JP2008264289A - Game parlor charge settling system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game parlor charge settling system capable of settling usage charge of a game machine generated in a game parlor by automatic settling machines provided at one place in the game parlor, thereby abolishing a coin insertion device with a money changer distributedly disposed for every game machine in the game parlor. <P>SOLUTION: The game parlor charge settling system includes: a plurality of contactless ID cards 36 allowing the adding and erasing of data; a plurality of game machines 37 each having a card reader/writer for contactlessly transmitting/receiving the data with the ID card 36; a card issuing machine 38 as a card issuing means for issuing an ID card 36 added with a unique number for every customer when the customer comes to the game parlor; an automatic settling machine 39 as an automatic settling means having a card reader/writer 39a for contactlessly transmitting/receiving the data with the ID card 36 for settling the game charge when the customer leaves the game parlor; and a server 40 wirelessly communicating with each game machine 37 and wiredly connecting the card issuing machine 38 to the automatic settling machine 39. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

In the present invention, an IC card issued from an IC card issuing machine connected to a management server via a LAN when a plurality of game machines equipped with an IC card reader / writer communicate with the management server by wire or wireless and a player enters the game hall. The present invention relates to a game room fee settlement system in which a player who possesses a card reads an IC card held by an IC card reader of an automatic settlement machine connected to a management server via a LAN when the player leaves the game hall to settle the game fee.

Conventionally, as an example of this type of technology, there is a coin insertion device with a money changer disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-233828.
Describing this, FIG. 11 is an external front view of a coin insertion device with a money changer according to the prior art. The coin device 1 is provided with coin insertion ports 2 and 3 on the upper left and right sides, a bill insertion port 4 is provided in the center, a display unit 5 is provided on the upper side, and a coin discharge port is provided below the bill insertion port 4. 6 is located, and a coin collecting port 7 is provided on the lower side. Video game machines 20 and 30 are provided on both sides of the coin device 1, and the video game machines 20 and 30 are provided with monitors 21 and 31 on the upper front, and a start button 22 is provided in front of the monitors 21 and 31. 32, joysticks 23 and 33, and buttons 24 and 34, and speakers 25 and 35 are attached to the housing in the upper front. In order to enjoy the game of either of the two video game machines 20 and 30, the customer inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot on the desired video game machine side and displays the credit on the monitor of the video game machine. For example, if a game of the video game machine 20 is desired, a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 2 and displayed on the monitor 21 as a credit. If a game of the video game machine 30 is desired, a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 3 and displayed on the monitor 31 as a credit. When the customer wants to change the banknote, the banknote is inserted from the banknote insertion slot 4 and the coin corresponding to the banknote is paid out to the coin discharge slot 6.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-233828

As described above, the prior art disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-233828 discloses two video game machines 20, 30 such as adjacent video game machines, and the two video game machines 20, 30. A coin insertion device 1 with a money changer installed closely between the game machines, etc., and the coin insertion device 1 with a money changer for arbitrarily using two adjacent video game machines 20, 30, etc. A coin insertion device 1 with a money changer provided with two coin insertion ports 3.

Thus, according to the conventional technique, since a coin insertion device with a money changer is installed for each game machine, there is a problem in that sales must be collected for each game machine. In addition, there is a problem that it is necessary to prepare coins for exchange in a coin insertion device with a change machine for each game machine, and it is necessary to replenish coins for exchange while taking into account variations in the operating rate of the game machine. It was.

An object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned problems, abolish the coin insertion device with money changer that is distributed and arranged for each game machine in the game hall, and use the game machine usage fee generated in the game hall as a game It is an object of the present invention to provide a game room fee settlement system that makes it possible to perform settlement with a single automatic settlement machine provided at the venue.

The present invention has been invented in order to achieve the above-described object, and includes the following configuration and means.
That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of IC cards in which unique identification numbers are written, card issuing means for issuing the IC cards, and writing of data to the IC cards by bringing the IC cards close to each other Or a plurality of game machines equipped with an IC card reader / writer for reading data held in the IC card, an automatic settlement means equipped with an IC card reader / writer for reading data held in the IC card, and the card A server for connecting the issuing means and each of the automatic settlement means by wired communication means and receiving sales data from the plurality of game machines by wireless communication means is provided.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of IC cards in which unique identification numbers are written, card issuing means for issuing the IC cards, and writing of data to the IC cards by bringing the IC cards close to each other or A plurality of game machines equipped with an IC card reader / writer for reading data held in the IC card, an automatic settlement means equipped with an IC card reader / writer for reading data held in the IC card, and the card issuing And a server for receiving sales data by wireless communication means from the plurality of game machines, and an activation means for starting an operation system introduced into the server by the server And launch the application program of the amusement hall fee settlement system installed on the server And a setting file reading means for reading the setting file, an automatic adjusting machine initialization means for communicating with the automatic payment machine via a wired LAN, initializing the automatic payment machine, and determining a change, and a wireless LAN. A communication state confirmation unit that communicates with the game machine via the communication unit and confirms that the communication state is good, a card issuance command determination unit that determines whether a command is received from the card issuance unit, and a game machine Game machine sales command determination means for determining whether or not a command is received from the wireless relay terminal, automatic settlement machine command determination means for determining whether or not a command is received from the automatic settlement machine, and data output processing A data display command determination means for determining whether or not a command has been commanded, a setting change command determination means for determining whether or not a command to change the setting has been issued, A store opening / closing command determination means for determining whether or not a store / close instruction has been instructed, and an end pressing command determination means for determining whether or not to terminate the application program of the amusement hall fee settlement system are provided. .

Since the game room fee settlement system according to the present invention has the above configuration, the following effects are obtained.

That is, according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the game machine in the game hall is not provided with a coin insertion device with a money changer, and the game room usage fee is paid by one automatic settlement machine. Coin with change machine installed for each game machine that can be used for total sales such as operation total for each game machine by time within the time, rational business management can be carried out and customer exchange work and small amount of money are not required Since the work of collecting the sales proceeds from the input device can be omitted, there is an effect that a cash collection work or a totaling work after the game hall is closed is not necessary. In addition, it is possible to reduce the labor cost for the tabulation work, etc., and it is possible to set the usage fee of the game machine at a low cost, and to improve the customer satisfaction.

