JP2010154938A - Game medium counting device and prize exchange system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game medium counting device permitting prize exchange without using a receipt or member card and without giving trouble to a player. <P>SOLUTION: The game medium counting device includes counting means for counting the number of game media, and a function for non-contact communication with a mobile terminal by automatically detecting the mobile terminal. The game medium counting device also includes communication means for acquiring identification information for specifying the mobile terminal from the mobile terminal by the non-contact communication with the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is detected, and means for transmitting counted value management information having counted information including the result of counting by the counting means and the identification information acquired by the communication means to an outside management device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  This invention is a game medium counting device that counts the number of game media such as pachinko balls and medals that a player has acquired with a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or pachislot machine, and exchanges prizes based on the counting results of the game medium counting device. The present invention relates to a free gift exchange system.

  At game facilities such as pachinko parlors, game media such as pachinko balls and medals acquired by players are exchanged for prizes as follows.

  First, as described in Patent Document 1 below, a method (hereinafter referred to as a first conventional method) using a receipt in which count information of game media acquired by a player is recorded will be described. The player puts game media such as pachinko balls acquired by the player into a game media counter installed in the game facility. The game medium counting device counts the inserted game media and issues a receipt on which a barcode representing count information including the count result is printed.

  The player brings the receipt issued by the game medium counting device to the prize counter and hands it to the staff. The staff member causes the prize management machine to read the count information recorded in the barcode on the receipt received from the player. The prize management machine determines the type and number of prizes to be paid out based on the read count information, and gives a prize payout command according to the determined contents to the prize payer. The prize dispenser dispenses prizes in accordance with a prize dispensing instruction from the prize management machine. The clerk hands the prize paid out from the prize dispenser to the player. The player brings the received prize to a prize exchange installed outside the game facility and purchases the prize at a value equivalent to the prize at the prize exchange.

  Next, a method using a management device (hereinafter referred to as a second conventional method) that stores the count information of game media acquired by the player in association with the card ID recorded on the member card will be described. A member card in which a member number (card ID) is recorded is issued to the member. The player puts the game medium acquired by the player into the game medium counting device and causes the game medium counting device to read the card ID recorded on the member card. The game medium counting device counts the inserted game media, and transmits the card ID read from the member card together with the counting information including the counting result to the management device. The management device stores the received count information in association with the received card ID.

  Thereafter, the player causes the prize management machine to read the card ID recorded on the member card. The giveaway management machine acquires the count information recorded corresponding to the card ID from the management device by transmitting the read card ID to the management device. The giveaway management machine determines the type and number of prizes to be paid out based on the acquired count information, and gives a prize payout command according to the determined content to the prize dispenser.

  Patent Document 2 below discloses a system (hereinafter referred to as “third conventional method”) in which money can be exchanged without using any premium by using a mobile phone terminal possessed by a player.

  In this system, a player inserts a pachinko ball (game medium) into the game medium counting device and makes a call to the telephone number of the game medium counting device from his mobile phone terminal. When the pachinko ball is inserted, the game medium counting device starts the pachinko ball counting process. Thereafter, when there is an incoming call from the mobile phone terminal to the game medium counting device, the game medium counting device acquires the telephone number of the mobile phone terminal. When the counting process ends, a message prompting the user to press the counting end button is displayed on the display panel together with the acquired telephone number and counting result.

  When the counting end button is pressed, the game medium counting device calculates a prize exchange pattern (the number of prizes for each prize type) corresponding to the counting result, and calculates the prize exchange pattern, the count value, and the acquired mobile phone terminal. Information including a telephone number is notified to the terminal controller (TC) as managed information.

  When the TC receives the managed information from the game medium counting device, the TC stores the count value and the prize exchange pattern in the received managed information in association with the telephone number of the mobile phone terminal in the received managed information.

  A player who wants to exchange money goes to the cash dispenser in the prize exchange and calls the telephone number of the cash dispenser from his mobile phone terminal. When an incoming call is received from a mobile phone terminal, the cash dispenser acquires the phone number of the mobile phone terminal. Then, a search request including the acquired mobile phone number is transmitted to the TC.

When the TC receives a search request from the cash dispensing device, the TC searches for a free gift exchange pattern (the number of free gifts for each free gift type) corresponding to the mobile phone number in the received search request, and the obtained search result (free gift exchange pattern). ) Is transmitted to the cash dispenser of the search request source. The cash dispensing apparatus calculates the cash amount based on the search result (premium exchange pattern) sent from the TC, and withdraws the cash corresponding to the calculated cash amount.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-73443 JP 2005-192922 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-20780

  In the first conventional method, when a receipt is clogged or a receipt is cut off at the time of receipt issuance, it is necessary for the attendant to perform the handling procedure manually, which places a burden on the attendant, and the handling procedure is performed. There is a problem that makes the player wait while he is. In addition, a large number of receipt sheets are required, which is expensive.

  In the second conventional system, the gaming facility side needs to issue a membership card to the player, which is expensive. As a player, it is necessary to carry a membership card.

