the user ID stored in the member card and also the password. Is input on the screen (step D01). When the member inputs the password from the ten-key pad, the medal counter 5 transmits the user ID and the password to the amusement center server 3 (step D02) and monitors whether or not the authentication result is transmitted from the amusement center server 3 ( Step D03).

When the user ID and password are sent from the medal counter 5, the amusement center server 3 receives the user ID and password (step A10) and searches the user database 3a to see if the user ID and password are registered members. Is determined (step A11). The user I sent by searching the user database 3a
If D and the password do not match, it is determined that the member is not a registered member. The amusement center server 3
When it is determined that the member is a registered member, the record data of the member is read (step A12), and the matching result and the current total number of medals are transmitted to the medal counter 5 (step A).
13).

When the authentication result is sent from the amusement center server 3, the medal counter 5 receives the matching result and the total number of medals (step D03), and determines whether the authentication result is member matching (step D04). When the authentication result is a membership match, the medal counter 5 displays an item selection screen as shown in, for example, FIG. 25 on the display unit of the medal counter 5 (step D05), and "medal deposit" or "medal withdrawal". Either selection input is accepted (step D06).

The medal counter 5 determines whether or not the input item is "medal deposit" (step D).
07) When the member inputs "medal deposit" from the ten-key pad, the "medal deposit" is transmitted to the amusement center server 3 (step D08), and medal counting processing is performed (step D09). When the acquired medals are inserted into the medal counter 5, the total number of inserted medals is counted, and when the counting of medals is completed, the display unit of the medal counter 5 displays, for example, a count number display screen as shown in FIG. Is displayed, and the number of medals deposited so far (for example, 30019) and the number of medals counted this time (for example, 2312) are displayed (step D10), and the number of medals deposited this time (medal counted this time) is displayed. Number of sheets) is transmitted to the amusement center server 3 (step D11).

The amusement center server 3 monitors whether or not the selected item is transmitted from the medal counter 5 following the process of step A13. When the selected item is transmitted from the medal counter 5, the amusement center server 3 receives this. (Step A14), it is determined whether or not the received selection item is "medal deposit" (step A15). When it is determined that the received selection item is "medal deposit", the amusement center server 3 proceeds to step A16 and monitors whether or not the number of medals to be deposited this time is transmitted from the medal counter 5. Then, when the number of medals to be deposited this time is transmitted from the medal counter 5, this is received (step A16), and the number of medals deposited is added to the total number of medals of the corresponding user ID stored in the user database 3a of the amusement center server 3. The medals are additionally stored (step A17), and the total number of medals additionally stored is transmitted to the medal counter 5 (step A18).

When the total number of medals is transmitted from the amusement center server 3, the medal counter 5 receives the medal number (step D12), and the display section of the medal counter 5 displays, for example, the number of inserted coins and deposits as shown in FIG. The total number confirmation screen is displayed, and the number of medals inserted this time (for example, 2
The total number of deposited medals (for example, 32331) is displayed (step D13), and the membership card is returned (step D14).

When the user withdraws the medals deposited at the amusement center, the medal counter 5 sets the required number of medals from the medal data stored in the amusement center server 3 and withdraws the medals.

In step D06 of FIG. 12, when the member selects and inputs "medal drawer" from the ten-key pad,
The medal counter 5 determines that the input item is not "medal deposit" (step D07), and transmits "medal withdrawal" to the amusement center server 3 (step D15). Next, the medal counter 5 displays, on the display unit of the medal counter 5, a total deposit and number-of-withdrawals input screen as shown in FIG. 28, for example, and displays the number of medals deposited so far (for example, 32331).
The number of medals to be drawn out this time is displayed (step D16), and the input of the number of drawn medals is accepted (step D17). The member inputs the number of drawers (for example, 25) with the ten keys. When the number of withdrawals is input, the medal counter 5 transmits the number of withdrawals to the amusement center server 3 (step D1).
8) It is monitored whether or not the storage result is sent from the amusement center server 3 (step D19).

