JP2008043672A - Saved game medium control device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the occurrence of a trouble even if there are compensation upper limits of saved game media such as saved balls and saved tokens. <P>SOLUTION: A number of saved balls acquisition part 302 acquires the number of saved balls at present from a member management T/C (Terminal Controller) 100, and outputs the acquired number of saved balls to a determination part 306. A counting part 305 counts the number of balls which a player acquires in the game and outputs the acquired counted number of value of the balls to the determination part 306. The determination part 306 adds the number of present saved balls and the counted ball value and determines the magnitude correlation of the acquired total number of balls with the system upper limit and with the compensation upper limit. When the total number of balls exceeds the compensation upper limit and is the system upper limit or less, the control part 307 allows a display part 308 to display an alarm that the saved balls exceeding the compensation upper limit become outside the compensation range and receives the selection of the player on the process of the counted balls from an input part 309. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a storage medium control device and a storage medium control method for controlling a storage medium for depositing a game medium acquired by a player into a game store, and in particular, even when there is an upper limit for compensation of the storage medium. The present invention relates to a stored game medium control device and a stored game medium control method.

  In general, a game store such as a pachinko store has a system in which game media such as balls and medals obtained by a player can be deposited in the game store as stored balls or stored medals. Players can withdraw their savings and medals at any time and enjoy the game or exchange prizes again.

  Such a stored ball or medal is a service provided mainly only to members registered at the amusement store, and is retained by storing the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals in association with the member ID of each member. Is done. Therefore, the player cannot deposit the counted balls and medals without inserting the membership card into the counting device or the POS device of the free gift counter and inputting the personal identification number when storing the balls or storing medals. Similarly, when a stored ball or a stored medal is withdrawn, it is necessary to present a membership card and input a personal identification number.

  As described above, the player can present the membership card and enter the personal identification number so that the player can withdraw the stored ball (stored medal) and exchange the prize at any time. Assuming that you will eventually purchase special prizes that have been exchanged from medals), prepare cash so that many players can deal with even if they exchange coins (stored medals) for special prizes all at once. There is a need.

  At this time, if you allow unlimited number of storage balls (stored medals) by the player, as the amount of stored balls (stored medals) increases, the amount of cash to be prepared will also become enormous. It is considered to impose restrictions on the system. In other words, by setting an upper limit on the number of stored balls (the number of stored medals) that can be deposited at the game store, it is possible to prevent the amount of money for cashing the stored balls (stored medals) from exceeding a certain limit.

  Further, for example, in Patent Document 1, an upper limit amount that can be used for cashing stored balls (stored medals) is set, and when there is a request for stored balls (stored medals), the current number of stored balls (number of stored medals) The amount of money that can be deposited and the number of possible savings (number of possible medals) corresponding to the amount of money that can be deposited are calculated, and if the required number of stored balls (number of stored medals) exceeds the number of available balls (number of possible medals) It is described that this storage ball (stored medal) is not permitted.

JP 2006-129928 A

  By the way, in recent years, a third party other than the player and the amusement store manages the player's stored balls (stored medals). For example, when the amusement store goes bankrupt, the third party Participation in a system that compensates (medal savings) is becoming mandatory. Under this system, the game store is obliged to pay a certain management fee to a third party who manages the stored ball (sold medal), but for the player, the stored ball (stored medal) is compensated in the unlikely event Therefore, it is possible to store balls (stored medals) with peace of mind, and it is also possible for game shops to strengthen services for acquiring new members.

  However, since a predetermined upper limit is set for compensation of stored balls (stored medals) by a third party, even if, for example, an amusement store goes bankrupt, the stored deposits (stored medals) may not be fully compensated. Absent. The upper limit of compensation is different from the upper limit on the system in the game store described above, so that it is difficult for a player to be aware of it, and there is a risk that trouble will occur at the stage where compensation is actually performed. There is a problem. In particular, when the upper limit of compensation is less than the upper limit on the system, the player can store more balls (stored medals) than the upper limit of compensation, and the number of stored balls (stored medals) exceeded the upper limit of compensation. There are many things that you do not notice, and trouble can occur frequently.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a game storage medium control device and a game storage medium that can prevent occurrence of trouble even when there is an upper limit of compensation of the game storage medium such as a stored ball or a stored medal. An object is to provide a control method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a storage medium control apparatus for controlling a storage medium that stores a game medium acquired by a player in a game store, and the player desires to store in the game store Acquisition means for acquiring the desired total number of game media, and the total number of desired game media acquired by the acquisition means exceeds a compensable upper limit of compensation determined by a third party other than the two of the player and the game store. Determining means for determining whether or not the upper limit of compensation is exceeded by the determining means, and a control means for performing control relating to depositing all or a part of the desired total number of game media It is characterized by that.

