JP2010162180A - Game device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate the complication of a device by providing a replenishing path. <P>SOLUTION: The game device 3 is provided in one-to-one correspondence with a game machine 2 for putting out the game media of a putout unit, counts the game media, and puts out the game media within the range of the counted number of the game media, and has counting means 354 for counting the game media and a storage section 355 for storing the counted game media. When the number of the counted game media counted in the counting means 354 is a fractional number smaller than the putout unit, the fractional number of the game media are put out from the game media stored in the storage section 355, and the number of the putout game media is subtracted from the number of the counted game media to update it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is provided in one-to-one correspondence with a gaming machine that pays out a plurality of game media predetermined as payout units to a player, and corresponds to lending of the game media of the payout unit. The present invention also relates to a gaming device that counts game media and pays out game media within a range of the counted number of game media to return to the player.

  In recent years, a counting device has been provided for each gaming machine for the purpose of reducing the amount of time required to carry the gaming balls acquired by the player to the counting machine and reducing the number of gaming balls required at the game hall. A gaming device that counts and collects the number of played game balls and pays out the returned game balls to the player as needed by operation of the player has been put into practical use (for example, (See Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In addition, as a gaming device for paying out gaming balls to the corresponding gaming machine, a discharge duct 22 (replenishment path) through which the gaming balls supplied from the pachinko ball transport mechanism provided on the upper part of the gaming island flow down is provided inside the device. The game ball supplied to the discharge duct 22 (replenishment path) is counted and supplied to the upper plate of the corresponding gaming machine through a supply nozzle provided on the front surface of the apparatus (for example, Patent Document 3). reference).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-1113012 (page 7, FIG. 2) JP 2004-141524 A (pages 24-25, FIG. 7) JP 2000-317126 A (Page 4, FIG. 3)

  A gaming device that pays out the returned game balls to return to the player is a plurality of, for example, 25, which are determined in advance as payout units, such as a known credit reader (CR) pachinko machine. In the case of a gaming machine having a function of paying out game balls, it is possible to pay out game balls corresponding to an integral multiple of the payout unit by using the payout function of these corresponding gaming machines. Since it is not possible to pay out a fraction of the game balls that are less than the payout unit, as shown in Patent Document 1 described above, a supply nozzle for paying out the fraction of game balls is provided in the corresponding gaming machine, There is a problem that a supply path for counting the fraction of game balls from the game balls supplied from the player and supplying them to the supply nozzles must be provided inside the device, which complicates the device.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such a problem, and is an apparatus provided with a supply path for counting the fraction of game balls from the game balls supplied from the upper part of the game island and supplying them to the supply nozzle. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming apparatus that can eliminate the complexity of the game.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a gaming apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:
A gaming machine that pays a player a plurality (25 balls) of game media (pachinko balls) predetermined as a payout unit by inputting an external payout signal (base terminal lending request completion confirmation signal (BRQ)) (Pachinko machine 2) provided in a one-to-one correspondence, and by outputting the payout signal, the corresponding game machine is lent by the corresponding payout unit, and the game medium is counted. A gaming device (card unit 3) for paying out game media within the range of the number of game media (number of counted balls) to the player,
An input section (input section 345) that is disposed below a tray (lower tray 24) that stores game media paid out in the gaming machine and into which game media discharged from the tray is loaded;
Counting means (counting sensor 354) for counting game media;
A counting passage (counting passage 343) for guiding the game medium thrown into the insertion portion to the counting means;
A storage part (ball storage part 355) for storing the game media counted by the counting means;
Counting game medium number storage means (RAM 328b; card table) for storing the number of counting game media counted by the counting means;
A count payout operation unit (payout button 311) for receiving a count payout operation for paying out the number of game media from the player;
Unit payout processing means (control unit 328; which outputs the payout signal in response to acceptance of the count payout operation when the number of counted game media stored in the count game medium number storage means is equal to or greater than the payout unit. Payout process, Sh8, Sh10),
When the counted number of game media stored in the counted game media number storage means is a fraction less than the payout unit, the fraction payout process for paying out the game media of the fraction from the game media stored in the storage unit Means (counting payout unit 348);
Subtraction update means (control unit 328) for subtracting and updating the number of game media paid out by the unit payout processing means and the fraction payout processing means from the counted game medium number stored in the counted game medium number storage means;
It is characterized by having.
According to this feature, since the game unit has a storage unit that stores the counted game media, and a fraction of the game media is paid out from the game media stored in the storage unit, the device is complicated by providing a supply path Can be eliminated.

A gaming device according to claim 2 of the present invention is the gaming device according to claim 1,
The fraction payout processing means (control unit 328; payout processing, Sh5) is characterized by paying out a fraction of game media in response to acceptance of the count payout operation.
According to this feature, the player can select whether to pay out the fraction of game media or leave the fraction of game media by performing / not performing the count-out operation.