In addition, since wireless communication and data communication are performed between the game machine and the server, it is possible to freely change the layout of the game machine and increase or decrease the number of game machines, and by game machine type and time zone In addition, there is an effect that the usage fee setting of the game machine can be easily changed depending on the day of the week.

Hereinafter, the configuration of an embodiment of the game room fee settlement system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The game room fee settlement system includes a plurality of game machines 37 equipped with a plurality of contactless ID cards 36 that can add and delete data, and a card reader / writer 37a that transmits and receives data without contact with the ID cards 36. 37, a card issuing machine 38 as a card issuing means for issuing the ID card 36 with a unique number for each customer when the player (hereinafter referred to as a customer) enters the game hall, and when the customer leaves the game hall An automatic settlement machine 39 as an automatic settlement means equipped with a card reader / writer 39a that transmits and receives data without contact with the ID card 36 for settlement of game fees, wirelessly communicates with the game machine 37 and issues the card A server 40 in which the machine 38 and the automatic checkout machine 39 are connected by wire, an entrance 41 that allows the customer to enter the venue and prohibits the exit, Prohibited from entering the inside, it constitutes at the outlet 42 to allow the exit.

The ID card 36 used in the present invention is a non-contact type IC card, which is loaned from the game hall when the customer visits the game hall and returned to the game hall when leaving the game hall. The ID card 36 incorporates a coiled thin coil antenna and an IC chip as a storage medium, and the card reader / writer 37a included in the game machine 37, the card issuing machine 38 and the automatic checkout machine 39, Data is transmitted / received between 38a and 39a by short-range wireless communication. Specifically, when the ID card 36 is brought close to the card reader / writers 37a and 39a, electric power is generated in the ID card 36 by receiving electromagnetic waves from the antennas of the card reader / writers 37a, 38a and 39a. Short-distance wireless communication is performed between the ID card 36 activated by this power and the card reader / writers 37a, 38a, and 39a, and a series of operations of card detection, card authentication, and data reading and writing are instantaneously performed. For example, it can be performed in about 0.1 seconds. The distance between the ID card 36 and the card reader / writers 37a, 38a when the ID card 36 is brought close to the card reader / writers 37a, 38a, 39a is several millimeters to several centimeters, and reading and writing are performed in close contact with each other. It is also possible.

In the ID card 36, the only random unique ID number registered in the server 40 is written in advance. When the customer enters the amusement hall, the customer issues an ID card 36 at the entrance 41. This issuance procedure is the initialization of the history area in the IC chip built in the ID card 36 via the card reader / writer 38a provided with the ID card 36 in the card issuing machine 38, and the serial number given in the order of entry. The customer obtains the ID card 36 that can be used in the amusement hall by writing the ID of the day, the maximum amount of money that can be purchased in the amusement hall, and the entry time data. The customer starts the game machine 37 and starts the game by bringing the ID card 36 lent to the card reader / writer 37a of an arbitrary game machine 37 installed in the game hall. Usage data of the game machine 37 is transmitted to the server 40 by wireless communication, and the usage data is also stored in the ID card 36 in preparation for a wireless communication failure.

The game machine 37 is an arcade video game machine or the like for replacing a coin insertion device provided for starting a game in the prior art with a card reader / writer 37a and performing wireless communication with the server 40. A communication device is added. The customer can start the game machine 37 and start the game by bringing the ID card 36 lent to the card reader / writer 37a of the game machine 37 in proximity. The game machine 37 is not limited to an arcade video game machine, and a dedicated coin such as a slot machine is inserted into the coin slot of the game machine 37 to play a game. In addition, by installing a card reader / writer on a dedicated card vending machine used for an online game machine, an online game machine or the like can be managed in the same manner as an arcade video game machine.

The card reader / writer 37a of the game machine 37 constitutes a wireless relay terminal (not shown) in which elements are embedded in a board, for example, and wirelessly communicates with the server 40 by the wireless relay terminal. Further, a card reader / writer 37a shared by a plurality of groups or a large number of groups of the game machines 37 is provided in one game machine 37, and a wireless relay terminal arranged separately from the card reader / writer 37a is connected by wire. The relay terminal communicates with the server 40 by wireless communication. The game machine 37 and the server 40 communicate with each other by wireless communication. The unique random ID number read by the card reader / writer 37a of the game machine 37, the serial number assigned in the order of entry, the ID of the day, the game The server 40 acquires data such as the maximum amount of money that can be purchased in the hall, and authenticates the ID card 36 possessed by the customer. The unique random ID number data, serial number data assigned in the order of entry, and ID data of the day are collated by checking the data transmitted from the game machine 37 and received by the server 40 with the data stored in the server 40. Then, the authentication of the ID card 36 is completed, and when non-matching data is detected, the ID card 36 is prohibited from accepting, and the acceptance prohibition display is performed on the display device of the game machine 37.

When the authentication of the ID card 36 is completed, game fee generation data is transmitted from the game machine 37 to the server 40, and the memory of the ID card 36 corresponding to the only random unique ID number for which the authentication in the server 40 has been completed. The game fee amount is added and held in the area, and the customer can start the game with the game machine 37. When the game is over, the customer may play the game with the ID card 36 lent to the card reader / writer 37a of the game machine 37 again, or move to the game machine 37 installed in another place, A game may be started. The customer can play the game until the total usage amount of the game machine 37 reaches the upper limit amount recorded in the ID card 36.

Communication between the game machine 37 and the server 40 by wireless communication eliminates the need to connect the game machine 37 and the server 40 with a communication line. As a result, it is easy to arbitrarily change the arrangement of the game machine 37 in the amusement hall, so it is easy to increase the number of new game machines as well as considering the flow of customers for the purpose of increasing the sales amount. It is easy to change the layout in the amusement hall.

The card issuing machine 38 is a card issuing machine that issues an ID card 36 with a unique random ID number registered in the server 40 for each customer. It is installed near the entrance 41 of the amusement hall and is connected to the server 40 by cable means such as a wired LAN. The card issuing machine 38 is provided with a card reader / writer 38a. When a customer or an attendant at the game hall instructs the card issuing machine 38, a card reader- A serial number assigned in the order of entry by the writer 38a, the ID of the day, the maximum amount of money that can be purchased in the amusement hall, and data such as the entry time are written, and an ID card that can be used in any game machine 37 in the amusement hall Become.

