JP2008067765A - Game medium processing device and method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily register as a member (registered person). <P>SOLUTION: An intention judgement part 54a confirms the intention of registration by the presence/absence of biological information input to a biological information reader 34. In the case that the intention is confirmed, a biological information reading part 54b acquires the biological information, a card reader-writer 32 issues a valuable value medium including the acquired biological information and valuable value information, and a putout part 37 puts out game media on the basis of the valuable value information recorded in the valuable value medium. This invention can be applied to a game medium management system. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium processing apparatus, method, and program, and more particularly, to a game medium processing apparatus, method, and program that allow a player to easily register himself / herself as a member (registrant) of a game store.

  In amusement stores represented by pachinko stores or pachislot stores, many member management systems have been introduced as part of customer service. The member management system is to register and manage a player as a member for each game store, and by using such a management system, the game media acquired by the game can be deposited for each member ID (save). It is possible to provide a service that allows players to play (replay) by receiving a return of the game media that has been deposited by presenting the member ID when visiting the store again. It becomes. In this member management system, in addition to depositing game media, there is also a service that distributes flyers for introducing new game machines at a game store to registered addresses only for registered players. Yes.

  These membership registration systems include those that reduce the burden on hall attendants when issuing membership cards (see Patent Document 1), and visitors that are valuable value media used by players who are not registered as members. A card (see Patent Document 2) that is operated by a card and a member card that is a valuable value medium used by a player who is registered as a member has been proposed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-221021

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-175823

  By the way, in the above-described member management system, a player needs to issue a membership card with an issuing machine installed in the game store. For example, if a player who has started a game registers as a member on the way, To leave the seat, cash out the value in the visitor card with the checkout machine, and fill in the membership card with various personal information such as name and date of birth on the member registration form. In addition, it was necessary to charge the cash by inserting a membership card into the machine rental machine.

  For this reason, once a player starts a game, he often does not apply for membership due to inconvenience, and there is also a problem of leakage of personal information in recent years, and members who need to provide personal information to the amusement store. Many players do not want to join.

  As a result, there is a possibility that good customers cannot be enclosed due to provision of services such as storage or replay to the subscriber application intended by the amusement store.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and allows a player to easily register himself / herself as a member (registrant), and stores or replays to a membership subscriber intended by the game store. By providing services such as the above, it is possible to realize the inclusion of excellent customers.

  A game medium processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an intention confirmation unit that confirms an intention of registration based on presence / absence of biological information, and a biological information acquisition unit that acquires the biological information when the intention confirmation unit confirms the intention. Issuing means for issuing biological value information obtained by the biological information obtaining means and valuable value medium including valuable value information, and game medium processing means for managing game media in association with the biological information. .

  The biometric information can include a fingerprint, a vein, a glow, or a retina.

  The intention confirmation means may be configured to confirm the intention of registration when a feature amount required to detect the presence or absence of the biological information is detected in the biological information.

  The biometric information acquisition means may acquire a feature amount required to individually identify the biometric information among the biometric information.

  The game medium management means can be made to pay out game media registered in association with biometric information recorded in the valuable value medium.

  The game medium lending device of the present invention can include the game medium management device according to claim 5.

  The game medium management means may be configured to count the game media and register the count result of the game media in association with the biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition means.

  The game medium can be counted, and a transmission unit that transmits the count result of the game medium and the biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition unit to a management server can be included. The count result of the game medium can be registered in the database as the number of stored balls in association with the biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition means.

  The game medium counting device of the present invention can include the game medium processing device according to claim 7 or 8.

  The game medium processing means includes a predetermined number of game media when the number of stored balls is greater than a predetermined number, which is a counting result of game media registered in association with the biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition means. It can be made to pay out.

  Biometric information reading means for reading the biometric information recorded on the valuable value medium, and transmission means for transmitting the biometric information read from the valuable value medium to the management server by the biometric information reading means. The number of stored balls registered in the database in association with the biological information read from the valuable value medium by the biological information reading means from the management server is determined by the gaming medium management means from a predetermined number. When a determination result indicating that there are many is transmitted, a predetermined number of the game media can be paid out.

  In the game medium management means, the biological information read from the valuable value medium by the biological information reading means from the management server is registered in the database, and the biological information reading means uses the valuable information. When a determination result indicating that the number of stored balls registered in association with the biological information read from the value medium is greater than a predetermined number is transmitted, a predetermined number of the game media are paid out. Can be.

  The game medium lending device of the present invention can include the game medium processing device according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

  The game medium processing system of the present invention can include the game medium lending device according to claim 13 and the game medium counting device according to claim 9.

  The game medium processing method according to one aspect of the present invention includes an intention confirmation step for confirming an intention of registration based on presence / absence of biological information, and biological information acquisition for obtaining the biological information when the intention is confirmed by the processing of the intention confirmation step. A game medium management for managing a game medium in association with the biometric information, a step for issuing a biometric information acquired by the process of the biometric information acquiring step, and a valuable value medium including the valuable value information; Steps.

  The program according to one aspect of the present invention includes an intention confirmation step for confirming an intention of registration based on presence or absence of biological information, and a biological information acquisition step for acquiring the biological information when the intention is confirmed by the processing of the intention confirmation step. An issuance step for issuing biometric information acquired by the processing of the biometric information acquisition step and a valuable value medium including valuable information, and a game medium management step for managing game media in association with the biometric information. Causes the computer to execute the processing that includes it.

  In the game medium processing apparatus and method and the program according to one aspect of the present invention, the intention of registration is confirmed based on the presence or absence of biological information, and when the intention is confirmed, the biological information is acquired, and the acquired biological information, and A valuable value medium including valuable value information is issued, and the game medium is managed in association with the biological information.

  In the game medium processing device of the present invention, the intention confirmation unit that confirms the intention of registration based on the presence or absence of biological information is, for example, an intention determination unit, and acquires the biological information when the intention confirmation unit confirms the intention. The biometric information acquiring means is, for example, an acquiring unit, and the issuing means for issuing the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquiring means and the valuable value medium including the valuable value information is, for example, a card reader / writer. The game medium management means for managing game media in association with the biological information is, for example, a payout unit.

  That is, an intention indicating that the intention determination unit desires membership registration (registration as a registrant) by presenting biological information such as a fingerprint, vein, glow, or retina, for example, by the player When the display is detected, the biological information presented by the reading unit is acquired. Then, the card reader / writer records the acquired biological information together with the valuable value on the valuable value medium. Further, the payout unit pays out a predetermined number of game media among the game balls (stored balls) registered in association with the biological information recorded in the valuable value medium.

  For this reason, the player simply presents his / her fingerprint, vein, glow, or retina, and a predetermined number of game media among the game media registered in association with the biological information recorded in the valuable media You can receive a payout.

  Therefore, a player can easily register (subscribe) as a member (registrant) by presenting biological information such as fingerprints, veins, glows, or retinas in a game medium processing apparatus such as a game medium lending apparatus. As a result, it becomes possible to realize the enclosure of good customers by providing services such as storage or replay to the subscribers who are intended by the amusement store.

  According to the present invention, the amusement store intends that it becomes possible to easily register (subscribe) as a member (registrant) simply by presenting biological information such as fingerprint, vein, glow, or retina. It becomes possible to realize the enclosure of excellent customers by providing services such as storage and replay to the member application applicants.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between the configuration requirements of the present invention and the embodiments described in the detailed description of the present invention are exemplified as follows. This description is to confirm that the embodiments supporting the present invention are described in the detailed description of the invention. Accordingly, although there are embodiments that are described in the detailed description of the invention but are not described here as embodiments corresponding to the constituent elements of the present invention, It does not mean that the embodiment does not correspond to the configuration requirements. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. It's not something to do.

  That is, the game medium processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is confirmed by the intention confirmation unit (for example, the intention determination unit 54a in FIG. 3) for confirming the intention of registration based on the presence or absence of biometric information and the intention confirmation unit. In this case, a biometric information acquisition unit (for example, the biometric information reading unit 54b in FIG. 3) for acquiring the biometric information, a biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit, and a valuable value medium including the valuable value information are issued. Issuing means (for example, card reader / writer 32 in FIG. 3) and game medium management means (for example, payout unit 37 in FIG. 3) for managing game media in association with the biological information.

  The intention confirmation means (for example, the intention determination unit 54a in FIG. 3), when the feature amount necessary for detecting the presence / absence of the biological information is detected among the biological information, the intention of registration is confirmed. It can be made to confirm.

  The biometric information acquisition unit (for example, the biometric information reading unit 54b in FIG. 3) may be configured to acquire a feature amount required to individually identify the biometric information among the biometric information. it can.

  The game medium management means (for example, the payout unit 37 in FIG. 3) pays out a predetermined number of game media registered in association with the biological information recorded in the valuable value medium. Can do.

  The game medium lending device of the present invention (for example, the game medium lending machine 2 shown in FIG. 3) can include the game medium processing device according to claim 5.

  The gaming medium management means (for example, the counting unit 106 in FIG. 3) counts the gaming media, and the counting result of the gaming medium is used as the biological information acquisition means (for example, the biological information reading device 103 in FIG. 3). Can be registered in association with the biometric information acquired by.

  Transmission means for counting the game media and transmitting the result of counting the game media and the biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition means (for example, the biological information reader 103 in FIG. 3) to the management server (for example, FIG. 3 communication control unit 51), and the game medium is associated with the biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition means in the management server (for example, management server 3 in FIG. 3). Can be registered in a database (for example, database 11 in FIG. 3) as the number of stored balls.

  The game medium counting device of the present invention (for example, the counter 4 in FIG. 3) can include the game medium processing device according to claim 7 or 8.

  The game medium management means (for example, the payout unit 37 in FIG. 3) has a predetermined number of stored balls, which is a counting result of game media registered in association with the biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition means. When the number is more than the number, a predetermined number of game media can be paid out.

  Biometric information reading means for reading the biometric information recorded on the valuable value medium (for example, the biometric information reading / writing unit 52b in FIG. 3), and managing the biological information read from the valuable value medium by the biological information reading means. Transmission means (for example, the communication control unit 51 in FIG. 3) that transmits to the server can be included, and the game medium management means (for example, the payout unit 37 in FIG. 3) includes the management server ( For example, the number of stored balls registered in a database (for example, the database 11 in FIG. 3) in association with the biological information read from the valuable value medium by the biological information reading means from the management server 3) in FIG. When a determination result indicating that there are more than a predetermined number is transmitted, a predetermined number of the game media can be paid out.

  In the game medium management means (for example, the payout unit 37 in FIG. 3), the biological information read from the valuable medium by the biological information reading means from the management server (for example, the management server 3 in FIG. 3). In the case where the number of stored balls is registered in association with the biological information read from the valuable value medium by the biological information reading means in the case of being registered in the database. When the determination result is transmitted, a predetermined number of the game media can be paid out.

  The game medium lending device of the present invention (for example, the game medium lending machine 2 of FIG. 3) can include the game medium processing device according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

  In the game medium processing system of the present invention (for example, the game medium processing system of FIG. 3), the game medium lending device according to claim 13 (for example, the game medium lending machine 2 of FIG. 3) and the claim 9 are described. The game medium counting device (for example, the counter 4 in FIG. 3) can be included.

  The game medium processing method and program according to one aspect of the present invention include an intention confirmation step (for example, steps S13 and S29 in FIG. 7) for confirming the intention of registration based on the presence or absence of biometric information, and the intention confirmation step. If so, the biological information acquisition step (for example, steps S14 and S30 in FIG. 7) for acquiring the biological information, the biological information acquired by the processing of the biological information acquisition step, and the valuable value including the valuable value information. An issue step for issuing a medium (for example, step S16 in FIG. 7) and a game medium processing step for managing the game medium in association with the biological information (for example, steps S9, S24, and S38 in FIG. 7) are included. .

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a game store game medium processing system according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game tables 1-1 to 1-n are so-called pachinko machines, which are arranged in a game store, and a player plays a game by inserting a game ball as a game medium. It is.

  In the present embodiment, the description will be made with an example of a game store in which a pachinko machine is installed. However, the game machines 1-1 to 1-n are not limited to pachinko machines. Needless to say, it may be a pachislot stand or the like, and a pachinko stand and a pachislot stand may be mixed. However, in the pachinko machine, the game medium is a game ball, and in the pachislot machine, it is a medal. In the following, media used for games on these various game tables 1-1 to 1-n such as game balls and medals will be collectively referred to as game media. Further, hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish each of the gaming tables 1-1 to 1-n, the gaming table 1 will be simply referred to, and the other configurations will be similarly referred to.

  As shown in FIG. 2, game medium lending machines 2-1 to 2-n called so-called inter-table ball lending machines are respectively connected to the gaming tables 1 between the gaming tables 1-1 to 1-n. On the other hand, it is provided so as to correspond one-to-one. The game medium lending machine 2 lends a predetermined number of game media according to the value stored in the value medium represented by the prepaid card. In addition, when the cash is entered, the game medium lending machine 2 issues a prepaid card that is a valuable medium including a valuable value corresponding to the amount of the inserted cash. At this time, if biometric information such as fingerprints, veins, glows, or retinas is presented, it is considered that there is an intention to register as a member, and in addition to the valuable value of the prepaid card, the game that can be used for player authentication Biometric information serving as a feature amount for specifying the individual person is recorded as a biometric information ID.

  In the following, a prepaid card that includes a biometric information ID in addition to a valuable value shall be referred to as a membership card, and a prepaid card that does not include a biometric information ID and in which only valuable information is recorded will be referred to as a visitor card. Shall be called. The membership card can be charged with valuable value later, and it will be returned even if the valuable value becomes 0, but the visitor card cannot be charged with valuable value later, and the valuable value is Collected when zero. Further, the membership card is presented to the counter 4 at the time of counting the game media, so that the count result is stored as a ball in the database 11 (FIG. 3) in association with the biometric information ID recorded on the membership card. ). Furthermore, when the stored ball is registered, when playing the game, when the membership card is presented to the game medium lending machine 2, the management server 3 is inquired, the biometric information ID is authenticated, and the authentication is permitted. Correspondingly, it is possible to receive a return of game balls that are registered as stored balls in the database 11 and start the game again.

  The management server 3 manages the entire game machine 1, game media rental machine 2, counter 4, and payment machine 5 provided in the game store. In addition, the management server 3 manages the valuable value of the stored ball as a database in association with the biological information supplied from the game machine 1, the game media rental machine 2, the counter 4, and the checkout machine 5.

  The counter 4 counts the game media acquired by the player playing the game on the gaming table 1, and if the membership card is not presented, the counting result is printed on paper such as a receipt. Further, when a membership card is presented at the time of counting, the biometric information is read out, the counting result is supplied to the management server 3 and registered in the database 11 as a stored ball.

  When the membership card or the visitor card is inserted, the checkout machine 5 reads the recorded valuable value, calculates the amount corresponding to the valuable value, and returns the calculated amount as cash.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the example of a structure of the game media rental machine 2, the management server 3, the counter 4, and the payment machine 5 is demonstrated.

  The control unit 31 of the game medium lending machine 2 controls the overall operation of the game medium lending machine 2, and includes a communication control unit 51, a card data reading / writing control unit 52, a bill reading control unit 53, and a biological information reading control. Unit 54, operation input control unit 55, display control unit 56, payout control unit 57, and authentication unit 58.

  The card reader / writer 32 is controlled by the card data reading / writing control unit 52 and, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a valuable value consisting of a membership card or a visitor card provided at the lower part of the game medium lending machine 2. It is provided at the insertion / return port of the prepaid card, which is a medium. In the case of a membership card, the prepaid card is read or written (recorded) with a magnetic recording type or an IC recording type. The biometric information ID is read or written (recorded).

  The banknote reading device 33 is controlled by the banknote reading control unit 53 and is provided in the upper part of the game medium lending machine 2 as shown in FIG. 4. For example, when it is read by an optical or magnetic method, supplied to the bill reading control unit 53, and is a genuine note, it is stored in a storage unit (not shown), and is not a genuine note (for example, a counterfeit bill) The inserted banknote is discharged.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the biometric information reader 34 is a camera including an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) provided at the lower part of the banknote reader 33. The image is read by imaging a vein, a glow, a retina, or the like, and the read image is supplied to the biological information reading control unit 54 as biological information. The biometric information reader 34 has a focal position set at the surface position in FIG. 4 and can pick up a fingerprint, vein, glow, or retina when the finger is held over it.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the replay button 35-1 is composed of operation buttons provided on the upper part of the card reader / writer 32, and the player can store the ball with the member card inserted. When a game used, that is, when replaying is performed, a signal corresponding to the operation content is supplied to the operation input control unit 55.

  The lending button 35-2 (lending buttons 35-2-1 to 35-2-n in FIG. 3) captures the operation signal generated by the operation by the game medium lending machine 2 and performs processing. For example, the game machine 1 may be provided. In FIG. 3, the button on the left side of the side of the upper plate for storing game media used when playing on the gaming table 1 is the lending button 35-2, and the value recorded in the value medium is Correspondingly, it is operated when it is desired to lend out game media, and an operation signal corresponding to the operation is generated.

  The return button 35-3 is also processed by capturing the operation signal generated by the operation by the game medium lending machine 2, and is provided on the right side of the lending button 35-2 in the drawing as shown in FIG. 3, for example. It is possible to do so, and it is operated when it is desired to return the valuable value medium, and an operation signal corresponding to the operation is generated.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the display unit 36 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) provided so as to protrude forward from the game medium rental machine 2, and is controlled by the display control unit 56. And display various information.

  In FIG. 2, the payout unit 37 is provided in the game medium lending machine 2, but strictly speaking, it is provided in the game machine 1, and is controlled by the payout control unit 57 to correspond to the valuable value. Alternatively, a predetermined number of game media are paid out in accordance with the number of game balls stored at the time of replay.

  The communication control unit 51 includes, for example, a LAN controller that performs communication via a LAN (Local Area Network), and the comparison result between the management server 3 and a predetermined number of biological information ID, valuable value, and the number of stored balls. Give and receive.

  The card data reading / writing control unit 52 controls the value reading / writing unit 52a to read or write the value recorded in the value medium inserted in the card reader / writer 32. . The card data read / write control unit 52 controls the biometric information read / write unit 52b to read or write the biometric information ID recorded on the valuable medium inserted in the card reader / writer 32. Let The card data read / write control unit 52 controls the determination unit 52c to determine whether or not the biometric information ID is recorded on the valuable value medium inserted in the card reader / writer 32, that is, the valuable value medium is the membership card. Or a visitor card.

  The bill reading control unit 53 controls the bill reading device 33 to read the feature amount of the inserted bill, and based on the read feature amount, the inserted bill is a genuine note or a counterfeit. If it is a genuine note, if it is a genuine note, the inserted amount is recognized based on the feature amount, and the bill reading device 33 is instructed to store the inserted bill. If the bill is not a genuine note, the bill reading control unit 53 instructs the bill reading device 33 to discharge the inserted bill.

  The biological information reading control unit 54 controls the intention determination unit 54a to read the biological information such as a fingerprint, vein, glow, or retina read by the biological information reading device 34 (for example, fingerprint, vein, A feature amount for recognizing only the presence or absence of biological information (e.g., a glow or retina image) (e.g., finger contour, fingerprint, vein, glow, or Y-branch of the retina can be confirmed more than a predetermined number, (A feature quantity that cannot be used for player authentication, but can be recognized as holding the finger as biometric information), and when it is determined that the feature quantity exists, It is recognized that the user is holding the biometric information reader 34, that is, registering the biometric information, recording the biometric information ID in a valuable value medium, and issuing a membership card. When it is recognized that the player holds the biological information over the biological information reading device 34 with an intention, the biological information reading control unit 54 controls the biological information reading unit 54b to include ( Features that are required to individually authenticate a player (for example, fingerprint, vein, glow, or retina image) (eg, fingerprint, vein, glow, or Y-branch pattern such as retina) To extract and obtain the feature amount required for The feature amount for recognizing only the presence / absence of biometric information may be included in the feature amount required for individually authenticating the player.

  Based on the operation signals supplied from the replay button 35-1, the lending button 35-2, and the return button 35-3, the operation input control unit 55 replays by storing and lends game media based on valuable value. It is determined which of the game media is requested to be returned, and the corresponding processing is executed.

  The display control unit 56 causes the display unit 36 to display various types of information.

  The payout control unit 57 controls the valuable value payout unit 57a to pay out a predetermined number of game media from the payout unit 37 when paying out game media corresponding to the valuable value recorded on the member card or visitor card. Let In addition, when the payout control unit 57 pays out a replay game medium corresponding to the stored ball registered in association with the biometric information ID recorded on the member card, the payout control unit 57 By controlling, a predetermined number of game media are paid out from the payout unit 37.

  The authentication unit 58 acquires the biometric information ID acquired by the card data read / write control unit 52 controlling the biometric information read / write unit 52b, and the biometric information read control unit 54 controls the biometric information read unit 54b. The biometric information, which is a feature quantity for identifying the individual player, which can be used for the authentication of the player, is compared, and whether or not the membership card belongs to the player is determined by whether or not they match. Certify.

  The control unit 71 of the management server 3 controls the entire operation of the management server 3.

  The registration unit 81 registers the biometric information ID supplied from the game medium rental machine 2 and the payment machine 5 in the database 11 via the communication control unit 82.

  The storage unit 83 stores the counting result supplied from the counter 4 via the communication control unit 82 as a storage, and registers it in the database 11 in association with the biological information ID supplied together with the counting result ( Update.

  When the replay request is supplied together with the biometric information ID, the replay processing unit 84 controls the determination unit 84a, searches the database 11 based on the biometric information ID, and stores the registered storage. It is determined whether or not the number of balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and the determination result is transmitted to the game medium rental machine 2 via the communication control unit 82.

  The control unit 101 of the counter 4 controls the overall operation of the counter 4 and includes a communication control unit 121, a card data reading control unit 122, a biological information reading control unit 123, a display control unit 124, and a button input control unit. 125, a count control unit 126, and a print control unit 127.

  The card reader 102 is controlled by a card data reading control unit 122. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a prepaid is a valuable medium consisting of a membership card or a visitor card provided in the upper right part of the counter 4. It is provided at the card insertion / return slot, and the valuable value is read out from the prepaid card by magnetic recording or IC recording.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the biological information reader 103 is a camera including an image pickup device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) provided in front of the counter 4 and has a fingerprint. The image is read by imaging a vein, a glow, a retina, or the like, and the read image is supplied to the biological information reading control unit 123 as biological information. The biometric information reading apparatus 103 has a focal position set at the surface position in FIG. 5, and can pick up a fingerprint, vein, glow, or retina by holding the finger over it.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 104 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) provided so as to protrude above the counter 4, and is controlled by the display control unit 124. Displays various information.

  The processing start button 105-1, the storage button 105-2, and the counting button 105-3 are provided on the upper part of the biological information reader 103 in FIG. 5, and the storage is requested when the counting process is started. When the operation is performed and when counting is instructed, the buttons are operated, and an operation signal corresponding to the operation content is supplied to the button input control unit 125.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the counting unit 106 is provided in an opening for inserting game media, and is controlled by the count control unit 126 to count the number of inserted game media and count the count result. It supplies to the control part 126.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the printing unit 107 is a printer provided behind the processing start button 105-1, the storage button 105-2, and the counting button 105-3, and is controlled by the print control unit 127. Then, when the player using the visitor card counts, or when the player using the membership card counts without selecting the stored ball, the count result is printed.

  The communication control unit 121 includes, for example, a LAN controller that performs communication via a LAN (Local Area Network), and exchanges a biological information ID, a valuable value, a counting result, and the like with the management server 3.

  The card data reading control unit 122 controls the valuable value reading unit 122 a to read out the valuable value recorded on the valuable value medium inserted in the card reader 102. The card data reading control unit 122 controls the biometric information reading unit 122b to read out the biometric information ID recorded on the valuable medium inserted in the card reader 102. The card data reading control unit 122 controls the determination unit 122c to determine whether or not the biometric information ID is recorded on the valuable medium inserted in the card reader 102, that is, whether the valuable medium is a membership card. Or it is determined whether it is a visitor card.

  The biometric information reading control unit 123 controls the intention determination unit 123a to read biometric information such as fingerprints, veins, glows, or retinas read by the biometric information reading device 103 (for example, fingerprints, veins, A feature amount for recognizing only the presence or absence of biological information (e.g., a glow or retina image) (e.g., finger contour, fingerprint, vein, glow, or Y-branch of the retina can be confirmed more than a predetermined number, (A feature quantity that cannot be used for player authentication, but can be recognized as holding the finger as biometric information), and when it is determined that the feature quantity exists, It is recognized that the user is holding the biometric information reader 103, that is, the biometric information is registered, the biometric information ID is recorded in the valuable value medium, and a membership card is issued. When the player recognizes that the biological information is held over the biological information reading device 103 with an intention, the biological information reading control unit 123 controls the biological information acquisition unit 123b to display ( Features that are required to individually authenticate a player (for example, fingerprint, vein, glow, or retina image) (eg, fingerprint, vein, glow, or Y-branch pattern such as retina) To extract and obtain the feature amount required for The feature amount for recognizing only the presence / absence of biometric information may be included in the feature amount required for individually authenticating the player.

  The display control unit 124 causes the display unit 104 to display various types of information.

  The button input control unit 125 is requested to start processing, store, or count based on the operation signals supplied from the processing start button 105-1, the storage button 105-2, and the counting button 105-3. It is determined whether or not.

  The count control unit 126 controls the counting unit 106 to count the inserted game media, and obtains the count result.

  The print control unit 127 controls the printing unit 107 to print the counting result.

  The control unit 151 of the checkout machine 5 controls the overall operation of the checkout machine 5, and includes a communication control unit 171, a card data reading / writing control unit 172, a biological information reading control unit 173, a display control unit 174, and money. A payout control unit 175 is provided.

  The card reader / writer 152 is controlled by the card data read / write control unit 172. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the card reader / writer 152 is a valuable medium comprising a membership card or a visitor card provided in the upper left part of the checkout machine 5. In the case of a membership card, in addition to reading or writing (recording) valuable value with a magnetic recording type or IC recording type, etc. Record or write (record) the biometric ID.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the biometric information reader 153 is a camera that includes an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) provided at the lower part of the card reader / writer 152 of the checkout machine 5. The image is read by imaging a fingerprint, vein, glow, retina, or the like, and the read image is supplied to the biometric information reading control unit 173 as biometric information. The biometric information reading device 153 has a focal position set at the surface position in FIG. 6, and can pick up a fingerprint, vein, glow, or retina by holding the finger over it.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 154 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) provided in the upper right part of the checkout machine 5, and is controlled by the display control unit 174 to display various information. Is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the banknote payout device 155 and the coin payout device 156 are respectively provided in the middle right portion and the lower left portion of the checkout machine 5, and are controlled by the money payout control portion 175, respectively. Bills and coins corresponding to amounts calculated from the remaining value (valuable value) recorded on the valuable value medium of the card are paid out.

  The communication control unit 171 includes, for example, a LAN controller that performs communication using a LAN (Local Area Network), and exchanges a biological information ID, a valuable value, and the like with the management server 3.

  The card data reading / writing control unit 172 controls the valuable value information reading / writing unit 172 a to read out the valuable value recorded on the valuable value medium inserted in the card reader / writer 152. The card data reading / writing control unit 172 controls the biometric information reading control unit 172 b to read out the biometric information ID recorded on the valuable medium inserted in the card reader / writer 152. The card data reading / writing control unit 172 controls the determination unit 172c to determine whether or not the biometric information ID is recorded on the valuable value medium inserted in the card reader / writer 152, that is, the valuable value medium is the membership card. Or a visitor card.

  The biometric information reading control unit 173 controls the intention determination unit 173a to read biometric information such as fingerprints, veins, glows, or retinas read by the biometric information reading device 153 (for example, fingerprints, veins, A feature amount for recognizing only the presence or absence of biological information (e.g., a glow or retina image) (e.g., finger contour, fingerprint, vein, glow, or Y-branch of the retina can be confirmed more than a predetermined number, (A feature quantity that cannot be used for player authentication, but can be recognized as holding the finger as biometric information), and when it is determined that the feature quantity exists, It is recognized that the user is holding the biometric information reader 103, that is, the biometric information is registered, the biometric information ID is recorded in the valuable value medium, and a membership card is issued. When it is recognized that the player holds the biological information over the biological information reading device 153 with an intention, the biological information reading control unit 173 controls the biological information acquisition unit 173b to display ( For example, for features such as fingerprints, veins, glows, or retina images that are required to individually authenticate players (for example, fingerprint veins, glows, Y-branch patterns such as retina) The required feature amount is extracted and acquired. The feature amount for recognizing only the presence / absence of biometric information may be included in the feature amount required for individually authenticating the player.

  The display control unit 174 displays various information on the display unit 154.

  The monetary payout control unit 175 causes the banknote payout device 155 and the coin payout device 156 to receive banknotes and coins corresponding to amounts calculated from the residual value (valuable value) recorded in the valuable value medium of the member card or visitor card, respectively. Control and get paid out.

  The authentication unit 176 acquires the biometric information ID obtained by the card data read / write control unit 172 controlling the biometric information read / write unit 172b, and the biometric information read control unit 173 controls the biometric information read unit 173b. The biometric information, which is a feature quantity for identifying the individual player, which can be used for the authentication of the player, is compared, and whether or not the membership card belongs to the player is determined by whether or not they match. Certify.

  Next, the game media management process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the following, for example, the display control unit 56, for example, “If you wish to register for a membership card or change registration from a visitor card to a membership card, hold your finger over the biometric information reader.” The explanation screen will be explained on the assumption that the explanation screen showing the operation method for registering the member is always displayed in a part of the display unit 36, or that there is a similar information sticker or announcement. To do.

  In step S1, the banknote reading control unit 53 of the game medium lending machine 2 controls the banknote reading device 33 to determine whether or not cash (banknote) has been inserted. In step S1, for example, when it is determined that cash is inserted, in step S2, the card data reading / writing control unit 52 controls the card reader / writer 32 and is stored in a card storage unit (not shown). One valuable value medium whose value is 0 value (frequency) is taken out.

  In step S <b> 3, the banknote reading control unit 53 obtains the inserted amount based on the feature amount of the inserted banknote supplied from the banknote reader 33. The card data reading / writing control unit 52 controls the valuable value reading / writing unit 52 a to set the amount of money calculated by the bill reading control unit 53 to the zero-value valuable value medium taken out by the card reader / writer 32. Have the corresponding valuable value written (recorded).

  In other words, a visitor card is generated by the processing of steps S2 and S3, and the state is the same as the state in which the visitor card is inserted.

  In step S <b> 4, the operation input control unit 55 determines whether or not the rental button 35-2 is operated and the rental of the game medium with the valuable value is requested. When it is determined in step S4 that the lending button 35-2 is not operated, in step S5, the operation input control unit 55 determines whether or not the return button 35-3 is operated, that is, the visitor card is returned. Determine if it is requested.

  In step S5, for example, when it is determined that the return button 35-3 is operated, that is, when it is determined that the return of the visitor card is requested, in step S6, the card data reading / writing control unit 52 The reader / writer 32 is controlled to instruct to return the visitor card that is the inserted card. In response to this, the card reader / writer 32 ejects the inserted visitor card, and the process returns to step S1. That is, a visitor card whose value is not 0 can be used again as a visitor card, and is returned to the player.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the lending button 35-2 has been operated, that is, if it is determined that the lending of game media has been instructed, in step S7, the control unit 31 performs card data reading / writing control. The value related to the lending of a predetermined number of game media is subtracted from the value read by the value reading / writing unit 52a of the unit 52. That is, for example, when the valuable value recorded on the valuable value medium is 250 degrees and one gaming ball is lent out for each degree, when renting 50 gaming balls in one rental, the control unit 31 Calculates the remaining valuable value as 200 degrees on the assumption that the gaming medium has been lent out by subtracting 50 degrees from the 250 degrees.

  In step S8, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the game medium can be lent based on the calculation result of the valuable value. That is, in step S8, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the lending is possible based on whether or not the remaining valuable value is 0 or more when it is assumed that a predetermined number of game media have been lent. In step S8, for example, when it is assumed that the game medium has been lent out as described above, if the remaining valuable value is 200, it is determined that it can be lent because it is 0 or more, and the process proceeds to step S9. Proceed to

  In step S9, the control unit 31 instructs the payout control unit 57 to pay out a predetermined number of game media with respect to the valuable value. Accordingly, the payout control unit 57 controls the valuable value payout unit 57 a to pay out a predetermined number of game media from the payout unit 37. In addition, the control unit 31 instructs the card data reading / writing control unit 52 to update the valuable value of the valuable medium so as to be a value obtained by subtracting the valuable value corresponding to the paid out game medium. The card data reading / writing control unit 52 controls the valuable value reading / writing unit 52a to obtain a valuable value obtained by subtracting the gaming medium amount paid out from the valuable value medium loaded in the card reader / writer 32. Let me update. Therefore, in the case of the above-described example, the valuable value recorded on the valuable value medium is updated from 250 to 200.

  In step S10, the control unit 31 determines whether or not there is a valuable value in the updated and recorded state, that is, whether or not the value is greater than 0 and the gaming medium can be lent. In step S10, for example, when the valuable value in the updated and recorded state is 0, in step S11, the control unit 31 inputs the valuable value input to the card data reading / writing control unit 52. Instruct the media to be collected. Correspondingly, the card data read / write control unit 52 controls the card reader / writer 32 to collect the valuable value medium by storing it in a card storage unit (not shown), and the process goes to step S1. Return. At this time, the display control unit 56 causes the display unit 36 to display a screen indicating that it has been collected because the value of the input valuable value medium has become zero. That is, since the visitor card cannot be charged with cash when its valuable value is lost, it is substantially unnecessary, and is therefore collected as a zero-value valuable value medium.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that lending is not possible, a predetermined number of game media cannot be rented, so the processing in step S9 is skipped.

  In step S10, for example, as described above, when the value is 200 and greater than 0, and the game medium can be lent out thereafter, the process returns to step S4.

  In other words, a predetermined number of game media are paid out and lent out each time the rent button 35-2 is operated until the valuable value becomes 0 value (frequency). In addition, the visitor card is returned when the return button 35-3 is operated when the valuable value does not become zero.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that, for example, no cash has been inserted, in step S12, the card data reading / writing control unit 52 controls the card reader / writer 32 to control the membership card or visitor card. It is determined whether any of the cards has been inserted.

  If it is determined in step S12 that neither a membership card nor a visitor card has been inserted, in step S13, the biometric information reading control unit 54 controls the intention determination unit 54a so that the biometric information reading device 34 It is determined whether or not biometric information has been read, that is, whether or not there is an intention to issue a membership card. More specifically, the intention determination unit 54a cannot be used for player authentication. For example, the intention determination unit 54a attempts to extract a feature amount that is relatively small as an information amount that can be recognized as holding a finger as biometric information. It is determined whether or not extraction is possible, and when the feature amount can be extracted, it is determined that a finger is held over as input of biometric information, and it is determined that there is an intention to issue a membership card.

  In step S13, for example, if it is determined that the player has an intention to issue a membership card from the beginning and holds his finger over the biological information reader 34, that is, it is considered that the player has an intention to issue a membership card. In this case, in step S14, the biometric information reading control unit 54 controls the biometric information reading unit 54b to extract a feature amount for identifying a player individual that can be used for player authentication.

  In step S15, the card data reading / writing control unit 52 controls the card reader / writer 32 to take out one valuable value medium having a value of 0 (frequency) stored in a card storage unit (not shown). Make it.

  In step S <b> 16, the card data reading / writing control unit 52 controls the biological information reading / writing unit 52 b to transfer the biological information of the biological information reading control unit 54 to the card reader / writer 32 as a taken-out valuable medium. Biometric information, which is extracted by the reading unit 54b and can be used for player authentication and serves as a feature amount for identifying a player, is recorded as a biometric information ID.

  In step S <b> 17, the control unit 31 controls the communication control unit 51 to transmit the biometric information ID to the management server 3 and request to register the player who uses the membership card as a member in the database 11.

  In step S61 (FIG. 8), the communication control unit 82 of the management server 3 determines whether registration in the database 11 as a member has been requested together with the biometric information ID. In step S61, for example, when the biometric information ID has not been transmitted, the processing of steps S62 to S64 is skipped. On the other hand, in step S61, for example, when the game medium lending machine 2 requests to register in the database 11 as a player who uses a membership card together with the biometric information ID in step S17, in step S62. The communication control unit 82 receives the transmitted biological information ID.

  In step S <b> 63, the control unit 71 controls the registration unit 81 to register the corresponding stored-ball information in the database 11 together with the received biological information ID. In the case of only registration, since the number of game media to be stored cannot be declared, it is registered as 0.

  In step S64, the communication control unit 82 notifies the completion of registration of the requested biometric information ID in the database 11.

  In step S <b> 18 (FIG. 7), the communication control unit 51 receives the registration completion notification transmitted from the management server 3.

  In step S19, the banknote reading control unit 53 of the game medium lending machine 2 controls the banknote reading device 33 to determine whether or not cash (banknote) has been inserted. In step S19, for example, when it is determined that cash has been inserted, in step S20, the banknote reading control unit 53 obtains the insertion amount based on the feature amount of the inserted banknote supplied from the banknote reader 33. . The card data reading / writing control unit 52 controls the valuable value reading / writing unit 52 a to add a value corresponding to the input amount determined by the bill reading control unit 53 to the valuable value medium taken out by the card reader / writer 32. Add value to write (record). Therefore, a valuable value corresponding to the amount of money inserted is recorded for a zero-value valuable value medium. If it is determined in step S19 that no cash has been inserted, the process of step S20 is skipped.

  In step S <b> 21, the operation input control unit 55 determines whether or not the rental button 35-2 is operated and the rental of the game medium with the valuable value is requested. If it is determined in step S21 that the lending button 35-2 has been operated, that is, if it is determined that the lending of game media has been instructed, in step S22, the control unit 31 performs the card data reading / writing control unit 52. The value related to the lending of a predetermined number of game media is subtracted from the value read by the value read / write unit 52a.

  In step S23, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the game medium can be lent based on the calculation result of the valuable value. In step S23, for example, if the remaining valuable value assuming that the game medium is lent out is 0 or more, it is determined that the rent is possible, and the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, the control unit 31 instructs the payout control unit 57 to pay out a predetermined number of game media with respect to the valuable value. Accordingly, the payout control unit 57 controls the valuable value payout unit 57 a to pay out a predetermined number of game media from the payout unit 37. In addition, the control unit 31 instructs the card data reading / writing control unit 52 to update the valuable value of the valuable medium so as to be a value obtained by subtracting the valuable value corresponding to the paid out game medium. The card data reading / writing control unit 52 controls the valuable value reading / writing unit 52a to obtain a valuable value obtained by subtracting the gaming medium amount paid out from the valuable value medium loaded in the card reader / writer 32. Let me update.

  In step S25, the operation input control unit 55 determines whether or not the return button 35-3 is operated, that is, whether or not the return of the membership card is requested. In step S25, for example, when it is determined that the return button 35-3 is operated, that is, when it is determined that the return of the membership card is requested, in step S26, the card data reading / writing control unit 52 The reader / writer 32 is controlled to instruct the member card, which is the inserted card, to be returned. In response to this, the card reader / writer 32 ejects the inserted membership card, and the process returns to step S1. That is, since the membership card can be used again regardless of the value of the valuable value, it is returned to the player.

  In step S23, for example, if the remaining valuable value when it is assumed that the game medium has been rented is not 0 or more, it is determined that the loan is impossible, and the processing of steps S24 and S25 is skipped. The process returns to step S19.

  Furthermore, also in step S25, when it is determined that the return button 35-3 is not operated, the process returns to step S19.

  That is, when there is an intention to issue a membership card, the player presents the biometric information so that the biometric information ID based on the biometric information is registered in the database 11 of the management server 3, and the biometric information is stored in the valuable value medium. By recording an ID, a membership card can be issued, and by inserting cash, valuable value can be charged any number of times. The game can be continued with the game being thrown in, and if the value is lost, it can be recharged.

  Through the above processing, the player can register the biometric information ID based on the biometric information in the database 11 of the management server 3 only by presenting the biometric information before the game, and the game store intends to join the membership. It becomes possible to realize enclosure of excellent customers by providing services such as storage or replay to the applicant.

  On the other hand, when a visitor card or a membership card is inserted in step S12, the card data reading / writing control unit 52 in step S27, the valuable value reading / writing unit 52a and the biometric information reading / writing unit. The unit 52b is controlled to read the valuable value and the biological information ID from the information read by the card reader / writer 32, respectively.

  In step S28, the card data reading / writing control unit 52 controls the determination unit 52c so that the biometric information ID is included in the information recorded on the card based on the reading result of the biometric information reading / writing unit 52b. It is determined whether or not. In step S28, for example, when it is determined from the reading result of the biometric information reading / writing unit 52b that the biometric information ID is not included, that is, when the inserted card is a visitor card, the process is as follows. Proceed to step S29.

  In step S29, the biological information reading control unit 54 controls the intention determining unit 54a to determine whether or not the biological information is read by the biological information reading device 34, that is, whether or not there is an intention to issue a membership card.

  In step S29, for example, if it is determined that there is no input of biometric information, that is, if the inserted card is a visitor card and the player wants to use it as a visitor card, the process proceeds to step S4. move on.

  In step S29, for example, when biometric information is input and it is considered that there is an intention to change from a visitor card to a membership card, in step S30, the biometric information reading control unit 54 changes the biometric information reading unit 54b. Control is performed to extract a feature quantity for identifying a player who can be used for player authentication, and the process proceeds to step S16. In this case, in step S16, the card data reading / writing control unit 52 controls the biometric information reading / writing unit 52b so that the card reader / writer 32 receives the valuable value medium inserted as a visitor card. Then, the biometric information extracted by the biometric information reading unit 54b of the biometric information reading control unit 54 and used as a feature amount for identifying the individual player, which can be used for player authentication, is recorded as the biometric information ID. By this processing, the visitor card is changed to the membership card including the biometric information ID.

  That is, when a visitor card is created, or when a visitor card is reinserted, it will continue to be used as a visitor card unless an intention to change from a visitor card to a membership card is entered by inputting biometric information. In this case, unless the return button 35-3 is operated and biometric information is not input, the processes of steps S29, S4, and S5 are sequentially repeated. In this state, for example, even if the lending button 35-2 is operated, as long as the valuable value remains, the processes of steps S29, S4, and S5 are sequentially repeated again.

  Therefore, if a player using a visitor card has purchased a visitor card and has inserted a visitor card that has a valuable value even during a game, the biometric information reader is always available. It is possible to change to a membership card simply by inputting it to 34, that is, in this case, by simply holding the finger.

  As a result, after purchasing a visitor card, even during a game, the game has been temporarily suspended, and the biometric information is simply presented without any complicated processing such as filling out the required items on the attached sheet. Since it is possible to register as a biometric information ID, it is possible to realize the enclosure of good customers by providing services such as storage and replay to the subscriber application intended by the amusement store It becomes possible.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that the biometric information ID is included, that is, if it is determined that the inserted card is a membership card, in step S31, the biometric information reading control unit 54 Then, the intention determination unit 54a is controlled to determine whether the biological information reading device 34 has read the biological information. However, in step S31, the intention determination unit 54a cannot be used for player authentication, but for example, an attempt is made to extract a relatively small feature amount as an information amount that can be recognized as holding a finger as biometric information. The process for determining whether or not extraction is possible is the same, but here, the biometric information for authentication with the biometric information ID recorded on the member card is accepted, so that the biometric information is input. The same processing is repeated until Therefore, in this process, at the same timing, the display control unit 56 controls the display unit 36 so as to display a screen asking for the presentation of biological information such as “hold your finger for authentication”. Anyway.

  If it is determined in step S31 that biometric information has been input, in step S32, the biometric information reading control unit 54 controls the biometric information reading unit 54b to identify individual players that can be used for player authentication. Extract (read) the feature quantity for identification.

  In step S33, the authentication unit 58 uses the biometric information ID acquired by the card data read / write control unit 52 controlling the biometric information read / write unit 52b, and the biometric information read control unit 54 sets the biometric information read unit 54b. Compared with the biometric information, which is a characteristic amount for identifying a player, which can be used for player authentication, obtained by control, the membership card belongs to the player himself depending on whether they match. Authenticate whether or not.

  In step S33, for example, the biometric information ID acquired by the card data read / write control unit 52 controlling the biometric information read / write unit 52b and the biometric information read control unit 54 control the biometric information read unit 54b. If it is determined that the acquired biometric information that can be used to authenticate the player and does not match the biometric information that identifies the individual player and the membership card is not that of the person, Proceeding to step S26, the membership card is returned. In this case, since there is a possibility of theft, the membership card may be collected.

  On the other hand, in step S33, for example, the biometric information ID acquired by the card data read / write control unit 52 controlling the biometric information read / write unit 52b and the biometric information read control unit 54 control the biometric information read unit 54b. If it is determined that the biometric information, which is the feature quantity for identifying the individual player and can be used for the authentication of the player, is acquired and the member card is determined to belong to the player Advances to step S19.

  By registering as a biometric information ID through the above processing, the membership card is subjected to authentication processing based on the biometric information ID and the biometric information. It becomes possible to prevent unauthorized use of spheres.

  If the lending button 35-2 is not operated in step S21, the operation input control unit 55 operates by operating the replay button 35-1 and pays out the stored game media in step S34. It is determined whether or not replay is requested.

  In step S34, the operation input control unit 55 determines whether or not the replay button 35-1 is operated. For example, when it is determined that the replay button 35-1 is not operated, the process proceeds to step S25. That is, when the membership card is inserted or when the visitor card is changed to the membership card, if the biometric authentication is permitted, the process proceeds to step S25.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S34 that the replay button 35-1 has been operated, in step S35, the communication control unit 51 controls the card information reading / writing control unit 52 to control the biometric information reading / writing unit 52b. The information which inquires the management server 3 whether replay is possible is transmitted with biometric information ID acquired by this.

  In step S65 (FIG. 8), the communication control unit 82 determines whether or not there is an inquiry from the game medium rental machine 2 as to whether or not replay is possible. In step S65, for example, when there is an inquiry as to whether replay is possible or not in the process of step S35, in step S66, the communication control unit 82 determines whether replay is possible from the game medium rental machine 2. The inquiry information is received and supplied to the replay processing unit 84.

  In step S67, the replay processing unit 84 extracts the biological information ID that has been transmitted along with the inquiry.

  In step S68, the replay processing unit 84 searches the database 11 based on the extracted biometric information ID, and reads information on the number of stored balls registered in association with the biometric information ID. The process of registering the game ball acquired by the player on the game table 1 as a game as a stored ball will be described in detail later.

  In step S69, the replay processing unit 84 controls the determination unit 84a to determine whether the number of stored balls associated with the biometric information ID is greater than a predetermined number of game balls to be paid out by replaying. To determine.

  When it is determined in step S69 that the number of stored balls associated with the biometric information ID is greater than the predetermined number to be paid out by replay, the replay processing unit 84 in step S70, the game to be paid out. The number of stored balls is subtracted from the number of stored balls, the number of stored balls in the database 11 registered in association with the biological information ID is updated, and the communication control unit 82 is notified that replay is possible.

  In step S <b> 71, the communication control unit 82 notifies the inquiring game medium rental machine 2 that replay is possible.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S69 that replay is not possible, in step S72, the replay processing unit 84 notifies the communication control unit 82 that replay is not possible. The communication control unit 82 notifies the inquiring game medium rental machine 2 that replay is not possible.

  In step S <b> 36 (FIG. 7), the communication control unit 51 receives a notification that is an inquiry result as to whether or not replay is possible, and supplies it to the payout control unit 57.

  In step S37, the payout control unit 57 determines whether or not the notification of the inquiry result is replayable. For example, if the notification is a replayable notification by the process of step S71, the payout control unit in step S38. 57 controls the replay payout unit 57b to cause the payout unit 37 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as game balls for replay.

  On the other hand, in step S37, for example, in the case of a notification indicating that replay is not possible due to the process in step S73, since replay is not possible, the process in step S38 is skipped.

  If it is determined in step S65 (FIG. 8) that there is no inquiry about whether or not replaying is possible, the processing in steps S66 to S72 is skipped.

  Through the above processing, the player who has acquired the membership card receives the payout by operating the replay button 35-1 for the stored ball associated with the biometric information ID and registered in the database 11 of the management server 3. Can be used. At this time, the player using the membership card authenticates whether or not it matches the biometric information ID recorded on the membership card, and then pays out the stored game balls for replay. Therefore, even if the membership card is stolen by a third party, it is possible to prevent illegal use of the stored game balls and valuable value.

  Next, medium management processing by the counter 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S111, the button input control unit 125 determines whether or not the processing start button 105-1 that is operated when a game medium is input to the counting unit 106 and instructs to start counting is operated, and it is determined that the operation has been performed. The same processing is repeated until it is done. In step S111, for example, when it is determined that the process start button 105-1 has been operated, in step S112, the button input control unit 125 notifies the count control unit 126 that the process start has been instructed. Then, the counting control unit 126 counts the game media that are inserted.

  In step S113, the card data reading control unit 122 controls the card reader 102 to determine whether either a membership card or a visitor card has been inserted. Repeat the process. In step S113, when either a member card or a visitor card has been inserted, in step S114, the button input control unit 125 determines whether or not the storage button 105-2 has been operated.

  When it is determined in step S114 that the storage button 105-2 has not been operated, it is determined in step S120 whether or not the counting button 105-3 has been operated, and it has been determined that it has not been operated. The process returns to step S114. That is, if either the storage button 105-2 or the counting button 105-3 is not operated, the processes of steps S114 and S120 are repeated until either button is operated.

  In step S114, for example, when it is determined that the storage button 105-2 is operated, in step S115, the card data reading control unit 122 controls the valuable value reading unit 122a and the biological information reading unit 122b, respectively. The valuable value and the biometric information ID are read from the information read by the card reader 102.

  In step S116, the card data reading control unit 122 controls the determination unit 122c to determine whether or not the biometric information ID is included in the information recorded on the card based on the reading result of the biometric information reading unit 122b. Determine. In step S116, for example, if it is determined from the reading result of the biometric information reading unit 122b that the biometric information ID is included, that is, if the inserted card is a membership card, the process proceeds to step S117. Proceed to

  In step S117, the communication control unit 121 obtains the counting result from the counting control unit 126, obtains the biological information ID read from the biological information reading unit 123b of the biological information reading control unit 123, and obtains the information. In addition, information for requesting storage is generated and transmitted to the management server 3.

  In step S <b> 73 (FIG. 8), the communication control unit 82 determines whether or not information requesting storage is transmitted from the counter 4. In step S73, for example, when storage is requested by the process of step S117 (FIG. 9), in step S74, the communication control unit 82 receives the transmitted information requesting storage and receives the storage. Supplied to the unit 83.

  In step S75, the ball storage unit 83 accesses the database 11 on the basis of the biological information ID included in the information requesting the storage, and stores the number of balls stored in association with the biological information ID. The information is read and updated by adding the count results included in the information requesting storage, and the completion of the update is supplied to the communication control unit 82.

  In step S76, the communication control unit 82 transmits a notification indicating that the registration of the stored ball has been completed to the counter 4 that has requested the stored ball.

  In step S <b> 118 (FIG. 9), the communication control unit 121 receives a notification indicating the completion of storage from the management server 3.

  In step S119, the card data reading control unit 122 controls the card reader 102 to discharge the inserted card and return it. At this time, the display control unit 124 controls the display unit 104 to display that the storage is completed together with the counting result.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S120 that the count button 105-3 has been operated, in step S122, the print control unit 127 obtains a count result from the count control unit 126 and controls the print unit 107 to perform counting. The result is printed on receipt paper or the like and output, and the process proceeds to step S119.

  If it is determined in step S116 that no biometric information ID is recorded, that is, a visitor card is inserted, the process proceeds to step S122.

  With the above processing, when a member card is inserted, it is possible to store the counting result in association with the biometric information ID as required by the player's intention. In addition, regardless of whether a visitor card or a membership card is inserted, the counting result can be printed on a receipt sheet or the like if no storage is selected.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the game medium management process by the checkout machine 5 will be described.

  In step S151, the card data reading / writing control unit 172 controls the card reader / writer 152 to determine whether either a member card or a visitor card has been inserted. The same process is repeated until.

  In step S151, when either a membership card or a visitor card is inserted, in step S152, the card data reading / writing control unit 172 reads the valuable value reading / writing unit 172a and the biometric information reading / writing unit. By controlling 172b, the valuable value and the biometric information ID are read from the information read by the card reader / writer 152, respectively.

  In step S153, the card data reading / writing control unit 172 controls the determination unit 172c so that the biometric information ID is included in the information recorded on the card based on the reading result of the biometric information reading / writing unit 172b. It is determined whether or not. In step S153, for example, when it is determined from the reading result of the biometric information reading / writing unit 172b that the biometric information ID is not included, that is, when the inserted card is a visitor card, the process is as follows. Proceed to step S154.

  In step S154, the display control unit 174 displays an image for confirming whether or not there is an intention to change from a visitor card to a membership card on the display unit 154. That is, in order to change to a membership card, a screen that prompts the user to hold the finger is displayed.

  In step S155, the biometric information reading control unit 173 controls the intention determination unit 173a to determine whether or not the biometric information is read by the biometric information reading device 153, that is, whether or not there is an intention to issue a membership card.

  In step S155, for example, when it is determined that there is no input of biometric information, that is, when the inserted card is a visitor card and the player wants to use it as a visitor card as it is, in step S156, a monetary payment is made. The control unit 175 calculates the settlement amount based on the value information read by the value reading / writing unit 172a of the card data reading / writing control unit 172, and controls the banknote payout device 155 and the coin payout device 156. Then, pay out the cash for the settlement amount.

  In step S157, the control unit 151 instructs the card data reading / writing control unit 172 to zero-value and recover the valuable value medium that has been input. Corresponding to this, the card data reading / writing control unit 172 controls the card reader / writer 152 to collect and store the valuable medium in the card storage unit (not shown) by converting it to zero value. Return to step S151.

  With the above processing, in the case of a visitor card, cash corresponding to the recorded valuable value is paid out as a settlement amount, and the card that is a valuable value medium is converted to zero value and collected.

  In step S155, for example, when biometric information is input and it is considered that there is an intention to change from a visitor card to a membership card, in step S158, the biometric information reading control unit 173 controls the biometric information reading unit 173b. Thus, from the image supplied from the biometric information reading device 153, a feature quantity for identifying a player who can be used for player authentication is extracted and read as biometric information.

  In step S159, the card data read / write control unit 172 controls the biometric information read / write unit 172b so that the biometric information read control unit 173 is placed on the visitor card currently inserted in the card reader / writer 152. The biometric information extracted by the biometric information reading unit 173b and used as a feature amount for identifying the individual player, which can be used for player authentication, is recorded as a biometric information ID.

  In step S160, the control unit 151 controls the communication control unit 171 to transmit the biometric information ID to the management server 3 and request to register the player who uses the membership card as a member in the database 11. Note that the subsequent processing of the management server 3 is the same as the processing of steps S61 to S64 of FIG. 8 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In step S <b> 161, the communication control unit 171 receives a registration completion notification transmitted from the management server 3.

  In step S162, the display control unit 174 displays a screen indicating registration completion on the display unit 154.

  In step S163, the money dispensing control unit 175 calculates the settlement amount based on the value information read by the value reading / writing unit 172a of the card data reading / writing control unit 172, and the banknote dispensing device 155 and The coin payout device 156 is controlled to pay out the cash for the settlement amount.

  In step S164, the control unit 151 instructs the card data reading / writing control unit 172 to return the valuable value medium that has been input. In response to this, the card data reading / writing control unit 172 controls the card reader / writer 152 to return the valuable value medium by discharging it, and the process returns to step S151.

  By the above processing, when changing from a visitor card to a membership card at the time of payment, it is possible to register the biological information by simply inputting the biological information at the time of payment, that is, in this case, by simply holding the finger. . As a result, even when purchasing a visitor card and paying it out, it is possible to register it as a biometric information ID by simply presenting the biometric information without any complicated processing such as filling in the required items on a separate sheet. Therefore, it becomes possible to realize the enclosure of excellent customers by providing services such as storing or replaying to the subscriber application intended by the amusement store.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S153 that the biometric information ID is included, that is, if the inserted card is a membership card, in step S165, the biometric information reading control unit 173 determines that the intention determination unit 173a To determine whether or not the biological information reading device 153 has read the biological information. In addition, since the process of the intention determination part 54a in step S165 receives the biometric information for authentication with biometric information ID currently recorded on the member card, the same process is performed until biometric information is input. Will be repeated. Accordingly, in this process, at the same timing, the display control unit 174 controls the display unit 154 to display a screen for requesting presentation of biological information such as “hold your finger to authenticate”. Anyway.

  If it is determined in step S165 that biometric information has been input, in step S166, the biometric information reading control unit 173 controls the biometric information reading unit 173b to identify a player individual that can be used for player authentication. Extract (read) the feature quantity for identification.

  In step S167, the authentication unit 176 uses the biometric information ID acquired by the card data read / write control unit 172 controlling the biometric information read / write unit 172b, and the biometric information read control unit 173 sets the biometric information read unit 173b. Compared with the biometric information, which is a characteristic amount for identifying a player, which can be used for player authentication, obtained by control, the membership card belongs to the player himself depending on whether they match. Authenticate whether or not.

  In step S167, the biometric information ID acquired by the card data read / write control unit 172 controlling the biometric information read / write unit 172b and the biometric information read control unit 173 acquired by controlling the biometric information read unit 173b. If the biometric information, which is a feature quantity for identifying the individual player and can be used for player authentication, matches, that is, if it is determined that the membership card belongs to the player, Advances to step S163, and if they do not match, that is, if it is determined that the member card is not the player's own, the processing returns to step S151.

  Through the above processing, a player registered as a membership card cannot be settled unless it is confirmed that he / she is the principal. As a result, even if the membership card is lost or stolen, only the person registered on the membership card can receive cash that is settled only by the third party. Is prevented from being settled.

  According to the present invention, as described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 10, the player can obtain the biological information at various timings such as the timing of purchasing the valuable medium, the game, or the settlement. Only by inputting, it becomes possible to register as a biometric information ID as a biometric ID (can be registered as a registrant). As a result, it becomes possible to realize the enclosure of excellent customers by providing services such as storing or replaying to the membership application applicant intended by the game shop.

  Incidentally, the series of monitoring processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software may execute various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, it is installed from a recording medium in a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

  FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of a general-purpose personal computer. This personal computer incorporates a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001. An input / output interface 1005 is connected to the CPU 1001 via the bus 1004. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003 are connected to the bus 1004.

  An input / output interface 1005 includes an input unit 1006 including an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse for a user to input an operation command, an output unit 1007 for outputting a processing operation screen and an image of a processing result to a display device, a program and various data. A storage unit 1008 including a hard disk drive to be stored, a LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, and the like, and a communication unit 1009 for performing communication processing via a network represented by the Internet are connected. Also, a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (including a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), a magneto-optical disk (including an MD (Mini Disc)), or a semiconductor A drive 1010 for reading / writing data from / to a removable medium 1011 such as a memory is connected.

  The CPU 1001 is read from a program stored in the ROM 1002 or a removable medium 1011 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, installed in the storage unit 1008, and loaded from the storage unit 1008 to the RAM 1003. Various processes are executed according to the program. The RAM 1003 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 1001 to execute various processes.

  In this specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in time series in the order described, but of course, it is not necessarily performed in time series. Or the process performed separately is included.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

It is a figure which shows the structure of one Embodiment of the game media processing system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the example of installation of the game media rental machine of FIG. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of the game media rental machine of FIG. 1, a management server, a counter, and a payment machine. It is an external view of the game media rental machine of FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view of the counter of FIG. It is an external view of the payment machine of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining a game media management process. It is a flowchart explaining a game media management process. It is a flowchart explaining a game media management process. It is a flowchart explaining a game media management process. And FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a personal computer.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1-1 thru | or 1-n Game stand 2,2-2 thru | or 2-n Game media rental machine 3 Management server 4 Counting machine 5 Checkout machine

Claims (16)

An intention confirmation means for confirming the intention of registration based on the presence or absence of biometric information;
When the intention is confirmed by the intention confirmation means, the biological information acquisition means for acquiring the biological information;
Issuing means for issuing biometric information obtained by the biometric information obtaining means and a valuable value medium including valuable value information;
A game medium processing device comprising: game medium management means for managing game media in association with the biological information. The game medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein the biological information includes a fingerprint, a vein, a glow, or a retina. The intention confirmation means includes
The game medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein a registration intention is confirmed when a feature amount required to detect the presence or absence of the biological information is detected among the biological information. The biological information acquisition means includes
The game medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein a feature amount required to individually identify the biological information is acquired from the biological information. The game media management means includes
The game medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein the game medium registered in association with the biological information recorded on the valuable medium is paid out.   A game medium lending device comprising the game medium processing device according to claim 5. The game media management means includes
The game medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the game medium is counted, and the count result of the game medium is registered in association with the biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition unit. Including transmission means for counting the game media and transmitting the count result of the game media and the biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition means to a management server;
The game medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management server causes the count result of the game medium to be registered in the database as the number of stored balls in association with the biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition unit.   A game medium counting device including the game medium management device according to claim 7. The game media management means includes
The predetermined number of game media is paid out when the number of stored balls is greater than a predetermined number, which is a counting result of game media registered in association with the biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition unit. Game media processing device. Biometric information reading means for reading biometric information recorded on the valuable medium;
Transmitting means for transmitting the biological information read from the valuable value medium by the biological information reading means to a management server,
The game media management means includes
The management server transmits a determination result indicating that the number of stored balls registered in the database in association with the biological information read from the valuable value medium by the biological information reading means is greater than a predetermined number. The game medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined number of the game media are paid out. The game media management means includes
Biological information read from the valuable value medium by the biological information reading means from the management server is registered in the database, and the biological information read from the valuable value medium by the biological information reading means The game medium processing device according to claim 11, wherein when a determination result indicating that the number of stored balls registered in association with information is larger than a predetermined number is transmitted, a predetermined number of the game media are paid out. .   A game medium lending device comprising the game medium processing device according to claim 10.   A game medium processing system comprising the game medium lending device according to claim 13 and the game medium counting device according to claim 9. An intention confirmation step for confirming the intention of registration based on the presence or absence of biometric information;
When the intention is confirmed by the process of the intention confirmation step, the biological information acquisition step for acquiring the biological information;
An issuance step for issuing the biometric information acquired by the processing of the biometric information acquisition step, and a valuable value medium including the valuable value information;
A game medium management method comprising: a game medium management step for managing game media in association with the biological information. An intention confirmation step for confirming the intention of registration based on the presence or absence of biometric information;
When the intention is confirmed by the process of the intention confirmation step, the biological information acquisition step for acquiring the biological information;
An issuance step for issuing the biometric information acquired by the processing of the biometric information acquisition step, and a valuable value medium including the valuable value information;
A program that causes a computer to execute a process including a game medium management step of managing a game medium in association with the biological information.

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