JP2008104642A - Game medium dispensing system, game machine, dispensing machine and game medium dispensing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a trouble between a game parlor and a game customer. <P>SOLUTION: This game medium dispensing system 3 is so constituted that a CR (Card Reader) type Pachinko-slot machine 4 regulates the dispensing of tokens for a structural reason of the Pachinko-slot machine that "a token hopper of the CR type Pachinko-slot machine 40 should exclusively put out prize tokens during a game", also allows a game customer to continue the game using holding tokens and regulates the dispensing of tokens under such a situation that there is no necessity for the customer to receive the dispensing of tokens (namely, the customer has no intention to receive the dispensing of tokens). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming medium lending system comprising a CR gaming machine that controls the supply of gaming media upon winning and renting, and a lending processor that issues a gaming medium lending instruction to the CR gaming machine in response to a gaming medium lending operation. The present invention relates to a machine, a rental processing machine, and a game medium rental method.

  Conventionally, in a gaming system that provides games such as pachinko games and pachislot games, a player is a game media lending machine such as a ball lending machine or a medal lending machine arranged for each gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine. A game medium such as a pachinko ball or a medal is borrowed from the game machine, and the game medium is played or thrown into a game machine.

  When renting out such game media, the cash machine-compatible type, in which game media is dispensed from the inside of the lending machine, depending on whether the game machine with which the game medium lending machine is attached is a “cash machine” or a “CR machine”. In addition, there are two types of lending forms of “CR machine compatible type” in which a gaming medium lending instruction is given to the gaming machine and the gaming medium is thrown out from inside the gaming machine. It should be noted that the “CR machine compatible” game medium lending machine is interface-connected so that it can communicate with the CR game machine.

  Here, at present, “CR machine” pachinko machines are widely used in the pachinko industry, and “cash machine” pachislot machines are widely used in the pachislot industry. In recent years, “CR machines” are also used in the pachislot industry. Pachislot machines tend to become mainstream, and as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228620, a “CR machine compatible” game medium that throws out lent medals borrowed by a player from a medal hopper in the pachislot machine Lending machines are expected to appear.

  In addition, in such a “CR machine” pachislot machine (hereinafter referred to as “CR pachislot machine” as appropriate), not only award medals are paid out but also rented medals are paid out by an internal medal hopper. Needs to dedicate the medal hopper to the prize medal payout.

  Against this background, in Patent Document 2, when the CR pachislot machine is in a game, the player can send a lending request signal output prohibition signal to the lending operation device attached to the CR pachislot machine. There has been proposed a game medium lending system that disables a lending button that accepts a lending request through a depressing operation to restrict lending operations during a game.

JP 2002-325890 A JP 2003-135672 A

  However, in the above-described prior arts (Patent Documents 1 and 2), even if the player does not intend to borrow, the game medium is rented out by mistake, and there is a problem that trouble occurs between the game store and the player. is there.

  For example, the above problem will be explained by taking the situation where a pachislot game is taking place as an example. During the bonus digest such as regular bonus and big bonus, and immediately after the bonus digest, the player inevitably has an award medal. Therefore, it is not necessary to borrow new medals to continue pachislot games.

  In this way, even if the player has no intention to borrow, if the loan operation is performed by an erroneous operation, the above-described conventional technologies (Patent Documents 1 and 2) pay out the loan medal to the player. Players will be borrowed in situations where it is not necessary to borrow a medal, and in addition, in the “CR machine” gaming machine including the CR pachislot machine, the award medal and the loaned medal are paid out to the same tray. Even if a payout is made, it is difficult to determine whether it is an award medal or a loan medal, and it is difficult to recognize an erroneous operation. The claim that “there should be an award medal can not be borrowed” follows the parallel lines, the trouble of both will be unavoidable.

  For this reason, it is an extremely important issue how to regulate the lending of game media in situations where the player does not intend to borrow. Also. This problem is not limited to CR pachislot machines and medal lending machines, but is widely common in gaming medium lending systems.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems (problems) of the prior art, and restricts the rental of game media in situations where the player has no intention of borrowing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game medium lending system, a gaming machine, a lending processor, and a game medium lending method that can prevent troubles with a player.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a gaming medium lending system according to the invention of claim 1 is responsive to a CR gaming machine that controls the supply of gaming media upon winning and renting, and a gaming medium lending operation. A gaming medium lending system comprising a lending processing machine that issues a gaming medium lending instruction to the CR gaming machine, wherein a special state determination unit for determining whether or not the CR gaming machine is in a special prize state; and the special prize And a prohibition measure executing means for executing a rental prohibition measure for the game medium when it is determined by the state availability determination means that the prize is in the special prize state.

  In the game medium lending system according to the invention of claim 2, in the above invention, the game medium lending operation is accepted by a lending operation device attached to either the CR gaming machine or the lending processor. When the CR gaming machine is determined to be in the special prize state by the special prize state availability determining means for determining whether or not the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state and the special prize state availability determining means. In addition, either the lending operation device is controlled so as to prohibit acceptance of the gaming medium lending operation, or even if the gaming medium lending instruction is accepted from the lending processor, the gaming medium supply control is prohibited. And a prohibition measure executing means for executing the loan prohibition measure.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the gaming medium lending system according to the first aspect, wherein the CR gaming machine is configured to determine whether or not the CR gaming machine is in a special prize state; A prohibition measure executing means for executing a loan prohibition measure for instructing the lending processor to return the inserted game recording medium when it is determined by the state availability determination means that the prize is in the special prize state; It is characterized by having.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the gaming medium lending operation is received by the lending operation device attached to either the CR gaming machine or the lending processor. When the CR gaming machine is determined to be in the special prize state by the special prize state availability determining means for determining whether or not the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state and the special prize state availability determining means. And a special prize status notification means for notifying the lending processing machine that the CR gaming machine is in a special prize state, and the rental processing machine is notified of the special prize status of the CR gaming machine by the special prize status notification means. The lending operation device is controlled so as to prohibit the acceptance of the game medium lending operation, or the game medium lending request is accepted through the lending operation device. Characterized in that a ban execution means for executing one of the lending ban or prohibits execution of the media lending instructions.

  Further, in the gaming medium lending system according to the invention of claim 5, in the above invention, the CR gaming machine has a special prize state availability judging means for judging whether or not the CR gaming machine is in a special prize state, and the special prize. When it is determined by the state availability determination means that it is in the special prize state, it comprises special prize state notification means for notifying the lending processing machine that the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state, A prohibition measure executing means for executing a loan prohibition measure for returning the game recording medium inserted in the loan processing machine when the CR gaming machine is notified by the special prize status notification means that the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state. It is characterized by that.

  Further, the gaming machine according to the invention of claim 6 is communicably connected to a lending processor that issues a gaming medium lending instruction in response to a gaming medium lending request acquired through a lending operation device that accepts a gaming medium lending operation. And a gaming machine that controls the supply of gaming media at the time of lending, and is in the special prize state by the special prize state availability determination unit that determines whether or not the gaming machine is in the special prize state and the special prize state availability determination unit. If it is determined, the lending operation device is controlled so as to prohibit the acceptance of the gaming medium lending operation, or even if the gaming medium lending instruction is accepted from the lending processor, the playing control of the gaming medium is prohibited. And a prohibition measure executing means for executing any of the loan prohibition measures.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the invention of claim 7 is communicably connected to a lending processing machine that gives a gaming medium lending instruction in response to a gaming medium lending operation, and controls the supply of gaming medium at the time of winning and lending And determining whether the gaming machine is in a special prize state, and determining whether the gaming machine is in the special prize state by the special prize state availability determining means, And a prohibition measure executing means for executing a loan prohibition measure instructing to return the inserted game recording medium.