The amusement center server 3 monitors whether or not the medal counter 5 has transmitted the selected item. When the medal counter 5 transmits the selected item, the amusement center server 3 receives the selected item (step A14) and receives the selected item. It is determined whether or not the selection item is "medal deposit" (step A15). In this case, since the received selection item is "medal withdrawal", the amusement center server 3 determines that the received selection item is not "medal deposit" and proceeds to step A19, where the number of medals withdrawn this time from the medal counter 5 is reached. Is sent. When the number of medals to be drawn out this time is transmitted from the medal counter 5, this is received (step A1).
9), subtracts and stores the number of medals to be drawn from the total number of medals of the corresponding user ID stored in the user database 3a of the amusement center server 3 (step A2).
0), and transmits the subtracted and stored total number of medals to the medal counter 5 (step A21).

When the total number of medals subtracted and stored is transmitted from the amusement center server 3, the medal counter 5 receives this (step D19) and pays out the number of medals to be withdrawn (step D20). When finished, the display of the medal counter 5
For example, a total withdrawal / deposit confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 29 is displayed, and the number of medals withdrawn this time (for example, 25
And the total number of medal deposits (eg 32
Is displayed (step D21), and the membership card is returned (step D22).

The medals deposited by the user can be converted from medals to chips in order to use various services provided at the service center. The user inserts the membership card into the data conversion terminal 4 installed in the amusement center and inputs the personal identification number to display the item selection screen, and thus selects "exchange medal to chip". Next, since the current total number of medals and the exchange rate are displayed, the exchange work for chips is completed by inputting the number of medals to be converted, and the total number of medals and the total number of chips are displayed. When the membership card is inserted into the data conversion terminal 4 and the personal identification number is input, the user ID and password are transmitted to the amusement center server.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of the chip exchange process executed by the data conversion terminal 4, FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the chip exchange process executed by the amusement center server 3, and FIG. 17 is a flow chart of the service center server 2. It is a flow chart of chip exchange processing to be performed. Note that the use of the personal identification number for user authentication is a well-known technique and will not be described.

The data conversion terminal 4 monitors whether or not the member card is inserted. When the member card is inserted, the user ID stored in the member card is read and the password is entered on the screen. (Step E0
1). When the member inputs the password from the ten-key pad, the data conversion terminal 4 transmits the user ID and the password to the amusement center server 3 (step E).
02), it is monitored whether or not the authentication result is sent from the amusement center server 3 (step E03).

When the user ID and password are sent from the data conversion terminal 4, the amusement center server 3 receives the user ID and password (step A30), searches the user database 3a, and determines whether the user ID and password are registered members. It is determined (step A31). The user I sent by searching the user database 3a
If D and the password do not match, it is determined that the member is not a registered member. The amusement center server 3
When it is determined that the member is a registered member, the record data of the member is read, and the store management number of the member, the user ID, and the tip request data are transmitted to the service center server 2 (step A32).

When the store management number, user ID, and tip request data are sent from the amusement center server 3, the service center server 2 receives these (step S01), searches the user database 2a, and records the record data of the member. Is read, and the exchange rates 1 and 2 of the corresponding store are acquired from the total chip number of the corresponding user ID and the exchange rate management database, and the amusement center server 3
To (step S02 to step S04).

When the total number of chips of the user and the exchange rates 1 and 2 are sent from the service center server 2, the amusement center server 3 receives them (step A3).
3), the total number of medals of the corresponding user ID is read from the user database 3a (step A34), and the matching result and the total number of medals are transmitted to the data conversion terminal 4 together with the total number of chips and the exchange rates 1 and 2 received from the service center server (step S34). A35).

When the amusement center server 3 sends the matching result, the total number of medals, the total number of chips, and the exchange rates 1 and 2, the data converting terminal 4 receives these (step E03) and determines whether the authentication result is a match. It is determined (step E04). When the result of the member authentication is in conformity, the data conversion terminal 4 displays an item selection screen as shown in FIG. 30, for example, on its display unit (step E05), and displays “medal → replace chip” or “chip → chip”. A selection input of "exchange for medal" is accepted (step E06). The member selects “Replace medal → chip”.

The data conversion terminal 4 determines whether or not the input item is "replace medal to chip" (step E07), and when the member inputs "replace medal to chip" from the ten-key pad. For example, a screen for inputting the total number of medals, the total number of chips, the exchange rate 1 and the number of exchanged medals as shown in FIG. 31 is displayed (step E08), and the input of the exchanged number is accepted (step E09). For example, it is assumed that there are 29820 medals, 304 chips, and the exchange rate is 5 medals on the screen.

