JP2007215859A - Stored ball/stored token control system and stored ball/stored token control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly and efficiently control stored balls/stored tokens when a standardized ball/token dispensing machine is placed between game machines using different game media. <P>SOLUTION: Setting data 54a showing applicability to ball storage or token storage set in T/C10 is registered on a setting data table 14a. The setting data 56a is given to individual card processing units 50. The individual card processing units 50 makes the judgment on whether the dispensing machine is provided with a ball storage function or a token storage function according to the setting 56a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a storage ball / stored medal management system and a storage ball / storage that can smoothly and efficiently handle stored balls / stored medals when the same inter-unit unit can be disposed in gaming machines that handle different game media. With regard to the medal management method, in particular, the management device manages the number of stored balls and the number of stored medals in association with the identification information of the recording medium, and the management device in response to a withdrawal operation from a pedestal machine attached to the gaming machine The stored ball / medal management system and the stored ball / stored medal management method for subtracting the number of balls or medals managed in step 1 while lending the balls or medals for the subtraction using a pedestal machine.

  Conventionally, a game medium such as a pachinko ball or medal acquired by a player is stored in a member card or the like to store or store a medal, and the stored or medal is withdrawn to receive the game medium again. The system is known.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, when the number of stored balls corresponding to the member card ID read from the member card by the inter-unit unit is displayed on the liquid crystal display on the inter-unit unit, and the player performs the stored-ball withdrawal operation. A technique is disclosed in which the ballroom unit performs ball throwing processing using stored balls.

  For example, when a pachinko ball acquired by a player is stored, the number of stored balls is managed in association with a member card ID on a management device provided in the store. Similarly, when a medal acquired by the player is operated for storing medals, the number of stored medals is managed in association with the member card ID on the management device. That is, when a player plays both a pachislot game and a pachinko game, the number of stored balls and the number of stored medals are managed separately in correspondence with the member card ID of the member card held by the player.

  In this way, when the player performs a storage ball withdrawal operation on the inter-unit unit while the player has stored the ball, a predetermined number of storage-ball withdrawal signals are transmitted from the inter-unit unit to the management device, and the management device manages it. The predetermined number is subtracted from the number of stored balls corresponding to the member card ID. In the inter-unit unit, after the subtraction process on the management device is performed, the ball lending process is performed for the number of accumulated balls. Note that the same operation and processing are performed when replaying using a medal is performed.

  Here, the CR unit compatible with prepaid cards (hereinafter referred to as “card processing unit”) attached to the pachinko machine and the medal lending machine attached to the pachislot machine are completely different from the card processing unit. A predetermined number of stored ball withdrawal signals are transmitted to the management device, and a predetermined number of stored medal withdrawal signals are transmitted from the medal lending machine to the management device.

JP 2004-181117 A

  However, recently, since the need for a prepaid card compatible medal lending machine is increasing, it is expected that a card processing unit that is conventionally provided only in a pachinko machine will also be provided in a pachislot machine. This is because, if the same card processing unit can be provided in both the pachinko machine and the pachislot machine, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the card processing unit and flexibly change the arrangement of the gaming machines in the game store.

  In this way, when the same card processing unit is installed in both a pachinko machine and a pachislot machine, whether each card processing unit should send a stored ball withdrawal signal or a saved medal withdrawal signal to the management device? Can be negatively impacted on the savings / medal system.

  For these reasons, when considering a card processing unit that can be used for both pachinko machines and pachislot machines, it is an important issue how to smoothly and efficiently support savings / medals. Such a problem is not only a card processing unit compatible with a prepaid card but also a problem that occurs when the same inter-unit unit can be disposed in a gaming machine that handles different game media.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems (problems), and in the case where the same pedestal machine can be installed in gaming machines that handle different gaming media, smooth and efficient handling of stored balls / medals is possible. It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage / medal management system and a storage / medal management method that can be performed well.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention manages the number of balls and medals stored in the management device in association with identification information for identifying a player, and withdraws from a machine between the machines installed in the gaming machine. A storage / medal management system that subtracts the number of balls or medals managed by the management device in response to an operation while lending the balls or medals for the subtraction using the intermediary machine. The game medium type setting means for setting the game medium type indicating whether the number of balls to be saved or the number of medals is to be withdrawn in each inter-vehicle machine disposed in the game machine, and the game medium type setting means Game medium type storage means for storing the game medium type for each inter-vehicle machine, and the management according to the game medium type stored in the game medium type storage means when a withdrawal operation is performed on each inter-machine Managed by the device While subtracting one 貯玉 number or savings number medals, characterized in that the subtraction amount of balls or medals with a lending processing means for lending process.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the management device notifies the game machine type stored in the game medium type storage means to each machine, and each machine is notified from the management device. A withdrawal request for withdrawal of either a stored ball or a stored medal is made based on the type of game medium.

  Also, in the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, the management device manually sets a game medium type indicating whether a withdrawal target in each inter-vehicle machine disposed in the game store is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals. A game medium type setting means, a first game medium type storage means for storing a game medium type for each inter-vehicle machine set by the game medium type setting means, and a first game medium type storage means. Notification means for automatically notifying each of the intermediary machines of the stored game medium type, and the intermediary machine includes identification information reading means for reading identification information for identifying a player recorded on the received recording medium; A withdrawal operation accepting unit that accepts a withdrawal operation using a stored ball / stored medal, a second game medium type storage unit that stores a game medium type received from the management device, and a withdrawal operation received by the withdrawal operation accepting unit. And a withdrawal request means for making a request for withdrawal of the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals that matches the game medium type stored in the second game medium type storage means to the management device. And

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the interpolator makes a withdrawal request to the management device including interrogator identification information that uniquely identifies the intermediary device, and the management device When a withdrawal request is received from an intermediary machine, the withdrawal object is identified based on the intermediary machine identification information included in the withdrawal request and the game medium type stored in the game medium type storage means, and the identified withdrawal object It is characterized in that a lending instruction for the subtraction is given to the inter-station machine while subtracting from the machine.