The automatic settlement machine 39 is installed in the vicinity of the exit 42 of the amusement hall and is connected to the server 40 by cable means such as a wired LAN. A customer who has finished using a game machine or the like in the amusement hall makes the ID card 36 lent to the customer close to the card reader / writer 39a provided in the automatic checkout machine 39 and registered in the ID card 36 or / and The serial number or / and the ID of the day of the admission order are read, and based on these data, the automatic settlement machine 39 receives the usage fee amount generated in the amusement hall from the server 40 and displays the usage fee amount on the display unit. Then, according to the displayed amount, the customer inserts money or banknotes into the coin insertion slot or banknote insertion slot equipped with the automatic settlement machine 39, and the usage fee is settled. The ID card 36 that has undergone the checkout process may be collected by an attendant at the game hall that is waiting near the exit 42, or the ID card 36 collection device is provided in the automatic checkout machine 39 so that the customer can complete the checkout process. When 36 is put into the collecting device, the door of the store outlet 42 is unlocked, and the customer may leave the amusement hall.

The server 40 is installed in an amusement hall office, and the operating system is any one of UNIX (registered trademark), Windows (registered trademark), and Linux. As long as the hardware satisfies the capacity of data to be handled, the data processing capability may be at the personal computer level. The server 40 communicates with the game machine 37 by wireless communication means such as a wireless LAN, and is connected to the card issuing machine 38 and the automatic settlement machine 39 by wired communication means such as a wired LAN. The use and function of the server 40 will be described. The server 40 manages unique IDs for all the ID cards 36 used in the amusement hall, and assigns IDs of the day to the unique IDs and serials assigned in the order of entry. Assign a number, set and give an upper limit, manage the date and time of entry, and manage data in the history area.

Further, the server 40 performs authentication work of the ID card 36 with the game machine 37 through wireless communication, for example, a wireless LAN, acquires usage data of the game machine 37, manages data as history data in units of unique IDs, 36 abnormality detection is performed, and abnormality detection of the game machine 37 is performed. Further, the server 40 determines whether the unique ID of the ID card 36 read by the card reader / writer 38a provided in the card issuing machine 38 is registered in the server 40 and can be used with the card issuing machine 38, If the ID card 36 can be used, the ID card 36 issuance is registered, and the determination result is displayed on the display unit of the card issuing machine 38.
Furthermore, the server 40 extracts history data stored in the server 40 based on the unique ID of the ID card 36 read by the card reader / writer 39a provided in the automatic payment machine 39 with the automatic payment machine 39. It is sent to the automatic settlement machine 39 as settlement data via a wired LAN, and when the customer completes the settlement according to the amount displayed on the automatic settlement machine 39, a settlement notice sent by the automatic settlement machine 39 is received, and the unique ID Interpret that the historical data has been settled and process the data.

Before the game hall is opened, the server 40 communicates with all the game machines 37 installed in the game hall, and the ID number and the unit price that are valid only on the day calculated and created in advance by the server 40 are set for all the game machines 37. It has a function to set each unit. The unit price refers to a game fee from when a customer starts a game on the game machine 37 until the game program displays an end display. The server 40 has a function of receiving sales data for each game machine 37 from each game machine 37 when the game hall is closed and storing the data in the sales history area for each game machine 37.
As described above, since all data related to the amusement hall is stored in the server 40, the server 40 has a display function for sales data, a function for displaying / analyzing operating status by time zone, It has a card history display function, an abnormal record display function, and the like. The server 40 also has a unit price setting function for each game machine 37, an initial registration function for the ID card 36, and a registration deletion function for the ID card 36. The entrance 41 and the exit 42 are automatic doors used in ordinary construction.

Next, an outline of the operation of this system will be given for a case where, for example, a customer A uses a game hall in a game hall where the above-described game hall fee settlement system is installed.
First, when the customer A enters the game hall from the entrance 41, a staff member of the game hall operates the card issuing machine 38 to issue one ID card 36 and gives it to the customer A. Prior to this, the card issuing machine 38 communicates with the server 40 to check whether the unique ID of the ID card 36 has been registered and can be used. The ID card 36 is subjected to a writing process such as serial number indicating the admission order for the current day ID and unique ID, upper limit amount, admission date time, and history area initialization.
The customer A who has received the ID card 36 selects any one of the game machines 37 installed in the game arcade, and communicates with the ID card 36 being brought close to the card reader / writer 37a provided in the game machine 37. The wireless relay terminal of the game machine 37 that has communicated with the ID card 36 communicates with the server 40, and transmits the unique ID and the final use data to the server 40. The server 40 performs an authentication work to determine whether the ID card 36 is an available ID card. I do. When the ID card 36 is authenticated based on the unique ID, the server 40 transmits an authentication notification response to the wireless relay terminal of the game machine 37. Then, a game start screen (not shown) is displayed on the game machine 37, and the customer A can start the game.
When one game is completed, if the ID card 36 is brought closer to the card reader / writer 37a, the game can be resumed after the server 40 completes the authentication work of the ID card 36 as described above. The customer A moves to another game machine 37, brings the ID card 36 close to the card reader / writer 37a, and plays the game after the server 40 completes the authentication work of the ID card 36 as described above. it can.

The customer A can play the game until the upper limit amount recorded in the ID card 36 is reached. When the usage fee reaches the upper limit amount, a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit of the game machine 37, so that the customer A performs payment at the automatic settlement machine 39. It is natural that payment can be made even if the usage amount does not reach the upper limit amount. When the customer A brings the ID card 36 close to the card reader / writer 39 a provided in the automatic checkout machine 39, the automatic checkout machine 39 reads all the data recorded on the ID card 36. Next, the automatic checkout machine 39 requests the server 40 for usage history data of the unique ID based on the unique ID recorded on the ID card 36. The automatic checkout machine 39 that has received the usage history data from the server 40 compares the usage history data with the usage history data recorded on the ID card 36. If the usage history data recorded on the ID card 36 matches the usage history data received from the server 40, the automatic settlement machine 39 treats the usage history data recorded on the ID card 36 as true. If the usage history data does not match, the usage data is large. Is treated as true. The automatic checkout machine 39 calculates the use amount based on the data that is authenticated as true, and displays the use amount on the display unit (not shown) of the automatic checkout machine 39.
Customer A puts banknotes or money equivalent to the amount of money used into the banknotes or money slot (not shown) of automatic settlement machine 39 and performs settlement. The automatic settlement machine 39 notifies the server 40 that the settlement has been completed, and the settlement process is completed. Customer A returns the ID card 36 to the attendant at the game hall and exits from the exit 42.

