JP2004181117A - Game medium lending device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game medium lending device for reducing procedures for acquiring sale permission, or relieving burden on stock management. <P>SOLUTION: When a CR unit 2 arranged in response to a CR apparatus 1 reads a prepaid card, game media are put out from the CR apparatus 1 for playing a game. A member card is read by a member card reader unit 11. Then ball storage data stored in a ball storage server 12 are displayed in a liquid crystal display device 14 in response to identification information stored in the member card. When a money amount is selected within the range, the member card reader unit 11 outputs a put-out request to the CR unit 2. Thus, the CR unit 2 reports put-out possible degrees corresponding to the money amount indicated by the put-out request to the CR apparatus 1, so that a player plays the game by receiving the put-out of the game media from the CR apparatus 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game medium lending device that can receive payout of game media from a gaming table using valuable media.
[0002]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a card reader unit (hereinafter, CR unit) corresponding to a game console compatible with a card reader (hereinafter, CR machine) has been provided. The CR unit reads the amount information from the inserted prepaid card, and notifies the CR machine of the payable frequency (for example, one frequency corresponds to 500 yen) corresponding to the amount information. In the CR machine, the payable number notified from the CR unit is displayed, and when a payout operation is performed, a predetermined number of game media corresponding to one number are paid out using the ball payout mechanism of the CR machine. And the displayed payable frequency is decremented.
[0003]
By the way, there are many types of CR units of this kind, from basic ones that only have a ball lending function, to high-performance ones that can charge (deposit) ball lending and pay out balls. I have.
However, when selling a CR unit, it is necessary to apply to the Security Electronics and Communications Technology Association, and it is necessary to be certified by the Public Safety Commission. These procedures are troublesome, and the burden of inventory management increases.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game media lending apparatus capable of reducing a burden of a procedure for obtaining a sales permit or an inventory management.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a valuable medium processing unit that can be installed corresponding to a valuable medium compatible gaming table, and is provided so as to be able to communicate with the valuable medium processing unit in a state where the valuable medium processing unit is installed corresponding to the valuable medium compatible gaming table, When a payout is instructed within the range of the ball storage data stored in the ball storage management device corresponding to the identification information read from the storage medium, a payout request is transmitted to the valuable medium processing unit and the ball storage management is performed. After providing a storage medium reading unit that updates the coin storage data stored in the device, the valuable medium processing unit, when receiving a payout request from the storage medium reading unit, transmits value information indicated by the payout request. The information is transmitted to the valuable medium compatible gaming table (claim 1).
[0006]
According to such a configuration, when a valuable media compatible gaming table is installed, the valuable medium processing unit is installed corresponding to the valuable medium compatible gaming table.
By inserting a valuable medium into a valuable medium processing unit, a player can play a game at a valuable medium compatible gaming table.
[0007]
When a payout function of payouts is added to the valuable medium processing unit, a storage medium reading unit is installed corresponding to the valuable medium compatible gaming table, and is communicably connected to the valuable medium processing unit.
When the player instructs the storage medium reading unit to read the storage medium identification information and instructs payout within the range of the ball storage data stored in the ball storage management device corresponding to the identification information, the storage medium reading is performed. The unit sends a payout request to the valuable medium processing unit. Then, when the payout processing unit receives the payout request from the storage medium reading unit, the valuable medium processing unit notifies the valuable medium compatible gaming table of the valuable information indicated by the payout request. As a result, a predetermined number of game media corresponding to the valuable information is paid out from the valuable media-compatible gaming table, so that the game player of the ball saving member can receive the payout of the game media by using the storage medium and play the game. it can.
[0008]
In the above configuration, a cash identification unit that notifies the storage medium reading unit of the inserted amount is provided so as to be able to communicate with the storage medium reading unit in a state where the cash identification unit is installed corresponding to the valuable medium compatible gaming table. The storage medium reading unit, when notified of the input amount from the cash identification unit, stores the input amount as deposit amount information, and when a payout is instructed within the range of the deposit amount information, stores the valuable medium. A payment request may be transmitted to the processing unit and the deposit amount information may be updated (claim 2).