  Also, in the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, the management device manually sets a game medium type indicating whether a withdrawal target in each inter-vehicle machine disposed in the game store is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals. Game medium type setting means, game medium type storage means for storing the game medium type for each inter-vehicle machine set by the game medium type setting means, and when a withdrawal request is received from the inter-machine, A specifying means for specifying a withdrawal target based on the machine identification information contained in the withdrawal request and the game medium type stored in the game medium type storage means, and the number of balls or medals stored by the specifying means And lending instruction means for giving a lending instruction for the subtraction to the pedestal machine while subtracting from the identification information, wherein the pedestal machine reads identification information for identifying the player recorded on the received recording medium. Reading means , A withdrawal operation accepting means for accepting a withdrawal operation using a stored ball / stored medal, and when the withdrawal operation acceptance means accepts a withdrawal operation, a withdrawal request including at least inter-vehicle machine identification information is made to the management device. And a withdrawal request means.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the game medium type setting means determines whether the object to be withdrawn is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals depending on the situation of the gaming machine attached to the machine. The game medium type is automatically set by determining whether or not the game medium is the same.

  Also, in the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, the intermediary machine receives an identification information reading means for reading identification information for identifying a player recorded on the received recording medium, and accepts a withdrawal operation using a stored ball / stored medal. The game operation type is automatically determined by determining whether the object to be withdrawn is the number of accumulated balls or the number of stored medals according to the situation of the withdrawal operation accepting means and the gaming machine attached to the machine. When the game medium type setting means to be set, the game medium type storage means for storing the game medium type of the intermediary machine set by the game medium type setting means, and when the withdrawal operation is accepted by the withdrawal operation acceptance means , A specifying means for specifying a withdrawal target based on the game medium type stored in the game medium type storage means, and a number of stored balls or a medal number suitable for the game medium type specified by the specifying means. Characterized in that a withdrawal request means for performing the successful request to the management device.

  The present invention manages the number of stored balls and the number of stored medals in association with identification information for identifying a player with a management device, and in response to a withdrawal operation from a pedestrian machine installed in the gaming machine, A storage ball / medal management method for subtracting the number of balls or medals managed by the management device while lending the balls or medals for the subtraction by the intermediary machine, each of which is arranged in a game store A game medium type setting step for setting a game medium type indicating whether the withdrawal target in the pedestrian machine is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals, and for each pedestrian machine set by the game medium type setting step The game medium type storing step for storing the game medium type in the game medium type storage unit, and the management according to the game medium type stored in the game medium type storage unit when a withdrawal operation is performed in each inter-vehicle machine Number of balls managed by the device The while subtracting one of the savings number of medals, characterized in that it includes a lending process step for rent processing subtraction amount ball or medals.

  According to the present invention, the game medium type indicating whether the withdrawal target in each inter-vehicle machine disposed in the game store is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals is set, and for each set inter-machine Subtracting either the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals managed by the management device according to the stored game medium type when a withdrawal operation is performed on each inter-vehicle machine Since the balls or medals are lent out, it is possible to smoothly and efficiently deal with balls / stored medals when it is possible to install the same pedestal machine in gaming machines that handle different gaming media. .

  Also, according to the present invention, the management device notifies the stored game medium type to each inter-vehicle machine, and each inter-machine is either stored or medal based on the game medium type notified from the management device. Since the management device accepts withdrawal requests based on the number of balls or medals as before, the management device can respond smoothly without major system changes from the previous system. it can.

  Further, according to the present invention, the management device manually sets and sets the game medium type indicating whether the withdrawal target in each inter-vehicle machine disposed in the game store is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals. The game medium type for each machine is stored, and the stored game medium type is automatically notified to each machine, while the machine stores the game medium type received from the management device, When the identification information for identifying the player recorded on the received recording medium is read and the withdrawal operation using the stored ball / medal medal is accepted, the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals that matches the stored game medium type Since the request is made to the management apparatus, it is possible to collectively set the game medium type of each inter-vehicle machine on the management apparatus and to automatically set the setting result to each inter-machine.

  Further, according to the present invention, the intermediary machine issues a withdrawal request including interrogation machine identification information that uniquely identifies the intermediary machine to the management apparatus, and the management apparatus issues a withdrawal request from the intermediary machine. When accepted, identify the withdrawal target based on the machine identification information and game medium type included in the withdrawal request, and subtract from the identified withdrawal target while subtracting the subtracted lending instruction to the platform Therefore, under the leadership of the management device, it is centrally specified whether each machine should use the stored ball or the stored medal, and the error related to the withdrawal target due to the setting update error etc. Can be eliminated.

  Further, according to the present invention, the management device manually sets and sets the game medium type indicating whether the withdrawal target in each inter-vehicle machine disposed in the game store is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals. The game medium type for each of the inter-machines is stored, and when a withdrawal request is accepted from the inter-machine, the withdrawal target is based on the inter-machine identification information contained in the withdrawal request and the stored game medium type. And subtracting from the specified number of stored balls or medals, the lending unit is instructed to lend to the machine, while the machine identifies the player recorded on the received recording medium. When the ID information is read and a withdrawal operation using a stored ball / medal is accepted, a withdrawal request including at least the machine identification information is made to the management device. Should the savings medal be deducted? Identified by centrally managing apparatus, it is possible to reduce the error according to the withdrawal subject has.

