JP2004057530A - Carryover system for game ball lending possibility information - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To apply a system which can process data of the remainder in a game card after a game is completed so as to be advantageous both to a player and to a game hall. <P>SOLUTION: This carry over system for game ball lending possibility information has: a game card issuing machine for cash, which issues the game card for cash corresponding to the game ball lending possibility information with a cash value flow from the player to the game hall; a game ball lending device for lending game balls as much as the amount within the range of lending possibility information of the inserted game card and reducing and updating the lending possibility information; stored ball information storage means for storing a stored ball information; and a game ball storing means from lending possibility information for inverting the lending possibility information of the game card into the stored game ball information to store the stored game ball information in the stored game ball information storage means corresponding to a player information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game ball lending possible information carry-over system, for example, a game ball supply card (hereinafter referred to as a game card) for renting game balls (pachinko balls and coins) such as a pachinko game machine or a slot machine. The present invention can be applied to a frequency (hereinafter referred to as a remaining number) processing system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, in many of today's pachinko gaming machines, sand devices compatible with gaming cards are juxtaposed, and it is possible to lend gaming balls up to the remaining number of gaming cards. . If the player has a remaining number of gaming cards when returning to the home, the player will bring the gaming cards home for the next gaming opportunity.
[0003]
In addition, recently, a card settlement device for adjusting the remaining number of gaming cards has been proposed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when a game card having a remaining number is brought back, there is a high possibility that the game card is lost. If the game card is lost, the remaining number of cards will be wasted for the player, and it will be difficult for the game arcade (gaming arcade operating company) to estimate the frequency used for lending in the future.
[0005]
Also, bringing back the gaming card itself increases the number of portable items, and many players dislike it. In particular, there are many players who dislike the players who do not have many game opportunities.
[0006]
In consideration of the above points, it is preferable to settle a game card having a remaining number.
[0007]
However, if the game card is settled, the game hall (game hall operating company) needs not only cash management when the game card is issued but also cash management when the game card is settled. Therefore, the whole cash management becomes complicated. In addition, since the number of players who do not carry over the remaining number of game cards to the next time becomes very large, even if the amount of the game itself is almost the same, the number of game cards issued per day significantly increases, Expenses are also high in this regard.
[0008]
Therefore, there is a need for a system (a game ball lending possible information carry-over system) that can process the remaining number of gaming cards at the end of the game so that both the player and the game arcade have an advantage.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve such a problem, the game ball lending possible information carryover system according to the first aspect of the present invention associates the game ball lending possible information with the transfer of a monetary value from a player to a game hall. A cash-issuing game card issuing machine that issues a cash-issuing gaming card and the above-mentioned cash-issuing gaming card are taken in, and the designated amount of game balls is lent within the range of the lendable information corresponding thereto. Along with the cash-issuing gaming card, the lending available information is reduced according to the lending amount, a game ball lending device, a ball-storing information storage unit for storing ball-storing information, and the cash-issuing gaming card. The associated rentable information is converted into first coin information for later prize exchange and / or re-conversion to lent game balls, and the coin information is stored in association with player information. And having a first lendable information 貯玉 means for accumulating the stage.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the first lending available information storage means is a cash-issuing game for collecting the cash-issuing gaming card in which the lending available information has been converted to the first savings information. It is characterized by having a card collection part for business.
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, according to the first or second aspect, all or a part of the first coin storage information stored in the coin storage information storage unit is converted into game ball lending information, and the lending is possible. A coin issuance game card with which information is correlated is issued, and a coin issuance game card issuing machine for reducing the first coin information in the coin information storage means is provided. The feature is that it can also be used for playing games.
[0012]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the rentable information associated with the coin-issuing game card is converted into first coin-saving information, and the coin-saving information is associated with player information. It is characterized by having a second lendable information storage means for storing in the storage means.
[0013]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the second lending-possible information ball-storing means collects the ball-issuing-issuing game card in which the lending-possible information is converted into the second ball-settlement information. It is characterized by having a card collection part for business.
[0014]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the third to fifth aspects, the lendable information associated with the cash-issuing gaming card is settled into a monetary value, and the lending information is compatible with the coin-issuing gaming card. It is characterized by having a gaming card settlement machine for prohibiting settlement of the attached lendable information to a monetary value.