  In addition, the lending processing machine according to the invention of claim 8 is connected to a gaming machine that controls the supply of gaming media at the time of winning and renting, and is communicatively connected to the gaming media lending request acquired through a lending operation device that accepts a gaming media lending operation. A lending processor for instructing gaming machines to lend to the gaming machine in response to a state detecting means for detecting a special prize state or a non-special prize state of the gaming machine, and a special prize state of the gaming machine by the state detecting means Or when the non-special condition of the gaming machine is not detected, the lending operation device is controlled to prohibit acceptance of the gaming medium lending operation or the gaming medium lending through the lending operation device. Prohibiting measure execution means for executing any lending prohibition measure for prohibiting execution of the game medium lending instruction even if a request is accepted To.

  The lending processing machine according to the invention of claim 9 is communicably connected to a gaming machine that controls the supply of gaming media at the time of winning and renting, and in response to a gaming media lending operation, the gaming machine lending instruction to the gaming machine A lending processing machine for detecting a special prize state or a non-special prize state of the gaming machine, and a non-special prize of the gaming machine when a special prize state of the gaming machine is detected by the state detection means. And a prohibition measure executing means for executing a loan prohibition measure for returning the game recording medium being inserted into the lending processing machine when the state is not detected.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming medium renting method, a CR gaming machine that controls the supply of gaming media upon winning and renting, and a gaming medium lending instruction to the CR gaming machine in response to a gaming medium lending operation. A gaming medium lending method for use in a gaming medium lending system comprising a lending processor, wherein the CR gaming machine determines whether or not the CR gaming machine is in a special prize state and the special prize state availability judgment process And a prohibition measure execution step of executing the gaming media lending prohibition measure when it is determined that the game is in a special prize state.

  According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state. When it is determined that the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state, the game medium lending prohibition measure is executed. The medal lending system and the game medium lending method that can regulate the medal lending in a situation where there is no game and can prevent troubles between the game store and the player are obtained. .

  Further, according to the present invention, the CR gaming machine determines whether or not the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state, and when it is determined that the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state, the reception of the gaming medium lending operation is prohibited. Since it was decided to carry out a lending prohibition measure, either controlling the lending operation device or prohibiting the supply of gaming media even if a gaming media lending instruction was accepted from the lending processor, It is possible to invalidate the game medium lending operation in a situation where there is no game, and to obtain a game medium lending system capable of preventing troubles between the game store and the player.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the CR gaming machine determines whether or not the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state, and determines that the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state, the CR gaming machine is inserted into the lending processing machine. Since it was decided to execute a lending prohibition measure instructing to return the recording medium, it is possible to invalidate the game medium lending operation in a situation where the player does not intend to borrow, and the game store and the player It is possible to obtain a game medium lending system that can prevent troubles between the two.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the CR gaming machine determines whether or not the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state, and determines that the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state, the fact that the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state. Notifying the lending machine, and when the lending machine is notified of the special award status of the CR gaming machine, it controls the lending operation device so as not to accept the game medium lending operation or the game is played through the lending operation device. Even if a media lending request is accepted, it is decided to execute any lending prohibition measure that prohibits the execution of the gaming media lending instruction, so the game media lending operation is invalidated when the player does not intend to borrow It is possible to obtain a game medium lending system capable of preventing troubles between a game store and a player.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the CR gaming machine determines whether or not the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state, and determines that the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state, the fact that the CR gaming machine is in the special prize state. Notifying the lending machine, and when the lending machine is notified that the CR gaming machine is in a special prize state, it executes a lending prohibition measure to return the game recording medium inserted in the lending machine. Therefore, there is a gaming medium lending system that can invalidate gaming medium lending operations in situations where the player does not intend to borrow and can prevent troubles between the gaming store and the player. The effect is obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in the special prize state, and when it is determined that the gaming machine is in the special prize state, the lending operation device is controlled so as to prohibit acceptance of the game medium lending operation. Or even if a game media lending instruction is received from the lending processor, the lending prohibition measure of prohibiting the supply of the game media is executed, so that the player is not willing to borrow The game medium lending operation can be invalidated, and an effect is obtained that a gaming machine capable of preventing troubles between the game store and the player is obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in the special prize state, and when it is determined that the gaming machine is in the special prize state, the inserted game recording medium is returned to the lending processing machine. Since the loan prohibition measures instructed to be executed, it is possible to invalidate the game media lending operation in situations where the player does not intend to borrow and prevent troubles between the game store and the player There is an effect that a gaming machine that can be used is obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, a gaming machine lending operation is accepted when a special prize state or a non-special prize state of a gaming machine is detected and a special prize state of the gaming machine is detected or a non-special prize state of the gaming machine is not detected. Either the lending operation device is controlled so as to be prohibited, or even if a gaming medium lending request is accepted through the lending operation device, the lending prohibition measure is prohibited. An effect that a lending processing machine capable of invalidating a game medium lending operation in a situation where the player does not intend to borrow and preventing troubles between the game store and the player can be obtained Play.

  Further, according to the present invention, when a special award state or a non-special award state of a gaming machine is detected and a special award state of the gaming machine is detected or when a non-special award state of the gaming machine is not detected, Since it was decided to carry out the lending prohibition measure to return the inserted game recording medium, it is possible to invalidate the game medium lending operation in the situation where the player does not intend to borrow, and the game store and the player It is possible to obtain a lending processor that can prevent troubles between the two.

  Exemplary embodiments of a game medium lending system (game medium lending method), a game machine, and a lending processor according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the game medium lending system according to the present invention (in this embodiment, the “medal lending system” is taken as an example) will be described as the first to fourth embodiments, and then the other media included in the present invention will be described. An embodiment will be described as a fifth embodiment. In the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a game system targeting pachislot games will be described. However, the present invention is also applied to a game system further including pachinko games or a game system only targeting pachinko games. The invention can be applied as well.

  In the following first embodiment, the outline and features of the medal lending system according to the first embodiment, the configuration of each device constituting the medal lending system, and the flow of processing will be described in order.

[Outline and Features (Example 1)]
First, the system configuration of the gaming system including the medal lending system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and the position of the medal lending system in this gaming system will be clarified, and then the first embodiment will be described. The outline and features of the medal lending system will be described. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the system configuration of the gaming system according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the features of the medal lending system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming system 1 installed in a gaming store has a management device for managing the remaining number of times associated with a prepaid card, a terminal controller (hereinafter referred to as prepaid card management T / C). The island controller 20 and the card issuing machine 55 provided for each group called “island” are connected with 10 as a vertex. Further, the island controller 20 is connected with a card processing unit (hereinafter referred to as “CR unit” as appropriate) 30 provided in each of the plurality of CR pachislot machines 40 installed on each island. The “CR unit” corresponds to the “lending processor” described in the claims.

  In this gaming system 1, a prepaid card PC (issued to the player by the CR unit 30 and the card issuing machine 55, and the identification information of the issuing store, the card-specific identification code, the issue amount, the card type, etc. is recorded) Can be used as a game recording medium.