  Further, according to the present invention, the game medium type is determined by determining whether the withdrawal target in the intermediary machine is the number of accumulated balls or the number of accumulated medals according to the situation of the gaming machine provided in the intermediary machine. Since it is possible to specify whether to save money or stored medals only by adding a stand machine to the gaming machine, the labor required for setting the game transfer hospital is reduced. In addition, it is possible to smoothly and flexibly cope with rearrangement of gaming machines.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the intermediary machine determines whether the withdrawal target of the interim machine is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals according to the situation of the gaming machine attached to the interim machine. The game medium type is automatically set, and the set game medium type of the intermediary machine is stored, and the identification information for identifying the player recorded on the received recording medium is read, and the stored ball / stored medal When the withdrawal operation using the is received, the withdrawal target is specified based on the stored game medium type, and the management device is requested to withdraw the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals suitable for the specified game medium type. With this configuration, it is possible to smoothly and flexibly cope with rearrangement of gaming machines without changing the management device.

  Exemplary embodiments of a storage ball / stored medal management system and a storage ball / stored medal management method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this case, a prepaid card and a membership card-compatible pedestal machine (hereinafter referred to as “card processing unit”) is attached to the pachinko machine and the pachislot machine, the remaining number of prepaid cards, the number of stored balls associated with the membership card, and A case where the number of stored medals is managed by a management device called a terminal controller (hereinafter referred to as “T / C”) will be shown.

  First, the concept of the storage / medal management system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the storage / medal management system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the T / C 10 manages the member card ID, the number of stored balls and the number of stored medals in the stored / medal management table 14b, and the player inserts the member card into the card processing unit 50 to store the stored balls. Alternatively, when a stored medal withdrawal operation is performed, the stored ball or the stored medal can be withdrawn within the range of the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals on the stored ball / stored medal management table 14b.

  Here, in the first embodiment, each card processing unit 50 is registered in the setting information table 14a on the T / C 10 as to which of the stored balls or the stored medals is to be withdrawn, and this setting information is stored in the T / C 10 This is characterized in that it is configured to notify each card processing unit 50.

  Conventionally, the pachinko machine 60 is provided with a card processing unit 50, and the pachislot machine 65 is provided with a medal lending machine that does not support prepaid cards. In such a card processing unit 50, a stored ball is always set as a withdrawal target, and in a medal lending machine, a stored medal is always set as a withdrawal target.

  However, recently, there is a need to install the card processing unit 50 in the pachislot machine 65 in order to make the pachislot machine 65 compatible with the prepaid card as well as the pachinko machine 60. In this way, since the conventional medal lending machine can be eliminated and only the card processing unit 50 can be used, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the model can be smoothly replaced at the amusement store. Problems arise when using medals.

  Specifically, the conventional card processing unit 50 is configured to transmit a storage ball withdrawal signal to the T / C 10, but when this card processing unit 50 is attached to the pachislot machine 65, It is necessary to configure to transmit a stored medal withdrawal signal instead of a withdrawal signal. Although it is conceivable to make such a setting change with a dip switch or the like, if this is done, a great deal of labor is required for setting the dip switch of the store clerk, which may cause a setting error or the like.

  For this reason, in the first embodiment, when the card processing unit 50 in T / C 10 is registered in the setting information table 14a as to whether it corresponds to a saving ball or a saving medal, the registered setting information is stored in each card processing unit 50. Each card processing unit 50 is configured to function as a storage ball correspondence or a medal saving correspondence based on this setting information.

  In FIG. 1, since the card processing unit 50 is attached to the pachinko machine 60, the T / C 10 notifies the card processing unit 50 of setting information indicating that the card processing unit 50 should function as a storage ball correspondence. When a withdrawal operation is performed, a storage ball withdrawal signal is transmitted to the T / C 10 based on the setting information 56a, and the T / C 10 transmits a storage ball lending instruction signal to the card processing unit 50 after performing a predetermined number of subtractions. Show.

  Next, the system configuration of the prepaid card system and the savings / medal management system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the system configuration of the prepaid card system and the savings / medal management system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a T / C 10, a card issuing machine 20, a card settlement machine 30, an island controller 40, a card processing unit 50, a pachinko machine 60, and a pachislot machine 65 are arranged in the game store.

  The T / C 10 is a management device that manages the frequency valued to the prepaid card and the number of stored balls and the number of stored medals associated with the member card. Although a case where a single management device is used is shown here, these data can also be managed by a plurality of management devices such as prepaid card management T / C and membership card management T / C. .

  The card issuing machine 20 is an issuing device that issues a prepaid card. When a new prepaid card is issued, the remaining number and the like are managed in the T / C 10. The card settlement machine 30 is a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process for the remaining number of prepaid cards. If a prepaid card is inserted, the card settlement machine 30 performs a settlement process for the remaining number of the prepaid card managed by the T / C 10. The island controller 40 is a relay device interposed between each card processing unit 50 and the T / C 10 provided on the island of the game store.

  The card processing unit 50 is attached to the pachinko machine 60 and the pachislot machine 65, which are gaming machines, respectively, and accepts the insertion of a prepaid card and performs the lending process of balls or medals that are gaming media. Specifically, when a player inserts a prepaid card into the card processing unit 50 and performs a lending operation, the player deducts a ball or medal for subtraction while subtracting the remaining number managed by the T / C 10. The pachinko machine 60 or the pachislot machine 65 is instructed.

  The card processing unit 50 also supports replay using a stored ball or a stored medal associated with the member card. Specifically, when a player inserts a membership card into the card processing unit 50 and performs a savings or savings medal withdrawal operation, the number of savings or savings managed by the T / C 10 is subtracted while subtracting a predetermined number. The pachinko machine 60 or the pachislot machine 65 is instructed to throw a minute ball or medal.

  Here, when the card processing unit 50 receives the notification of the setting information from the T / C 10, the card processing unit 50 makes a withdrawal request for the stored ball or the stored medal to the T / C 10 based on the setting information. For example, if the setting information indicates a corresponding to a stored ball, a stored ball withdrawal signal is transmitted to the T / C 10, and if the setting information indicates a stored medal correspondence, a stored medal withdrawal signal is transmitted to the T / C 10.