[0015]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, a prize game ball as a reward of a game result or a remaining game ball for lending is counted, and information corresponding to the counted value is stored in the second game device. The present invention is characterized in that there is provided prize ball storage means for accumulating the prize ball storage means in the above-mentioned ball storage information storage means for prize exchange or re-conversion into a lent game ball later.
[0016]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, the ball information storage means stores the first ball information and the second ball information without discrimination.
[0017]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the first lending available information storage means is linked with the authentication means of the member player, and the cash issuing game possessed by the member player is provided. The feature is that conversion of the lendable information associated with the business card to the first coin information is permitted, and conversion of the non-member player to the first coin information is not permitted.
[0018]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the first ball information and / or the second ball information stored in the ball information storage means are reduced to exchange prizes. It has a prize exchange processing device.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(A) Embodiment
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a game ball lending possible information carry-over system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
The type of gaming machine in the game ball lending possible information carry-over system of this embodiment is not limited as long as it uses a gaming ball (pachinko ball, coin, metal, etc.). In consideration of the above, a description will be given assuming that the gaming machine provided in the game arcade is a pachinko gaming machine.
[0021]
(A-1) Configuration of Embodiment and Functions of Each Part
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game ball lending possible information carry-over system of this embodiment.
[0022]
In the case of this embodiment, the game card does not directly record the remaining number (game ball lending available information), but only a unique identification code is fixedly recorded for each card (for example, bar code printing). , Emboss, etc.) and the remaining number are stored in the host controller 5 described later in association with the identification number (ID) of the gaming card.
[0023]
The game ball lending possible information carry-over system 1 of this embodiment includes a gaming machine 2, a ball rental machine (so-called sanding device) 3 and an island unit controller 4 juxtaposed with the gaming machine 2. These gaming machines 2, ball rental machines 3, and island unit controllers 4 are substantially the same as conventional ones.
[0024]
Here, the ball lending machine 3 may be of a type corresponding to only a gaming card, or may be of a type corresponding to both a gaming card and cash (currency currency). The ball lending machine 3 takes out the remaining number from the host controller 5 when the game card is inserted, and when the lending of the game ball using the remaining number of the game card is instructed, the ball lending machine 3 sends the game ball to the game machine 2. The host controller 5 instructs the host controller 5 to borrow and update the remaining number.
[0025]
The ball rental machine 3 may update and hold the remaining number, and notify the host controller 5 of the updated remaining number when the gaming card is ejected (or immediately after the update).
[0026]
The island unit controller 4 is provided in common to a plurality of pairs of gaming machines 2 and ball lending machines 3 constituting a gaming island, is a data centralized management machine when using gaming cards on the island, and has a host controller 5; It also has a function of relaying communication with the gaming machine 2 and the ball lending machine 3.
[0027]
In addition, the game ball lending possible information carry-over system 1 includes a game card issuing and settlement machine 6. The gaming card issuing machine and the gaming card settlement machine may be separately provided.
[0028]
Although the illustration of the internal configuration is also omitted for the gaming card issuance and payment machine 6, substantially the same as the conventional one can be applied. That is, the entrance of cash (flow currency), the entrance of the game card, the reader of the game card, the cash storage unit, the game card storage unit, the communication unit with other devices, the input unit, It has a display unit, a control unit for controlling various processes, and the like. The operation content controlled by the control unit of the gaming card issuance and payment machine 6 is slightly changed from the conventional one, as described later.
[0029]
In this embodiment, the game card is issued on condition that the above-mentioned cash is inserted, and issuance of a game card using a game ball (so-called ball storage) in which past acquired game balls are stored. There is also. A gaming card according to the former issuance method is appropriately referred to as a cash-issuing gaming card, and a gaming card according to the latter issuance method is appropriately referred to as a ball-issuing issuance gaming card. This distinction may be one that can be visually determined, but is distinguished by a flag in the database. The gaming card issuance and settlement machine 6 may be capable of issuing a coin-deposited gaming card, or conversely, may not be capable of issuing a coin-deposited gaming card. In the following description, it is assumed that the gaming card issuance and payment machine 6 cannot issue a coin storage issuance gaming card.
[0030]
The gaming card issuance and settlement machine 6 issues a gaming card in accordance with the operation of inputting cash (flow currency) and designating the amount of money (initial balance), and also transmits the ID of the issued gaming card and the remaining number. Notify the host controller 5.
[0031]
When the inserted gaming card is a cash-issuing gaming card and there is a remaining number associated with the gaming card, the gaming card issuance and payment machine 6 determines that the amount of cash ( (Currency currency). The settlement is performed by notifying the host controller 5 of the ID of the cash-issuing game card for which settlement is requested, extracting the remaining number, and notifying the host controller 5 again of the settlement end.
