JP2005334328A - Special prize processing system, special prize inquiring device and exchanging device used for this special prize processing system, and special prize processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promote use of a special prize as a specified commodity as much as possible and to prevent it from being used as the special prize after it is used as the specified commodity. <P>SOLUTION: A special prize processing system includes an ATM 30 used when a special prize given to a player corresponding to the number of game mediums obtained by the player in a game parlor is exchanged in the game parlor and a special prize inquiring device 21 which is connected to the ATM through a communication means 100. The special prize inquiring device 21 generates the identification data to identify the individual special prizes given to the player in the game parlor and executes the inquiry processing of the identification data when the inquiry demand is made for the identification data attached to the special prize given to the player in the game parlor. The ATM 30 executes cash payment when information that the inquiry processing is completed is given and constrains the payment when the inquiry processing finds that the special prize is used as the specified commodity. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is a system for processing special prizes that are delivered to a player as a reward game medium in a game hall where a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, etc. are installed, and such a special prize processing system. The present invention relates to a special prize inquiry apparatus, a cash exchange apparatus, and a special prize processing method.

  In the above-described game halls, players often exchange reward game media (pachinko balls, medals, etc.) acquired by games for special prizes at the prize exchanges in the game hall. Here, “special prizes” are special prizes that are handed over from the amusement hall when the player does not wish to exchange for so-called general consumer goods (such as food and drinks and sundries) but to exchange for money. Therefore, the player buys this special prize at a prize exchange (buying shop) that is an antique dealer installed outside the amusement hall. In other words, the player receives special prizes from the game hall according to the amount of game media acquired (in this case, the game hall gives different types of special prizes according to the monetary amount, or simply according to the monetary amount. A special prize of the same quantity is handed over), and this is handed over at the window of the shopkeeper who is operating as an antique dealer.

Such a system, for example, as disclosed in the prior art of Patent Document 1, purchases a special prize from a game hall, a purchaser who purchases a special prize brought by the player, and a special prize from the purchaser. This is called the “three store system” which is carried out among premiums that are sold to the amusement hall again.
JP 2003-62318 A

  Conventionally, there has been a strong demand to exchange as a designated product as much as possible without redeeming special prizes. In recent years, with the widespread use of recording media such as CDs and DVDs, there is a high possibility that these will be used as designated goods by making them special gifts.

  On the other hand, when exchanging a special prize as a designated product in this way, there is a risk that after exchanging it as a designated product and using it as a recording medium, it will be redeemed as a special prize. In such a case, when special prizes are used as designated goods, a measure for preventing redemption is required.

  The present invention has been proposed based on the above-described circumstances, and promotes the use of special prizes as designated goods as much as possible, and also prevents the use as special prizes when used as designated goods. The purpose is to build a special prize processing system that can be used. Another object of the present invention is to provide a special prize inquiry apparatus, a cash exchange apparatus, and a special prize processing method used in the system in order to achieve such an object.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the special prize processing system according to claim 1 is a special prize that is handed over to a player at the game hall in accordance with the number of game media acquired by the player at the game hall. A special prize processing system comprising: an exchange device for exchanging a special prize; and a special prize inquiry device connected to the exchange device via a communication means, wherein the special prize inquiry device delivers it to a player at a game hall Data generating means for generating identification data for identifying special prizes, storage means for storing identification data generated by the data generating means, and identification data assigned to the special prizes are read by the exchange device Identification data inquiry processing means for performing inquiry processing with the identification data stored in the storage means when the obtained identification information is input, the exchange apparatus When receiving a notification that the inquiry process has been completed from the special prize inquiry device via the communication means, the compensation corresponding to the special prize is paid out, and the special prize is used as the designated product. When a notification is received, a payout control means for restricting the payout of the price corresponding to the special prize is provided.

  In the configuration described above, in the game hall, according to the number of game media acquired by the player, identification data for identifying the special prize is given to the special prize when delivering the special prize to the player. . In this case, the “identification data” can identify individual special prizes delivered to the player, and at least information specific to the special prize (ID information) and value information (amount information to be converted) In addition to this, ID information for identifying a game hall that handles the special prize, issuance date for issuing identification data, customer ID information for identifying a player who has received the special prize, and an area in which the game hall exists It may include area information for specifying Data such as an electronic certificate for preventing forgery of special prizes may also be included. In addition, when the special prize is a storage medium (CD, MD, DVD, etc.) whose reproduction is restricted, information such as whether or not the reproduction restriction has been released and the release date thereof may be included.

  When a player receives such a special prize at the amusement hall and then exchanges it, he / she takes it to a prize exchange outside the amusement hall and reads the identification data with the exchange device installed there. Make it. The exchange device reads the identification data given to the special prize, and issues an authentication request to the special prize inquiry apparatus that issued the identification data via the communication means. The special prize inquiry device performs an inquiry process as to whether it has been properly issued or whether the special prize has been used as a designated product. Based on this signal, the exchange device pays out cash accordingly. In addition, when a special prize is used as a designated product, a notification that the special prize has been used as a designated product is sent to the exchange device, and based on this, the exchange device pays out the price corresponding to the special prize. Limit.