  The pachinko machine 60 is a gaming machine that provides a game using balls. When a ball throwing instruction is received from the card processing unit 50, the pachinko machine 60 performs a predetermined number of ball throwing processes in the same manner as the prize ball throwing. Do. On the other hand, the pachislot machine 65 is a gaming machine that provides a game using medals. When a medal throwing instruction is received from the card processing unit 50, a predetermined number of medals are thrown out in the same manner as the award medal throwing. Process.

  Next, the internal configuration of the T / C 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration of the T / C 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the T / C 10 includes an input unit 11, a display unit 12, an interface unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15.

  The input unit 11 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, and is used when setting information is input. The display unit 12 is a display device such as a display or a mouse, and displays various types of information. The interface unit 13 is an interface unit for data communication with the card issuing machine 20, the card settlement machine 30, and the island controller 40 disposed in the amusement store.

  The storage unit 14 is a storage device such as a hard disk device, and stores a setting information table 14a, a stored / medal management table 14b, and a card data management table 14c.

  Here, the setting information table 14a includes a card processing unit ID of each card processing unit 50 disposed in the game store, and a game medium type indicating whether the withdrawal target is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals. Is a table in which is stored in association with each other. The stored ball / stored medal management table 14b is a table in which the member card ID is stored in association with the number of stored balls and the number of stored medals, and the card data management table 14c is issued for each prepaid card ID. And a table storing the remaining frequency and the like.

  The control unit 15 is a control unit that performs overall control of the T / C 10, and includes a medium type setting unit 15a, a stored / medal management unit 15b, and a card data management unit 15c. The medium type setting unit 15a is a setting unit that sets whether the withdrawal target of each card processing unit 50 is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals, and the setting content is stored in the setting information table 14a. Specifically, the clerk inputs the withdrawal target of each card processing unit 50 using the input unit 11 while viewing the display content of the display unit 12. The medium type setting unit 15a notifies the card processing unit 50 of the setting information stored in the setting information table 14a.

  The storage / medal management unit 15b is a management unit that manages the number of stored balls and the number of stored medals for each member card using the storage / medal management table 14b. Is added each time a stored ball or medal is stored, and subtracted every time a withdrawal request is made.

  The card data management unit 15c is a management unit that manages the issuance date, issuance amount, remaining number, etc. of the prepaid card using the card data management table 14c, and if a new prepaid card is issued by the card issuing machine 20. If the card processing unit 50 uses the frequency, the remaining frequency is subtracted.

  As described above, in the T / C 10 according to the first embodiment, the medium type of each card processing unit 50 is stored as setting information in the setting information table 14a, and the setting information in the setting information table 14a is stored in each card processing unit 50. Therefore, each card processing unit 50 can determine whether its own device should function as a savings ball correspondence or a savings medal correspondence.

  Next, the internal configuration of the card processing unit 50 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration of the card processing unit 50 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the card processing unit 50 includes an operation unit 51, a display unit 52, interface units 53 and 54, a card reader 55, a storage unit 56, and a control unit 57.

  The operation unit 51 is an operation unit including various operation buttons provided on the front surface of the card processing unit 50. Here, a replay button for drawing a stored ball / medal is displayed, a numeric keypad for inputting a password, and a prepaid A prepaid card insertion slot for inserting a card and a membership card insertion slot for inserting a membership card are included. When this replay button is pressed, a withdrawal process of a stored ball or a stored medal is started for the T / C 10. The ball lending button and the medal lending button are provided on the pachinko machine 60 and the pachislot machine 65 side, respectively.

  The display unit 52 is a display unit composed of various lamps and a 7-segment LED provided on the front surface of the card processing unit 50, and this LED displays the remaining number of prepaid cards and the remaining number of stored balls or the remaining number of stored medals. . The interface unit 53 is a communication interface with the island controller 40, and the interface unit 54 is a communication interface with the pachinko machine 60 or the pachislot machine 65. The card reader 55 is a card reader for reading the card ID of the prepaid card inserted from the prepaid card insertion slot and the member card ID inserted from the membership card insertion slot.

  The storage unit 56 is a storage device such as a flash memory, and stores therein setting information 56 a notified from the T / C 10. The setting information 56a is used when the stored ball / medal processing unit 57b determines whether to make a stored ball withdrawal request or a stored medal withdrawal request.

  The control unit 57 is a control unit that performs overall control of the card processing unit 50, and includes a card processing unit 57a, a saving / medal processing unit 57b, a lending processing unit 57c, and a banknote processing unit 57d. The card processing unit 57a is a processing unit that performs processing related to a prepaid card. Specifically, if a prepaid card is inserted into a prepaid card insertion slot, the card reader 55 is caused to read the card ID of the prepaid card. The T / C 10 is inquired about the remaining frequency, and the result is displayed on the display unit 52. When a ball / medal lending operation is performed, a frequency subtraction instruction is issued to the T / C 10.

  The stored ball / medal processing unit 57b is a processing unit that performs processing related to stored balls or stored medals. Specifically, the setting information 56a received from the T / C 10 is stored in the storage unit 56, and the member card is a member. If inserted into the card insertion slot, the card reader 55 is made to read the member card ID of this member card. Also, based on the setting information 56a, it is determined whether to function as a storage ball correspondence or a storage medal correspondence. When it should function as a storage ball correspondence, the T / C 10 is inquired about the remaining number of storage balls, and the result is displayed on the display unit. 52, if it should function as a saving medal correspondence, the T / C 10 is inquired about the remaining number of medals, and the result is displayed on the display unit 52. In addition, when a stored ball or stored medal withdrawal operation is performed, a stored ball or stored medal withdrawal signal is transmitted to the T / C 10.