Next, a specific operation in the game room fee settlement system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the main routine of the application program installed in the server 40, and FIGS. 3 to 10 are flowcharts of subroutines of the application program. Prior to the operation from Step 1, all the game machines 37 card terminals, the card issuing machine 38, and the automatic checkout machine 39 in the amusement hall are turned on in advance to be able to communicate with the server 40. To do.

In FIG. 2, in step 1, the power of the server 40 is turned on and the operation system installed in the server is started. This is the starting means. In step 2, the application program of the game room fee settlement system according to the present invention is activated and the setting file is read. In this step, a relationship file of all game machines 37 installed in the game hall and a group in which they are grouped by model name, a game unit price setting file for each model, and an initial setting file on the current day of the database are read. Step 2 is setting file reading means. Step 3 communicates with the automatic settlement machine 39 via the wired LAN, initializes the automatic settlement machine 39, and makes a change determination. This is automatic settlement machine initialization means. Step 4 communicates with the wireless relay terminal of the game machine 37 via the wireless LAN, confirms that the communication state is good, and transfers the set value. This is a communication state confirmation means.

Step 5 is a step of determining whether or not the application program of the game room fee settlement system operating on the server 40 has received a command from the card issuing machine 38. If the command has been received, the card of step 12 is determined. The issuance processing subroutine is executed, and if a command has not been received, the process proceeds to step 6. Step 5 is card issuing command determination means.

Step 6 is a step of determining whether or not the application program of the game room fee settlement system operating on the server 40 has received a command from the wireless relay terminal of the game machine 37. If the command has been received, the step is performed. The wireless terminal processing subroutine 13 is executed, and if no command is received, the process proceeds to step 7. Step 6 is a game machine command determination means.

Step 7 is a step of determining whether or not the application program of the game room fee settlement system operating on the server 40 has received a command from the automatic settlement machine 39. If the command has been received, the settlement of step 14 is performed. The machine reception processing subroutine is executed, and if no command is received, the process proceeds to step 8. Step 7 is an automatic settlement machine command determination means.

Step 8 is a step of determining whether or not the application program of the game room fee settlement system operating on the server 40 has received the data output processing command. If the command has been received, the data output processing subroutine of step 15 If the command is not received, the process proceeds to step 9. Step 8 is a data display command determination means. In this data display command, a game hall operator operating the server 40 moves a cursor (not shown) of a mouse (not shown) on the keyboard 40a connected to the server 40 or the display device 40b connected to the server 40. It is a command issued by operation.

Step 9 is a step of determining whether or not the application program of the game room fee settlement system operating on the server 40 has received a setting change command. If the command has been received, various setting registration processing subroutines of step 16 are performed. If the command is not received, the process proceeds to step 10. Step 9 is a setting change command determination means. Note that this setting change command is generated when a game hall operator operating the server 40 moves a cursor (not shown) of a mouse (not shown) on the keyboard 40a connected to the server 40 or the display device 40b connected to the server 40. It is a command issued by operation.

Step 10 is a step of determining whether or not the application program of the game hall fee settlement system operating on the server 40 has received a store opening / closing command. If the command has been received, the store opening subroutine or step of Step 17 is performed. 18 is executed, and if no command is received, the process proceeds to step 11. Step 10 is a store opening / closing command determination means. Note that this store opening / closing command is performed by a game hall staff operating the server 40 on a keyboard 40a connected to the server 40 or a cursor (not shown) of a mouse (not shown) on the display device 40b connected to the server 40. This command is issued by operating.

Step 11 is a step of determining whether or not to end the application program of the game hall fee settlement system operating on the server 40. When the application program of the game hall fee settlement system operating on the server 40 receives the end push command, step 18 is executed, and the application program of the game hall fee settlement system is terminated. If the end pressing command has not been received, the process returns to step 4 as shown in FIG. 2, and steps 5 to 11 are repeated. Step 11 is an end pressing command determination means. The end pressing command is such that the game hall staff operating the server 40 moves a cursor (not shown) of a mouse (not shown) on the keyboard 40a connected to the server 40 or the display device 40b connected to the server 40. It is a command issued by operation.
Step 19 is a step of ending the application program of the game hall fee settlement system according to the present invention by an end pressing command. This is the program end means.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, the radio terminal reception processing subroutine of step 13 which is a subroutine will be described. Since the wireless terminal, that is, the game machine 37 and the server 40 perform wireless communication, the signal is encrypted to prevent the contents from being intercepted and decrypted. Therefore, when the server 40 receives the encrypted signal of the game machine 37, first, at step 20, the encrypted data is restored. This is encryption data restoration means.
Step 21 is a determination step for authentication of the card data of the ID card 36 read by the game machine 37. If the card data stored in the server 40 matches the data stored in the ID card 36, the process goes to step 25. If not, go to step 22. Step 21 is card data authentication judgment means.
An example of the case where the card data stored in the server 40 and the data stored in the ID card 36 do not match is an example of the case where the wireless communication between the game machine 37 and the server 40 has failed. Is not transmitted to the server 40, and the latest usage data is recorded only on the ID card 36.

Step 25 is a step of accumulating the final use data in the server 40 based on the unique ID of the ID card 36 and authenticating the ID card 36. This is ID card authentication means.
Step 28 is a step of extracting the response data from the recording area of the server and collecting the data in order to notify the game machine 37 that the authentication of the ID card 36 has been completed. This is authentication notification data set means.
Step 32 is a processing step of encrypting and transmitting data related to the ID card 36 to the game machine. This is the response transmission processing means. Thereby, it is displayed on the game machine 37 that the ID card 36 has been authenticated, and the game is started.