  The present invention further includes a display means for displaying a warning that the compensation upper limit is not compensated by a third party when the judgment means determines that the compensation upper limit is exceeded, in the above invention, The control means performs control according to the player's selection with respect to the warning displayed on the display means.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the obtaining means adds the number of game media that the player has already deposited and the number of additional game media that the player has additionally deposited to obtain the desired total number of game media. And when the determination means determines that the compensation upper limit is exceeded, the control means performs control according to any of depositing all the additional number of game media, depositing only a part, and not depositing all. It is characterized by performing.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the acquisition means includes counting means for counting game media acquired by the player through the game, and the count value counted by the counting means is the number of additional game media. It is characterized by.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the acquisition means includes a prize exchange processing means for performing a prize exchange process for a game medium held by a player, and the number of game media subjected to the prize exchange process by the prize exchange processing means is calculated. The desired total number of game media is obtained by subtracting from the total number of game media held by the player.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the acquisition means includes reception means for receiving identification information of a player, and the current number of stored game media stored in association with the identification information received by the reception means. It is characterized in that the desired total number of game media is acquired.

  Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, when the player chooses to deposit all the desired number of game media, the number of game media associated with the player is set as the total number of desired game media. It is made to update.

  Further, in the above invention, the present invention further comprises an input means for receiving the number of game media inputted by the player, and the control means selects that the player chooses to deposit only a part of the desired total number of game media. The input means accepts the input of the number of game media to be deposited.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the input means accepts the number of game media to be deposited in addition to the number of game media already deposited by the player, and the control means is a current time associated with the player. The number of game media received by the input means is added to the number of game media stored at.

  In addition, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the input means includes an input operation unit capable of designating a fractional number of game media that cannot be exchanged for special prizes purchased with cash.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the input means includes an input operation unit capable of designating a number of game media in which a desired total number of game media is equal to a compensation upper limit.

  Also, in the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, the control means causes the recording medium to issue a recording medium that can specify the number of game media that cannot be deposited when the player chooses to deposit only a part of the total number of desired game media. It is characterized by.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, when the player chooses to deposit only a part of the desired total number of game media, the player exchanges the number of game media that cannot be deposited. And

  The present invention also relates to a storage medium control method for controlling a storage medium for depositing game media acquired by a player into a game store, wherein the desired total number of storage media desired by the player to be deposited in the game store is calculated. Determine whether the acquisition process to be acquired and whether the desired total number of game media acquired in the acquisition process exceeds a compensation upper limit that can be compensated by a third party other than the two of the player and the game shop And a control step for controlling whether to deposit all or only a part of a desired total number of game media when it is determined that the upper limit of compensation is exceeded in the determination step. To do.

  According to the present invention, the player acquires the desired total number of game media that the player desires to deposit in the game store, and the acquired desired game media total number is determined by a third party other than the two of the player and the game store. It is determined whether or not the compensation upper limit that can be compensated is exceeded, and if it is judged that the compensation upper limit is exceeded, control is performed regarding whether to deposit all or only a part of the desired total number of game media. For this reason, even if there is an upper limit of compensation for game media such as stored balls and stored medals, it is possible to control the game media after confirming whether or not to perform the game media deposit with the player. Can be prevented.

  In addition, according to the present invention, when it is determined that the compensation upper limit is exceeded, a warning that the amount exceeding the compensation upper limit is not compensated by a third party is displayed, and control according to the player's selection for the displayed warning is performed. I do. For this reason, unless the player confirms that the savings or saving medals are not compensated and does not agree, the savings or savings medals will not be executed, and even if there is an upper limit of compensation for savings media such as savings or savings Can be prevented.

  Further, according to the present invention, the total number of game media that the player has already deposited and the number of additional game media that the player has additionally deposited is added to obtain the desired total number of game media, and the compensation upper limit is exceeded. If it is determined, control is performed in accordance with one of depositing all the additional number of game media, depositing only a part thereof, and not depositing all. Therefore, for example, when a player newly acquires a game medium through a game, it is possible to execute control according to the player's selection as to whether or not to deposit the acquired game medium.

  In addition, according to the present invention, in order to count the game media that the player has acquired through the game and use the counted value as the number of additional game media, for example, when the counting device can store and store medals, It is possible to warn a player that the upper limit of compensation will be exceeded by depositing a ball or medal that has been made.

  Further, according to the present invention, a prize exchange process for game media held by a player is performed, and the number of game media that have been prize-exchanged is subtracted from the total number of game media held by the player to obtain a desired total number of game media. For example, when a POS device at a prize counter can be used for saving, a player can be warned that the upper limit of compensation will be exceeded by depositing the remaining balls and medals without exchanging the prize.

  In addition, according to the present invention, in order to receive the player's identification information and acquire the desired number of game media using the current number of game media stored in association with the received identification information, for example, a member When the number of balls and medals stored for each player is stored in an external device such as a management terminal controller, the current number of balls and medals stored for each player is obtained, and the player's desired storage media The total number can be calculated accurately.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the player chooses to deposit all the desired number of game media, the number of game media associated with the player is updated to the desired number of game media. For this reason, the number of stored balls and the number of stored medals can be reliably updated when the player's consent is obtained and the stored balls and stored medals exceed the upper limit of compensation.

  In addition, according to the present invention, when the player chooses to deposit only a part of the desired total number of game media, the player receives an input of the number of game media to be deposited. The number of medals can be reflected in actual savings and medals.

  According to the present invention, the number of game media to be deposited in addition to the number of game media already deposited by the player is accepted, and the number of game media accepted at the current number of game media associated with the player Since the numbers are added, the number of stored balls and the number of stored medals can be reliably updated when the number of stored balls and stored medals input by the player is performed.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the input operation unit that can specify the number of fractional game media that cannot be exchanged for special prizes purchased with cash is provided, so that fractional savings and medals can be easily performed without separately calculating fractions. This can improve the convenience.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the input operation unit capable of designating the number of game media in which the desired total number of game media is equal to the compensation upper limit is provided, the number of game media stored up to the compensation upper limit can be entered without entering the number of game media to be deposited in numbers. And a medal can be easily specified, and convenience can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, when a player chooses to deposit only a part of the desired total number of game media, in order to issue a recording medium that can specify the number of game media that cannot be deposited, When saving medals are possible, instead of depositing the counted balls and medals, a receipt in which the number of balls and medals are recorded can be issued.

  In addition, according to the present invention, when a player chooses to deposit only a part of the desired total number of game media, in order to perform a prize exchange process for the number of game media that cannot be deposited, for example, in a POS device of a prize counter, When a medal or a medal can be stored, instead of depositing a ball or medal that is not exchanged for a prize, the player can perform a prize exchange process for the ball or medal held by the player.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where a ball is stored in a pachinko game using a ball as a game medium will be described as an example, but the present invention is similarly applied to a case where a coin is stored in a pachislot game using a medal as a game medium. be able to. In addition, in the following, the upper limit of the storage balls on the system and the upper limit of the third party's compensation are set, and the upper limit of the storage balls on the system is larger than the upper limit of the third party's storage compensation. To do.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game shop according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the game store shown in the figure, an island controller 200, a counting device 300, and a POS device 400 are connected to a member management terminal controller (hereinafter abbreviated as “member management T / C”) 100. Furthermore, a plurality of ball lending devices 500 installed in an area called an island are connected to the island controller 200, and each ball lending device 500 is provided with a pachinko machine 600.

  The member management T / C 100 stores a member ID registered in the amusement store and the number of stored balls in association with each other. That is, the member management T / C 100 acquires information such as the number of stored balls that the member wishes to store, from the counting device 300 or the POS device 400, and stores the information in association with the member ID. In addition, when the membership card is received by the ball lending device 500 and the withdrawal of the stored ball is desired, the member management T / C 100 subtracts the number of stored balls withdrawn in the ball lending device 500 from the stored number of stored balls.

  The island controller 200 manages and manages the ball lending device 500 in the island, and relays information exchange between the ball lending device 500 and the member management T / C 100. Specifically, the island controller 200 relays the member ID of the member card received by the ball lending device 500 to the member management T / C 100, and the stored ball stored in the member management T / C 100 corresponding to this member ID. The number is relayed to the ball lending device 500.

  The counting device 300 counts the balls acquired by the game player in the pachinko machine 600. And if the player has inserted the membership card into the counting device 300, the counting device 300 notifies the member management T / C 100 of the counted value as storing the counted balls. However, if the total of the current number of player's balls and the current count value exceeds the upper limit of compensation for saving balls by a third party (hereinafter referred to as “compensation upper limit”), Accepts the player's selection on how to process

  The POS device 400 is installed at a prize counter in the amusement store, accepts a receipt in which the number of balls not accumulated among the count values in the counting device 300 is recorded, and performs a prize exchange process according to the number of balls recorded in the receipt. Do.

  The ball lending device 500 accepts cash or a prepaid card, and lends a ball as a game medium according to the balance of the accepted cash or prepaid card. Also, the ball lending device 500 receives the member card, inquires the member management T / C 100 for the number of stored balls corresponding to the member ID of the received member card, and lends the balls used for the game from the member's stored balls.

  The pachinko machine 600 is a game machine that is attached to each ball lending device 500 and in which a player plays a game by injecting balls lent by the ball lending device 500 onto a board surface. The pachinko machine 600 pays out balls as prize balls when the injected balls enter a predetermined winning opening.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the counting device 300 according to the present embodiment. The counting device 300 shown in FIG. 2 includes a card receiving unit 301, a stored ball number acquiring unit 302, a communication interface unit (hereinafter abbreviated as “communication I / F unit”) 303, a ball inserting unit 304, a counting unit 305, and a determining unit 306. A control unit 307, a display unit 308, an input unit 309, and a receipt issuing unit 310.

  The card receiving unit 301 receives a member card possessed by the player, reads the member ID recorded on the member card, and notifies the accumulated ball number acquiring unit 302 of the member ID.

  The stored ball number acquisition unit 302 transmits the member ID from the communication I / F unit 303 to the member management T / C 100 via the island controller 200, and inquires about the current number of stored balls corresponding to the member ID. Then, the number of stored balls acquisition unit 302 acquires the current number of stored balls from the member management T / C 100 and outputs the obtained number of stored balls to the determination unit 306.

  The communication I / F unit 303 is an interface that communicates with the member management T / C 100 via the island controller 200, and transmits the member ID, the number of newly stored balls to the member management T / C 100, and the current number of stored balls. Are received from the member management T / C 100.

  The ball throwing unit 304 accepts the throwing of the ball acquired by the player in the game in the pachinko machine 600, and transfers the accepted ball to the counting unit 305.

  The counting unit 305 counts the balls transferred from the ball throwing unit 304 and outputs the number of balls of the obtained count value to the determination unit 306.

  The determination unit 306 adds the number of balls currently stored and the number of balls of the count value, and determines the magnitude relationship between the total number of balls obtained and the upper limit of the stored balls on the system (hereinafter referred to as “system upper limit”) and the compensation upper limit. Then, the determination result is notified to the control unit 307. Specifically, the determination unit 306 controls whether the total number of balls exceeds the system upper limit, whether the total number of balls exceeds the compensation upper limit and is equal to or less than the system upper limit, or whether the total number of balls is equal to or less than the compensation upper limit. Notification to the unit 307.

  Based on the determination result notified from the determination unit 306, the control unit 307 displays a warning that the total number of balls exceeds the compensation range on the display unit 308, or causes the receipt issuing unit 310 to issue a receipt. Specifically, when the total number of balls exceeds the system upper limit, the control unit 307 instructs the receipt issuing unit 310 to issue a receipt in which all the count values by the counting unit 305 are recorded. In addition, when the total number of balls exceeds the upper limit of compensation and is equal to or lower than the upper limit of the system, the control unit 307 causes the display unit 308 to display a warning that the amount of stored balls exceeding the upper limit of compensation is out of the compensation range. A player's selection regarding the processing of the ball is received from the input unit 309. Furthermore, when the total number of balls is equal to or less than the upper limit of compensation, the control unit 307 can store all the count values of the count value by the counting unit 305, and therefore the communication I / F unit uses the count value as the number of newly stored balls. 303 transmits to the member management T / C 100.

  Under the control of the control unit 307, the display unit 308 displays a warning that the amount of storage that has exceeded the compensation upper limit is out of the compensation range. Note that the display unit 308 may be configured as a touch panel integrated with the input unit 309.

  The input unit 309 accepts the player's selection as to how to process the balls counted when the total number of balls exceeds the compensation upper limit in accordance with the control of the control unit 307. In other words, the input unit 309 confirms that it will be out of the compensation range and stores all the balls, stores some balls and records the rest on the receipt, or records all on the receipt without storing any balls. Accept selection.

  The receipt issuing unit 310 issues a receipt in which a receipt ID associated with the number of balls is recorded under the control of the control unit 307. That is, the receipt issuing unit 310 issues a receipt in which the receipt ID is recorded when the total number of balls is equal to or less than the compensation upper limit or when the player selects to issue a receipt at the input unit 309. The receipt issuing unit 310 may issue a receipt in which the number of balls is directly recorded.

  Next, the operation of the counting device 300 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  A player who has obtained a ball by a game in the pachinko machine 600 inserts a membership card into the counting device 300 and counts the ball. That is, the member card possessed by the player is received by the card receiving unit 301 (step S101), and the member ID of the member card is read. The member ID is transmitted from the accumulated ball number acquisition unit 302 to the member management T / C 100 via the communication I / F unit 303, and the current accumulated ball number corresponding to the member ID is inquired (step S102).

  When the member ID is received by the member management T / C 100, the number of balls stored in the member management T / C 100 in association with the member ID is read and returned to the counting device 300. The returned number of stored balls is acquired by the stored ball number acquiring unit 302 via the communication I / F unit 303 and output to the determining unit 306.

  On the other hand, the balls acquired by the player are counted in the counting device 300 (step S103). That is, when a ball is thrown into the ball throwing unit 304, the thrown ball is counted by the counting unit 305, and the obtained count value is output to the determination unit 306.

  Then, the determination unit 306 adds the number of balls currently stored and the number of balls counted (step S104), and obtains the total number of balls owned by the player including the ball currently stored and the balls counted this time. . When the total number of balls is obtained, the determination unit 306 determines whether or not the total number of balls is equal to or less than the system upper limit (step S105). The result of this determination is notified to the control unit 307, and if the total number of balls exceeds the system upper limit (No in step S105), it is impossible to store all the balls counted this time. In step 307, the receipt issuing unit 310 is instructed to issue a receipt in association with the total number of balls counted by the counting unit 305 and the receipt ID. Thereby, the receipt which can specify the count value by the counting part 305 is issued by the receipt issuing part 310 (step S113).

  When the total number of balls is equal to or less than the system upper limit (step S105 Yes), the determination unit 306 continues to determine whether the total number of balls is equal to or less than the compensation upper limit (step S106). The result of this determination is notified to the control unit 307, and if the total number of balls is equal to or less than the compensation upper limit (step S106 Yes), there is no problem even if all the balls counted this time are stored, so the control unit 307 The count value is output to the communication I / F unit 303 as a new number of stored balls, and this new stored number of balls is transmitted from the communication I / F unit 303 to the member management T / C 100 together with the member ID. Thereby, the total number of balls acquired by the player is stored (step S107).

  On the other hand, when the total number of balls exceeds the upper limit of compensation (No in step S106), the total number of balls exceeds the upper limit of compensation but is below the system upper limit. However, all the savings will not be compensated by a third party. Therefore, the control unit 307 performs control to display a warning on the display unit 308 (step S108). That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, when all the balls counted this time are stored, a warning is displayed on the display unit 308 that the number of stored balls exceeds the upper limit of compensation and is out of the compensation range. In FIG. 4-1, since the compensation upper limit is 10,000 balls, 2630 balls out of the total number of balls of 12,630 are outside the compensation range.

  Further, if the total number of balls exceeds the compensation upper limit, the selection related to the ball processing counted this time is accepted by the input unit 309 (step S109). In other words, with respect to the balls counted this time, one of the options of accumulating all the balls after approving that they are out of the compensation range, accumulating only a part, and issuing a receipt without accumulating balls is input to the input unit 309. Entered. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, when a display unit 308 and an input unit 309 are integrated to form a touch panel or the like, a warning is displayed on the display unit 308 and at the same time, In addition, options for partial storage and receipt issuance are displayed, and options touched by the player are received by the input unit 309.

  When the selection is accepted by the input unit 309, the control unit 307 determines whether or not all the storage balls have been selected (step S110). If the player agrees that the number of stored balls exceeds the upper limit of compensation and the total number of stored balls is selected (Yes in step S110), the control unit 307 counts the number of balls as in the case where the total number of balls is less than the upper limit of compensation. Is output to the communication I / F unit 303 as a new number of balls, and the new number of balls is transmitted from the communication I / F unit 303 to the member management T / C 100 together with the member ID. Thereby, the total number of balls acquired by the player is stored (step S107). In this case, some of the stored balls are not compensated at the time of compensation by the third party, but no trouble occurs because the consent of the player is obtained as described above.

  Further, when all the storage balls are not selected (No at Step S110), the control unit 307 determines whether or not the receipt issuance is selected (Step S111). Since the number of stored balls exceeds the upper limit of compensation, when the issue of the total number of balls counted this time is selected (step S111 Yes), the control unit 307 is similar to the case where the total number of balls exceeds the system upper limit. Accordingly, the receipt issuing unit 310 is instructed to issue a receipt in association with the total number of balls counted by the counting unit 305 and the receipt ID. Thereby, the receipt which can specify the count value by the counting part 305 is issued by the receipt issuing part 310 (step S113). In this case, the number of stored balls does not exceed the upper limit of compensation for stored balls by a third party, and all the stored balls are compensated at the time of compensation for stored balls, so that no trouble occurs.

  Further, if neither the total ball storage nor the total receipt issuance is selected (No in step S111), a part of the balls counted this time is stored, and the remaining balls are set as a receipt issuance (step S112). Therefore, under the control of the control unit 307, the display unit 308 displays that the player is inquiring about the desired number of stored balls, and the input unit 309 receives the desired number of stored balls. Specifically, for example, an inquiry as shown in FIG. 4B is displayed on the display unit 308, and the input unit 309 receives the number of stored balls input by the player operating the numeric keypad displayed at the same time. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4-2, it is also possible to directly input the desired number of stored balls, and only the fraction that cannot be exchanged for special prizes purchased in cash among the balls counted this time is stored. It can also be specified as a number. Furthermore, a button for designating the difference between the current number of stored balls and the compensation upper limit (2042 balls in FIG. 4-2) as the number of stored balls may be displayed on the display unit 308. Further, the desired number of stored balls may be designated by the amount of money, or the number of balls associated with the receipt ID and the amount corresponding to the number of balls may be designated instead of the number of stored balls.

  The number of stored balls accepted by the input unit 309 is output from the control unit 307 as a new number of stored balls to the communication I / F unit 303 and transmitted to the member management T / C 100 together with the member ID. Further, the number of stored balls is subtracted from the count value obtained by the counting unit 305, and a receipt associated with the remaining number of balls is issued by the receipt issuing unit 310. In this case, the number of stored balls does not exceed the upper limit of compensation for stored balls by a third party, or even if it exceeds, the number specified by the player is stored, so that no trouble occurs.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the sum of the count value of the balls counted by the counting device and the current number of stored balls exceeds the compensation upper limit, the storage balls exceeding the compensation upper limit are out of the compensation range. The player is warned of the fact that the ball has been counted, and the player is allowed to select whether to store all the balls counted by the counting device, store only a portion of the balls, or issue a receipt without storing the balls. For this reason, the player can grasp that the number of stored balls exceeds the upper limit of compensation, and can freely select whether or not to store the balls counted this time, and compensation for stored media such as stored balls and stored medals. Even when there is an upper limit, trouble can be prevented.

(Embodiment 2)
The feature of the second embodiment of the present invention is that when the total of balls and storage balls acquired by a game in the POS device of the free gift counter is processed as a free gift exchange and the total number of balls remaining after the free gift exchange processing is stored, the compensation upper limit is exceeded. It is a point to display a warning.

  Since the schematic configuration of the amusement store according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), description thereof is omitted. However, the POS device 400 of the present embodiment performs a prize exchange process based on the total number of balls currently stored by the player and the number of balls acquired by the game, and the total number of balls remaining after the prize exchange process has a compensation upper limit. If so, the player's selection is accepted as to how to process the total number of balls.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the POS device 400 according to the present embodiment. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. A POS device 400 shown in FIG. 5 includes a card reception unit 301, a stored ball number acquisition unit 302, a communication I / F unit 303, a receipt reception unit 401, a gift exchange processing unit 402, a determination unit 403, a control unit 404, a display unit 308, And an input unit 309.

  The receipt reception unit 401 receives a receipt issued by the counting device 300 and notifies the prize exchange processing unit 402 of the number of balls specified from the receipt. Specifically, the receipt receiving unit 401 reads, for example, a receipt ID recorded on the receipt, and acquires the number of acquired balls stored in association with the receipt ID, such as the member management T / C 100.

  The prize exchange processing unit 402 adds the number of balls notified from the receipt receiving unit 401 and the current number of stored balls acquired by the stored number acquisition unit 302, and the number of special prizes that can be exchanged from the total number of balls obtained. Is calculated and a prize exchange process is performed. Specifically, the prize exchange processing unit 402 displays the number of exchangeable special prizes or issues special prizes. Also, the prize exchange processing unit 402 subtracts the number of prizes exchanged from the total number of balls, and outputs the obtained total number of balls to the determination unit 306. In addition, when the prize exchange processing for exchanging balls for general prizes is performed, the prize exchange processing unit 402 also subtracts the number of balls exchanged for general prizes from the total number of balls. In addition, the number of balls to be exchanged in the prize exchange processing unit 402 can be arbitrarily designated by the player, and the total of the number of balls specified from the receipt and the number of currently stored balls is not necessarily exchanged. It is not necessary. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to exchange only the number of balls that can be exchanged for a desired number of special prizes and store the remaining balls. In other words, the player can arbitrarily specify the number of balls desired to be stored from the sum of the number of balls specified from the receipt and the current number of stored balls, and the prize exchange processing unit 402 A prize exchange process corresponding to the number is performed.

  The determination unit 403 determines the magnitude relationship between the total number of balls output from the prize exchange processing unit 402 and the system upper limit and the compensation upper limit, and notifies the control unit 404 of the determination result. Specifically, the determination unit 403 controls whether the total number of balls exceeds the system upper limit, whether the total number of balls exceeds the compensation upper limit and is equal to or less than the system upper limit, or whether the total number of balls is equal to or less than the compensation upper limit. Notification to the unit 404.

  Based on the determination result notified from the determination unit 403, the control unit 404 displays a warning that the total number of balls exceeds the compensation range on the display unit 308, or causes the premium exchange processing unit 402 to perform further premium exchange processing. To do. Specifically, when the total number of balls exceeds the upper limit of the system, the control unit 404 instructs the prize exchange processing unit 402 to perform a prize exchange process on the total number of balls. In addition, when the total number of balls exceeds the upper limit of compensation and is equal to or less than the upper limit of the system, the control unit 404 causes the display unit 308 to display a warning that the amount of stored balls exceeding the upper limit of compensation is out of the compensation range. The selection of the player regarding the process is accepted from the input unit 309. Furthermore, since the total number of balls can be stored when the total number of balls is equal to or less than the compensation upper limit, the control unit 404 uses the communication I / F unit 303 to calculate the total number of balls as a new number of stored balls. It is transmitted to the member management T / C 100.

  Next, the operation of the POS device 400 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  A player who has acquired a ball by playing the game in the pachinko machine 600 counts the acquired ball in the counting device 300, obtains a receipt in which the number of acquired balls is recorded, and hands the receipt to an employee of the free gift counter, to the POS device 400. Insert your membership card and ask for a free gift exchange and storage. That is, the member card possessed by the player is received by the card receiving unit 301 (step S101), and the number of stored balls corresponding to the member ID is inquired to the member management T / C 100 by the stored ball number acquiring unit 302 (step S101). S102).

  When the member ID is received by the member management T / C 100, the number of stored balls stored in the member management T / C 100 in association with the member ID is read and returned to the POS device 400. The returned number of stored balls is acquired by the stored ball number acquiring unit 302 via the communication I / F unit 303 and output to the prize exchange processing unit 402.

  On the other hand, the receipt in which the number of acquired balls is recorded is received by the receipt receiving unit 401 (step S201), and the number of balls specified from the receipt is notified to the prize exchange processing unit 402. Then, the prize exchange processing unit 402 adds the number of acquired balls specified from the receipt and the current number of stored balls (step S202), and performs a prize exchange process for exchanging the total number of balls for special prizes and general prizes. (Step S203). That is, the number of special prizes corresponding to the total number of balls is calculated by the prize exchange processing unit 402, a special prize is issued, and when the player wishes to exchange for a general prize, the employee gives a general prize. The number of balls corresponding to is input to the POS device 400. Thereafter, the prize exchange processing unit 402 subtracts the number of balls exchanged for the special prize and the general prize from the total number of balls, calculates the remaining total number of balls, and outputs it to the determination unit 403.

  Then, the determination unit 403 determines whether or not the total number of balls is equal to or less than the system upper limit (step S105). The result of this determination is notified to the control unit 404, and when the total number of balls exceeds the system upper limit (No in step S105), it is impossible to store all the total number of balls. The prize exchange processing unit 402 is instructed to continue the prize exchange process. As a result, the prize exchange processing unit 402 executes a prize exchange process similar to the above, subtracts the number of balls exchanged for the special prize and the general prize from the total number of balls, and newly calculates the total number of balls. Then, the total number of balls is again compared with the system upper limit, and the prize exchange process is continued until the total number of balls becomes equal to or less than the system upper limit.

  When the total number of balls is equal to or less than the system upper limit (step S105 Yes), the determination unit 403 continues to determine whether the total number of balls is equal to or less than the compensation upper limit (step S106). The result of this determination is notified to the control unit 404, and if the total number of balls is equal to or less than the compensation upper limit (Yes in step S106), there is no problem even if all the total balls are stored. The number is transmitted from the communication I / F unit 303 to the member management T / C 100 as a new number of stored balls. As a result, the total number of balls is stored (step S107).

  On the other hand, if the total number of balls exceeds the upper limit of compensation (No in step S106), the total number of balls exceeds the upper limit of compensation but is below the system upper limit. However, all the savings will not be compensated by a third party. Therefore, the control unit 404 performs control to display a warning on the display unit 308 (step S108).

  Further, when the total number of balls exceeds the upper limit of compensation, the input unit 309 accepts selection regarding whether to collect balls or exchange prizes (step S203). In other words, regarding the number of balls to be added this time, after confirming that the number of balls to be added is out of the compensation range, one of the options of storing all balls, storing only a portion, or exchanging prizes without storing balls is an input unit 309. Is input.

  When selection is accepted by the input unit 309, it is determined by the control unit 404 whether or not all the storage balls have been selected (step S110). If the player agrees that the number of stored balls exceeds the upper limit of compensation and if all of the balls are selected (Yes in step S110), the control unit 404 controls the total number of balls as in the case where the total number of balls is less than the upper limit of compensation. The number is transmitted from the communication I / F unit 303 to the member management T / C 100 as a new number of stored balls. As a result, the total number of balls is stored (step S107). In this case, some of the stored balls are not compensated at the time of compensation by the third party, but no trouble occurs because the consent of the player is obtained as described above.

  Further, when all the storage balls are not selected (step S110 No), the control unit 404 instructs the prize exchange processing unit 402 to continue the prize exchange process. At this time, if it is input to the input unit 309 that the prize is exchanged without saving, the prize exchange processing unit 402 performs a prize exchange process for the total number of balls or more to be added at this time. The prize exchange processing by the prize exchange processing unit 402 is executed in response to the instruction. In this case, the number of stored balls does not exceed the upper limit of compensation for stored balls by a third party, and all the stored balls are compensated at the time of compensation for stored balls, so that no trouble occurs.

  Further, if it is input to the input unit 309 that only a part of the prizes are exchanged and the remaining balls are stored, the player can specify the desired number of prizes and the number of stored balls, and the prize exchange processing unit 402 can request the player The prize exchange process is performed according to the above, and the total number of balls is newly calculated. Then, the total number of balls is again compared with the system upper limit and the compensation upper limit, and the above processing is repeated until the total number of balls is all stored or given away. In this case, the number of stored balls does not exceed the upper limit of compensation for stored balls by a third party, or even if it exceeds, the number specified by the player is stored, so that no trouble occurs.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the prize exchange process is performed from the total number of balls acquired in the game and the current number of accumulated balls, and the total number of balls remaining after the prize exchange process has a compensation upper limit. If it exceeds the limit, the player will be warned that the extra storage limit will be out of the compensation range, and the total number of added balls will be stored, or only a part will be stored. Let the player choose what to do. For this reason, the player can grasp that the number of stored balls exceeds the upper limit of compensation, and can freely select whether or not to store balls, even if there is an upper limit of compensation for stored media such as stored balls and stored medals. The occurrence of trouble can be prevented.

  In the second embodiment, the number of acquired balls specified from the receipt at the time of the prize exchange process and the current number of accumulated balls are added, and the prize exchange process is performed for the total number of balls. The gift exchange process may be executed only for the number of acquired balls specified from the receipt. In this case, there may be insufficient end balls for exchanging with special prizes after the prize exchange process, but the shortage will be compensated with the current savings balls, and one extra special prize will be issued. The total number of balls may be compared with the system upper limit and the compensation upper limit. Also, when a player does not bring a receipt to the prize counter and exchanges the current stored balls, the system upper limit and the compensation upper limit are set as in the second embodiment, with the current stored ball count as the total number of balls. Can be compared.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the counting device 300 and the POS device 400 display a warning that the number of stored balls exceeds the compensation upper limit, and allow the player to select whether or not to execute the stored balls. If it is a device in a game store that can insert a membership card and can check the current number of stored balls, other devices display a grace period up to the upper limit of compensation and select whether or not to execute future stored balls to the player You may make it let it.

  The present invention can be applied to the case where troubles are prevented even when there is an upper limit of compensation for a game medium such as a stored ball or a stored medal.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the game store which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the counting device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the counting device according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram showing a display example in the counting device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another display example in the counting device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main part configuration of a POS device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the POS device according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 301 Card reception part 302 Stored ball number acquisition part 303 Communication I / F part 304 Ball insertion part 305 Counting part 306,403 Judgment part 307,404 Control part 308 Display part 309 Input part 310 Receipt issue part 401 Receipt acceptance part 402 Prize exchange process Part

Claims (14)

A storage medium control device for controlling a storage medium for depositing a game medium acquired by a player into a game store,
An acquisition means for acquiring a desired total number of game media that a player desires to deposit at a game store;
Determining means for determining whether or not the total number of desired game media acquired by the acquiring means exceeds a compensable upper limit determined by a third party other than the two of the player and the game store;
And a control means for controlling whether to deposit all or only a part of the desired total number of game media when the determination means determines that the compensation upper limit is exceeded. . When it is determined by the determination means that the compensation upper limit is exceeded, it further includes a display means for displaying a warning that the compensation upper limit excess is not compensated by a third party,
The control means includes
2. The storage medium control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed in accordance with a player's selection with respect to the warning displayed on the display means. The acquisition means includes
Add the number of game media that the player has already deposited and the number of additional game media that the player has additionally deposited to obtain the desired total number of game media,
The control means includes
The control according to any one of depositing all of the number of additional game media, depositing only a part, and not depositing all when the determination unit determines that the compensation upper limit is exceeded. The game storage medium control device according to 1. The acquisition means includes
Including counting means for counting game media acquired by the player through the game;
4. The game medium control device according to claim 3, wherein the count value counted by the counting means is set as the number of additional game media. The acquisition means includes
Including prize exchange processing means for exchanging prizes for game media held by a player;
2. The storage medium control according to claim 1, wherein the desired number of game media is obtained by subtracting the number of game media processed by the prize exchange processing means from the total number of game media held by the player. apparatus. The acquisition means includes
Including a receiving means for receiving identification information of the player,
2. The game medium control device according to claim 1, wherein the desired number of game media is acquired by using the current number of game media stored in association with the identification information received by the receiving means. The control means includes
2. The game medium according to claim 1, wherein when the player chooses to deposit all the desired total number of game media, the number of game media associated with the player is updated to the total number of desired game media. Control device. An input means for receiving the number of game media input by the player;
The control means includes
2. The game medium control device according to claim 1, wherein when the player chooses to deposit only a part of the desired total number of game media, the input means accepts the input of the number of game media to be deposited. The input means includes
In addition to the number of game media that the player has already deposited, accept the number of game media to deposit,
The control means includes
9. The storage medium control device according to claim 8, wherein the number of game media accepted by the input means is added to the current number of storage media associated with the player. The input means includes
9. The stored game medium control device according to claim 8, further comprising an input operation unit capable of designating a fraction of game media that cannot be exchanged for a special prize purchased with cash. The input means includes
9. The game storage medium control device according to claim 8, further comprising an input operation unit capable of designating a number of game media in which a desired total number of game media is equal to a compensation upper limit. The control means includes
2. The storage medium control device according to claim 1, wherein when a player chooses to deposit only a part of the desired total number of game media, a storage medium that can specify the number of game media that cannot be deposited is issued. The control means includes
2. The game medium control device according to claim 1, wherein when the player chooses to deposit only a part of the desired total number of game media, the player exchanges the number of game media that cannot be deposited. A storage medium control method for controlling a storage medium for depositing a game medium acquired by a player into a game store,
An acquisition process for acquiring a desired total number of game media that a player desires to deposit at a game store;
A determination step of determining whether or not the total number of desired stored game media acquired in the acquisition step exceeds a compensable upper limit of compensation determined by a third party other than the two of the player and the game store;
And a control step for controlling whether to deposit all or only a part of the desired total number of game media when it is determined that the compensation upper limit is exceeded in the determination step. Method.

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