  The lending processing unit 57c is a processing unit that lends balls or medals. Specifically, when the game machine provided is the pachinko machine 60, the lending processing unit 57c instructs the pachinko machine 60 to throw a ball. When the attached gaming machine is the pachislot machine 65, the pachislot machine 65 is instructed to throw out a medal.

  The banknote processing unit 57d is a processing unit that performs the authenticity determination of the banknote received from the banknote insertion slot and the banknote transport control. The reason for accepting the insertion of the banknote is to add a new frequency to the accepted prepaid card. Note that the addition of the frequency is not a part that characterizes the present invention, and therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, the setting procedure of the setting information table 14a by the medium type setting unit 15a shown in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a setting procedure of the setting information table 14a by the medium type setting unit 15a shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, an initial menu screen containing various setting lists is first displayed on the display unit 12 to prompt selection of an item (No in steps S101 and S102). Here, if the storage unit / medal setting is selected by the input unit 11 (Yes in step S102), the screen shifts to a storage / saled medal setting menu and accepts input of the card processing unit ID and setting information (steps S103, S104). ).

  Specifically, it is input as setting information whether each card processing unit 50 is compatible with savings or medals. Any user interface may be used. For example, the arrangement status of each card processing unit 50 in the amusement store is displayed in the form of a layout diagram, and the card processing unit 50 is selected using the input unit 11. If so, the setting information of the selected card processing unit 50 can be input.

  The setting information input in this way is registered in the accumulated ball / medal management table 14b in association with the card processing unit ID of each card processing unit 50 (step S105), and new card processing is repeated until the setting is completed. The setting information of the unit 50 can be input (No at Step S106).

  When the setting is completed (Yes at step S106), the setting information registered in the stored ball / medal management table 14b is transmitted to each card processing unit 50 and stored in the storage unit 56 in the card processing unit 50. (Step S107).

  Next, a processing procedure for lending a predetermined number of balls or medals from a stored ball or a stored medal by a withdrawal operation from the card processing unit 50 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for lending a predetermined number of balls or medals from the stored balls or stored medals by the withdrawal operation from the card processing unit 50 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the card processing unit 50 receives a membership card from the membership card insertion slot (step S201), the card processing unit 50 reads the membership card ID of the membership card by the card reader 55 (step S202), and the personal identification number. And the setting information 56a stored in the storage unit 56 is read.

  Based on the setting information 56a, the T / C 10 is requested to confirm the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals (step S203). Specifically, when the setting information 56a indicates the corresponding to the stored ball, a request for confirming the number of stored balls is made to the T / C 10, and when the setting information 56a indicates the corresponding to the stored medal, the number of stored medals to the T / C 10. A confirmation request will be made. The confirmation request includes a member card ID and a personal identification number. If the verification result of the personal identification number is OK, the confirmation request is answered. If the verification result is NG, the membership card is returned and the process is terminated.

  Receiving this confirmation request, the T / C 10 searches the stored ball / medal management table 14b for the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals using the member card ID as a key (step S204), and sends the search result to the card processing unit 50. Notification is made (step S205), and the number of balls or medals is displayed on the display unit 52 of the card processing unit 50 (step S206).

  Thereafter, if the card processing unit 50 accepts a withdrawal operation (Yes at Step S207), a withdrawal request is made to the T / C 10 for a predetermined number (eg, 200 balls or 50 medals) from the stored balls or the stored medals (Step S207). S208). The withdrawal request includes a member card ID.

  The T / C 10 that has received this withdrawal request means that the subtraction is completed after performing a predetermined number of subtractions from the number of stored balls or the number of stored medal of the corresponding member card ID in the stored ball / stored medal management table 14b (step S209). The lending instruction signal to be transmitted is transmitted to the card processing unit 50 (step S210).

  The card processing unit 50 that has received the lending instruction signal performs lending processing for notifying the pachinko machine 60 or the pachislot machine 65 provided to throw out a predetermined number of balls or medals subtracted (step S211). After the lending is completed, the number of remaining balls or the number of remaining medals displayed on the display unit 52 is displayed (step S212).

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the setting information 56a indicating the corresponding to the stored ball or the corresponding medal stored in the T / C 10 is registered in the setting information table 14a, and the setting information 56a is stored in each card processing unit 50. Since each card processing unit 50 is configured to determine whether it should function as a storage ball or a storage medal based on the setting information 56a, switching of a dip switch or the like is performed. At least the same card processing unit 50 can be applied to either the saving ball correspondence or the medal saving correspondence, and it is possible to smoothly and efficiently deal with the rearrangement of the gaming machines in the gaming store.

  In the first embodiment, the setting information is set by inputting from the input unit 11 of the T / C 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this and is set on a portable terminal such as a remote controller. You can also enter information.

  By the way, in the first embodiment, the card processing unit 50 is notified of setting information 56a indicating whether it should function as a storage ball correspondence or a medal saving correspondence, and the card processing unit 50 side issues a storage ball withdrawal request or a medal withdrawal request. Although the case where any one is performed is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to make such a determination on the T / C 10 side. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case where the determination based on the setting information is performed on the T / C 10 side is shown. Since the system configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, the description thereof is omitted here.

  First, the concept of the storage / medal management system according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the storage / medal management system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the T / C 70 holds the setting information table 14a in the same way as in FIG. 1, but this T / C 70 notifies each card processing unit 80 of this setting information. Instead, the card processing unit 80 does not store the setting information.

  In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is determined based on the setting information whether the card processing unit 80 is compatible with a stored ball or a stored medal, and the T / C 70 receives a stored ball withdrawal signal or a stored medal withdrawal signal. The T / C 70 transmits a savings / savings medal withdrawal signal that does not specify the correspondence of the savings / medal to the T / C 70, and the T / C 70 that has received this signal receives the savings / medal This is to identify the correspondence.