  The CR unit 30 has a main function of performing medal lending processing with the remaining number of frequencies associated with the prepaid card PC (hereinafter referred to as the remaining frequency) as an upper limit. One pair is prepared for each of the CR pachislot machines 40, and the CR pachislot machine 40 is installed between the CR pachislot machines 40. Are different and are interfaced so that they can communicate with each other.

  The CR pachislot machine 40 is a pachislot machine that performs lottery for winning combination, reel drive, reel stop control, and award medal supply control in response to a game operation by a player. In the CR pachislot machine 40, which is a “CR machine”, in addition to the award medal, the rental medal supply control is performed. Note that “donation control” here refers to control for physically or electronically providing medals to a player, for example, medal throwing control from a medal hopper in the CR pachislot machine 40 or credits. Refers to credit addition control. “Credit” is a mechanism for storing the number of payouts inside the pachislot machine up to an upper limit of 50 normally when medals are inserted or medals are paid out, and the number of medals is deposited. At the same time, it is guaranteed that the number of medals is thrown out, and has a function of performing the same function as a manual medal insertion by a BET operation for accepting a game investment operation.

  The lending operation device 50 is an operation device for accepting a lending request from a player, and is attached to the CR pachislot machine 40. Specifically, the main function is to accept a medal lending operation through pressing of the lending button 503. The “medal lending operation” received in this way is transferred to the CR unit 30 as a “medal lending request” by the player.

  The card issuing machine 55 has, as main functions, an issuance process for a prepaid card PC associated with a valuable value (frequency) corresponding to the amount of money deposited and an addition process for the frequency associated with the prepaid card PC when cash is deposited. To do.

  The prepaid card management T / C 10 is a device that stores and manages prepaid card identification information (prepaid card ID) and the remaining number of prepaid cards. For example, when a large bill is inserted in the CR unit 30, the amount of the inserted bill is received from the CR unit 30 together with the prepaid card ID of the built-in card to be issued, and the amount of the inserted bill is entered in the prepaid card ID. After the value is added, a “value complete notification” is returned to the CR unit 30. In the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of preventing fraud such as tampering with data recorded on the card, a configuration is adopted in which only the prepaid card ID is recorded on the prepaid card without recording “frequency”. To do.

  The gaming system 1 includes a CR pachislot machine 40 that controls the supply of award medals and rental medals, and a CR unit 30 that issues a medal lending instruction to the CR pachislot machine 40 in response to a medal lending operation. The medal lending system 3 is included.

  Here, in the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment, the CR pachislot machine 40 determines whether or not the CR pachislot machine 40 is in a special prize state (a bonus such as a big bonus or a regular bonus is activated). And when it is determined that it is in the special prize state, even if a medal lending instruction is received from the CR unit 30, the lending prohibition measure for prohibiting the medal lending control is executed. Therefore, the renting of medals in a situation where the player does not intend to borrow is restricted, so that troubles between the game store and the player can be prevented.

  That is, in the CR pachislot machine 40 according to the first embodiment, the medal lending is only restricted for the structural reason of the pachislot machine that “the medal hopper of the CR pachislot machine 40 must be exclusively used for the awarding of award medals during the game”. In addition, it is possible to restrict medal lending even in situations where the player can continue to play the game using medals possessed and there is no need to borrow medals (that is, situations where the player does not intend to borrow). I am doing so.

  This main feature will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2. When the lending operation device 50 attached to the CR pachislot machine 40 receives a “medal lending operation” by a player (1), ”To the CR unit 30 (2), and the CR unit 30 receiving this“ medal lending request ”is lent out by a predetermined number of times (for example, one lending operation) from the remaining number of prepaid cards being inserted. The frequency is set to “10 degrees”) and “medal lending instruction” is given to the CR pachislot machine 40 for the subtraction frequency (3). As a matter of course, when a prepaid card having a remaining number is not inserted in the CR unit 30, there is no consideration to be obtained in exchange for medal lending. Is switched off so that a medal lending request is not transferred even if a medal lending operation is accepted, and the “medal lending instruction” to the CR pachislot machine 40 is not executed.

  On the other hand, when receiving the “medal lending instruction” from the CR unit 30, the CR pachislot machine 40 determines whether or not the CR pachislot machine 40 is in the special prize state (4). Performs the medal lending control (5), but ignores the “medal lending instruction” from the CR unit 30 when it is determined to be in the special prize state. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as “BB” as appropriate) or a regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as “RB”) is activated, and both BB and RB Is determined to be inactive, control is performed to receive a medal from the internal medal hopper and throw it out to the tray 409, and if it is determined that either BB or RB is in operation, the CR unit The “medal lending instruction” from 30 is ignored.

  Further, in the CR unit 30, when the “medal lending instruction” is ignored by the CR pachislot machine 40 and the “medal lending completion notification” is not obtained from the CR pachislot machine 40, the medal lending was fulfilled. Therefore, the prepaid card management T / C 10 is requested to add the frequency subtracted from the prepaid card to the prepaid card again.

  As described above, when the CR pachislot machine 40 is in the special prize state, even if a medal lending instruction is received from the CR unit 30, a loan prohibition measure for prohibiting the medal lending control is executed, so that the player has won the special prize. Even if a medal lending operation is performed by an erroneous operation in a situation where a medal is held and there is no need to borrow a new medal, the medal lending operation can be invalidated.

  Therefore, according to the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the CR pachislot machine 40 is in the special prize state. When it is determined that the CR pachislot machine 40 is in the special prize state, a medal lending instruction is issued from the CR unit 30. Since the loan prohibition measure that prohibits the loan medal supply control even if it is accepted, the medal lending operation in the situation where the player does not intend to borrow can be invalidated, and as the main feature described above, It becomes possible to prevent troubles between the store and the player.

  Furthermore, according to the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment, when the medal lending is regulated, the medal lending instruction is ignored even if the medal lending instruction is accepted from the CR unit 30. The medal lending operation by the player can be invalidated without changing the hardware configuration and software configuration of the lending operation device.

[Composition of medal lending system 3]
Subsequently, configurations and functions of the CR unit 30 and the CR pachislot machine 40 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating the appearance of the CR unit 30 and the CR pachislot machine 40 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the CR unit 30 is configured as a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped casing, and on its front panel, a card lamp 301, a cash lamp 302, a bill insertion slot 303, a return lever 304, a type lamp 305, 7SEG display section 306, setting button 307 and card insertion slot 308 are provided.

  The card lamp 301 and the cash lamp 302 are lit on the basis of a control signal from the control unit 38, and are used for notifying the player of a prepaid card and cash acceptable state. The bill insertion slot 303 is an opening for accepting a bill and taking it into the bill processing unit (BV unit) 34. In addition, this BV unit part 34 identifies the denomination of the taken-in banknote, gives this identification result to the control part 38, and guides it to the banknote conveyance path so that the taken-in banknote may be carried out to an island edge collection box.

  The return lever 304 is for returning the inserted money. The type lamp 305 is used to illuminate and display the type of game medium to be lent, that is, which of a pachinko ball or a medal is lent. Here, since it is arranged between the stands of the CR pachislot machine 40, the medals are lit up.

  The 7SEG display unit 306 is a display unit formed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the number of medals lent out each time a lent medal operation is performed by the lending operation device 50 attached to the CR pachislot machine 40. Do. The setting button 307 is used by the user to set the number of medals to be lent (lending unit) each time a medal lending operation is performed.