Next, when the member inputs the number of medals desired to be converted, the data conversion terminal 4 transmits the user ID, the number of exchanges, and the exchange item (exchange of medals to chips) to the amusement center server 3 (step E10). .
For example, it is assumed that 320 sheets have been input as the exchange number.

The amusement center server 3 receives the user ID, the number of exchanges, and the exchange item (exchange from medals to chips) from the data conversion terminal 4, receives these (step A36), and exchanges them with the received number of exchange medals. Rate 1
The number of exchanged chips is calculated (step A37), and the store management number, the user ID, the number of exchanged medals, the number of exchanged chips, and the exchange item (exchanged from medals to chips) are transmitted to the service center server 2 (step A38). In the case of the above example, since the number of exchanged coins is 320, the chip 64
It will be converted into a sheet.

The service center server 2 receives the store management number, the user ID, the number of exchanged medals, the number of exchanged chips, and the exchange item (exchanged from medals to chips) from the amusement center server 3 (step S05). ), And stores the number of chip replacements in addition to the total number of chips in the user database 2a (in the above example, the number of chip replacements is 64
The number of chips is added to the total number of chips and stored), and the corresponding store and user ID in the chip exchange database (see FIG. 6)
The number of exchanged medals is added to the number of medals (with an exchange rate of 1) and the number of exchanged chips is added to the number of chips (in the above example, the number of exchanged medals is 320 and the number of exchanged chips is 64, respectively). (Additionally stored) (step S06-
In step S07), the updated total chip number of the corresponding user ID is transmitted to the amusement center server 3 (step S08).

When the total number of chips is sent from the service center server 2, the amusement center server 3 receives this (step A39), and the user database 3a.
The number of exchanged medals is subtracted from the total number of medals of the corresponding user ID (in the above example, the number of exchanged medals 320 is subtracted and stored) (step A40), and the total number of chips and the total number of medals of the corresponding user ID are converted into a data conversion terminal. 4 (step A41).

When the total number of chips and the total number of medals are sent from the amusement center server 3, the data conversion terminal 4 receives these (step E11), and, for example, FIG.
The number of exchanged coins, the total number of chips and the total number of medals received are displayed on the total medal and chip total confirmation screen as shown in (step E12), and the membership card is returned (step E13).

Further, the user can exchange the converted chips for medals again. The user inserts the membership card into the data conversion terminal 4 installed in the amusement center and inputs the personal identification number to display the item selection screen, and thus selects "exchange tip to medal". Next, since the current total number of chips and the exchange rate are displayed, the exchange work for chips is completed by inputting the number of medals to be converted, and the total number of medals and the total number of chips are displayed. When the membership card is inserted into the data conversion terminal 4 and the personal identification number is input, the user ID and password are transmitted to the amusement center server 3.

The data conversion terminal 4 monitors whether or not the member card is inserted. When the member card is inserted, the user ID and password stored in the member card are read (step E01), The user ID and password are transmitted to the amusement center server 3 (step E02), and it is monitored whether or not the authentication result is transmitted from the amusement center server 3 (step E0).
3).

When the user ID and password are sent from the data conversion terminal 4, the amusement center server 3 receives the user ID and password (step A30), searches the user database 3a, and determines whether the user ID and password are registered members. It is determined (step A31). The user I sent by searching the user database 3a
If D and the password do not match, it is determined that the member is not a registered member. The amusement center server 3
When it is determined that the member is a registered member, the record data of the member is read, and the store management number of the member, the user ID, and the tip request data are transmitted to the service center server 2 (step A32).

When the amusement center server 3 sends the store management number, the user ID, and the tip request data, the service center server 2 receives these (step S01), searches the user database 2a, and records the member record data. Is read, and the exchange rates 1 and 2 of the corresponding store are acquired from the total chip number of the corresponding user ID and the exchange rate management database, and the amusement center server 3
To (step S02 to step S04).