  Therefore, in the special prize inquiry device, the ID information unique to the special prize, the value information, and the information on whether the special prize has been used as the designated merchandise are actually stored and managed in the game hall. In addition, authentication information indicating whether or not the player has actually paid out is also stored and managed. For this reason, the correspondence between the special prize delivered at the game hall and the cash exchanged for the special prize is clarified, and fraud such as tax evasion is prevented. In addition, since it is also known whether or not the special prize has already been used as the designated product, it is possible to prevent cashing after use as the designated product. In addition, since the game hall delivers special prizes with identification data to the players, it is not necessary to deliver large quantities of special prizes to the players, thereby reducing the burden on the game halls and players. At the same time, since the cashing operation is performed by reading the identification data with the exchange device, there is no mistake in calculating the cashing amount at the time of exchange. Furthermore, by giving specific identification data, forgery of special prizes can be prevented and security can be improved.

  In the configuration described above, the “exchange device” means a device that pays out cash in exchange for receiving special prizes, that is, a so-called ATM. In addition, the “special prize” delivered to the player is not particularly limited, such as a card-like one or a three-dimensional shape, and the identification data is given when handed over to the player. The identification data may be in a state that can be read by the exchange apparatus installed in the prize exchange. In addition, the identification data can be optically read like a bar code, read like a contact type like an IC card, or read like a non-contact type like an IC tag, etc. There is no limitation on the method of giving the prize and the configuration of the reading means for reading it. In addition, the timing for giving such identification data to the special prize is obtained by accessing the special prize inquiry device at the prize exchange counter of the amusement hall at the time of actual prize exchange or by the special prize inquiry device in advance. The generated identification data may be obtained, and the identification data added to the special prize may be delivered to the player. Further, among the identification data, the above-described value information (amount information to be exchanged) may be integrally stored as data together with information (ID information) unique to the special prize, or depending on the value. In other words, it may be distinguished by the appearance (color, pattern, form, etc.) of the special prize. Furthermore, the above-described exchange device may be installed in a normal gift exchange place, or may be in a form in which a cash exchange operation is performed unattended simply by installing an exchange device.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the special prize is a reproduction-restricted storage medium, and the special prize inquiry device receives a reproduction restriction release request from a user of the special prize. Information for canceling is sent to the user, and information indicating that the playback restriction has been canceled is updated in the storage means.

  In such a configuration, when the special prize is a storage medium that is restricted in reproduction in advance, when the player views the storage medium as the designated product, the player sends a request for releasing the reproduction restriction to the special prize inquiry device. Do. In the special prize inquiry device, authentication is performed using the identification data of the player, and when authenticated, key information for releasing the reproduction restriction is sent to the player. On the player side, the reproduction restriction is canceled using this key information, and the information recorded in the storage medium is reproduced. The special prize inquiry device further updates the identification data stored in the storage means that the reproduction restriction has been released. In this way, by updating the information on whether or not the reproduction restriction is released in the identification data, it is possible to determine whether the exchange is permitted or not permitted based on the information on whether or not the reproduction restriction is released in the exchange apparatus.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the special prize inquiry device performs an inquiry process on the special prize based on a request for an inquiry process from the exchange device, and the reproduction restriction is released on the special prize. In this case, the fact that the special prize has been used as a designated product is transmitted to the exchange device.

  In such a configuration, in the special prize inquiry device, when there is a request for inquiry processing from the exchange device, the player is inquired using the identification data. At this time, whether or not the player has used the designated product, that is, when the special prize is a reproduction-restricted storage medium, notifies the exchange device that the reproduction restriction has been released. Thus, in the exchange device, it can be seen that the player who has come to cash has released the reproduction restriction, that is, used as a designated product, so that it is possible to restrict the payout to that player.

  In order to achieve the above object, a special prize inquiry device according to claim 4 includes: data generation means for generating identification data for identifying special prizes to be delivered to a player at a game hall; and the data generation means. The storage means for storing the generated identification data and the identification information obtained by reading the identification data given to the special prize by the exchange device are stored in the storage means. An identification data inquiry processing means for performing an inquiry process with the identification data, and when the special prize is a reproduction-restricted storage medium, A restriction release unit that outputs information for releasing the reproduction restriction when receiving the request, and an update unit that updates the storage unit to the effect that the reproduction restriction has been released. It is characterized in.