  The card insertion slot 308 is an opening for receiving a prepaid card and taking it into a card reader (C / R 35) 35 described later. The C / R 35 reads the captured card and performs a process of giving the read result to the control unit 38.

  On the other hand, the CR pachislot machine 40 is a pachislot machine that plays a game using medals borrowed using money or a prepaid card. As shown in FIG. 3, a medal slot 401, a start lever 402, and three reels. 403 to 405, stop buttons 406 to 408 for stopping the rotation of each reel, a receiving tray 409 for receiving award medals and rented medals paid out from the CR pachislot machine 40 or the CR unit 30, and for one and three seats Credit insertion buttons (BET buttons) 410 and 411, a payout display unit 412 for displaying the number of medals to be paid out when the symbols of the three reels 403 to 405 are aligned, and a credit display unit 413 for displaying the number of credits , A BET received number display section 414 for displaying the number of BET received, and a pachislot game And a liquid crystal panel 46a for displaying the various effects to be.

  In this CR pachislot machine 40, when 1 to 3 medals are inserted into the medal slot 401 and the start lever 402 is operated, the three reels 403 to 405 rotate, and the stop buttons 406 to 408 of the reels are pressed. Then, the rotation of each reel 403 to 405 is stopped. When the number of medals remains in the credit display unit 413, when the BET button 410 or 411 is pressed and the start lever 402 is operated, three medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 401 and the start lever 402 is moved. As with the operation, the three reels 403 to 405 rotate. In addition, in the case of a three-row game in which three medals are inserted and a game is played, a total of five rows of three horizontal rows and two diagonal rows are targeted. A pachislot game is held.

  When certain symbols are arranged in the target areas of the three reels 403 to 405, the payout display unit 412 displays a payout medal number (acquired medal number) corresponding to the type of the symbol, and the number of the displayed numbers. Medals are paid out. Specifically, this medal is not immediately paid out to the tray 409 but is internally held as credit, and the display content of the credit display unit 413 is added by the number of medals.

  Further, the CR pachislot machine 40 is provided with a lending operation device 50 whose main function is to accept a medal lending operation through an IF unit 43 described later. This lending operation device 50 is shown in FIG. , A remaining number display unit 501 for displaying the remaining number of prepaid cards being inserted into the CR unit 30, a lending button 502 for receiving a medal lending request, and a return button 503 for receiving a prepaid card return request.

  Next, the internal configuration of the CR unit 30 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration of the CR unit 30 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the CR unit 30 includes an operation unit 31, a display unit 32, an IF unit 33, a BV unit unit 34, a card reader (C / R) 35, a card storage unit 36, It has a transport / feeding mechanism section 37 and a control section 38.

  The operation unit 31 is a generic name for various button groups, the return lever 304, the setting button 307, and the like shown in FIG. The display unit 32 is a generic name for the card lamp 301, the cash lamp 302, the 7SEG display unit 306, and the like.

  The IF unit 33 is a processing unit that controls various communications between the CR unit 30 and other devices (for example, devices such as the prepaid card management T / C 10, the island controller 20, and the CR pachislot machine 40).

  The BV unit 34 is a bill discriminator that identifies the denomination of the bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 303, and outputs the identified denomination of the inserted bill to the control unit 38. In addition, when an insertion banknote is a forged banknote, the said banknote is returned.

  The C / R 35 is a card reader that reads information recorded on various cards such as a prepaid card and a membership card inserted into the card insertion slot 308. Specifically, the C / R 35 identifies the prepaid card identification information and the member from these various cards. The card identification information is read, and the read information is output to the control unit 38.

  The card storage unit 36 is a storage unit for storing a prepaid card whose remaining number is not valued, and a plurality of prepaid cards can be used in advance so that a player can play with cash without having to bring a prepaid card. Is stored. For example, when a bill is inserted by a player, one of a plurality of prepaid cards is paid out to the position of C / R 35 and is subject to frequency association with cash.

  The transport / feed-out mechanism unit 37 is a mechanism unit that transports / feeds out various cards. Specifically, the prepaid card inserted from the card insertion slot 308 is transported to the C / R 35, the prepaid card held in the C / R 35 is transported to the card storage unit 36, and the card storage unit 36 The built-in prepaid card stored in the C / R 35 is fed out to the C / R 35, or the pre-paid card held in the C / R 35 is fed out to the card insertion slot 308.

  The control unit 38 is a control unit that governs overall control of the CR unit 30, and includes a medal lending processing unit 38a as particularly relevant to the present invention.

  The medal lending processing unit 38a is a processing unit that gives a medal lending instruction for a medal to the CR pachislot machine 40 in response to a medal lending operation, and accepts a medal lending operation through a lending operation device 50 attached to the CR pachislot machine 40. Then, a predetermined number of times (for example, “10 times” is lent by the lending operation) is subtracted from the remaining frequency of the prepaid card being inserted, and a medal lending instruction for the subtracted frequency is CR-pachislot To machine 40. In the first embodiment, between the CR unit 30 and the CR pachislot machine 40, it is stipulated that “five” medals for one time are provided for each medal lending instruction. When renting medals for “ten times”, the CR unit 30 issues a total of ten medal lending instructions to the CR pachislot machine 40.

  Next, the internal configuration of the CR pachislot machine 40 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration of the CR pachislot machine 40 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the CR pachislot machine 40 includes an operation unit 41, a display unit 42, an IF unit 43, a reel drive unit 44, a medal hopper 45a, a hopper drive unit 45b, and a sub control unit 46. , A liquid crystal panel 46a, a speaker 46b, a storage unit 47, and a main control unit 48.

  Among these, the operation unit 41 is a general term for the start lever 402, the stop buttons 406 to 408, the BET buttons 410 and 411, the lending button 502, and the return button 503 shown in FIG. The display unit 42 is a collective term for the payout display unit 412, the credit display unit 413, the BET received number display unit 414, and the remaining frequency display unit 501 except for the liquid crystal panel 46a that performs display related to various effects belonging to the sub control unit 46. is there.

  The IF unit 43 is an interface for data communication with the CR unit 30, and the reel driving unit 44 is a processing unit that performs rotation driving and stop control of the left reel 403, the middle reel 404, and the right reel 405. The medal hopper 45a is a hopper that stores medals therein, and the hopper driving unit 45b is a processing unit that drives and controls the medal hopper 45a.

  The sub-control unit 46 is a processing unit that controls various effects related to the pachislot game based on the output from the main control unit 48. Specifically, the sub-control unit 46 draws a winning combination from the game control unit 48a of the main control unit 48. When the result is input, various effects are selected in accordance with the lottery results (for example, winning of a small role, winning of a bonus), and the selected effect is matched with the operation timing of the operation unit 41. And output to the speaker 46b. In the first embodiment, the sub control unit 46 does not input a control command or information to the main control unit 48, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control unit 48 to the sub control unit 46. .

  The storage unit 47 is a storage device that stores data (for example, setting data, data such as the number of credits and the number of BET received) and a program (game program) necessary for various processes by the main control unit 48, and is related to the present invention. As information to be performed, the bonus operation is performed on the ON state / OFF state of the “BB operation flag” indicating whether the BB is operating and the “RB operation flag” indicating whether the RB is operating. It is stored as flag information 47a.

  The main control unit 48 is a control unit that controls the entire CR pachislot machine 40. In particular, as closely related to the present invention, the game control unit 48a, the special prize state availability determination unit 48b, and the medal rental control unit 48c are provided. Prepare.