[0009]
According to such a configuration, in order to add the cash identification function to the valuable medium processing unit, the cash identification unit is connected to the storage medium reading unit in a state where the cash identification unit is installed corresponding to the valuable medium compatible gaming table.
When the player deposits cash into the cash identification unit, the cash identification unit notifies the storage amount reading unit to the storage medium reading unit. Therefore, the storage medium reading unit issues a payout request indicating the insertion amount notified from the cash identification unit. Send to media processing unit. Then, the valuable medium processing unit transmits valuable value information corresponding to the input amount indicated by the payout request to the valuable medium compatible gaming table. As a result, a predetermined number of valuable media corresponding to the valuable information is paid out from the valuable media-compatible gaming table, so that the player can receive the payout of the gaming media by using cash and play the game.
[0010]
Further, a cash identification unit for notifying the inserted amount to the storage medium reading unit is provided so as to be able to communicate with the storage medium reading unit in a state where the storage medium reading unit is installed corresponding to the valuable medium compatible gaming table. The reading unit, when notified of the input amount from the cash identification unit, transmits the input amount to the deposit management device, stores the input amount in the deposit management device, and stores the amount in the deposit management device. When a payout is instructed within the range of the deposit amount information, a payout request may be transmitted to the valuable medium processing unit and the deposit amount information stored in the deposit management device may be updated ( Claim 3).
[0011]
According to such a configuration, the amount of money to be inserted into the cash identification unit is stored in the deposit management device, so that cash can be deposited at the game store. Thus, when the deposit amount remains in the deposit management apparatus, the player can play the game by paying out the game medium from the valuable medium compatible game table without using cash.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko hall lending machine in a pachinko hall will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a card reader-compatible gaming table (corresponding to a valuable medium-compatible gaming table, hereinafter referred to as a CR machine) of a type in which a game is played using a prepaid card (corresponding to a valuable medium). In FIG. 2, a CR unit (corresponding to a valuable medium processing unit) 2 is installed adjacent to the CR unit 1, and the communication interface of the CR unit 2 and the communication interface of the CR unit 1 are connected. . When a prepaid card is inserted into the card insertion slot 3, the CR unit 2 reads the amount stored in the prepaid card, and indicates a payable frequency (corresponding to value information) corresponding to the amount. The frequency signal is output to the CR machine 1. Further, the CR unit 2 has a cash identification function in addition to a payout function using a prepaid card, and when a coin is inserted into the coin slot 4, a payout number indicating a possible payout frequency corresponding to the inserted coin is possible. The frequency signal is output to the CR machine 1.
This CR unit 2 has been applied to the Japan Security Electronics and Communication Technology Association (hereinafter referred to as the Japan Security Association) and has been approved by the Public Safety Commission. Does not require re-application and re-authorization.
[0013]
A frequency display unit 6 is provided on the front surface of the ball tray 5 of the CR machine 1. When the payable frequency signal is input from the CR unit 2, the CR display unit 6 displays the payable frequency signal on the frequency display unit 6. Is displayed. When the dispensing switch 7 is operated, the pachinko balls are dispensed from the ball dispensing mechanism to the ball receiving tray 5, and then the dispensable frequency displayed on the frequency display unit 6 is decremented, and the dispensing response signal is transmitted to the CR unit. Output to 2. When receiving the payout response signal from the CR machine 1, the CR unit 2 updates the amount stored in the prepaid card.
[0014]
FIG. 1 schematically shows the entire system. In FIG. 1, the CR unit 2 is connected to a CR server 9 installed in a pachinko hall via an interface 8, and a sales signal from the CR unit 2 is output to the CR server 9, whereby the CR server 9 The sales of each game console including the CR machine 1 are managed.
Therefore, the player can read the prepaid card into the CR unit 2 or insert coins into the CR unit 2 to receive the payout of the game medium from the CR machine 1 and play the game.
[0015]
On the other hand, the CR machine 1 is connected to the stand server 10 through the interface 8, and the stand server 10 manages the operation state of each game console including the CR machine 1.
By the way, in a game arcade that adopts a ball storage system that allows a player to deposit game media obtained at a game store and replay with the deposited game media, Since it is necessary to use the card to enable the game media stored therein to be playable, it is necessary to add a payout function of the stored coins to the CR unit 2.
[0016]
However, if the CR unit 2 is provided with the function of paying out coins using a membership card, it is necessary to apply for the CR Unit 2 as a credit cooperative, and it is necessary for the approval by the Public Safety Commission to be approved. This is troublesome and increases the burden of inventory management.
[0017]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, when it is desired to add a function of paying out coins by a membership card to the CR unit 2, the member card reader unit 11 functioning as a storage medium reading unit below the CR unit 2 as shown in FIG. And connect both communication interfaces. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the CR unit 2 is connected to the ball storage server 12 which is installed in the pachinko hall and functions as a ball storage management device through the interface 8. As a result, the coin storage server 12 can manage the member data and the coin storage data by communicating with the member card reader unit 11.
[0018]
That is, when a member card (corresponding to a storage medium) is inserted into the member card insertion slot 13 (see FIG. 2) of the member card reader unit 11, the member card reader unit 11 authenticates the member card to the coin storage server 12. When the member card is valid, the coin storage server 12 transmits the member data and the coin storage data stored corresponding to the member to the member card reader unit 11. When the member card reader unit 11 receives the member data and the coin storage data, the member card reader unit 11 displays the data on the liquid crystal display 14. Then, when the player selects an amount within the range of the coin storage data displayed on the liquid crystal display 14, the payout request signal indicating the amount is output to the CR unit 2 and the coin storage data is transmitted to the coin storage server 12. Request an update.
[0019]
When receiving the payout request signal from the member card reader unit 11, the CR unit 2 outputs a payable frequency signal indicating a payable frequency corresponding to the amount indicated by the payout request signal to the CR machine 1, and outputs a sales signal. Send to CR server 9. Therefore, a predetermined number of game media corresponding to the amount selected by the ball-saving member to the member card reader unit 11 can be paid out from the CR machine 1, so that the ball-saving member can play the game without using cash or a prepaid card. can do.
In addition, the member card reader unit 11 does not need an application to the HSRC and does not need approval of the certification by the Public Safety Commission.
[0020]
On the other hand, if the CR unit 2 has a coin discriminating function but also wants to have a bill discriminating function, a bill discriminating unit 15 is installed in addition to the member card reader unit 11 as shown in FIG. Connect the communication interface (see FIG. 4). The bill identification unit 15 determines whether the bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 16 is true or false, and transmits to the member card reader unit 11 insertion amount information indicating the amount of the bill determined to be true.
In addition, the banknote identification unit 15 does not require an application to the TSCT, and does not require approval of the certification by the Public Safety Commission.
[0021]
When the member card reader unit 11 receives the input amount information from the bill identification unit 15, the member card reader unit 11 transmits the input amount indicated by the input amount information as a charge amount (deposit amount) to the coin storage server 12 and displays the same on the liquid crystal display 14. I do. When the player selects an amount within the range of the amount displayed on the liquid crystal display 14, the payout request signal indicating the amount is transmitted to the CR unit 2 and the charge storage server 12 is requested to update the charged amount. . When receiving the payout request from the member card reader unit 11, the CR unit 2 transmits to the CR machine 1 a payable frequency signal indicating a payable frequency corresponding to the amount indicated by the payout request. In this case, the coin storage server 12 also functions as a deposit management device.
Therefore, since the number of game media corresponding to the amount selected by the player can be paid out from the CR machine 1, the player can play a game with a bill.
[0022]
According to such an embodiment, when the CR unit 2 is used as a basic unit and the specification of the CR unit 2 is changed, a unit having a specific function according to the specification change is connected to the CR unit 2. Therefore, the operation mode of the CR unit 2 can be changed without replacing or remodeling the CR unit 2. Therefore, it is possible to easily change only the high-performance parts which are frequently changed due to market trends or pachinko halls or the needs of the players.
[0023]
In addition, although the CR unit 2 needs to apply to the HSRC or conduct a public safety committee certification, the member card reader unit 11 and the bill identification unit 15 do not need such a application or certification. Therefore, a unit connected to the CR unit 2 can be arbitrarily manufactured, and various specific functions can be easily added to the CR unit 2. Therefore, in addition to the application to the TSNC and the certification by the Public Safety Commission, the inventory management only requires one type of the CR unit 2 as the basic unit, and the burden of procedures and inventory management can be greatly reduced.
[0024]
The present invention can be modified or expanded as follows without being limited to the above embodiment.
The CR unit 2 does not necessarily need to have the valuable medium identification function, but may have only the cash identification function.
The coin identification function of the CR unit 2 may be provided in the bill identification unit 15.
[0025]
The CR unit 2 may correspond to a prepaid card composed of an IC card.
As means for connecting the CR unit 2 and the member card reader unit 11 or the member card reader unit 11 and the bill identification unit 15, instead of using a cable, the connection is performed by a connector or an optical signal connected in a stacked state thereof. You may.
The present invention may be applied to a medal lending device of a slot machine.
[0026]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, according to the gaming medium lending device of the present invention, the valuable medium processing unit and the storage medium reading unit are provided corresponding to the valuable medium compatible gaming table, and the storage medium is stored in the storage medium reading unit. The payout of the game media is performed by transmitting the valuable media information to the valuable media compatible gaming table through the valuable media processing unit by reading the valuable media processing unit. An excellent effect is obtained in that the procedure for obtaining permission or the burden of inventory management can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall connection diagram showing a member card reader unit according to an embodiment of the present invention in an added state. FIG. 2 is a front view of a CR machine and a CR unit. FIG. FIG. 4 is an equivalent view of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an equivalent view of FIG. 1 showing a member card reader unit and a bill identification unit in an added state.
1 is a CR machine (a game machine corresponding to a valuable medium), 2 is a CR unit (a valuable medium processing unit), 11 is a member card reader unit (a storage medium reading unit), 12 is a ball storage server (a ball storage management device, a deposit management device), Reference numeral 15 denotes a bill identification unit (cash identification unit).

Claims (3)

A valuable media processing unit that can be installed corresponding to a valuable media compatible gaming table;
A range of the coin storage data stored in the coin storage management device corresponding to the identification information read from the storage medium, provided so as to be able to communicate with the valuable medium processing unit while being installed corresponding to the valuable medium compatible gaming table. When a payout is instructed, a storage medium reading unit that transmits a payout request to the valuable medium processing unit and updates the coin storage data stored in the coin storage management device,
The gaming medium lending apparatus, wherein the valuable medium processing unit, when receiving a payout request from the storage medium reading unit, transmits value information indicated by the payout request to the valuable medium compatible gaming table. A cash identification unit is provided communicable with the storage medium reading unit in a state where the storage medium reading unit is installed corresponding to the valuable medium compatible gaming table, and notifies the storage medium reading unit of the inserted amount,
The storage medium reading unit, when notified of the input amount from the cash identification unit, stores the input amount as deposit amount information, and when a payout is instructed within the range of the deposit amount information, sets the valuable value. 2. The game medium lending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a payout request is transmitted to a medium processing unit and the deposit amount information is updated. A cash identification unit is provided communicable with the storage medium reading unit in a state where the storage medium reading unit is installed corresponding to the valuable medium compatible gaming table, and notifies the storage medium reading unit of the inserted amount,
The storage medium reading unit, when notified of the deposit amount from the cash identification unit, transmits the deposit amount to the deposit management device, stores the deposit amount in the deposit management device, stores the deposit amount in the deposit management device. When a withdrawal is instructed within the range of the deposit amount information set, a deposit request is transmitted to the valuable medium processing unit and the deposit amount information stored in the deposit management device is updated. The game medium lending device according to claim 1, wherein

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