When the service center server 2 sends the total number of chips of the user and the exchange rates 1 and 2, the amusement center server 3 receives them (step A3).
3), the total number of medals of the corresponding user ID is read from the user database 3a (step A34), and the matching result and the total number of medals are transmitted to the data conversion terminal 4 together with the total number of chips and the exchange rates 1 and 2 received from the service center server (step S34). A35).

When the amusement center server 3 sends the conformance result, the total number of medals, the total number of chips, and the exchange rates 1 and 2, the data conversion terminal 4 receives these (step E03) and determines whether the authentication result is conforming. It is determined (step E04). When the result of the member authentication is in conformity, the data conversion terminal 4 displays an item selection screen as shown in FIG. 30, for example, on its display unit (step E05), and displays “medal → replace chip” or “chip → chip”. A selection input of "exchange for medal" is accepted (step E06). The member selects “Chip → Replace Medal”.

The data conversion terminal 4 determines whether or not the input item is "replace medal to chip" (step E07), and when the member inputs "replace chip to medal" from the ten-key pad. , Step E07 is determined to be false and the process proceeds to Step E14. For example, a screen for inputting the total number of medals, the total number of chips, the exchange rate 2 and the number of exchanged medals as shown in FIG. 33 is displayed (step E14), and the number of exchanged images is input. Is accepted (step E15). For example, it is assumed that there are 29820 medals, 304 chips, and an exchange rate of 1 chip and 5 medals on the screen.

Next, when the user inputs the number of medals to be converted, the data conversion terminal 4 sends the user ID, the number of exchanged coins, and the exchange item (exchange from chips to medals) to the amusement center server 3. For example, it is assumed that 320 sheets have been input as the exchange number.

When the user ID, the number of exchanges, and the exchange item (exchange from medals to chips) are sent from the data conversion terminal 4, the amusement center server 3 receives these (step A36) and exchanges with the received number of exchange medals. Rate 2
The chip exchange number is calculated (step A37), and the store management number, the user ID, the medal exchange number, the chip exchange number, and the exchange item (chip to medal exchange) are transmitted to the service center server 2 (step A38). In the case of the above example, since the number of exchanged coins is 320, the chip 64
The sheets will be converted into 320 medals.

The service center server 2 receives the store management number, the user ID, the number of exchanged medals, the number of exchanged chips, and the exchange item (exchanged from chips to medals) from the amusement center server 3 (step S05). ), The number of chip exchanges is subtracted from the total number of chips in the user database 2a and stored (in the above example, the number of chip exchanges is 6).
(4 pieces are subtracted from the total number of chips), and the number of medals exchanged is added to the number of medals (of the exchange rate of 2) of the relevant store and user ID in the relevant chip exchange database, and the number of exchanged chips is added to the number of chips. Is additionally stored (in the above example, the number of exchanged medals is 320 and the number of exchanged chips is 64), and the total number of chips of the user ID is transmitted to the amusement center server 3 (step S08).

When the total number of chips is sent from the service center server 2, the amusement center server 3 receives this (step A39), and the user database 3a.
The number of exchanged medals is additionally stored in the total number of medals of the relevant user ID (in the above example, the number of exchanged medals is 320) (step A40), and the total number of chips and the total number of medals of the relevant user ID are stored in the data conversion terminal. 4 (step A41).

When the total number of chips and the total number of medals are sent from the amusement center server 3, the data conversion terminal 4 receives these (step E11), for example, as shown in FIG.
The number of exchanged coins, the total number of chips and the total number of medals received are displayed on the total medal and chip total confirmation screen as shown in (step E12), and the membership card is returned (step E13).

Next, the service provision will be described.
When a user wants to receive a service, the user terminal device (hereinafter, simply referred to as a user terminal) 6 is used to connect to a service center using a communication line such as the Internet 8 (see FIG. 1).

18 to 19 are flowcharts of service providing processing in the user terminal 6, and FIGS. 20 to 21 are flowcharts of service providing processing executed by the service center server 2. When the user wants to receive the service, the user inputs the URL from the user terminal 6 to connect to the service center server 2 using the communication line such as the Internet 8 (step F0).
1).