  Among these, the game control unit 48a has a main function of performing lottery of winning combination, reel rotation driving, reel stop control, and prize medal supply control based on the game operation in the operation unit 41. .

  More specifically, when an operation of the start lever 402 is accepted with a bet of the number of medals required for a unit game (one game) (when the game start condition is satisfied), predetermined hardware or software is used. A random number is extracted, “lottery processing” is performed to determine an internal winning combination corresponding to the random number, and each of the three reels 403 to 405 is driven to rotate through the reel driving unit 44, and then a stop button 406 for each reel. When a pressing operation of ˜408 is received, stop control is performed to stop the reels 403, 404, or 405 corresponding to the stop button that has received the pressing operation. In this stop control, the reels 403, 404, and 405 are stopped so that no player other than the internal winning combination (including a loss) determined in the “lottery process” is established on the active line.

  At this time, when certain symbols are arranged in the target areas of the three reels 403 to 405 (when a winning combination is established), the number of payout medals corresponding to the type of winning combination is displayed on the payout display portion 412 and displayed. A predetermined number of award medals are thrown out from the medal hopper 45a through the hopper driving unit 45b. If certain symbols are not arranged in the target areas of the three reels 403 to 405 (when the winning combination is not established), the game is terminated without paying out medals.

  Here, when BB or RB is established in the current game (that is, when the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are currently OFF and the BB or RB symbols are aligned in the current game). Updates the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag in the storage unit 47 to the ON state. On the other hand, when BB or RB has been operated by the previous game (that is, when the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is currently ON), whether or not BB or RB has ended is determined. If BB or RB ends as a result of the determination, the BB operating flag or RB operating flag in the storage unit 47 is updated to the OFF state.

  In this way, by updating the ON / OFF state of the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag, it is possible to determine whether or not the CR pachislot machine 40 is in the special prize state.

  The game control unit 48a performs the above-described series of processing (game control processing) in the gaming state, and in the non-gaming state, the medal insertion operation through the medal insertion slot 401, or the BET button 410 or 411. A BET acceptance process for accepting the number of BETs required for a unit game (one game) is also performed through the pressing operation of.

  The special prize state availability determination unit 48b is a processing unit that determines whether or not the CR pachislot machine 40 is in the special prize state. Specifically, when the “medal lending instruction” is received from the CR unit 30, it is determined whether or not the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag stored in the storage unit 47 is ON. When the CR pachislot machine 40 is in the gaming state, the medal lending is performed in the same manner as the existing ones for the reasons already described (the medal hopper of the CR pachislot machine 40 needs to be exclusively used for paying out award medals). Since the restriction is performed, in the first embodiment, when the “medal lending instruction” is received from the CR unit 30 in the non-game state, it is determined whether or not the special prize state is possible.

  The medal lending control unit 48c is a processing unit that performs lending medal supply control in response to a medal lending instruction from the CR unit 30. Specifically, when the special condition determination unit 48b determines that the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are in the OFF state (when neither BB nor RB is operating), the number of times When the lent medal “5” is thrown out from the medal hopper 45a through the hopper driving unit 45b and it is determined that the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is in the ON state (either BB or RB is In the case of operation), the “medal lending instruction” from the CR unit 30 is ignored.

[Process flow]
Next, the flow of various processes of the medal lending system according to the first embodiment will be described. Here, (1) the game control process performed in the CR pachislot machine 40 in the gaming state will be described, and then (2) the medal lending restriction process performed in the non-game state will be described.

(1) Game Control Process As described above, here, the game control process of the CR pachislot machine 40 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the game control process of the CR pachislot machine 40 according to the first embodiment. This “game control process” is started when an operation of the start lever 402 is received (when the game start condition is satisfied) in a state where the number of medals required for a unit game (one game) are bet.

  As shown in the figure, the game control unit 48a uses a predetermined hardware or software to extract a random number and performs a “lottery process” for determining an internal winning combination corresponding to the random number (step S601), Each of the three reels 403 to 405 is rotationally driven through the reel driving unit 44 (step S602).

  Subsequently, when the pressing operation of the stop buttons 406 to 408 of each reel is accepted (Yes at Step S603), the game control unit 48a stops the reel 403, 404, or 405 corresponding to the stop button that has accepted the pressing operation. (Step S604), and Steps S603 and S604 described above are repeated until all reels 403, 404, and 405 are stopped (Yes at Step S605). Note that the reels 403, 404, and 405 are automatically stopped if the stop button is not pressed even after a predetermined period (eg, “40 seconds”).

  At this time, when certain symbols are arranged in the target areas of the three reels 403 to 405 and a winning combination is established (Yes in step S606), the game control unit 48a displays a payout medal corresponding to the type of winning combination in the payout display unit 412. The number of displayed prize medals is thrown out from the medal hopper 45a through the hopper driving unit 45b (step S607). If a certain symbol is not aligned in the target areas of the three reels 403 to 405 and a winning combination is not established (No in step S606), the game is terminated without paying out medals.

  Here, when the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are OFF at the present time and BB or RB is established in the current game (Yes in Step S608 and Yes in Step S609), the game control unit 48a The BB operating flag or the RB operating flag in the storage unit 47 is updated to the ON state (step S610), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is currently ON (No at Step S608), the game control unit 48a determines whether the BB or RB has ended (Step S611). As a result, when BB or RB is completed (Yes at Step S611), the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag in the storage unit 47 is updated to an OFF state (Step S612), and the process is ended.

(2) Medal Lending Restriction Processing Subsequently, medal lending restriction processing of the CR pachislot machine 40 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the medal lending restriction process of the CR pachislot machine 40 according to the first embodiment. This “medal lending restriction process” is a process performed when the CR pachislot machine 40 is in a non-game state, and is repeatedly performed recursively until the CR pachislot machine 40 shifts to the game state.

  As shown in the figure, when the “medal lending instruction” is received from the CR unit 30 (Yes in step S701), the special prize state determination unit 48b determines whether the BB operation flag or RB operation stored in the storage unit 47 It is determined whether or not the middle flag is in an ON state (step S702).

  Here, when the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are in the OFF state (Yes at Step S702), the rental medal donation control unit 48c sends “5 sheets” of rental medals for one time through the hopper driving unit 45b. The medal hopper 45a is thrown out (step S703), and the above-described steps S701 to S703 are repeated until the CR pachislot machine 40 shifts to the gaming state.

  When the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is ON (No in step S702), the medal lending control unit 48c ignores the “medal lending instruction” from the CR unit 30, and the CR pachislot machine The processes of steps S701 to S702 described above are repeated until 40 shifts to the gaming state. In the first embodiment, when a medal lending request is received through the lending operation device 50, the CR pachislot machine 40 receives a medal lending request from the CR unit 30 after the lending operation device 50 makes a medal lending request to the CR unit 30 once. Although the medal lending instruction is ignored and the medal lending control is prohibited, the present invention is not limited to this. If the BB is operating or the RB is operating (the BB operating flag or RB in-operation flag), a switch for detecting a depressing operation of the lending button may be placed in a non-energized state so that a medal lending request is not transferred even if a medal lending operation is accepted.

  As described above, according to the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the CR pachislot machine 40 is in the special prize state. Even though a medal lending instruction is accepted, a lending prohibition measure that prohibits the medal lending control is executed, so that the medal lending operation can be invalidated when the player does not intend to borrow. It is possible to prevent troubles between the store and the player.