[0032]
Here, in the case of this embodiment, the settlement by the gaming card issuance settlement machine 6 for the coin storage issue gaming card is not permitted.
[0033]
Further, the game ball lending available information carry-over system 1 has a member server 7 having a member database 8. The member database 8 stores information of members common to a plurality of halls of the game hall or the operating company thereof. The member server 7 stores information in the member database 8 although illustration of a detailed configuration is omitted. It manages and updates.
[0034]
Members are provided with a membership card. At least the member identification number (member ID) is recorded on the member card.
[0035]
The member database 8 stores various information in association with the member ID and the password. The stored information about the member includes bibliographic information such as the member's name, address, and telephone number, and game management information such as information on the total purchase amount and the loss or victory so far. In addition, there is accumulated coin information as stored information about members.
[0036]
The first piece of ball storage information is counting information of a game ball (prize ball) or a so-called possession ball (hereinafter collectively referred to as a premium ball) that has been won in a game. Alternatively, it is carried over for prize exchange by adding the prize ball after the next time. The number of prize balls may be directly used as the number of stored balls, or the number of prize balls may be multiplied by a predetermined coefficient (for example, a value less than 1) to obtain the number of stored balls. The first type of coin storage information is similar to conventional one.
[0037]
Secondly, the ball storage information is obtained by converting the remaining number of cash-issuing gaming cards into information on gaming balls. The conversion rate at this time may be arbitrarily determined. This embodiment has a great feature in that the second kind of ball storage function is provided.
[0038]
In the following description, the initial information converted into the ball storage information may be performed without distinguishing the information in the first case described above or the information in the second case described above. In some cases, the information stored in the first case may be distinguished from the information stored in the second case (first information stored in the bank) and the information converted in the second case may be used.
[0039]
In the vicinity of the prize exchange, a game ball (prize ball) counter 9, a receipt issuing and saving machine 10, a prize management POS terminal 11, and a card processor 12 are provided as components of the game ball lending possible information carry-over system 1. Have been.
[0040]
The game ball counter 9 counts premium balls, and the counting information is given to a receipt issuing ball-storing machine 10 and a premium management POS terminal 11 provided in association therewith.
[0041]
The receipt issuing ball storage machine 10 issues a receipt printed with the number of prize balls counted by the game ball counter 9 or sends out ball storage information relating to the number of prize balls counted by the game ball counter 9. .
[0042]
The prize management POS terminal 11 performs a prize exchange process of the number of prize balls. At this time, information on the number of prize balls is not only the number of prize balls counted by the game ball counter 9 but also the member database 8. May be based on the information (ball information) extracted from the information. The prize management POS terminal 11 mainly executes conversion of the present number of prize balls counted by the game ball counter 9 into ball storage information.
[0043]
The card processor 12 has a function of issuing a coin-to-member issuing game card to a member, a function of processing a member's coin-issuing game card and a cash-issuing game card at the end of the game, and the like. The detailed configuration and the like of the card processor 12 will be described later.
[0044]
The host controller 5 is a centralized management device for game card information, game information for each game machine, and the like. A database 13 of game card information and the like are provided in association with the host controller 5.
[0045]
The various components as described above can transmit and receive information via the in-hall network 14. In addition, the network 14 in a hall has network equipments, such as HUB, suitably.
[0046]
(A-1-1) Detailed Configuration of Card Processing Machine 12
FIG. 2 is a schematic external view of the card processor 12, and FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the card processor 12.
[0047]
The card processor 12 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and externally, the gaming card entrance 20, the membership card entrance 21, the liquid crystal display unit 22, the ten-key unit 23, the operation mode key unit 24, and the like are visually observed.
[0048]
The card processor 12 includes, in addition to the above components, components as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. That is, it includes a control unit 25, a game card reading unit 26, a game card storage unit 27, a game card collection unit 28, a membership card reading unit 29, a communication processing unit 30, and the like.
[0049]
The game card doorway 20 functions as an insertion port and a discharge port for the game card. Although illustration is omitted, a game card receiving / discharging lamp that is turned on or off by the control unit 25 may be provided.
[0050]
The member card entrance 21 functions as a member card insertion port and a discharge port. Although illustration is omitted, a membership card receiving / discharging lamp which is controlled to be turned on or off by the control unit 25 may be provided.