The service center server 2 includes the user terminal 6
In response to the access request from the user terminal 6, for example, an ID input screen as shown in FIG. 35 is displayed on the user terminal 6 to request input of user identification information (user ID, password) (step S10). The user uses the user I
D and password are input (step F02 to step F03). The service center server 2 uses the user terminal 6
While receiving the user ID and password transmitted from, the user database 2a is searched to authenticate whether or not the user is a member (steps S11 to S12). The service center server 2 authenticates the user based on the user identification information input when the user terminal is connected, and when it is determined that the user is not the user, notifies the user terminal to that effect.

Only the authenticated user can access the home page, and the service center server 2 obtains the total chip number of the corresponding user ID from the user database 2a, and the contents and necessary contents that can be provided from the contents database (see FIG. 7). The chip data is acquired, and the user information (for example, the user's name and the total number of chips as shown in FIG. 36), the service content that can be provided, and the required number of chips are displayed on the home page (step S13).
-Step S15 and Step F04-Step F0
7).

FIG. 37 is a view showing an aspect of the service menu screen displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 6.
As a service, for example, a game is provided. FIG. 37
In the example shown in (2), two games, a pachinko game and a mahjong game, can be used. The chip 300 is required when the pachinko game is used, and the chip 300 is required when the mahjong game is used.

The user selects a desired service item (game software download, etc.) from the service item list. The selection data is transmitted from the user terminal 6 to the service center server 2 (step F08), and accordingly the service center server 2 provides the user terminal 6 with the content corresponding to the selection data (step S16) (step F09). When receiving the service, the total number of chips of the corresponding user ID of the service center server is referred to determine whether the service can be provided, and if the service cannot be provided, the user terminal is notified to that effect.

The service center server 2 stores the number of chips required for the selected service item in the user database 2a.
Is subtracted from the total number of chips of the corresponding user ID and stored (step S17), and added and stored to the number of chips of the corresponding content number in the content usage database (see FIG. 8) and the customer-specific content usage database (see FIG. 9). (Step S18). Then, the service center server 2 instructs the user terminal 6 to send, for example, to FIG.
The user information display screen as shown in and the total number of chips are transmitted (step S19). When the user terminal 6 receives the user information display screen and the total number of chips (step F1
0) The total number of chips and the number of used chips are displayed on the user information display screen (step F11), and the user is asked to confirm the current number of chips.

The service provided by the content provider is a service item (for example, a pachinko game or a mahjong game) having a game function capable of obtaining a chip according to the result of the user's execution (the result of the user's game). Game software such as) can be provided.
Further, the chip acquired according to the execution result can be transmitted to the service center, and the acquired chip data can be additionally added to the chip data managed by the service center server.

When the user obtains a chip as a result of carrying out the service (steps F12 to F13),
The number of acquired chips is transmitted to the service center server 2 (step F14). When the service center server 2 receives the acquired chip number from the user terminal 6 and receives the acquired chip number (step S20), the user database 2
The acquired chip number is added and stored to the total chip number of the corresponding user ID of a (step S21), and the paid chip number of the corresponding content number in the content usage database and the acquired chip number of the corresponding content number in the customer-specific content usage database are stored. The number of acquired chips is added and stored (step S22).

Then, the service center server 2 transmits the user information display screen as shown in FIG. 39 and the total number of added and stored chips to the user terminal 6 (step S23). When the user terminal 6 receives the user information display screen and the total number of chips (step F15),
The total number of chips and the number of added chips are displayed on the user information display screen (step F16), and the user is asked to confirm the current total number of chips.

Next, the calculation of the billing / payment amount performed by the service center server 2 will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the amount calculation process performed by the service center server 2. The service center server 2 periodically (for example, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, etc.) converts the number of medals stored in the chip conversion database (see FIG. 6) into chips (the number of chip exchanges). The billing amount is calculated for each store based on the number of chips converted into medals (the number of converted medals) (step S30).

For example, referring to the first data in FIG. 6, the number of medals converted into chips (the number of chips exchanged) is 20 for the store with the store management number “000001”. (Number of converted medals)
Is 100 sheets. The service center server 2 stores the store management number “00” stored in the chip conversion database.
The total of the number of exchanged chips and the total of the number of converted medals are calculated for all the data "0001". Then, the service center server 2 obtains a commission for the total chip conversion number (for example, 10% of the total chip conversion number) and a commission for the total medal conversion number (for example, 5 minutes of the total medal conversion number). The fee for the total number of converted chips is the fee paid by the store (in this case, the store with the store management number “000001”) to the center, and the fee for the total number of converted medals is for the center (in this case, the store). This is the fee paid to the store with the management number "000001".
Therefore, the charge amount for the store is: charge amount = (commission for the total number of converted chips in the store)-(commission for the total number of converted medals in the store).