  Furthermore, according to the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment, the medal lending instruction is ignored even when a medal lending instruction is received from the CR unit 30 when restricting medal lending. It is possible to invalidate a medal lending operation by a player without modifying the hardware configuration and software configuration of the lending operation device.

  Next, a medal lending system according to the second embodiment will be described. In the following second embodiment, the medal lending system 5 according to the second embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment, and the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment. A description of the same configuration and the same function as those described above will be omitted.

  As described above, here, differences between the medal lending system 5 according to the second embodiment and the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment will be described. That is, the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment invalidates the medal lending operation by not responding to the “medal lending operation”, whereas the medal lending system 5 according to the second embodiment performs medal lending. The main difference is that the medal lending operation is invalidated by preventing the necessary conditions from being met.

  FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the features of the medal lending system 5 according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this medal lending system 5, when the CR pachislot machine 60 detects that the CR pachislot machine 60 is in a special prize state (following the example of the first embodiment, the BB operating flag) Or (when it is detected that the RB operating flag is in an ON state), the CR unit 30 is instructed to return the inserted prepaid card (1), and the CR that has received this prepaid card return instruction is received. In the unit 30, the prepaid card being inserted is returned from the card insertion slot 308 (2).

  In this way, when the CR pachislot machine 60 is in the special prize state, the player has won the special prize by executing the loan prohibition measure instructing the CR unit 30 to return the inserted prepaid card. Even if a medal lending operation is performed by mistake in a situation where you have an award medal and you do not need to borrow a new medal, there is no consideration to be paid in exchange for medal lending, and medal lending will not be performed The medal lending operation in a situation where the player does not intend to borrow can be invalidated.

  Therefore, according to the medal lending system 5 according to the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not the CR pachislot machine 60 is in the special prize state. The loan prohibition measure instructing to return the prepaid card is executed, so that the medal lending operation in the situation where the player does not intend to borrow can be invalidated. It becomes possible to prevent troubles with customers.

  Furthermore, according to the medal lending system 5 according to the second embodiment, when the CR pachislot machine 60 is in the special prize state, the prepaid card being inserted is returned to the CR unit 30, so that the prepaid card being inserted is settled. It can also be aroused and it is possible to prevent forgetting to take a prepaid card.

  Subsequently, a configuration that is different between the medal lending system 5 according to the second embodiment and the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment will be described with the difference. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the CR pachislot machine 60 according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the medal lending system 5 according to the second embodiment, a card return instruction unit 62 that instructs the CR unit 30 to return the prepaid card being inserted is added to the CR pachislot machine 60. Is different.

  Here, along with the addition of the function of the card return instruction unit 62 to the CR pachislot machine 60, in the CR pachislot machine 60 according to the second embodiment, the processing operation in the non-game state is the CR pachislot machine according to the first embodiment. Since it is different from the machine 40, the medal lending restriction process of the CR pachislot machine 60 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the medal lending restriction process of the CR pachislot machine 40 according to the second embodiment. This “medal lending restriction process” is started when the “game control process” by the game control unit 48a is completed.

  As shown in the figure, when the game end is notified by the game control unit 48a (Yes in step S1001), the special prize state availability determination unit 48b displays the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag stored in the storage unit 47. It is determined whether or not is in an ON state (step S1002).

  Here, when the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is in the ON state (Yes at Step S1002), the card return instruction unit 62 instructs the CR unit 30 to return the prepaid card being inserted. (Step S1003), the process is terminated, and when the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are in the OFF state (No in Step S1002), it is not necessary to restrict medal lending, so the process is performed as it is. finish.

  As described above, according to the medal lending system 5 according to the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not the CR pachislot machine 60 is in the special prize state. Since it is configured to execute a lending prohibition instruction that instructs the player to return the prepaid card being inserted, the medal lending operation in a situation where the player does not intend to borrow can be invalidated. It is possible to prevent troubles between the player and the player.

  Next, a medal lending system 7 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the following third embodiment, the medal lending system 7 according to the third embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment, and the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment. A description of the same configuration and the same function as those described above will be omitted.

  As described above, here, differences between the medal lending system 7 according to the third embodiment and the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment will be described. That is, in the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment, the CR pachislot machine 40 actively regulates medal lending, whereas in the medal lending system 7 according to the third embodiment, the CR unit 80 mainly takes medals. The main difference is in restricting lending.

  FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the features of the medal lending system 7 according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this medal lending system 7, when the CR pachislot machine 70 detects that the CR pachislot machine 70 is in a special prize state (following the example of the first embodiment, the BB operating flag) Or, when it is detected that the RB operation flag is in the ON state), the special pulse is output to the CR unit 80 through the special pulse output line (0). In the third embodiment, once it is detected that the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is in the ON state, the special prize is given until the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag in the ON state is updated to the OFF state. The pulse is output continuously.

  On the other hand, when the CR unit 80 detects the output of the special award pulse from the CR pachislot machine 70, the “lending operation” is accepted by the lending operation device 50 (1), and the “medal lending operation” is received from the lending operation device 50. Even if the “lending request” is transferred (2), the “medal lending request” is ignored and execution of the medal lending instruction to the CR pachislot machine 70 is prohibited (3).

  Therefore, according to the medal lending system 7 according to the third embodiment, it is determined whether or not the CR pachislot machine 70 is in the special prize state, and when it is determined that the CR pachislot machine 70 is in the special prize state, the CR pachislot machine 70 enters the special prize state. When the CR unit 80 is notified of the fact and the special prize state of the CR pachislot machine 70 is notified, a lending prohibition measure for prohibiting execution of a medal lending instruction is executed even if a medal lending operation is accepted through the lending operation device 50 As a result, the medal lending operation in a situation where the player does not intend to borrow can be invalidated, and it is possible to prevent troubles between the game store and the player as in the first embodiment. become.

  Subsequently, a configuration that differs between the medal lending system 7 according to the third embodiment and the medal lending system 3 according to the first embodiment will be described along with the difference. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the CR unit 80 according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, in the medal lending system 7 according to the third embodiment, in the CR pachislot machine 70, the special prize state availability determination unit 48b detects that the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is ON. In this case, a special pulse output unit 71 for outputting a special pulse to the CR unit 80 through the special pulse output line is added, and a special pulse outputted by the CR pachislot machine 70 is input to the control unit 82 in the CR unit 80. A special prize pulse input unit 81 is added. In addition, there is a stand information collecting system that collects various pulse signals such as special award pulses, IN pulses and OUT pulses as game stand information in a host device, a so-called hall computer (not shown). If the pulse signal collection path passes through the CR unit, the existing one can be used without newly providing the special pulse output unit 71 and the special pulse input unit 81.

  Here, in the CR unit 80 according to the third embodiment, the medal lending processing unit 83 in the control unit 82 has a function of restricting medal lending as the special prize pulse input unit 81 is added to the CR unit 80. Since it is added, the operation of the basic control processing is different from that of the CR unit 30 according to the first embodiment. In order to explain this specifically, basic control processing of the CR unit 80 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of basic control processing of the CR unit 80 according to the third embodiment. This “basic control process” is a process that is recursively performed as long as the power of the CR unit 30 is ON.