  In such a configuration, when the special prize is a storage medium that is restricted in reproduction in advance, authentication is performed using the player's identification data based on a reproduction restriction release request from the player, Output (send) key information for canceling playback restrictions to the player. In this way, it is possible to send information related to the release restriction release in response to the player's play restriction release request to enable the player to use (view). Further, the special prize inquiry device updates the identification data stored in the storage means to the effect that the reproduction restriction has been released. In this way, by updating the information on whether or not the reproduction restriction is released in the identification data, it is possible to determine whether the exchange is permitted or not permitted based on the information on whether or not the reproduction restriction is released in the exchange apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the exchange device according to claim 5 includes an identification data reading means for reading the identification data given to each special prize delivered to the player at the game hall, and a communication means. When the special prize inquiry device receives a notification that the inquiry processing is completed from the inquiry processing request means for requesting inquiry processing using the identification data and the special prize inquiry device via the communication means, A payout control means for paying out a consideration corresponding to the special prize, and restricting the payout of the consideration corresponding to the special prize when receiving a notification that the special prize is used as the designated commodity. It is characterized by that.

  In such a configuration, the identification data given to the special prize is read, and an inquiry process using the identification data is requested to the special prize inquiry apparatus. Inquiry processing is performed in the special prize inquiry device, and when the special prize is used as the designated product, the special prize inquiry device informs that the special prize has been used as the designated product. Thereby, it is possible to limit the payout of the price corresponding to the special prize.

  In order to achieve the above object, the special prize processing method according to claim 6 is handed over to the player at the game hall in accordance with the number of game media acquired by the player at the game hall. A special prize processing method in a special prize processing system comprising an exchange apparatus for exchanging special prizes, and a special prize inquiry apparatus connected to the exchange apparatus via a communication means, wherein A step of generating identification data for identifying special prizes to be handed over to the player in the field, and when identification information obtained by reading the identification data given to the special prizes with the exchange device is input, A step of performing an inquiry process with the identification data stored in the storage means, and when the exchange means receives a notification that the inquiry process has been completed, Paying out a consideration corresponding to a special prize, and when receiving a notification that the special prize has been used as a designated product, performing a step of restricting the payment of the price corresponding to the special prize It is characterized by that.

  In such a method, after the player receives such a special prize at the amusement hall, he / she can bring it into a prize exchange place outside the amusement hall and use an exchange device installed there. The identification data is read. The exchange device issues an authentication request to the special prize inquiry device. The special prize inquiry device performs an inquiry process as to whether it has been properly issued or whether the special prize has been used as a designated product. Based on this signal, the exchange device pays out cash accordingly. In addition, when a special prize is used as a designated product, a notification that the special prize has been used as a designated product is sent to the exchange device, and based on this, the exchange device pays out the price corresponding to the special prize. Limit. For this reason, since it can be known whether or not the special prize is already used as the designated product, it is possible to prevent the exchange of the special prize after the use as the designated product.

  In the above configuration, the registration of the password set by the player may be executed with a special prize owned by the player, for example, a special prize such as an IC card, or from the amusement hall as described above. It may be executed by a terminal (special prize inquiry device) installed in the prize issue inquiry center by accessing the prize issue inquiry center. In the former case, when a special prize is redeemed, it is possible to execute an inquiry process with a cash machine (ATM), and it is not necessary to separately request a password inquiry from the prize issuance inquiry center. It is also possible.

  According to the special prize processing system, the special prize inquiry apparatus, the exchange apparatus, and the special prize processing method of the present invention, the special prize delivered to the player at each game hall can be used as the designated merchandise, and the special prize Once used as a designated product, the special prize will not be treated as a special prize (cannot be redeemed). It can be exchanged as a designated product.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a special prize processing system.

  The special prize processing system 1 according to the present embodiment is composed of an exchange device (hereinafter referred to as a cashing apparatus or ATM) 30 for exchanging special prizes and cash at a game hall 10, a prize issuance inquiry center 20, and a prize exchange. The terminal installed at each position is connected by the communication means 100. First, each component will be described.

[Amusement hall]
The game hall 10 may be any place where a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, etc. are installed, and when the player wishes to redeem the reward game medium acquired by the game, various special prizes are handed over as shown in the figure. In addition, a plurality of game halls may be included as components.

  In this case, there are various forms of special prizes delivered from the game hall to the player according to the amount of game media, for example, storage such as CD, MD, DVD storing music, movies, etc. A medium etc. can be mentioned. In the present embodiment, in order to make the contents easy to understand, it will be described as a DVD. This DVD has a restriction on playback in advance, and if a playback release request is made when it is used, it is authenticated by making an inquiry about identification data, which will be described later, and this restriction is released when authentication is made. And can be played back. By using a storage medium such as a CD, MD, or DVD that stores music or movies as special prizes, the player can use the storage medium as a designated product, that is, watch a DVD or cash as a special prize. It becomes possible to select whether to do.