A gaming device according to claim 3 of the present invention is
A gaming machine that pays a player a plurality (25 balls) of game media (pachinko balls) predetermined as a payout unit by inputting an external payout signal (base terminal lending request completion confirmation signal (BRQ)) (Pachinko machine 2) provided in a one-to-one correspondence, and by outputting the payout signal, the corresponding game machine is lent by the corresponding payout unit, and the game medium is counted. A gaming device (card unit 3) for paying out game media within the range of the number of game media (number of counted balls) to the player,
An input unit (input unit 445) disposed below a tray (lower plate 24) for storing game media paid out in the gaming machine and into which game media discharged from the tray is inserted;
Counting means (counting sensor 454) for counting game media;
A counting passage (counting passage 443) for guiding the game medium thrown into the insertion portion to the counting means;
A storage unit (ball storage unit 455) for storing the game media counted by the counting means;
Counting game medium number storage means (RAM 328b; card table) for storing the number of counting game media counted by the counting means;
A count payout operation unit (payout button 311) for receiving a count payout operation for paying out the number of game media from the player;
When the count game medium number stored in the count game medium number storage means has a fraction less than the payout unit, which is a remainder obtained by dividing the count game medium number by the payout unit, the game of the fraction Fraction payout processing means (count payout unit 348 ′) for paying out the medium from the game medium stored in the storage section without regard to accepting the count payout operation;
Unit payout processing means (control unit 328; which outputs the payout signal in response to acceptance of the count payout operation when the number of counted game media stored in the count game medium number storage means is equal to or greater than the payout unit. Payout process, Sh8, Sh10),
Subtraction update means (control unit 328) for subtracting and updating the number of game media paid out by the fraction payout processing means and the unit payout processing means from the counted game medium number stored in the counted game medium number storage means;
It is characterized by having.
According to this feature, since the game unit has a storage unit that stores the counted game media, and a fraction of the game media is paid out from the game media stored in the storage unit, the device is complicated by providing a supply path Can be eliminated.

A gaming device according to claim 4 of the present invention is the gaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The fraction payout processing means (count payout unit 348) has a return passage (return passage 344) for returning a fraction of game media to the player, and the return passage is a part of the counting passage (counting passage 343). It is characterized by being provided at a lower position.
According to this feature, since the return passages are located below the counting passages, it is possible to avoid the return passages from becoming an obstacle or an obstacle to the game.

A gaming device according to claim 5 of the present invention is the gaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The fraction payout processing means (count payout unit 348 ′) has a return passage (return passage 444) for returning a fraction of game media to the player, and an upstream portion of the return passage is the counting passage (counting passage). 443) is provided at a position higher than the downstream portion of the counting passage, and a feeding means (lifting unit 451) for feeding the game medium flowing down to the downstream portion of the counting passage to at least a height position upstream of the return passage. It is characterized by providing.
According to this feature, the height position of the upstream portion of the counting passage can be lowered as the high position of the downstream portion of the counting passage can be lowered, so that the depth of the charging portion can be increased. Therefore, the capacity of the input part can be increased.

A gaming device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the gaming device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
An opening / closing member (opening / closing shutter 342 ′) that allows a player to open and close the return port (return port 342) at the end of the return channel (return channel 344) is provided.
According to this feature, even when the payout is unexpectedly performed, it is possible to prevent the paid-out game media from dropping from the return port.

A gaming device according to claim 7 of the present invention is the gaming device according to claim 6,
A box (termination box 340a) having the insertion part (input part 345) at the top is provided, and the opening / closing member (opening / closing shutter 342 ') is provided on the front surface of the box.
According to this feature, since the opening / closing member is on the front surface of the box, the operability of the opening / closing member can be improved.

A gaming device according to claim 8 of the present invention is the gaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A return dish (return dish 442) capable of storing the fraction of game media to be returned is provided at the end of the return path (return path 444).
According to this feature, it is possible not only to prevent the paid-out game media from dropping even when an unexpected payout is made, but it is also possible for the player to easily remove the paid-out game media as needed. It can be taken out.