Next, the service center server 2 periodically calculates the payment amount for each content provider from the content usage database (see FIG. 8). For example, to explain with the first data in FIG. 8, the content number “0
The number of used chips for the content “0001” is 900, and the payment amount is the amount paid for the used number of chips 900 (for example, X yen per chip). Referring to the content database of FIG. 7, the content number "00
Since the provider of “001” is the provider of the provider management number “10506”, for the content of the content number “00001”, the payment amount to the provider of the provider management number “10506” is 900 used chips. It will be paid. Then, the calculated invoice amount for each store and the calculated payment amount for each content provider are printed in a form (step S32).

Although the embodiment of the medal operation system 1 of the present invention has been described above, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the exchange rate of 1 or 2 is set in the exchange of medals to chips and the exchange of chips to medals. Instead of managing by the center server 3, all are managed by the service center server 2 so that the exchange rate is transmitted to the amusement center server 3 of each store when there is a request for exchanging medals for chips or chips for medals. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the amusement center from changing the exchange rate without permission.

If the user is registered as a member of the service center, the user is the amusement center A.
When you exchange the medals obtained in 1. for the chips, the exchanged chips are managed by the service center and can be exchanged for chips again at another amusement center B. Therefore, the medals obtained at the amusement center A can be exchanged for another amusement. It can be used in the center B.

Furthermore, when the user wins the medal at the amusement center A and also wins the medal at another amusement center B, the medal is exchanged for a chip at the amusement center A, and the medal is also chipped at the other amusement center B. Since the chips exchanged at both stores are managed collectively by the service center, medals obtained at different stores can be combined.

If the user can receive a service (for example, a game) provided by the service center by using the chip managed by the service center, and the user newly obtains the chip when the service is performed. ,
The acquired chips can be additionally managed at the service center. Further, the content of the service provided by the service center to the user according to the total number of chips is not limited to the game, and various services or prizes may be provided to the user according to the total number of chips.

[0085]

According to the structure described in claim 1, when the medal counter counts the medals deposited by the user, the amusement center server stores the user information and the deposited medal data, and the operation from the data conversion terminal is performed. According to the instruction, the amusement center server
The deposited medal data is converted to chip data, the converted chip data is sent to the service center server, and the service center server manages user information and chip data for each user, so the medals acquired at the amusement center are converted to chip data. Even if a plurality of amusement centers have won medals by converting the medals, the acquired medals can be converted into chip data and managed by the service center as chip data.

According to the second aspect of the invention, each amusement center server converts the chip data received from the service center server into medal data according to an operation instruction from the data conversion terminal, and the converted medal data is a medal. The converted chip data is sent to the service center server in addition to the total data, and the service center server manages the user information and the chip data for each user, so the medals acquired by the user at the amusement center are converted to chip data. When exchanged, the exchanged chip data is managed by the service center, and since it is possible to exchange the chip data for medals again at an amusement center different from the amusement center, the medals won at multiple amusement centers can be shared. hand It can be used in a number of amusement center.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the service center server and the user terminal device are communicably connected to each other, and the service center server and the user terminal device are acquired at a plurality of amusement centers.
Since the converted chip data can be added up by the service center server and the user can receive the service through the user terminal device, it is possible to provide the user with services, prizes, etc. according to the number of chip data. Can receive various services and prizes at places other than the amusement center with medals acquired at the amusement center. Further, in the amusement center, the user's motivation to acquire a medal increases, which leads to acquisition of a new user and activation of the medal game machine.