Step 22 is a step for determining whether or not there is a contradiction in updating the card data of the ID card 36 read by the game machine 37 with the data of the server 40. If there is no contradiction, the process proceeds to step 26, and if there is a contradiction, the process proceeds to step 23. Step 22 is card update notification determination means.
In step 26, authentication is performed based on the unique ID of the ID card 36, the last use data is extracted from the recording area of the server 40, and the fact that the data has been updated is recorded. This is the update data recording means.

Step 29 is a subroutine for transmitting to the game machine 37 that the data recorded and held in the ID card 36 is updated with the data of the server 40 to authenticate the card. This is ID card update authentication means.
In step 23, the card data of the ID card 36 read by the game machine 37 is compared with the card data of the server 40 to determine whether or not to notify that the ID card 36 is abnormal. If it is notified that the ID card 36 is abnormal, the process proceeds to step 27. If the ID card 36 is not abnormal, the process proceeds to step 24. Step 23 is a card abnormality notification determination means.
In step 27, a card abnormality record is held in the recording area of the server 40 based on the unique ID of the ID card 36. This is a card abnormality recording means.

Step 30 is a subroutine for transmitting to the game machine 37 that the ID card 36 used in the game machine 37 is abnormal. This is card abnormality receiving means.
In step 24, the card data of the ID card 36 read by the game machine 37 is compared with the card data of the server 40 to determine whether or not to notify that the game machine 37 is abnormal. When notifying that the game machine 37 is abnormal, the process proceeds to step 31, and when the game machine 37 is not abnormal, the process returns to immediately before step 5 shown in FIG. Step 24 is a game machine abnormality notification determination means.
Step 31 is a subroutine for notifying the game machine 37 that the game machine 37 is abnormal. This is terminal abnormality receiving means.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the settlement machine reception processing subroutine of step 14 which is a subroutine will be described. When the settlement machine reception processing subroutine operates, the process proceeds to step 33 which is a step for determining whether or not there is a usage history request for the ID card 36. If there is a usage history request, the process proceeds to step 35; Step 33 is a usage history request determination means. Step 35 is a step of taking out the final use data stored in the server 40 from the recording area of the server 40 based on the unique ID of the ID card 36. This is card usage history data acquisition means.
Step 37 is a step of collecting the response data for notifying the automatic settlement machine 39 of the usage history data authentication of the ID card 36. This is card history data response data setting means. Following step 37, server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG.
Step 34 is a step for determining whether or not to make a settlement notice. If the settlement notification is to be made, the process proceeds to step 36; otherwise, the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG. Step 34 is a settlement notice determination means.

In step 36, authentication is performed based on the unique ID of the ID card 36, the settlement data is extracted from the recording area of the server 40, and the fact that the data has been updated is recorded. This is the settlement data recording means.
Step 38 is a step of collecting response data to notify the automatic settlement machine 39 that the settlement data of the ID card 36 has been recorded in the server 40. This is the settlement record completion response data set means. Following step 38, server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, the card issuance / reception process in step 12 as a subroutine will be described. When the card issue / reception processing subroutine operates, the process proceeds to step 39, where it is confirmed whether the unique ID of the received ID card 36 has been registered and can be used, and the history data area etc. for the unique ID is initialized. A serial number representing the order of admission is assigned to the set of IDs on the day and a random unique ID. Step 39 is a card ID authenticating means.
Step 40 is an initialization writing step to the ID card 36. The ID of the day, the serial number, the upper limit amount, the admission date time, the history area initialization, etc. are written. This is the ID card initialization writing means. When this step is completed, the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG.

Next, referring to FIG. 6, the data output processing subroutine of step 15 which is a subroutine will be described.
Step 41 is a determination step for determining whether or not the data output command is for the card being issued. If it is a data output command for the card being issued, the process proceeds to step 46, and if it is not a data output command for the card being issued, the process proceeds to step 42. Step 41 is a card data output judging means.
Step 46 displays the card ID, serial number, entry time, stay time, cash usage or coin usage amount in real time for each card that is entering, and then the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG. Step 46 is means for displaying the status of the entering card.

Step 42 is a determination step for determining whether or not the display command is for sales data. If it is a sales data display command, the process proceeds to step 47, and if it is not a sales data display command, the process proceeds to step 43. Step 42 is sales data output determination means.
Step 47 displays the accumulated sales by genre for the already settled sales or the sales plan during admission, and then the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG. Step 47 is sales data display means.

Step 43 is a determination step for determining whether or not the command is a display command for time period operation display data. If it is a display command for time period operation display data, the process proceeds to step 48, and if it is not a display command for time period operation display data, the process proceeds to step 44. Step 43 is time zone operation display data display command determination means.
Step 48 displays the data on the relationship between the number of visitors by time zone, the sales by time zone, the staying time by time zone, and the usage amount, and then the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG. This is time zone operation display means.

Step 44 is a determination step for determining whether or not the command is a display command for ID card history display data. If it is a display command for ID card history display data, the process proceeds to step 49, and if it is not a display command for ID card history display data, the process proceeds to step 45. Step 44 is ID card history display data display command determination means for the designated serial number card.
In step 49, the server 40 returns to step 4 after step 4 as shown in FIG. This is designated ID card history display means.

Step 45 is a determination step for determining whether or not the command is a display command for abnormal recording display data.
If it is a display command for abnormal record display data, the process proceeds to step 50, and if it is not a display command for abnormal record display data, the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG. Step 45 is an abnormality record display data display command determination means.
In step 50, the server 40 returns to step 4 after step 4 as shown in FIG. This is the abnormal record display means.

Next, referring to FIG. 7, various setting / registration processes in step 16 as a subroutine will be described.
Step 51 is a determination step for determining whether or not the command is for performing ID card initial registration.
If it is a command for initial registration of an ID card, the process proceeds to step 57, and if it is not a command for initial registration of an ID card, the process proceeds to step 52. Step 51 is ID card initial registration command determination means.
In step 57, after the initial data such as the store code and the number of times of writing is written in the ID card and the ID is registered in the server 40, the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG. This is the ID card initial registration means.

