JP2005118290A - System for game - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for the games which enables the promotion of the payment of the high-valued currencies while maintaining the merits of the apparatus for the games with the conventional seal-in type recording medium issuing function (namely, improvements in the convenience of the players and in the operation rate of the game machines and the reduction in the cost of the recording media for the games). <P>SOLUTION: When a paper note 2 and/or a coin 3 is received at a card unit 20, the ball dispensing processing is carried out. When an accounts settlement card 5 is received by the card unit with a balance of the money left unused for the ball dispensing processing, the balance stored in relation to a seal-in card ID in a system computer 50 is stored (transferred) to be matched with the accounts settlement card ID therein. When the accounts settlement card is received at an accounts settlement device 60, currencies equivalent to the balance stored in relation to the accounts settlement card ID are returned. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system that accepts money and lends game media, and more particularly, to a game system that can return a remaining amount that has not been used for lending game media to a player.

  Conventionally, a game recording medium (for example, a prepaid card) provided corresponding to a game machine (for example, a pachinko machine) in which information capable of specifying the value of the game value (for example, the remaining number) that can be used for the game is recorded. Lending processing for lending a game medium corresponding to a game value of a predetermined size within a range of the game value specified from the received record information of the game recording medium ( For example, a gaming apparatus (so-called card unit) that performs ball lending processing is known.

  Also, recently, a player who does not have the game recording medium or a player who has used up the game value specified from the record information of the game recording medium has issued the game recording medium. An encapsulated recording medium issuing function for issuing an encapsulated recording medium enclosed inside the gaming device in a manner that the player cannot touch so that it is not necessary to go to the device and purchase a new gaming recording medium Attached gaming devices are also known.

  This game device with an encapsulated recording medium issuing function can accept money (for example, banknotes and / or coins) and specify the magnitude of game value (for example, the remaining number) corresponding to the amount of the received money. The apparatus which performs processing for recording information on the encapsulated recording medium, moves the encapsulated recording medium on which information capable of specifying the magnitude of the game value is recorded to a position where the player can visually recognize the apparatus A predetermined size within the range of the game value specified from the recorded information after reading the recorded information of the encapsulated recording medium and collating the recorded information, etc. The lending process for lending a game medium corresponding to the game value is performed. According to the game device with the enclosed recording medium issuing function, it is possible to save the player from having to leave the gaming machine and go to the game recording medium issuing device to purchase a new game recording medium. In addition to being able to improve performance, there are advantages in that the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved and the cost of the game recording medium can be reduced (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-85795 A (2nd page, FIG. 2)

  However, in a conventional gaming device with an enclosed recording medium issuing function, the amount of gaming value corresponding to the amount of money received (paid) needs to be used up by the gaming device. (For example, 10,000 yen banknotes, 5000 yen banknotes) cannot be promoted and a player who does not want to deposit the high-priced money has to play a game to exchange the high-priced money into a small-priced money (for example, a 1000-yen banknote or a 500-yen coin). Since it is necessary to leave the machine, there is a problem that the operating rate of the gaming machine is lowered.

  The present invention has been made based on such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide advantages of a conventional gaming device with an encapsulated recording medium issuing function (that is, improvement of convenience for a player, operation of a gaming machine). It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming system that can facilitate the deposit of high-priced money while maintaining an improvement in rate and a reduction in the cost of gaming recording media.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to solve the above problems. The reference numerals used in the description of the best mode for carrying out the invention and the drawings to be described later are appended in parentheses for reference, but the constituent elements of the present invention are not limited to the appended description.

  First, the invention according to claim 1 is provided corresponding to a gaming machine (pachinko machine 10), and a currency receiving means (a banknote discriminator 23, a coin discriminator 24) for receiving money (banknote 2, coin 3), Enclosed recording medium (encapsulated card) encapsulated inside the gaming device in a manner that the player cannot touch with the magnitude of the valuable value corresponding to the amount of money accepted by the currency accepting means (amount received) 4) Encapsulated recording medium deposit information transmitting means (system computer communication) for transmitting encapsulated recording medium deposit information including encapsulated recording medium specifying information (encapsulated card ID) that can be individually identified to the outside of the gaming device Part 21a, 21a ′) and a game medium corresponding to a predetermined value (the amount set for the ball lending) within a range of the value corresponding to the amount of money received by the money receiving means ( Lending processing means (control unit 22) for performing lending processing (ball lending processing) for lending a dick ball, the magnitude of the valuable value (usage amount) used for lending processing by the lending processing means, Lending information transmitting means (system computer communication units 21a, 21a ') for transmitting lending information including encapsulated recording medium specifying information of the encapsulated recording medium enclosed to the outside of the gaming apparatus. The device (card unit 20, 20 ') can communicate with the gaming device, and the value of the valuable value (payment balance) included in the encapsulated recording medium deposit information received from the encapsulated recording medium deposit information transmitting means ) And encapsulated recording medium specifying information in association with each other and stored therein (hard disks 53 and 53 '), and the value of the value included in the loan information received from the loan information transmitting means Subtracting processing means (control unit 52) for performing a subtracting process for subtracting from the magnitude of the valuable value stored in the storage means in association with the enclosed recording medium specifying information included in the received loan information. A game system (1, 1 ') having a management device (system computer 50, 50') having the game device accepting a checkout recording medium (checkout card 5) from outside the game device The settlement recording medium identification information (settlement card ID) that can individually identify the settlement recording medium read from the accepted settlement recording medium, and the enclosed type enclosed inside the gaming device Game end process request transmission means (system computer communication units 21a, 21a ′) for transmitting a game end process request including encapsulated recording medium identification information of the recording medium to the management device ), And the management device associates the encapsulated recording medium specifying information included in the game end process request received from the game end process request transmission means with a large value stored in the storage means. Is stored in the storage means in association with the settlement recording medium specifying information included in the received game end processing request, and the gaming system is communicable with the management device, and the settlement recording medium And returns money to the player corresponding to the value of the valuable value (card balance) stored in the storage means in association with the adjustment recording medium identification information of the adjustment recording medium received. The game system is further provided with a settlement device (60).

  The invention according to claim 2 is the gaming system (1, 1 ') according to claim 1, wherein the gaming device (card unit 20, 20') is the settlement recording medium (settlement card). When receiving 5), the settlement recording medium for transmitting the settlement recording medium identification information (settlement card ID) read from the accepted settlement recording medium to the management device (system computers 50, 50 ′). Specific information transmitting means (system computer communication units 21a, 21a ') is further provided, and the management device associates the recording medium specifying information received from the adjusting recording medium specifying information transmitting means with the storage means. On the condition that the value (value remaining on the card) is stored in the (hard disks 53, 53 '), the lending permission information is sent to the settlement recording medium specifying information. It further has a loan permission information reply means (communication unit 51) for replying to the original game device, and the game device is provided on the condition that the loan permission information is returned from the loan permission information reply means. A lending process for lending a game medium (pachinko ball) corresponding to a predetermined value of value (ball lending set amount) within the range of the value of value stored in the storage means Lending processing) is performed by the lending processing means (control unit 22), and the value of the valuable value (usage amount) used for lending processing by the lending processing means and the settlement for reading from the accepted settlement recording medium Lending information including recording medium specifying information is transmitted to the management apparatus by the lending information transmitting means (system computer communication units 21a, 21a ′), and the management apparatus transmits the lending information. The magnitude of the valuable value included in the loan information received from the transmission means is subtracted from the magnitude of the valuable value stored in the storage means in association with the settlement recording medium specifying information included in the received loan information. The gaming system is characterized in that the subtraction processing is performed by the subtraction processing means (control unit 52).

  The invention according to claim 3 is the gaming system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the gaming device (card unit 20) returns the accepted recording medium to the player. The return operation accepting means (accounting card return button 16) for accepting the return operation for the storage and the storage medium associated with the settlement recording medium specifying information (accounting card ID) of the accepted settlement recording medium (settlement card 5) When the value of the valuable value (card remaining amount) stored in the means (hard disk 53) becomes zero after the subtraction processing by the subtraction processing means (control unit 52), the accepted adjustment recording medium is played. And a reservation means (settlement card R / W26) reserved in the game apparatus, and the recording medium for payment is reserved in the game apparatus by the reservation means. When the return operation is accepted by the return operation accepting unit, the settlement recording medium specifying information of the reserved settlement recording medium and the enclosed recording medium (encapsulation) enclosed in the gaming device A game end process request including the encapsulated recording medium specifying information (enclosed card ID) of the card 4) is sent to the management device (system computer 50) by the game end process request transmitting means (system computer communication unit 21a). The management device associates the enclosed type recording medium specifying information included in the game end process request received from the game end process request transmission means with the magnitude of the value stored in the storage means ( When the storage means is stored in the storage means in association with the recording medium specifying information for settlement included in the received game end processing request, the end of the game It further has a game end permission information return means (communication unit 51) for returning the game end permission information for permission to the game device that is the transmission source of the game end processing request. On the condition that the game end permission information is returned from the game end permission information returning means, the settlement recording medium reserved by the reservation means is returned to the player.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the gaming system (1 ′) according to claim 2, wherein the gaming apparatus (card unit 20 ′) receives the settlement recording medium (the settlement card 5). The value of the valuable value (card remaining amount) stored in the storage means (hard disk 53 ′) in association with the adjustment recording medium specifying information (adjustment card ID) is determined by the subtraction processing means (control unit 52). Reserving means (settlement card R / W26) for retaining the accepted recording medium when it becomes zero after the subtraction process, and the recording medium for settlement is stored inside the gaming apparatus by the retaining means. When money (banknote 2, coin 3) is received by the money receiving means (banknote identification machine 23, coin identification machine 24) in a state where the money is reserved, the value corresponding to the amount of money received. Payment medium recording information including the size of the payment (the amount of money deposited) and the payment recording medium specifying information of the reserved payment recording medium, to the management apparatus (system computer 50 ') A payment recording medium deposit information transmitting means (system computer communication unit 21a ') for transmitting, and the management device receives the payment recording medium deposit information received from the settlement recording medium deposit information transmitting means. In order to return the settlement recording medium reserved by the reservation means to the player, the stored value is stored in the storage means in association with the value of the valuable value included and the recording medium specifying information for adjustment. When a return operation is accepted by the return operation accepting means, the return operation accepting means (settlement card return button 16) for accepting the return operation is further included. A gaming system, characterized in that to return the payment recording medium which is retained by the reserve unit to the player.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the gaming system (1, 1 ′) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the management device (system computers 50, 50 ′) is the enclosure. The value (value received) included in the encapsulated recording medium deposit information received from the mold recording medium deposit information transmitting means (system computer communication units 21a, 21a ') and the encapsulated recording medium specifying information (encapsulated) When the storage means (hard disks 53, 53 ') is stored in association with the card ID), the storage completion information indicating the completion of the storage is used as the transmission source of the encapsulated recording medium deposit information. It further has a storage completion information return means (communication unit 51) for sending a reply to the device (card unit 20, 20 '), and the gaming device receives the storage completion information from the storage completion information return means On the condition that it is replied, the value storing the value of the value corresponding to the amount of money (banknote 2, coin 3) received by the money receiving means (banknote identification machine 23, coin identification machine 24) is stored. The storage means (encapsulated card 4) and the value (use amount) of valuable value used for lending game media (pachinko balls) by the lending processing means (control unit 22) are stored in the valuable value storage means. The value subtraction processing means (control unit 22) for performing the value subtraction process for subtracting from the value of the value that is present, and the adjustment recording medium (the adjustment card 5) are received in a state incapable of communicating with the management device. Sometimes, value recording processing means (settlement card R / W2) that performs processing for recording the value of the value stored in the value storage means (remaining deposit amount) on the accepted settlement recording medium. ), And when the settlement apparatus (60) receives the settlement recording medium in which the value of the valuable is recorded, the settlement recorded on the settlement recording medium received. The game system is characterized in that money corresponding to the size of the game is returned to the player.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 6 is the gaming system (1, 1 ′) according to claim 5, wherein the gaming device (card unit 20, 20 ′) is the management device (system computer 50, 50 ′) When the settlement recording medium (settlement card 5) is received in a state incapable of communicating with 50 ′), the magnitude of the valuable value stored in the valuable value storage means (enclosed card 4) (payment balance) And the processing for recording the encapsulated recording medium specifying information (encapsulated card ID) of the encapsulated recording medium (encapsulated card 4) encapsulated in the game apparatus on the accepted settlement recording medium. The settlement apparatus (60) performs the transaction by the value recording processing means (settlement card R / W26), and the settlement apparatus (60) records the magnitude of the valuable value and the encapsulated recording medium specifying information by the valuable value recording processing means. A settlement permission request transmitting means (communication unit) that transmits a settlement permission request including the value of the valuable value read from the received settlement recording medium and the encapsulated recording medium specifying information to the management device. 61), and the management device includes an encapsulated record in which the value of the valuable value (card balance) included in the settlement permission request received from the settlement permission request transmission means is included in the received settlement permission request. Determination means (control unit 52) for determining whether or not the value is less than the value of valuable value (payment balance) stored in the storage means (hard disks 53, 53 ′) in association with the medium specifying information; The value of the valuable value included in the payment permission request received from the payment permission request transmission means corresponds to the enclosed recording medium specifying information included in the received payment permission request by the determination means. On the condition that it is determined that the value is less than or equal to the value of the valuable value stored in the storage unit, the payment permission information indicating that the payment is permitted is sent to the payment apparatus that is the transmission source of the payment permission request. A settlement permission information reply means (communication unit 51) for replying, and the settlement apparatus receives the settlement settlement information on condition that the settlement permission information is returned from the settlement permission information reply means. A gaming system characterized in that money of an amount corresponding to the value of valuable value read from a recording medium is returned to the player.

  First, according to the gaming system of claim 1, the advantage of the conventional gaming device with an encapsulated recording medium issuing function (that is, the improvement of the player's convenience) is made possible by accepting money and lending the gaming medium. , Improving the operating rate of the gaming machine and reducing the cost of the game recording medium), the remaining amount, which is the value of the valuable value that was not used for renting the game medium, can be returned to the player Therefore, it is possible to promote the deposit of high-priced money, and it is possible to save the player from having to leave the gaming machine for exchange, and to prevent the operating rate of the gaming machine from being lowered. In addition, the remaining amount is ID-managed in association with the encapsulated recording medium specifying information and the adjustment recording medium specifying information, and the remaining amount stored in association with the encapsulating recording medium specifying information is associated with the adjustment recording medium specifying information. Since the remaining amount is returned by storing the information, security can be improved. For example, by cheating on the control unit of the gaming apparatus, there is no possibility that the remaining amount larger than the remaining amount of the encapsulated recording medium is recorded on the settlement recording medium.

  Further, according to the gaming system of claim 2, since the remaining amount stored in association with the recording medium specifying information of the settlement recording medium can be used for the lending process, the player can play the game with another gaming machine. When performing the game, it is possible to save the trouble of making a payment once and re-paying the money obtained by the payment, thereby improving the convenience of the player.

  According to the gaming system of claim 3, when the adjustment recording medium whose remaining amount is zero is reserved inside the gaming apparatus and the return operation of the adjustment recording medium is accepted, the reservation is made. The remaining amount is stored in association with the recording medium identification information of the settlement recording medium being stored, and the reserved recording medium is returned, so that the balance by the store clerk is zero The issue of the recording medium can be reduced and the remaining amount can be returned to the player in a short time.

  According to the gaming system of claim 4, the settlement recording medium whose remaining amount is zero is reserved inside the gaming apparatus, and the settlement recording medium specifying information of the settlement recording medium that is reserved The remaining amount is stored in association, and when the adjustment recording medium return operation is accepted, the reserved recording medium is returned, so that the remaining amount by the game store clerk is zero The issue of the recording medium can be reduced and the remaining amount can be returned to the player in a short time. Furthermore, when returning the remaining amount, processing such as interaction between the gaming device and the management device and storage of the remaining amount associated with the checkout recording medium identification information in the management device is not necessary, so the communication burden and the processing burden on the management device are reduced. Can be reduced.

  According to the gaming system of claim 5, when the gaming device and the management device are unable to communicate, the remaining amount is recorded on the settlement recording medium, and the remaining amount recorded on the settlement recording medium is returned. Therefore, the remaining amount can be returned even when the gaming device and the management device become unable to communicate with each other, and there is no inconvenience to the player that the remaining amount cannot be returned due to the inability to communicate.

  Furthermore, according to the gaming system of claim 6, when the remaining amount recorded on the settlement recording medium is equal to or less than the remaining amount stored in the management device, the remaining amount recorded on the settlement recording medium Since the return is performed, even if the remaining amount is returned when communication between the gaming device and the management device becomes impossible, the security is not lowered.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming system 1, 1 ′ according to the present invention is provided corresponding to a gaming machine (pachinko machine 10), and is an encapsulated recording medium (encapsulating card) in a manner that the player cannot touch. In the gaming device (card unit 20, 20 ′) in which 4) is enclosed, it is possible to accept money (banknote 2 and / or coin 3) and lend gaming media (pachinko balls), and a management device (system) In the checkout device 60 that can communicate with the computer 50), the balance recording medium (payment card 5) can be received and the remaining amount that has not been used for lending the game medium can be returned to the player. In making it possible to return to the player, the remaining amount stored in the management device in association with the encapsulated recording medium specifying information (encapsulated card ID) that can individually identify the encapsulated recording medium, Arabic recording medium individually in association with identifiable payment recording medium specifying information (payment card ID) stores (reclassified) it is characterized in.

  This gaming system includes two embodiments that differ in processing when money is received (paid) in a state where the payment card 5 is reserved in the gaming device. First, as shown in FIG. 6 to be described later, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment stores the deposited amount as a deposit balance in the system computer 50 in association with the enclosed card ID. When the return operation is accepted by the card unit 20, the deposit balance stored in the system computer 50 in association with the encapsulated card ID is stored in association with the settlement card ID as a card balance, and the reservation is made. The payment card 5 is returned to the player. Further, as shown in FIG. 8 to be described later, the gaming system 1 ′ according to the second embodiment stores the received money amount as a card balance in the system computer 50 ′ in association with the payment card ID, and the payment card. When the return operation 5 is accepted by the card unit 20 ′, the reserved payment card 5 is returned to the player.

  In the following, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described first, and the gaming system 1 ′ according to the second embodiment will be described only with respect to differences from the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment. . In the following, the reader / writer is abbreviated as “R / W”.

[1. Game system 1 according to the first embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a card unit 20 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 10, a system computer 50 capable of communicating with a plurality of card units 20, and the system computer. 50 is provided. In this gaming system 1, banknotes 2, coins 3, enclosing cards 4, and checkout cards 5 are used.

  The banknote 2 is an example of money, and here, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), there are four types of banknotes: a 1000 yen banknote, a 2000 yen banknote, a 5000 yen banknote, and a 10000 yen banknote. The coin 3 is also an example of money, and here, as shown in FIG. 2B, there are two types of coins, a 100 yen coin and a 500 yen coin.

  The encapsulated card 4 is an example of an encapsulated recording medium, and as shown in FIG. 2B, the encapsulated card 4 is encapsulated inside the gaming device in a manner that the player cannot touch. The encapsulated card 4 is also an example of valuable value storage means, and will be described later on the condition that the storage completion information is returned from the storage completion information return means (the communication unit 51 of the system computer 50) which will be described later. The value of the valuable value corresponding to the amount of money accepted by the bill identifying machine 23 or the coin identifying machine 24 (that is, the deposited amount) is stored. As shown in S15 of FIG. 4 to be described later, the encapsulated card 4 is pre-recorded with an encapsulated card ID which is encapsulated recording medium specifying information capable of individually identifying the encapsulated card 4, and the received card The value of value corresponding to the amount is recorded (stored) as the deposit balance.

  The checkout card 5 is an example of a checkout recording medium. As shown in FIG. 2 (c), the checkout card 5 is issued by a store clerk at the game hall and inserted from the outside of the game device for use. As shown in S35 of FIG. 4 to be described later, the settlement card 5 is recorded with a settlement card ID, which is a recording medium identification information for settlement that can individually identify the settlement card 5, and the remaining card amount. The

  The encapsulated card 4 and the settlement card 5 have a recording area (not shown) in which the encapsulated card ID and the deposit remaining amount, the settlement card ID, the remaining card amount, and the like are recorded in a predetermined portion of a rectangular thin plastic plate. Here, the IC card is a non-contact type integrated circuit equipped with a non-volatile EEPROM as the recording area. Hereinafter, each component of the gaming system 1 will be described.

  The card unit 20 is an example of a gaming device, and is provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 10 (here, adjacent to the left side of the pachinko machine 10) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A. . Here, the pachinko machine 10 is an example of a gaming machine, and is arranged at a predetermined position on a gaming island (not shown) in a game arcade according to a model and the like, and a game is played by driving a pachinko ball as a gaming medium into the gaming area. Here, a so-called CR-type pachinko machine that is communicable with the corresponding card unit 20 and exchanges signals with the card unit 20 regarding the lending of pachinko balls to perform ball lending processing. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the pachinko machine 10 includes a game area, an upper plate, a lower plate, a launching handle, and the like on the front surface thereof, a remaining frequency indicator 14, a ball lending button 15, and a checkout card. A return button 16 is provided, and as shown in FIG. 1, a game control board 11, a payout control board 12, a ball payout device 13 and the like are provided therein, and these components are connected as shown in FIG. Has been.

  The game control board 11 controls the gaming state in the pachinko machine 10. The payout control board 12 is communicably connected to a ball lending communication unit 21b described later of the card unit 20 and controls communication between the pachinko machine 10 and the card unit 20. Thereby, when the ball lending process is performed, signals related to the lending of the pachinko balls are exchanged between the pachinko machine 10 and the card unit 20. The payout control board 12 is connected to the ball payout device 13 and controls the ball payout device 13. Further, the payout control board 12 is also connected to a remaining frequency indicator 14, a ball lending button 15, and a payment card return button 16. The ball payout device 13 pays out a pachinko ball lent to a player through ball lending processing and a pachinko ball (so-called prize ball) given to the player as a result of the game. Here, the remaining frequency indicator 14, the ball lending button 15, and the payment card return button 16 are arranged on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10, but can communicate with the card unit 20 via the payout control board 12. Since it is connected to the card unit 20, it belongs to the card unit 20.

  The remaining number indicator 14 is a display for displaying the remaining number corresponding to the deposit remaining amount recorded in the enclosing card 4 or the remaining number corresponding to the remaining card amount recorded in the settlement card 5. Here, the remaining frequency is a value obtained by converting the deposit balance and the remaining card amount at a predetermined ratio (for example, 100 yen = 1 frequency). The ball lending button 15 is a button for accepting a ball lending operation using the deposit remaining amount recorded on the encapsulated card 4 or the card remaining amount recorded on the settlement card 5. The settlement card return button 16 is an example of a return operation accepting unit, and the settlement card 5 received by the settlement card R / W 26 described later (or the settlement card reserved by the settlement card R / W 26 which is a retention unit described later). This is a button for accepting a return operation for returning 5) to the player.

  The card unit 20 has a vertically long box shape, and as shown in FIG. 2A, a multi-function lamp 27, a bill insertion slot 23a, a coin insertion slot 24a, a coin return button 24e, A coin return port 24f, a sealed card confirmation window 25a, a checkout card insertion port 26a, etc. are provided, and as shown in FIGS. 2 (b) and 2 (c), a bill discriminator 23 and a communication unit for system computers are provided therein. 21a, a ball lending communication unit 21b, a control unit 22, a coin discriminator 24, an enclosing card R / W 25, a settlement card R / W 26, a settlement card collection unit 26b, etc., and these components are shown in FIG. Connected as shown.

  The system computer communication unit 21a is communicably connected to a later-described communication unit 51 of the system computer 50, and manages communication between the card unit 20 and the system computer 50. Will be described later. The ball lending communication unit 21b is communicably connected to the payout control board 12 of the pachinko machine 10 as described above.

  The control unit 22 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. When the processing program stored in the ROM is executed by the CPU using the RAM as a work area, the operation of each component included in the card unit 20 is performed. Various processes are performed under control. The control unit 22 determines whether or not the payment card 5 is reserved (reservation determination of the payment card 5) by a reservation means (the payment card R / W 26) described later. In addition, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the deposit remaining amount is recorded in the enclosing card 4 enclosed in the game apparatus, and whether or not the remaining card amount is recorded in the settlement card 5 received by the settlement card R / W 26. (Determining whether there is a remaining amount).

  Further, the control unit 22 is an example of a lending processing unit, and the value of the value corresponding to the amount of money accepted by a later-described money accepting unit (the banknote discriminator 23 or the coin discriminator 24) (that is, the deposited amount). ) Is a lending process (ball lending process) for lending a game medium (pachinko ball) corresponding to a predetermined value of valuable value (ball lending set amount). When the ball lending button 15 is operated and a ball lending operation is accepted, the balance of the deposit recorded in the encapsulating card 4 is compared with a preset ball lending set amount (for example, 500 yen), and the deposit remaining amount ≧ ball If the set amount is a lending amount, the payout control board 12 is instructed to pay out a pachinko ball corresponding to the set amount for the ball lending amount. The withdrawal control group It performs a process of instruction to 12.

  Further, the control unit 22 functioning as a lending processing unit has a storage unit (system computer 50 described later) on condition that the lending permission information is returned from a lending permission information returning unit (communication unit 51 of the system computer 50) described later. Game medium corresponding to a predetermined value (the amount set for the ball lending) within the range of the value stored in the hard disk 53) (here, the remaining amount of the card recorded on the checkout card 5). The lending process (ball lending process) for lending (pachinko balls) is performed. Specifically, when the ball lending button 15 is operated and the ball lending operation is accepted, the lending process is recorded on the checkout card 5. The remaining card amount is compared with a preset ball lending amount (for example, 500 yen). A process for instructing the payout control board 12 to pay out the noodle balls, and a process for instructing the payout control board 12 to pay out the pachinko balls corresponding to the card remaining amount if the card remaining amount <the set amount of the ball lending. Do.

  The control unit 22 is an example of valuable value subtraction processing means, and the value (usage amount) of valuable value used for lending game media (pachinko balls) by the lending processing means (control unit 22). A value subtraction process for subtracting from the value of the value stored in the value storage means (enclosed card 4) (the balance of the deposit) is performed. Specifically, when the ball lending process is performed If the balance of payment is equal to or larger than the set amount of ball lending, a processing for subtracting the amount of ball lending set as the amount of money used from the balance of payment recorded in the enclosing card 4 is performed. A process of subtracting from the deposit remaining amount recorded on the enclosing card 4 as the amount of money to be used is performed (that is, the deposit remaining amount becomes zero).

  Further, the control unit 22 functioning as the valuable value subtraction processing means records the amount of the valuable value (used amount) used for lending the game medium (pachinko ball) by the lending processing means (control unit 22). The value is subtracted from the value (card balance) recorded in the medium (settlement card 5). Specifically, when the ball lending process is performed, the card If the remaining amount is equal to or larger than the set amount of ball lending, a processing for subtracting the set amount of ball lending from the remaining amount of the card recorded on the settlement card 5 as a used amount is performed. As a result, a process of subtracting from the remaining card amount recorded on the settlement card 5 is performed (that is, the remaining card amount becomes zero).

  When the ball lending process is performed in the card unit 20, the following signals are exchanged between the card unit 20 and the corresponding pachinko machine 10.

  First, when the operation of the ball lending button 15 is detected by the control unit 22, the card unit 20 corresponds to the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the number of times (for example, 25 if the consumption tax is not considered, and if the consumption tax is considered, the consumption) Pachinko with the number of balls requested to be dispensed, which is a specific number of balls according to the tax rate, such as 24, 23..., Which is set in advance by the system computer 50 or the like and distributed to each card unit 20). A payout request signal requesting the payout of balls is transmitted to the payout control board 12 of the pachinko machine 10.

  The pachinko machine 10 that has received the payout request signal outputs a payout signal for instructing the payout of pachinko balls of the number of payout request balls from the payout control board 12 to the ball payout device 13, and based on this, the ball payout The control unit of the card unit 20 outputs a payout result signal indicating the number of payout result balls that is the number of pachinko balls actually paid out based on the end of the payout. 22 is transmitted.

  The card unit 20 that has received the payout result signal collates the number of payout request balls indicated in the payout request signal with the number of payout result balls indicated in the payout result signal. As the subtraction processing for the frequency, the amount corresponding to the frequency used for lending the pachinko ball is subtracted from the deposit amount recorded on the enclosing card 4 or the card balance recorded on the settlement card 5, and the remaining frequency is displayed. One frequency is subtracted from the remaining frequency displayed on the instrument 14. Then, the card unit 20 repeats the ball lending process for one degree by the number set for the ball lending, and based on the completion of the ball lending process for the number set for the ball lending, the payout control for the pachinko machine 10 is performed. It transmits with respect to the board | substrate 12, and a ball lending process is complete | finished.

  In the pachinko machine 10, the pachinko balls paid out from the ball payout device 13 are supplied to the upper plate, and are driven into the game area by operating the firing handle, thereby playing a game. Then, when the hit pachinko ball is awarded to a winning opening formed in the game area, the pachinko ball is paid out from the ball payout device 13 as a prize ball based on a payout signal issued from the payout control board 12, Supplied to the upper or lower plate.

  The bill validator 23 is an example of money accepting means, and accepts money. Here, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), in the state where the deposit balance and the card balance are zero, It is a discriminator that receives the four types of banknotes 2 and identifies the received banknotes 2. The banknote 2 received by the banknote identification machine 23 is discharged from the back of the card unit 20 through the banknote passage 23b and is transported by a banknote transport mechanism (not shown) provided on the amusement island. ).

  The coin discriminator 24 is also an example of a currency accepting unit, and accepts money. Here, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), in the state where the deposit balance and the card balance are zero, It is an identification machine that accepts the two types of coins 3 and identifies the coins 3 conveyed through the coin passage 24b. The coin 3 received by the coin discriminator 24 is also discharged outside from the back of the card unit 20 through the coin passage 24c, and is transported by a coin transport mechanism (not shown) provided on the amusement island. ). The coin return button 24e is a button for accepting a return operation of the coin 3 jammed in the coin passage 24b or the coin discriminator 24, and when the coin return button 24e is operated by the player, the jammed coin 3 becomes a coin. It returns to the coin return port 24f through the passage 24d.

  The encapsulated card R / W 25 records (writes) the deposit amount to the encapsulated card 4 encapsulated inside the encapsulated card R / W 25, and also includes the encapsulated card ID and the deposit amount recorded on the encapsulated card 4. Here, an IC card R / W corresponding to the enclosing card 4 which is the IC card is provided. The encapsulated card 4 encapsulated in the encapsulated card R / W 25 is visible to the player and cannot be touched through the encapsulated card confirmation window 25a.

  The settlement card R / W 26 receives the settlement card 5 from the settlement card insertion slot 26a, records (writes) the remaining amount of the card into the accepted settlement card 5, and the settlement card ID recorded on the settlement card 5 And an IC card R / W corresponding to the settlement card 5 which is the IC card.

  This settlement card R / W 26 is an example of a reservation unit, and is associated with the settlement card ID of the settlement card 5 that has been accepted and stored in the storage unit (hard disk 53 of the system computer 50) described later. When the size (remaining card amount) becomes zero after the subtraction processing by the subtraction processing means (the control unit 52 of the system computer 50) to be described later, the accepted settlement card 5 is reserved inside the gaming device. Specifically, even if the remaining balance of the accepted settlement card 5 becomes zero, the settlement card 5 is not discharged from the settlement card insertion slot 26a but retained (held) in the settlement card R / W 26. )

  Further, the settlement card R / W 26 is an example of the valuable value record processing means, and when the settlement card 5 is received, the magnitude of the valuable value stored in the valuable value storage means (enclosed card 4) (the balance of deposit). ) Is recorded in the accepted checkout card 5. Here, in a state where the card unit 20 and the system computer 50 can communicate (online state), after the payment card 5 is received, the game end is returned from a game end permission information return means (communication unit 51 of the system computer 50) described later. When the permission information is returned, a process of recording the deposit amount as a card balance on the settlement card 5 is performed. When the card unit 20 and the system computer 50 cannot communicate with each other (offline state), the settlement card 5 is stored. When accepted, the process of recording the deposit amount as the card balance on the settlement card 5 and the process of recording the encapsulated card ID are performed.

  The settlement card collection unit 26b associates the settlement card ID with the settlement card 5 (that is, the card remaining amount) stored in later-described storage means (hard disk 53 of the system computer 50) having a value of zero (ie, the card). When the payment card 5) having no remaining amount is reserved in the gaming apparatus by the reservation means and when the payment card 5 different from the payment card 5 being reserved is received, the reservation card by the reservation means And the reserved card 5 that has been reserved is collected. Specifically, the reserved card 5 that has been reserved is transported toward the back of the card unit 20 and the inside of the adjusted card collecting unit 26b is recovered. (Collect). The payment card collection unit 26b can collect a plurality of payment cards 5.

  The multi-function lamp 27 is a lamp that notifies the state of the card unit 20 by lighting or blinking in any one of a plurality of predetermined colors. This multi-function lamp 27 notifies that by turning on in green, for example, when the deposit amount is recorded in the enclosing card 4. The multi-function lamp 27 blinks in green, for example, when a return operation is accepted by the settlement card return button 16 in a state where the deposit amount is recorded in the enclosing card 4 and the settlement card 5 is not accepted. By doing so, the notification which prompts reception of the payment card 5 is performed. Furthermore, the multi-function lamp 27 notifies that by turning on, for example, yellow when the checkout card 5 having no remaining card amount is reserved in the game apparatus by the reservation means.

  Here, the system computer communication unit 21a is an example of an encapsulated recording medium deposit information transmitting unit, and, as shown in S12 of FIG. 4 to be described later, by a currency receiving unit (a banknote discriminator 23 or a coin discriminator 24). Enclosed recording medium deposit information including the magnitude of the value corresponding to the amount of money accepted (ie, the amount deposited) and the encapsulated card ID of the encapsulated card 4 encapsulated inside the gaming device Is transmitted to the system computer 50 outside the game device. Specifically, by the money accepting means in a state where the payment card 5 is not reserved inside the game device by the reservation means (the payment card R / W 26). When money is received, the enclosed recording medium deposit information is transmitted to the system computer 50.

  Further, the system computer communication unit 21a is an example of a payment recording medium specifying information transmitting means, and when the payment card 5 is received from outside the gaming machine as shown in S42 of FIG. The settlement card ID read from the settlement card 5 is transmitted to the system computer 50 outside the gaming apparatus, and here, the control unit 22 determines that the card balance is recorded in the accepted settlement card 5 On the condition that it has been done, the balance of the card read from the accepted settlement card 5 is also transmitted together with the settlement card ID.

  The system computer communication unit 21a is an example of a lending information transmitting unit. As shown in S23 of FIG. 4 to be described later, when a ball lending process using the deposit amount is performed, a lending processing unit (control unit) 22) The lending information including the magnitude of the valuable value used for the lending process (ball lending process) (that is, the amount used) and the encapsulated card ID of the encapsulated card 4 encapsulated inside the gaming device Is transmitted to the system computer 50 outside the operating apparatus.

  Further, the system computer communication unit 21a functioning as a lending information transmitting unit performs a lending processing unit (control unit 22) when a ball lending process using the remaining card amount is performed as shown in S53 of FIG. 4 described later. A system computer outside the gaming apparatus for lending information including the magnitude of the valuable value used for the lending process (ball lending process) (ie, the amount used) and the settlement card ID read from the received settlement card 5 Sent to 50.

  The system computer communication unit 21a is an example of a game end processing request transmission unit. When the payment card 5 is received from outside the gaming device, as shown in S32 of FIG. A game end processing request including the settlement card ID read from the card 5 and the encapsulated card ID of the encapsulated card 4 encapsulated inside the game apparatus is transmitted to the system computer 50 outside the game apparatus. Here, the game end request is made on the condition that the deposit amount is recorded in the encapsulated card 4 and the control unit 22 determines that no card balance is recorded in the accepted settlement card 5. Send.

  Further, the system computer communication unit 21a functioning as a game end process request transmission means reserves the payment card 5 in the game device by the reservation means (the adjustment card R / W 26) as shown in S82 of FIG. When the return operation is accepted by the checkout card return button 16 in the state of being played, the checkout card ID of the checkout card 5 that is reserved, and the sealed card ID of the sealed card 4 enclosed inside the gaming device And a game end processing request including the above information is transmitted to the system computer 50 outside the gaming apparatus. Here, the payment card 5 is reserved, and the deposit amount is recorded in the encapsulated card 4. The game end request is transmitted on condition that it is determined by the control unit 22.

  The system computer 50 is an example of a management device, and is provided at a predetermined location (for example, a management office) in a game hall. The communication unit 51, the control unit 52, and the hard disk connected as shown in FIG. 53 and the like.

  As described above, the communication unit 51 is communicably connected to the system computer communication unit 21 a of the card unit 20, and controls communication between the system computer 50 and the card unit 20. The communication unit 61, which will be described later, is communicably connected and manages communication between the system computer 50 and the settlement apparatus 60. Details of the function will be described later.

  The hard disk 53 is an example of storage means, and as shown in S13 of FIG. 4 to be described later, the deposit amount included in the encapsulated recording medium receipt information received from the encapsulated recording medium receipt information transmitting means and the encapsulated card ID are displayed. It is stored in association with each other. The hard disk 53 functioning as a storage means is stored in association with the enclosing card ID included in the game end process request received from the game end process request means, as shown in S33 of FIG. 4 and S83 of FIG. The deposit amount remaining is stored as a card balance in association with the settlement card ID included in the received game end processing request (ie, the deposit balance is transferred to the card balance and stored).

  The control unit 52 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. When the processing program stored in the hard disk 53 is executed by the CPU using the RAM as a work area, the operation of each component included in the system computer 50 is performed. Is used to perform various processes.

  The control unit 52 is an example of a subtraction processing unit. As shown in S24 of FIG. 4 to be described later, the control unit 52 receives the loan information including the usage amount and the enclosed card ID from the loan information transmission unit. A subtraction process is performed for subtracting the amount of money included in the loan information from the magnitude of the valuable value (payment balance) stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the enclosed card ID included in the received loan information. .

  Further, as shown in S54 of FIG. 4 to be described later, the control unit 52 functioning as a subtraction processing unit receives the loan information received when the loan information including the usage amount and the payment card ID is received from the loan information transmission unit. Is subtracted from the amount of valuable value (card remaining amount) stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the payment card ID included in the received loan information.

  The control unit 52 is an example of a determination unit, and includes a card balance and a payment card ID from a payment permission request transmission unit (communication unit 61) described later of the payment apparatus 60, as shown in S103 of FIG. 7 described later. When receiving the settlement permission request, it is determined whether the remaining card amount included in the received settlement permission request is stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the settlement card ID included in the received settlement permission request. Is.

  Further, as shown in S103 ′ of FIG. 7 to be described later, the control unit 52 functioning as the determination unit pays the balance including the card remaining amount and the enclosed card ID from the payment permission request transmission unit (communication unit 61) to be described later of the payment apparatus 60. When the permission request is received, the remaining card amount included in the received settlement permission request is equal to or less than the deposit remaining amount stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the enclosed card ID included in the received settlement permission request. It is determined whether or not (that is, whether the balance of the card is equal to or less than the balance of payment).

  Here, the communication unit 51 is an example of a storage completion information return unit, and the value of the valuable value (payment balance) included in the encapsulated recording medium deposit information received from the encapsulated recording medium deposit information transmitting unit and the encapsulated card. When the ID is stored in association with the hard disk 53, the storage completion information indicating the completion of the storage is returned to the card unit 20 that is the transmission source of the sealed card ID.

  The communication unit 51 is an example of a game end permission information return unit, and is associated with the enclosed card ID included in the game end process request received from the game end process request transmission unit, and is stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the enclosed card ID. The game end permission information for permitting the end of the game is stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the payment card ID included in the received game end processing request. This is a reply to the card unit 20 that is the transmission source of the processing request.

  The communication unit 51 is an example of a lending permission information return unit, and the value of the valuable value (card balance) is stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the payment card ID received from the payment recording medium specifying information transmission unit. On the condition that the loan permission information is returned to the card unit 20 that is the transmission source of the settlement card ID.

  The communication unit 51 is an example of a payment permission information return means, and when a payment permission request including a card balance and a payment card ID is received from a payment permission request transmission means (communication portion 61) described later of the payment apparatus 60. In addition, the remaining amount of the card included in the received settlement permission request is stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the settlement card ID included in the received settlement permission request by the determination means (control unit 52) (that is, verification) On the condition that it is determined that it is OK), payment adjustment information indicating that payment is permitted is returned to the payment apparatus 60 which is a transmission source of the payment adjustment request. When it is determined that the verification is NG, the settlement non-permission information indicating that the settlement is not permitted is returned.

  The communication unit 51 functioning as a payment permission information return unit receives a payment permission request including a card balance and an encapsulated card ID from a payment permission request transmission unit (communication unit 61) described later of the payment device 60. The value of the valuable value stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the enclosed card ID included in the received payment authorization request by the determination means (control unit 52). On the condition that it is determined that it is equal to or less than (the remaining balance of the deposit), that is, the balance of the deposit is equal to or less than the balance of the deposit, the settlement permission information indicating that the settlement is permitted is sent to the settlement apparatus 60 that is the transmission source of the settlement permission request. Reply to. If it is determined that the balance of the card is not equal to or less than the balance of payment, the settlement non-permission information indicating that the settlement is not permitted is returned.

  The checkout device 60 is provided at a predetermined location in the game hall (for example, near the end of the game island or in the vicinity of the prize exchange counter), and exhibits a kiosk terminal type shape as shown in FIG. A payment card insertion port 63a, a bill payment outlet 65a, a coin payment outlet 66a, a display 64, and the like are provided on the front surface, and as shown in FIG. 1, a communication unit 61, a control unit 62, a payment card R / W 63, A bill dispenser 65, a coin dispenser 66, and the like are provided, and these components are connected as shown in FIG.

  The communication unit 61 is communicably connected to the communication unit 51 of the system computer 50 and manages communication between the settlement apparatus 60 and the system computer 50. The communication unit 61 is an example of a payment permission request transmission unit. As shown in S102 of FIG. 7A described later, when the payment card 5 in which the payment card ID and the card balance are recorded is received, A settlement permission request including the remaining card amount read from the accepted settlement card 5 and the settlement card ID is transmitted to the system computer 50. Further, the communication unit 61 functioning as a settlement permission request transmission unit has received the settlement card 5 in which the settlement card ID, the remaining card amount, and the encapsulated card ID are recorded, as shown in S102 ′ of FIG. In some cases, a settlement permission request including the remaining card amount read from the accepted settlement card 5 and the enclosed card ID is transmitted to the system computer 50.

  The control unit 62 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. When the processing program stored in the ROM is executed by the CPU using the RAM as a work area, the operation of each component included in the settlement apparatus 60 is performed. Various processes are performed under control.

  The settlement card R / W 63 receives the settlement card 5 from the settlement card insertion slot 63a, and the settlement card ID and the remaining card amount recorded on the settlement card 5 (and the encapsulated card ID when the encapsulated card ID is recorded). ID) and the remaining card amount (and the encapsulated card ID if the encapsulated card ID is recorded) are erased from the accepted settlement card 5, and here the settlement card 5 which is the IC card. IC card R / W compatible with

  The settlement card collection unit 63b accepts the card remaining amount (and the encapsulated card ID when the encapsulated card ID is recorded) from the settlement card 5 received by the settlement card R / W 63 when the card remaining amount is erased. The payment card 5 is collected, and specifically, the accepted payment card 5 is conveyed toward the back of the payment apparatus 60 and collected (stored) in the payment card collection unit 63b. The payment card collection unit 63b can collect a plurality of payment cards 5.

  The display 64 is a display device for displaying various types of information as shown in FIG. When the payment card 5 can be accepted, the display 64 displays a message prompting the user to insert the payment card 5, as indicated by D1. Further, when money is returned in S105 of FIG. 7A or S105 ′ of FIG. 7B described later, an indication that the remaining amount is returned and that the settlement card 5 is collected is displayed as shown in D2. The In the process shown in S103 of FIG. 7A or S103 ′ of FIG. 7B, when the balance of the card recorded in the settlement card 5 is not equal to or less than the deposit balance stored in the hard disk 53, the settlement is performed as shown in D3. A message indicating that the card 5 is abnormal is displayed.

  The banknote dispenser 65 and the coin dispenser 66 return the money corresponding to the balance of the card to the player on condition that the settlement permission information is returned from the settlement permission information return means. In addition, a predetermined number of banknotes 2 are taken out from the banknote storage part 65b provided behind the banknote dispenser 65 and are discharged from the banknote outlet 65a, and a predetermined number of coin storage parts 66b provided at the upper part of the coin dispenser 66 are used. The coin 3 is taken out and paid out from the coin payout exit 66a.

  The operation of the gaming system 1 described above will be described. First, the controller 22 of the card unit 20 determines whether the card unit 20 and the system computer 50 can communicate (online state) or cannot communicate (offline state). Specifically, for example, based on a signal periodically transmitted from the system computer 50 to the card unit 20 (for example, every 10 seconds), while the reception of the signal is periodically detected, the online state is maintained. If it is determined that the reception of the signal is not detected for a certain period (for example, 1 minute), it is determined to be in the offline state. Here, when it is determined that the online state (that is, the state in which the card unit 20 and the system computer 50 can communicate) is determined, the processing shown in FIG. 4 is performed, and the offline state (that is, the card unit 20 and the system computer 50 are performed). When it is determined that the communication is impossible, the process shown in FIG. 5 is performed.

  First, referring to FIG. 4, the operation of the card unit 20 and the system computer 50 in the online state where the checkout card 5 is not reserved will be described. First, in the card unit 20 with no deposit balance, when the bill 2 or coin 3 is received by the bill discriminator 23 or coin discriminator 24 and deposited (here, 10,000 yen), the card is charged to the checkout card R / W 26. It is determined by the control unit 22 whether or not the payment card 5 with no remaining amount is reserved (S11). Here, since it is determined that the payment card 5 with no remaining card amount is not reserved, the encapsulated recording medium deposit information including the deposited amount and the encapsulated card ID is transmitted to the system computer 50 (S12). ).

  In the system computer 50 that has received the encapsulated recording medium deposit information, the encapsulated information included in the received encapsulated recording medium deposit information is set with the deposited amount included in the received encapsulated recording medium deposit information as a deposit balance. The information is stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the card ID (S13), and the storage completion information is returned to the card unit 20 which is the transmission source of the encapsulated recording medium deposit information (S14). Then, in the card unit 20, on the condition that the storage completion information has been returned, the deposited amount is recorded on the encapsulated card 4 as a deposit remaining amount (S15).

  Next, in the card unit 20, when the ball lending button 15 is operated and a ball lending operation is accepted, the control unit 22 determines whether there is a remaining amount (S21). Here, since it is determined that the deposit amount is recorded in the encapsulated card 4 (that is, there is a deposit amount remaining), the ball lending process using the deposit amount is performed by the control unit 22 which is a lending processing means, and the encapsulated card 4 A valuable value subtraction process for subtracting the used amount (500 yen in this case) used for lending pachinko balls from the recorded deposit balance is performed by the control unit 22 which is a valuable value subtraction processing means and displayed on the remaining frequency display 14 The frequency corresponding to the usage amount is subtracted from the remaining frequency (S22), and the loan information including the usage amount and the enclosing card ID is transmitted to the system computer 50 (S23). In the system computer 50 that has received the loan information, the usage amount included in the received loan information is subtracted from the balance of payment stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the enclosed card ID included in the received loan information. The subtraction process is performed by the control unit 52 which is a subtraction processing means (S24).

  Next, in the card unit 20, when the settlement card 5 (here, the settlement card ID is SC0001 and the remaining card amount is zero) is received by the settlement card R / W 26, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the remaining amount is present (S31). . Here, since it is determined that the remaining payment amount is recorded in the enclosing card 4 (ie, there is a remaining payment amount) and no remaining card amount is recorded in the settlement card 5 (ie, there is no remaining card amount), the system computer 50 Then, a game end processing request including the settlement card ID and the enclosed card ID is transmitted (S32).

  In the system computer 50 that has received the game end process request, the remaining payment amount stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the enclosed card ID included in the received game end process request is used as the received game end process request. The card balance is stored (transferred) in association with the settlement card ID included, and the deposit balance is set to zero (S33), and game end permission information is sent to the card unit 20 that is the transmission source of the game end processing request. Reply (S34). Then, the card unit 20 records the remaining payment amount on the settlement card 5 as the remaining card amount on the condition that the game end permission information is returned, and erases the remaining payment amount recorded on the encapsulated card 4. The remaining frequency displayed on the frequency display 14 is cleared to zero (S35), and the payment card 5 with the remaining card amount is discharged from the payment card insertion slot 26a and returned to the player (S36).

  In this way, by accepting money and lending game media, the advantages of the conventional gaming device with an encapsulated recording medium issuing function (that is, improving the convenience of the player, improving the operating rate of the gaming machine, (Reduction of the cost of the recording medium for the game) and the remaining payment amount that was not used for the rental of the game medium can be returned to the player, so that it is possible to promote the payment of high money and the player can exchange money. For this reason, it is possible to save the trouble of leaving the gaming machine and prevent the operating rate of the gaming machine from being lowered. In addition, the deposit balance is managed in association with the enclosed card ID and the settlement card ID, and the deposit balance stored in association with the encapsulation card ID is stored in association with the settlement card ID as a card balance. Since it can be returned, security can be improved.

  Next, in the card unit 20, when the settlement card R / W26 receives the settlement card 5 (here, the settlement card ID is SC0002 and the remaining balance is 500 yen), the settlement card ID and the remaining balance are read from the settlement card 5. The presence or absence of the remaining amount is determined by the control unit 22 (S41). Here, since it is determined that the remaining card amount is recorded in the settlement card 5 (that is, the remaining card amount is present), the remaining card amount and the settlement card ID are transmitted to the system computer 50 (S42).

  In the system computer 50 that has received the card balance and the payment card ID, the received card balance is matched with the card balance stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the received payment card ID (S43). On the condition that the verification is OK (that is, the received card remaining amount ≦ the stored card remaining amount), the lending permission information is returned to the card unit 20 which is the transmission source of the card remaining amount and the payment card ID ( S44). In the card unit 20 that has received the lending permission information, the remaining number corresponding to the read card remaining amount is displayed on the remaining number display 14, and the ball lending operation can be accepted (S45). When the collation is NG in S43, the loan disabling information is returned, and the accepted checkout card 5 is returned to the card unit 20 that has received the loan disabling information.

  Next, in the card unit 20, when the ball lending button 15 is operated and a ball lending operation is accepted, the control unit 22 determines whether there is a remaining amount (S51). Here, since it is determined that the card balance is recorded in the checkout card 5 (that is, there is a card balance), the ball lending process using the card balance is performed by the control unit 22 which is a lending processing means, A valuable value subtraction process for subtracting the used amount (500 yen in this case) used for lending a pachinko ball from the recorded card balance is performed by the control unit 22 which is a valuable value subtraction processing means and displayed on the remaining frequency display 14 The frequency corresponding to the usage amount is subtracted from the remaining frequency (S52), and loan information including the usage amount and the payment card ID is transmitted to the system computer 50 (S53). In the system computer 50 that has received the loan information, the usage amount included in the received loan information is subtracted from the remaining card amount stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the settlement card ID included in the received loan information. The subtraction process is performed by the control unit 52 which is a subtraction processing means (S54).

  In this way, since the remaining card amount stored in association with the payment card ID of the payment card 5 can be used for the lending process, when the player plays a game with another gaming machine, the payment is performed once and the payment is completed. This saves the trouble of re-paying the money obtained in the above, and improves the convenience of the player.

  In this card unit 20, the remaining card amount stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the payment card ID of the payment card 5 received by the payment card R / W 26 is set to zero after the subtraction processing by the control unit 52 which is a subtraction processing means. When this happens (here, when the remaining card amount recorded on the accepted settlement card 5 becomes zero), the accepted settlement card 5 is reserved inside the gaming device (S55), and the settlement card 5 without any remaining card amount is stored. Is notified by turning on the multi-function lamp 27 in yellow (S56). According to this, the player can be surely recognized that it is possible to return the remaining payment amount without inserting the payment card 5 with no remaining card amount. It is possible to prevent the card 5 from being issued.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the card unit 20 and the system computer 50 in the off-line state where the checkout card 5 is not reserved will be described. However, since the receipt of payment shown in S11 of FIG. 4 is not performed in the offline state, the following description describes a case where the offline state is entered after the processing shown in S11 to S15 of FIG. 4 is performed in the online state. .

  First, in the card unit 20, when the ball lending button 15 is operated and a ball lending operation is accepted, the control unit 22 determines whether there is a remaining amount (S21 '). Here, since it is determined that the deposit amount is recorded in the encapsulated card 4 (ie, there is a deposit amount remaining), the ball lending process using the deposit amount is performed by the control unit 22 which is a lending processing means, and the encapsulated card 4 A valuable value subtraction process for subtracting the used amount (500 yen in this case) used for lending pachinko balls from the recorded deposit balance is performed by the control unit 22 which is a valuable value subtraction processing means and displayed on the remaining frequency display 14 The frequency corresponding to the amount used is subtracted from the remaining frequency (S22 ′). Here, since communication with the system computer 50 is not performed because of the offline state, the deposit amount recorded in the encapsulating card 4 is less than the deposit amount stored in the hard disk 53.

  Next, in the card unit 20, when the settlement card 5 (in this case, the settlement card ID is SC0001 and the remaining balance is zero) is received by the settlement card R / W 26, the control unit 22 determines whether or not there is a remaining balance (S31 ′). ). Here, since it is determined that the remaining payment amount is recorded in the encapsulated card 4 (ie, there is a remaining payment amount) and no remaining card amount is recorded in the checkout card 5 (ie, there is no remaining card amount). Without communication with the system computer 50, the deposit balance is recorded on the settlement card 5 as a card balance, the enclosed card ID is recorded on the settlement card 5, and the deposit balance recorded on the encapsulation card 4 is erased. The remaining frequency displayed on the remaining frequency display 14 is cleared to zero (S35 '), the payment card 5 with the remaining card amount is discharged from the payment card insertion slot 26a and returned to the player (S36'). .

  In the offline state, since the payment card 5 shown in S41 of FIG. 4 is not accepted, the ball lending process using the remaining card amount is not performed.

  Next, referring to FIG. 6, the operation of the card unit 20 and the system computer 50 in the online state where the payment card 5 (here, the payment card ID is SC0002 and the remaining card amount is zero) is reserved. explain. First, in the card unit 20 in which the deposit balance is zero, when the bill 2 or the coin 3 is received by the bill discriminator 23 or the coin discriminator 24 and deposited (here, 10,000 yen), the card is charged to the checkout card R / W 26. It is determined by the control unit 22 whether or not the payment card 5 with no remaining amount is reserved (S61). Here, since it is determined that the checkout card 5 with no remaining card amount is reserved, the encapsulated recording medium deposit information including the deposited amount and the encapsulated card ID is transmitted to the system computer 50 (S62). ).

  In the system computer 50 that has received the encapsulated recording medium deposit information, the encapsulated information included in the received encapsulated recording medium deposit information is set with the deposited amount included in the received encapsulated recording medium deposit information as a deposit balance. The information is stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the card ID (S63), and the storage completion information is returned to the card unit 20 which is the transmission source of the encapsulated recording medium deposit information (S64). Then, in the card unit 20, on the condition that the storage completion information is returned, the deposited amount is recorded on the encapsulated card 4 as a deposit remaining amount (S65).

  Next, in the card unit 20, when the ball lending button 15 is operated and a ball lending operation is accepted, the control unit 22 determines whether there is a remaining amount (S71). Here, since it is determined that the deposit amount is recorded in the encapsulated card 4 (that is, there is a deposit amount remaining), the ball lending process using the deposit amount is performed by the control unit 22 which is a lending processing means, and the encapsulated card 4 A valuable value subtraction process for subtracting the used amount (500 yen in this case) used for lending pachinko balls from the recorded deposit balance is performed by the control unit 22 which is a valuable value subtraction processing means and displayed on the remaining frequency display 14 The frequency corresponding to the usage amount is subtracted from the remaining frequency (S72), and loan information including the usage amount and the enclosing card ID is transmitted to the system computer 50 (S73). In the system computer 50 that has received the loan information, the usage amount included in the received loan information is subtracted from the balance of payment stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the enclosed card ID included in the received loan information. The subtraction process is performed by the control unit 52 which is a subtraction processing means (S74).

  Next, in the card unit 20, when the payment card return button 16 is operated and the return operation is accepted, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the payment card 5 with no card balance is reserved in the payment card R / W 26. At the same time, the control unit 22 determines whether or not there is a remaining amount (S81). Here, since it is determined that the payment card 5 with no card balance is reserved and the deposit amount is recorded in the encapsulated card 4 (ie, there is a deposit balance), the settlement card ID and A game end processing request including the enclosed card ID is transmitted (S82).

  In the system computer 50 that has received the game end process request, the remaining payment amount stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the enclosed card ID included in the received game end process request is used as the received game end process request. The card balance is stored (transferred) in association with the settlement card ID included, and the deposit balance is set to zero (S83), and game end permission information is sent to the card unit 20 that is the transmission source of the game end processing request. Reply (S84). Then, the card unit 20 records the remaining payment amount on the settlement card 5 as the remaining card amount on the condition that the game end permission information is returned, and erases the remaining payment amount recorded on the encapsulated card 4. The remaining frequency displayed on the frequency display 14 is cleared to zero (S85), and the payment card 5 with the remaining card amount is discharged from the payment card insertion slot 26a and returned to the player (S86).

  In this way, when the payment card 5 with the card balance remaining at zero is reserved inside the gaming device and a return operation of the payment card 5 is accepted, the payment card ID of the payment card 5 that is reserved and Corresponding payment amount is stored as a card balance, and the reserved payment card 5 is returned, so that it is possible to reduce the issue work of the payment card 5 with zero balance by the game shop clerk, and to reduce the payment balance It can be returned to the player in a short time. In addition, since the checkout card 5 with the card balance remaining at zero is reserved inside the gaming device, the labor of the game hall and the player can reduce the trouble of processing the checkout card 5 with the card balance remaining at zero. It is possible to prevent an increase in cost due to the discarding of the checkout card 5 whose remaining amount is zero.

  In the offline state, the deposit shown in S61 in FIG. 6 is not accepted, so the process shown in FIG. 6 is not performed. When the settlement card R / W 26 accepts another settlement card 5 while the settlement card 5 with no remaining card amount is reserved, the settlement card R / W 26 cancels the reservation and the settlement card has been retained. 5 is conveyed toward the back side of the card unit 20, and the reserved payment card 5 is collected in the payment card collection unit 26b. According to this, since the payment card 5 that has been reserved is collected, it is possible to save the player who wants to insert a new payment card 5 to return the payment card 5 that has been reserved.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the operation of the settlement apparatus 60 and the system computer 50 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), the checkout card 5 in which the balance of the card is recorded in the online state in S35 of FIG. 4 or S85 of FIG. Is received by the settlement card R / W 63, the settlement card ID and the balance remaining are read from the settlement card 5 (S101), and a settlement permission request including the balance and the settlement card ID is transmitted to the system computer 50. (S102). Here, the remaining amount of the card is stored in the hard disk 53 of the system computer 50 in association with the settlement card ID.

  The system computer 50 that has received the settlement permission request collates the received card balance with the card balance stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the received settlement card ID (S103). The payment authorization information is returned to the payment apparatus 60 on the condition that the received card balance is equal to or smaller than the stored card balance (S104). If it is a collation NG in S103, the payment impossible information is returned, and the payment apparatus 60 that has received the payment impossible information displays the screen shown at D3 in FIG.

  In the settlement apparatus 60 that has received the settlement permission information, the screen shown at D2 in FIG. The amount of money is withdrawn from the bill dispenser 65 and / or the coin dispenser 66 and returned to the player (S105), the remaining amount of the card is erased from the settlement card 5, and the settlement card 5 is stored inside the settlement card collection unit 63b. (S106), and payment completion information including the payment card ID is transmitted to the system computer 50 (S107). The system computer 50 that has received the payment completion information erases the remaining card amount stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the payment card ID included in the received payment completion information (S108).

  According to this, for example, by performing fraud with respect to the control unit 22 of the card unit 20, there is no possibility that a card balance larger than the deposit balance recorded on the encapsulated card 4 is recorded on the settlement card 5.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the payment card 5 in which the card balance and the encapsulated card ID are recorded in the offline state in S35 ′ of FIG. 5 (here, the payment card ID is SC0001 and the card balance is 9500 yen. When the payment card R / W 63 receives the payment card ID FC0123), the payment card ID, the remaining card amount, and the enclosed card ID are read from the payment card 5 (S101 ′), and the remaining card amount is read from the system computer 50. A settlement permission request including the encapsulated card ID is transmitted (S102 ′). Here, in the hard disk 53 of the system computer 50, the remaining amount of payment is stored in association with the enclosed card ID.

  The system computer 50 that has received the settlement permission request determines whether or not the received card balance is equal to or less than the deposit balance stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the received encapsulated card ID. This is performed by the control unit 52 (S103 ′), and payment adjustment information is returned to the payment apparatus 60 on the condition that it is determined that the received card remaining amount ≦ the stored deposit balance (S104). '). If it is determined that the balance of the card received in S103> the stored deposit balance, the payment impossible information is returned, and the payment apparatus 60 that has received the payment impossible information returns to D3 in FIG. A display screen is displayed on the display 65.

  In the settlement apparatus 60 that has received the settlement authorization information, the screen shown at D2 in FIG. 3 (b) is displayed on the display 65, and the money corresponding to the read card balance is displayed in the banknote dispenser 65 and / or coins. The payout machine 66 pays out and returns to the player (S105 ′), the remaining card amount and the enclosed card ID are erased from the checkout card 5, and the checkout card 5 is recovered inside the checkout card collection unit 63b (S106 ′). The payment completion information including the encapsulated card ID is transmitted to the system computer 50 (S107 ′). The system computer 50 that has received the payment completion information erases the deposit amount stored in the hard disk 53 in association with the enclosed card ID included in the received payment completion information (S108 ').

  According to this, when the card unit 20 and the system computer 50 cannot communicate with each other, the balance of the card is recorded on the settlement card 5 and the balance of the card recorded on the settlement card 5 is returned. The remaining amount can be returned even when the communication between the computer 20 and the system computer 50 becomes impossible, and the player is not inconvenienced that the remaining amount cannot be returned due to the inability to communicate. Further, when the balance of the card recorded in the settlement card 5 is equal to or less than the deposit balance stored in the system computer 50, the card balance recorded in the settlement card 5 is returned. Even if the remaining amount is returned when communication with the system computer 50 is disabled, the security is not lowered.

[2. Game System 1 ′ According to Second Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming system 1 ′ according to the second embodiment includes a card unit 20 ′ provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 10, and a system computer 50 ′ capable of communicating with a plurality of card units 20 ′. And a settlement apparatus 60 similar to that of the first embodiment capable of communicating with the system computer 50 ′. In this gaming system 1 ′, the same banknotes 2, coins 3, enclosing card 4, and settlement card 5 as in the first embodiment are used. However, in the card unit 20 ′, unlike the first embodiment in which the deposit amount is recorded in the encapsulated card 4 in a state where the payment card 5 without a card balance is reserved, there is no card balance as shown in FIG. The remaining payment amount is recorded on the settlement card 5 in a state where the settlement card 5 is reserved.

  The card unit 20 ′ is an example of a gaming device, and is provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 10 similar to that of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This card unit 20 ′ differs from the card unit 20 according to the first embodiment only in that it has a system computer communication unit 21a ′ instead of the system computer communication unit 21a, and the other points are the same. is there.

  The system computer communication unit 21a 'is communicably connected to the communication unit 51 of the system computer 50' and manages communication between the card unit 20 'and the system computer 50'. Similar to the system computer communication unit 21a according to the first embodiment, the system computer communication unit 21a 'serves as an encapsulated recording medium deposit information transmitting unit, a settlement recording medium specifying information transmitting unit, and a lending information transmitting unit. It functions.

  Further, the system computer communication unit 21a 'is an example of a game end processing request transmission unit, and accepts a settlement card 5 (a settlement card 5 without a card balance) from outside the gaming device as shown in S32 of FIG. A system computer external to the game device that issues a game end processing request including the payment card ID read from the received payment card 5 and the enclosed card ID of the enclosed card 4 enclosed in the gaming device. 50 'is transmitted. However, unlike the system computer communication unit 21a according to the first embodiment, the system computer communication unit 21a ′ functioning as the game end process request transmission unit is a reservation unit (S81 ′ in FIG. 8 to be described later). Even when the payment card return button 16 accepts a return operation in the state where the payment card 5 is reserved in the game device by the payment card R / W 26), a game end processing request is sent to the system computer 50 ′. Do not send.

  Further, the system computer communication unit 21a ′ is an example of a payment recording medium deposit information transmission means. As shown in S62 ′ of FIG. 8 described later, the payment card 5 is set by the reservation means (the payment card R / W 26). When money is accepted by the money accepting means (the banknote discriminator 23 or the coin discriminator 24) while being retained inside the gaming apparatus, the value of the value corresponding to the amount of the accepted money (that is, deposit) Payment information including the payment card ID of the reserved payment card 5 is transmitted to the system computer 50 'outside the gaming apparatus.

  The system computer 50 ′ is an example of a management device, and is provided in a predetermined location (for example, a management office) in the game hall. The communication unit 51, the control unit 52, A hard disk 53 ′ and the like are provided. This system computer 50 'differs from the system computer 50 according to the first embodiment only in that it has a hard disk 53' instead of the hard disk 53, and the other points are the same.

  The hard disk 53 ′ is an example of a storage unit, and functions in the same manner as the hard disk 53 according to the first embodiment. The value of the valuable value (that is, the amount of money received) included in the payment recording medium payment information is stored in association with the payment card ID.

  The operation of the gaming system 1 'described above will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 4 (online state) and FIG. 5 (offline state), the operation of the card unit 20 ′ when the checkout card 5 is not reserved is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  Next, referring to FIG. 8, the card unit 20 ′ and the system computer 50 ′ in the online state where the payment card 5 (here, the payment card ID is SC0002 and the remaining card amount is zero) are reserved. The operation will be described. First, in the card unit 20 ′ having no deposit balance, when the bill 2 or the coin 3 is received by the bill discriminator 23 or the coin discriminator 24 and deposited (10000 yen in this case), the payment card R / W 26 receives it. It is determined by the control unit 22 whether or not the payment card 5 with no card remaining amount is reserved (S61 ′). Here, since it is determined that the payment card 5 with no card balance is reserved, the payment recording medium deposit information including the deposited amount and the settlement card ID is transmitted to the system computer 50 ′ ( S62 ').

  In the system computer 50 ′ that has received the payment recording medium deposit information, the received amount of money included in the received payment recording medium payment information is included in the received payment recording medium payment information as a card balance. It is stored in the hard disk 53 ′ in association with the payment card ID (S63 ′), and the storage completion information is returned to the card unit 20 ′ that is the transmission source of the payment recording medium deposit information (S64 ′). In the card unit 20 ', on the condition that the storage completion information is returned, the deposited amount is recorded on the settlement card 5 as the remaining card amount (S65').

  Next, in the card unit 20 ', when the ball lending button 15 is operated and a ball lending operation is accepted, the control unit 22 determines whether or not there is a remaining amount (S71'). Here, since it is determined that the card balance is recorded in the checkout card 5 (that is, there is a card balance), the ball lending process using the card balance is performed by the control unit 22 which is a lending processing means, A valuable value subtraction process for subtracting the used amount (500 yen in this case) used for lending a pachinko ball from the recorded card balance is performed by the control unit 22 which is a valuable value subtraction processing means, and displayed on the remaining frequency display 14 The frequency corresponding to the usage amount is subtracted from the remaining frequency (S72 ′), and loan information including the usage amount and the payment card ID is transmitted to the system computer 50 ′ (S73 ′). In the system computer 50 ′ that has received the loan information, the usage amount included in the received loan information is calculated from the remaining card amount stored in the hard disk 53 ′ in association with the payment card ID included in the received loan information. Subtraction processing for subtraction is performed by the control unit 52 as subtraction processing means (S74 ′).

  Next, in the card unit 20 ′, when the payment card return button 16 is operated and the return operation is accepted, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the payment card 5 with the remaining card amount is reserved in the payment card R / W 26. (S81 ′). Here, since it is determined that the settlement card 5 with the remaining card amount is reserved, the settlement card 5 with the remaining card amount is discharged from the settlement card insertion slot 26a without performing communication with the system computer 50 '. It is returned to the player (S86 ′).

  In this way, the payment card 5 with the card balance remaining at zero is reserved inside the gaming device, the payment balance is stored as a card balance in association with the payment card ID of the payment card 5 that is reserved, When the payment card 5 return operation is accepted, the reserved payment card 5 is returned, so that it is possible to reduce the work of issuing the payment card 5 with a balance of zero by the game shop clerk, and to reduce the deposit amount It can be returned to the player in a short time. Further, when returning the deposit balance, processing such as exchange between the card unit 20 ′ and the system computer 50 ′ and storage of the card balance associated with the payment card ID in the system computer 50 ′ is not required, so communication burden and system computer The processing burden at 50 ′ can be reduced. In addition, since the checkout card 5 with the card balance remaining at zero is reserved inside the gaming device, the labor of the game hall and the player can reduce the trouble of processing the checkout card 5 with the card balance remaining at zero. It is possible to prevent an increase in cost due to the discarding of the checkout card 5 whose remaining amount is zero.

  In the offline state, the deposit shown in S61 'in FIG. 8 is not accepted, so the process shown in FIG. 8 is not performed. The processing when another payment card 5 is received while the payment card R / W 26 holds the payment card 5 with no remaining card amount is the same as in the first embodiment. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the operations of the settlement apparatus 60 and the system computer 50 'are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Finally, a modification of the present invention will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the valuable value storage means is the encapsulated card 4 has been described. However, the value storage means is not limited to this, and the valuable value storage means is, for example, the control unit 22 of the gaming apparatus (card unit 20, 20 ′). In this case, it is not necessary to record the remaining payment amount on the encapsulating card 4.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in S35 of FIG. 4, S85 of FIG. 6, and S65 ′ of FIG. In the online state, it is not necessary to record the balance of the card on the settlement card 5. The used ball lending process is performed. However, in the offline state, it is necessary to record the remaining card amount on the checkout card 5 as shown in S35 'of FIG.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the types of banknotes 2 that can be received by the banknote discriminator 23 are four types of 1000 yen banknotes, 2000 yen banknotes, 5000 yen banknotes, and 10000 yen banknotes. Although demonstrated, not only this but the kind of the banknote 2 which can be received may be arbitrary 1 type in these 4 types, or 2 or more types. Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the types of coins 3 that can be received by the coin discriminator 24 are two types of 100-yen coins and 500-yen coins has been described. The type of coin 3 may be any one of the two types. In addition, it is not restricted to what accepts both the banknote 2 and the coin 3 as money, You may accept only either the banknote 2 or the coin 3.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the currency (banknote 2, coin 3) received by the currency receiving means (banknote identification machine 23, coin identification machine 24) is the gaming device (card unit 20, 20 ′). ) Although the example discharged | emitted outside and conveyed by the banknote conveyance mechanism and the coin conveyance mechanism was demonstrated, not only this but the received money may be made to store inside the game device.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, an example in which money (banknote 2, coin 3), which is a tangible object, is received in the currency receiving means (banknote identification machine 23, coin identification machine 24). Not limited, but accepts intangible money (for example, money data equivalent to money such as electronic money, credit amount specified from a credit card, deposit amount specified from a debit card, etc.) in contact or non-contact You may do it.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the encapsulated card 4 is a non-contact type IC card has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the encapsulated card 4 may be a contact type integrated circuit, magnetic, two-dimensional code (for example, a bar code). ), A three-dimensional code, or light interference (for example, a hologram) may be used to record information.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the recording medium (the checkout card 5) is a non-contact type IC card has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recording medium may be a contact type integrated circuit, magnetic, two-dimensional code ( For example, information may be recorded by bar code), three-dimensional code, optical interference (for example, hologram), or the like. The shape of the recording medium is not limited to a card type, and may be a coin type.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the gaming machine is the pachinko machine 10 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the gaming machine is, for example, a slot machine that uses medals as gaming media, and a slot that uses pachinko balls as gaming media. Pachinko machines, slot machines, and pachinko machines that can be played using score data without using pachinko balls or medals. Alternatively, an image-type pachinko machine in which pachinko balls are displayed as images, an image-type slot machine in which reels are displayed as images, or the like may be used.

  In the above embodiment, when the ball lending process is performed in the gaming apparatus (card unit 20, 20 ′), the number of pachinko balls corresponding to one degree (for example, 25 if the consumption tax is not considered) In consideration of the consumption tax rate, a payout request signal is issued to the pachinko machine 10 to request the payout of pachinko balls having a payout request number of balls (specific number of balls, such as 24, 23, etc.). Although the transmitted example has been described, the ball lending process may be performed, for example, as shown in Modification 1 or Modification 2 below.

  First, as a first modification, the pachinko machine 10 is configured so that the number of pachinko balls to be paid out in response to a single payout request from the gaming device (hereinafter referred to as “unit payout number”) can be changed, and the game In the apparatus, when the set unit payout number is configured to be stored in advance, the ball lending process is performed as follows. First, when the control unit 22 detects the operation of the ball lending button 15, the gaming apparatus sends a payout request signal (a signal not indicating the specific payout request ball number) to the payout control board 12. To send. The pachinko machine 10 that has received the payout request signal outputs a payout signal for instructing the payout of the pachinko balls of the unit payout number from the payout control board 12 to the ball payout device 13, and based on this, the ball payout device Pachinko balls are paid out for the number of unit payouts from 13 and, based on the end of the payout, a payout result signal indicating the number of payout result balls, which is the number of pachinko balls actually paid out, is transmitted to the control unit 22. . The gaming device that has received the payout result signal collates the number of unit payouts stored in advance with the number of payout result balls indicated in the payout result signal. Minute subtraction processing is performed, and then ball lending processing is performed for the number of ball lending settings.

  Here, a payout result signal indicating the number of payout result balls may be output from the payout control board 12 of the pachinko machine 10, or output from a payout detection sensor (not shown) that detects the number of paid-out pachinko balls. You may be made to do. In addition, the number of unit payouts stored in advance in the gaming device may be set by a card company management device or a game hall management device (system computer 50), and distributed and stored in the gaming device. For example, in the case of collating NG between the number of unit payouts and the number of payout results, if the gaming device is configured to be disabled, the pachinko machine 10 has a smaller number of unit payouts than the actual declaration. It is possible to prevent fraud such as that set in.

  As a second modification, when the number of unit payouts is constant (for example, 25), the ball lending process is performed as follows. First, when the control unit 22 detects the operation of the ball lending button 15, the gaming apparatus sends a payout request signal (a signal not indicating the specific payout request ball number) to the payout control board 12. To send. The pachinko machine 10 that has received the payout request signal checks whether or not the pachinko ball can be paid out from the ball payout device 13, and if the check result is possible, the ball lending preparation signal is sent to the control unit. 22 is transmitted. The gaming device that has detected the ball lending preparation signal transmits a ball lending command signal to the payout control board 12, and the pachinko machine 10 that has received the ball lending command signal pays out the pachinko balls of the unit payout number. Is output from the payout control board 12 to the ball payout device 13, and based on this, the ball payout device 13 pays out a pachinko ball corresponding to the number of payouts, and based on the end of the payout. A ball lending completion signal indicating the completion of the ball lending process for one number of times is transmitted to the control unit 22. The gaming apparatus that has received the payout result signal performs the subtraction process for the number of times, and then performs the ball lending process for the number of set balls.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the lending process for lending gaming media is a ball lending process for lending pachinko balls has been described. However, the lending process is not limited to this, and the lending process lends the medal. Processing, processing that converts the magnitude of the valuable value into a score as a game medium in the image-type pachinko machine or slot machine, and the like may be used for the game.

  In the above-described embodiment, when ball lending processing is performed, signals relating to lending of pachinko balls are exchanged between the gaming device (card units 20, 20 ′) and the gaming machine (pachinko machine 10). The example in which the pachinko balls are paid out and lent out from the ball payout device 13 provided in the gaming machine has been described, but is not limited thereto, and the pachinko ball is provided from a ball payout device (not shown) provided in the gaming device. May be paid out and loaned.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the remaining number indicator 14, the ball lending button 15, and the payment card return button 16 are provided in the gaming machine (pachinko machine 10), and the gaming device (card unit 20, 20 '), but the present invention is not limited to this, and a part or all of these remaining number display 14, ball lending button 15, and payment card return button 16 are provided in the gaming device. May be.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which money (banknote 2 and / or coin 3) can be received in a state where the deposit balance and the card balance are zero has been described. Even when the remaining amount of the card is not zero, money may be accepted.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the example in which the payment card collection unit 26b is provided behind the payment cards R / W 26, 26 has been described. May be provided below the settlement cards R / W 26, 26, and the settlement cards 5 retained by the settlement cards R / W 26, 26 may be dropped and collected.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the amount of money itself is stored and managed as the magnitude of the valuable value has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the amount is converted at a predetermined ratio as the magnitude of the valuable value. You may make it memorize | store and manage a remaining number, a score, etc.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in S15 of FIG. 4, on the condition that the storage completion information is returned from the storage completion information return means (communication unit 51), the gaming apparatus (card units 20, 20 ′) However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the deposit is made, the remaining payment amount is stored in the valuable value storage unit, and storage completion information is stored. If the storage completion information is not returned from the reply unit within a predetermined time, the stored deposit amount may be erased from the valuable value storage unit and the deposited money may be returned. That is, the valuable value storage means may be any means that stores the balance of payment, on condition that the storage completion information is returned from the storage completion information return means (communication unit 51).

  In the above embodiment, as shown in S53 of FIG. 4, S73 of FIG. 6, and S73 ′ of FIG. 8, the lending process (ball lending process) is performed in the gaming apparatus (card units 20, 20 ′). Later, the example in which the lending information is transmitted from the gaming device to the management device (system computer 50, 50 ′) has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, before the lending processing is performed in the gaming device Lending information is transmitted from the gaming device to the management device, and after the subtraction processing is performed in the management device, subtraction completion information is transmitted from the management device to the gaming device, and the subtraction is performed in the gaming device. The lending process may be performed after the completion information is received.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in S53 in FIG. 4, S73 in FIG. 6, and S73 ′ in FIG. 8, the example in which the usage amount is included in the loan information has been described. When the amount is fixed, the amount used is also constant, so the loan information may include information indicating that the loan processing has been performed instead of the amount used. That is, in this case, the information indicating that the lending process has been performed corresponds to “the magnitude of the valuable value used for the lending process by the lending processing unit” included in the lending information.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a gaming system according to the present invention. 2A is a front view of the card unit and the pachinko machine, FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional right side view of the card unit, and FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the settlement apparatus, and FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of display contents of a display provided in the settlement apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the card unit and the system computer in the online state where the checkout card is not reserved. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the card unit in a state in which the payment card is not reserved in the offline state. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the card unit and the system computer according to the first embodiment in the online state where the checkout card is reserved. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the settlement apparatus and the system computer. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the card unit and the system computer according to the second embodiment in the online state where the checkout card is reserved.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game system 2 ... Banknote 3 ... Coin 4 ... Enclosed card 5 ... Settlement card 10 ... Pachinko machine 16 ... Settlement card return button 20 ... Card unit 21a ... Communication part 22 for system computers 22 ... Control part 23 ... Banknote identification machine 24 ... coin discriminator 26 ... checkout card R / W
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 ... System computer 51 ... Communication part 52 ... Control part 53 ... Hard disk 60 ... Payment apparatus 61 ... Communication part

Claims (6)

Provided for game machines,
Money accepting means for accepting money;
Enclosed type recording capable of individually specifying the encapsulated type recording medium enclosed in the gaming device in a manner that the player cannot touch the value of the valuable value corresponding to the amount of money accepted by the money accepting means Enclosed recording medium deposit information transmitting means for transmitting encapsulated recording medium deposit information including medium specifying information to the outside of the gaming device;
Lending processing means for performing lending processing for lending a game medium corresponding to a valuable value of a predetermined size within a range of a valuable value corresponding to the amount of money received by the money receiving means;
Lending information transmission for transmitting lending information including the magnitude of the valuable value used for lending processing by the lending processing means and the encapsulated recording medium specifying information of the enclosed encapsulating recording medium to the outside of the gaming device A gaming device having means;
Communicate with the gaming device;
Storage means for storing the magnitude of the value included in the encapsulated recording medium receipt information received from the encapsulated recording medium receipt information transmitting means in association with the encapsulated recording medium specifying information;
The magnitude of the valuable value included in the loan information received from the loan information transmitting means is associated with the encapsulated recording medium specifying information included in the received loan information and stored in the storage means. A management device having subtraction processing means for performing subtraction processing to subtract from
A gaming system comprising:
When the game device accepts an adjustment recording medium from outside the game device, the adjustment recording medium identification information capable of individually specifying the adjustment recording medium read from the accepted adjustment recording medium; A game end process request transmission means for transmitting a game end process request to the management device, including encapsulated type recording medium specifying information of an encapsulated type recording medium enclosed in the game apparatus;
The management device receives the magnitude of the value stored in the storage unit in association with the enclosed recording medium specifying information included in the game end process request received from the game end process request transmission unit. Stored by the storage means in association with the checkout recording medium specifying information included in the game end processing request,
The gaming system is communicable with the management device, accepts the settlement recording medium, and stores it in the storage means in association with the settlement recording medium specifying information of the accepted settlement recording medium. A gaming system, further comprising a settlement device for returning money of an amount corresponding to the value of value to the player. A gaming system according to claim 1,
When the game device receives the payment recording medium, the game recording device specifies information for payment adjustment medium that transmits the payment recording medium specification information read from the received payment recording medium to the management device. Further comprising
The management device provides the loan permission information on the condition that the value of the valuable value is stored in the storage means in association with the adjustment recording medium identification information received from the adjustment recording medium identification information transmission means. A loan permission information reply means for replying to the gaming machine that is the transmission source of the settlement recording medium specifying information;
The gaming device has a predetermined value within the range of the value stored in the storage unit, provided that the loan permission information is returned from the loan permission information return unit. The lending process for lending the game medium corresponding to is performed by the lending processing means, the value of the valuable value used for the lending process by the lending processing means, and the settlement record read from the accepted settlement recording medium And lending information including medium specifying information is transmitted to the management device by the lending information transmitting means,
The management device stores the magnitude of the valuable value included in the loan information received from the loan information transmission unit in the storage unit in association with the settlement recording medium specifying information included in the received loan information. A game system characterized in that a subtraction process for subtracting from the value of a valuable value is performed by the subtraction processing means. A gaming system according to claim 2,
The gaming device is:
Return operation accepting means for accepting a return operation for returning the accepted recording medium to the player;
When the value of the valuable value stored in the storage means in association with the adjustment recording medium specifying information of the accepted adjustment recording medium becomes zero after the subtraction processing by the subtraction processing means, the acceptance And a reservation means for retaining the settlement recording medium in the game apparatus,
When the return operation is accepted by the return operation accepting unit while the settlement recording medium is retained inside the game device by the reservation unit, the settlement recording medium specifying information of the reserved recording medium is retained And a game end processing request including the enclosed type recording medium identification information of the enclosed type recording medium enclosed in the gaming device, to the management device by the game end processing request transmission means,
The management device
The value of the valuable value stored in the storage means in association with the encapsulated recording medium specifying information included in the game end process request received from the game end process request transmission means is stored in the received game end process request. The game end permission information for permitting the end of the game, when stored in the storage means in association with the included recording medium specifying information included, is sent to the gaming device that is the transmission source of the game end processing request It further has a game end permission information reply means for replying,
The gaming device returns the settlement recording medium reserved by the reservation means to the player on condition that the game end permission information is returned from the game end permission information return means. Game system to play. A gaming system according to claim 2,
The gaming device is:
When the value of the valuable value stored in the storage means in association with the adjustment recording medium specifying information of the accepted adjustment recording medium becomes zero after the subtraction processing by the subtraction processing means, the acceptance Retaining means for retaining the settlement recording medium in the game device;
When money is received by the money accepting means in a state where the settlement recording medium is retained in the game device by the reservation means, the value of the value corresponding to the amount of the accepted money and the reserved value are stored. A settlement recording medium receipt information transmitting means for transmitting settlement record medium receipt information including the settlement recording medium identification information of the settlement recording medium to the management device,
The management device associates the value of the valuable value included in the payment recording medium payment information received from the payment recording medium payment information transmission means and the payment recording medium specifying information in association with each other, and stores them in the storage means.
The gaming device further includes a return operation accepting unit that accepts a return operation for returning the settlement recording medium reserved by the reservation unit to the player, and the return operation accepting unit accepts the return operation. A game system, wherein the settlement recording medium reserved by the reservation means is returned to the player. A gaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
When the management device stores the value of the valuable value included in the encapsulated recording medium receipt information received from the encapsulated recording medium receipt information transmitting unit and the encapsulated recording medium specifying information in association with each other and stores them in the storage unit A storage completion information return means for returning the storage completion information indicating the completion of the storage to the gaming device that is the transmission source of the encapsulated recording medium deposit information;
The gaming device is:
Value storage means for storing the value of the value corresponding to the amount of money received by the money receiving means, on condition that the storage completion information is returned from the storage completion information returning means;
A valuable value subtraction processing means for performing a valuable value subtraction process for subtracting the value of the valuable value used for lending the game medium by the loan processing means from the value of the valuable value stored in the value storage means;
When receiving the adjustment recording medium in a state where communication with the management device is not possible, a process of recording the value of the valuable value stored in the valuable value storage means on the received adjustment recording medium is performed. And further having a valuable value record processing means,
When the settlement apparatus receives a settlement recording medium in which the value of the valuable value is recorded, the settlement apparatus plays money of an amount corresponding to the value of the valuable value recorded on the received settlement recording medium. Game system characterized by being returned to the player. A gaming system according to claim 5,
When the gaming device accepts the checkout recording medium in a state incapable of communicating with the management device, the game device encloses the value of the value stored in the value storage means and the inside of the game device. Performing the process of recording the encapsulated recording medium specifying information of the encapsulated recording medium being recorded on the accepted adjustment recording medium by the valuable value recording processing means,
When the settlement apparatus receives a settlement recording medium in which the value of the valuable value and the encapsulated recording medium identification information are recorded by the valuable record processing means, the valuable value read from the received settlement recording medium is received. A payment permission request transmission means for transmitting a payment permission request including the size of the recording medium specifying information and the encapsulated recording medium specifying information to the management device,
The management device
The value of the valuable value included in the payment permission request received from the payment permission request transmission means is stored in the storage means in association with the encapsulated recording medium specifying information included in the received payment permission request. A determination means for determining whether or not the value is less than or equal to the magnitude of the value;
The determination means causes the value of the valuable value included in the payment permission request received from the payment permission request transmission means to be associated with the enclosed recording medium specifying information included in the received payment permission request in the storage means. Checkout permission for returning the checkout permission information indicating that the checkout is permitted to the checkout device that is the transmission source of the checkout permission request on condition that it is determined that the value is less than or equal to the stored value. An information return means,
The payment apparatus provides the player with money of an amount corresponding to the value of the value read from the received recording medium for payment on condition that the payment permission information is returned from the payment permission information return means. A gaming system characterized by being returned.

Images