  In the third conventional method, when a player causes the game medium counting device to count the number of pachinko balls (game media) acquired by the player, the phone number of the game medium counting device is owned by the mobile phone terminal possessed by the player. Need to call. For this reason, it takes time and effort for the player at the time of counting, and it is necessary for the player or the gaming facility to bear the telephone fee generated at this time. Similarly, a player needs to make a call to the cash paying apparatus from his / her mobile phone terminal when performing cash using the cash paying apparatus. For this reason, it takes time for the player even at the time of cashing, and it is necessary for the player or the gaming facility to bear the telephone fee generated at this time.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a game medium counting device and a prize exchange system capable of exchanging prizes without using a receipt or a membership card and without taking time and effort to a player.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the gaming medium counting device, the counting means for counting the number of gaming media, a function of automatically detecting the portable terminal and performing contactless communication with the detected portable terminal, and the portable terminal A communication means for acquiring identification information for identifying the portable terminal from the portable terminal by performing non-contact communication with the detected portable terminal, and counting information including a counting result by the counting means; Means for transmitting count value management information comprising identification information acquired by the communication means to an external management device;
It is characterized by having.

  As the external management device, for example, an information management device (TC) in the embodiment, a premium management machine (POS) in the embodiment, or the like is used.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming medium counting device according to the first aspect, the communication means detects when the mobile terminal is detected within a predetermined time after the counting process by the counting means is completed. By performing contactless communication with the portable terminal, the identification information of the portable terminal is acquired, and the counting information including the counting result by the counting unit is transmitted to the portable terminal and stored in the portable terminal. And

  A third aspect of the present invention is the game medium counting device according to the first or second aspect, further comprising image creating means for creating a receipt image based on information including a counting result by the counting means, The communication means further includes means for transmitting a receipt image image created by the image creating means to the portable terminal when a portable terminal is detected after the counting process by the counting means is completed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming medium counting device according to the first to third aspects, the counting data includes date information, information for identifying a gaming facility, information for identifying a counting device, and counting. It includes a serial number updated for each process, medium information indicating the type of game medium, and a count value of the game medium. The medium information indicating the type of game medium is information for identifying whether the game medium is a pachinko ball or a medal, for example.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a prize exchange system comprising a game medium counting device for counting the number of game media, an information management device for managing count value management information, and a prize management device for performing prize payout control. The apparatus has a counting means for counting the number of game media, a function for automatically detecting a portable terminal and performing non-contact communication with the detected portable terminal, and detecting the portable terminal after the counting process by the counting means is completed. When it does, it acquires the identification information for specifying the said portable terminal from the said portable terminal by performing non-contact communication with the detected said portable terminal, and the counting information including the count result by the said counting means is the said portable terminal The first communication means for transmitting to the mobile terminal and storing it in the portable terminal, and the counting information including the counting result by the counting means and the first communication means Means for transmitting count value management information comprising the obtained identification information to the information management device, wherein the prize management device automatically detects the mobile terminal and performs non-contact communication with the detected mobile terminal When the mobile terminal is detected and the mobile terminal is detected, non-contact communication is performed with the detected mobile terminal to obtain identification information for specifying the mobile terminal from the mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal A second communication means for acquiring count information stored in the information management means, a means for transmitting a count value request command including identification information acquired by the second communication means to the information management apparatus, and a count value request command. In response, it is determined whether the count value sent from the information management device matches the count value in the count information acquired by the second communication means, And a means for executing a prize payout control based on the count value only when they match, and when the information management device receives the count value management information from the game medium counting device, In relation to the identification information included in the numerical value management information, when storing the count value request command from the storage means for storing the count value information included in the count value management information, the prize management device, Search means for searching for count value management information corresponding to the identification information in the received count value request command from the count value management information in the storage means based on the identification information in the received count value request command; And a means for transmitting the count value in the count value management information found by the search means to the premium management device.

  The invention described in claim 6 is a prize exchange system comprising a game medium counting device for counting the number of game media and a prize management device for managing count value management information and performing prize payout control. Counting means for counting the number of game media, having a function of automatically detecting a mobile terminal and performing non-contact communication with the detected mobile terminal, and when detecting a mobile terminal after the counting process by the counting means is completed, By performing contactless communication with the detected mobile terminal, identification information for specifying the mobile terminal is acquired from the mobile terminal, and count information including a count result by the counting means is transmitted to the mobile terminal. The first communication means to be stored in the portable terminal, and the counting information including the counting result by the counting means and the first communication means Means for transmitting count value management information comprising identification information to the prize management device, and when the prize management device receives the count value management information from the game medium counting device, In relation to the identification information included in the numerical management information, storage means for storing the count information included in the count value management information, automatically detecting the mobile terminal, and contactless with the detected mobile terminal When a portable terminal is detected and a portable terminal is detected, identification information for specifying the portable terminal is obtained from the portable terminal by performing non-contact communication with the detected portable terminal, and the portable terminal The second communication means for acquiring the count information stored in the terminal, corresponding to the identification information acquired by the second communication means from the count value management information in the storage device Search means for searching for count value management information, and whether or not the count value in the count value management information found by the search means matches the count value in the count information acquired by the second communication means And only when both correspond, the means to perform the prize payout control based on the said count value is provided.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the premium exchange system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second communication means acquires the count information stored in the portable terminal, and then stores the count information. The apparatus further comprises means for deleting from the portable terminal.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the premium exchange system according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the game medium counting device is configured to create a receipt image image based on information including a counting result by the counting unit. And the first communication means further includes means for transmitting the receipt image image created by the image creation means to the portable terminal when the portable terminal is detected after the counting process by the counting means is completed. The second communication means includes means for erasing the count information and the receipt image corresponding to the count information from the portable terminal after obtaining the count information stored in the portable terminal. It is further provided with the feature.