  As shown in the figure, when a bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 303 (Yes at Step S1301), the medal lending processing unit 83 applies a prepaid card newly issued from the card storage unit 36 to the BV unit 34. After the determined amount of the inserted banknote is valued (step S1302), the remaining number corresponding to the amount valued to the prepaid card is displayed in the remaining number display unit 501 of the lending operation device 50 attached to the CR pachislot machine 70. Are displayed (step S1303). Of course, when the inserted banknote is a counterfeit banknote, the inserted banknote is returned without performing the “value process”.

  In this case, since the remaining frequency of the prepaid card is not “0” (Yes in step S1304), the medal lending processing unit 83 waits for a medal lending operation to be performed by the lending operation device 50. The process shifts to a reception standby state (step S1305).

  When a prepaid card is inserted from the card insertion slot 308 (Yes at step S1306), the medal lending processing unit 83 inquires the prepaid card management T / C10 about the remaining number corresponding to the prepaid card ID of the inserted prepaid card. (Step S1307) The remaining frequency obtained by this inquiry is displayed on the remaining frequency display 501 of the lending operation device 50 (Step S1303).

  At this time, if the remaining number of the prepaid card is not “0” (Yes at Step S1304), the medal lending processing unit 83 waits for a medal lending operation to be performed in the lending operation device 50. (Step S1305), and if the remaining number of the prepaid card is “0” (No at Step S1304), the prepaid card having no remaining number is stored in the card storage unit 36 in the transport / feed-out mechanism unit 37. (Step S1308), and the process ends.

  Here, if a medal lending request is received from the lending operation device 50 (Yes at Step S1305), if the input of the special award pulse by the special award pulse input unit 81 is detected (Yes at Step S1309), the lending operation device 50 The medal lending request is ignored, and the “medal lending process” is not performed, and the process returns to step S1304 and is repeatedly performed.

  On the other hand, when the medal lending request is received from the lending operation device 50 (Yes at Step S1305), if the input of the special award pulse by the special award pulse input unit 81 is not detected (No at Step S1309), the medal lending processing unit 83 A “medal lending process” performed in cooperation between the CR unit 70 and the CR pachislot machine 80 is performed (step S1310). At this time, if the remaining number of prepaid cards being inserted becomes “0” (step S1304). No), the prepaid card having no remaining number is stored in the card storage unit 36 in the transport / feeding mechanism unit 37 (step S1308), the process is terminated, and the remaining number of prepaid cards being inserted is “0”. If not (Yes in step S1304), the process again shifts to the lending operation acceptance standby state (step S1305).

  In addition, when the depressing operation of the return button 503 is accepted by the lending operation device 50, that is, when the request for returning the prepaid card is accepted (Yes at Step S1311), the medal lending processing unit 83 sends it to the transport / feeding mechanism unit 37. The prepaid card is instructed to be returned to the card insertion slot 308 (step S1312), and the process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the medal lending system 7 according to the third embodiment, whether or not the CR pachislot machine 70 is in the special prize state is determined. Is notified to the CR unit 80 that the player is in the special prize state, and when the special prize state of the CR pachislot machine 70 is notified, the execution of the medal lending instruction is prohibited even if the medal lending operation is accepted through the lending operation device 50 Since it is configured to execute measures, it is possible to invalidate medal lending operations in situations where the player does not intend to borrow, and it is possible to prevent troubles between the game store and the player. is there.

  Next, a medal lending system according to Embodiment 4 will be described. In the following fourth embodiment, the medal lending system 9 according to the fourth embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the medal lending system 7 according to the third embodiment, and the medal lending system 5 according to the third embodiment. A description of the same configuration and the same function as those described above will be omitted.

  As described above, here, differences between the medal lending system 9 according to the fourth embodiment and the medal lending system 7 according to the third embodiment will be described. That is, the medal lending system 9 according to the third embodiment invalidates the medal lending operation by not responding to the “medal lending operation”, whereas the medal lending system 9 according to the fourth embodiment performs medal lending. The main difference is that the medal lending operation is invalidated by preventing the necessary conditions from being met.

  FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the features of the medal lending system 9 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this medal lending system 9, when the CR pachislot machine 70 detects that the CR pachislot machine 70 is in a special prize state (following the example of the third embodiment, the BB operating flag) Or the RB operating flag is detected to be ON), the special pulse is output to the CR unit 90 through the special pulse output line (1), and the CR unit 90 that detects the output of the special pulse has the card The prepaid card being inserted is returned from the insertion slot 308 (2).

  In this way, when the special prize state of the CR pachislot machine 70 is notified, the player holds the award medal acquired by the special prize by executing the lending prohibition measure for returning the prepaid card inserted into the CR unit 90. If there is no need to borrow new medals, even if a medal lending operation is performed by mistake, there is no compensation to be obtained in exchange for medal lending, and no medal lending is performed. The medal lending operation in a situation where there is no intention to borrow can be invalidated.

  As described above, according to the medal lending system 9 according to the fourth embodiment, it is determined whether or not the CR pachislot machine 70 is in the special prize state. Is notified to the CR unit 90 that the player is in the special prize state, and when the special prize state of the CR pachislot machine 70 is notified, the lending prohibition measure for returning the prepaid card inserted in the CR unit 90 is executed. Therefore, the medal lending operation in a situation where the player does not intend to borrow can be invalidated, and it is possible to prevent troubles between the game store and the player as in the third embodiment.

  Furthermore, according to the medal lending system 9 according to the fourth embodiment, when the special prize state of the CR pachislot machine 70 is notified, the inserted prepaid card is returned to the CR unit 90. It is possible to arouse payment and prevent forgetting to take a prepaid card.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the embodiments described above. Therefore, another embodiment included in the present invention will be described below.

  For example, in the first to fourth embodiments described above, the medal lending operation is invalidated when the CR pachislot machines 40, 60, and 70 are in the special prize state (when BB or RB is in operation). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a situation in which the player has a medal and has a high probability of continuing the game using the possessed medal (for example, after the end of the BB or after the end of the RB). A further effect can be obtained by invalidating the medal lending operation in a chance time section or a section where bonus distribution is preferentially performed in a predetermined number of games after the end of the BB or after the end of the RB.

  In the first and third embodiments described above, when a medal lending request is received through the lending operation device 50, the CR pachislot machine 40 makes a CR unit after the lending operation device 50 makes a medal lending request to the CR unit 30 once. The medal lending instruction from 30 is ignored and the medal lending control is prohibited, or the CR unit 30 ignores the medal lending request from the lending operation device 50 and prohibits the execution of the medal lending instruction. Although the embodiment for invalidating the medal lending operation has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. When the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is ON in the CR pachislot machine 40 or 70, The switch for detecting the pressing operation of the lending button 502 is de-energized, and even if the medal lending operation is accepted, the medal lending request is not changed. 80 may be controlled lending operation device 50 so as not to be transferred to.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the CR pachislot machine 40 prohibits the medal lending instruction by ignoring the medal lending instruction from the CR unit 30, but it is not always necessary to ignore the medal lending instruction. The CR unit 30 may be responded to the effect that it is impossible to provide a medal for rent.

  In the above-described second embodiment, the CR pachislot machine 60 directly notifies the CR unit 30 of the instruction to return the prepaid card being inserted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lending is performed. You may make it notify the return instruction of a prepaid card via the operating device 50. FIG.

  Further, in the second and fourth embodiments, the prepaid card is not accepted until the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag that is in the ON state in the CR pachislot machine 60 or 70 is updated to the OFF state again. The CR unit 30 may be configured.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the example in which the lending operation device 50 is attached to the CR pachislot machine 40, 60, or 70 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the CR unit 30 is not limited thereto. , 80 or 90, or may be incorporated in the CR pachislot machine and / or the CR unit.