Step 52 is a determination step for determining whether the command is for registering the model name.
If it is a command for registering a model name, the process proceeds to step 58, and if it is not a command for registering a model name, the process proceeds to step 53. Step 52 is a model name registration command determination means.
In step 58, the genre name and its number of the game machine 37 are registered, the model name and its number are registered, and the prize name and its number are registered. Then, the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG. This is model name registration means.

Step 53 is a determination step for determining whether or not the command is for setting assignment of the game machine 37. If it is a command for setting the allocation of the game machine 37, the process proceeds to step 59. If it is not a command for setting the allocation of the game machine 37, the process proceeds to step 54. Step 53 is a game machine allocation setting command determination means.
In step 59, the relay terminal number to be installed and the game machine 37 are registered, and for each game machine 37, the genre name and its number are registered, the model name and its number are registered, and the prize name and its number are registered. Thereafter, the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG. This is the assignment setting means.

Step 54 is a determination step for determining whether or not the command is for deleting the ID card 36. If it is a command to delete the ID card 36, the process proceeds to step 60, and if it is not a command to delete the ID card 36, the process proceeds to step 55. Step 54 is ID card deletion command determination means.
In step 60, a deletion flag is set in the ID card information of the database of the server, and thereafter processing for prohibiting use is performed, and the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG.
This is ID card deletion means.

Step 55 is a determination step for determining whether the command is for setting the unit price.
If it is a command for setting a unit price, the process proceeds to step 61, and if it is not a command for setting a unit price, the process proceeds to step 56. Step 55 is a unit price setting command determination means.
Step 61 sets a unit price for each game machine 37. This makes it possible to set a flexible fee according to demand. After the unit price setting process, the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG. This is the unit price setting means.

Step 56 is a determination step for determining whether the command is for making a setting card.
If it is a command for creating a setting card, the process proceeds to step 62, and if it is not a command for creating a setting card, the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG. Step 56 is a setting card creation command determination means.
Step 62 is a subroutine for creating a setting card capable of manually setting the unit price for each game machine 37 when the wireless means from the server is impossible. After the setting card creation process, the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG. This is a setting card creation means.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the game hall opening process in step 17 which is a subroutine will be described.
Step 63 is a step of creating a current day ID number that is valid only on the current day according to a predetermined calculation formula. This is the day ID number creation means.
In the opening process, the game machine sequentially communicates with all the game machines in the amusement hall, but step 64 is a step for preparing to communicate with the game machine with the game machine number 1. This is a means for preparing communication with game machine n.
Step 65 is a step for performing communication with the game machine No. 1 and setting the number of repetitions for how many times the communication is repeated when a failure occurs in the communication state. Normally, the number of repetitions is set to 3. This is retry counter setting means.
Step 66 is a step for calling up the current unit price and the current day ID number from the storage area of the server. This is transmission data setting means.

Step 67 is a line connection processing step to the wireless relay terminal to which the game machine belongs.
This is the relay terminal line connection processing means.
Step 68 is a step of transmitting the unit price of the day and the ID number of the day to the game machine having the number specified in Step 64. This is the day data transmission means.
Step 69 is a determination step for determining whether or not communication with the game machine has been normally performed.
It is determined whether a connection error has occurred or a timeout has occurred. If the process has been performed normally, the process proceeds to step 72. If the process has not been performed normally, the process proceeds to step 70. This is the communication state determination means.

Step 70 is a determination step for determining whether or not the number of retries has reached the number of repetitions set in step 65. If the number of retries has not reached the number of repetitions, the process returns to step 68, and if it has reached, the process proceeds to step 71. Step 70 is means for determining the number of retries.
Step 71 records an abnormality history in the server 40. This is communication abnormality processing means.
Step 72 is a step of disconnecting the line to the wireless relay terminal to which the game machine that has performed communication belongs. This is the relay terminal line disconnection processing means.

Step 73 is a preparation step for communicating with the game machine having the game machine number obtained by adding 1 to the game machine number processed in step 64. This is a means for preparing communication with the game machine n + 1.
Step 74 is a determination step for determining whether or not communication has been performed with all game machines in the game hall. When communication with all the game machines is completed, the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG. If communication with all game machines has not been completed, the process returns to step 64. Step 74 is an all-terminal communication completion judging means.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the game hall closing process in step 18 as a subroutine will be described.
In the closing process, the game machine sequentially communicates with all the game machines in the amusement hall, but step 75 is a step for preparing to communicate with the game machine with the game machine number 1. This is a means for preparing communication with the game machine n, and is the same means as in step 64.
Step 76 is a step for performing communication with the game machine No. 1 and setting the number of repetitions for how many times the communication is repeated when a failure occurs in the communication state. Normally, the number of repetitions is set to 3. This is a retry counter setting means, which is the same means as in step 65.
Step 77 is a line connection processing step to the wireless relay terminal to which the game machine belongs. This is a relay terminal line connection processing means, which is the same means as in step 67.
Step 78 is a step of requesting the ID, unit price and sales data of the day to the game machine. This is the sales data requesting means.

Step 79 is a determination step for determining whether or not communication with the game machine has been normally performed. It is determined whether a connection error has occurred or a timeout has occurred. If the process has been performed normally, the process proceeds to step 82. If the process has not been performed normally, the process proceeds to step 80. This is a communication state determination means, which is the same means as in step 69.
Step 80 is a determination step for determining whether or not the number of retries has reached the number of repetitions set in step 76. If the number of retries has not reached the number of repetitions, the process returns to step 78, and if it has reached, the process proceeds to step 81. This is the retry count judging means, which is the same means as in Step 70.

Step 81 records the abnormality history in the server 40. This is communication abnormality processing means, which is the same means as in step 71.
Step 82 is a step of disconnecting the line to the wireless relay terminal to which the game machine that has performed communication belongs. This is the relay terminal line disconnection processing means, which is the same means as in step 72.
In step 83, the ID and unit price of the day are checked against the data of the server, and if they match, the data is stored in the sales history for each game machine. This is the data analysis / save means.