According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the service received by the user through the user terminal device is a chip that can be obtained, and when the chip is obtained as a result of the execution of the service, Since the chip data stored in the service center server is updated by transmitting the acquired chip from the user terminal device to the service center server, it is possible to give the user an opportunity to acquire chips other than the amusement center. As a result, the user's motivation to acquire chips is increased, which leads to acquisition of new users and activation of medal game machines.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a medal operation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a data flow between a service center server of a service center, an amusement center server of an amusement center, a data conversion terminal, and a medal counter.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing contents of a user database stored and managed in a service center server.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the contents of a user database stored and managed in an amusement center server.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of an exchange rate management database stored and managed in a service center server.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents of a chip conversion database stored and managed in a service center server.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the contents of a content database stored and managed in a service center server.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the contents of a content usage database stored and managed in a service center server.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the contents of a customer-specific content usage database stored and managed in the service center server.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing member registration processing executed by the amusement center server.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of member registration processing executed by the service center server.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a part of deposit / withdrawal processing executed by a medal counter.

FIG. 13 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing deposit / withdrawal processing executed by the amusement center server.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of chip exchange processing executed by the data conversion terminal.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of chip exchange processing executed by the amusement center server.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of chip exchange processing executed by the service center server.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of service providing processing executed by the user terminal device.

FIG. 19 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of service providing processing executed by the service center server.

FIG. 21 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of an amount calculation process executed by the service center server.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a registration required item input screen of member registration processing in the amusement center server.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a member registration incompatibility display screen of a member registration process in the amusement center server.

FIG. 25 is a view showing an item selection display screen of deposit / withdrawal processing in the medal counter.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a total deposit number / count number input screen for deposit / withdrawal processing in the medal counter.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a confirmation screen for inputting deposit / withdrawal processing in the medal counter and displaying the total number of deposits.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a total deposit amount display screen and a withdrawal amount input screen for deposit / withdrawal processing in the medal counter.

FIG. 29 is a view showing a withdrawal screen for deposit / withdrawal processing in the medal counter and a confirmation screen for displaying the total number of deposits.

FIG. 30 is a view showing an item selection display screen of a chip exchange process in the data conversion terminal.

FIG. 31 is a view showing a replacement number display screen and a replacement rate display screen in a chip replacement process in a data conversion terminal.

FIG. 32 is a view showing a screen for confirming the total number of medals and the total number of chips in the chip exchange process in the data conversion terminal.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a replacement number display screen and a replacement rate display screen in the chip replacement process in the data conversion terminal.

FIG. 34 is a view showing a screen for confirming the total number of medals and the total number of chips in the chip exchange process in the data conversion terminal.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an ID input display screen of service providing processing in the user terminal device.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a user information display screen at the time of accessing the service center of the service providing process in the user terminal device.

FIG. 37 is a view showing a service menu display screen of service providing processing in the user terminal device.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a user information display screen at the time of using the contents of the service providing process in the user terminal device.

FIG. 39 is a view showing a user information display screen at the time of completion of chip addition of service providing processing in the user terminal device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 medal operation system 2 Service center server 2a User database 3 amusement center server 3a User database 4 Data conversion terminal 5 medal counter 6 User terminal 6a PC 6b Consumer game console 6c mobile phone 6d set box 7 Content provision server 8 Internet

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An amusement center server installed in each of a plurality of amusement centers and a service center server of a service center are communicably connected to each other, and a medal counter and a data conversion terminal are provided in each of the amusement center servers. In the connected medal operation system, when the medal counter counts the medals deposited by the user, the amusement center server stores the user information and the deposited medal data, and in accordance with an operation instruction from the data conversion terminal, The amusement center server converts the deposited medal data into chip data, transmits the converted chip data to the service center server, and the service center server manages user information and chip data for each user. A medal operation system characterized by that. 2. The amusement center server converts chip data received from the service center server into medal data according to an operation instruction from the data conversion terminal, and stores the converted medal data in addition to the medal total number data. At the same time, the converted chip data is transmitted to the service center server, and the service center server manages user information and chip data for each user. 3. The service center server and the user terminal device are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other, and chip data acquired and converted at a plurality of amusement centers are summed at the service center server, and the user through the user terminal device. The medal operation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the medal operation system is capable of receiving a service. 4. The service received by the user through the user terminal device is a chip that can be acquired, and when the chip is acquired as a result of the service, the user terminal device receives the service. The medal operation system according to claim 3, wherein the chip data stored in the service center server is updated by transmitting the acquired chip to the center server.