  When the game hall 10 delivers a special prize to a player, the game hall 10 gives the special prize the unique identification data generated by the prize issuance inquiry center 20. For example, for each special prize, the identification data is obtained in advance from the prize issuance inquiry center, or when handing it over to the player, the identification data is obtained by accessing the prize issuance inquiry center. May be. In the latter case, it is necessary for the game hall to have a terminal (game hall terminal 11) connected to the premium issuance / inquiry center side via the communication means 100. There is no need to install a terminal.

[Premium Issue Inquiry Center]
The prize issuance inquiry center 20 is established as a separate organization from the game hall, and generates identification data for special prizes that the game hall passes to the player as will be described later. 30 has a function of inquiring processing of special prizes brought to 30.

  In addition, the premium issuance inquiry center 20 inquires the identification data about the special prize when the special prize DVD is used in the terminal 40 installed in the player's house, and when it is authenticated, the reproduction limit of the DVD is restricted. The key information for canceling is transmitted to the terminal 40, and the information for which the playback restriction is canceled is recorded in association with the identification data, and the processing management database 24 is updated. The generation of the identification data and the transmission of the key information for canceling the restriction process and the reproduction process of the special prize brought into the cashing apparatus 30 are performed by a terminal (special prize inquiry apparatus 21) installed in the prize issue inquiry center 20. ) Will do.

[Cash machine]
The cashing device (ATM) 30 is a device for cashing a special prize acquired by a player at a game hall, and may be installed at a plurality of locations outside the game hall, or simply an unmanned stand with an ATM installed. It may be. Alternatively, it may be in the form of a normal gift exchange where such an ATM is installed and an operator handling the ATM exists. In this case, when the worker cashes the special prize received from the player, the worker performs a cash payout operation using the ATM installed there. Further, the ATM 30 inquires the special premium inquiry device 21 using the identification data given to the DVD for which the restriction has been released, and when it receives a notification that the restriction has been released, To prevent.

[Communication means]
The communication means 100 enables transmission / reception of information between the special prize inquiry device 21, the ATM 30, the game hall terminal 11, and the terminal 40 connected to the wired / wireless, dedicated line, and exchange line. For example, it may be realized by combining a plurality of networks via a gateway, such as the Internet. The communication means 100 may be capable of distributing information from the special prize inquiry device 21 to a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone owned by a player.

  In addition, it is a requirement that the special prize inquiry device 21 installed in the prize issue inquiry center 20 and the ATM 30 described above are connected via the communication means 100. It is not always necessary to have a terminal connected to the special prize inquiry device 21 via the communication means 100. However, in the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that such a terminal (game hall terminal 11) is installed in the game hall.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the game hall terminal 11, the special prize inquiry device 21 and the ATM 30 connected to the communication means 100 described above.
The game hall terminal 11 may be any of various terminals (such as a personal computer) connected to the communication means 100 and capable of receiving identification data to be described later, such as an arithmetic processing unit (CPU), a rewritable memory (RAM), a predetermined A control unit (control management unit) 12 having a read-only memory (ROM) storing the sequence program and the like, an input / output device (I / O port), and the like. A writing unit 13 for writing identification data, which will be described later, on a label affixed to the case of the gift), a reading unit 14 for reading the output result from the counting device 50 for counting the reward game media acquired by the player, customer information, etc. And an input unit 15 for inputting various types of information. In addition, the game hall terminal 11 transmits and receives information according to a predetermined communication protocol between the processing management database 16 that records customer information and identification data and the communication means 100 under the control of the control management unit 12. And a communication unit 17.

  As described above, when the game hall collects customer information, the ID card 70 may be distributed to the customer. In addition to the ID information for identifying the customer, for example, storage information of a game medium is written on this ID card, or customer attribute information (gender, age, portable terminal number, etc.) is written. Also good. Such customer information is managed in the process management database 16 as described above. The special prizes may be exchanged (payout or payout restriction) by reading the ID card 70 with the reading unit 14.

  The special prize inquiry device 21 described above is installed in, for example, a prize issuance inquiry center established as a separate organization from the amusement hall, and is connected to the communication means 100 to generate identification data and transmit the generated identification data. Various terminals (personal computers, etc.) having functions capable of performing reproduction restriction release key information transmission and inquiry processing and DVD reproduction restriction release processing to be described later may be used. A management server installed on the network may have such a function.

  The reproduction restriction cancellation of the DVD is performed by a reproduction restriction cancellation program incorporated in advance in the DVD. First, even if the DVD is played back by a computer, playback restrictions are imposed, so that it cannot be played as it is. Therefore, a request for releasing the reproduction restriction is transmitted to the premium issue inquiry center. Here, when the player selects to cancel the reproduction restriction, identification data is transmitted from the player's terminal 40 to the special prize inquiry device 21 together with the reproduction restriction release request signal. Next, the special prize inquiry device 21 collates the received identification data with the identification data recorded in the process management database 24, and when authenticated, provides the terminal 40 with key information for releasing the reproduction restriction. Send. Authentication may be performed using a password. When the terminal 40 receives the key information, the terminal 40 releases the reproduction restriction using the key information. As a result, the player can play the DVD for the first time. The details of this viewing restriction management technique are disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-218405. All this content is hereby incorporated by reference.

  The special prize inquiry device 21 includes an arithmetic processing unit (CPU), a rewritable memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM) storing a predetermined sequence program, an input / output device (I / O port), and the like. A control means (control management section) 22; a data generation section 23 for generating identification data specified for each special prize delivered to the player at each game hall; and data generated by the data generation section Process management database (storage means) 24 that records and manages in a format, and when there is a request for inquiry processing from the ATM side, or when a restriction release request is received from the player's terminal 40 The information stored in the database 24 is read, and an authentication unit (identification data inquiry processing means) 25 that performs an inquiry process and a restriction when the restriction on the DVD is released. Lifting information (restriction lifting Yes, released date, etc.) and includes a data updating unit 26 for updating the processing management database 24. The data generation unit 23 and the authentication unit 25 may be capable of realizing such processing functions in the control management unit 22. In addition, the special prize inquiry device 21 includes a communication unit 27 that transmits / receives information to / from the communication unit 100 under the control of the control management unit 22 according to a predetermined communication protocol. .

  In the special prize inquiry device 21, the player is authenticated based on the identification data generated for each special prize, and the player has requested to release the reproduction restriction of the DVD, that is, the player designates the special prize as a designated product ( When it is requested to cancel the playback restriction when used as a use of the main body), the player is authenticated using the identification data, and key information for releasing the playback restriction is provided to the player's terminal 40. Send to. Furthermore, the data update unit 26 updates the processing management database 24 to the effect that the player has released the playback restriction.

  The identification data generated by the data generator 23 includes information as shown in FIG. 3, for example. Specifically, the game hall ID information for identifying the game hall, the area code where the game hall is operated, the premium information (the premium information here is given in accordance with the amount to be exchanged) For example, 1 point is set to 10 yen), issue date (may be specified up to the hour and minute), ID information unique to that premium determined for each special prize, whether or not to cancel playback of the DVD, and its release date In addition, when the customer information to which the prize is delivered is clear, the customer information is included. It should be noted that password information set by the player who acquired the prize may be included instead of or in addition to the customer information. Further, the prize information may be set so that the amount of money can be recognized by the DVD without using the points and associating the amount of money with the DVD in advance.

  Further, in the process management database 24, the above-described identification data information is processed and recorded and managed in order for each game hall, for example, in a form as shown in FIG. As will be described later, in this data, when an authentication request is made by reading a label of a DVD (special prize) 60 possessed by the player at the ATM 30, it is confirmed that the data is properly issued. Authentication date data to be recorded is included, and by recording the authentication date, it is possible to grasp that the special prize has been actually exchanged.

  Further, in the management table shown in FIG. 4, the presence / absence of release restriction of DVD from the player is managed together with the release date. Accordingly, when there is a request for canceling the playback restriction of the DVD from the player's terminal 40 and the key information for releasing the playback restriction is transmitted to the player's terminal 40, items of the release date and the playback release in the management table of FIG. Is updated.

  For example, in FIG. 4, the player whose customer ID is ABC-050 has exchanged money with a DVD (special prize), so the date is entered on the authentication date, and is not entered in the release date and playback release items. . On the other hand, the player whose customer ID is ABC-009 uses the DVD as a designated product without cashing it, that is, the player has viewed the DVD with the playback restriction removed. Made.

  When it is determined that the data requested by the ATM 30 is not issued by the data generation unit 23, error information (authentication is not possible) is transmitted to the ATM 30. When there is an authentication request from the ATM 30, the customer ID, the prize management ID, and the reproduction restriction release information are inquired with reference to the processing management database 24, and the special prize is used as the designated product. Then, information indicating that the special prize has been used as the designated product, that is, information regarding cancellation of the DVD playback restriction (whether or not the restriction is released, release date, etc.) is sent to the ATM 30. As information to be sent from the special prize inquiry device 21 to the ATM 30, here, information indicating that the special prize has been used as the designated product is used. When the restriction is released, an instruction not to exchange money may be sent.

  In addition, the special prize inquiry device 21 has a request for generating identification data from the game hall via the communication means 100, and information related to the player (customer information) is also sent via the ID card 70. It may be. In such a case, the data generation unit 23 may generate unique customer identification data associated with the identification data in addition to the identification data described above. Such customer identification data is distributed to the mobile phone (communication terminal) 50 owned by the player via the communication means 100, for example, as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the data is two-dimensional barcode information displayed on the screen 50a).

  The above-described ATM 30 is a control means including an arithmetic processing unit (CPU), a rewritable memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM) storing a predetermined sequence program, an input / output device (I / O port), and the like. 32 (control management unit), an identification data reading unit 33 for reading the identification data recorded on the label of the DVD 60 brought by the player under the control of the control management unit 32, and the read identification data for the communication A communication unit 34 that transmits and receives inquiry information to the special prize inquiry device 21 via the means 100 is provided. Also, when the ATM 30 receives that the inquiry process in the special prize inquiry device 21 has been properly completed under the control of the control management unit 32 (when receiving the authentication information), the prize information recorded on the DVD 60 is received. When payout is executed based on (money amount information) and the DVD is viewed as a result of the inquiry processing by the special prize inquiry device 21, that is, when it is received that the playback restriction of the DVD is released, the exchange of the DVD is prevented. A payout control unit 35 that reads the customer identification data (two-dimensional barcode information) distributed to the communication terminal 40 as described above, and the like.

The ATM 30 reads the identification data and the customer identification data, requests an inquiry process from the special prize inquiry device, pays out based on the prize information when the player is authenticated, and based on the information regarding the release restriction cancellation. To limit payout. That is, based on the information regarding the cancellation of the playback restriction, it is determined whether the special prize brought by the player who has cashed is already used as the designated product, that is, whether the DVD is being viewed, and the DVD playback restriction. If is watched after is released, no money is exchanged.

  Next, in the special prize processing system described above, a series of procedures from when the player receives the reproduction-restricted DVD 60 that is a special prize at the game hall to be exchanged will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. .

  When a player processes a reward game medium acquired by a game in the game hall 10, first, the game medium is counted by the game medium counting device 50 (S1). Next, the player hands over the printed result (which may be recorded on the customer card 70) at the counter of the game hall, and requests to exchange it for a special prize if he / she wants to redeem the money. (S2).

  The employee of the counter accesses the special prize inquiry device 21 via the game hall terminal 11 and requests identification data regarding the count number of the received reward game media (S3). The special prize inquiry device 21 accepts the request after confirming that the access is from a predetermined game hall, and the data generation unit 23 generates unique identification data (see FIG. 3). Is returned to the game hall terminal 11 (S4, S5). In this case, when the special prize inquiry device 21 receives the customer card 70 at the game hall, the customer identification data is returned to the communication terminal 40 of the player together with the customer identification data associated with the identification data. May be distributed (S6).

  The identification data here is data peculiar to special prizes transferred according to the number (or amount) of game media acquired by the player. The game hall terminal 11 receives the identification data and receives the special prizes DVD 60. Is written on the label to be attached to the player, and it is transferred to the player (S7, S8, S9). Along with such processing, the special prize inquiry device 21 records and manages the generated identification data (customer identification data) in the processing management database 24 (S10).

  The player who has received the special prize (DVD 60) moves to the ATM 30 installed outside the venue to exchange it. In the ATM 30, the identification data reading unit 33 reads the identification data recorded on the label of the DVD 60, and issues an authentication request to the special prize inquiry device 21 for the read information (S11, S12). In addition, the player reads the customer identification data (see FIG. 5) distributed to the communication terminal 40 owned by the player with the customer identification data reading unit 36 installed in the ATM, and gives the prize inquiry device 21 a chance. An authentication request is made (S11, 12).

  In the special prize inquiry device 21 that has made the authentication request, the authentication unit 25 extracts the identification data information (customer identification data) recorded in the process management database 24, and the inquiry process is performed (S13). In the authentication unit 25, when the inquiry process is properly performed, the special prize inquiry device 21 issues a permission notice to the effect that the ATM 30 for which the authentication is requested may be redeemed. A cash process is performed for the player who brought the special prize (S14, S15). At this time, the ATM 30 extracts the cash amount from the DVD brought by the player. The method for identifying the DVD is not particularly limited. For example, the amount information can be extracted from the DVD by writing the amount information on a label attached to the DVD and reading the amount information from the label using ATM. For example, if the DVD delivered by the player at the amusement hall is for 5000 yen, the cash amount is 5000 yen × the number of sheets. Further, when the inquiry process is not properly performed, for example, when the customer identification data is not input or the DVD 60 in which the identification data is not recorded is brought in, an error notification is given and the money is not permitted.

  When the special prize inquiry device 21 performs the inquiry process properly, the control management unit 22 writes the authentication information for the identification data information recorded in the process management database 24 (S16), and a series of processes is performed. finish.

  Next, in the special prize processing system described above, a series of procedures from when a player receives a reproduction-restricted DVD 60, which is a special prize at the amusement hall, until the ATM 30 limits the cashing after viewing the DVD, This will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

  The procedure (steps S21 to S30) from the processing of the reward game medium acquired by the player in the game hall 10 by the player, receiving the reproduction-restricted DVD as a special prize, and managing the identification data is shown in FIG. 6 is the same as steps S1 to S10 in FIG.

  When a player views a DVD as a special prize as a designated product, it is necessary to release the playback restriction at the terminal 40. When this DVD is inserted and operated in the terminal 40, first, this DVD is restricted in reproduction, and it is displayed that it is necessary to remove this restriction. Desired. Then, when the player selects to use the DVD as the designated product and requests to release the reproduction restriction, the special prize inquiry device 21 accepts the reproduction restriction release request (S31, S32). At this time, the special prize inquiry device 21 requests input of ID information, a password, etc. in order to authenticate the player.

  When the special prize inquiring device 21 authenticates the player, key information for canceling the reproduction restriction is transmitted to the terminal 40 in response to the reproduction restriction release request. By receiving this key information, the terminal 40 releases the reproduction restriction (S33, S34). Note that the reproduction restriction release request and the reproduction restriction release processing described here are only examples, and a terminal in which a reproduction restricted DVD has been inserted and a management center (in this case, a special prize introduction device) having reproduction restriction release authority If the playback restriction release request and the playback restriction release can be performed between the two, the present invention is not particularly limited to this.

  After the player has watched the DVD, he goes to the ATM 30 installed outside the venue and asks for money to exchange it. In the ATM 30, the identification data reading unit 33 reads the identification data recorded on the label of the DVD 60, and issues an authentication request to the special prize inquiry device 21 for the read information (S35, S36). In addition, the player reads the customer identification data (see FIG. 5) distributed to the communication terminal 40 owned by the player with the customer identification data reading unit 36 installed in the ATM, and gives the prize inquiry device 21 a chance. An authentication request is made (S35, 36).

  In the special prize inquiry device 21 that has made the authentication request, the authentication unit 25 extracts the identification data information (customer identification data) recorded in the process management database 24, and the inquiry process is performed (S37). At this time, it is confirmed whether or not the playback restriction has been released. If the playback restriction has been released (used as a specified product), the playback restriction has been released (used as a specified product). Is sent to the ATM 30 along with the release date. In the ATM 30, based on the information indicating that the playback restriction has been released, the player who brings the DVD whose playback restriction has been released is restricted (no money) (S38, S39). Here, the case where the special prize inquiry device sends the information to the ATM when the reproduction restriction is released is explained. However, when the ATM requests the inquiry processing, the reproduction restriction is released. Regardless of whether or not there is, information on cancellation of reproduction restriction may be sent to the ATM.

According to the special prize processing system as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
A player may use a special prize for cashing, or may use it as an original application (designated product), that is, if it is a DVD, the video or audio recorded on the DVD may be reproduced. As a result, it is possible to promote exchanging as a designated product as much as possible without redeeming the special prize. In this case, playback restriction is performed on the DVD in advance, and the fact that the playback restriction has been released is stored as identification data. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to convert the money after viewing the DVD as a designated product, the playback restriction is performed by an inquiry process. The fact of the cancellation will limit the cash. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the money from being exchanged after viewing the DVD.

  In addition, by using a system that can also be used as a designated product in this way, it is possible to increase the types of special prizes and further promote the use of the player as a designated product.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented as follows, for example.
Regarding the identification data (identification information), in the above-described embodiment, the case where the special prize is a DVD and the writing / reading is performed using the DVD or the label attached to the case has been described. The configuration is not limited. The shape of each disk is not particularly limited, and is not limited to a disk shape or a rectangular shape, and may be a card shape having a substantially business card size.

In the present invention, as a special prize, a card or the like on which a Web address / identification number is written can be cited. In this case, this Web address is linked to the content, and when the content is acquired by inputting the identification number, the management center (special prize inquiry device) recognizes that the identification number is used and identifies it. Update the management table to the effect that the number was used. Thereby, at the time of the inquiry processing request from the exchange device, by referring to the presence / absence of the use of the identification number of the management table in the special prize inquiry device, it is possible to prevent the exchange in the exchange device as in the above embodiment. it can.

  Furthermore, a label in a form in which the information changes in a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) or the surrounding environment, for example, the recorded information is altered or lost due to oxidation or the like is attached to the DVD, and the payout control unit 35 of the exchange device. In this case, the information change may be detected. For example, a label on which predetermined information is printed with a material that oxidizes when exposed to air is attached to a DVD, and the DVD is sealed as a special prize. In this case, when the player opens the DVD for viewing, the information on the label is altered or lost due to oxidation. In the exchange device, the information printed on the label cannot be detected due to alteration or disappearance. Even in such a configuration, the present invention can be realized. In this case, in FIG. 2, the special prize inquiry device does not require the restriction release unit 23 and the data update unit 26.

  The special prize may be any medium that can be exchanged for money. For example, an information recording element such as an IC tag in which identification data (identification code) is recorded in advance is embedded and can be read in a non-contact type. There may be. In this case, identification data (identification information) may be generated in advance at the premium issuance inquiry center, and an IC tag that records the generated identification data (identification information) may be embedded for each special premium. In addition, the configuration of the reading device of the ATM 30 is appropriately changed according to the identification data assigning method for the special prize.

  In addition, the cash exchange may be performed as a window service where workers are stationed as in the past. In this case, the counter may receive a special prize from the player and perform the cashing business using the ATM 30 installed there.

  With regard to the special prize inquiry device 21 described above, identification data (identification information) can be managed for each special prize delivered to the player at each game hall, and there is an inquiry from the ATM 30 installed outside the game hall. In this case, as long as the inquiry process can be performed, the configuration is not limited to a specific form.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the player releases the DVD playback restriction at his / her terminal 40 has been described. However, in this aspect, the player releases the DVD playback restriction at a terminal other than his / her terminal. This includes the case where a player other than the player releases the reproduction restriction on the DVD received by the player.

The figure which shows the schematic structure of the whole special prize processing system which concerns on this invention. The block diagram which showed schematic structure of the game hall terminal connected to the communication means shown in FIG. 1, a special prize inquiry device, and ATM. The figure which shows an example of identification data. The figure which shows an example of the identification data example managed with a special prize inquiry apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the customer identification data delivered to the terminal which a player owns. In the special prize processing system shown in FIG. 1, a sequence diagram illustrating a series of procedures from when a player receives a special prize until it is redeemed. In the special prize processing system shown in FIG. 1, a sequence diagram illustrating a series of procedures until a player uses a special prize as a designated product and cashing is restricted.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Special prize processing system 10 Amusement hall 11 Amusement hall terminal 20 A prize issue inquiry center 21 Special prize inquiry apparatus 30 ATM
40 terminal 50 communication terminal 100 communication means

Claims (6)

An exchange device for exchanging special prizes delivered to the player at the game hall according to the number of game media acquired by the player at the game hall, and a special device connected to the exchange device via the communication means A special prize processing system including a prize inquiry device,
The special prize inquiry device includes:
Data generating means for generating identification data for identifying special prizes to be handed over to the player at the game hall;
Storage means for storing identification data generated by the data generation means;
When identification information obtained by reading the identification data given to the special prize by the exchange device is input, an inquiry process is performed between the identification information and the identification data stored in the storage means. Identification data inquiry processing means for performing
When receiving a notification that the inquiry process has been completed from the special prize inquiry device via the communication means, the compensation corresponding to the special prize is paid out, and the special prize is used as the designated product. A special prize processing system comprising payout control means for restricting payout of a price corresponding to the special prize when receiving the notification.   The special prize is a storage medium whose reproduction is restricted, and the special prize inquiry device receives information for releasing the restriction on reproduction from the user of the special prize when receiving a request for releasing the restriction on reproduction. 2. The special prize processing system according to claim 1, wherein the storage means is updated to the effect that the reproduction restriction is released.   The special prize inquiry device performs the inquiry process for the special prize based on the inquiry processing request from the exchange device, and the special prize is designated as the designated product when the reproduction restriction is released for the special prize. The special prize processing system according to claim 2, wherein the fact that it has been used is transmitted to the exchange apparatus. Data generating means for generating identification data for identifying special prizes to be handed over to the player at the game hall;
Storage means for storing identification data generated by the data generation means;
When identification information obtained by reading the identification data given to the special prize by the exchange device is input, an inquiry process is performed between the identification information and the identification data stored in the storage means. An identification data inquiry processing means for performing a special prize inquiry device,
In the case where the special prize is a reproduction-restricted storage medium, a restriction releasing means for outputting information for releasing the reproduction restriction when receiving a request for releasing the reproduction restriction of the special prize, and the reproduction restriction is released. A special prize inquiring apparatus, comprising: updating means for updating the storage means. Identification data reading means for reading the identification data assigned to each special prize delivered to the player at the game hall;
Inquiry processing requesting means for requesting inquiry processing using the identification data to the special prize inquiry device via the communication means;
When receiving a notification that the inquiry process has been completed from the special prize inquiry device via the communication means, the compensation corresponding to the special prize is paid out, and the special prize is used as the designated product. An exchange device, comprising: a payout control means for restricting the payout of the price corresponding to the special prize when receiving the notification. An exchange device for exchanging special prizes delivered to the player at the game hall according to the number of game media acquired by the player at the game hall, and a special device connected to the exchange device via the communication means A special prize processing method in a special prize processing system comprising a prize inquiry device,
In the special prize inquiry device, the step of generating identification data for identifying the special prize to be delivered to the player at the game hall, and the identification obtained by reading the identification data given to the special prize by the exchange device When information is input, performing a query process between the identification information and the identification data stored in the storage means,
In the exchange means, when receiving a notification that the inquiry processing is completed, paying out a price corresponding to the special prize, and when receiving a notice that the special prize is used as a designated product , Perform the process of restricting the payment of the price corresponding to the special prize,
A special prize processing method.

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