[0051]
The game card storage unit 27 stores game cards to be ejected from the game card entrance 20 and also has a card payout mechanism. The discharging (issuing) of the stored game ball supply card is executed under the control of the control unit 25. The game card collection unit 28 collects and stores game cards inserted from the game card entrance 20 under the control of the control unit 25. The game card reading unit 26 reads information of a game card inserted from the game card entrance 20 and gives it to the control unit 25, or reads information of a game card to be ejected from the game card entrance 20 and reads the information of the game card. 25.
[0052]
The member card reading unit 29 reads information (member ID) of the member card inserted from the member card entrance 21 and gives the information to the control unit 25.
[0053]
The liquid crystal display unit 22 displays an operation state, a guidance message, and the like. The numeric keypad 23 is used for inputting numbers such as the number of prize balls to be used for storing balls and the number of game balls to be reused (number of stored balls). The operation mode key unit 24 is for instructing an operation mode such as a mode for storing the number of remaining game cards and a mode for issuing a game card (a ball for issuance game) using a ball.
[0054]
The communication processing unit 30, under the control of the control unit 25, is directly connected to other devices (the game ball counter 9, the receipt issuing and saving machine 10, the premium management POS terminal 11), and the hall network 14. It exchanges information with other connected devices (such as the host controller 5 and the member server 7).
[0055]
The control unit 25 controls the entire card processing machine 12. The control function of the control unit 25 is mainly a control function related to the ball storage.
[0056]
(A-1-2) Host controller 5 or member server 7
The host controller 5 and the member server 7 are composed of general information processing devices capable of accessing the related databases 13 and 8, and although detailed illustration is omitted, functionally execute software processing and the like. And a communication processing unit that performs information exchange with other devices.
[0057]
(A-2) System operation of the embodiment and operation of a player or the like
Hereinafter, various operations of the game ball lending possible information carry-over system 1 of the embodiment will be described together with the operations of the member player and the like.
[0058]
(A-2-1) Member card player card issuing operation
A member player must also use a gaming card in order to borrow a game ball. As a method for the member player to obtain the gaming card, there are a method by depositing cash (currency currency currency) and a method by using coins.
[0059]
Hereinafter, the issuing operation of the gaming card by cash deposit will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. The issuance of a gaming card by cash deposit is the same process as that performed by a non-member player, and this process itself is the same as in the related art.
[0060]
The member player goes to the gaming card issuing and payment machine 6 and inserts cash (T1). At this time, the gaming card issuance and payment machine 6 accepts the inserted cash (performs bill authenticity determination and the like), and turns on all the money selection buttons below cash (T2). The member player operates a desired money amount selection button from among the lit money amount selection buttons (T3).
[0061]
The gaming card issuance and payment machine 6 reads the card ID of the gaming card to be issued from now on and the host controller 5 together with the amount information (may be the information converted into the remaining number) related to the selected amount selection button. (T4). The host controller 5 confirms whether or not the issuance can be permitted based on the received card ID. If the issuance is permitted, the host controller 5 associates the card ID with the amount information (or the remaining number information) in the database 13. After the storage, the issuance permission is returned to the gaming card issuance payment machine 6 (T5).
[0062]
As a result, the gaming card issuing and settlement machine 6 discharges the permitted gaming card (T6), and the member player receives the gaming card (T7).
[0063]
If there is a difference between the inserted cash and the selected amount, the discharge of the difference amount is executed together with the discharge of the permitted gaming card.
[0064]
When the host controller 5 determines that the card ID of the game card to be issued is suspicious, the host controller 5 causes the built-in buzzer to sound and displays the fact on the display unit, and allows the employee or the like to play the game. The card issuing and payment machine 6 is checked. For example, if the same card ID as the card ID of the game card currently used for lending game balls is given as the card ID of the game card to be issued, Perform processing.
[0065]
Further, the gaming card issuing and settlement machine 6 is provided with a function of reading a membership card, and when the ejection of the gaming card is completed, the selected amount and the ID of the membership card inserted at a predetermined stage (membership ID) may be given to the member server 7 so as to be managed as the member's game history information or the like.
[0066]
(A-2-2) Game ball lending operation
Next, a lending operation of a game ball using a game card will be described with reference to a sequence diagram of FIG. In addition, in the case of this embodiment, about the lending operation | movement of a game ball, the cash issue game card and the coin storage issue game card are the same. The operation of lending the game balls is almost the same as the conventional one.