  According to the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the external management device can manage the counting information including the counting result in relation to the identification information of the portable terminal possessed by the player. Therefore, at the time of prize exchange, the counting information corresponding to the identification information can be acquired by acquiring the identification information of the portable terminal possessed by the player from the portable terminal and giving it to the management device. Gifts can be exchanged without using a membership card. In addition, the game medium counting device acquires identification information of the mobile terminal by automatically detecting the mobile terminal possessed by the player and performing non-contact communication. Disappear.

  According to invention of Claim 2, it becomes possible to display count information on the portable terminal which a player possesses further. According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further display a receipt image image reflecting the count information on the portable terminal possessed by the player. As with conventional receipts, since the player or employee can visually recognize the count information, the count information such as the number of balls acquired can be understood at a glance.

  According to the inventions described in claims 5, 7, and 8, similar to the invention described in claim 1, prizes can be exchanged without using a receipt or a membership card and without taking time and effort to the player. It becomes like this. Also, the prize management device determines whether or not the count value acquired from the mobile terminal matches the count value in the corresponding count value management information of the count value management information managed by the information management device However, since the prize payout control is performed only when they coincide with each other, it is difficult for fraud. In addition, the count information can be displayed on the mobile terminal possessed by the player. As with conventional receipts, since the player or employee can visually recognize the count information, the count information such as the number of balls acquired can be understood at a glance.

  According to the inventions described in claims 6, 7, and 8, similar to the invention described in claim 1, prizes can be exchanged without using a receipt or a membership card and without taking time and effort to the player. It becomes like this. In addition, the prize management device determines whether or not the count value acquired from the mobile terminal matches the count value in the corresponding count value management information among the count value management information managed by itself. Since the prize payout control is performed only when they coincide with each other, fraud is less likely to be performed. In addition, the count information can be displayed on the mobile terminal possessed by the player. As with conventional receipts, since the player or employee can visually recognize the count information, the count information such as the number of balls acquired can be understood at a glance.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the premium management device can delete the count information from the mobile terminal after acquiring the count information stored in the mobile terminal.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the game medium counting device further stores the receipt image image reflecting the counting information in the portable terminal possessed by the player, the receipt image image is displayed on the portable terminal. It becomes possible. In addition, the prize management device can delete the count information and the corresponding receipt image from the mobile terminal after acquiring the count information stored in the mobile terminal.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a case where the gaming machine is a pachinko machine and the game medium is a pachinko ball will be described.

[1] Configuration of the prize exchange system FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the prize exchange system provided in the game facility.

  The prize exchange system includes an information management apparatus (terminal controller: TC) 1, a game medium counting apparatus 2, a prize management machine (POS) 3, and a prize dispenser 4 connected to the prize management machine 3. . The game medium counting device 2 and the prize management machine 3 are connected to the TC 1 by a LAN. The TC 1 controls and manages various terminals in the gaming facility, and is installed in an office in the gaming facility.

  The game medium counting device 2 is a counting function for counting the number of game media (in this example, pachinko balls) acquired by the player, and a receipt issuing function for issuing a receipt on which barcode information is printed with counting information including a counting result. In addition, a mobile terminal communication function for communicating with the mobile terminal 5 possessed by the player and a TC communication function for communicating with TC1 are provided. The game medium counting device 2 is installed at an end of a pachinko machine installation island in the game facility.

  The prize dispenser 4 is for giving away prizes, and is installed at a prize counter in the game facility. The prize manager 3 controls the prize dispenser 4 and is installed in a prize counter. The prize management machine 4 has a function for controlling the prize dispenser 4, a mobile terminal communication function for communicating with the mobile terminal 5 possessed by the player, and a TC communication function for communicating with the TC1.

  The prizes handled by the prize dispenser 4 are valuable card bodies that are exchanged according to the number of game media such as pachinko balls acquired by the player at the game facility, and are also called special prizes. This prize is generally a resin card having a thickness of about 1 to 3 mm. In the prize, an object having a predetermined monetary value is built in, and for example, there are three types according to the monetary value such as 200 yen, 1000 yen and 5000 yen.

  In this embodiment, the portable terminal 5 capable of communicating with the game medium counting device 2 and the prize management device 4 is in a non-contact manner and automatically communicates with a reader / writer, such as a mobile FeliCa chip (FeliCa is a trade name). It is a portable terminal (mobile phone) equipped with a non-contact IC chip that can perform the above. The game medium counting device 2 and the prize management machine 3 are equipped with reader / writers (R / W) 122 and 32 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) corresponding to the portable terminal 5 equipped with a non-contact IC chip.

