JP2005192923A - Method and system for prize exchange, game medium counting device, and prize management device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce handling of fractional prizes corresponding to the fractions less than an exchange value of a minimum prize, whose demand for exchange is low for both a player and a game parlor. <P>SOLUTION: A game medium counting device 30 has a lottery part 35 for executing a lottery for selecting a win or failure. A lottery process part 322 actuates a lottery by the lottery part 35 if the count value of game media counted by a game medium counting process part 321 according to the pulse output from a game medium counting part 36 has a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize, and updates the count value of the game media to a value without the fraction by rounding up or down the fraction according to the result of the lottery. A recording medium issuing control part 323 controls a recording medium issuing part 37 to issue recording media correlated to the updated count value of game media. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize exchange system that is installed in a game hall such as a pachinko parlor and exchanges game media acquired by a player with a game machine for a prize, and more specifically, a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize. The present invention relates to a prize exchange method, a prize exchange system, a game medium counting apparatus, and a prize management apparatus that can reduce the corresponding fraction prize exchange work.

  At game halls such as pachinko parlors, after inserting storage media such as cash or prepaid cards, game machines (pachinko machines, pachislot machines, etc.) that support game media (pachinko balls, medals, etc.) for the value specified by the player And a game service provided by the gaming machine, while a service is provided for exchanging game media obtained by the game player using the gaming machine for a prize.

  As a procedure for exchanging the game medium acquired by the player with a prize, for example, when the player inserts the game medium (for example, pachinko ball) acquired in the game medium counting device (for example, ball counter), the game medium The counting device counts the game media, and issues a receipt (for example, a number-of-balls receipt) on which the count value is printed.

  Next, by bringing the receipt into the prize exchange counter, for example, the store clerk can read the information on the receipt into the prize management device and exchange based on the count value of the game medium recognized from the read information. A prize exchange operation is performed in which a prize is calculated and given to the player.

  In the exchange of prizes, the number of game media that can be exchanged (exchange rate) is determined for each of a plurality of prizes (large prizes, medium prizes, and small prizes), and the prize management device performs the exchange described above. Referring to the rate, the type and number of prizes that can be exchanged for the number of game media acquired by the player are calculated.

  Here, when the game medium is a pachinko ball, the exchangeable number corresponding to the small prize having the smallest exchangeable number is determined to be 50, for example.

  Therefore, when the number of pachinko balls acquired by the player is not divisible by 50 and includes a fraction less than the exchange value (50) of the minimum prize, when calculating the exchangeable prize by the prize management device, for example, In addition to the prize payout pattern such as how many large prizes, how many medium prizes, how many small prizes, a fraction such as 30 is calculated.

  In this case, the store clerk gives the player a large number of prizes to a small prize (special prize) based on the calculated prize exchange pattern for the calculated number, and, for example, 30 pieces of gum, chocolate, etc. A low-priced free gift (fractional free gift) is handed over.

  As a known device used for exchanging this type of prize, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a plurality of types registered in advance by a player after obtaining the number of general prizes that can be exchanged with a fractional pachinko ball that cannot be exchanged for special prizes. Disclosed is a prize exchange management device that accepts an operation to specify a general prize desired from among the general prizes and issues a recording medium in which the recording medium issuing unit records the type and number of general prizes selected by the player Has been.

In this prize exchange management device, the player can exchange the general prize recorded on the recording medium as an actual prize at a later date, but at the time of the exchange, the actual prize is received from the staff or the like. It is basically performed by hand (paragraph 0025).
JP-A-11-76578

  By the way, in the prize exchange system, the above-described game medium counting device and prize management device are connected to a higher-level management device, and in the higher-level management device, prize management, member management [savings / medals, member analysis, DM ( There is an integrated system that can perform management analysis.

  In this integrated system, a savings service is provided, and when the above-mentioned fraction occurs, the exchange work of fractional prizes can be reduced by storing the number of balls corresponding to the value of the fraction.

  However, this integrated system has a high introduction cost and is cumbersome such as requiring third-party management. In addition, since non-members cannot use the savings service, it is still necessary to pay out fractional prizes to non-member players.

  Under these circumstances, in the past, in the conventional prize exchange, it has been the mainstream not to rely on an integrated system, but to exchange fractions less than the exchange value of the minimum prize for fractional prizes such as gum and chocolate.

  For this reason, even if a player receives a fractional prize with poor exchange needs, it is bothersome and not satisfactory, while the amusement store also has a large expense related to purchasing, managing, or exchanging fractional prizes. There is a problem that it takes time and effort.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, reduces handling of fractional prizes corresponding to fractions less than the exchange value of the minimum prize, both of which are lacking for both the player and the amusement shop, and can satisfy both the player and the amusement shop. It is an object of the present invention to provide a prize exchange method, a prize exchange system, a game medium counting apparatus, and a prize management apparatus capable of realizing prize exchange.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium counting device that counts game media and issues a recording medium associated with the count value of the game media. When the lottery means to perform, the starting means for starting the lottery of the lottery means, and the count value of the game medium has a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize, the lottery result of the lottery means according to whether or not A count value update means for updating the count value of the game medium to a value without the fraction by rounding up or down the fraction, and a recording medium associated with the game medium count value updated by the count value update means is issued. And a recording medium issuing unit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a lottery selection accepting unit that selectively accepts whether or not the lottery by the lottery unit is executed when the game media count has the fraction. And the activation means activates the lottery by the lottery means when the lottery selection receiving means selects to execute the lottery.

  The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the activation means activates the lottery by the lottery means when the count value of the game medium has the fraction.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the lottery result by the lottery means so as to be visible.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the communication control means for communicating with the upper management apparatus that manages the game medium counting device, and the communication control means are received from the upper management apparatus via the communication control means. The lottery setting processing means for setting the lottery setting contents of the lottery means corresponding to the lottery setting contents is provided.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the lottery setting processing means includes, as the lottery setting contents, the fraction value corresponding to the lottery probability of the lottery means and the exchange value of the minimum prize. At least one of the above is set.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the information sending means for sending the lottery history management information including the lottery result of the lottery means and the round-up or round-down fraction information in the invention according to claim 5 or 6 to the upper management apparatus. Is further provided.

  The invention according to claim 8 reads the record information of the recording medium associated with the count value of the game medium, and based on the number of game media specified by the read information, the prize exchange process corresponding to the number of game media In the prize management device, the lottery means for performing the lottery or the lottery, the starting means for starting the lottery of the lottery means, and the fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize for the number of game media specified by the recording medium If there is, the update means for updating the number of game media to a value without the fraction by rounding up or down the fraction depending on whether the lottery result of the lottery means is wrong or not, and after the update by the update means A prize exchange processing means for exchanging prizes based on the number of game media is provided.

  The invention according to claim 9 selectively accepts whether or not lottery is performed by the lottery means when the number of game media specified by the recording medium has the fraction in the invention according to claim 8. It has a lottery selection receiving means, and the starting means starts the lottery by the lottery means when the lottery selection receiving means is selected to execute the lottery.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the activation means activates the lottery by the lottery means when the number of game media specified by the recording medium has the fraction. It is characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 8, further comprising display means for displaying the lottery result by the lottery means so as to be visible.

  The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claim 8, wherein communication control means for communicating with a higher-level management apparatus that manages the prize management apparatus, and a lottery received from the higher-level management apparatus via the communication control means The lottery setting processing means for setting the lottery setting contents of the lottery means corresponding to the setting contents is provided.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the twelfth aspect, the lottery setting processing means includes, as the lottery setting contents, the fraction value corresponding to the lottery probability of the lottery means and the exchange value of the minimum prize. At least one of the above is set.

  The invention according to claim 14 is the information sending means for sending the lottery history management information including the lottery result of the lottery means and round-up or round-down fraction information to the host management device in the invention according to claim 12 or 13 above. Is further provided.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a game medium counting device for counting game media and issuing a recording medium associated with the count value of the game medium is read from the recording medium associated with the count value of the game medium. In the prize exchange system comprising: a prize management device for exchanging prizes corresponding to the number of game media based on the number of game media; and a host management apparatus for managing the game media counting device and the prize management device. The game medium counting device has an inquiry means for making an inquiry to the upper management device to execute the lottery when the game medium count value is less than the exchange value of the minimum prize, and the higher rank for the inquiry by the inquiry means. The lottery result notified from the management device is received, and the fraction is rounded up or down depending on whether the lottery result is a hit or wrong. A count value updating means for updating the count value of the medium to a value having no fraction, and a recording medium issuing means for issuing a recording medium associated with the game medium count value updated by the count value updating means, The upper management device executes a lottery by a lottery means for performing a lottery or a lottery by the lottery unit in response to an inquiry from the inquiry means, and the lottery result of the lottery is sent to the game medium counting device of the inquiry source And a lottery result notifying means for notifying.

  The invention according to claim 16 is the invention according to claim 15, wherein the game medium counting device selectively determines whether or not to execute the lottery by the lottery means when the count value of the game medium includes the fraction. The lottery selection accepting means accepts the lottery selection, and when the lottery selection accepting means selects the lottery selection accepting means, the inquiry means inquires the host management apparatus to execute the lottery.

  The invention according to claim 17 is the invention according to claim 15, wherein the game medium counting device further comprises display means for displaying the lottery result by the lottery means so as to be visible.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fifteenth aspect, the game medium counting device displays the lottery history management information including round-up or round-down fraction information related to update processing of the count value update processing means as the higher rank An information sending means for sending to the management device, wherein the upper management device obtains the lottery history management information from the game medium counting device; and the lottery history management information obtained by the information obtaining means And lottery history management means for managing the lottery history using the lottery result information of the lottery means.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium counting device that counts game media and issues a recording medium associated with the count value of the game medium, and recording information of the record medium associated with the count value of the game medium Based on the number of game media specified by the read information, a prize management device for exchanging prizes corresponding to the number of game media, and superordinate management for managing the game media counting device and the prize management device In the prize exchange system having the apparatus, the prize management apparatus inquires the host management apparatus to execute the lottery when the number of game media specified by the recording medium has a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize. An inquiry means, and a lottery result notified from the higher-level management device in response to the inquiry by the inquiry means; An update means for updating the number of game media to a value having no fraction by rounding up or down the fraction accordingly, and a prize exchange processing for exchanging prizes based on the number of game media updated by the update means And the upper management apparatus executes lottery by lottery means for performing a lottery of winning or failure, the lottery means in response to an inquiry from the inquiry means, and the lottery result of the lottery is inquired Lottery result notification means for notifying the prize management device.

  The invention according to claim 20 is the invention according to claim 19, wherein the prize management device executes the lottery by the lottery means when the number of game media specified by the recording medium has the fraction. A lottery selection accepting unit that selectively accepts the lottery, and when the lottery selection accepting unit selects the lottery selection accepting unit, the inquiry unit inquires the host management device to execute the lottery. Features.

  The invention according to claim 21 is the invention according to claim 19, wherein the prize management device further comprises display means for displaying the lottery result by the lottery means so as to be visible.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the above-described twenty-first aspect, the prize management device sends lottery history management information including round-up or round-down fraction information related to the update processing of the update processing means to the higher-level management device. An information sending means for sending, wherein the higher-level management device acquires information for lottery history management from the prize management device, information for lottery history management acquired by the information acquisition means, and the lottery It is characterized by comprising lottery history management means for managing lottery history using information on the lottery result of the means.

  The invention according to claim 23 is the invention according to claim 15 or 19, characterized in that the upper management device comprises lottery setting processing means for setting lottery setting contents including a lottery probability by the lottery means. To do.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fifteenth or nineteenth aspect, the higher-level management device sets setting inquiry conditions for the lottery execution to the managed game medium counting device or prize management device. It is characterized by comprising.

  According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the twenty-fourth aspect, the inquiry condition includes the fraction value corresponding to the exchange value of the minimum prize and the fractional value of the game medium. In this case, whether or not to make the inquiry unconditionally or whether or not to execute the lottery is selectively received, and an inquiry condition for including the inquiry when the lottery execution is selected is included.

  According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a prize exchange method for a prize exchange system having a game medium counting device that counts game media and issues a recording medium associated with the count value of the game medium. When there is a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize, depending on whether the lottery step of executing the lottery by the lottery means provided in the game medium counting device and the lottery result of the lottery means in the lottery step are wrong A count value update step for updating the count value of the game medium to a value having no fraction by rounding up or down the fraction, and a recording medium in which the game media count value updated by the count value update step is associated are issued And a recording medium issuing step.

  According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, a prize exchange includes a prize management device that performs a prize exchange process corresponding to the number of game media based on the number of game media specified by the recording medium associated with the count value of the game media. In the prize exchange method of the system, when the number of game media read from the recording medium has a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize, a lottery step for executing lottery by lottery means provided in the prize management device; and the lottery step An update step of updating the number of game media to a value having no fraction by rounding up or down the fraction depending on whether the lottery result by the lottery means is wrong or not, and the game media after the update by the update step And a prize exchange processing step for exchanging prizes based on the number.

  The invention according to claim 28 is specified by a game medium counting device for counting game media and issuing a recording medium associated with the count value of the game medium, and the recording medium associated with the count value of the game medium. A prize of a prize exchange system comprising: a prize management apparatus that performs exchange processing of prizes corresponding to the number of game media based on the number of game media; and a host management apparatus that manages the game medium counting apparatus and the prize management apparatus In the exchange method, when there is a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize in the count value of the game medium, an inquiry step of inquiring the upper management device by the inquiry means of the game medium counting device to execute the lottery, and the inquiry step In response to the inquiry from the above, the step of starting the lottery by the lottery means of the upper management device and the hit by the lottery means The lottery result is notified to the inquiring game medium counting device by the notifying means of the higher-level management device, and the lottery result notified by the notifying step is determined to be wrong or not. A count value update step of updating the count value of the game medium to a value having no fraction by rounding up or down the fraction using a count value update means, and a recording medium issuing means of the game medium counting device, And a recording medium issuing step for issuing a recording medium associated with the updated gaming medium count value in the count value updating step.

  According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, a game medium counting device that counts game media and issues a recording medium associated with the count value of the game medium and the recording medium associated with the count value of the game medium are read. A prize exchange system for a prize exchange system having a prize management device for exchanging prizes corresponding to the number of game media based on the number of game media, and a higher-level management apparatus for managing the game medium counting device and the prize management device. In the method, when there is a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize in the number of game media read from the recording medium, an inquiry step for inquiring the higher-level management apparatus by inquiry means of the prize management apparatus to execute a lottery; In response to an inquiry by the inquiry step, starting a lottery by the lottery means of the higher-level management device; and by the lottery means The step of notifying the prize management device as the inquiry source by the notifying means of the higher-level management device and the lottery result that has been missed by the notification step, and the prize management depending on whether the lottery result is wrong or not An update step of updating the number of game media to a value having no fraction by rounding up or down the fraction using the update means of the device, and an update after the update step by the premium exchange processing means of the premium management device A prize exchange processing step for exchanging prizes based on the number of game media.

According to the present invention, in the game media counting device, when the game media count value has a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize, the fraction is rounded up or down depending on whether the lottery result of the lottery means is wrong or not. As a result, the count value of the game medium is updated to a value not including a fraction, and the recording medium associated with the updated game medium count value is issued.
In addition, in the prize management device, when the number of game media read from the medium has a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize, the fraction is rounded up or down depending on whether the lottery result is wrong or not. The number of game media is updated to a value not including a fraction, and prizes are exchanged according to the updated number of game media.

  According to such a configuration, as a result of the lottery execution, the count value of the game media or the number of game media read from the media is updated to a value with no fractions, so that the exchange work of fractional prizes corresponding to the fractions is not required when exchanging prizes. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the annoyance of receiving fractional prizes with low exchange needs on the part of the player, while enjoying the “playfulness” of the lottery, and for the amusement shop side, it is also a low-priced gift that requires a lot of exchange and is troublesome. Handling (exchange work, purchase of prizes, management, etc.) can be reduced, and prize exchanges that are advantageous for both the player and the amusement shop can be realized.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the lottery means can be provided individually in the game medium counting device and the prize management device, or can be provided in a host management device that manages these game medium counting device and the prize management device. In particular, when lottery means is provided in the upper management device, the lottery means is not required in the game medium counting device and the prize management device, and a system configuration in which a plurality of game medium counting devices and prize management devices are managed by the upper management device The configuration of each game medium counting device and prize management device can be simplified.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a prize exchange system 50 according to the present invention.

  This system 50 is installed in a pachinko parlor, for example, and game media (pachinko balls, medals) acquired by a player using a game machine such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine, according to the number of game media acquired. System to exchange for special prizes.

  In the system 50 of FIG. 1, as a device for counting game media, a medal counter 25 for counting medals and a ball counter 26 for counting pachinko balls are provided.

  The medal counting machine 25 and the ball counting machine 26 are connected to the receipt issuing machine 20, and the receipt issuing machine 20 is further connected to the prize management apparatus 10 via a high-speed serial interface 17 such as RS-422. Yes.

  For example, the receipt issuing machine 20 takes in a pulse output in accordance with the pachinko ball count in the ball counter 26, counts the number of the pachinko balls, and counts the counted value as the counting date, It has a receipt issuing function for printing on roll paper together with such information and cutting it to a predetermined length and then outputting it as a receipt for the number of balls.

  Similarly, the receipt issuing machine 20 takes in pulses output in response to the medal counting by the medal counting machine 25, counts the number of medals, and uses the counted value as the counting date, counting machine number, etc. And a function for issuing a medal number receipt printed on roll paper.

  In this system 50, a ball counter 30 with a receipt issuing function having both the function of the ball counter 26 and the function of the receipt issuing machine 20 is installed, and the ball counter 30 with a receipt issuing function is also the high-speed serial number. The prize management apparatus 10 is connected via the interface 17.

  The counters 25 and 26, the receipt issuing machine 20, and the ball counting machine 30 with a receipt issuing function described above are installed in the hall of the pachinko parlor.

  On the other hand, a prize management device (POS terminal) 10 is installed at a prize exchange counter in a pachinko store, and is issued by the receipt issuing machine 20 or the ball counting machine 30 with a receipt issuing function (number receipt or medal number receipt). ) Is read and information is exchanged for special prizes according to the count value.

  When exchanging with special prizes according to the number of game media read from the receipt, for example, the prize management device 10 calculates a special prize exchange pattern based on the preset exchange rate from the number of game media read above, This can be realized by handing the special prize to the player according to this exchange pattern.

  In addition, it is also possible to automatically pay out special prizes according to the exchange pattern from an automatic prize dispenser (not shown) connected to the prize management device 10.

  As described above, in the system 50 according to the present invention, a game medium counting device (hereinafter, described as a combination) of a receipt issuing machine 20 and a counting machine (25, 26, etc.) or a ball counting machine 30 with a receipt issuing function. For convenience, the game medium is received and counted, and a recording medium (in this example, a ball number receipt or a medal number receipt) associated with the count value of the game medium is issued. The prize management device 10 connected to the counting device 30 performs processing for exchanging the count value with a special prize based on the count value of the game medium read from the recording medium associated with the count value of the game medium.

  In particular, as a characteristic configuration of the present invention, in the system 50, the lottery means is used when the number of game media obtained by the player has a fraction (a piece or a medal) that is less than the minimum special prize exchange value. A function to perform special lottery exchange based on the rounded-down or rounded-up count value after performing round-up or round-down processing depending on whether the lottery result is wrong or not. ing.

  In the system configuration of FIG. 1, there are a method of providing the lottery means in the game medium counting device 30 and a method of providing the prize management device 10.

  Hereinafter, these configurations will be sequentially described in the following embodiments.

  In the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment, a lottery means is provided in the game medium counting device 30 to perform the lottery.

  In the first embodiment, the game medium counting device 30 is a combination of the receipt issuing machine 20 and the counting machine (25, 26, etc.) or the ball counting machine 30 with a receipt issuing function in the system configuration shown in FIG. Corresponds to the configuration.

  In the following description, the game medium counting device 30 is realized by the ball counter 30 with a receipt issuing function, and is referred to by the same reference numeral (30) as the ball counter 30 with the receipt issuing function.

  For the sake of simplicity, the game medium counting device 30 counts the number of balls for a pachinko ball as a game medium.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the game medium counting device 30 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game medium counting device 30 includes a communication control unit 31 that controls communication with the prize management device 10 via the high-speed serial interface 17, a control unit 32 that controls the entire device, and a control unit 32. Consists of a storage unit 33 for storing various information such as operation programs, a touch panel, etc., and includes a function for displaying information on the display panel, and, for example, a lottery execution instruction by touching a button displayed on the display panel with a hand An operation / display unit 34 having a function of inputting various information, a lottery unit 35 that starts a lottery in response to the lottery execution instruction in the operation / display unit 34, and outputs a winning or losing lottery result, and a game medium not shown A game medium counting unit 36 for counting the number of pachinko balls thrown from the recording unit, a recording medium associated with the number of balls (in this example, the number of balls received) ) Constructed comprises a recording medium issuing unit 37 to issue.

  Among these, the control unit 32 receives a pulse output from the game medium counting unit 36 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 lottery processing unit 322 that controls the lottery unit 35, such as starting lottery of the lottery unit 35 when the ball count value at 321 has a fraction, and the recording medium that controls receipt issuance in the recording medium issuer 37 The issuance control unit 323 and a lottery setting processing unit 324 that variably sets lottery setting contents such as a lottery probability in the lottery unit 35 are provided.

  The processing operation of the game medium counting device 30 having such a configuration will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the game medium counting device 30, the control unit 32 monitors whether a pachinko ball has been inserted, for example, based on whether a pulse indicating the count of the pachinko ball is input from the game medium counting unit 36 (step S101). ).

  Here, when a pachinko ball is inserted (YES in step S101), the game medium counting processing unit 321 performs a process of counting the number of balls based on the input pulse (step S102).

  When the counting of the number of balls is completed, the lottery processing unit 322 then obtains the ball counting value from the game medium counting processing unit 321 and based on the counted value, the number is not less than the number that can be exchanged for the special gift of the minimum value. It is checked whether there is a fraction (end ball) (step S103).

  Completion of the counting operation is determined by information indicating that counting has been completed by a player or a store clerk, or when a ball is not detected for a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) or longer.

  Here, if there is no end ball (step S103 NO), the recording medium issue control unit 323 is notified of that fact. Based on the notification, the recording medium issuance control unit 323 performs control to issue a ball number receipt including information on the ball count value at this time from the recording medium issuance unit 37 (step S110), and then ends the processing. .

  In this ball number receipt issuance control, the recording medium issuance control unit 323 provides information such as the ball counting value, counting date and time, and the number of the counting machine (own device) by the gaming medium counting processing unit 321 as a recording medium issuance instruction. At the same time, it is sent to the recording medium issuing unit 37.

  The recording medium issuing unit 37 includes a printing unit, roll paper, and a cutter. When the medium issuing instruction is received from the medium issuing control unit 323, each of the information (ball count value, counting date and time, counter) received together with the medium issuing instruction is received. (Information such as the machine number of the device itself) is printed on the roll paper as character information and barcode information by the printing unit, and the cut paper is cut into a predetermined length, and then the number of balls. Output as a receipt.

  In addition, about the structure of the recording medium issuing part 37 (receipt issuing machine) which issues a number-of-balls receipt using roll paper, it is the type built in the game medium counting device 30 as a receipt issuing unit like a present Example. It is also possible to connect a receipt issuing machine configured independently to the game medium counting device 30 so as to be able to communicate, and to send and receive data (the type of the receipt issuing machine 20 connected to the ball counting machine 26 and the like: (See FIG. 1).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an end ball in the end ball check in step S103 (YES in step S103), the lottery processing unit 322 then selects a lottery selection screen for prompting selection of whether or not to execute the lottery. [Refer to FIG. 4A] is displayed on the display panel of the operation / display unit 34 (step S104), and a transition is made to a waiting state for selection of a lottery execution by the player.

  In this standby state, the lottery processing unit 322 monitors whether or not the player has selected to execute the lottery on the lottery selection screen (step S105).

  Here, when the lottery execution is not selected (NO in step S105), the fact is notified to the recording medium issue control unit 323. Then, based on the notification, the recording medium issuance control unit 323 performs control to issue a ball number receipt including information on the ball count value at this time from the recording medium issuance unit 37 (step S110).

  On the other hand, when the lottery execution is selected (YES in step S105), the lottery processing unit 322 instructs the lottery unit 35 to start the lottery to execute the lottery (step S106), and further monitors the lottery result. (Step S107).

  Here, when the lottery result in the lottery unit 35 is a win (step S107 YES), the lottery processing unit 322 performs a process of rounding up the number of end balls with respect to the count value of the number of balls in the game medium counting processing unit 321 (step). S108).

  Specifically, a predetermined number (minimum special prize exchangeable number−the number of edge balls) such that the addition result with the number of edge balls is the minimum number of special prizes that can be exchanged is added to the current ball count value. Add and update the ball count.

  On the other hand, in the lottery result check in step S107, if the lottery result in the lottery unit 35 is out of place (NO in step S107), the lottery processing unit 322 ends the count value of the number of balls in the game medium count processing unit 321. A process of rounding down the number of balls is performed (step S109). Specifically, the ball count value is updated by subtracting the number of end balls from the current ball count value.

  After the edge ball round-up process in step S108 or after the edge ball round-down process in step S109, the recording medium issue control unit 323 includes the ball count value after the edge ball round-up or after the edge ball round-down (after update), respectively. Accompanying information (information such as ball count value, counting date and time, machine number of own device) is sent to the recording medium issuing unit 37 together with a recording medium issuing instruction.

  When the recording medium issuing unit 37 receives the recording medium issuing instruction from the recording medium issuing control unit 323 after the end ball rounding-up process in step S108 or after the end ball rounding-down process in step S109, each of the recording medium issuing unit 37 and the recording medium issuing instruction Receive the number of balls receipts printed as character information and bar code information on each of the above information (the ball count value after rounding up or down the ball, the date and time, the number of the counting machine (own device), etc.) Issue (step S110).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a lottery operation screen displayed on the display panel of the operation / display unit 34 in the processing flow shown in FIG.

  Here, FIG. 4A shows an example of a lottery selection screen 340a displayed on the display panel by the lottery processing unit 322 when it is determined in step S103 of FIG. 3 that there is an end ball (YES in step S103). FIG.

  As shown in the figure, on the lottery selection screen 340a, a message prompting the user to select whether or not to perform lottery for rounding up / down the end balls (remaining balls) and instructing execution of the lottery. A button and a “No” button for instructing not to perform the lottery are displayed.

  While viewing the lottery selection screen 340a, the player presses (touches) the “Yes” button if he / she wishes to win the lottery, and presses the “No” button if he / she does not wish to win the lottery.

  The button operation on the lottery selection screen 340a may be performed by the store clerk after confirming the player's intention in addition to the player himself / herself. This corresponds to an operation in which a store clerk is obliged to perform a counting operation for the purpose of preventing fraud.

  On the other hand, the lottery processing unit 322 determines that the lottery execution is instructed when the “Yes” button is pressed (YES in Step S105), and the lottery execution is not performed when the “No” button is given ( It is determined that it has been rejected (step S105 NO).

  4B is displayed on the display panel by the lottery processing unit 322 during the edge rounding process (step S108) after it is determined that the lottery result is “win” in step S107 of FIG. 3 (YES in step S107). It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery result screen 340b (lottery result screen 1) performed.

  As shown in the drawing, the lottery result screen 340b displays messages for notifying that the lottery result is “winning” and that the excess ball is rounded up.

  FIG. 4C shows the result of the lottery processing section 322 displayed on the display panel during the edge ball lowering process (step S109) after it is determined that the lottery result is “out” in step S107 of FIG. 3 (NO in step S107). It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery result screen 340c (lottery result screen 2) performed.

  As shown in the drawing, the lottery result screen 340c displays each message for notifying that the lottery result is “out of place” and that the excess ball is to be devaluated.

  After the player selects the lottery execution on the lottery selection screen 340a shown in FIG. 4A, the lottery result screen 340b or the lottery result screen 340c indicates that the lottery result and the rounding up or down of the end ball are executed. Can be recognized visually. The lottery result may be printed and issued as a receipt as well as a screen display.

  Next, a specific example will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5, the flow of processing from lottery to issuance of a ball number receipt in the game medium counting device 30 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of processing from lottery to issuance of a ball number receipt when the game medium counting processing unit 321 obtains a counting result of ball count value = 4285 (pieces), for example.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the game medium counting device 30 according to the first embodiment, for example, exchange balls that store information on the number of exchangeable balls (exchange balls: exchange rate) for each special prize in the storage unit 33. It has a number management table TB1.

  When the lottery processing unit 322 acquires, for example, 4285 (pieces) as the ball count value from the game medium counting processing unit 321, the lottery processing unit 322 refers to the exchanged ball number management table TB1 and performs end ball calculation processing.

  Specifically, the ball count value = 4285 is divided by the number of exchanged balls for the large prize (1250), and then the remainder (535) of the division result is divided by the number of exchanged balls for the middle prize (250). Finally, the remainder (35 pieces) of the previous division result is divided by the number of exchanged balls (50 pieces) of the small prize, and the remainder number = 35 is recognized as the number of end balls.

  The above processing corresponds to the processing in the case where it is determined in step S103 in FIG. 3 that there is an end ball (YES in step S103).

  When it is determined that there is an end ball as described above, the lottery processing unit 322 displays the lottery selection screen 340a, receives an instruction from the player as to whether or not to execute the lottery, and selects the lottery execution. In this case, the process proceeds to a lottery receipt issuance process through lottery processing. If the lottery execution is rejected, the lottery process is not performed and the ball count receipt issuance process proceeds.

  When the lottery is executed according to the selection by the player, the recording medium issuance control unit 323 acquires the lottery result by the lottery unit 35, and the ball count value update process for rounding up or down the end ball depending on whether the lottery result is a hit or not I do.

  In this ball count value update process, if the lottery result is a win, the recording medium issuance control unit 323 adds the current ball count value 4285 to the number of end balls = 35 and the number of exchanged balls corresponding to the minimum prize. Add the number = 15 (= 50−35), and update the ball count value to 4300. This process corresponds to the edge ball round-up process in step S108 of FIG.

  Thereafter, the recording medium issuance control unit 323 instructs the recording medium issuance unit 37 to publish the recording medium based on the updated ball count value = 4300 (pieces). As shown on the left, information such as the ball count value after rounding up the ball (4300), counting date (○ month × date △ hour □ minute), machine number (△ machine), etc. is printed as character information and barcode information. The issued number of balls receipt 371a is issued.

  If the lottery result is out of order, the recording medium issuance control unit 323 subtracts the number of end balls = 35 from the current ball count value 4285 and updates the ball count value to 4250. This process corresponds to the edge ball lowering process in step S109 of FIG.

  Thereafter, the recording medium issuance control unit 323 instructs the recording medium issuance unit 37 to issue the recording medium based on the updated ball count value = 4250 (pieces), and the recording medium issuance unit 37 causes the bottom part of FIG. As shown in the center, the ball count value (4250 pieces) after the end ball is cut down, the date and time (○ month × date △ hour □ minute), the machine number (△ machine), etc. are printed as character information and barcode information. The issued number of balls receipt 371b is issued.

  On the other hand, when the lottery is not performed, the recording medium issue control unit 323 instructs the recording medium issue unit 37 to issue the recording medium based on the current ball count value 4285, and the recording medium issue unit 37 As shown at the bottom right of FIG. 5, the ball count value (4285), the date and time (○ month × day Δhour □ min), the machine number (△ machine), etc. are displayed as character information and barcode information. The printed number of balls receipt 371c is issued.

  Thereafter, the player goes to the prize counter with the number-of-balls receipts (371a, 371b, 371c) issued by the game medium counting device 30, and causes the prize management device 10 to read the number-of-balls receipt, thereby giving the prize. Exchange.

  Next, the flow from the reading of the number of balls receipt to the prize exchange in the prize management apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates the process from reading the number of receipts to the exchange of prizes for the corresponding number of receipts 371a, 371b, and 371c at the time of winning the lottery explained in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows a flow.

  In FIG. 6, it is assumed that the prize management apparatus 10 that performs the prize exchange process is an existing model.

  The existing prize management device 10 includes a lottery function (lottery unit 15, lottery processing unit 122, lottery setting processing unit 124) among the components of the prize management device 10 (see FIG. 7) according to the second embodiment described in detail later. ) Is omitted.

  6, for the sake of convenience, the flow of processing from the number of balls receipt reading to the prize exchange in the existing prize management apparatus will be described with reference to the configuration of the prize management apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the prize management device 10 (existing model), for example, in the storage unit 13, for each special prize type (large prize, middle prize, small prize), cash corresponding to each of these prizes. A prize exchange management table TB2 holding information on the amount of money and the number of exchangeable balls (number of exchangeable balls: exchange rate) is provided.

  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 FIG. 6, the prize management device 10 starts reading the number-of-balls receipt, for example, when the store clerk who has received the number-of-balls receipt from the player inserts the number-of-balls receipt into the recording medium reading unit 16.

  Here, when any of the corresponding ball number receipts 371a, 371b, and 371c is inserted at the time of winning the lottery explained in FIG. The reading unit 16 (specifically, a barcode reader) reads information such as the ball count value and the counting date and time recorded as the barcode information on the ball number receipt, and the read information recognition processing unit 121 reads the barcode information. Recognize the number of balls from the number of balls in the information.

  In this example, when reading the number of balls receipts 371a, 371b, and 371c, the number of balls = 4300, the number of balls = 4250, and the number of balls = 4285 are recognized, respectively.

  Next, the prize exchange control unit 123 acquires the number of balls recognized by the read information recognition processing unit 121, and refers to the prize exchange management table TB2 (exchange rate) from the number of balls to correspond to the number of balls. A free gift exchange pattern is calculated.

  Specifically, for example, when the number of balls = 4300 (corresponding to the reading result of the number of balls receipt 371a at the time of the lottery), the count value = 4300 is divided by the number of exchanged balls = 1250 corresponding to the large prize, The number of large prizes = 3 is obtained from the remainder 550, which is the division result at this time.

  Next, the remainder of the division result = 550 is divided by the number of replacement balls corresponding to the middle prize = 250, and the number of middle prizes = 2 is obtained from the remainder 50 of the division result at this time.

  Further, the remainder of the division result = 50 is divided by the number of replacement balls corresponding to the small prize = 50, and the number of small prizes = 1 is obtained from 1 which is the division result at this time.

  In the prize exchange control unit 123 of the prize management device 10, based on the prize exchange pattern 1 calculated by the above processing, for example, “large prize = 3, medium prize = 2, small prize on the display panel of the operation / display section 14”. = 1 ”is displayed.

  Then, the store clerk performs a prize exchange operation by handing the corresponding number of prizes to the player while viewing the prize payout information displayed on the display panel.

  Similarly, when the ball count value = 4250 (corresponding to the reading result of the ball number receipt 371b when the lottery is off), the count value = 4250 is divided by the number of replacement balls = 1250 corresponding to the large prize, The number of large prizes = 3 is obtained from the remainder of 3 which is the division result 500, and then the remainder of the division result = 500 is divided by the number of exchange balls corresponding to the middle prize = 250, and the result of division at this time is 2 From the above, the number of middle prizes = 2 is obtained.

  Then, based on the calculated prize exchange pattern 2, the store clerk refers to the prize payout information with a content such as “large prize = 3, middle prize = 2” displayed on the display panel of the operation / display unit 14. The prize exchange operation for handing out the corresponding number of prizes to the player is performed.

  Further, when the ball count value = 4285 (corresponding to the reading result of the ball number receipt 371c at the time of the above-mentioned non-lottery), the count value = 4285 is divided by the number of replacement balls corresponding to the large prize = 1250, and the division at this time The number of large prizes = 3 is obtained from the result of the remainder 535, and then the remainder of the division result = 535 is divided by the number of replacement balls corresponding to the middle prize = 250, and the result of division at this time is two remainders. From 35, the number of intermediate prizes = 2 and the number of remainders = 35 are obtained.

  Then, based on the calculated prize exchange pattern 3, the prize payout information with the content “large prize = 3, middle prize = 2, fraction = 35” displayed on the display panel of the operation / display unit 14 is referred to. Thus, the store clerk performs a prize exchange operation for handing out the corresponding number of prizes to the player.

  In this case, the store clerk needs to pay out fractional prizes (such as chewing gum and chocolate) corresponding to fraction = 35 in addition to large prizes and medium prizes, and is forced to perform complicated exchange work.

  As can be seen from the flow of prize exchange by the prize management device 10 (existing model) shown in FIG. 6, the game medium counting device 30 performs a lottery in the case where there are end balls in the number of balls acquired by the player. If not (corresponding to the prize exchange pattern 3 in FIG. 6), the clerk needs to pay out fractional prizes (chewing gum, chocolate, etc.) corresponding to fraction = 35 in addition to large prizes and medium prizes, Forced replacement work.

  On the other hand, when the lottery is performed in advance by the game medium counting device 30 and the end ball is rounded up according to the lottery result “winning” (corresponding to the prize exchange pattern 1 in FIG. 6), and according to the lottery result “off”. When the end ball is cut down (corresponding to the prize exchange pattern 2 in FIG. 6), it is only necessary to pay out small prizes (both special prizes) from large prizes, and there is no need to pay out fractional prizes (such as chewing gum or chocolate). As a result, it is possible to simplify the gift exchange operation by the store clerk.

  On the other hand, it is not necessary for the player to receive troublesome fractional prizes. In addition, it is possible to enjoy the “playfulness” of whether or not the lottery is won, and in particular, when the lottery is “winning”, the player can also get a feeling of gain because one small prize is given in comparison with the non-lottery.

  In the game medium counting device 30 according to the first embodiment, the lottery setting contents in the lottery unit 35 can be set on the game store side.

  In this case, the store clerk performs a predetermined lottery setting content setting operation using, for example, the operation / display unit 34. On the other hand, the lottery setting processing unit 324 variably sets the lottery setting contents in the lottery unit 35 in accordance with the setting operation from the operation / display unit 34.

  With this function, the lottery setting processing unit 324 can set or change the lottery probability in the lottery unit 35 in accordance with, for example, a setting operation from a store clerk.

  If the lottery probability is set to, for example, 50% using this function, the total loss of the game store side due to rounding up or down of the end ball is eliminated. However, it is necessary for the amusement store side to carefully determine whether to increase or decrease the winning probability in consideration of the “playfulness” provided to the player.

  In addition, as the lottery setting content, for example, it is possible to set a condition of how many to be a fraction, that is, a fraction value (fraction determination threshold) corresponding to the exchange value of the minimum prize. In the above embodiment, the number of balls less than 50 is set as the fraction determination threshold and the fraction is rounded up or down based on the lottery result. However, the fraction determination threshold is arbitrarily set according to the setting state of the minimum prize. Can be variably set.

  Further, as another example of the lottery setting contents, a mode (first lottery mode) in which the lottery in the lottery unit 35 is selected by allowing the player to select whether or not to perform the lottery execution (first lottery mode) or the above selection is performed. A function may be added to selectively set one of the lottery modes (second lottery mode) in which the lottery is performed immediately if there is no fraction.

  Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the lottery setting contents are set (or changed) by the game medium counting device 30 has been described. However, as in the third and fourth embodiments described later, the prize management device 10 and the game medium. In the system configuration in which the counting device 30 is connected to the host management device, a communication control function for communicating with the host device (the host management device or the prize management device 10) is added to the communication control unit 31, and a lottery setting process is performed. A processing function for receiving the lottery setting contents set in the host device by the communication control function and setting the lottery setting contents in the lottery unit 35 corresponding to the lottery setting contents is added to the unit 324, It is good also as a structure which can set the lottery setting content collectively with respect to the game media counting device 30.

  In the case of a system configuration having a host management device, communication control means transmits information necessary for managing the lottery history such as the lottery result in the lottery unit 35 and the number of fractions rounded up or down based on the lottery result. The game medium counting device 30 is provided with information sending means for sending it to the higher-level management device, and the higher-level management device side in the game medium counting device 30 based on the lottery history management information received from the game medium counting device 30. The lottery history may be managed.

  In the present embodiment, the ball counting machine with a receipt issuing function has been described. However, when the receipt issuing machine is externally connected to the ball counting machine, the lottery processing unit and the lottery setting processing unit are provided on the receipt issuing machine side. . The ball counting machine transmits the count value to the receipt issuing machine, and the receipt issuing machine issues a receipt for the number of balls after confirming the presence / absence of a fraction ball and performing a lottery process.

  In the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment, a lottery means is provided in the prize management device 10, and a lottery for rounding up or down the fraction at the time of prize exchange is performed.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the giveaway management apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the prize management device 10 includes a communication control unit 11 that performs communication control with the game medium counting device 30 via the high-speed serial interface 17, a control unit 12 that controls the entire device, and a control unit 12. It consists of a storage unit 13 for storing various information such as operation programs, a touch panel, etc., and a function for displaying information on the display panel and, for example, an instruction to execute a lottery by touching a button or the like displayed on the display panel with a hand. The operation / display unit 14 having a function of inputting various information including the lottery unit 15 that starts the lottery according to the lottery execution instruction in the operation / display unit 14 and outputs the winning or losing lottery result, medium insertion (not shown) The recording medium reading unit 16 is configured to read information of a storage medium (in this example, the number of balls receipt) inserted from the mouth.

  Among these, the control unit 12 recognizes the number of balls from the information of the number of balls in the information read by the recording medium reading unit 16, and performs a control such as displaying the number of balls, and the number of balls is fractional. A lottery processing unit 122 that controls the lottery unit 15 such as starting a lottery of the lottery unit 15 in some cases, a prize exchange control such as calculating a special prize exchange pattern from the read number of balls and displaying the exchange pattern And a lottery setting processing unit 124 that variably sets lottery setting contents such as a lottery probability in the lottery unit 15.

  The processing operation of the prize management device 10 having such a configuration will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In this prize management device 10, the recording medium reading unit 16 monitors whether or not a ball number receipt is inserted from a recording medium insertion slot (not shown) (step S201), and when a ball number receipt is inserted (step S201). S201 YES), the information on the number of balls receipt is read (step S202), and the read information is sent to the control unit 12.

  In the control unit 12, the read information recognition processing unit 121 recognizes the value of the number of balls from the number of balls information in the information read by the recording medium reading unit 16, and uses the value of the number of balls of the operation / display unit 14. The image is displayed on the display panel (step S203).

  Next, the lottery processing unit 122 acquires the number of balls recognized by the read information recognition processing unit 121, and based on the number of balls, the fraction (end ball) that is less than the number that can be exchanged for the special gift of the minimum value. ) Is checked (step S204).

  Here, when there is no end ball (step S204 NO), that effect is notified to the prize exchange control unit 123. Based on the notification, the prize exchange control unit 123 performs prize exchange control based on the value of the number of balls at this time (step S211), and then ends the process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an end ball in the end ball check in step S204 (YES in step S204), the lottery processing unit 122 then selects a lottery selection screen for prompting selection of whether or not to execute the lottery. [Refer to FIG. 4A] is displayed on the display panel of the operation / display unit 14 (step S205), and a transition is made to a waiting state for selection of a lottery execution by the player.

  In this standby state, the lottery processing unit 122 monitors whether or not the player has selected to execute the lottery on the lottery selection screen (step S206).

  Here, when the lottery execution is not selected (NO in step S206), the fact is notified to the prize exchange control unit 123. Based on the notification, the prize exchange control unit 123 controls prize exchange based on the value of the number of balls at this time (step S211), and then ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the lottery execution is selected (YES in step S206), the lottery processing unit 122 instructs the lottery unit 15 to start the lottery and executes the lottery (step S207), and further monitors the lottery result. (Step S208).

  Here, when the lottery result in the lottery unit 15 is a win (step S208 YES), the lottery processing unit 122 performs a process of rounding up the number of end balls for the value of the number of balls recognized by the read information recognition processing unit 121 ( Step S209).

  Specifically, a predetermined number such that the result of adding the current number of balls to the number of end balls is the minimum number of special prizes that can be exchanged (minimum number of special prizes exchangeable-number of edge balls). Is added and the number of balls is updated.

  On the other hand, in the lottery result check in step S208, if the lottery result in the lottery unit 15 is out of place (NO in step S208), the lottery processor 122 determines the number of balls recognized by the read information recognition processor 121. A process of rounding down the number of end balls is performed (step S210).

  Specifically, the number of end balls is subtracted from the current number of balls to update the number of balls.

  After the end ball round-up process in step S209 or after the end ball round-down process in step S210, the prize exchange control unit 123 sets the number of balls after the end ball round-up or after the end ball round-down (after update), respectively. Based on this, the exchange of prizes is performed (step S211), and then the process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the flow of processing from the reading of the number of balls receipt to the prize exchange in the prize management apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment will be described in more detail with a specific example.

  FIG. 9 shows the number of balls when the prize management apparatus 10 inserts, for example, a ball number receipt printed with ball number information of ball count value = 4285 (pieces) (corresponding to the ball number receipt 371c in FIG. 5). It is a conceptual diagram which shows the flow of a process from reading of information to prize exchange.

  The ball number receipt inserted here is a ball number receipt issued by an existing ball counting machine or the like, and a fraction operation (rounding up / down) based on lottery in the game medium counting device 30 according to the first embodiment is performed. It has not been made.

  First, in the prize management device 10 according to the second embodiment, for example, in the storage unit 13, for each type of special prize (large prize, middle prize, small prize), the purchase price corresponding to each of these prizes and exchange are possible. A prize exchange management table TB2 holding information on the number of balls (number of exchanged balls: exchange rate) is provided.

  In FIG. 9, the prize management device 10 starts reading the number-of-balls receipt, for example, when the store clerk who has received the number-of-balls receipt from the player inserts the number-of-balls receipt into the recording medium reading unit 16.

  In this reading operation, the recording medium reading unit 16 reads the barcode information of the ball number receipt, and the read information recognition processing unit 121 recognizes the number of balls from the ball number information in the read information. In this example, the number of balls = 4285 is recognized when reading the number of balls receipt.

  Next, the lottery processing unit 122 acquires the number of balls recognized by the read information recognition processing unit 121, and performs end ball calculation processing from the number of balls by referring to the premium exchange management table TB2.

  In this example, by obtaining the number of balls corresponding to the reading of the number of balls receipt = 4285, the number of balls = 4285 is first divided by the number of exchanged balls (1250) of the large prize, and then the result of the division is Divide the remainder (535) by the number of exchanged balls (250) for the medium prize, and finally divide the remainder (35) of the previous division result by the number of exchanged balls (50) for the small prize, and the remainder Is recognized as the number of edge balls.

  This process corresponds to the process (YES in step S204) when it is determined in step S204 in FIG.

  As described above, when it is determined that there is an end ball (end ball = 35) corresponding to the reading of the number of balls receipt, the lottery control unit 122 displays the lottery selection screen 340a [see FIG. 4 (a)]. If a lottery execution is selected from the player, the process proceeds to the lottery execution process. If the lottery execution is rejected, the lottery process is not performed. The number of balls is 4285, and the process proceeds to a prize exchange process.

  When the lottery execution process is shifted according to the selection by the player, the prize exchange control unit 123 acquires the lottery result by the lottery unit 35, and the ball number update process for rounding up or down the end ball depending on whether the lottery result is a hit or not. I do.

  In this ball number update process, when the lottery result is a win, the prize exchange control unit 123 adds the current ball number 4285 to the number of edge balls = 35 and the number of exchanged balls corresponding to the minimum prize = 50. The number = 15 (= 50−35) is added, and the ball value is updated to 4300. This process corresponds to the edge ball round-up process in step S209 of FIG.

  If the lottery result is out of place, the prize exchange control unit 123 subtracts the number of end balls = 35 from the current ball value 4285 and updates the ball count value to 4250. This process corresponds to the edge ball lowering process in step S210 of FIG.

  After that, the prize exchange control unit 123 refers to the prize exchange management table TB2 based on the updated ball count value = 4300 (pieces) and the ball count value = 4250 (pieces), respectively, and sets the relevant ball numbers. Processing for calculating a corresponding gift exchange pattern is performed.

  As a specific example of the prize exchange pattern calculation process, the prize exchange control unit 123, for example, when the ball count value = 4300, undergoes the same calculation as the prize exchange pattern 1 in FIG. The number of prizes = 2, the number of small prizes = 1, and the remainder = 0 are obtained.

  Further, the prize exchange control unit 123, for example, “large prize = 3, medium prize = 2, small prize = 1” is displayed on the display panel of the operation / display unit 14 based on the prize exchange pattern calculated by the above processing. The prize payout information with such contents is displayed.

  Then, the store clerk performs a prize exchange operation by handing the corresponding number of prizes to the player while viewing the prize payout information displayed on the display panel. At this time, since there is no fraction, there is no need to pay out fractional prizes.

  Similarly, in the case of the ball count value = 4250, the same calculation as in the prize exchange pattern 2 in FIG. 6 is performed to obtain the number of large prizes = 3, the number of middle prizes = 2, and the remainder = 0.

  Then, based on the calculated prize exchange pattern, the store clerk refers to the prize payout information with the contents such as “large prize = 3, medium prize = 2” displayed on the display panel of the operation / display unit 14, A prize exchange operation is performed in which each relevant prize is handed over to the player by the corresponding number. Also at this time, since there is no fraction, there is no need to pay out fractional prizes.

  On the other hand, at the time of non-lottery, that is, when the ball count value = 4285, the same calculation as in the case of the prize exchange pattern 3 in FIG. 6 is performed, and the number of large prizes = 3, the number of middle prizes = 2, and the remainder = 35. Ask for.

  Then, based on the calculated prize exchange pattern, the prize payout information with a content such as “large prize = 3, middle prize = 2, fraction = 35” displayed on the display panel of the operation / display unit 14 is referred to. The store clerk performs a prize exchange operation for handing over the corresponding number of prizes to the player.

  In this case, the store clerk needs to pay out fractional prizes (such as chewing gum and chocolate) corresponding to fraction = 35 in addition to large prizes and medium prizes.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the prize management device 10 is provided with a lottery function (lottery unit 15), and when the number of balls obtained from the result of reading the number of balls receipt is fractional, the lottery function is activated to perform lottery. And the function of rounding up or down the number depending on whether the lottery result is wrong or not.

  According to this configuration, when there is an end ball, it is possible to eliminate the end ball after the lottery, so that it is not necessary to replace the end ball prize (see prize exchange patterns 1 and 2 in FIG. 9). It is possible to eliminate the troublesome task of exchanging edge gifts on the side, and at the same time, it is possible to reduce the labor and cost for managing and maintaining edge gifts.

  On the other hand, it is not necessary for the player to receive troublesome fractional prizes. In particular, when the result of the lottery is “winning”, one small prize can be added compared to the non-lottery, so that the obtained feeling can be tasted. In addition, even if the lottery result is “out of”, it is possible to enjoy the “playfulness” of challenging the possibility of receiving small prizes by lottery.

  In the prize management device 10 according to the second embodiment, the lottery setting processing unit 124 has a processing function for variably setting the lottery setting contents in the lottery unit 15 in accordance with a predetermined setting operation from the operation / display unit 14. Have.

  With this function, in the prize management device 10, as with the game medium counting device 30 according to the first embodiment, for example, in accordance with the setting operation from the store clerk, the lottery probability, fraction determination threshold, first or first The lottery setting contents such as the lottery mode 2 can be arbitrarily set or changed.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the lottery setting content is set in the prize management device 10 has been described. However, as in the third and fourth embodiments to be described later, the prize management device 10 and the game medium counting device 30 are set higher. In the system configuration connected to the management apparatus, the lottery setting contents can be set collectively from the higher management apparatus side to the prize management apparatus 10 as in the game medium counting apparatus 39 in the first embodiment. good.

  Further, in the case of a system configuration having the upper management device, information necessary for managing the lottery history, such as the lottery result in the lottery unit 15 and the rounding up or down based on the lottery result, is sent to the higher management device. The higher management apparatus may manage the lottery history in the prize management apparatus 10 based on the lottery history management information received from the prize management apparatus 10.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a gift exchange system 50A according to the third embodiment.

  This system 50A is configured by connecting a prize management device 10a and game medium counting devices 30a, 30b, and 30c to a host management device (terminal controller: hereinafter abbreviated as T / C) 40 via a LAN 18.

  Here, the game medium counting device 30a corresponds to the ball counter 30 with a receipt issuing function in the system configuration of FIG.

  Further, the game medium counting devices 30b and 30c correspond to the configurations of (receipt issuing machine 20 + medal counting machine 25) and (receipt issuing machine 20 + ball counting machine 26) in the system configuration of FIG. 1, respectively.

  In this system 50A, the T / C 40 transmits / receives data to / from the prize management device 10a and the game medium counting devices 30a, 30b, and 30c via the LAN 18, and these prize management device 10a and game medium counting devices 30a, 30b, and 30c. Total prize management based on data received from.

  The T / C 40 is also connected to other devices such as a member card terminal. Based on information received from each device, the T / C 40 can manage members (save balls, saving medals, member analysis / DM output, etc.) Also conducts management analysis based on management.

  In the third embodiment, as in the prize exchange system 50A shown in FIG. 10, the system configuration in which the prize management device 10a and the game medium counting devices 30a, 30b, and 30c are connected to the host device T / C 40 has already been implemented. The lottery function as described in Examples 1 and 2 is provided in the T / C 40, and the T / C 40 receives a lottery execution inquiry from the prize management device 10a and the game medium counting devices 30a, 30b, and 30c and executes the lottery. To do.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the T / C 40 according to the third embodiment.

  The T / C 40 according to the present embodiment includes a communication control unit 41 that controls communication with the prize management device 10a and the game medium counting devices 30a, 30b, and 30c via the LAN 18, a control unit 42 that controls the entire device, and a control. A storage unit 43 for storing various information such as an operation program of the unit 42, a display unit 44 for displaying various information, an operation unit 45 for inputting various information by operating keys, a mouse, etc. A lottery unit 46 for lottery is provided.

  Among these, the control unit 42 controls the lottery unit 46 such as starting lottery of the lottery unit 46 in response to a lottery execution inquiry (request) from the prize management device 10a and the game medium counting devices 30a, 30b, and 30c. A lottery processing unit 421 to perform, a lottery result notifying unit 422 for notifying the inquiry source of a lottery result of winning or losing in the lottery unit 46, a lottery setting processing unit 423 for setting lottery setting contents such as a lottery probability in the lottery unit 46, A lottery history management unit 424 that manages the lottery history such as the lottery result, the number of rounded up balls, and the number of rounded down ball ends corresponding to the inquiry source is configured.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the game medium counting device 30a (30b, 30c is the same configuration) according to the third embodiment.

  The game medium counting device 30a according to the present embodiment has a lottery unit 35, a lottery processing unit 322 in the control unit 32, and a lottery setting processing unit from the configuration of the game medium counting device 30 (see FIG. 2) according to the first embodiment. While deleting 324, a lottery inquiry processing unit 325 is added to the control unit 32. The lottery inquiry processing unit 325 makes an inquiry about the lottery execution to the T / C 40 when the number of balls counted in the game medium counting processing unit 321 is fractional. The configuration is as follows.

  However, the communication control unit 31 has a functional configuration for communicating with the T / C 40 and the prize management device 10a via the LAN 18.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the giveaway management apparatus 10a according to the third embodiment.

  The prize management device 10a according to the present embodiment includes a lottery unit 15, a lottery processing unit 122 and a lottery setting processing unit 124 in the control unit 12 from the configuration of the prize management device 10 (see FIG. 7) according to the second embodiment. On the other hand, if there is a fraction in the number of balls recognized by the read information recognition processing unit 121 based on the reading result of the number of balls receipt by the recording medium reading unit 16 in the control unit 12, lottery is performed for the upper management device 40. A lottery inquiry processing unit 125 that makes an execution inquiry is added.

  However, the communication control unit 31 has a functional configuration for communicating with the T / C 40 and the game medium counting devices 30a, 30b, and 30c via the LAN 18.

  Next, the processing operation of each device constituting the system 50A according to the third embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the game medium counting device 30a (30a, 30b also performs the same processing) of the system 50A according to the third embodiment.

  In the game medium counting device 30a, the control unit 32 monitors whether or not a pachinko ball has been inserted, for example, based on whether or not a pulse indicating the number of pachinko balls has been input from the game medium counting unit 36 (step S301). .

  Here, when a pachinko ball is inserted (YES in step S301), the game medium counting processing unit 321 performs a process of counting the number of balls based on the input pulse (step S302).

  When this count is completed, the lottery inquiry processing unit 325 then obtains the ball count value from the game medium count processing unit 321 and, based on the count value, the fraction (less than the number that can be exchanged with the special gift of the minimum value). It is checked whether there is a ball) (step S303).

  Here, when there is no end ball (NO in step S303), the fact is notified to the recording medium issue control unit 323. Based on the notification, the recording medium issuance control unit 323 obtains information such as the ball count value information (number of balls information), the counting date and time, and the number of the counting machine (own device) from the recording medium issuing unit 37. Control is performed to issue a ball number receipt printed on the roll paper as character information and barcode information (step S312), and then the process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an end ball in the end ball check in step S303 (YES in step S303), the lottery inquiry processing unit 325 then selects a lottery selection that prompts the user to select whether or not to execute the lottery. A screen [see FIG. 4 (a)] is displayed on the display panel of the operation / display unit 34 (step S304), and a transition is made to a waiting state for selection of a lottery execution by the player.

  In this standby state, the lottery inquiry processing unit 325 monitors whether or not the player has selected the lottery execution on the lottery selection screen (step S305).

  Here, when the lottery execution is not selected (when “NO” is pressed on the screen 340a in FIG. 4A: NO in step S305), the recording medium issuance control unit 323 is notified of this. Based on the notification, the recording medium issuance control unit 323 performs control to issue a ball number receipt including information on the ball count value at this time from the recording medium issuance unit 37 (step S312).

  On the other hand, when the lottery execution is selected (when “YES” is pressed on the screen 340a in FIG. 4A: YES in step S305), the lottery inquiry processing unit 325 performs the lottery for the T / C 40. An inquiry for execution (lottery execution request) is made (step S306).

  The T / C 40 that has received the lottery execution request from the game medium counting device 30a (lottery inquiry processing unit 325) activates the lottery unit 46 according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The lottery is executed, and the lottery result is transmitted to the lottery execution request source.

  In accordance with the processing operation of the T / C 40, the lottery inquiry processing unit 325 of the game medium counting device 30a makes an inquiry to the T / C 40 to execute the lottery in step S306, and then the T / C 40 The lottery result sent from is received after receiving through the communication control unit 41, and the lottery result is acquired (step S307).

  Next, the lottery inquiry processing unit 325 checks whether or not the acquired lottery result is a win (step S308). If the lottery result is a win (YES in step S308), the number of balls in the game medium counting processor 321 is calculated. A process of rounding up the number of end balls for the numerical value is performed (step S309).

  On the other hand, in the lottery result check in the above step S308, if the lottery result is out of step (NO in step S308), the lottery inquiry processing unit 325 determines the number of balls for the count value of the number of balls in the game medium counting processing unit 321. A process of rounding down the number is performed (step S310).

  In addition, each process of the rounding up of the end ball in step S309 and the rounding down of the end ball in step S310 is, for example, step S108 and step S109 (see FIG. 3) in the game medium counting device 30 according to the first embodiment. It can be carried out in the same manner as the processing.

  After the edge ball round-up process in step S309 or after the edge ball round-down process in step S310, the lottery inquiry processing unit 325 has information on the fraction rounded up by the round-up process or the fraction rounded down by the round-down process, respectively. Information is notified to the T / C 40 via the communication control unit 31 (step S311).

  The recording medium issue control unit 323 also includes the ball count value after the end ball round-up or the end-ball cut-down (after update) and accompanying information (ball count value, count date and time, machine number of the device, etc.) ) Are sent to the recording medium issuing unit 37 together with the receipt issuing instruction.

  When the recording medium issuance unit 37 receives a medium issuance instruction from the recording medium issuance control unit 323 in response to the end-ball rounding-up process in step S309 or the end-ball rounding-down process in step S310, each of the recording medium issuance part 37 and the medium issuance instruction Receive the number of balls receipts printed as character information and bar code information on each of the above information (the ball count value after rounding up or down the ball, the date and time, the number of the counting machine (own device), etc.) Issue (step S312).

  As described above, in the game medium counting device 30a of the present embodiment, when the ball count value in the game medium counting unit 36 has a fraction and lottery execution is selected by the player, the lottery execution is performed on the T / C 40. Request, and then round up or down according to the lottery result notified from the T / C 40, and issue a ball number receipt reflecting the ball count value after rounding up or down the ball. .

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the processing operation of the prize management device 10a of the system 50A according to the third embodiment.

  In the prize management device 10a, the recording medium reading unit 16 monitors whether or not a ball number receipt is inserted from a medium insertion slot (not shown) (step S401), and when a ball number receipt is inserted (step S401 YES). The ball number receipt information (for example, barcode information) is read (step S402), and the read information is sent to the control unit 12.

  In the control unit 12, the read information recognition processing unit 121 recognizes the ball number from the ball number information in the information read by the recording medium reading unit 16, and displays the ball number on the display panel of the operation / display unit 14. It is displayed (step S403).

  Next, the lottery inquiry processing unit 125 acquires the ball number recognized by the read information recognition processing unit 121, and based on the value of the number of balls, a fraction less than the number that can be exchanged for the special gift of the minimum value (end ball). It is checked whether or not there is (step S404).

  Here, when there is no end ball (step S404 NO), it notifies the prize exchange control unit 123 to that effect. Based on the notification, the prize exchange control unit 123 performs prize exchange control based on the ball value at this time (step S413), and then ends the process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an end ball in the end ball check in step S404 (YES in step S404), the lottery inquiry processing unit 125 then selects a lottery selection that prompts the user to select whether or not to execute the lottery. A screen [see FIG. 4 (a)] is displayed on the display panel of the operation / display unit 14 (step S405), and a transition is made to a waiting state for selection of a lottery execution by the player.

  In this standby state, the lottery inquiry processing unit 125 monitors whether or not the player has selected the lottery execution on the lottery selection screen (step S406).

  Here, when the lottery execution is not selected (when “NO” is pressed on the screen 340a in FIG. 4A: NO in step S406), the prize exchange control unit 123 is notified of this. Based on the notification, the prize exchange control unit 123 performs prize exchange control based on the ball value at this time (step S413), and then ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the lottery execution is selected (when “YES” is pressed on the screen 340a in FIG. 4A: YES in step S406), the lottery inquiry processing unit 125 performs the lottery on the T / C 40. An inquiry to execute (lottery execution request) is made (step S407).

  The T / C 40 that has received the lottery execution request from the prize management device 10a (lottery inquiry processing unit 125) activates the lottery unit 46 according to the flowchart shown in FIG. Is executed, and the lottery result is sent to the lottery execution request source.

  In accordance with the processing operation of the T / C 40, the lottery inquiry processing unit 125 of the prize management device 10a makes an inquiry to the T / C 40 to execute the lottery in the above-described step S407. The lottery result is acquired after waiting for the received lottery result to be received via the communication control unit 11 (step S408).

  Next, the lottery inquiry processing unit 125 checks whether or not the acquired lottery result is a hit (step S409). If the lottery result is a hit (step S409 YES), the lottery inquiry processing unit 125 reads the read information recognition processing unit. A process of rounding up the number of end balls for the value of the number of balls recognized in 121 is performed (step S410).

  On the other hand, in the lottery result check in step S409, if the lottery result is out of step (NO in step S409), the lottery inquiry processing unit 125 determines the number of balls recognized by the read information recognition processing unit 121. A process of rounding down the number is performed (step S411).

  In addition, each process of the rounding up of the end ball in step S410 and the rounding down of the end ball in step S411 is, for example, the process of step S209 and step S210 (see FIG. 8) in the prize management device 10 according to the second embodiment. It can carry out similarly to.

  After the edge ball round-up process in step S410 or after the edge ball round-down process in step S411, the lottery inquiry processing unit 125 respectively stores information on the fraction rounded up by the round-up process or the fraction rounded down by the round-down process. Information is notified to the T / C 40 via the communication control unit 11 (step S412).

  Next, the prize exchange control unit 123 performs prize exchange control based on the ball count value after the end ball round-up or after the end ball round-down (after update) (step S413), and then ends the process.

  As described above, in the prize management device 10a according to the present embodiment, when the number of balls recognized by reading the number-of-balls receipt is fractional and the lottery execution is selected by the player, the lottery execution is performed at the T / C 40. After the inquiry, rounding up or down processing is performed according to the lottery result notified from the T / C 40, and prize exchange based on the number of balls after rounding up or down can be performed.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the processing operation of the T / C 40 of the system 50A according to the third embodiment.

  In the T / C 40, during the standby, the lottery processing unit 421 monitors whether there is a lottery execution inquiry from the game medium counting device 30a or the prize management device 10a through the communication control unit 41 (step S501).

  Here, when there is a lottery execution inquiry (step S501 YES), the lottery processing unit 421 instructs the lottery unit 46 to start the lottery and executes the lottery (step S502).

  After that, when the lottery is finished and a lottery result of winning or losing is obtained, the lottery result notifying unit 422 sends the inquiry to the game medium counting device 30a or the prize management device 10a via the communication control unit 41. The lottery result is sent out (step S503).

  Next, the lottery history management unit 424 waits for a notification waiting state of the fraction rounded up by the round-up process at the time of the lottery or the round-up processing by the round-down process at the time of lottery deviation from the lottery inquiry source that is the destination of the lottery result. Maintain (step S504).

  In this fraction notification waiting state, when information on the rounded-up or rounded-down fraction is received from the lottery inquiry source via the communication control unit 41 (step S504 YES), the lottery history management unit 424 displays the rounded-up or rounded-down fraction. Information is acquired (step S505), the lottery information is used for the lottery history management processing (step S506), and then the processing ends.

  In order to perform the lottery history management process in step S506, the T / C 40 includes a lottery history management table TB3 in the storage unit 43, for example.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the lottery history management table TB3.

  This lottery history management table TB3 includes, for each lottery execution inquiry source device (game medium counting device 30a and prize management device 10a), the number of lotteries based on the inquiry, the number of lottery wins and the number of deviations, rounded up fractions, rounded down fractions, It holds information such as the total number of fractions.

  In the process of step S506 in FIG. 16, the communication history management unit 424 stores the fraction information received from the inquiry source in the lottery history management table TB3 in association with the lottery inquiry source information and the lottery result information. Manage lottery history.

  In T / C 40, the lottery setting processing unit 423 has a processing function for variably setting the lottery setting contents in the lottery unit 46 in accordance with a predetermined setting operation from the operation unit 45.

  Using this function, the T / C 40 can set the lottery probability in the lottery unit 46 and, of course, using the information transmission function to the outside via the communication control unit 41, for example, the game medium counting device 30a and the prize A mode (first lottery mode) in which a lottery is performed after allowing the management device 10a to select a condition for how many to be a fraction (fraction determination threshold) and whether or not the player performs lottery execution. ), Or a mode in which a lottery is immediately performed (second lottery mode) or the like can be set all at once if there is a fraction without going through the above selection.

  As described above, in the system 50A according to the third embodiment, the T / C 40, which is the host device, has a lottery function and receives lottery execution inquiries from the managed game medium counting device 30a and the prize management device 10a. The lottery result is executed and notified to the inquiry source, and the inquiry source performs round-up or round-down processing according to the lottery result in T / C40.

  As a result, in this system 50A, as in the first and second embodiments, it is not necessary to pay out fractional prizes. For the game shop side, fractional prizes can be managed and exchange work can be reduced, and for the player side, fractional prizes can be reduced. It is possible to exchange prizes that are advantageous for both the game shop side and the players, such as eliminating the annoyance of receiving prizes and enjoying a “playfulness” by lottery.

  In particular, in this system 50A, since the T / C 40 side has a lottery function, the game medium counting devices 30a, 30b,... And the prize management device 10a only need to provide a lottery inquiry function, and do not need to have a lottery function. Therefore, the configuration of each device can be simplified.

  In the third embodiment, both the game medium counting devices 30a, 30b,... And the prize management device 10a are provided with a lottery inquiry function and a fraction operation (rounding up / down) function, but at least one of them is provided. The above-described effects can be obtained.

  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 each of the above embodiments (1, 2, 3), the recording medium issuing unit 37 in the game medium counting device 30 is realized by a receipt issuing machine that issues a ball number receipt. A card issuing machine that issues several cards may be employed in the recording medium issuing unit 37.

  Here, the ball number card is a magnetic card in which counting information (number of balls, counting date, counting machine number, etc.) is recorded by magnetic information and visible information.

  Therefore, the ball number card issuing machine that issues the ball number card includes a card storage unit, a feeding / conveying unit, a magnetic recording unit, and a printing unit, and issuance is performed for the number card stored in the card storage unit in advance. Sometimes it can be realized with a control function for recording and discharging the counting information described above.

  When the recording medium issuing unit 37 of the game medium counting device 30 is constituted by a ball card issuing machine, it is necessary to connect a card processing machine that reads and processes information on the ball card to the premium management device 10 side. is there.

  In the prize exchange device 10 having such a configuration, the ball count value can be directly read from the ball count card, and the operation of reading the ID and inquiring and obtaining the count value corresponding to the ID from the host management device 40 is also possible. Is possible.

  In this case, when the upper card 40 is issued from the recording medium issuing unit 37 (however, the card issuing machine) of the game medium counting device 30, the upper management device 40 uses the count value recorded at this time as the ball. Needless to say, they are acquired from the game medium counting device 30 in association with the IDs of several cards using a communication function and integratedly managed.

  In addition, as for the handling of the ball number receipt and the ball number card, either the ball number receipt issuing machine and the ball number receipt reading unit, and the ball number card issuing machine and the card processing machine are not selectively provided. The operation may be switched according to the medium (the number of balls receipt or the number of balls card) brought in by the player.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, an example of rounding up or down processing based on a lottery for a pachinko ball is given, but such processing is, for example, a game other than a pachinko ball, such as a medal used in a pachislot machine It can also be applied to media.

  In this case, the number of game media that can be exchanged for the minimum special prize varies depending on the game medium. Therefore, a fraction (a replacement with the minimum special prize) is used as a judgment index for shifting to the lottery according to each game medium. It is also necessary to reset the value of (number less than the possible number).

  FIG. 18 is a table showing a setting example of the number (fraction) that can be exchanged with the minimum prize according to the type of game medium according to the present invention.

  In this example, for pachinko balls that are game media used in pachinko machines, the number of exchangeable minimum prizes = 50 (pieces) is set, and for medals that are game media used in pachislot machines The number of exchangeable with the minimum prize = 10 (sheets) is set.

  In the case of this example, in the exchanged ball number management table TB1, by setting the fraction = less than 50 for the pachinko ball and setting the fraction = less than 10 for the medal, the fraction based on the lottery is set for each game medium. Rounding up or down can be performed.

  At this time, it is necessary to set the number of exchangeable game media (the number of exchange balls and the number of exchange medals) for each prize according to the value of the pachinko balls and medals, respectively, in the prize exchange management table TB2. .

  In each of the above embodiments, each time the ball counting process is performed, a lottery is performed to round up or down the number of end balls, but the number of end balls is automatically rounded down, and the number of rounded down balls is accumulated and stored. In addition, a lottery may be performed during the counting process after the cumulative number of balls reaches a predetermined number (for example, the number of replacement balls of the minimum prize), and the cumulative number of balls may be returned to the winning player. . At this time, it is assumed that not all the accumulated balls are returned, but the number of balls in which the number of end balls does not occur in the counting result is returned to the player.

  The present invention can be applied to both a prize exchange system comprising a game medium counting device and a prize management apparatus, and a prize exchange system comprising both of these apparatuses and a higher-level management apparatus that manages both apparatuses, and less than the exchange value of the minimum prize. If there is a fraction, the lottery is performed, and the fraction is rounded up or down according to whether the lottery result is wrong or not, thereby eliminating the fraction and reducing the handling of fractional prizes.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the prize exchange system which concerns on this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a game medium counting device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of the game medium counting device according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display of the lottery operation screen displayed during the process in FIG. The conceptual diagram which shows the flow from the lottery of the game media counting device concerning Example 1 to issuance of the number of balls receipt. The conceptual diagram which shows the flow from the reading of the number-of-balls receipt of the prize management apparatus concerning Example 1 to prize exchange. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a prize management apparatus according to a second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a prize management device according to the second embodiment. The conceptual diagram which shows the flow from the reading of the number information of balls of the prize management apparatus concerning Example 2 to prize exchange. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a gift exchange system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a higher management apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a game medium counting device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a prize management device according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of the game medium counting device according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations of the prize management device according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations of the upper management apparatus according to the third embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the lottery log | history management table which a high-order management apparatus has. The table which shows the example of a setting of the fraction according to the game media classification concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,10a ... Premium management apparatus, 11 ... Communication control part, 12 ... Control part, 121 ... Reading information recognition processing part, 122 ... Lottery processing part, 123 ... Premium exchange control part, 124 ... Lottery setting processing part, 125 ... Lottery Inquiry processing unit, 13 ... storage unit, 14 ... operation / display unit, 15 ... lottery unit, 16 ... recording medium reading unit, 17 ... high-speed serial interface, 18 ... LAN, 20 ... receipt issuing machine, 25 ... medal counter, 26 ... Ball counter, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c ... Game medium counting device, 31 ... Communication control unit, 32 ... Control unit, 321 ... Game medium count processing unit, 322 ... Lottery processing unit, 323 ... Recording medium issue control Part, 324 ... lottery setting processing part, 325 ... lottery inquiry processing part, 33 ... storage part, 34 ... operation / display part, 35 ... lottery part, 36 ... game medium counting part, 37 ... recording medium issuing part, 40 ... top tube Device (terminal controller: T / C), 41 ... communication control unit, 42 ... control unit, 421 ... lottery processing unit, 422 ... lottery result notification unit, 423 ... lottery setting processing unit, 424 ... lottery history management unit, 43 ... Storage unit 44 ... Display unit 45 ... Operation unit 46 ... Lottery unit 50, 50A ... Premium exchange system

Claims (29)

In a game medium counting device for counting game media and issuing a recording medium associated with the count value of the game medium,
Lottery means for performing a lottery of winning or losing,
Starting means for starting the lottery of the lottery means;
When there is a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize in the count value of the game medium, the fraction value is calculated by rounding up or down the fraction according to whether the lottery result of the lottery means is wrong or not. Counting value updating means for updating to a non-existing value;
A game medium counting device comprising: a recording medium issuing unit that issues a recording medium associated with the game medium count value updated by the count value updating unit. A lottery selection accepting means for selectively accepting whether or not to execute the lottery by the lottery means when the game media count has the fraction;
The activation means includes
The game medium counting device according to claim 1, wherein when the lottery selection accepting unit selects to execute the lottery, the lottery unit starts the lottery. The activation means includes
The game medium counting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the game media count has the fraction, the lottery means starts lottery. 2. The game medium counting device according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the lottery result by the lottery means so as to be visible. Communication control means for communicating with a host management device for managing the game medium counting device;
The game according to claim 1, further comprising: lottery setting processing means for setting the lottery setting contents of the lottery means corresponding to the lottery setting contents received from the upper management device via the communication control means. Medium counting device. The lottery setting processing means
6. The game medium counting device according to claim 5, wherein, as the lottery setting content, at least one of a lottery probability of the lottery means and a value of the fraction corresponding to the exchange value of the minimum prize is set. . 7. The game medium count according to claim 5, further comprising information sending means for sending lottery history management information including a lottery result of the lottery means and round-up or round-down information to the upper management device. apparatus. In a prize management device that reads record information of a recording medium associated with a count value of a game medium, and performs exchange processing of a prize corresponding to the number of game media based on the number of game media specified by the read information.
Lottery means for performing a lottery of winning or losing,
Starting means for starting the lottery of the lottery means;
When the number of game media specified by the recording medium has a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize, the number of game media is reduced by rounding up or down the fraction depending on whether the lottery result of the lottery means is wrong or not. Updating means for updating to a value without the fraction;
A prize management device comprising: a prize exchange processing means for exchanging prizes based on the number of game media updated by the updating means. Lottery selection accepting means for selectively accepting whether or not to execute the lottery by the lottery means when the number of game media specified by the recording medium has the fraction;
The activation means includes
The prize management device according to claim 8, wherein when the lottery selection receiving unit selects to execute the lottery, the lottery unit starts the lottery. The activation means includes
The prize management device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein when the number of game media specified by the recording medium has the fraction, lottery by the lottery means is activated. The prize management device according to claim 8, further comprising display means for displaying the lottery result by the lottery means so as to be visible. Communication control means for communicating with a higher-level management device that manages the prize management device;
The prize according to claim 8, further comprising: lottery setting processing means for setting the lottery setting contents of the lottery means corresponding to the lottery setting contents received from the host management device via the communication control means. Management device. The lottery setting processing means
The prize management device according to claim 12, wherein as the lottery setting content, at least one of a lottery probability of the lottery means and a value of the fraction corresponding to the exchange value of the minimum prize is set. 14. The game medium count according to claim 12, further comprising information sending means for sending lottery history management information including lottery results of the lottery means and round-up or round-down information to the upper management device. apparatus. Based on the number of gaming media read from the gaming media counting device that counts gaming media and issues a recording media associated with the gaming media count value, and the recording media associated with the gaming media count value, In a prize exchange system having a prize management device that performs a prize exchange process corresponding to the number of game media, and a higher-level management apparatus that manages the game medium counting device and the prize management device,
The game medium counting device comprises:
If there is a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize in the count value of the game medium, inquiry means for inquiring the upper management device to execute the lottery,
The lottery result notified from the higher-level management device in response to the inquiry by the inquiry means is received, and the fraction value of the game medium is calculated by rounding up or down depending on whether the lottery result is a hit or not. Counting value updating means for updating to a value without
Recording medium issuing means for issuing a recording medium associated with the game medium count value updated by the count value updating means,
The upper management device is:
Lottery means for performing a lottery of winning or losing,
A prize exchange system comprising: lottery result notifying means for executing a lottery by the lottery means in response to an inquiry from the inquiry means, and notifying a lottery result of the lottery to a game medium counting device as an inquiry source. . The game medium counting device comprises:
A lottery selection accepting means for selectively accepting whether or not to execute the lottery by the lottery means when the game media count has the fraction;
The inquiry means is
The prize exchange system according to claim 15, wherein when the lottery selection accepting unit selects to execute the lottery, the higher management apparatus is inquired to execute the lottery. The game medium counting device comprises:
The prize exchange system according to claim 15, further comprising display means for displaying the lottery result by the lottery means so as to be visible. The game medium counting device comprises:
Comprising information sending means for sending lottery history management information including round-up or round-down information relating to update processing of the count value update processing means to the higher-level management device;
The upper management device is:
Information acquisition means for acquiring the lottery history management information from the game medium counting device;
The prize according to claim 15, further comprising: lottery history management means for managing lottery history using the lottery history management information acquired by the information acquisition means and the lottery result information of the lottery means. Exchange system. A game medium counting device that counts game media and issues a record medium associated with the count value of the game medium, and reads the record information of the record medium associated with the count value of the game medium, and is specified by the read information In a prize exchange system comprising: a prize management device for exchanging prizes corresponding to the number of game media based on the number of game media played; and a host management apparatus for managing the game medium counting device and the prize management device ,
The giveaway management device includes:
Inquiry means for inquiring the upper management device to execute a lottery when the number of game media specified by the recording medium has a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize,
The lottery result notified from the higher-level management device in response to the inquiry by the inquiry means is received, and the fraction of the number of game media does not have the fraction by rounding up or down depending on whether the lottery result is a hit or not Update means for updating to a value;
A prize exchange processing means for exchanging prizes based on the number of game media updated by the updating means;
The upper management device is:
Lottery means for performing a lottery of winning or losing,
A prize exchange system comprising: lottery result notifying means for executing a lottery by the lottery means in response to an inquiry from the inquiry means and notifying a lottery result of the lottery to a prize management device that is an inquiry source. The giveaway management device includes:
Lottery selection accepting means for selectively accepting whether or not to execute the lottery by the lottery means when the number of game media specified by the recording medium has the fraction;
The inquiry means is
The prize exchange system according to claim 19, wherein when the lottery selection receiving means selects execution of the lottery, the higher management apparatus is inquired to execute the lottery. The giveaway management device includes:
The prize exchange system according to claim 19, further comprising display means for displaying the lottery result by the lottery means so as to be visible. The giveaway management device includes:
Comprising information sending means for sending lottery history management information including round-up or round-down fraction information relating to update processing of the update processing means to the higher-level management device;
The upper management device is:
Information acquisition means for acquiring the lottery history management information from the prize management device;
The prize according to claim 19, further comprising: lottery history management means for managing lottery history using information for lottery history management acquired by the information acquisition means and information on lottery results of the lottery means. Exchange system. The upper management device is:
The prize exchange system according to claim 15 or 19, further comprising: lottery setting processing means for setting lottery setting contents including a lottery probability by the lottery means. The upper management device is:
The prize exchange system according to claim 15 or 19, further comprising setting means for setting an inquiry condition for the lottery execution for a managed game medium counting apparatus or prize management apparatus. Whether the inquiry condition includes the fraction value corresponding to the exchange value of the minimum prize, and the game media count value includes the fraction, or whether or not to execute the inquiry unconditionally 25. The prize exchange system according to claim 24, further comprising: an inquiry condition as to whether or not to perform the inquiry when the lottery execution is selected. In a prize exchange method of a prize exchange system having a game medium counting device that counts game media and issues a recording medium associated with the count value of the game medium,
When there is a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize in the count value of the game medium, a lottery step for executing a lottery by lottery means provided in the game medium counting device;
A count value update step of updating the count value of the game medium to a value having no fraction by rounding up or down the fraction according to whether the lottery result by the lottery means in the lottery step is wrong or not;
And a recording medium issuing step of issuing a recording medium associated with the updated gaming medium count value in the count value updating step. In the prize exchange method of the prize exchange system having a prize management apparatus for exchanging prizes corresponding to the number of game media based on the number of game media specified by the recording medium associated with the count value of the game media,
If there is a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize in the number of game media read from the recording medium, a lottery step for executing a lottery by lottery means provided in the prize management device;
An update step of updating the number of gaming media to a value without the fraction by rounding up or down the fraction depending on whether the lottery result by the lottery means in the lottery step is a hit or not,
A prize exchanging process step of exchanging prizes based on the number of game media updated in the updating step. Based on the number of gaming media specified by the gaming media counting device for counting gaming media and issuing the recording media associated with the gaming media count value, and the recording media associated with the gaming media count value, In the prize exchange method of the prize exchange system, comprising: a prize management apparatus that performs a prize exchange process corresponding to the number of game media; and a host management apparatus that manages the game medium counting apparatus and the prize management apparatus.
When there is a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize in the count value of the game medium, an inquiry step of inquiring the upper management apparatus by the inquiry means of the game medium counting apparatus to execute a lottery,
In response to an inquiry by the inquiry step, starting a lottery by lottery means of the upper management device;
Notifying the game medium counting device of the inquiry source of the lottery result by the lottery means by the notifying means of the upper management device;
Depending on whether the lottery result notified by the notification step is successful or not, using the count value updating means of the game medium counting device, the fraction value of the game medium is calculated by rounding up or down the fraction. A count value update step for updating to a non-existing value;
A prize exchange method comprising: a recording medium issuing step of issuing a recording medium associated with the updated game medium count value in the count value updating step by a recording medium issuing means of the game medium counting device. Based on the number of gaming media read from the gaming media counting device that counts gaming media and issues a recording media associated with the gaming media count value, and the recording media associated with the gaming media count value, In the prize exchange method of the prize exchange system, comprising a prize management apparatus that performs a prize exchange process corresponding to the number of game media, and a host management apparatus that manages the game medium counting apparatus and the prize management apparatus,
When the number of game media read from the recording medium has a fraction less than the exchange value of the minimum prize, an inquiry step of inquiring the higher-level management apparatus by inquiry means of the prize management apparatus to execute a lottery;
In response to an inquiry by the inquiry step, starting a lottery by lottery means of the upper management device;
Notifying the prize management device of the inquiry source of the lottery result by the lottery means by the notifying means of the upper management device;
Depending on whether the lottery result notified in the notification step is wrong or not, the number of game media is updated to a value having no fraction by rounding up or down the fraction using the updating means of the prize management device. An update step;
A prize exchange processing step, comprising: a prize exchange processing step of performing a prize exchange process based on the number of game media updated in the updating step by a prize exchange processing means of the prize management device.

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