  Therefore, if the T / C 70 receives a saving / medal withdrawal signal from the card processing unit 80, based on the card processing unit ID included in the saving / medal withdrawal signal and the setting information in the setting information table 14a, It is selected whether the card processing unit 80 is compatible with a stored ball or a stored medal, and a predetermined number of subtraction is performed from either the corresponding stored ball or the stored medal from the stored ball / stored medal management table 14b. A lending signal or a stored medal lending signal is transmitted to the card processing unit 80.

  In FIG. 7, the T / C 70 determines from the card processing unit ID and the setting information in the setting information table 14a that the stored ball should be handled, and from the number of stored balls corresponding to the member card ID registered in the stored ball / medal management table 14b. A situation is shown in which a predetermined number is subtracted and a stored-ball lending signal is transmitted to the card processing unit 80.

  Next, the internal configuration of the T / C 70 and the card processing unit 80 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the T / C 70 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the T / C 70 is different from the T / C 10 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3, and a medium type selection unit 71 is provided in the control unit 15.

  When the medium type selection unit 71 receives a saving / medal withdrawal signal from the card processing unit 50, the medium type selection unit 71 uses the card processing unit ID and the setting information table 14a included in the saving / medal withdrawal signal to store the stored ball or save the medal. It is a processing unit that selects which one is compatible.

  In addition, the T / C 70 is provided with a stored / medal management unit 72 in place of the stored / medal management unit 15b of the T / C 10 shown in FIG. The stored ball / stored medal management unit 72 has substantially the same function as the previously described stored ball / stored medal management unit 15b, except that the setting information is not notified to each card processing unit 80.

  Next, the internal configuration of the card processing unit 80 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the card processing unit 80 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the card processing unit 80 does not store setting information 56a in the storage unit 56 unlike the card processing unit 50 shown in FIG. This is because the setting information is not notified from the T / C 70 to the card processing unit 80 in the second embodiment.

  The card processing unit 80 is provided with a storage / medal processing unit 81 instead of the storage / medal processing unit 57b of the card processing unit 50 shown in FIG. The stored ball / medal processing unit 81 makes a withdrawal request by transmitting to the T / C 70 a stored ball / stored medal withdrawal signal that does not specify a withdrawal target, instead of a signal identifying a withdrawal target or a stored medal. Different.

  Next, a processing procedure for lending a predetermined number of balls or medals from a stored ball or a stored medal by a withdrawal operation from the card processing unit 80 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when a predetermined number of balls or medals are lent out from a stored ball or a stored medal by a withdrawal operation from the card processing unit 80 according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, when the card processing unit 80 receives a membership card from the membership card insertion slot (step S301), the card processing unit 80 reads the membership card ID of the membership card by the card reader 55 (step S302), and also the password number. Accepts input.

  Then, the T / C 70 is requested to confirm the number of stored balls / medals including the card processing unit ID (step S303). The confirmation request includes a member card ID and a personal identification number. If the verification result of the personal identification number is OK, the confirmation request is answered. If the verification result is NG, the membership card is returned and the process is terminated.

  Receiving this confirmation request, the T / C 70 selects a medium type, that is, a stored ball or a stored medal, based on the card processing unit ID and the setting information in the setting information table 14a (step S304). Thereafter, the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals is searched from the stored ball / medal management table 14b using the member card ID as a key (step S305), and the search result is notified to the card processing unit 80 (step S306). The number of stored balls or the number of stored medals is displayed on the display unit 52 of the unit 80 (step S307).

  Thereafter, if the card processing unit 80 accepts a withdrawal operation (Yes at Step S308), a withdrawal request is made to the T / C 70 for a predetermined number (for example, 200 balls or 50 medals) from the stored balls or the stored medals (Step S308). S309). The withdrawal request includes a member card ID.

  Receiving this withdrawal request, the T / C 70 selects a medium type, that is, a stored ball or a stored medal based on the card processing unit ID and the setting information in the setting information table 14a (step S310). Thereafter, after a predetermined number of subtraction processing is performed from the number of stored balls or the number of stored medal of the corresponding member card ID in the stored ball / medal management table 14b (step S311), a lending instruction signal indicating completion of subtraction is sent to the card processing unit 80. (Step S312).

  Upon receiving this lending instruction signal, the card processing unit 80 performs lending processing for notifying the pachinko machine 60 or pachislot machine 65 provided to throw out a predetermined number of balls or medals subtracted (step S313). After the lending, the remaining number of stored balls or the remaining number of stored medals is displayed on the display unit 52 (step S314).

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the setting information indicating the correspondence for saving balls or the correspondence for saving medals set in the T / C 70 is registered in the setting information table 14a, and the saving / medal saving from each card processing unit 80 is performed. If a withdrawal signal is received, it is configured to select a medium type, that is, a storage ball or a saving medal, based on the card processing unit ID and the setting information table 14a included in the saving / medal withdrawal signal. Therefore, it is possible to apply the same card processing unit 80 to either the saving ball correspondence or the medal saving correspondence without switching the dip switch or the like, and smoothly and efficiently cope with the rearrangement of the gaming machines in the game store. be able to.

  By the way, in the said Example 1 and 2, although the case where an attendant inputs on T / C whether it is setting information, ie, corresponding to a saving ball or a saving medal was shown, this invention is not limited to this. In addition, the setting information can be automatically set in relation to the gaming machine. In the third embodiment, a case where setting information is automatically set will be described.

  First, the concept of the storage / medal management system according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the storage / medal management system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, here, the T / C 90 does not hold the setting information table 14a, and the card processing unit 100 is provided with a gaming machine type determination unit 111.