  When a game medium such as a pachinko ball acquired by a player is input to the game medium counting device 2, the input game medium is counted. When the counting process is being performed or within a certain period of time after the counting process is completed, the portable terminal 5 equipped with the non-contact IC chip held by the player is held over the reader / writer 122 (see FIG. 3). Then, communication is automatically performed between the reader / writer 122 and the non-contact IC chip in the portable terminal 5. By this communication, the game medium counting device 2 acquires identification information for specifying the mobile terminal 5. In this embodiment, the game medium counting device 2 acquires IDm, which is a manufacturing number of a non-contact IC chip mounted on the mobile terminal 5, as identification information of the mobile terminal 5.

  The game medium counting device 102 sends count value management information including the acquired IDm and count information to TC1. The counting information includes, for example, a date, gaming facility information (gaming facility number, gaming facility name, etc.), a counting device number, a serial number (a serial number updated every time a counting result is obtained), a count value, and the like. . The TC1 stores the count information included in the count value management information in association with the IDm included in the received count value management information.

  Further, the game medium counting device 2 transmits count information to the portable terminal 5 by communication between the reader / writer 122 and the non-contact IC chip in the portable terminal 5, and the memory (non-contact IC) in the portable terminal 5. The count information is stored in a predetermined area in the memory in the chip) and the count information is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 5. This display is maintained until an operation involving a change in display content is performed on the portable terminal 5 by the player, and is erased when such an operation is performed.

  When the player wants to exchange prizes, the player goes to the prize counter and holds the portable terminal 5 equipped with the non-contact IC chip owned by the player over the reader / writer 32 (see FIG. 4) in the prize management machine 3. . Then, communication is automatically performed between the reader / writer 33 and the non-contact IC chip in the portable terminal 5. Through this communication, the prize management machine 3 acquires the identification information (IDm in this embodiment) for specifying the portable terminal 5 and the count information stored in the portable terminal 5, and the acquired count information is stored in the portable terminal. 5 is erased from the memory. Then, a count value request command including the acquired IDm and the acquired count information is transmitted to TC1.

  When TC1 receives the count value request command from the prize manager 3, it receives this time from the count value management information managed by itself based on the IDm and count information in the received count value request command. Search is made for the count value management information that matches the IDm, date, gaming facility information (game facility number, gaming facility name, etc.), counting device number, and serial number included in the count value request command. Then, the count value in the count value management information found from this search is transmitted to the prize manager 3.

  The giveaway management machine 3 checks whether or not the count value sent from the TC 1 matches the count value in the count information acquired from the mobile terminal 5. If they match, based on the count value To calculate the number of each prize type to be paid out. Then, the calculated payout number for each prize type is given to the prize dispenser 4. The prize dispenser 14 dispenses prizes corresponding to the number of prizes to be paid out for each prize type given from the prize management machine 3.

[2] Appearance and Electrical Configuration of Game Medium Counting Device 2 FIG.
As the game medium counting device 2, in this embodiment, a device in which a counting machine and a receipt issuing machine are integrated is used. The game medium counting device 2 includes a counting unit 110 for counting game media and an operation panel unit 120 provided on the upper side of the counting unit 110. On the upper part of the counting unit 110, a hopper unit 111 is provided for putting the pachinko balls acquired by the player into the counting unit 110. The upper surface of the hopper 111 can be closed by a lid 112. A lid holder 113 is provided on one side surface of the counting unit 110. When the hopper unit 111 is not closed by the lid 112, the lid 112 is placed between the one side surface of the counting unit 110 and the lid holder 113. It can be held.

  An operation display unit 121 including a display with a touch panel is provided at the center of the front width of the operation panel unit 120. On the left side of the display 121 with a touch panel, a reader / writer 122 for communicating with the non-contact IC chip in the portable terminal 5 is provided. A receipt issuing port 123 is formed on the right side of the display 21 with the touch panel. A ball outlet 124 for dispensing fractional balls is formed below the receipt issuing port 123.

FIG. 3 shows an electrical configuration of the game medium counting device 2.
The game medium counting device 2 includes a control unit 20. An operation display unit 121, a reader / writer 122, a ball paying unit 125, a counting unit 110, a receipt issuing unit 126, a storage unit 127, a communication I / F unit 128, and the like are connected to the control unit 20.

  As described above, the operation display unit 121 is configured by a display with a touch panel. The reader / writer 122 is an R / W corresponding to the portable terminal 5 mounted with a non-contact IC chip, and for example, an R / W as described in FIGS. 1 and 2 of Patent Document 3 is used. The ball dispensing unit 125 includes a drive circuit for driving a mechanism for dispensing fractional balls to the ball outlet 124 (see FIG. 2).

  The counting unit 110 includes a drive circuit for driving a pachinko ball counting mechanism. The receipt issuing unit 126 includes a mechanism for printing a barcode or the like on the receipt and a drive circuit for a mechanism for conveying the receipt. The communication I / F unit 128 is a communication interface for communicating with the TC1.

[3] Electrical Configuration of the Premium Manager 3 FIG. 4 shows an electrical configuration of the premium manager 3.
The giveaway management machine 3 includes a control unit 30. An operation display unit 31, a reader / writer 32, a barcode reader 33, a storage unit 34, a TC communication I / F unit 35, a dispenser communication I / F unit 36, and the like are connected to the control unit 30. .