  In addition, among the processes described in this embodiment, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or the processes described as being performed manually can be performed. All or a part can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedure, control procedure, specific name, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above-described document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

  Further, each component of each illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured. Further, all or any part of each processing function performed in each device may be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware by wired logic.

  As described above, the gaming medium lending system, gaming machine, lending processing machine, and gaming medium lending method according to the present invention regulate the lending of gaming media in situations where the player does not intend to borrow, and The present invention is suitable for a game medium lending system, a game machine, a lending processor, and a game medium lending method that can prevent troubles with a player.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a system configuration of a gaming system 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the characteristic of the medal rental system 3 which concerns on Example 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of a CR unit 30 and a CR pachislot machine 40 according to the first embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the internal structure of CR unit 30 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration of the CR pachislot machine 40 shown in FIG. 3. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of game control processing of the CR pachislot machine 40 according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of medal lending restriction processing of the CR pachislot machine 40 according to the first embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the characteristic of the medal rental system 5 which concerns on Example 2. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration of a CR pachislot machine 60 according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of medal lending restriction processing of the CR pachislot machine according to the second embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the characteristic of the medal rental system 7 which concerns on Example 3. FIG. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a CR unit 80 according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of basic control processing of a CR unit 80 according to a third embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the characteristic of the medal rental system 9 which concerns on Example 4. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Game system 3, 5, 7, 9 Medal lending system 10 Prepaid card management T / C
20 Island controller 30, 80, 90 Card processing unit (CR unit)
31 Operation section 32 Display section 33 IF section 34 BV unit section 35 Card reader (C / R)
36 Card storage section 37 Transport / feeding-out mechanism section 38 Control section 38a Medal lending processing section 81 Special award pulse input section 40, 60, 70 CR pachislot machine 41 Operation section 42 Display section 43 IF section 44 Reel drive section 45a Medal hopper 45b Hopper drive section 46 Sub-control unit 46a Liquid crystal panel 46b Speaker 47 Storage unit 48 Main control unit 48a Game control unit 48b Special award status availability determination unit 48c Loan medal supply control unit 62 Card return instruction unit 71 Special award pulse output unit

Claims (10)

A gaming medium lending system comprising a CR gaming machine that controls the supply of gaming media upon winning and renting, and a lending processor that issues a gaming medium lending instruction to the CR gaming machine in response to a gaming medium lending operation,
A special state determination unit for determining whether or not the CR gaming machine is in a special state;
A game medium lending system comprising: prohibition measure execution means for executing a prohibition measure for lending the game medium when it is determined that the special prize state is determined by the special status determination unit. The gaming medium lending operation is an operation that is accepted by a lending operation device attached to either the CR gaming machine or the lending processor,
The CR gaming machine
A special state determination unit for determining whether or not the CR gaming machine is in a special state;
The lending operation device is controlled to prohibit the acceptance of the gaming medium lending operation or the gaming medium lending from the lending processor when it is determined that the award state is determined by the award state availability determining means. The game medium lending system according to claim 1, further comprising prohibition measure execution means for executing any lending prohibition measure for prohibiting the supply control of the game medium even if an instruction is received. The CR gaming machine
A special state determination unit for determining whether or not the CR gaming machine is in a special state;
Prohibition measure execution means for instructing the lending processor to return the inserted game recording medium when it is determined that the special prize state is determined by the special status determination unit The game medium lending system according to claim 1, comprising: The gaming medium lending operation is an operation that is accepted by a lending operation device attached to either the CR gaming machine or the lending processor,
The CR gaming machine
A special state determination unit for determining whether or not the CR gaming machine is in a special state;
A special status notification means for notifying the lending processor that the CR gaming machine is in a special status when the special status determination unit determines that the special status is the special status,
The lending processor is
When the special prize status of the CR gaming machine is notified by the special prize status notification means, the gaming medium lending operation device is controlled to be prohibited from accepting the gaming medium lending operation or the gaming medium is passed through the lending operation device. The game medium lending system according to claim 1, further comprising prohibition measure execution means for executing any lending prohibition measure for prohibiting execution of the game medium lending instruction even if a lending request is received. . The CR gaming machine
A special state determination unit for determining whether or not the CR gaming machine is in a special state;
A special status notification means for notifying the lending processor that the CR gaming machine is in a special status when the special status determination unit determines that the special status is the special status,
The lending processor is
A prohibition measure executing means for executing a lending prohibition measure for returning the game recording medium being inserted into the lending processor when the CR gaming machine is notified by the special award status notifying means that the CR gaming machine is in a special prize state; The game medium rental system according to claim 1, further comprising: A gaming machine that is communicably connected to a lending processing machine that issues a gaming medium lending instruction in response to a gaming medium lending request acquired through a lending operation device that accepts a gaming medium lending operation, and that controls the supply of gaming media for winning and lending There,
A special state determination unit for determining whether or not the gaming machine is in a special state;
The lending operation device is controlled to prohibit the acceptance of the gaming medium lending operation or the gaming medium lending from the lending processor when it is determined that the award state is determined by the award state availability determining means. A gaming machine, comprising: prohibition measure execution means for executing any lending prohibition measure for prohibiting the supply control of the game medium even when an instruction is received. A gaming machine that is communicably connected to a lending processing machine that issues a gaming medium lending instruction in response to a gaming medium lending operation, and that controls the supply of gaming media upon winning and lending,
A special state determination unit for determining whether or not the gaming machine is in a special state;
Prohibition measure execution means for instructing the lending processor to return the inserted game recording medium when it is determined that the special prize state is determined by the special status determination unit A gaming machine characterized by comprising and. In response to a game medium lending request acquired through a lending operation device that is connected to a gaming machine that controls the supply of game media at the time of winning and renting and accepts a game medium lending operation, a game medium lending instruction is given to the gaming machine A lending processor,
State detecting means for detecting a special prize state or a non-special prize state of the gaming machine;
Whether to control the lending operation device so as to prohibit acceptance of the gaming medium lending operation when the state detecting means detects a special award state of the gaming machine or when a non-special award state of the gaming machine is not detected Or a prohibition measure execution means for executing any one of the prohibition measures to prohibit the execution of the gaming medium lending instruction even if the gaming medium lending request is received through the lending operation device. Lending processing machine. A lending processor that is communicably connected to a gaming machine that controls the supply of gaming media for winning and renting, and that issues gaming media lending instructions to the gaming machine in response to a gaming media lending operation,
State detecting means for detecting a special prize state or a non-special prize state of the gaming machine;
When the special condition state of the gaming machine is detected by the state detection means or when the non-special condition state of the gaming machine is not detected, a lending prohibition measure for returning the game recording medium inserted in the lending processing machine is executed A lending processor comprising: a prohibition measure executing means. Lending game media for use in a gaming media lending system comprising a CR gaming machine that controls the supply of gaming media upon winning and renting, and a lending processor that issues gaming media lending instructions to the CR gaming machine in response to a gaming media lending operation A method,
A special state determination process for determining whether or not the CR gaming machine is in a special state;
A game medium lending method comprising: a prohibition measure execution step of executing a prohibition measure for lending the game medium when it is determined that the special prize state is determined in the special prize state availability determination step.

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