[0067]
A player (for example, a member player) selects the gaming machine 2 and inserts a gaming card into the ball lending machine 3 related to the gaming machine 2 (T11). The ball lending machine 3 reads the ID of the inserted gaming card, transmits it to the host controller 5 (T12), confirms the validity of the gaming card, and checks the number of remaining cards that can be supplied (the remaining number of cards). It is also possible to display the remaining number related to cash deposit and the remaining number related to the use of coins, and in this case, information of the type of the remaining number is also transmitted). Then (T13), the ball rental machine 3 displays the remaining number (T14).
[0068]
Although omitted in FIG. 5, when the game card in which the host controller 5 is inserted is determined to be invalid, the host controller 5 and the ball lending machine 3 execute an abnormality notification operation or the like. In addition, the remaining number of the gaming cards for which the validity has been confirmed is 0, and the ball lending machine 3 notified of this performs, for example, a game card discharging process.
[0069]
The player checks the displayed remaining number that can be supplied and performs a ball lending operation (T15). At this time, the ball lending machine 3 transmits the ID of the gaming card and the ball lending request to the host controller 5 (T16). The host controller 5 confirms the validity of the gaming card, and if ball lending can be permitted, subtracts the remaining number of the gaming card, and then returns the ball lending permission to the ball lending machine 3 ( T17). The ball lending machine 3 supplies the gaming balls for the unit to the gaming machine 2 (lending the ball), and decreases the remaining number display when the supply of the gaming balls for the unit is completed (T18).
[0070]
Although omitted in FIG. 5, in a state where the gaming card is inserted into the ball lending machine 3, the same operation as described above is repeatedly executed for each ball lending operation, and when the remaining number becomes 0, Alternatively, when the return button (not shown) is operated by the player, the gaming card is discharged from the ball lending machine 3.
[0071]
(A-2-3) Operation for saving remaining number of balls
Next, the operation of converting the remaining number of the gaming cards into the accumulated coins will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. In the case of this embodiment, the remaining number of the cash-issuing gaming card can also be converted into a coin, and the remaining number of the coin-issuing gaming card can be converted again into a coin. Is almost the same.
[0072]
A player or an employee (hereinafter, referred to as a player in this section) inserts the remaining gaming cards into the card processor 12 (T21). The card processor 12 reads the ID of the inserted gaming card and sends it to the host controller 5 (T22).
[0073]
The host controller 5 confirms the validity of the gaming card (if it cannot be confirmed, performs an abnormality notification operation or the like), retrieves the remaining number of the gaming card, and returns it to the card processor 12 (T23). The card processor 12 displays the remaining number (T24).
[0074]
After confirming the remaining number, a player (member player) who wishes to convert the remaining number of coins inserts a membership card into the card processor 12 (T25). In this embodiment, it is assumed that a system in which only the member players allow coins to be accumulated, and only the member players can accumulate the remaining coins. The card processor 12 reads the ID (member ID) in the inserted member card, and transmits it to the member server 7 together with the converted number of coins converted from the remaining number of gaming cards (T26).
[0075]
The member server 7 checks the validity based on the ID (member ID) of the received member card (performs abnormality notification processing when it cannot be checked), and then converts the balance in the member record of the member database 8 to the ID. The number of balls received this time is added to and updated to the number of stored balls (value of the converted number of remaining balls field) or the number of converted prize balls (value of the converted number of prize balls) field (T27). A reply is sent to the processor 12 (T28).
[0076]
In the case of this embodiment, when a game card is issued by using a ball (see FIG. 7 described later), a ball converted from a prize ball or a ball converted from a balance (remaining number) is used. (A flag in the gaming card database 13 and the member database 8 or the member card holds this flag) for discriminating whether or not the player has issued the remaining money (the remaining number). The remaining number of gaming cards is returned to the number of converted coins, and the remaining number of gaming cards issued using the converted balls is converted to the number of converted balls.
[0077]
In addition, the member server 7 performs only the validity check based on the member ID. However, the member server 7 may request the input of a password and confirm the validity of the member based on the input password. Etc. may be used).
[0078]
The card processor 12 notified of the end of the update of the member database 8 displays the end of the conversion to the remaining coins and discharges the member card (T29). The player receives the discharged membership card (T30). In addition, the card processor 12 notifies the host controller 5 of the end of the conversion of the remaining number of gaming cards into coins (T31).