  As the operation display unit 31, for example, a display with a touch panel is used. The reader / writer 32 is an R / W corresponding to the portable terminal 5 equipped with a non-contact IC chip. The barcode reader 33 is for reading a barcode printed on a receipt. The TC communication I / F unit 35 is a communication interface for communicating with the TC 1, and the dispenser communication I / F unit 36 is a communication interface for communicating with the prize dispenser 4.

[4] Electrical Configuration of TC1 FIG. 5 shows an electrical configuration of TC1.
The TC1 is composed of a computer, for example. The TC 1 includes a control unit 10. The control unit 10 is connected to an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, a storage unit 13, a counting device communication I / F unit 14, a prize management machine communication I / F unit 15, and the like.

  A count value management table as shown in FIG. 6 is created in the storage unit 13. The count value management table stores the count information included in the count value management information in association with the IDm included in the count value management information sent from the game medium counting device 2. The counting device communication I / F unit 14 is a communication interface for communicating with the game medium counting device 2, and the prize management machine communication I / F unit 15 is a communication interface for communicating with the prize management machine 3. It is.

[5] Processing by Game Medium Counting Device 2 FIG. 7 shows a procedure of processing performed by the game medium counting device 2.
The game medium counting device 2 is always in a counting standby state. In the counting standby state, a standby screen is displayed on the operation display unit 121 (step S1). For example, a message such as “Please throw a ball” is displayed on the standby screen.

  When the pachinko balls are inserted into the hopper unit 111 (YES in step S2), the pachinko ball counting process is started (step S3). Thereafter, the process waits for the counting process to end (step S4).

  When the counting process is completed, counting information (date, gaming facility information (gaming facility number, gaming facility name, etc.), counting device number, serial number, counting value, etc.) is created from the information such as the counting value, and stored in the storage unit 127. Store (step S5). Also, the number of prizes and fractions for each prize type corresponding to the count value are calculated (step S6). And, for example, “If you have a mobile terminal with an Osaifu-Keitai function, hold the mobile terminal over the reading unit” along with the count value and the number and fraction of each prize type corresponding to the count value. The message is displayed on the operation display unit 121 (step S7). “Osaifu-Keitai” in the above message is a name given by NTT DOCOMO to a mobile terminal equipped with a mobile FeliCa chip (FeliCa is a trade name).

  Thereafter, it is monitored whether or not the portable terminal is detected by the reader / writer 122 (step S8) and whether or not a receipt issue button (displayed on the operation display unit 121) is pressed (step S9).

  When the portable terminal 5 equipped with a non-contact IC chip possessed by the player is brought closer to a certain range from the reading unit of the reader / writer 122 by the player, the reader / writer 122 automatically detects the portable terminal 5. When the portable terminal 5 is detected by the reader / writer 122 (YES in step S8), predetermined communication processing (communication processing between the counting device and the portable terminal) is performed between the game medium counting device 2 and the portable terminal 5. (Step S10).

FIG. 8 shows details of the communication processing in step S10.
In this communication process (communication process between the counting device and the portable terminal), first, the reader / writer 122 in the game medium counting device 2 and the non-contact IC chip in the portable terminal 5 (in this example, the mobile FeliCa chip (FeliCa is A mutual authentication process is performed with the trademark name)) (sequence number [1]). This mutual authentication process is described in detail in Patent Document 3.

  When the mutual authentication process ends normally, the reader / writer 122 transmits a read command for reading IDm stored in the memory in the non-contact IC chip to the non-contact IC chip (sequence number [2]). Upon receiving this read command, the non-contact IC chip reads IDm from the memory in the non-contact IC chip (sequence number [3]) and transmits it to the reader / writer 122 (sequence number [4]).

  When the reader / writer 122 receives IDm, the reader / writer 122 stores the IDm in a memory (not shown) in the reader / writer 122 and count information (date, gaming facility information, counting device number, serial number, count value, etc.) in a non-contact IC. A write command for writing to the memory in the chip is transmitted to the non-contact IC chip (sequence number [5]). When the non-contact IC chip receives this write command, it writes the received count information into the memory in the non-contact IC chip (sequence number [6]) and sends a response command indicating that the count information is stored to the reader / writer. 122 (sequence number [7]).

  When the reader / writer 122 receives the response command from the non-contact IC chip, the reader / writer 122 displays a non-control command for displaying the count information transmitted to the non-contact IC chip on the display unit of the portable terminal 5 in the sequence number [5]. Transmit to the contact IC chip (sequence number [8]). Upon receiving this display control command, the non-contact IC chip displays the count information written in the memory with the sequence number [6] on the display unit of the portable terminal 5 (sequence number [9]) and displays the count information. A response command indicating this is transmitted to the reader / writer 122 (sequence number [10]).

  The reader / writer 122 generates the count information and also generates a receipt image that reflects the count information when generating the count information, and transmits the count information to the non-contact IC chip (see above). The count information and the receipt image image may be stored in the memory in the non-contact IC chip by transmitting the receipt image image together with the count information (see sequence number [5]). In this case, a control command for displaying the receipt image image on the portable terminal is transmitted to the non-contact IC chip, and the receipt image image is displayed on the display unit of the portable terminal. An example of a receipt image displayed on the display unit of the portable terminal is shown in FIG.