Step 84 is a preparation step for communicating with the game machine having the game machine number obtained by adding 1 to the game machine number processed in step 75. This is means for preparing communication with the game machine n + 1 and is the same means as in step 73.
Step 85 is a determination step for determining whether or not communication has been performed with all game machines in the game hall. When communication with all game machines is completed, the process proceeds to step 86, and when communication with all game machines is not completed, the process returns to step 75. Step 85 is an all-terminal communication completion judging means, which is the same means as step 74.
Step 86 is a step of displaying an abnormality display and sales data screen of each game machine. This is the store closing process status display means.

Step 87 is a step of acquiring the settlement history data of the day from the automatic settlement machine 39 and storing it as backup data. This is a settlement history request means.
Step 88 is a command to the automatic checkout machine 39, which makes the checkout impossible until the opening of the automatic checkout machine 39 and allows the card usage amount to be displayed. This is the settlement machine closing process notification means. When this processing is completed, the server 40 returns after step 4 as shown in FIG.

Next, a specific operation of the automatic checkout machine 39 will be described with reference to FIG.
In step 89, the automatic settlement machine 39 is turned on, and the operation system introduced into the automatic settlement machine 39 is activated. This is the settlement machine starting means.
In step 90, an application program related to the automatic settlement machine 39 of the game room fee settlement system according to the present invention is activated, and the setting file is read. This is the settlement machine setting file reading means.
Step 91 communicates with the server 40 via the wired LAN to confirm the communication state, the initialization reception process of the automatic checkout machine 39 and the change. This is the initialization reception processing means.
Step 92 is a step for confirming communication with the card reader / writer 39 a provided in the automatic checkout machine 39. This is means for confirming communication with the card reader / writer.

Step 93 is a judgment step for judging whether or not an application program related to the automatic settlement machine 39 of the game room fee settlement system operating on the automatic settlement machine 39 has received a store opening command from the server 40. If so, the subroutine of step 100 is executed. If no command has been received, the routine proceeds to step 94. Step 93 is a store opening reception command determination means.

Step 100 is a step of receiving the ID of the day and clearing the settlement history. This is the automatic checkout machine opening processing means.
Step 94 is a determination step for determining whether or not a cumulative request command has been received from the server 40. If a command has been received, the subroutine of Step 101 is executed, and if no command has been received, the process proceeds to Step 95. . Step 94 is a cumulative request command determination means.
Step 101 is a step of sending a response to the server 40 for the settlement history data of the day, which is a settlement history transmission response means.

Step 95 is a determination step for determining whether or not an abnormality history request command has been received from the server 40. If a command has been received, the subroutine of step 102 is executed. If no command has been received, the process proceeds to step 96. move on. Step 95 is an abnormality history request command determination means.

Step 102 is a step of sending a response for sending the abnormal history data of the day to the server 40, which is an abnormal history transmission response means.
Step 96 is a determination step for determining whether or not a store closing command has been received from the server 40. If a command has been received, the subroutine of Step 103 is executed, and if no command has been received, the routine proceeds to Step 97. Step 96 is a closing command determination means.
Step 103 is a step of clearing the store opening flag, which is a store closing processing means.
Step 97 is a determination step for determining whether or not there is an ID card to be settled. If there is an ID card to be settled, the process proceeds to a card settlement process in Step 104. If there is no ID card to be settled, Proceed to 98. Step 97 is a settlement card presence / absence judging means.

Step 98 is a step for determining whether or not the end switch has been pressed. If the switch has been pressed, the application program related to the automatic settlement machine 39 of the game room fee settlement system according to the present invention is terminated. If the end switch is not pressed, the process returns to step 93. Step 98 is an end switch pressing determination means.
Step 104 is a subroutine for performing ID card settlement processing. This is card settlement processing means.

Step 105 is a step for reading all data recorded in the ID card 36 into the automatic settlement machine 39. This is card data reading means.

Step 106 is a step of requesting the usage history data of the corresponding ID card from the server 40 based on the unique ID of the ID card 36. This is usage history request means.
Step 107 is a determination step for collating the use history data recorded on the ID card 36 with the use history data recorded on the server 40 and determining whether or not both use history data match. This is usage history data collating means. If the data match, the process proceeds to step 109; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 108.

Step 109 is a step for judging that the usage history data recorded on the ID card is correct. This is card data approval means.
Step 108 is a determination step for determining whether or not the usage history data recorded on the ID card 36 is larger than the usage history data recorded on the server 40. This is usage history data comparison means. When the usage history data recorded on the ID card 36 is larger than the usage history data recorded on the server 40, the process proceeds to step 109. When the usage history data recorded on the ID card 36 is smaller than the usage history data recorded on the server 40, the process proceeds to step 110.

In step 110, it is determined that the usage history data recorded in the server 40 is correct, and the usage history data is stored in the storage area of the server 40 and used as the data for the settlement process. This is the server data approval means.
Step 111 is a step in which the usage amount to be stored on the display unit of the automatic checkout machine 39 is displayed, and the customer inserts banknotes or money into the coin insertion slot or the banknote insertion slot according to the display amount, and the usage fee is settled. is there. This is the Bill Bali settlement method. A bill validator is an abbreviation for a bill validator.
Step 111 is a step of notifying the server 40 that the payment has been completed. This is the settlement completion notification means.

It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition in the game room fee settlement system which concerns on this invention. 1 shows an embodiment of a game room fee settlement system according to the present invention, and is a flowchart of a main routine in which a server shows from start of a server to completion of a program. 6 is a flowchart showing a configuration when a server performs wireless terminal reception processing in the game room fee settlement system according to the present invention. In the game room fee settlement system according to the present invention, it is a flowchart showing a configuration when the server performs a settlement machine reception process. In the game room fee settlement system according to the present invention, it is a flowchart showing a configuration when the server performs a card issue reception process. 4 is a flowchart showing a configuration when a server performs a data output process in the game room fee settlement system according to the present invention. In the game room fee settlement system according to the present invention, it is a flowchart showing a configuration when the server performs various setting registration processing. In the game room fee settlement system according to the present invention, it is a flowchart showing a configuration when the server performs a store opening process. In the game room fee settlement system according to the present invention, it is a flowchart showing a configuration when the server performs a closing process. In the automatic settlement machine of the game room fee settlement system according to the present invention, the automatic settlement machine is a flowchart showing from the start of the automatic settlement machine to the end of the program. It is an external appearance front view of the coin insertion device with a change machine in the prior art.