[0079]
At this time, the host controller 5 sets the remaining number of the current game card in the game card database 13 to 0 and sets the card status information to unissued (or collected) (T32). Is instructed to collect the gaming card (T33). As a result, the card processor 12 collects the gaming cards in which the remaining number has been converted into the coins (T34).
[0080]
In the above, the case where the card processing machine 12 plays a central role to store the remaining number of gaming cards is described. However, the game card issuing and settlement machine 6 has a function of storing the remaining number of gaming cards. You may make it.
[0081]
In the above description, the case where the game card does not store the remaining number has been described. However, a game card that can store the remaining number can be applied. In this case, the remaining number of gaming cards is not retrieved from the host controller 5 but by a reading operation from the gaming card (however, the collation with the one removed from the host controller 5 is performed. Is preferable). It is also preferable to clear the remaining number to 0 when collecting the gaming cards.
[0082]
It should be noted that the settlement operation performed by the gaming card issuance payment machine 6 for converting the remaining number (remaining balance) of the cash-issuing gaming card into cash is almost the same as the conventional operation.
[0083]
That is, although the sequence diagram is omitted, the player inserts the gaming card into the gaming card issuing and payment machine 6, and the gaming card issuing and accounting machine 6 allows the host controller 5 to confirm the validity thereof and (Remaining balance) information is taken out, the corresponding cash is paid out, and the gaming card is collected. Then, the host controller 5 is notified that the gaming card has been collected, and the information in the gaming card database 13 is updated.
[0084]
As described above, in the case of this embodiment, the remaining number (remaining balance) relating to the cash-issuing gaming card can be converted into a savings ball or settled, and the player can select which one to use. it can.
[0085]
(A-2-4) Issuing operation of gaming cards using coins
Next, the issuing operation of the gaming card having the remaining number (remaining game ball suppliable balance) obtained by converting the savings will be described in detail with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. In this embodiment, issuance of a gaming card using a coin is permitted only to a member player.
[0086]
A member player or an employee (hereinafter, referred to as a member player in this section) inserts a member card into the card processor 12 (T41). The card processor 12 transmits the member ID read from the inserted member card to the member server 7 (T42).
[0087]
After confirming the validity of the member card (member ID) (if it cannot be confirmed, the member server 7 performs an abnormality notification process or the like), and transmits a password request to the card processor 12 (T43). The card processor 12 displays a message requesting the member player to input the password (T44), and the member player inputs the password by key (T45).
[0088]
The card processor 12 transmits the input password to the member server 7 (T46), and after confirming the password (if the confirmation is not possible, performs an error notification process or the like) and returns a message indicating that the confirmation was successful. (T47). The reply at this time may include the information on the number of remaining converted coins and the number of converted prize balls, and the card processor 12 may display and output such information.
[0089]
When the card processing machine 12 receives the password confirmation notice, the card processing machine 12 displays a message asking the member player whether to use the number of remaining converted coins or the number of converted prize balls (T48), and the member player selects the message. The contents are fetched (T49). In addition, for example, when only one of the remaining converted coin count and the free gift converted coin count is present by the communication described above of the member server 7, the card processing machine 12 uses the saved coin to play the game. A confirmation message to issue a card is displayed to confirm the intention of the member player.
[0090]
When recognizing the type of the number of coins to be used (causal type of coins; remaining money or prize ball), the card processor 12 transmits a request for the use of coins to be used to the member server 7 (T50). At this time, the member server 7 determines the number of balls to be associated with the remaining number of gaming cards, subtracts the number of balls of that type in the member database 8 by the determined number of balls, and then approves the card issuance ( The number of stored coins or the number of converted coins and the flag of the number of coins to be issued are recorded and returned to the card processor 12 (T51).
[0091]
For example, the member server 7 has a remaining number of coins (hereinafter referred to as an issue upper limit number of coins) which is the same as the remaining number corresponding to the maximum amount (for example, 5,000 yen) at the time of issuing the gaming card by cash. When the coins are stored as accumulated coins, the number of coins equivalent to the remaining number corresponding to the maximum amount is determined as the number of coins corresponding to the remaining number of gaming cards. When the accumulated number of stored coins is smaller than the upper limit of the number of issued coins, an integer part of a value obtained by dividing the accumulated number of accumulated coins by the number of accumulated coins corresponding to one remaining number is determined as the number of remaining coins. The number of accumulated balls multiplied by the number of accumulated balls corresponding to the frequency is determined as the number of accumulated balls.