  When the communication process between the counting device and the portable terminal in step S10 is normally completed, the count information stored in the storage unit 127 in step S5 and the IDm acquired from the portable terminal 5 in the communication process in step S10 are obtained. The count value management information is transmitted to TC1 (step S11). Then, the process returns to step S1.

  When TC1 receives the count value management information from the game medium counting device 2, the TC1 is associated with the IDm included in the received count value management information in the count value management table (see FIG. 6). Count information included in the count value management information is stored.

  After displaying the message in step S7, if the receipt issue button is pressed (NO in step S8) without detecting the portable terminal (NO in step S8), the receipt issue process is performed as in the conventional case. After performing (step S12), the process returns to step S1.

[6] Processing by the prize manager 3 FIG. 10 shows the procedure of the process performed by the prize manager 3.
The prize manager 3 monitors whether or not the barcode is read by the barcode reader 33 (step S22), whether or not the portable terminal 5 is detected by the reader / writer 32 (step S22), and the like. Yes.

  When the barcode is read by the barcode reader 33 (YES in step S22), the payout number for each prize type is calculated based on the count information included in the read barcode (step S22). S23), a payout command including the calculation result is transmitted to the prize dispenser 4 (step S24). Then, the process returns to step S21.

  When the portable terminal 5 is detected by the reader / writer 32 (YES in step S22), a predetermined communication process (communication process between the prize management machine and the portable terminal) between the prize management machine 3 and the portable terminal 5 is performed. Is performed (step S25).

FIG. 11 shows details of the communication process in step S25.
In this communication process (communication process between the prize management machine and the portable terminal), first, the reader / writer 32 in the prize management machine 3 and the non-contact IC chip in the portable terminal 5 (in this example, a mobile FeliCa chip (FeliCa chip)). Are mutually authenticated (sequence number [21]).

  When the mutual authentication process ends normally, the reader / writer 32 transmits a read command for reading IDm stored in the memory in the non-contact IC chip to the non-contact IC chip (sequence number [22]). Upon receiving this read command, the non-contact IC chip reads IDm from the memory in the non-contact IC chip (sequence number [23]) and transmits it to the reader / writer 32 (sequence number [24]).

  When the reader / writer 32 receives IDm, the reader / writer 32 stores it in a memory (not shown) in the reader / writer 32 and count information (date, gaming facility information, counting device) stored in the memory in the non-contact IC chip. A read command for reading (number, serial number, count value, etc.) is transmitted to the non-contact IC chip (sequence number [25]). Upon receiving this read command, the non-contact IC chip reads the count information from the memory in the non-contact IC chip (sequence number [26]) and transmits it to the reader / writer 32 (sequence number [27]).

  When the reader / writer 32 receives the count information from the non-contact IC chip, the reader / writer 32 stores the count information in a memory (not shown) in the reader / writer 32, and also stores the count information read from the memory in the non-contact IC chip. A control command for erasing from the memory in the contact IC chip is transmitted to the non-contact IC chip (sequence number [28]). Upon receiving this data erasure control command, the non-contact IC chip erases the corresponding count information from the memory (sequence number [29]) and sends a response command indicating that the count information has been erased to the reader / writer 122. Transmit (sequence number [30]).

  As described above, in the case of a system in which the reader / writer 122 in the game medium counting device 2 transmits the receipt image image together with the counting information to the non-contact IC chip in the portable terminal 5, the prize management machine -In the communication process between portable terminals, when the count information is erased from the memory in the non-contact IC chip, the receipt image corresponding to the count information is also erased.

  When the communication process between the prize management machine and the portable terminal in step S25 is normally completed, the prize management machine 3 uses the count value request command including the IDm and the count information acquired from the portable terminal 5 in the communication process in step S25. Is transmitted to TC1 (step S26).

  When the TC 1 receives the count value request command from the prize management device 3, the TC 1 includes the count value management information in the count value management table (see FIG. 6) based on the IDm and the count information in the received count value request command. From this, the count value in the count value management information found by searching for the count value management information that matches the IDm, date, gaming facility information, counting device number, and serial number contained in the count value request command received this time Is sent to the free gift management machine 3.

  When the count value is transmitted from TC1 in response to the count value request command transmitted to TC1 in step S26 (step S27), the free gift management machine 3 determines the count value transmitted from TC1 and the mobile terminal 5 It is confirmed whether or not the count value in the count information acquired from (1) coincides (step S28).

  If they match, the payout number for each prize type is calculated based on the count value (step S29), and a payout command including the calculation result is transmitted to the prize payer 4 (step S30). Then, the process returns to step S21.

  If it is determined in step S28 that the count value sent from TC1 does not match the count value in the count information acquired from the portable terminal 5, an error message including that effect is displayed (step S28). S31), the process returns to step S21.

[7] Processing by TC1 FIGS. 12 and 13 show the procedure of processing performed by TC1.
The TC 1 monitors whether or not the count value management information from the game medium counting device 3 has been received, whether or not the count value request command from the prize management machine 3 has been received, and the like.

  When TC1 receives the count value management information from the game medium counting device 3 (YES in step S41), the IDm included in the received count value management information in the count value management table (see FIG. 6). The count information included in the count value management information is stored in association with (step S42).