  The reason why the T / C 90 does not hold the setting information table 14a is that, in the third embodiment, the staff does not manually input the setting information on the T / C 90. The reason why the gaming machine type determination unit 111 is provided in the card processing unit 100 is whether the attached gaming machine is a pachinko machine 60 that uses balls as gaming media or a pachislot machine 65 that uses medals as gaming media. This is for automatic determination.

  When the power is turned on, the card processing unit 100 automatically determines whether the attached gaming machine is the pachinko machine 60 or the pachislot machine 65 in the gaming machine type determination unit 111, and the determination result The setting information 56a is generated and held based on the above. The specific procedure for such automatic determination will be described later.

  Thereafter, since the card processing unit 100 can determine which of the stored balls or the stored medal is to be withdrawn by referring to the setting information 56a, the card processing unit 100 with respect to the T / C 90 with reference to the setting information 56a. Either a signal or a saving medal withdrawal signal is transmitted.

  Next, the internal configuration of the T / C 90 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the T / C 90 according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the T / C 90 is provided with data and a management unit relating to a stored ball / medal and a prepaid card, but is not provided with a data and a processing unit relating to setting information. That is, the T / C 90 is the same as that of the existing management apparatus, and no data or processing unit unique to the third embodiment is provided.

  Next, the internal configuration of the card processing unit 100 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the card processing unit 100 according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, a gaming machine type determination unit 111 is provided in the control unit 110 of the card processing unit 100.

  The gaming machine type determination unit 111 is a determination unit that automatically determines whether the game machine to be provided is a pachinko machine 60 or a pachislot machine 65. Specifically, in the case of the pachinko machine 60, the loan is always permitted except when the ball is being lent, whereas in the case of the pachislot machine 65, there is a difference that the loan is disabled until the drum stops. Therefore, using this difference, the gaming machine type determination unit 111 can determine the gaming machine type.

  Next, a processing procedure until setting information storage of the card processing unit 100 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure until the setting information is stored in the card processing unit 100 according to the third embodiment. Note that the processing procedure after the setting information is stored is the same as that shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the power is turned on in a state where the card processing unit 100 is attached to the gaming machine, that is, the pachinko machine 60 or the pachislot machine 65 (a state in which communication is made) (step S401), the gaming machine The lending permission state is monitored (step S402).

  Then, the gaming machine type is determined according to the transition of the lending permission state (step S403), and the setting information 56a corresponding to the determination result is stored in the storage unit 56 (step S404). Specifically, when the frequency of being in the normal lending permission state and the state in which lending is not possible is low, it is determined that the pachinko machine 60 is also provided, and the pachinko machine 60 is a game medium for storing money. Setting information 56a is stored in the storage unit 56, and if a lending impossible state frequently occurs after the start of the game, it is determined that the pachislot machine 65 is provided, and a storage that is a game medium of the pachislot machine 65 is stored. Setting information 56a indicating that a token is compatible is stored in the storage unit 56.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the gaming machine type determination unit 111 of the card processing unit 100 automatically determines the gaming machine type when the power is turned on, and the setting information 56a corresponding to the determination result is stored in the storage unit 56. Since it is configured to store the setting information, it is possible to prevent an input error of the setting information while reducing human labor related to the input of the setting information.

  In the third embodiment, the gaming machine type is determined on the basis of the lending permission state of the gaming machine to be provided side by side, and it is set as to whether it corresponds to a stored ball or a stored medal, but the present invention is limited to this. Other methods may be used instead. For example, since the gaming machine is connected to the pedestal lamp via the card processing unit 100 and the pachinko machine 60 displays a pedestal lamp display that does not exist in the pachislot machine 65, the probability variation is based on the lamp lighting signal. The gaming machine type can be determined. Further, at the time of opening the store, the type (pachinko machine 60 or pachislot machine 65) is inquired to the gaming machine with which the card processing unit 100 is installed, and the gaming machine type is determined based on the response result from the gaming machine. Also good.

  The gaming machine and card processing unit 100 transmits a sales pulse to the hall computer, but the frequency of occurrence of the sales pulse is slightly different between the case of the pachinko machine 60 and the case of the pachislot machine 65. For this reason, the gaming machine type can be determined using this point.

  Furthermore, the case shape of the card processing unit 100 can be changed depending on the case of the pachinko machine 60 and the case of the pachislot machine 65, and the gaming machine type can be determined based on the physical relationship with the frame shape. However, in this case, there is a restriction from the viewpoint of unified use of the card processing unit 100.

  In addition, instead of user authentication using a membership card and a personal identification number, the stored ball / medal information is managed based on biometric information such as fingerprints and retinal patterns, and the stored ball or stored medal is withdrawn according to the confirmation of the biometric information. It can also be adapted to.

  The stored ball / stored medal management system and the stored ball / stored medal management method according to the present invention arranges the same unit between game machines with different game media to be handled, and smoothly and efficiently handles stored balls / stored medals. Useful in cases.

It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the concept of the savings / medal management system which concerns on the present Example 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the prepaid card system which concerns on the present Example 1, and a savings / medal management system. It is a functional block diagram which shows the internal structure of T / C shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the internal structure of the card processing unit shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a setting information table setting procedure by a medium type setting unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence at the time of lending a predetermined number of balls or medals from the stored balls or stored medals by the withdrawal operation from the card processing unit shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the concept of the savings / medal management system which concerns on the present Example 2. FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the internal structure of T / C which concerns on the present Example 2. It is a functional block diagram which shows the internal structure of the card processing unit which concerns on the present Example 2. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence at the time of carrying out the lending process of the predetermined number of balls or medals from the stored balls or stored medals by the withdrawal operation from the card processing unit according to the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the concept of the storage / medal management system which concerns on the present Example 3. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of T / C which concerns on the present Example 3. It is a functional block diagram which shows the internal structure of the card processing unit which concerns on the present Example 3. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence until the setting information storage of the card processing unit which concerns on the present Example 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 Terminal controller (T / C)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Input part 12 Display part 13 Interface part 14 Storage part 14a Setting information table 14b Saving / medal management table 14c Card data management table 15 Control part 15a Medium type setting part 15b Saving / medal management part 15c Card data management part 20 Card Issuing machine 30 Card settlement machine 40 Island controller 50 Card processing unit 51 Operation section 52 Display section 53, 54 Interface section 55 Card reader 56 Storage section 56a Setting information 57 Control section 57a Card processing section 57b Saving / medal processing section 57c Lending process Part 57d banknote processing part 60 pachinko machine 65 pachislot machine 70 T / C
71 Media Type Selection Unit 72 Savings / Medal Management Unit 80 Card Processing Unit 81 Savings / Medal Processing Unit 90 T / C
91 storage unit 92 control unit 100 card processing unit 110 control unit 111 gaming machine type determination unit