[0092]
Note that the member player may also be able to input and instruct the number of coins to be converted into the remaining number. Even in this case, it is preferable that the upper limit of the number of stored coins that can be converted into the remaining number be defined as a system.
[0093]
Upon receiving the card issuance approval, the card processor 12 reads the ID of the gaming card to be issued, and notifies the host controller 5 of the card ID and the remaining number (T52). The host controller 5 records the received remaining number as the remaining number corresponding to the card ID in the gaming card database 13, records the use of coins as an issuance use type or a flag, and further sets the card state to the issuing state. (T53) Then, the end of the database update is returned to the card processor 12 (T54).
[0094]
At this time, the card processor 12 ejects the gaming card and the membership card (T55), and the member player receives both cards (T56). In addition, the card processor 12 transmits to the member server 7 in parallel that the gaming card has been issued together with the member ID (the gaming card ID may be included) (T57). The fact that the game card has been issued from the coins is confirmed and recorded in the member database 8 (T58).
[0095]
In the above, the case where the card processing machine 12 plays a central role in issuing gaming cards using coins has been described. However, the gaming card issuing and settlement machine 6 has a function of issuing gaming cards using coins. You may make it.
[0096]
In the above description, the case where the game card does not store the remaining number has been described. However, a game card that can store the remaining number can be applied. In this case, it is necessary to appropriately store the remaining number in the gaming card.
[0097]
(A-3) Effects of the embodiment
According to the above embodiment, the remaining number of gaming cards issued on condition that cash (flowing currency) is inserted can be converted into coins. Therefore, the member player can settle or save the remaining number of cash-issuing gaming cards at the end of the game, and can arbitrarily select a method of processing the remaining number.
[0098]
In addition, the player can convert the remaining number of cash-issuing gaming cards into coins and then exchange prizes, thereby increasing the processing mode at the time of prize exchange.
[0099]
Further, a game card can be issued by using the coins obtained by converting the remaining number of cash-issuing game cards. That is, from the point of view of the player, the remaining number (remaining balance) can be diverted to games after the next day without bringing back the gaming card. If the take-out of the gaming card is reduced, the loss rate is reduced, and the advantage of the gaming hall side is great.
[0100]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the cash-issuing game card and the ball-issuing game card are clearly distinguished by the flag of the game card database 13, so that the remaining number of the ball-issuing game card is converted into cash by settlement. Such a situation can be reliably prevented, and even if a function of saving the remaining number of balls is introduced, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts or the like from being caused, and gambling can be eliminated.
[0101]
In addition, it can be expected that the enhancement of the function related to the ball storage will promote the membership of the player.
[0102]
(B) Other embodiments
In the above description, various modified embodiments have been referred to, but further modified embodiments as exemplified below can be cited.
[0103]
In the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game balls lent using a gaming card (not only spherical ones but also coin-shaped ones). And a medal-shaped game machine).
[0104]
Further, in the above embodiment, a system having both a function of converting the remaining number of cash-issuing gaming cards into coins and a function of issuing gaming cards using such converted coins are provided. As described above, the system may be configured to have only the function of converting the remaining number of cash-issuing gaming cards into coins. That is, the coins in which the remaining number of cash-issuing gaming cards have been converted may be used only for prize exchange, and may not be used for issuing gaming cards.
[0105]
Further, in the above embodiment, a game card can be issued by using the coins converted with the remaining number of cash-issuing game cards converted, and a game card is issued by using the converted coins with the prize ball. Although those which can be issued are shown, it is also possible to allow only one of them to be issued. Alternatively, the member card may be regarded as the same as the gaming card, and the inserted coins may be used to convert the stored coins into rental game balls.
[0106]
Here, regarding the game ball lending possible information, the member card may be regarded as the same as the game card. For example, a system is constructed so that the remaining balance (number of remaining games) that can be supplied to the game ball is recorded or associated with the member card and recorded on another device, and the cash ball is used to issue the game ball lending available information. The remaining number (remaining balance) may be converted into the savings. The term "gaming card" in the claims includes the "member card" used in this way.
[0107]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the coins converted from the remaining number of cash-issuing gaming cards and the coins converted from the prize balls are managed separately has been described. It may be managed without management. At this time, cash settlement for the gaming card is not possible.