  When the TC1 receives a count value request command from the prize management device 3 (YES in step S51), the TC1 calculates a count value management table (see FIG. 6) based on the IDm and count information in the received count value request command. ) Is searched for the count value management information that matches the IDm, date, gaming facility information, counting device number, and serial number included in the currently received count value request command (step S52). ). The count value in the count value management information found by this search is transmitted to the free gift management machine 3 that is the transmission source of the count value request command (step S53).

[8] Modification [8-1] In the above embodiment, the game medium counting device 2 is an integrated counter and receipt issuing machine. A configuration in which the counter and the receipt issuing machine are communicably connected may be used.

[8-2] Further, as the game medium counting device 2, a counting device 400 provided for each pachinko machine as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 may be used.

  The counting device 400 includes a counting plate 401 disposed below the lower plate 301 of the pachinko machine 300, an operation display unit 402 provided outside the counting plate 401, and pachinko balls in the counting plate 401 from the front surface of the pachinko machine 300. A passage 403 for moving to the side surface side, a counter (not shown) that counts pachinko balls provided in the passage 403 and passing through the passage 403, and the like are provided. The operation display unit 402 is provided with a display 411, operation buttons 412, 413, a reader / writer (not shown) for communicating with a non-contact IC chip in the mobile terminal, a control unit (not shown), and the like. .

  When the player wants to count the pachinko balls, the player moves the pachinko balls in the lower plate 301 into the counting plate 401 and then performs an operation for starting counting. As a result, the pachinko balls in the counting tray 401 are sent to a predetermined place through the passage 403. The number of pachinko balls passing through the passage 403 is counted by a counter (not shown). After the counting is completed, the portable terminal is held over a reader / writer (not shown) provided in the operation display unit 402, whereby communication between the counting device and the portable terminal as described in the above embodiment ( Step S10 in FIG. 7) is performed.

[8-3] In the above embodiment, the game medium counting device 2 acquires IDm from the portable terminal 5 through communication with the portable terminal 5, and stores the counting information in the portable terminal 5. Information need not be stored. Even in this case, the count information is stored in TC1 in association with IDm. The prize management machine 3 acquires IDm from the portable terminal 5 through communication with the portable terminal 5 and sends the acquired IDm to the TC1, thereby acquiring the corresponding counting information from the TC1. Then, the prize management machine 3 performs prize payout control based on the count information acquired from the TC1.

  When the count information is stored in the mobile terminal 5, the prize management device 3 acquires IDm and count information from the mobile terminal 5 through communication with the mobile terminal 5, but only IDm is obtained from the acquired IDm and count information. May be acquired from TC1 (not sending the count information to TC1). In this case, the prize management machine 3 determines whether or not the count values match based on the count information acquired from the TC 1 and the count information acquired from the mobile terminal 5, and based on the count value only when they match. Perform giveaway control. In this case, the coincidence determination may be omitted.

[8-4] In the above embodiment, the count value management information is managed by the TC 1, but may be managed by the prize management machine 3. In this case, the game medium counting device 2 transmits the count value management information to the prize management machine 3. In the storage unit of the prize management machine 3, a count value management table is created. When the prize management machine 3 receives the count value management information from the game medium counting device 2, the count value management information is received. Store in the count value management table.

  When the prize management machine-mobile terminal communication process (see step S25 in FIG. 10) performed by detecting the mobile terminal has been normally completed, the prize management machine 3 performs the process between the prize management machine and the mobile terminal. Based on the IDm and count information acquired from the mobile terminal 5 in the communication process, the IDm, date, game facility information, and count acquired from the mobile terminal 5 from the count value management information in the count value management table in the prize management machine. Search for count value management information that matches the device number and serial number. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the count value in the count value management information found by the search matches the count value in the count information acquired from the mobile terminal 5. The subsequent processing is the same as in the above embodiment.

[8-5] Media information indicating the type of game media may be added to the count information so that the media counted by the game media counting device 2 is a ball or a medal. When the game medium counting device 2 creates a receipt image image based on the count information and transmits the created receipt image image to the portable terminal for display, the medium information indicating the type of the game medium is also converted into the receipt image image. Preferably included.

[8-6] When the count information is newly transmitted from the game medium counting device 2 to the mobile terminal holding the count information, the mobile terminal Count information may be held together as one count, or new count information may be held as count information independent of count information already held. In the latter case, a plurality of pieces of count information are held in the portable terminal. However, since the count information can be distinguished by a serial number or the like, the prize management machine 3 has each count information. It is possible to perform a prize exchange process.