Explanation of symbols

36 ID card 37 game machine 37a card reader / writer 38 game machine
38a Card reader / writer 39 provided in the card issuing machine 39 Automatic payment machine 39a Card reader / writer 40 provided in the automatic payment machine 40 Server 40a Keyboard 40b Display device 41 Entrance 42 Exit step 1 Startup means step 2 Setting file reading means step 3 Automatic Payment machine initialization means Step 4 Communication state confirmation means Step 5 Card issue command judgment means Step 6 Game machine command judgment means Step 7 Automatic payment machine command judgment means Step 8 Data display command judgment means Step 9 Setting change command judgment means Step 10 Opening / Closed store command determining means Step 11 End pressing command determining means Step 12 Card issuing process subroutine step 13 Wireless terminal processing subroutine step 14 Payment machine receiving process subroutine step 15 Data output process subroutine step 16 various setting registration processing subroutine step 17 opening subroutine step 18 closing subroutine step 19 the program terminates means
Step 20 Encryption data restoration means Step 21 Card data authentication judgment means Step 22 Card update notification judgment means Step 23 Card abnormality notice judgment means
Step 24 Game machine abnormality notification determination means Step 25 ID card authentication means Step 26 Update data recording means Step 27 Card abnormality recording means Step 28 Authentication notification data setting means Step 29 ID card update authentication means
Step 30 Card abnormality receiving means
Step 31 Terminal abnormality reception means Step 32 Response transmission processing means Step 33 Usage history request determination means Step 34 Payment notification determination means Step 35 Card usage history data acquisition means Step 36 Payment data recording means Step 37 Card history data response data setting means Step 38 Settlement record completion response data setting means Step 39 Card ID authentication means Step 40 ID card initialization writing means Step 41 Card data output judgment means Step 42 Sales data output judgment means Step 43 Time zone operation display data display command judgment means Step 44 ID Card history display data display command determination means
Step 45 Abnormal record display data display command determination means Step 46 Entrance card status display means Step 47 Sales data display means
Step 48 Time zone operation display means Step 49 Designated ID card history display means Step 50 Abnormal record display means Step 51 ID card initial registration command judgment means Step 52 Model name registration command judgment means Step 53 Game machine allocation setting command judgment means Step 54 ID Card deletion command determination means step 55 Unit price setting command determination means step 56 Setting card creation command determination means step 57 ID card initial registration means step 58 Model name registration means step 59 Assignment setting means step 60 ID card deletion command step 61 Unit price setting means step 62 Setting card creation means Step 63 ID number creation means on the day
Step 64 Communication preparation means with game machine n No. Step 65 Retry counter setting means Step 66 Transmission data setting means
Step 67 Relay terminal line connection processing means Step 68 Same-day data transmission means Step 69 Communication state judgment means
Step 70 Retry count judgment means Step 71 Communication abnormality processing means Step 72 Relay terminal line disconnection processing means Step 73 Communication preparation means with game machine n + 1 No. 1 Step 74 All terminal communication completion judgment means Step 75 Communication with game machine n No. Preparation means Step 76 Retry counter setting means Step 77 Relay terminal line connection processing means Step 78 Sales data requesting means Step 79 Communication state judgment means Step 80 Retry count judgment means Step 81 Communication abnormality processing means Step 82 Relay terminal line disconnection processing means Step 83 Data analysis / save means Step 84 Communication preparation means with game machine n + 1 No. 1 Step 85 All terminal communication completion judgment means Step 86 Closed process status display means Step 87 Settlement history request means Step 88 Settlement machine close process notification means Step 9. Settlement machine starting means Step 90 Settlement machine setting file reading means Step 91 Initialization reception processing means Step 92 Communication confirmation means with card reader / writer Step 93 Opening reception command judgment means Step 94 Cumulative request command judgment means Step 95 Abnormal history request Command determining means step 96 Closing command determining means step 97 Payment card presence / absence determining means step 98 End switch pressing determining means step 101 Payment history transmission response means step 102 Abnormal history transmission response means step 103 Closing processing means step 104 Payment processing means step 105 card Data reading means step 106 Usage history requesting means step 107 Usage history data collating means step 108 Usage history data comparing means step 109 Card data approval means Step 1 0 Server Data Acknowledgment means step 111 billvali settlement unit step 112 settlement completion notification means

Claims (2)

A plurality of IC cards in which unique identification numbers are written, card issuing means for issuing the IC cards, and writing the data to the IC cards or reading the data held in the IC cards by bringing the IC cards close to each other A plurality of game machines equipped with an IC card reader / writer, an automatic payment means equipped with an IC card reader / writer for reading data held in the IC card, and each of the card issuing means and the automatic payment means A game room fee settlement system comprising: a server connected by wired communication means and receiving sales data from the plurality of game machines by wireless communication means. A plurality of IC cards in which unique identification numbers are written, card issuing means for issuing the IC cards, and writing the data to the IC cards or reading the data held in the IC cards by bringing the IC cards close to each other A plurality of game machines equipped with an IC card reader / writer, an automatic payment means equipped with an IC card reader / writer for reading data held in the IC card, and each of the card issuing means and the automatic payment means A server that is connected by wired communication means and receives sales data from the plurality of game machines by wireless communication means, an activation means that activates an operation system introduced by the server to the server, and a game room fee adjustment introduced to the server Start system application program and load configuration file Communicating with a game machine via a wireless LAN, a setting file reading means for performing communication, an automatic payment machine initialization means for communicating with an automatic payment machine via a wired LAN, initializing the automatic payment machine, and determining a change Communication status confirmation means for confirming that the communication status is good, card issue command judgment means for judging whether or not a command is received from the card issuing means, and a command from the wireless relay terminal of the game machine Game machine sales command determination means for determining whether or not a command has been received, automatic payment machine command determination means for determining whether or not a command has been received from an automatic payment machine, and whether or not data output processing has been commanded A data display command determining means for determining the setting, a setting change command determining means for determining whether or not a setting change is instructed, and whether or not an opening / closing instruction is instructed Gaming facility fee settlement system comprising: the opening / closing command determining means for determining the termination pressing command determining means for determining whether or not to terminate the application program of the game field fee settlement system.

Images