JP2005192922A - System and method for prize exchange - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce handling of special prizes which are not so often requested by any of a game parlor, a pachinko prize buyer and a player in cashing game media obtained by the player. <P>SOLUTION: A game medium counting device 30 notifies a T/C 70 of a cellular phone number obtained by an information obtaining means 301 from a cellular phone terminal 5 of the player and calculation information including the information on the number of special prizes calculated from the counted value of game media, and has the cellular phone number and calculation information correlated with each other and managed by a database 731. A cash dispenser 80 notifies the T/C 70 of the cellular phone number obtained by an information obtaining means 801 from the cellular phone terminal 5 of a customer who cashed prizes, has the information on the number of special prizes corresponding to the cellular phone number retrieved from the database 731, and dispenses cash equivalent to the notified number of special prizes as the retrieved information on the number of special prizes is notified by the T/C 70. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize exchange system in which a player exchanges game media acquired by a gaming machine for cash, and more particularly, to a prize exchange system and a prize exchange method in which a player can exchange cash without carrying a special prize.

  In game halls such as pachinko parlors, while providing gaming services to players using pachinko machines (pachinko machines, pachislot machines, etc.), the gaming media acquired by gaming on gaming machines are exchanged for prizes. To provide services.

  A general procedure for exchanging game media acquired by a player for a prize is as follows.

  First, after the game is over, the player puts the acquired game medium, for example, a pachinko ball (ball) into a ball counter which is a game medium counting device, and performs counting.

  In the ball counting machine, after completion of the ball counting, information related to the ball counting process (ball counting value, counting date and time, the machine number of the counting machine, etc.) is printed from a receipt issuing machine built in or connected to the ball counting machine. Issue receipts.

  Next, the player carries the operation for causing the prize management device (POS terminal) to read the receipt of the number of balls, taking the number of balls receipt to the prize counter.

  By this operation, the prize management device reads the information from the above-mentioned number-of-balls receipt, recognizes the ball count value, displays it on the display unit, and when the player who sees this desires to exchange for a special prize, A special prize corresponding to the ball count printed on the ball number receipt is paid out.

  Next, the player who has the special prize paid out by the prize dispenser goes to the prize exchange outside the amusement shop as a customer, and informs the employee of the prize exchange that he / she wants to redeem the money. .

  As a result, the workers at the prize exchange office read the special prizes brought in by the customer using a reader to check the authenticity, count the type and number of special prizes, and receive cash equivalent to the counting result. hand over.

As a known system to which the prize exchange method according to the above-described series of procedures is applied, there is a cash exchange system described in Patent Document 1 below.
JP 2002-239196 A

  As represented by the cash exchange system described in Patent Document 1, a special prize is paid out at a game store, and a player who has received the special prize pays the special prize to the prize exchange office for cash. In the conventional prize exchange method of cashing out, when the clerk of the amusement shop manually exchanges special prizes, there is a possibility that the number of prizes will be paid out excessively or excessively. In some cases, a miscalculation accident occurs and a trouble occurs with the player.

  In addition, even when special prizes are paid out using a prize dispenser, it is necessary to purchase a large amount of special prizes and manually manage the inventory in the amusement store (hall) or at the prize exchange. The cost required for the operation is very high, and further, management labor such as checking the number of sheets in the hall and in the prize exchange office is required.

  On the other hand, it is troublesome for the player to take the special prize received at the game hall (the prize counter) to the prize exchange, and it is also noticeable and useless by others.

  The present invention solves the above problems, and after counting the game media acquired by the player, it can go to the prize exchange without having a special prize, and can be exchanged for money. It is an object of the present invention to provide a prize exchange system and a prize exchange method that can reduce the handling of special prizes that are low in needs for any player.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is formed by connecting a counting device for counting game media and a cash payout device for paying out cash to an upper management device. Information acquisition means for receiving an incoming call from a communication terminal and acquiring call number information of the communication terminal; calculation means for calculating valuable value information corresponding to a count value of the game medium; and acquisition by the information acquisition means Call number information, and notifying means for notifying the higher-level management apparatus of the valuable value information calculated by the calculation means, wherein the higher-level management apparatus includes the call number information notified from the counting apparatus and the Management means for associating valuable information with each other and managing them by a database, and search for searching valuable information corresponding to call number information notified from the cash dispenser from the database And a retrieval information notification means for notifying the cash dispensing apparatus of the valuable value information retrieved by the retrieval means, wherein the cash dispensing apparatus accepts an incoming call from an external communication terminal, Corresponding to the notification of the call number information, the information acquisition means for acquiring the call number information of the terminal, the acquisition information notification means for notifying the upper management apparatus of the call number information acquired by the information acquisition means, And a cash payout means for paying out cash equivalent to the valuable value information notified from the host management device.

  The invention according to claim 2 is formed by connecting a counting device for counting game media and a cash payout device for paying out cash equivalent to the number of special prizes to a host management device, and the counting device is an external communication terminal. Receiving information from the communication terminal and acquiring call number information of the communication terminal, calculating means for calculating the number of special prizes corresponding to the count value of the game medium, and the call acquired by the information acquiring means Notification means for notifying the upper management apparatus of number information including count information including information on the number of special prizes calculated by the calculation means, wherein the upper management apparatus notifies the call received from the counting apparatus. Management means for managing the number information and the counting information in association with each other by the database, and a search for searching the database for the number of special prizes corresponding to the call number information notified from the cash dispenser. And a search information notification means for notifying the cash dispensing apparatus of the number of special prizes retrieved by the retrieval means, wherein the cash dispensing apparatus accepts an incoming call from an external communication terminal, Corresponding to the notification of the call number information, the information acquisition means for acquiring the call number information of the terminal, the acquisition information notification means for notifying the upper management apparatus of the call number information acquired by the information acquisition means, And a cash payout means for paying out cash equivalent to the number of special prizes notified from the host management device.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the counting device includes a recording medium issuing unit that issues a recording medium associated with information relating to the counting processing of the game medium, and the external device. And recording medium issuance control means for controlling the recording medium issuance means to issue the recording medium when there is no incoming call from the communication terminal.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the counting device includes a recording medium issuing unit that issues a recording medium associated with information relating to the counting process of the game medium, and the external device. The recording medium issuance control means for controlling the recording medium issuance means to issue the recording medium regardless of whether there is an incoming call from the communication terminal.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the counting device includes a message that prompts the own device to make a call when counting the game media, and call number information of the own device. It is characterized by comprising display control means for displaying.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the display control means has acquired the call number information of the external communication terminal by the information acquisition means, and the counting of the game media has been completed. Thereafter, the call number information, the count value of the game medium, and a message prompting to issue an instruction to end counting after confirming the call number information and the count value of the game medium are further displayed.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cash dispensing device displays a message for prompting the own device to make a call at the time of cashing and call number information of the own device. The display control means is provided.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 2, further comprising a replay lending processor that is connected to the upper management device and lends a number of game media stored in advance to the gaming machine. The replay lending processor accepts an incoming call from an external communication terminal, acquires information on the call number of the communication terminal, and the upper management of the call number acquired by the information acquisition means In response to the notification of the call number information, a notification means for notifying the device, and a game medium lending process for lending out the corresponding number of game media based on the information on the number of extra game media notified from the host management device Processing means, and the upper management device, based on the call number information notified from the replay lending processor, includes the count information managed by the database corresponding to the call number information. , Remaining number notification means for searching for information on the number of remaining game media that does not satisfy the exchange value for small prizes and notifying the replay lending processor, and after notification of the number of remaining game media to the replay lending processor And a surplus number updating means for updating the database by clearing the surplus number of game media corresponding to the call number information used when searching for the surplus number of game media.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 8, wherein the replay lending processor receives a message for prompting a call to the own device at the time of replay, and call number information of the own device. Display control means for displaying is provided.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 2, further comprising a vending machine that is connected to the higher-level management device and sells products, and the vending machine receives a call from an external communication terminal. Corresponding to the notification of the call number information, the information acquisition means for receiving the call and acquiring the call number information of the communication terminal, the notification means for notifying the upper management apparatus of the call number information acquired by the information acquisition means A sales control means for selling the product within the range of value corresponding to the surplus number of game media notified from the higher-level management device; and the number of consumed game media consumed by the sale of the product by the sales control means. And means for notifying the upper management device of the number of game media consumed, and the upper management device, based on the call number information notified from the vending machine, corresponds to the data corresponding to the call number information. A surplus number notifying means for searching for information on the number of remaining game media that does not satisfy the exchange value with the minimum prize in the counting information managed by the service, and notifying the vending machine; Remaining number updating means for updating the database by subtracting the notified number of consumed gaming media from the number of remaining gaming media corresponding to the call number information used when searching for the number of remaining gaming media. It is characterized by that.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 10, wherein the vending machine displays a message for prompting the own device to make a call when purchasing a product, and call number information of the own device. The display control means is provided.

  A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first, second, eighth, and tenth aspects, wherein the information acquisition unit accepts an incoming call from a mobile phone terminal that is the external communication terminal. It is characterized by comprising a mobile phone receiver for acquiring a mobile phone number of a telephone terminal.

  A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first, second, eighth, and tenth aspects, wherein the information acquisition unit accepts an incoming call from a short-range wireless communication terminal that is the external communication terminal. It is characterized by comprising a short-range wireless communication receiver for acquiring a short-range wireless communication call number of the short-range wireless communication terminal.

  The invention according to claim 14 is a prize exchange method for a prize exchange system in which a counting device for counting game media and a cash dispenser for paying out cash equivalent to the number of special prizes are connected to a host management device. The information acquisition means of the counting device accepts an incoming call from an external communication terminal and acquires the call number information of the communication terminal, and the calculation means of the counting device allows the game medium to be Counting information including a calculation step of calculating the number of special prizes corresponding to the count value, call number information acquired in the first information acquisition step, and information on the number of special prizes calculated in the calculation step is stored in the counting device. A first notification step of notifying the higher-level management device by a notification unit; and the call number information and count information notified by the management unit of the higher-level management device in the first notification step. A management step of managing by a database in association with each other, and a second information acquisition step of receiving an incoming call from an external communication terminal and acquiring call number information of the communication terminal by the access request receiving means of the cash dispenser A second notification step of notifying the higher-level management device of the call number information acquired in the second information acquisition step by the notification unit of the cash dispensing device, and a search unit of the higher-level management device, A search step of searching the database for information on the number of special prizes corresponding to the call number information notified in the second notification step, and information on the number of special prizes searched in the search step; A third notification step of notifying the cash dispensing apparatus by the search information notifying means; and the cash dispensing means of the cash dispensing apparatus, In response to the notification of the call number information in the notification step 2, cash that pays out cash equivalent to the number of special prizes corresponding to the call number information notified from the higher-level management device in the third notification step A payout step.

  According to the present invention, the counting device for counting game media and the cash dispensing device for paying out cash equivalent to the number of special prizes are connected to the upper management device, and the counting device and the cash dispensing device are externally connected respectively. The information acquisition means for receiving the call number from the communication terminal and acquiring the call number information of the communication terminal is provided, and the counting device further includes the call number information acquired by the information acquisition means of the own device and the total of the game media. While notifying the host management device of counting information including information on the number of special prizes calculated from numerical values, the host management device associates the call number information and the counting information with the database, while the cash dispensing device The number of special prizes corresponding to the call number information notified from the cash-out device by the higher-level management device by notifying the higher-level management device of the call number information acquired by the information acquisition means of the own device To retrieve information from a database, the retrieved special prize number information is subjected to be notified from the upper management apparatus, is obtained by the paid out the notified special prize number equivalent to cash.

  In this way, in the present invention, since the game media is counted and exchanged through an external communication terminal such as a mobile phone possessed by the player, special prizes as actual objects are not interposed, and at the game store side, Costs and labor related to the purchase, management and operation of special prizes can be reduced, and fraud due to counterfeiting of special prizes can be prevented, and labor such as checking the number of prizes can also be reduced at prize exchanges. In addition, for the player, there is no trouble taking the special prize to the prize exchange, and the security is also safe.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a prize exchange system 90 according to the present invention.

  For example, in the pachinko parlor, the system 90 is a prize management device 10, a game medium counting device 30 (30a, 30b, 30c), a replay ball lending machine 40 (40a, 40b,...), A replay medal lending machine 50 ( 50a, 50b,...), And vending machine 60 are connected to a host management device (terminal controller: hereinafter abbreviated as T / C) 70 via LAN 7 and installed in a gift exchange outside the pachinko parlor, for example. A cash dispenser 80 is connected to a T / C 70 via a network (NW) 8.

  In this system 90, as the game medium counting device 30, a configuration of a ball counting machine 30a with a receipt issuing function (hereinafter, reference numeral 30a), a configuration in which a ball counting machine 25 is connected to the receipt issuing machine 20 (hereinafter, reference numeral 30b). A configuration in which the medal counting machine 26 is connected to the receipt issuing machine 20 (hereinafter, reference numeral 30c) is installed.

  The game medium counting device 30a counts the number of pachinko balls acquired by a player with a pachinko machine (installed in a game store: not shown), and the ball count value, counting date, counting machine number, ball counter The processing for issuing a ball number receipt on which information relating to ball counting processing, such as the number of special prizes calculated by numerical values and the number of extra balls that cannot be exchanged for special prizes, is performed.

  The game medium counting device 30b counts the number of pachinko balls with the ball counter 25 and also receives a ball number receipt on which information related to the ball counting process is printed by the receipt issuing machine 20 connected to the ball counter 25. Process to issue.

  The game medium counting device 30c counts the number of medals obtained by a player with a pachislot machine (installed in a game store: not shown) with the medal counter 26 and a receipt connected to the medal counter 26. Number of medals printed by the issuing machine 20 on the medal counting process (medal counting value, counting date, counting machine number, number of special prizes calculated based on medal counting value, number of surplus medals that cannot be exchanged for special prizes, etc.) Process to issue a receipt.

  In this system 90, each of the game medium counting devices 30 is used when counting the corresponding game medium among the pachinko balls or medals acquired by the player, for example, receiving a call corresponding to the call from the mobile phone terminal 5 of the player. The information acquisition means 301 for receiving a call and acquiring the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5 and the acquired mobile phone number together with information relating to the counting processing of the game medium (hereinafter referred to as count data) via the LAN 7 Notification means for notifying the T / C 70 is provided.

  Although FIG. 1 shows that only the game medium counting device 30a has the information acquisition means 301, the game medium counting devices 30b and 30c also have the same information acquisition means 301.

  Further, the T / C 70 associates the mobile phone number notified by the notification means from the game medium counting device 30 with the count data and registers and manages them in a database (hereinafter abbreviated as DB) 731; The mobile phone number notified via the NW 8 is received from the cash dispensing device 80, and the number of special prizes in the count data corresponding to the mobile phone number is retrieved from the DB 731, and the number of special prizes retrieved is cashed. Notification means for notifying the payout device 80.

  In addition, when the player who has counted the game media at the amusement store visits the prize exchange as a customer and exchanges the cash, for example, the cash payout device 80 of the customer (a player who has been counted in advance at the amusement store) Information acquisition means 801 for receiving an incoming call from the mobile phone terminal 5 and acquiring the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5; notification means for notifying the T / C 70 of a search request including the acquired mobile phone number; Corresponding to the search request, a means for paying out cash equivalent to the number of special prizes notified from the T / C 70 is provided.

  According to the configuration of the prize exchange system 90, the game medium counting device 30 includes the mobile phone number acquired by the information acquisition means 301 at the time of counting the game medium and the count data including the number of special prizes calculated from the count value of the game medium. To the T / C 70, and the T / C 70 associates the mobile phone number and the count data with the DB 731 and manages the mobile phone acquired by the information acquisition means 801 at the time of the cashing. The T / C 70 is notified of the telephone number, and the T / C 70 causes the DB 731 to retrieve the number of special prizes corresponding to the mobile telephone number notified from the cash dispensing device 80. In response to the notification from C70, cash equivalent to the number of special prizes corresponding to the mobile phone number can be paid out.

  Further, in this system 90, the replay ball lending machine 40 (40a, 40b,...), The replay medal lending machine 50 (50a, 50b,...) Connected to the T / C 70, and the vending machine 60 are also provided. For example, a means (not shown) for receiving an access request from the mobile phone terminal 5 of the player and acquiring the mobile phone number of the terminal 5 is provided.

  Thereby, when the replay ball lending machine 40 notifies the T / C 70 of the mobile phone number acquired from the mobile phone terminal 5 of the player between the T / C 70 and the replay ball lending machine 40, the T / C 70 The information on the number of surplus balls corresponding to the notified mobile phone number is retrieved from the DB 731 and notified to the replay ball lending machine 40, and the replay ball lending machine 40 corresponds to the replay ball lending machine 40. For the pachinko machine to perform, a process of lending balls corresponding to the number of extra balls received from the T / C 70 is performed.

  Similarly, between the T / C 70 and the replay medal lending machine 50, when the replay medal lending machine 50 notifies the T / C 70 of the mobile phone number acquired from the mobile phone terminal 5 of the player, the T / C 70 The information on the number of remaining medals corresponding to the notified mobile phone number is retrieved from the DB 731 and notified to the replay medal lending machine 50, and the replay medal lending machine 50 corresponds to the replay medal lending machine 50. For the pachislot machine, the medal lending process is performed for the number of the remaining medals received from the T / C 70.

  Further, between the T / C 70 and the vending machine 60, when the vending machine 60 notifies the T / C 70 of the mobile phone number acquired from the mobile phone terminal 5 of the player, the T / C 70 is notified. Information on the number of surplus balls (or the number of surplus medals) corresponding to the mobile phone number is retrieved from the DB 731 and notified to the vending machine 60, and the vending machine 60 receives the notification from the T / C 70. The product is sold to the player within the range of the value of the number (or the number of remaining medals), and the number of balls (or the number of medals) required for selling the product is calculated from the vending machine 60 to the T / C 70. And the T / C 70 uses the notified ball number (or medal number) as the surplus ball corresponding to the mobile phone number used to search for the surplus ball number (or surplus medal number). Subtract from the number (or the remaining medals) Processing is carried out to update the B731.

  As described above, in the prize exchange system 90 according to the present invention, it is assumed that the T / C 70 has the DB 731 that manages information related to the counting processing of game media corresponding to the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5 of the player. In addition, the ball or medal of the replay ball lending machine 40 or the replay medal lending machine 50 is used by using the number of surplus balls or medals managed by the DB 731 through the cellular phone terminal 5 of the player. It is also possible to lend or sell products (cigarettes, beverages, etc.) by the vending machine 60.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and processing operation of each device in the gift exchange system 90 according to the present invention will be described in more detail.

  In the following description, it is assumed that each device is a device that handles a pachinko ball as a game medium in order to simplify the description.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game medium counting device 30 according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game medium counting device 30 includes a communication control unit 31 that performs communication control with the T / C 70 via the LAN 7, a control unit 32 that controls the entire device, an operation program of the control unit 32, and the like. It consists of a storage unit 33 that stores various types of information, a touch panel, etc., and inputs various types of information including, for example, a count end instruction by touching a button displayed on the display panel with a function. An operation / display unit 34 having a function to play, a game medium counting unit 35 for counting the number of pachinko balls thrown from a game medium throwing unit (not shown), and a recording medium associated with the ball count result (in this example, A recording medium issuing unit 36 for issuing a ball number receipt), and a mobile phone receiving unit 37 for performing a receiving operation corresponding to a call from the mobile phone terminal 5 of the player made when counting balls. Constructed.

  Among these, the control unit 32 receives a pulse output from the game medium counting unit 35 corresponding to the counting of pachinko balls and performs a counting process of the number of balls, and a game medium counting processing unit 321 and a game medium counting processing unit The mobile phone number of the calling mobile phone terminal 5 received by the mobile phone receiving unit 37 and the free gift number calculating unit 322 that calculates the type and number of special gifts that can be exchanged for the count value of the number of balls at 321 Terminal number acquisition unit 323, the mobile phone number acquired by the terminal number acquisition unit 323, and information on the ball counting process (count data: ball count value, counting date and time by the game medium counting processing unit 321, counting was performed A managed information notifying unit 324 for notifying the T / C 70 of the device number, the number of special prizes calculated by the prize calculating unit 322, the number of extra balls that cannot be exchanged for special prizes, etc. Constructed comprises a recording medium issuing control unit 325 for controlling the number of balls receipt in the body issuing unit 36.

  In the configuration of the game medium counting device 30, a combination of the functions of the mobile phone receiving unit 37 and the terminal number acquiring unit 323 corresponds to the information acquiring unit 301 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the cash dispensing apparatus 80 according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cash dispensing apparatus 80 includes a communication control unit 81 that performs communication control with the T / C 70 via the NW 8, a control unit 82 that controls the entire apparatus, and an operation program for the control unit 82. The storage unit 83 that stores information, a touch panel, and the like, and has a display function for a display panel, an operation / display unit 84 having an information input function in response to a touch on the display panel, and cash stored in a cash storage unit (not shown) A cash dispensing unit 85 that dispenses (coins / banknotes) and a cellular phone receiving unit 86 that performs a reception operation corresponding to a call from the cellular phone terminal 5 of the cash customer are configured.

  Among these, the control unit 82 is acquired by the terminal number acquisition unit 821 and the terminal number acquisition unit 821 that acquire the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5 on the calling side (the cash customer) received by the mobile phone reception unit 86. Information for transmitting / receiving various information to / from the T / C 70, such as notification of the mobile phone number to the T / C 70 and reception of the number of special prizes notified from the T / C 70 corresponding to the notified mobile phone number A transmission / reception processing unit 822 and a cash payout control unit 823 that performs control for paying out cash equivalent to the number of special prizes received from the T / C 70 from the cash payout unit 85 are configured.

  In the configuration of the cash dispensing device 80, the combination of the functions of the mobile phone receiving unit 86 and the terminal number acquiring unit 821 corresponds to the information acquiring unit 801 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the T / C 70 according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the T / C 70 is a communication control unit 71a that performs communication control with the game medium counting device 30 and the like via the LAN 7, and a communication control unit that performs communication control with the cash payout device 80 via the NW 8. 71b, a control unit 72 that controls the entire apparatus, a storage unit 73 that stores various types of information such as operation programs of the control unit 72, a display unit 74 that displays various types of information, and inputs various types of information by operating keys and a mouse. An operation unit 75 is provided.

  Among them, the control unit 72 receives the managed information notified from the game medium counting device 30, receives the search mobile phone number notified from the cash payout device 80, and the search result based on the mobile phone number. Is sent from the game medium counting device 30 or the information sending / receiving processing unit 721 for transmitting / receiving various kinds of information to / from the cash paying device 80, such as transmission of the number of special prizes to the cash paying device 80. Based on the managed information, a DB management unit 722 that builds and manages a DB 731 (for example, inside the storage unit 73) that stores a mobile phone number and count data included therein in association with each other, and a cash dispenser 80 The information on the number of special prizes is retrieved from the count data stored in the DB 731 corresponding to the mobile phone number based on the mobile phone number notified from A search processing unit 723 to be passed to the reception processing unit 721, a replay machine control unit 724 that supports ball lending control in the replay ball lending machine 40 based on the number of remaining balls in the count data stored in the DB731, and the DB731 A vending machine control unit 725 that supports merchandise sales control in the vending machine 60 based on the number of surplus balls in the stored count data is provided.

  Next, processing operations of the game medium counting device 30 (see FIG. 2), the cash payout device 80 (see FIG. 3), and the T / C 70 (see FIG. 4) will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the counting processing operation of the game medium counting device 30 according to the present invention.

  In the game medium counting device 30, in a standby state, a standby screen is displayed on the display panel of the operation / display unit 34 (step S101).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on the display panel in the game medium counting device 30. FIG. 6A shows a display example of the standby screen 340a, and FIG. 6B shows a counting / mobile number confirmation screen. A display example of 340b is shown.

  In step S101, the control unit 32 of the game medium counting device 30 displays the standby screen 340a shown in FIG. 6A on the display panel, and “090” is displayed for the player who is counting the balls. It is urged to make a call to the telephone number of the game medium counting device 30 that is “−0xxx-xxxx”.

  When the player who has seen the standby screen 340a wants to count balls using the mobile phone terminal 5 he / she has as a medium, he / she inserts balls from the ball slot and from the mobile phone terminal 5 he / she owns. Then, the telephone number of the game medium counting device 30 displayed on the standby screen 340a is called.

  On the other hand, in the game medium counting device 30, while the standby screen 340a is displayed, the control unit 32 inserts a pachinko ball depending on, for example, whether a pulse indicating the number of pachinko balls is input from the game medium counting unit 35 or not. If a pachinko ball is inserted (YES in step S102), the game medium counting processing unit 321 starts a process of counting the number of balls based on the input pulse (step S103).

  Thereafter, in response to the player calling the telephone number “090-0xxx-xxx” of the game medium counting device 30 from his / her cellular phone terminal 5, the cellular phone receiving unit 37 is informed When a call is received from the mobile phone terminal 5 and the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5 on the calling side, for example, “090-1xxx-xxx” is obtained by the terminal number obtaining unit 323 (YES in step S104). Then, the control unit 32 displays the acquired mobile phone number and the ball counting result in the ball counting process started in step S103 on the display panel (step S105).

  In this case, on the display panel, for example, using the counting / mobile number confirmation screen 340b shown in FIG. 6B, the mobile phone number on the calling side is “090-1xxx-xxxxxx”. A message prompting the user to press the count end button is displayed if the ball count value is “xxxxxxx” and if there is no mistake after confirming the contents.

  While the counting / mobile number confirmation screen 340b is displayed, the control unit 32 monitors whether or not the counting end button has been pressed on the screen 340b (step S106).

  Here, for example, when the mobile phone number displayed on the display panel is different from the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5 of the user (player), the player can stop counting even if a predetermined time elapses. If NO is pressed (NO in step S106), the control unit 32 displays a message for prompting a re-call on the display panel (step S107).

  Thereafter, the control unit 32 performs a process of receiving the mobile phone number related to the above re-call (step S104 YES), a process of displaying the received mobile phone number and the count result (step S105), and the count end button is pressed. The process proceeds to check whether or not (Step S106).

  Here, it is confirmed that the mobile phone number displayed on the display panel matches the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5 of the user (player), and the player confirms the counting result. Is pressed (YES in step S106), the prize number calculation unit 322 calculates the type and number of special prizes that can be exchanged corresponding to the ball count value from the count result (ball count value) (step S108). .

  In order to realize this special prize number calculation processing, for example, in the storage unit 33 of the game medium counting device 30, as shown in FIG. 7, for each special prize type (large prize, middle prize, small prize), A prize exchange management table 331 holding information on the number of exchangeable balls (number of exchangeable balls: exchange rate) corresponding to each prize is stored.

  In this example, exchange rates of 1250 (pieces), 250 (pieces), and 50 (pieces) are set as the number of exchange balls for the large prize, the middle prize, and the small prize, respectively.

  In the special prize number calculation process in step S108, the prize number calculation unit 322 refers to the prize exchange management table 331 (exchange rate) from the count result (ball count value) completed so far, and handles the number of balls. The prize exchange pattern (type and number) to be calculated is calculated.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the ball count value = 4285 (pieces), the prize number calculation unit 322 sets the ball count value = 4285 to the number of exchanged balls corresponding to the large prize = 1250. Divide and obtain the number of large prizes = 3 from the remainder 535 which is the result of division at this time, and then divide the remainder of the division result = 535 by the number of exchange balls corresponding to the middle prize = 250. The number of middle prizes = 2 and the number of remainders = 35 are obtained from the 2 remainder 35 which is the division result of.

  Next, the managed information notification unit 324 receives the prize exchange pattern calculated by the prize number calculation unit 322 in step S108, the ball count value after step S103 by the game medium count processing unit 321, and the terminal in step S104. The mobile phone number information acquired by the number acquisition unit 323 is notified to the T / C 70 through the communication control unit 31 as managed information (step S109).

  On the other hand, in the mobile phone number acquisition check process in step S104, the player changes his / her mobile phone terminal 5 to the phone number “090-0xxx-xxx-xxx” of the game medium counting device 30. If the mobile phone number of the calling mobile phone terminal 5 is not acquired by the terminal number acquisition unit 323 by not making a call (step S104 NO), the control unit 32 then starts counting after starting the above-described step S103 It is checked whether or not a predetermined time has passed (step S110), and until the predetermined time has passed (YES in step S110), monitoring whether or not a mobile phone number has been acquired (step S104) is continued.

  During this period, the mobile phone number is not acquired (NO in step S104), and when the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S110), the control unit 32 displays the ball count result so far on the display panel of the operation / display unit 34. (Step S111).

  Next, the recording medium issuance control unit 325 performs control to cause the recording medium issuance unit 36 to issue a ball number receipt corresponding to the ball counting result (step S112), and then returns to the standby state (step S101).

  In this ball number receipt issuance control, the recording medium issuance control unit 325 uses the game media count processing unit 321 to count the ball count, the date and time, the number of the counter (own device), and the prize number calculation unit 332. Information such as the calculated number of special prizes is sent to the recording medium issuing unit 36 together with a recording medium issuing instruction.

  The recording medium issuing unit 36 includes a printing unit, roll paper, and a cutter. When the recording medium issuing instruction is received from the recording medium issuing control unit 325, each of the information (ball count value, counting date and time) received together with the medium issuing instruction is received. , Based on the number of the counting machine (own device number, information on the number of special prizes, etc.), for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the information is printed on the roll paper as character information and barcode information by the printing unit. After the cut sheet is cut to a predetermined length, it is output as the number of balls receipt 371.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the DB registration / search processing operation of the T / C 70 according to the present invention.

  In the T / C 70, during standby (step S201), the information transmission / reception processing unit 721 monitors whether any information is received via the communication control unit 71a or 71b (step S202).

  Here, when information is received (YES in step S202), the information transmission / reception processing unit 721 checks whether or not the received information is managed information from the game medium counting device 30 (step S203). If the managed information has been received (step S203 YES), the DB management unit 722 stores the received managed information in the DB 731 prepared in the storage unit 73 (step S204).

  Specifically, the DB management unit 722 extracts count data (ball count value, number of special prizes, number of surplus balls) and mobile phone number from the received managed information, and associates them with the extracted mobile phone number. The count data is stored in the DB 731.

  The reception of the managed information (step S203) and the storage processing (step S204) of the mobile phone number pair count data based on the received managed information (step S204) are performed by each player in his / her mobile phone terminal 5 in the game medium counting device 30. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, for each player's mobile phone number, the corresponding ball count value, The managed information DB 731 in which information on the number of special prizes (exchange pattern: type and number) and the number of extra balls is stored is constructed.

  In the example of FIG. 10, the DB 731 manages only the ball count data, but it goes without saying that the medal count data is managed by the medal counter 26 in actual operation.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the information received in step S202 is not managed information from the game medium counting device 30 (NO in step S203), the information transmission / reception processing unit 721 then determines that the received information is the cash dispensing device 80. It is checked whether it is a search request from (step S205).

  Here, when it is determined that the received information is a search request from the cash dispensing device 80 (YES in step S205), the search processing unit 723 performs a search process of the DB 731 based on the mobile phone number included in the search request ( The process proceeds to steps S206 and S207).

  If it is determined that the received information is not a search request from the cash dispensing device 80 (NO in step S205), the process proceeds to step S211 in FIG.

  In addition, when the information transmission / reception processing unit 721 determines in step S211 in FIG. 16 that the received information is not a ball lending request from the replay ball lending machine (NO in step S211), in step S221 in FIG. Proceed to processing.

  Regarding the search processing (steps S206 and S207) of the DB 731, the processing after step S211 and the processing after step S221, for the sake of convenience, the processing operation of the cash dispenser 80 described later (see FIG. 11), replay ball lending machine The processing operation 40 (see FIG. 15) and the processing operation of the vending machine 60 (see FIG. 18) will be described in detail.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the search request processing operation of the cash dispensing apparatus 80 according to the present invention.

  In the cash dispensing apparatus 80, in a standby state, a standby screen is displayed on the display panel of the operation / display unit 84 (step S301).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on the display panel in the cash dispensing apparatus 80. FIG. 12A shows a display example of the standby screen 840a, and FIG. 12B shows a table of the withdrawal confirmation screen 840b. Each example is shown.

  In step S301, the control unit 82 of the cash dispensing device 80 displays the standby screen 840a shown in FIG. 12A on the display panel, and the customer who is going to exchange (cash) the special prize (see FIG. 12). Corresponding to step S104 in FIG. 5 for the player who made a call to the game medium counting device 30 from his / her mobile phone terminal 5). Encourage them to call 80 phone numbers.

  The customer who has seen the standby screen 840a can call the telephone number of the cash dispenser 80 displayed on the standby screen 840a from the mobile phone terminal 5 in order to exchange money using the mobile phone terminal 5 he has as a medium. to call.

  On the other hand, in the cash dispenser 80, while the standby screen 840a is displayed, the cash customer calls the telephone number “090-08xxx-xxx-xxx” of the cash dispenser 80 from his / her mobile phone terminal 5. In response to the call, the mobile phone receiving unit 86 receives an incoming call from the mobile phone terminal 5, and the terminal number acquisition unit 821 sets the mobile phone number of the calling-side mobile phone terminal 5, for example, “090-1xxx-x”. When “XXX” is acquired (YES in step S302), the information transmission / reception processing unit 822 generates a search request including the acquired mobile phone number, and the search request is transmitted to the T / C 70 through the communication control unit 81. (Step S303).

  Corresponding to the processing in step S303, in T / C 70, in step S205 in FIG. 9, the information transmission / reception processing unit 721 receives a search request from the cash dispensing apparatus 80 via the communication control unit 71b (YES in step S205). The received search request is passed to the search processing unit 723.

  Next, the search processing unit 723 searches the DB 731 using the mobile phone number included in the search request as a key, based on the search request passed from the information transmission / reception processing unit 721, thereby special data corresponding to the mobile phone number. The number of prizes is acquired (step S206).

  Further, the information transmission / reception processing unit 721 sends information on the number of special prizes searched by the search processing unit 723 (search result information) to the cash dispensing apparatus 80 via the communication control unit 71b (step S207), and then Return to the standby state (step S201).

  On the other hand, in the cash dispensing apparatus 80, after sending a search request to the T / C 70 in step S303 of FIG. 11, the information transmission / reception processing unit 822 responds to the search request sending from the T / C 70 with the search result (special It is monitored whether or not (the number of prizes) has been received (step S304).

  Here, when the information transmission / reception processing unit 822 receives the search result from the T / C 70 via the communication control unit 81 (step S304 YES), the information transmission / reception processing unit 822 passes the received search result to the cash payout control unit 823.

  Next, the cash payout control unit 823 calculates a payout amount equivalent to the number of special prizes based on the search result (number of special prizes) passed from the information transmission / reception processing unit 822 (step S305).

  In order to perform this payout amount calculation processing, for example, in the storage unit 83 of the cash payout device 80, as shown in FIG. 13, the cash amount equivalent to the various special prizes corresponding to the types of special prizes. A conversion amount calculation table 831 is stored.

  In step S 305, when the cash payout control unit 823 receives the search result (number of special prizes) in the T / C 70 from the information transmission / reception processing unit 822, the cash prize control unit 823 refers to the exchange price calculation table 831 and refers to the special prize. Calculate the cash amount corresponding to the number.

  For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 13, when the number of special prizes is “large prize = 3, medium prize = 2”, the cash payout control unit 823 has a cash amount for the big prize in the cash amount calculation table 831 = 5000 (yen). Is multiplied by the number of large prizes = 3 to calculate 15000 (yen), and then the cash amount for the middle prize in the redemption amount calculation table 831 = 1000 (yen) is multiplied by the number of middle prizes = 2 to calculate 2000 (yen) After that, by adding these multiplication values, a payout amount = 17000 (yen) corresponding to “large prize = 3, medium prize = 2” is calculated.

  After calculating the payout amount corresponding to the number of special prizes through the processing (step S305), the cash payout control unit 823 then uses the payout confirmation screen 840b shown in FIG. The calculated payout amount (17000 yen in this example) is displayed on the display panel of the operation / display unit 84 (step S306).

  Further, the cash payout control unit 823 performs cash payout control by the cash payout unit 85 so that the cash for the payout amount calculated in step S305 is discharged from a cash storage unit (not shown) to the cash discharge port ( Step S307).

  As can be seen from the processing operations (see FIGS. 5, 9, and 11) of the game medium counting device 30, the T / C 70, and the cash dispensing device 80 described above, in the prize exchange system 90 of the present invention, the T / C 70 is mutually connected. The information acquisition means (301, 801: receiving the incoming call from the mobile phone terminal 5 and acquiring the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5, for example, to the connected game medium counting device 30 and the cash payout device 80, respectively. In addition, the game medium counting device 30 includes the mobile phone number acquired by the information acquisition unit 301 and the count data obtained by the game medium counting process (including the number of special prizes calculated from the count value). ) To the T / C 70, and the T / C 70 associates the mobile phone number and the count data with the DB 731 to manage them. The T / C 70 is notified of the mobile phone number acquired by the information acquisition means 801, and the T / C 70 causes the DB 731 to retrieve the number of special prizes corresponding to the mobile phone number notified from the cash dispensing device 80, In response to the notification of the number of special prizes retrieved from T / C 70, cash equivalent to the number of special prizes corresponding to the notified mobile phone number is paid out.

  Thus, in the present invention, the game medium counting process in the game medium counting apparatus 30 and the cashing process in the cash payout apparatus 80 are performed in association with the call number information of the communication terminal such as the mobile phone 5 possessed by the player. Therefore, special prizes as actual objects are not involved when giving away prizes.

  As a result, the amusement store side can reduce the costs and labor involved in purchasing, managing and operating special prizes, prevent fraud due to forgery of special prizes, and reduce labor such as checking the number of prizes at the prize exchange. Can do. In addition, for the player, there is no trouble taking the special prize to the prize exchange, and the security is also safe.

  In the prize exchange system 90 of the present invention, when the game medium is counted, for example, if the player does not call the corresponding game medium counting device 30 from the mobile phone terminal 5 within a predetermined period, the game medium is displayed. The counting device 30 issues a ball number receipt 371 (see FIG. 8) on which information related to the counting result of the game media is printed.

  When the number of balls receipt 371 is issued, the player takes the number of balls receipt 371 to the prize exchange counter, reads it into the prize management device 10 and receives the special prize for the printed amount. It is also possible to take the special prize to the prize exchange and receive cash through the worker.

  According to the prize exchange method of issuing a ball number receipt 371 when there is no call from the mobile phone terminal 5 of the player at the time of counting, the player who does not have the mobile phone terminal 5 or the mobile phone terminal 5 There is a merit that even a player who does not know the mechanism of counting and cashing using the medium can handle cashing.

  In the present invention, the number of balls receipt 371 is not issued when there is no call from the player's mobile phone terminal 5 at the time of counting, but whether there is a call from the player's mobile phone terminal 5 at the time of counting. Regardless of whether or not, a ball number receipt 371 may always be issued.

  In this case, the player goes to the prize exchange with the mobile phone terminal 5 and the number-of-balls receipt 371, shows the number-of-balls receipt 371 to a worker at the prize exchange, and prints information (counting date, After the operator confirms the number of the ball counter, the number of special prizes, etc.), the cashing operation is performed by calling from the mobile phone terminal 5.

  Therefore, according to this prize exchange method, it is possible to eliminate a sense of incongruity that the cash exchange apparatus 80 pays out cash only by communication with the mobile phone terminal 5 by the workers of the prize exchange. In addition, it becomes extremely useful for preventing unauthorized exchange using the stolen mobile phone terminal 5 and double exchange requests.

  In the present invention, the recording medium to be associated with the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5 of the player is not limited to the ball receipt 371 but may be a membership card.

  In this case, if the recording medium issuing unit 36 in the game medium counting device 30 is configured by a card processor that accepts the member card magnetically recording the member information and magnetically records information related to the counting process of the game medium in the member card. good.

  Even in the configuration provided with this membership card issuing function, the above-mentioned discomfort can be eliminated and fraudulent by paying out cash through communication with the mobile phone terminal 5 together with authentication of the membership card at the gift exchange. Exchange actions and double exchange requests can be prevented.

  Incidentally, as can be seen from the configuration of the DB 731 shown in FIG. 10, the T / C 70 of the system 90 according to the present invention supports the counting process associated with the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5 from the game medium counting device 30. In addition to the count value and the number of special prizes, the number of surplus balls that do not satisfy the exchange value of the minimum special prize (small prize) is also managed.

  By utilizing the management function of the number of surplus balls in the T / C 70, in the system 90 of the present invention, for example, a service for lending balls corresponding to the number of surplus balls from the replay ball lending machine 40, cigarettes, beverages, etc. From this vending machine 60, it is also possible to realize a service for selling products according to the value corresponding to the number of extra balls.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the replay ball lending machine 40 and the vending machine 60 and the communication control operation between the replay ball lending machine 40 and the vending machine 60 and the T / C 70 will be described in order.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the replay ball lending machine 40 according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the replay ball lending machine 40 includes a communication control unit 41 that performs communication control with the T / C 70 via the LAN 7, a control unit 42 that controls the entire apparatus, an operation program for the control unit 42, and the like. The game unit (pachinko machine) is placed in the adjacent game machine (pachinko machine) in accordance with a storage unit 43 for storing various information, an operation / display unit 44 including a touch panel, a ball lending operation on the operation / display unit 44, and the like. A game medium lending processing unit 45 that lends a ball, and a mobile phone receiving unit 46 that performs a receiving operation corresponding to a call from a mobile phone terminal 5 of a player who triggers the ball lending.

  Among these, the control unit 42 is acquired by the terminal number acquisition unit 421 and the terminal number acquisition unit 421 that acquire the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5 on the calling side (player) received by the mobile phone reception unit 46. Information for transmitting / receiving various information to / from the T / C 70, such as notification of the mobile phone number to the T / C 70 and reception of the number of extra balls notified from the T / C 70 corresponding to the notified mobile phone number A transmission / reception processing unit 422 and a game medium lending control unit 423 for performing control for lending out the game media for the number of the remaining balls received from the T / C 70 from the game medium lending processing unit 45 to an adjacent game machine are provided. Configured.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a surplus ball lending process operation of the replay ball lending machine 40 according to the present invention.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a surplus ball processing operation for the replay ball lending machine 40 in the T / C 70.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the replay ball lending machine 40 displays a standby screen on the display panel of the operation / display unit 44 in the standby state (step S401).

  The standby screen includes, for example, a message that prompts the mobile phone terminal 5 to make a call to the replay ball lending machine 40 and the replay ball lending machine 40 when it is desired to lend extra balls. Mobile phone number is displayed.

  The player who has seen this standby screen calls the mobile phone number of the replay ball lending machine 40 from his / her mobile phone terminal 5 when he / she wants to lend extra balls.

  On the other hand, in the replay ball lending machine 40, while the standby screen is displayed, the player can change the telephone number of the replay ball lending machine 40 from his / her mobile phone terminal 5, for example, “090-09xxx-xxx-xxx”. In response to making a call, the mobile phone receiving unit 46 receives an incoming call from the mobile phone terminal 5, and the terminal number acquisition unit 421 uses the mobile phone number of the calling mobile phone terminal 5, for example, “090-1 ×”. When “XXX−XXXXXX” is acquired (YES in step S402), the information transmission / reception processing unit 422 then generates a ball rental request including the acquired mobile phone number, and the search request is transmitted to the communication control unit. It transmits to T / C70 through 41 (step S403).

  Corresponding to the processing in step S403, in T / C 70, in step S211 in FIG. 16, the information transmission / reception processing unit 721 receives a ball lending request from the replay ball lending machine 40 via the communication control unit 71a ( Step S211 YES), and passes the received ball lending request to the replay machine control unit 724.

  Next, the replay machine control unit 724 searches the DB 731 using the mobile phone number included in the ball rental request as a key, based on the ball rental request passed from the information transmission / reception processing unit 721, thereby searching for the mobile phone number. The number of extra balls corresponding to is acquired (step S212). In this example, the number of remaining balls corresponding to the mobile phone number “090-1xxx-xxxxxxx” = 35 is acquired from the DB 731 (see FIG. 10).

  Furthermore, the information transmission / reception processing unit 721 notifies the requesting replay ball lending machine 40 of the information on the number of surplus balls retrieved by the replay machine control unit 724 via the communication control unit 71a (step S213).

  Next, the replay machine control unit 724 performs a process of clearing the remaining number of balls corresponding to the mobile phone number used as the search key (set to “0”) to the DB 731 (step S214). It returns to the standby state (step S201: see FIG. 9).

  On the other hand, in the replay ball lending machine 40, after sending the ball lending request to the T / C 70 in step S403 of FIG. 15, the information transmission / reception processing unit 422 responds to the ball lending request from the T / C 70 by sending it. It is monitored whether a search result (the number of extra balls) has been received (step S404).

  Here, when the information transmission / reception processing unit 422 receives the search result from the T / C 70 via the communication control unit 41 (step S404 YES), the information transmission / reception processing unit 422 passes the received search result to the game medium lending control unit 423.

  Based on the search result (the number of surplus balls) passed from the information transmission / reception processing unit 422, the game medium lending control unit 423 sends the game media (pachinko balls) of the surplus number of balls from the game medium lending processing unit 45 to the adjacent pachinko. It is controlled to rent to the machine (step S405).

  Thus, in the system 90 of the present invention, the replay ball lending machine 40 is also provided with information acquisition means for receiving an incoming call from the mobile phone terminal 5 and acquiring the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5, In the replay ball lending machine 40, the mobile phone number acquired by the information acquisition means is notified to the T / C 70, and the T / C 70 searches the DB 731 for the number of extra balls corresponding to the notified mobile phone number. On the other hand, the replay ball lending machine 40 rents out the game media (pachinko balls) with the notified number of surplus balls in response to the T / C 70 notifying the retrieved number of surplus balls. By providing the above, it is possible to provide a service that lends balls from the replay ball lending machine 40 for the number of extra balls managed by the DB 731 of the T / C 70.

  However, a person who can receive this service makes a call to the game medium counting device 30 from his / her mobile phone terminal 5 in advance in the DB 731 of the T / C 70 when counting balls in the game medium counting device 30. It is limited to a player whose count data (provided that there is a surplus of balls) corresponding to the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5 is managed.

  Accordingly, even when a ball lending request is transmitted from the replay ball lending machine 40 to the T / C 70, the mobile phone is not managed in the T / C 70 side database, or the number of remaining balls is “0”. The information indicating that is returned and displayed on the replay ball lending machine 40, and the replay process cannot be performed.

  In the above example, the ball lending process from the replay ball lending machine 40 based on the number of surplus balls managed in the DB 731 has been described. Similarly, the replay medal lending machine 50 based on the number of surplus medals managed in the DB 731. The medal lending process from can also be performed.

  The configuration of the replay medal lending machine 50 in this case can be realized by changing the game medium issuing unit 46 from the pachinko ball lending function to the medal lending function in the configuration of the replay ball lending machine 40 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the vending machine 60 according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the vending machine 60 includes a communication control unit 61 that performs communication control with the T / C 70 via the LAN 7, a control unit 62 that controls the entire apparatus, and various operation programs for the control unit 62. A storage unit 63 for storing information, a product sample display unit 64 for displaying samples of products to be sold (cigarettes, beverages, etc.), a display of a product selection button, a purchase request corresponding to pressing of the product selection button, etc. An operation / display unit 65 that receives an instruction operation, a product storage unit 66 that stores a product to be sold, and a corresponding product is unloaded from the product storage unit 66 based on a press of a product selection button in the operation / display unit 65, and a product takeout port And a mobile phone receiving unit 68 that performs a receiving operation corresponding to a call from the mobile phone terminal 5 of a player who wishes to purchase the product.

  Among these, the control unit 62 is acquired by the terminal number acquisition unit 621 and the terminal number acquisition unit 621 that acquire the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5 on the calling side (player) received by the mobile phone reception unit 68. Information for transmitting / receiving various information to / from the T / C 70, such as notification of the mobile phone number to the T / C 70 and reception of the number of extra balls notified from the T / C 70 corresponding to the notified mobile phone number The transmission / reception processing unit 622 is configured to include a sales control unit 623 that performs control to sell a product selected by the player within the range of the value of the number of extra balls received from the T / C 70.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the merchandise sales processing operation with the surplus balls of the vending machine 60 according to the present invention.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a surplus ball processing operation for the vending machine 60 in the T / C 70.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the vending machine 60 displays a standby screen on the display panel of the operation / display unit 44 in the standby state (step S501).

  The standby screen includes, for example, a message prompting the mobile phone terminal 5 to make a call to the vending machine 60 and a mobile phone of the vending machine 60 when it is desired to purchase a product with a surplus ball. The number is displayed.

  The player who has seen this standby screen calls the mobile phone number of the vending machine 60 from his / her mobile phone terminal 5 when he / she wishes to purchase a product with a surplus ball.

  On the other hand, in the vending machine 60, while the standby screen is displayed, the player calls the telephone number of the vending machine 60 from his / her mobile phone terminal 5, for example, “090-099 × -xxx”. Correspondingly, there is an incoming call from the mobile phone terminal 5 to the mobile phone receiving unit 68, and the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5 on the calling side by the terminal number acquisition unit 621, for example “090-2xxx-xxx” When “XX” is acquired (YES in step S502), the information transmission / reception processing unit 622 generates a sales request including the acquired mobile phone number, and sends the sales request to the T / C 70 through the communication control unit 61. Transmit (step S503).

  Corresponding to the processing in step S503, in T / C 70, in step S221 in FIG. 19, the information transmission / reception processing unit 721 checks whether or not the received information is a sales request from the vending machine 60, If it is not the sales request (NO in step S221), processing corresponding to the received information is performed (step S222).

  On the other hand, when the information transmission / reception processing unit 721 receives a sales request from the vending machine 60 via the communication control unit 71a (step S221 YES), it passes the received sales request to the vending machine control unit 725.

  Next, the vending machine control unit 725 responds to the mobile phone number by searching the DB 731 based on the sales request passed from the information transmission / reception processing unit 721 using the mobile phone number included in the sales request as a key. The number of extra balls is acquired (step S223). In this example, the number of remaining balls corresponding to the mobile phone number “090-2xxx-xxxxxxx” = 30 is acquired from the DB 731 (see FIG. 10).

  Further, the information transmission / reception processing unit 721 notifies the requesting vending machine 60 of the information on the number of surplus balls retrieved by the vending machine control unit 725 via the communication control unit 71a (step S224).

  On the other hand, in the vending machine 60, after sending the sales request to the T / C 70 in step S503 of FIG. 18, the information transmission / reception processing unit 622 responds to the sending of the sales request from the T / C 70 with the search result (remainder). It is monitored whether or not (the number of balls) has been received (step S504).

  Here, when the information transmission / reception processing unit 622 receives the search result from the T / C 70 via the communication control unit 61 (step S504 YES), it passes the received search result to the sales control unit 623.

  Based on the search result (number of remaining balls) passed from the information transmission / reception processing unit 622, the sales control unit 623 turns on a product selection button corresponding to a product that can be sold within the value of the number of remaining balls. (Step S505).

  Subsequently, the sales control unit 623 monitors whether any of the lit product selection buttons has been pressed (step S506).

  During this time, when the player presses the product selection button corresponding to the product to purchase the desired product (step S506 YES), the sales control unit 623 carries out the product corresponding to the product selection button from the product storage unit 66. The product is discharged from the product discharge unit 67 to the product take-out port, and control is performed to sell the product to the player (step S507).

  Next, the sales control unit 623 notifies the T / C 70 of the number of balls corresponding to the value of the product sold in Step S507 via the information transmission / reception processing unit 622 (Step S508), and then ends the processing.

  On the other hand, in T / C 70, after notifying the number of surplus balls to the vending machine 60 in step S224 of FIG. 19, the information transmission / reception processing unit 721 responds to the notification of the number of surplus balls from the vending machine 60. It is monitored whether or not the number of balls (= the number of consumed balls) corresponding to the value of the sold product has been received (step S225).

  Here, when the information transmission / reception processing unit 721 receives the number of consumed balls sent from the vending machine 60 via the communication control unit 71a (step S225 YES), the received number of consumed balls is received by the vending machine control unit. Pass to 725.

  When the vending machine control unit 725 receives the number of balls consumed from the information transmission / reception processing unit 721, the vending machine control unit 725 subtracts the number of balls consumed from the number of balls remaining corresponding to the mobile phone number used as the search key in step S223. Then, a process of updating the number of surplus balls corresponding to the mobile phone number in the DB 731 is performed (step S226), and then the process returns to the standby state (step S201: see FIG. 9).

  As described above, in the system 90 of the present invention, the vending machine 60 is also provided with information acquisition means for receiving an incoming call from the mobile phone terminal 5 and acquiring the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal 5. In the machine 60, the mobile phone number acquired by the information acquisition means is notified to the T / C 70, and the T / C 70 searches the DB 731 for the number of extra balls corresponding to the notified mobile phone number, The vending machine 60 is provided with a control function for selling a product within the value of the notified number of surplus balls in response to the notification of the number of surplus balls searched from the T / C 70, so that T / C70 can provide a service for selling merchandise to the player within the range of the value corresponding to the number of surplus balls managed by DB 731 of C70.

  However, this service also calls in advance to the game medium counting device 30 from its own mobile phone terminal 5 when counting balls in the game medium counting device 30, and the mobile phone terminal is stored in the DB 731 of the T / C 70. Needless to say, the game can be received only by a player whose count data (the condition that there is a surplus number of balls) corresponding to the mobile phone number of 5 is managed.

  Therefore, when providing this product sales service (the same applies to the surplus ball lending service from the replay machine), the game medium counting device 30 has a surplus ball (remaining medal) as a result of counting the game media. A configuration for issuing a ball number receipt (medal number receipt) may be added.

  Then, the player can see the receipt of the number of balls, etc., and know how much (and how many) he / she can receive the merchandise sales service (or surplus ball lending service) using the surplus balls. it can.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented by being appropriately modified within a range not changing the gist thereof.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the game medium counting device 30 that counts pachinko balls as a game medium is illustrated, but a medal counter that counts game media other than pachinko balls, that is, medals (such as the game medium counting device 30c in FIG. 1). The function of the present invention can be added to the above.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the game-medium counting device 30, the cash dispenser 80, the replay machine (40,50), and the structure which provided the mobile telephone receiver in the main-body part of the vending machine 60, these are mentioned. Alternatively, a mobile phone terminal may be provided as a slave unit outside the main body of the mobile phone, and a mobile phone number may be acquired through communication between the mobile phone terminal 5 of the player (or cash customer) and these slave units.

  Moreover, in the said Example, an incoming call is received from a mobile telephone terminal as an information acquisition means provided in the game media counting device 30, the cash payment device 80, the replay ball lending device 40, the replay medal lending device 50, and the vending machine. The mobile phone receiving unit that acquires the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, an incoming call is accepted from a short-range wireless communication terminal such as Bluetooth (R), You may make it comprise with the near field communication receiver which acquires the near field communication call number of a near field communication terminal.

  Further, in the above embodiment, information obtained by converting the counted number of game media into the number of special prizes is registered and cashed in the upper management device (database). ) May be registered.

  The present invention can be applied to a prize exchange system in which a player acquires a game medium acquired with a gaming machine in cash, and is associated with call number information acquired from an external communication terminal such as a mobile phone possessed by the player. By performing the game media counting process on the device, the count information management on the higher-level management device, and the cash payout processing on the cash payout device, you can go to the premium exchange without having a special prize It is possible to reduce the handling of special prizes with low needs for any of the game shop side, the prize exchange side and the player side.

The block diagram which shows the whole structure of the prize exchange system which concerns on this invention. The block diagram which shows the function structure of a game media counting device. The block diagram which shows the function structure of a cash dispenser. The block diagram which shows the function structure of a high-order management apparatus. The flowchart which shows the count processing operation | movement of a game media counting device. The figure which shows the example of the display screen on the display panel in a game media counting device. The conceptual diagram which shows the special prize number calculation process of a game media counting device. The figure which shows an example of the number-of-balls receipt issued by the game media counting device. The flowchart which shows the database registration / search processing operation | movement of a high-order management apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the database managed by the high-order management apparatus. The flowchart which shows the search request | requirement process operation | movement of a cash dispenser. The figure which shows the example of the display screen to the display panel in a cash payment apparatus. The conceptual diagram which shows the payment amount calculation process in a cash payment apparatus. The block diagram which shows the function structure of a re-play ball lending machine. The flowchart which shows the surplus ball rental processing operation | movement of a re-play ball lending machine. The flowchart which shows the surplus ball processing operation | movement with respect to the re-play ball lending machine in a high-order management apparatus. The block diagram which shows the function structure of a vending machine. The flowchart which shows the merchandise sales processing operation by the surplus ball of a vending machine. The flowchart which shows the surplus ball processing operation | movement with respect to the vending machine in a high-order management apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 ... Cell-phone terminal, 7 ... LAN, 8 ... Network (NW), 10 ... Gift management device, 20 ... Receipt issuing machine, 25 ... Ball counter, 26 ... Medal counter, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c ... Game Medium counting device 301... Information acquisition means 31... Communication control unit 32... Control unit 321 .. game medium counting processing unit 322 .. prize number calculation unit 323 .. terminal number acquisition unit 324. 325 ... Recording medium issuance control unit, 33 ... Storage unit, 331 ... Premium exchange management table, 34 ... Operation / display unit, 340a ... Standby screen, 340b ... Counting / mobile number confirmation screen, 35 ... Game medium counting unit, 36 ... Recording medium issuing unit, 37 ... Cell-phone receiving unit, 371 ... Number of balls receipt, 40, 40a, 40b ... Replay ball lending machine, 41 ... Communication control unit, 42 ... Control unit, 421 ... Terminal number acquisition unit, 22 ... Information transmission / reception processing unit, 423 ... Game medium lending control unit, 43 ... Storage unit, 44 ... Operation / display unit, 45 ... Game medium lending processing unit, 46 ... Mobile phone receiving unit, 50, 50a, 50b ... Re Play medal lending machine, 60 ... vending machine, 61 ... communication control unit, 62 ... control unit, 621 ... terminal number acquisition unit, 622 ... information transmission / reception processing unit, 623 ... sales control unit, 63 ... storage unit, 64 ... merchandise Sample display section, 65 ... operation / display section, 66 ... merchandise storage section, 67 ... merchandise discharge section, 68 ... mobile phone receiving section, 70 ... upper management device (T / C), 71a, 71b ... communication control section, 72 ... Control unit, 721 ... Information transmission / reception processing unit, 722 ... Database (DB) management unit, 723 ... Search processing unit, 724 ... Replay machine control unit, 725 ... Vending machine control unit, 73 ... Storage unit, 731 ... Database ( DB), 74 ... Indicating part, 75 ... operation part, 80 ... cash payout device, 801 ... information acquisition means, 81 ... communication control part, 82 ... control part, 821 ... terminal number acquisition part, 822 ... information transmission / reception processing part, 823 ... cash payout control , 83 ... Storage unit, 831 ... Conversion amount calculation table, 84 ... Operation / display unit, 840a ... Standby screen, 840b ... Withdrawal confirmation screen, 85 ... Cash payout unit, 86 ... Mobile phone reception unit, 90 ... Premium exchange system

Claims (14)

A counting device for counting game media and a cash dispensing device for paying out cash are connected to a host management device,
The counting device includes:
An information acquisition means for receiving an incoming call from an external communication terminal and acquiring call number information of the communication terminal;
Calculating means for calculating valuable value information corresponding to the count value of the game medium;
Call number information acquired by the information acquisition means, and notification means for notifying the higher-level management device of the valuable value information calculated by the calculation means,
The upper management device is:
Management means for managing the call number information and the valuable value information notified from the counting device in association with each other by a database;
Search means for searching valuable information corresponding to the call number information notified from the cash dispensing device from the database;
Search information notifying means for notifying the cash dispensing apparatus of the valuable value information searched by the search means,
The cash dispensing device is
An information acquisition means for receiving an incoming call from an external communication terminal and acquiring call number information of the communication terminal;
Acquisition information notification means for notifying the higher-level management device of the call number information acquired by the information acquisition means;
In response to the notification of the call number information, the prize exchange system comprising: a cash payout means for paying out cash equivalent to the valuable value information notified from the host management device. A counting device for counting game media and a cash dispensing device for paying out cash equivalent to the number of special prizes are connected to the upper management device,
The counting device includes:
An information acquisition means for receiving an incoming call from an external communication terminal and acquiring call number information of the communication terminal;
Calculating means for calculating the number of special prizes corresponding to the count value of the game medium;
Call number information acquired by the information acquisition means, and notification means for notifying the higher-level management device of counting information including information on the number of special prizes calculated by the calculation means,
The upper management device is:
Management means for managing the call number information and the count information notified from the counting device in association with each other by a database;
Search means for searching the database for the number of special prizes corresponding to the call number information notified from the cash dispensing device,
Search information notifying means for notifying the cash dispensing device of the number of special prizes searched by the search means,
The cash dispensing device is
An information acquisition means for receiving an incoming call from an external communication terminal and acquiring call number information of the communication terminal;
Acquisition information notification means for notifying the higher-level management device of the call number information acquired by the information acquisition means;
In response to the notification of the call number information, a prize exchange system comprising: a cash payout means for paying out cash equivalent to the number of special prizes notified from the host management device. The counting device includes:
Recording medium issuing means for issuing a recording medium associated with information relating to the counting processing of the game medium;
The recording medium issuance control means for controlling the recording medium issuance means to issue the recording medium when there is no incoming call from the external communication terminal. Free gift exchange system. The counting device includes:
Recording medium issuing means for issuing a recording medium associated with information relating to the counting processing of the game medium;
3. A recording medium issuance control means for controlling the recording medium issuance means to issue the recording medium regardless of whether there is an incoming call from the external communication terminal. The prize exchange system described. The counting device includes:
3. A prize exchange system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising display control means for displaying a message prompting the player to make a call when counting game media and call number information of the player. . The display control means includes
After the call number information of the external communication terminal is obtained by the information obtaining means and counting of the game medium is completed, the call number information, the count value of the game medium, the call number information, and the game medium total The premium exchange system according to claim 5, further comprising a message prompting to confirm the numerical value and issue an instruction to end counting. The cash dispensing device is
3. A prize exchange system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising display control means for displaying a message for prompting a call to the own apparatus at the time of money exchange and call number information of the own apparatus. A replay lending processor that is connected to the upper management device and lends a pre-stored number of gaming media to the gaming machine;
The replay lending processor is
An information acquisition means for receiving an incoming call from an external communication terminal and acquiring call number information of the communication terminal;
Notification means for notifying the upper management apparatus of the call number acquired by the information acquisition means;
Corresponding to the notification of the call number information, based on the information on the number of remaining game media notified from the higher-level management device, game medium lending processing means for performing a process of lending out the corresponding number of game media,
The upper management device is:
Based on the call number information notified from the replay lending processor, the remaining game media less than the exchange value with the minimum prize in the count information managed by the database corresponding to the call number information Remaining number notifying means for retrieving information on the number and notifying the replay lending processor;
After notifying the replay lending processor of the surplus game medium number information, the surplus game medium number corresponding to the call number information used when searching for the surplus game medium number is cleared and the database is updated. The prize exchange system according to claim 2, further comprising: a number updating means. The replay lending processor is
9. The prize exchange system according to claim 8, further comprising display control means for displaying a message prompting the user to make a call at the time of replay and the call number information of the own device. A vending machine connected to the upper management device and selling products;
The vending machine is
An information acquisition means for receiving an incoming call from an external communication terminal and acquiring call number information of the communication terminal;
Notification means for notifying the higher management apparatus of the call number information acquired by the information acquisition means;
In response to the notification of the call number information, sales control means for selling a product within a value range corresponding to the number of remaining game media notified from the host management device;
Consuming game medium number notifying means for notifying the higher-level management device of the number of consumed game media consumed by selling the product by the sales control means,
The upper management device is:
Based on the call number information notified from the vending machine, the remaining number of game media that does not satisfy the exchange value with the minimum prize in the count information managed by the database corresponding to the call number information. Remaining number notification means for retrieving information and notifying the vending machine;
Remaining number update in which the number of game media consumed notified from the vending machine is subtracted from the number of surplus game media corresponding to the call number information used when searching for the surplus game media number to update the database The prize exchange system according to claim 2, further comprising: means. The vending machine is
11. The prize exchange system according to claim 10, further comprising display control means for displaying a message prompting the user to make a call when purchasing a product and call number information of the own apparatus. The information acquisition means includes
The mobile phone receiving unit which receives an incoming call from the mobile phone terminal which is the external communication terminal and obtains the mobile phone number of the mobile phone terminal. The prize exchange system described. The information acquisition means includes
The short-range wireless communication receiving unit which receives an incoming call from the short-range wireless communication terminal which is the external communication terminal and acquires a short-range wireless communication call number of the short-range wireless communication terminal. 2. The prize exchange system according to any one of 2, 8, and 10. A prize exchanging method of a prize exchanging system comprising a counting device for counting game media and a cash dispenser for paying out cash equivalent to the number of special prizes to a higher management apparatus,
A first information acquisition step of receiving an incoming call from an external communication terminal by the information acquisition means of the counting device and acquiring call number information of the communication terminal;
A calculation step of calculating the number of special prizes corresponding to the count value of the game medium by the calculation means of the counting device;
A first notification step of notifying the higher-level management device of the counting information including the call number information acquired in the first information acquisition step and the information on the number of special prizes calculated in the calculation step by the notification unit of the counting device When,
A management step of managing the call number information and the count information notified in the first notification step by a database in association with each other by the management means of the higher-level management device;
A second information acquisition step of receiving an incoming call from an external communication terminal and acquiring call number information of the communication terminal by the access request reception means of the cash dispensing device;
A second notification step of notifying the upper management device of the call number information acquired in the second information acquisition step by a notification means of the cash dispensing device;
A search step of searching the database for information on the number of special prizes corresponding to the call number information notified in the second notification step by the search means of the upper management apparatus;
A third notification step of notifying the cash-out device of the information on the number of special prizes searched in the search step by the search information notification means of the upper management device;
Corresponding to the call number information notified from the higher-level management device in the third notification step, in response to the notification of the call number information in the second notification step, by the cash dispensing means of the cash dispensing device And a cash payout step for paying out cash equivalent to the number of special prizes to be given.

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