[8-7] In the above embodiment, the case where the gaming machine is a pachinko machine and the gaming medium is a pachinko ball has been described. However, in the present invention, the gaming machine is a pachislot machine and the gaming medium is for a pachislot machine. The present invention can also be applied to a medal.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the prize exchange system provided in the game facility. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a game medium counting device 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the game medium counting device 2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a giveaway management machine 3. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of TC1. It is a schematic diagram which shows a count value management table. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the game medium counting device 2. It is a sequence diagram which shows the detail of the communication process of FIG.7 S10. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the receipt image image displayed on the display part of a portable terminal. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by a prize management device 3. It is a sequence diagram which shows the detail of the communication process of step S25 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process performed by TC1. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process performed by TC1. It is a schematic front view which shows the counting device provided in the pachinko machine and the pachinko machine. It is a partial expansion perspective view which shows the counting device of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Information management device (TC)
2 Game media counting device 3 Premium management machine (POS)
4 prize dispenser 5 mobile terminal 20 control unit 122 reader / writer 110 counting unit 30 control unit 32 reader / writer 34 storage unit 10 control unit 13 storage unit

Claims (8)

Counting means for counting the number of game media;
A function of performing contactless communication with a mobile terminal that is automatically detected by detecting the mobile terminal, and specifying the mobile terminal by performing contactless communication with the detected mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is detected Means for acquiring identification information for the mobile terminal from the portable terminal, and means for transmitting count value management information comprising the counting information including the counting result of the counting means and the identification information acquired by the communication means to an external management device ,
A game medium counting device comprising: When the communication unit detects the portable terminal after the counting process by the counting unit is completed, the communication unit obtains identification information of the portable terminal by performing non-contact communication with the detected portable terminal, and the counting unit 2. The game medium counting device according to claim 1, wherein counting information including a counting result is transmitted to the portable terminal and stored in the portable terminal. An image creating unit configured to create a receipt image based on information including a counting result obtained by the counting unit; and the communication unit detects the mobile terminal when the portable terminal is detected after the counting process by the counting unit is completed. The game medium counting device according to claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting a receipt image created by the means to the portable terminal. The counting data includes date information, information for specifying a gaming facility, information for specifying a counting device, a serial number updated for each counting process, medium information indicating the type of gaming medium, and a counting value of the gaming medium The game medium counting device according to claim 1, wherein In a prize exchange system comprising a game medium counting device for counting the number of game media, an information management device for managing count value management information, and a prize management device for performing prize payout control,
The game media counting device
Counting means for counting the number of game media;
A function of automatically detecting a portable terminal and performing non-contact communication with the detected portable terminal, and when detecting the portable terminal after the counting process by the counting means, the detected non-contact communication with the detected portable terminal The identification information for specifying the portable terminal is acquired from the portable terminal by transmitting the counting information including the counting result by the counting means to the portable terminal and stored in the portable terminal. And means for transmitting count value management information comprising counting information including a counting result by the counting means and identification information acquired by the first communication means to the information management device,
The giveaway management device includes:
It has a function of automatically detecting a mobile terminal and performing contactless communication with the detected mobile terminal, and when the mobile terminal is detected, by performing contactless communication with the detected mobile terminal, A second communication means for acquiring identification information for identification from the portable terminal and for obtaining count information stored in the portable terminal;
Means for transmitting a count value request command including identification information acquired by the second communication means to the information management device; and a count value sent from the information management device in response to the count value request command; A means for determining whether or not the count value in the count information acquired by the second communication means matches, and executing the prize payout control based on the count value only when they match. The information management device includes:
When the count value management information is received from the game medium counting device, the count value information included in the count value management information is stored in association with the identification information included in the received count value management information. Storage means
When the count value request command is received from the premium management device, the received count value request command includes the count value management information in the storage means based on the identification information in the received count value request command. A prize exchange comprising: search means for searching for count value management information corresponding to the identification information; and means for sending a count value in the count value management information found by the search means to the prize management device system. In a prize exchange system comprising a game medium counting device for counting the number of game media and a prize management device for managing count value management information and performing prize payout control,
The game media counting device
Counting means for counting the number of game media;
A function of automatically detecting a portable terminal and performing non-contact communication with the detected portable terminal, and when detecting the portable terminal after the counting process by the counting means, the detected non-contact communication with the detected portable terminal The identification information for specifying the portable terminal is acquired from the portable terminal by transmitting the counting information including the counting result by the counting means to the portable terminal and stored in the portable terminal. Communication means, and means for transmitting count value management information comprising counting information including a counting result by the counting means and identification information acquired by the first communication means to the premium management device,
The giveaway management device includes:
When the count value management information is received from the game medium counting device, the count information included in the count value management information is stored in association with the identification information included in the received count value management information. Storage means,
It has a function of automatically detecting a mobile terminal and performing contactless communication with the detected mobile terminal, and when the mobile terminal is detected, by performing contactless communication with the detected mobile terminal, A second communication means for acquiring identification information for identification from the portable terminal and for obtaining count information stored in the portable terminal;
Search means for searching for count value management information corresponding to the identification information acquired by the second communication means from the count value management information in the storage device, and a total in the count value management information found by the search means Means for determining whether or not the numerical value matches the count value in the count information acquired by the second communication means, and executing the prize payout control based on the count value only when both match A gift exchange system characterized by comprising. The said 2nd communication means is further provided with the means to delete the said count information from the said portable terminal, after acquiring the count information memorize | stored in the said portable terminal, The said claim 5 or 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. The prize exchange system described. The game medium counting device includes image creating means for creating a receipt image based on information including a counting result by the counting means,
The first communication means further includes means for transmitting a receipt image image created by the image creation means to the portable terminal when a portable terminal is detected after the counting process by the counting means is completed,
The second communication means further includes means for erasing the count information and a receipt image corresponding to the count information from the portable terminal after obtaining the count information stored in the portable terminal. The prize exchange system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein