JP2004136012A - Game system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve benefits of both a game parlor and a player and to balance the benefits of the both in a game system wherein game media are put out or rented using a storage medium and coin moneys are paid back in accordance with remainder negotiable value information stored on the storage medium. <P>SOLUTION: This game system is configured to play a game by inserting the storage medium (e.g., prepaid card) into a game ball putting-out device or a game ball renting device (e.g., inter-stand ball renting machine 20) and utilizing putting-out of game media (e.g., medals) or renting of game media (e.g., Pachinko balls). When the player wants the settlement of accounts and there is the remainder in the number of game media which can be rented, the remainder number of game media which can be rented is converted to negotiable value information using a predetermined conversion rate and stored on the storage medium again. Besides, the player can be paid back with the remainder negotiable value information from a play-back device (e.g., card issuing and settling machine 40). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game system capable of paying out or renting out a game medium using a storage medium such as a prepaid card and paying out money in accordance with remaining value information stored in the storage medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when playing a game in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, or a slot machine, a prepaid card in which value information is stored in advance is purchased, and the prepaid card is used for a ball lending machine or a game medal lending machine. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a game system in which a game is lent to a game medium such as a pachinko ball or a game medal by inserting the game medium into a game medium lending device to play a game.
[0003]
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-215409 discloses that when a prepaid card is inserted into a ball lending machine, a pachinko ball is lent based on the frequency stored in the prepaid card, and when the prepaid card runs out, the player loses the frequency. A game system in which a part or all of the inserted cash is converted into a frequency by inserting cash, a pachinko ball is lent out based on the converted frequency, and the game is continued is disclosed. . In this game system, at a predetermined game condition (for example, the end of a game), if there are remaining frequencies at which a ball can be lent out, the remaining frequencies are stored in a prepaid card and discharged. I have.
[0004]
There is also known a gaming system in which a prepaid card is inserted into a payout device such as a checkout machine installed in a game arcade, so that money is paid out in accordance with remaining value information.
[0005]
Some gaming machines installed in casinos can use game medals and the like as game media, and also can use cash such as coins.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described gaming system, the remaining value information is stored in a storage medium as it is and is discharged. Therefore, for a gaming shop, if the game is terminated before the player plays the game sufficiently, the sales amount is reduced. Could not be extended.
[0007]
On the other hand, for the player, since the remaining valuable information is directly converted into the amount and returned, there is no merit of purchasing the prepaid card and playing the game.
[0008]
The present invention has been proposed in view of the circumstances described above, and in a gaming system for paying out or lending out a game medium using a storage medium and paying out money in accordance with remaining value information stored in the storage medium. It is an object of the present invention to improve the profits of both a game store and a player and to make the profits of both players fair.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The gaming system according to the present invention has the following features in order to achieve the above-mentioned object.
That is, the gaming system according to the present invention reads the valuable information stored in the storage medium, converts the valuable information into the number of payable game media, and sets the number of game media within the range of the number of payable game media. A game medium payout device for paying out
In a game medium payout system comprising: a readout device for reading value information stored in the storage medium; and a payout device for paying back money in accordance with the value information.
The game medium payout device, when the player wants to settle, if there is a remainder in the payable number of the game media, the remaining payable number is converted into valuable value information using a predetermined conversion rate, The data is re-stored in the storage medium.
[0010]
Further, the gaming system according to the present invention reads the value information stored in the storage medium, converts the value information into a rentable number of game media, and sets the number of game media within the rentable number of the game medium. A game media lending device for lending,
In a gaming system comprising: a value device that reads value information stored in the storage medium and repays money in accordance with the value information.
The game media lending device, when the player wants to settle, if there is a remaining number of rentable game media, using a predetermined conversion rate, convert the remaining rentable number into valuable value information, The data is re-stored in the storage medium.
[0011]
Here, the gaming medium payout device or the gaming medium lending device can additionally store value information in the storage medium by inserting cash.
[0012]
Further, the predetermined conversion rate can be arbitrarily set for each of the storage media, or can be arbitrarily set for each settlement. Here, arbitrarily setting the conversion rate for each storage medium means arbitrarily setting the conversion rate for each of a plurality of storage media sold at a game store or the like. Further, arbitrarily setting the conversion rate for each settlement means that the conversion rate is arbitrarily set each time the player performs the settlement.
Further, the predetermined conversion rate can be arbitrarily changeable.
[0013]
The “payout of game media” means, for example, that a prepaid card as a storage medium is inserted and coins as game media are paid out. The term “lending of a game medium” means, for example, inserting a prepaid card as a storage medium and renting a pachinko ball or a game medal as a game medium.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a game system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 5 show a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the game system, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a game medium lending device, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an appearance of a payment machine, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control device of the game medium lending device, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control device of the card issuing payment machine.
[0015]
In the following description, a pachinko machine will be used as a typical game system, and a system for renting a pachinko ball as a game medium will be described as an example.
[0016]
<Schematic configuration of gaming system>
As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a member server 10, a game ball rental machine 20, which is a game media lending device, a pachinko machine 30, which is a gaming machine, and a card issuing device, which is a payout device. The checkout machine 40 is a main component.
Each pachinko machine 30 is provided with a stand-to-face ball lending machine 20. A prepaid card, which is a storage medium, is issued at an appropriate place in the amusement store, and a payment is made in accordance with the remaining value information. Card issuance payment machine 40 is installed. The value information is, for example, amount information.
[0017]
Further, each of the pachinko machines 30, each of the ball-to-ball rental machines 20, and the card issuance and payment machine 40 are connected to the member server 10 installed at an appropriate place in the game arcade. The connection between the pachinko machine 30 and the like and the member server 10 may be either wired or wireless.
[0018]
<Game media rental device>
When the pachinko machine 30 is used as a game machine, the inter-ball game machine 20 functions as a game medium lending device. As shown in FIG. 2, the inter-ball game machine 20 includes a card entrance 21 and a bill insertion slot 22 on the front surface of the housing.
[0019]
By inserting the prepaid card into the card entrance 21 in the inter-ball lending machine 20, pachinko balls can be lent within the range of the valuable information stored in the prepaid card. Further, by inserting a bill into the bill insertion slot 22, valuable information can be additionally recorded.
The pitcher machine 20 is controlled by a pitcher controller 50 having functions such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. As shown in FIG. 4, the pitcher machine lending machine control device 50 controls the main controller 51 for controlling the whole ball pitcher lending machine 20 and the bill insertion operation at the bill slot 22. And a card control unit 54 for controlling the prepaid card as main components. The bill slot control unit 53 and the card control unit 54 are connected to the main control unit 51 and perform respective controls under the control of the main control unit 51.
[0020]
The main control unit 51 includes a card balance memory 52 for storing the number of game media that can be lent according to the value information stored in the prepaid card. Each time a pachinko ball is lent, a card balance memory 52 is stored. The rentable number stored in 52 is subtracted. When a bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 22, the available lending number stored in the card balance memory 52 is added.
[0021]
The card control unit 54 reads the valuable information stored in the prepaid card, converts the remaining lendable number into valuable information at a predetermined conversion rate, and re-stores the valuable information in the prepaid card. And a card access control unit 56 for controlling the entry and exit of the prepaid card.
[0022]
<Card issuing payment machine>
As shown in FIG. 3, the card issuance and payment machine 40 includes a plurality of money buttons 41, a card entrance 42, a bill insertion slot 43, a bill outlet 44, a coin outlet 45, and a settlement button 46 on the front of the housing. It has.
The card issuance and payment machine 40 functions as a prepaid card issuance machine for issuing a prepaid card, and also functions as a refund device for repaying money in accordance with valuable information stored in the prepaid card.
When purchasing a prepaid card, the user inserts a bill into the bill insertion slot 43 and operates a desired amount button 41 to issue a prepaid card in which valuable information corresponding to the operated amount button 41 is stored. Is done. If there is change, the change is paid out from the bill outlet 44 or the coin outlet 45.
[0023]
In order to refund the prepaid card, the prepaid card is inserted into the card entrance 42 and the checkout button 46 is operated, so that the banknote exit 44 or the coin collection port is operated in accordance with the value information stored in the prepaid card. The money is refunded from the exit 45.
[0024]
The card issuing account controller 40 is controlled by a card issuing controller controller 60 having functions such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. As shown in FIG. 5, the card issuing and payment machine control device 60 includes a main control unit 61 for controlling the entire card issuing and payment device 40 and a bill for controlling a bill insertion operation in the bill insertion slot 43. An insertion slot control unit 62, a card control unit 63 for controlling a prepaid card, a coin payout control unit 64 for controlling coin payout, and a bill payout control unit 65 for controlling bill payout. It is the main component. The bill slot control unit 62, the card control unit 63, the coin payout control unit 64, and the bill payout control unit 65 are connected to the main control unit 61, and perform respective controls under the control of the main control unit 61. .
[0025]
<Prepaid card>
Although not shown, the prepaid card is formed of a magnetic card, an IC card, or the like, and stores value information and information such as an issuer code and an issue date.
Further, a conversion rate for converting the number of remaining game media that can be lent to prepaid cards into value information may be stored. This conversion rate may be any value, but may be, for example, 0.8 or more and 1 or less. In this case, a conversion rate set in advance for each prepaid card is encrypted and stored so that the player cannot read it.
[0026]
By the way, if the conversion rate is 1 or more, the returned valuable information becomes excessive with respect to the consumed valuable information, which may be disadvantageous for the gaming shop. On the other hand, if the conversion rate is 1 or less, the value information returned for the consumed value information may be too small, which may be disadvantageous for the player. In this respect, for example, in a game store where a player plays a game using a membership card having a ball saving function, the conversion rate for the ball saving is generally less than 1, and the ball swap rate is compared with the prize exchange rate. This is an advantageous setting. Therefore, in consideration of the fairness of the profit between the game store and the player, it is preferable that the conversion rate be 0.8 or more and 1 or less as described above. It is also possible to set the conversion rate to a value other than the above based on the management strategy of the game store or the like.
[0027]
Here, when the conversion rate is set for each prepaid card, the conversion rate can be different for each prepaid card even if the prepaid cards have the same amount. For example, a conversion rate such as 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0 can be set for a prepaid card of 3000 yen.
[0028]
Further, the conversion rate can be made different for each amount of the prepaid card. For example, the conversion rate of a prepaid card of 1,000 yen can be set to 0.8, the conversion rate of a prepaid card of 2000 yen can be set to 0.9, and the conversion rate of a prepaid card of 3000 yen can be set to 1.0.
[0029]
Further, instead of storing the conversion rate for the prepaid card, when converting the number of remaining game media that can be lent to the value information in the inter-ball rental machine 20, the inter-ball rental machine is transmitted from the member server 10. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the conversion rate is transmitted to the terminal 20. In this case, the conversion rate can be changed every time the settlement is performed.
[0030]
<Rental procedure of game media>
Next, a procedure for renting a pachinko ball in the gaming system according to the present embodiment described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure in the game medium lending apparatus (between-ball renting machine 20).
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 6, when a prepaid card is inserted into the card entrance 21, the inter-ball lending machine 20 accepts the prepaid card (A-1) and reads the valuable value information stored in the prepaid card. The number is converted into the number of pachinko balls that can be lent, stored in the card balance memory 52, and displayed on a display unit (not shown) including a liquid crystal display device or the like (A-2). If the available lending number has already been displayed, the new lending available number is added to the available lending number and displayed.
When the player performs the ball lending operation (A-3), a predetermined number of pachinko balls are paid out (A-4), the number of pachinko balls that can be lent is subtracted and displayed (A-5), and the subtracted value is displayed on a card. It is stored in the balance memory 52 (A-6).
[0032]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not cash has been inserted (A-7). If no cash has been inserted, it is determined whether or not the player has instructed settlement (A-8). Here, if the settlement is not instructed and the game is continued, it is determined whether or not there is a remaining number available for lending (A-9). I do.
[0033]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step A-9 that the available number of loans has been returned to zero, the flow shifts to a cash or prepaid card acceptance state (A-10). Here, it is determined whether or not a prepaid card has been inserted (A-11). If a prepaid card has been inserted, control is performed from step A-2.
[0034]
On the other hand, if the prepaid card has not been inserted, it is determined whether or not cash has been inserted (A-12). Here, when cash is inserted, the inserted cash is converted into a lendable number, stored in the card balance memory 52, and displayed on the display unit (A-13). If the available lending number has already been displayed, the new lending available number is added to the available lending number and displayed.
When the player performs the ball lending operation (A-14), the player pays out a predetermined number of pachinko balls (A-15), subtracts and displays the available number of pachinko balls (A-16), and stores the subtracted value in the card balance memory 52. (A-17).
[0035]
Subsequently, it is determined whether the player has instructed the settlement (A-18). Here, in the case where the settlement is not instructed and the game is continued, the control from step A-13 is performed.
[0036]
On the other hand, if the settlement is instructed, the remaining available lending number is converted into value information using a predetermined conversion rate and stored again in the prepaid card (A-19). Is discharged (A-20).
[0037]
When cash is inserted in step A-7, control in step A-13 and thereafter are performed, and when settlement is instructed in step A-8, control in step A-19 and thereafter is performed.
[0038]
Although not shown, in order to end the game from the state in which the prepaid card is inserted, a game end button provided at an appropriate position of the inter-ball rental machine 20 may be operated. In this case, an interruption process is performed on the control program executed by the inter-ball-ball rental machine control device 50, and the remaining lending number is converted into valuable information and stored again in the prepaid card.
[0039]
Here, when the player plays a game with another pachinko machine 30, there may be a case where the player desires to use a game card in which value information remains. Therefore, it is preferable to distinguish between a prepaid card instructed by the player for settlement and a prepaid card instructed to end the game.
In this case, for example, when the player instructs the end of the game, the remaining lending number is directly converted into value information, and when the player instructs the settlement, the remaining lending number is set to a predetermined value. It is converted into value information using the conversion rate.
[0040]
When the prepaid card is ejected from the inter-ball game machine 20 in response to the game end operation of the player, the pachinko ball is lent by another inter-ball game machine 20 using the prepaid card and the game is played. The payment can be performed, but the payment cannot be performed using the prepaid card. In order to settle the prepaid card, it is necessary for the player to explicitly instruct the settlement as described above.
[0041]
Further, when the prepaid card is returned to zero, the player may leave the seat while leaving the prepaid card in the inter-ball lending machine 20. In this case, when the next player inserts cash, the above-mentioned control may be performed on the prepaid card of the previous player, and it becomes impossible to distinguish between the previous player and the next player.
[0042]
On the other hand, when an operation such as cash input is not performed, the prepaid card may be automatically discharged or collected after a predetermined time has elapsed. When the next player inserts a new prepaid card, the previous prepaid card may be collected and the above-described control may be performed on the new prepaid card.
[0043]
<Prepaid card payment procedure>
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a procedure for adjusting a prepaid card in the gaming system according to the above-described embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control procedure in the card issuing and payment machine 40.
As shown in FIG. 7, in the card issuing and payment machine 40, when a prepaid card is inserted into the card entrance 42 and the payment button 46 is operated, the prepaid card is accepted (B-1) and stored in the prepaid card. The value information is read (B-2). Note that a plurality of prepaid cards can be inserted.
[0044]
Subsequently, the read value information is transmitted to the bill payout control section 65 and the coin payout control section 64 (B-3), and bills and coins are paid out from the bill takeout port 44 and the coin takeout port 45 for settlement (B-3). -4). In this case, both the bill and the coin are paid out, or one of the bill and the coin is paid out according to the settlement amount.
[0045]
Subsequently, the valuable information stored in the prepaid card is cleared (B-5), and the prepaid card is collected in the card issuing and payment machine 40 (B-6).
[0046]
<Other embodiments>
In the above-described embodiment, the game system using the pachinko machine 30 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to slot machines, pachislot machines, sparrow ball machines, arrange ball machines, game machines, and the like. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming system using a gaming machine.
[0047]
In a game store such as a casino where a game can be played using cash or the like, a game medium payout device for paying out coins or the like functioning as a game medium should be installed instead of a game medium lending device. Can be. This game medium dispensing apparatus has the same function as the above-described betting ball lending machine 20 which is a game medium dispensing apparatus in that a game medium is provided to a player. Payout of game media.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the gaming system according to the present invention, a storage medium is inserted into a game medium payout device or a game medium lending device, and a game is played with the payout or lending of the game medium. Then, when the player desires the settlement, if there is a remaining number of rentable game media, the remaining rentable number is converted into valuable information by using a predetermined conversion rate, and stored in the storage medium again. .
[0049]
Therefore, the game store can set the conversion rate according to its own business strategy, and can increase sales while maintaining fairness in profits between the game store and the player.
[0050]
In addition, the player can receive the remaining valuable information if there is any, and since the return rate (conversion rate) is not uniform, the player may have a feeling of expectation for the game using the prepaid card. Yes, the use of prepaid cards can be promoted.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a game medium lending device. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a card issuing and payment machine. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control device of the medium lending device. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control device of the card issuing and payment machine. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure in the game media lending device. Flow chart showing the control procedure in the issue payment machine
Reference Signs List 10 Member server 20 Inter-ball lending machine 21 Card entry / exit 22 Banknote slot 30 Pachinko machine 40 Card issuing and settlement machine 41 Amount button 42 Card entrance / exit 43 Banknote insertion port 44 Bill take-out port 45 Coin take-out port 46 Settlement button 50 Machine control unit 51 Main control unit 52 Card balance memory 53 Bill insertion port control unit 54 Card control unit 55 Card read / write control unit 56 Card entry / exit control unit 60 Card issuing and settlement machine control unit 61 Main control unit 62 Bill insertion slot control unit 63 Card Control unit 64 Coin payout control unit 65 Banknote payout control unit

Claims (7)

A game medium payout device for reading value information stored in a storage medium, converting the value information into a payable number of game media, and paying out game media within the payable number of game media; ,
In a gaming system comprising: a value device that reads value information stored in the storage medium and repays money in accordance with the value information.
The game medium payout device, when the player wants to settle, if there is a remainder in the payable number of the game media, the remaining payable number is converted into valuable value information using a predetermined conversion rate, A game system, wherein the game is re-stored in the storage medium. A game medium lending device for reading value information stored in a storage medium, converting the value information into a lendable number of game media, and lending game media within a range of lendable game media;
In a gaming system comprising: a value device that reads value information stored in the storage medium and repays money in accordance with the value information.
The game media lending device, when the player wants to settle, if there is a remaining number of rentable game media, using a predetermined conversion rate, convert the remaining rentable number into valuable value information, A game system, wherein the game is re-stored in the storage medium. 2. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein the gaming medium payout device is capable of additionally storing value information in the storage medium by inserting cash. 3. The gaming system according to claim 2, wherein the gaming medium lending device is capable of additionally storing value information in the storage medium by inserting cash. The gaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined conversion rate is arbitrarily set for each of the storage media. The gaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined conversion rate is arbitrarily set for each settlement. The gaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined conversion rate can be arbitrarily changed.

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