Claims (8)

The management device manages the number of stored balls and the number of stored medals in association with identification information for identifying a player, and is managed by the management device in response to a withdrawal operation from a pedestrian machine installed in the gaming machine. A storage / medal management system for subtracting the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals while lending the balls or medals for the subtraction by the inter-machine;
A game medium type setting means for setting a game medium type indicating whether the withdrawal target in each inter-vehicle machine disposed in the game store is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals;
Game medium type storage means for storing a game medium type for each inter-vehicle machine set by the game medium type setting means;
When a withdrawal operation is performed in each pedestrian machine, subtracting either the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals managed by the management device according to the game medium type stored in the game medium type storage means, A storage / medal management system comprising: lending processing means for lending a deducted ball or medal.   The management device notifies the game machine type stored in the game medium type storage means to each machine, and each machine makes a saving or medal based on the game medium type notified from the management device. 2. The stored ball / medal management system according to claim 1, wherein a withdrawal request is made for any of the following. The management device
A game medium type setting means for manually setting a game medium type indicating whether a withdrawal target in each inter-vehicle machine disposed in the game store is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals; and the game medium type setting means. First game medium type storage means for storing the set game medium type for each inter-vehicle machine, and automatically notifies each inter-vehicle machine of the game medium type stored in the first game medium type storage means. A notification means,
The inter-machine is
Identification information reading means for reading identification information for identifying a player recorded on the received recording medium, withdrawal operation accepting means for accepting a withdrawal operation using a stored ball / stored medal, and a game medium type accepted from the management device Second game medium type storage means for storing, and when the withdrawal operation is accepted by the withdrawal operation acceptance means, the number of stored balls or the stored medals that match the game medium type stored in the second game medium type storage means 3. A storage / medal management system according to claim 2, further comprising withdrawal request means for making a number of withdrawal requests to the management device.   The intermediary machine makes a withdrawal request to the management device that includes inter-machine identification information that uniquely identifies the intermediary machine, and the management device accepts the withdrawal request from the intermediary machine. , Specifying the withdrawal target based on the machine identification information included in the withdrawal request and the game medium type stored in the gaming medium type storage means, and subtracting the subtraction from the identified withdrawal target 2. The storage / medal management system according to claim 1, wherein The management device
A game medium type setting means for manually setting a game medium type indicating whether a withdrawal target in each inter-vehicle machine disposed in the game store is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals; and the game medium type setting means. Game medium type storage means for storing the game medium type for each set machine, and when receiving a withdrawal request from the machine, the machine identification information included in the withdrawal request and the game medium A specifying means for specifying a withdrawal target based on a game medium type stored in the type storage means, and a lending instruction for the subtraction for the subtraction machine while subtracting from the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals specified by the specifying means Lending instruction means to be provided for,
The inter-machine is
Identification information reading means for reading identification information for identifying a player recorded on the received recording medium, withdrawal operation accepting means for accepting a withdrawal operation using a stored ball / stored medal, and accepting a withdrawal operation by the withdrawal operation accepting means 5. A storage / medal management system according to claim 4, further comprising a withdrawal request means for making a withdrawal request including at least inter-vehicle machine identification information to the management device.   The game medium type setting means determines whether the withdrawal target in the intermediary machine is the number of accumulated balls or the number of stored medal according to the situation of the game machine provided in the intermediary machine. 2. The storage ball / medal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The inter-machine is
An identification information reading means for reading identification information for identifying a player recorded on the received recording medium, a withdrawal operation accepting means for accepting a withdrawal operation using a stored ball / stored medal, and a gaming machine attached to the intermediary machine The game medium type setting means for automatically setting the game medium type by determining whether the withdrawal target in the inter-vehicle machine is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals according to the situation, and the game medium type setting means Based on the game medium type stored in the game medium type storage means when the game medium type storage means for storing the set game medium type of the intermediary machine and the withdrawal operation acceptance means accepts the withdrawal operation. Specifying means for specifying a withdrawal target, and withdrawal request means for making a withdrawal request for the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals suitable for the game medium type identified by the identifying means to the management device; The storage ball / medal management system according to claim 6. The management device manages the number of stored balls and the number of stored medals in association with identification information for identifying a player, and is managed by the management device in response to a withdrawal operation from a pedestrian machine installed in the gaming machine. A storage ball / stored medal management method of subtracting the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals while lending the balls or medals for the subtraction by the inter-machine.
A game medium type setting step for setting a game medium type indicating whether the withdrawal target in each inter-vehicle machine disposed in the game store is the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals;
A game medium type storing step for storing the game medium type for each inter-vehicle machine set in the game medium type setting step in a game medium type storage unit;
When a withdrawal operation is performed in each pedestrian machine, subtracting either the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals managed by the management device according to the game medium type stored in the game medium type storage unit, A method for managing a stored ball / stored medal, comprising: a lending processing step for lending a ball or medal for subtraction.

Images