[0108]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, only the member player is allowed to save the remaining number of cash-issuing game cards, but the general player is also allowed to increase the number of remaining cash-issuing game cards. You may be allowed to save balls. In this case, it is necessary to input the bibliographic information such as the name at the time of conversion, and to input the bibliographic information at the time of issuing the game card utilizing the coins.
[0109]
In the above embodiment, the game card is issued by inserting cash. However, the game card may be issued using a debit card or a credit card. As with the cash-issuing gaming card, it may be possible to execute the savings for the remaining number of gaming cards issued using a debit card or a credit card. The term "cash-issuing gaming card" in the claims includes not only gaming cards issued by inserting cash but also gaming cards issued using a debit card or a credit card. In other words, a game card issued with the transfer of a monetary value from a player to a game arcade (operating company) is called a cash-issuing game card.
[0110]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a game ball lending available information carry-over system capable of processing the remaining number of gaming cards at the end of a game so that both a player and a game hall have an advantage is applied. Can be.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a game ball lending possible information carry-over system 1 according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic external view of the card processing machine of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a card processing machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of issuing a gaming card by cash payment according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a ball lending operation using a gaming card according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an operation for saving the remaining number of gaming cards according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an issuance operation of a game card utilizing a coin storage according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game ball lending possible information carry-over system 2 ... Game machine 3 ... Ball rental machine 4 ... Island unit controller 5 ... Host controller 6 ... Game card issuing and payment machine 7 ... Member server 8 ... Member database , 9: Game ball counter, 10: Receipt issuing ball storage machine, 11: Premium management POS terminal, 12: Card processor, 13: Game card database.

Claims (10)

A cash-issuing gaming card issuing machine that issues a cash-issuing gaming card with which the rentable information of a game ball is associated with the transfer of a monetary value from a player to a game arcade,
The cash-issuing gaming card is taken in, and within the range of the lending-possible information corresponding to the cash-issuing gaming card, and the designated amount is lent out of the game balls, and the rentable information associated with the cash-issuing gaming card is fetched. , A game ball lending device that reduces according to the lending amount,
Ball storage information storage means for storing ball storage information;
The rentable information associated with the cash-issuing gaming card is converted to first ball information for later exchange of prizes and / or re-conversion to lent game balls, and corresponds to player information. A game ball lending possible information carry-over system, comprising: a first lending possible information storage means for storing the information in the ball information storing means. The said 1st lending possible information ball-saving means has a cash issuing game card collection | recovery part which collect | recovers the said cash issuing game card which the lending possible information was converted into the 1st ball savings information, The Claims characterized by the above-mentioned. The game ball lending available information transfer system according to 1. All or a part of the first coin storage information stored in the coin storage information storage means is converted into rentable information of game balls, and a coin issuance game card associated with the rentable information is issued. , A coin issuing game card issuing machine for reducing the first coin information stored in the coin information storage means,
3. The information carry-over system for game ball lending according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the game ball lending device is also compatible with the coin-using game card. Second lending possible information storage for converting the lending available information associated with the above-mentioned coin-issuing game card into first coin-saving information and storing it in the coin-saving information storage means in association with the player information. 4. The system for carrying out game ball lending available information according to claim 3, further comprising means. The said rentable information ball-saving means is provided with the ball-issuing game card collection part which collects the said ball-issuing game card which lent information was converted into the second ball information. 4. The game ball lending available information transfer system described in 4. A game in which the rentable information associated with the cash-issuing gaming card is settled to a monetary value, and the settlement of the rentable information associated with the ball-issuing gaming card to the monetary value is prohibited. The system for carrying out gaming ball rentable information according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a card settlement machine. The prize game balls which are rewards of the game results and the remaining game balls of the loan are counted, and information corresponding to the counted value is used as the above-mentioned second ball storage information, and later converted into prize exchange or rent game balls. 7. A game ball lending possible information carry-over system according to claim 1, further comprising: a prize ball storage means for storing the prize ball in the ball information storage means. 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the ball information storage unit stores the first ball information and the second ball information without distinction. 9. The first lending information storage means is linked with the authentication means of the member player, and is linked to the first lending information of the lending information associated with the cash-issuing game card possessed by the member player. 9. The game ball lending available information carry-over system according to claim 1, wherein the conversion of the game ball lending information is permitted, and the conversion to the first coin information is not permitted for the non-member player. 10. A prize exchange processing device for performing prize exchange by reducing the first ball information and / or the second ball information stored in the ball information storage means. A game ball rental information transfer system described in Crab.

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