A gaming device according to claim 9 of the present invention is the gaming device according to claim 8,
A box body (termination box 440a) having the input section (input section 445) at the top is provided, and the return plate (return plate 442) is provided on the front surface of the box.
According to this feature, since the return tray is on the front surface of the box, it is possible to improve the operability of the return tray and the ability to take out fractional game media.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall image of a gaming system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine 2 and the card unit 3 which were used for the game system of Example 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the card unit 3 used in Example 1 of this invention. It is top view sectional drawing which shows the structure of the card reader / writer 327 used for the card unit 3 of Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the protrusion part 305 of the card unit 3 used in Example 1 of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the connection box 340 used in Example 1 of this invention. It is a side view of the card unit 3 of Example 1 of this invention. (A)-(d) is a figure explaining the flow path in the count discharge unit 348 used for the card unit 3 of Example 1 of this invention, and the flow-down condition of the pachinko ball. (A) is a figure which shows the card table of the card unit 3 used in Example 1 of this invention, (b) is a figure which shows the game information table of the card unit 3 used in Example 1 of this invention. (C) is a diagram showing member game information used in Example 1 of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the transmission data sequence transmitted from the card unit 3 used in Example 1 of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view of the distribution apparatus 5 used in Example 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the distribution apparatus 5 used in Example 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system controller 100 used in Example 1 of this invention. (A) is a figure which shows the member card table in the system controller 100 used in Example 1 of this invention, (b) is a figure which shows a visitor card table. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the management computer 150 used in Example 1 of this invention. (A) is a figure which shows the member saving management table in the management computer 150 used in Example 1 of this invention, (b) is a figure which shows a visitor saving management table. It is a figure which shows the unit management table used in Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the distribution log | history table used in Example 1 of this invention. (A) is a figure which shows the member information table in the management computer 150 used in Example 1 of this invention, (b) is a figure which shows the game history table classified by member. It is a figure which shows the distribution setting screen in the management computer 150 used in Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content implemented in the card unit 3 used in Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the count sensor signal processing implemented in the card unit 3 used in Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the payout process implemented in the card unit 3 used in Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the distribution process implemented in the card unit 3 used in the Example of this invention. (A), (b) is a figure which shows transmission / reception of the information between the card unit 3 or the distribution apparatus 5 and the management computer 150 in Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows transfer of the information between the card unit 3 and the management computer 150 in Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows transmission / reception of the information between the hall computer 140 and the management computer 150 in Example 1 of this invention. (A)-(g) is a figure which shows the display content of the display part 312 of the card unit 3 in Example 1 of this invention. (A)-(d) is a figure which shows the display content of the display part 312 of the card unit 3 in Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the process at the time of the count completion implemented in the card unit 3 'used in Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the payout process implemented in the card unit 3 'used in Example 2 of this invention. It is an external appearance front view which shows the connection box 440 used in Example 2 of this invention. It is a top surface broken view of card unit 3 'of Example 2 of the present invention. It is an enlarged side view which shows the structure of the count delivery apparatus 348 'of Example 2 of this invention. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing explaining the flow path and the movement state of a pachinko ball in the count payout unit 348 'used for the card unit 3 of Example 2 of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the other form of this invention.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  An embodiment of the gaming system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall image of the gaming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A card reader-type pachinko machine (hereinafter abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) 2 that is a gaming machine arranged in parallel on each game island (not shown), and the pachinko machine 2 at a predetermined lateral position of the pachinko machine 2 A visitor card with a prepaid function that is a one-to-one correspondence and is issued to a general player who has not registered as a member, or a member player who has registered as a member of the gaming machine Process for renting a pachinko ball, which is a game medium used for gaming in a gaming machine, or a pachinko acquired in a game in the corresponding pachinko machine 2 The card unit 3 that counts the balls and pays out (returns) the pachinko balls within the counted number of pachinko balls, the visitor card and the membership card used in the card unit 3, and the card unit 3 The system controller 100 that performs management, etc., the management of the counted number of balls counted in each card unit 3, and the number of saved balls and visitor cards that the member player possessing the membership card possesses so that it can be used again A management computer 150 for managing the number of possessed balls, a hall computer 140 serving as a game information management device of the present invention for managing game information such as machine data of each pachinko machine 2 installed in the game hall, The number of reserved cards in the membership card and the number of balls in the visitor card that are provided at predetermined locations in the amusement hall, such as the location near the prize counter in the venue. , The distribution device 5 distributes to other visitors card or membership card, a prize exchange POS terminal 170 to be provided to the prize counter game arcade performing prize exchange, are mainly composed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each of the devices constituting the gaming system of this embodiment is connected so as to be capable of bidirectional data communication via a hub (HUB) 7 and a communication cable 8. Each connected device is assigned a local IP address to form a local area network (LAN), and each of the devices connected to the local area network (LAN) can be individually identified. A device ID is assigned, and each device has an IP address table in which a device (unit) ID and a local IP address are associated, a unit management table (see FIG. 17) described later, and the like. Unit) Each local IP address specified by the ID is assigned to the transmission data and sent and received, so that each other's data It has to be able to perform the transmission and reception.

  As described above, the system controller 100 of the present embodiment manages the prepaid balance (game value) remaining in each member card and each visitor card, and these member cards via the communication line 11. And a management server 12 installed in a card management company outside the amusement hall that manages the visitor card so that bidirectional data communication can be performed. By transmitting the information, the card management company can grasp the sales etc. by the membership card and the visitor card of each game hall by the management server 12.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a monitoring camera system for monitoring the inside of the game hall is connected to the hall computer 140 of the present embodiment, and a monitoring image inside the gaming hall captured by the monitoring camera system is displayed. These are stored and managed together with the base data of each pachinko machine 2 and the like. Note that game information such as the base data of each pachinko machine 2 managed by the hall computer 140 is updated to the latest information by transmission data transmitted from the card unit 3 corresponding to each pachinko machine 2, as will be described later. It has been updated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 are provided with various signals associated with the lending of a plurality (25 in this embodiment) of pachinko balls predetermined as lending units. Are a terminal terminal lending completion signal (EXS) and a table READY signal (PRDY) output from the pachinko machine 2, a card unit READY signal (BRDY) and a terminal terminal lending request completion confirmation signal (BRQ) output from the control unit 328. (Lending-related data in the figure) is connected so as to be able to send and receive, and a jackpot signal, a probability changing signal, a time change signal, a winning ball signal, and a start signal, which will be described later, output from the pachinko machine 2 can be input Has been.

  First, the pachinko machine 2 which is a gaming machine used in the present embodiment will be briefly described below. The pachinko machine 2 has a glass door frame 22 formed in a frame shape as shown in FIG. There is a hitting ball supply tray 23 on the lower surface of the glass door frame 22. An operation unit 14 is provided at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the hitting ball supply tray 23, and a lower tray 24 that stores pachinko balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 23 is provided below the hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 23. A hitting operation handle (hereinafter referred to as an operation knob) 25 for emitting a hitting ball is provided.

  A game board 26 is detachably attached to the rear side of the glass door frame 22. A game area 27 is provided in front of the game board 26. A special figure variable display section 28 in which a plurality of types of identification information called “special symbols” are variably displayed in a lower area on the right side of the game area 27, and a plurality of types called “effect symbols” in the vicinity of the center thereof. Is provided with an effect display unit 29 on which the identification information is variably displayed and an effect image is displayed, and a variable display device 30 on which a plurality of types of identification information called “ordinary symbols” are variably displayed. The game board 26 is provided with a plurality of winning holes 44, a passing gate 31, a starting winning hole 34, and a variable winning ball device 36. A recovery outlet 46 is formed.

  When a hitting ball is won in each of the winning openings, a winning ball corresponding to each winning opening is paid out by a ball cutting / dispensing device (not shown) and also according to the number of winning balls paid out by the ball cutting / dispensing device. A prize ball signal (1 pulse per 10 balls) is output to the outside, so that the number of prize balls is notified to the outside.

  A hit ball fired by a hammer (not shown) that is swung by the operation of the hitting operation knob 25 enters the game area 27 through the hitting rail, and then flows down the game area 27. At this time, pachinko balls whose launch momentum is too weak to reach the game area 27 are circulated to the lower plate 24 through a circulation path (not shown).

  In addition, when the ball that has been driven into the game area 27 passes through the passing gate 31, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the variable display device 30 is variably started.

  When the display result after the variable display operation of the variable display device 30 is a predetermined display result (for example, ◯), the movable piece 35 provided at the start winning opening 34 is opened for a predetermined time and the player This is an advantageous state.

  When a pachinko ball is won in the start winning opening 34, all special symbols start variable display (variable display) in the special figure variable display section 28, and the effect display starts in the effect display section 29. After that, when the special symbol in the special figure variable display unit 28 is stopped and the stop display result is a specific display mode determined in advance, the left, middle and right effect symbols in the effect display unit 29 are displayed. The variable display is also stopped, and the display mode of the effect symbol is also set to a predetermined specific display mode (for example, 777), so that a specific gaming state (big hit state) is generated and a big hit signal is output. As a result, the occurrence of the jackpot is notified to the outside.

  Further, when the special symbol on the special symbol variable display unit 28 is stopped, a start signal having a predetermined pulse width is output, and the special symbol variable display (variable display) is performed on the special symbol variable display unit 28. Will be notified.

  When the big hit state occurs in this way, the opening / closing plate 40 provided in the variable winning ball apparatus 36 is opened, and a first state advantageous to the player is obtained. This first state ends when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number of hit balls (for example, 10) wins, whichever comes first, and then for the player This is a disadvantageous second state.

  If a hit ball that has entered the large winning opening of the variable winning ball apparatus 36 in the first state wins a specific winning area (V pocket) and is detected by a V count switch (not shown), Waiting for the end of the first state, repeated continuation control is performed to control from the second state to the first state. The upper limit number of the repeated continuation control is set to 15 times, for example.

  When the display result of the special figure variable display unit 28 and the display result of the effect symbol of the effect variable display unit 29 are stopped and displayed with a combination of predetermined jackpot symbols, a big hit occurs as described above. A reach state may occur in a state before the stop display.

  When the special symbol variably displayed on the special figure variable display unit 28 and the production variable display unit 29 and the production symbol are stopped and displayed with a combination of symbols corresponding to a predetermined probability variation symbol type, After the completion of ”, the probability variation state in which the probability of a big hit again becomes a higher probability state than the normal probability state becomes a probability variation state. In the probability variation state after the end of the probability variation jackpot, the probability variation state signal is output, and the occurrence of the probability variation state is notified to the outside.

  Further, when the special symbol variably displayed on the special symbol variable display unit 28 and the production variable display unit 29 and the production symbol are stopped and displayed with a combination of symbols other than the predetermined probability variation symbol, the “big hit” by the repeated continuation control is performed. The special symbol and effect variable display part in the special figure variable display part 28 until the variable display reaches the predetermined number of times or the next big hit occurs in the special figure variable display part 28 and the effect variable display part 29. When the variable display time (variation time) of the effect symbol in 29 is shortened compared to the normal gaming state, it becomes a short state, and during these short states, the short and medium signal is output, The occurrence of a short time condition is notified to the outside.

  The pachinko machine 2 of this embodiment is equipped with an information output board (not shown) for outputting these signals externally, and the information output board and the card unit 3 are connected via a signal cable (not shown). From the information output board, an external output signal consisting of a big hit signal, a probability changing signal, a short time signal, a start signal, and a winning ball signal is output to the card unit 3 via a signal cable.

  Here, the big hit signal is a signal that is in the output state during the big hit state period, the probability changing signal is a signal that is in the output state only during the probability changing state period, and the short and medium time signal is the period in the short time state The start signal is a pulse having a predetermined width that is output when all the display results of the special figure variable display section 28 are derived and displayed and the variable display ends. The prize ball signal is a pulse signal having a predetermined width that is output every time a predetermined number of balls (10 balls in this embodiment) is paid out.

  The pachinko machine 2 according to the present embodiment has a control for counting and paying out a predetermined number of award balls from a game control board that controls the game in the pachinko machine 2 based on a prize ball signal output based on winning. And a prize ball control board (not shown) that controls the lending of 25 pachinko balls, which are lending units, based on signals input / output from the card unit 3 in the same manner as a normal CR machine. Thus, it is possible to lend pachinko balls that are multiples of 25 balls, which is the lending unit.

  Next, the visitor card and the membership card used in the present embodiment will be briefly described. The visitor card and the membership card used in the present embodiment have a nonvolatile memory for storing various data. And an IC card on which an IC chip having a control unit that performs non-contact communication with an external reader / writer device is rewritten and read out. In the membership card, a card ID that can identify each card, specifically, a visitor card that has a card ID that begins with VC, and a membership card that has a membership card ID that starts with KC is stored in a non-rewritable manner in advance. In addition, the type can be identified from the card ID, the prepaid balance data that can specify the prepaid balance, The presence or absence of dividing (indicates there distribution is "1", "0" indicating no sorting) identifiable allocation flag various data for are stored.

  The member card is issued to a member player who has registered as a member in the amusement hall, and a member ID assigned to the member is stored in a non-rewritable manner. In addition, as will be described later, the member player can use the membership card to store the pachinko balls once acquired and counted so that they can be used again in the game after the next day. However, these member cards do not directly record the number of stored balls, which is data of the stored balls, and the number of stored balls is associated with the member card ID and the member ID in the management computer 150 as will be described later. By being stored, it is specified from the member card ID or member ID.

  The visitor card is purchased and issued by a card issuing / payment machine (not shown) installed in the amusement hall, and is also issued by the card unit 3. The visitor card stores the number of balls and date based on the counted number of balls counted by the player who owns the visitor card, and the number of balls is stored only on the day of each game in the game hall. The card unit 3 can be used.

  Next, the card unit 3 according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 10. The front surface of the card unit 3 according to the present embodiment is composed of full-color LEDs as shown in FIG. Various display parts such as a multi-function lamp 301 that can notify the state of the card unit 3 and the like by being lit in a plurality of colors, a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, and a device protruding from the front of the device to the front side of the device A protruding portion 305, a payout button 311 for accepting a counting payout operation for paying out the counted number of balls, and a card insertion slot 309 for inserting a membership card or a visitor card are provided.

  A card insertion slot 309 provided on the front surface of the card unit 3 is connected to a card slot 392 of a card reader / writer 327 (see FIG. 7) built in a position corresponding to the card insertion slot 309. A visitor card or a membership card can be inserted into the card slot 392 through the insertion slot 309.

  A protruding portion 305 is provided on the front surface of the card unit 3 so as to protrude forward. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, on the surface of the protruding portion 305 facing the player, a display unit 312 capable of displaying various information, a menu button 316 for displaying a main menu screen, a table When a table data button 318 for displaying data and a member card is received, a replay game using the member card ID recorded on the member card and the number of balls specified by the member ID is performed. Replay button 319, replay display unit 320 for notifying that the operation of replay button 319 is effective, and an infrared signal from a remote control (not shown) possessed by an attendant of the game hall are An IR light receiving unit 315 that converts and outputs a signal is provided, and each display item displayed on the display unit 312 is provided on the surface of the display unit 312. Transparent touch panel 314 to be input is provided by touching with a finger.

  Further, a liquid crystal display 313, which will be described later, and a switch corresponding to each button are provided inside the protrusion 305, and these correspond to the protrusion 305 as shown in FIG. By being connected to the display control board 329 provided at the position in the apparatus, display control of the liquid crystal display 313, input position detection by the transparent touch panel 314, and the like are performed by the display control board 329.

  At the upper position in the card unit 3, a banknote inserted in the banknote insertion slot 302 is connected, and a bill inserted into the banknote insertion slot 302 is taken to identify its authenticity and banknote type. A banknote identification unit 321 that outputs to a control unit 328, which will be described later, provided in the unit is provided. In the banknote identification unit 321, various banknotes (10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 1,000 yen each) (Banknotes) can be accepted.

  Further, a control unit 328 for controlling the operation of the card unit 3 is provided at a substantially central position of the card unit 3 so as to be easily connected to each part constituting the card unit 3, and as will be described later. Various operations of the card unit 3 are controlled by the control unit 328.

  Further, at the lowermost position of the card unit 3, as shown in FIG. 7, the pachinko balls are counted, and the counted pachinko balls are the maximum fraction, that is, less than 25 as the payout unit in the corresponding pachinko machine 2. A counting payout unit 348 is provided which stores only 24, which is the largest fraction of the number, and counts and pays off the fractional pachinko balls.

  In the card unit 3 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the main body of the card unit 3 engages with a unit holder 31 'formed at the upper and lower positions, and the main body of the card unit 3 is pulled out in the front direction. A cylinder lock (not shown) is provided at a predetermined position below the front face of the card unit 3 through a unit holder 31 that can be held, and is locked by an unlocking key possessed by an attendant or the like. By releasing, the card unit 3 can be pulled out. The unit holder 31 is provided with a connector for relaying various connection cables. A communication cable or the like connected to the control unit 328 is relay-connected via the unit holder 31. It is devised so that a communication cable or the like is not entangled when the card unit 3 body is pulled out and the card unit 3 body cannot be pulled out.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the card unit 3 of this embodiment. As described above, the card unit 3 mainly controls the bill recognition unit 321, the card reader / writer 327, the display control board 329, and each part of the card unit 3 according to the control program, and the card unit 3. The bill recognition unit 321, the card reader / writer 327, and the display control board 329 are connected to the control unit 328 so that various data can be transmitted and received.

  The card reader / writer 327 reads and writes recorded information such as a (member) card ID, a member ID (member card only), and prepaid balance data recorded on the member card and visitor card inserted from the card insertion slot 309. I do.

  The configuration of the card unit 327 used in the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4. Inside the card reader / writer 327, a member card or a visitor card is inserted from the card insertion port 309 and a member is inserted. An insertion sensor 397 for detecting that a card or a visitor card is being inserted, a shutter solenoid 399 for moving a shutter for preventing insertion of a new member card or visitor card from the card insertion slot 309, a card A guide rail 398 extending from the insertion slot 309 and allowing a membership card or a visitor card to slide, and a membership card or a visitor card disposed so as to sandwich the guide rail 398 and inserted into the card slot 392, Incorporate into the card slot 392, membership card and visitor card The take-in / discharge roller 387 ′ discharged from the card insertion slot 309, the drive motor 386 ′ driving the take-in / discharge roller 387 ′, and the take-in / discharge roller 387 ′ are taken in the card slot 392. The movement of the membership card or visitor card on the guide rail 398 is carried out by being driven and rotated by driving motors 386 and 393, and is stretched on one side of the conveying rollers 387 and 388. A conveyor belt 391, a solenoid 389 for raising and lowering a stop pin that stops the member card or visitor card to be conveyed at a predetermined position, and a member card or visitor card stopped at a predetermined position. A communication head 390 that performs power supply and data communication, and a membership card or a video card connected to the communication head 390 And a communication board 327a for controlling data transmission / reception with the data card, and reading data from the inserted membership card or visitor card and writing to the membership card or visitor card in a non-contact state. It is possible.

  The transport roller 387 constituting the transport mechanism provided in the card reader / writer 327 of this embodiment is provided to be separated from the card insertion slot 309 by a distance substantially equal to the length dimension of one member card or visitor card. One member card or visitor card is retained (held) between the card insertion slot 309 and the transport roller 387, and another member card or visitor card is placed at a predetermined position corresponding to the communication head 390. Can be read and written, and as will be described later, when the distribution process is performed, the visitor card issued by the distribution and the member card being accepted are continuously and substantially simultaneously. If the card can be ejected from the card insertion slot 309, and if the distribution destination card is accepted in the distribution, the distribution While it held without discharging the previous card, so that can be completed writing to the distribution source of visitor card.

  A card storage section 370 capable of storing up to 10 visitor cards is provided at the inner terminal end position of the card unit 3 of the conveyor belt 391 provided in the card reader / writer 327 of the present embodiment. It is possible to issue visitor cards.

  Inside the card storage section 370 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a pair of transport rollers 371 driven and rotated by a drive motor 373 and a transport belt 372 stretched around the transport rollers 371. And a visitor card for moving (accommodating and discharging) the visitor card is provided, and the visitor card stored in the card storage unit 370 is pressed toward the transfer belt 372 via the support plate 377. A pressing spring 376 is provided.

  A swing roller 375 that swings by a solenoid 374 is provided at a substantially central portion of the transport belt 372 in the transport mechanism. When the visitor card is taken into the card storage unit 370, the swing roller 375 is swung by the solenoid 374 and comes into contact with the transport belt 372, so that the central portion of the transport belt 372 protrudes and is already stored. By pressing the card or support plate 377, a gap for newly receiving the visitor card is formed between the conveyor belt 372 and the visitor card or support plate 377. Therefore, the inserted visitor card can be smoothly stored in the card storage unit 370, and after the visitor card is taken in, the swing roller 375 returns to a position where it does not come into contact with the transport belt 372. The visitor card is stored in a state where the protrusion of the central portion of the transport belt 372 is eliminated and the transport belt 372 contacts the entire surface of the visitor card, and when the visitor card is discharged, the visitor that contacts the transport belt 372 is stored. The card is discharged to the conveyance belt 391 by moving the conveyance belt 372 in the direction opposite to that of taking in the card.

  The card storage unit 370 is provided with a card replenishment detection sensor 378 that is an optical sensor that detects that the number of visitor cards stored in the card storage unit 370 is 1 or less. A card full detection sensor 379 is provided by an optical sensor that detects that the number of visitor cards stored in the card storage unit 370 has reached 10 (full). When the card replenishment detection sensor 378 detects that the number of visitor cards has become one or less due to the absence of light reflection from the visitor card, the detection signal is output to the control unit 328, whereby the control unit 328. When the multi-function lamp 301 is turned on in a predetermined lighting mode for requesting card replenishment, the store clerk is informed that there are not enough visitor cards, and the card full detection sensor 379 indicates the number of visitor cards. When it is detected that there are 10 sheets (full tank) due to light reflection from the visitor card, the detection signal is output to the control unit 328 so that the control unit 328 can In 370, you can recognize that the visitor card is full. The visitor card without performing the recovery of terpolymers card is ejected from the card insertion opening 309.

  When the visitor card is replenished to the card storage unit 370, the visitor card with a remaining balance of 0 is sequentially inserted into the card insertion slot 309 in a state where the clerk has shifted to the card replenishment mode by operating the remote controller. These inserted visitor cards are sequentially stored in the card storage unit 370.

  Next, the control unit 328 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 328 is accepting a central processing circuit (CPU) 328a capable of executing a control program and a card reader / writer 327. Stores various data such as visitor card and membership card (membership) card IDs, prepaid balance, number of balls, savings, number of points visited, corresponding pachinko machine 2 machine data, game information of members playing games, etc. Rewrite and store various data such as possible RAM 328b, control program executed by central processing circuit (CPU) 328a, setting information including device ID of the card unit 3, and (member) card ID in the absence of a seat EEPROM 328c, which is a possible non-volatile memory, and real-time data that can output time information, calendar information, etc. at that time Includes a time clock (RTC) 328d, RAM328b is backed up by a battery (not shown), even when the power supply is interrupted, the data stored in the predetermined period is maintained.

  As described above, the control unit 328 of this embodiment is connected to the prize ball control board (not shown) provided in the pachinko machine 2 so as to be able to exchange various signals accompanying the lending of the pachinko balls. In addition, as described above, by connecting to the information output board of the pachinko machine 2 through the signal cable, various external output signals such as a big hit signal can be input.

  The control unit 328 is connected to an out ball counter 16 provided at a lower position of the corresponding pachinko machine 2 so that each count signal from the out ball counter 16 can be input. In response to the input of the count signal from the counter 16, a predetermined number corresponding to the count signal is added to the value of the total number of shot balls in a game information table (see FIG. 9B) to be described later.

  Further, the control unit 328 is connected to the count payout unit 348, and is displayed at a lower position of the display unit 312 according to the input of the count signal output from the count payout unit 348, as will be described later. By updating the value of the counted number of balls (see FIG. 5), the total number of balls counted by the counting / dispensing unit 348 (if there are balls already counted on that day before that time) , The total number of balls) is displayed as the counted number of balls.

  The control unit 328 is connected to a payout button switch 311 ′ corresponding to a payout button 311 provided at a position below the protrusion 305 on the front surface of the apparatus, and a signal corresponding to the operation of the payout button 311 By inputting from the button switch 311 ′, it is possible to grasp whether or not the payout button 311 is operated.

  In the card table stored in the RAM 328b of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, the (member) card ID and member ID (read from the visitor card or member card inserted in the card reader / writer 327 are displayed. (Member card only), (Member) card ID and prepaid balance based on prepaid balance data, card ID or (member) card ID and number of coins specified from member ID, (member) card ID and member ID The number of stored balls (members only) and the number of store visit points (members only) specified from the member ID are stored.

  Further, in the game information table of the present embodiment stored in the RAM 328b, as shown in FIG. 9B, game information for three days including today, that is, today's data, previous day's data, and previous day's data are displayed. It is remembered. The previous day data and the previous day data are also stored in the EEPROM 328c. However, when displaying the previous day data and the previous day data, the present day data and the previous day data can be processed at a higher speed than reading from the EEPROM 328c. In the embodiment, the previous day data and the previous day data read from the EEPROM 328c in advance are stored in the game information table stored in the RAM 328b.

  In the game information table of this embodiment, the current game based on the input status of the above-mentioned big hit signal, probability changing signal, and short-time signal output from the corresponding pachinko machine 2 to the input terminals 1 to 3 (not shown). State (only today), latest game state data (input state of input terminal 1 to input terminal 3, 0: LOW / not connected, 1: HIGH, today only) from the left bit and previous game state data ( The game state data before being updated to the latest game state data (only today), the total number of hit balls, the total number of winning balls from the start of business, the number of difference balls (the total number of hit balls-the total number of winning balls) , The total number of starts, reset every time the occurrence of a big hit condition is identified, the number of start after hit that is the number of start after the occurrence of the big hit, Occurrence of probability variation state from The number of times of probability change, the number of short-time occurrences since the start of business, and the number of consecutive homes that are the number of big hits that occurred from the big hit that occurred in the normal gaming state to the next normal gaming state The game information is stored in the latest information based on the jackpot signal, probability change signal, time reduction signal, start signal, prize ball signal, and out ball count signal input to the input terminal. Updated.

  Note that today's table data aggregated and managed in these game information tables, as shown in FIG. 10, a specific data header indicating that it is a transmission data string including the table data at the head, and the card unit As a transmission data string of a predetermined format to which the device ID of 3 and the corresponding machine number of the pachinko machine 2 are assigned, in response to reception of a transmission request from the hall computer 140 (at the time of changing the gaming state) Sent. The ECC in FIG. 10 is an error correction code.

  Further, in the member game information table of the present embodiment stored in the RAM 328b, as shown in FIG. 9C, game information from the time when the member card is inserted into the card reader / writer 327, that is, the insertion The game information relating to the game of the member who has the member card is stored.

  Specifically, the start time when the member started playing (member card acceptance time), the end time when the member finished playing (member card return time), the member's game time, and after the member started playing The number of start-ups, the number of jackpots that have occurred since the member started playing, the number of jackpots that have occurred since the member started playing, the number of positive changes that have occurred since the member started playing, the member has started playing The number of balls acquired from (the difference from the number of balls counted at the start of the game), the spending amount used by the member for the game, the number of replay balls used for replay after the member started the game, The number of balls used since the member started the game is updated and stored, and the game information (table data) since the member player playing the game with the corresponding pachinko machine 2 can start grasping. It is like that.

  Further, as described above, the control unit 328 includes a remaining amount indicator provided in the operation unit 14 of the corresponding pachinko machine 2, a loan button switch for detecting the operation of the loan button, a member card and a visitor being received. A return button switch for detecting the operation of the return button operated when returning the card is connected, so that the operation of the lending button and the operation of the return button can be detected, and the display control of these remaining amount indicators is performed.

  The control unit 328 outputs various information input from the display control board 329 in response to an output from the IR light receiving unit 315 according to transmission from the remote controller, operation of various buttons provided on the protrusion 305, and operation of the touch panel. The full color provided in the multi-function lamp connected to the control unit 328 in response to the currency identification information by the banknote identification unit 321, the card insertion information from the card reader / writer 327, the visitor card storage state information, etc. The LED 301a and other LED lighting controls, card reader / writer 327, display control board 329 control, balance indicator display control and other overall operation controls, as shown in FIG. 21, are inserted into the card insertion slot 309. Card acceptance processing to determine whether membership cards and visitor cards can be used Loan processing for lending using the prepaid balance based on the prepaid balance data read from the member card or visitor card being received, return processing for returning the member card or visitor card being accepted by operating the return button, money In response to the receipt of money, the payment to the prepaid balance remaining on the member card or visitor card being accepted, the issuance / payment processing to write and issue the prepaid balance on a new visitor card, and the replay processing using the number of stored balls In response to the operation of the payout button 311, the number of balls counted (including those specified by the inserted visitor card and member card) is paid out (returned) and the number of balls paid out is subtracted from the counted number of balls. The payout process to be updated and the transition to the away mode are made upon receipt of a signal based on the away operation on the remote control. Away processing for, to execute various processes of the sorting processing for sorting the counting already balls as counted already balls number of other players by accepting the sorting operation.

  The control unit 328 is connected to the system controller 100, the hall computer 140, the management computer 150, etc. connected to the local area network (LAN) via the communication unit 334 and the HUB 7 so as to be able to perform data communication. These computers can send and receive various data through the communication unit 334.

  The display control board 329 connected to the control unit 328 includes a liquid crystal display 313 that forms the display unit 312, a transparent touch panel 314, various switches (a menu switch 316 a corresponding to the menu button 316, and a base data button 318. The corresponding table data switch 318a, the replay switch 319a corresponding to the replay button 319), the IR light receiving unit 315, and the electronic components such as the LED 320a provided in the replay display unit 320 are connected. Operation information on the transparent touch panel 314, operation information on various switches, and information based on the output signal output from the IR light receiving unit 315 are output to the control unit 328 via the display control board 329.

  In the display control board 329 of the present embodiment, a display driving circuit (not shown) that performs display driving of the liquid crystal display 313 and a position that is pressed based on an output signal from the transparent touch panel 314 are specified and An input position detection circuit (not shown) that outputs the specified input position information, a VDP (not shown) that performs processing related to a display image displayed on the display unit 312, a VROM that stores image data used for menu display, etc. (Not shown), VRAM (not shown) for temporarily storing display data to be displayed on the display unit 312, and determination and processing associated with inputs from various switches and touch panels, etc., independently from the control unit 328 Based on display data (page data) output from the control unit 328, etc. A display screen, and is capable of displaying on the liquid crystal display 313 constituting the display unit 312.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a lower plate of the pachinko machine 2 is provided in the counting / dispensing unit 348 provided at the lowest position of the card unit 3 (below the bill insertion slot 302, the display unit 312, and the card insertion slot 309). 24 and the connection box 340 made into the horizontally long box shape arrange | positioned between the repair board 1 of an amusement island are connected.

  The connection box 340 is formed on the end side of the connection box 340 and has a relatively large end box 340a in the height direction, a relatively small height in the height direction, the end box 340a and the counting dispensing unit 348. And a path box 340b formed so as to connect to the connecting portion.

  The connection box 340 is connected to the counting / dispensing unit 348 so that the terminal box 340a is positioned below the lower plate 24. The pachinko discharged from the lower plate 24 is placed on the upper surface of the terminal box 340a. A hopper-shaped throwing portion 345 into which a ball is thrown is formed, and a player can be opened and closed at a lower position on the front surface of the termination box 340a and is normally urged to be closed. The opening / closing shutter 342 ′ is provided, and a return port 342 through which a fractional pachinko ball paid out (returned) from the counting payout unit 348 is discharged is provided.

  Further, the upper position in the path box 340b is provided so as to incline toward the counting / dispensing unit 348, and two pachinko balls introduced into the inserting portion 345 are guided to the counting / dispensing unit 348 in a natural flow. A counting passage 343 including a flow path is provided. Further, a return passage 344 is provided at a position below the counting passage 343 so as to be inclined toward the return opening 342 and guides the pachinko balls paid out from the counting discharge unit 348 to the return opening 342 in a natural flow. Yes.

  In addition, a counting lever 341 that allows the player to perform a slide operation is provided at the upper front position of the terminal box 340a. By sliding the counting lever 341 against urging, the insertion portion 345 is provided. The opening / closing shutter 346 provided at the entrance to the counting passage 343 is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the counting dispensing unit 348 of the present embodiment to which the coupling box 340 is coupled is connected to the counting passage 343 from the front side of the card unit 3. An inflow path 350 that is inclined toward the inward side, and a card unit 3 that is provided below the inflow path 350 and that is connected to the return path 344 from the inner side of the card unit 3 that is connected to the inflow path 350. And an outflow path 352 provided so as to incline toward the front side of the card unit. These inflow path 350 and outflow path 352 are annular flow paths 351 formed vertically on the front side of the card unit 3. It is connected.

  In addition, a counting sensor 354 that detects and counts pachinko balls flowing down in the inflow path 350 is provided at the end position of the inflow path 350 for each flow path. The pachinko balls that have flowed into the payout unit 348 are detected and counted by the counting sensor 354.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the branch portion between the inflow path 350 and the annular flow path 351 has a flow path switching plate 353 ′ that closes the inlet of the inflow path 350 or the annular flow path 351 by rotating substantially at a right angle. A flow path switching solenoid 353 for rotating the flow path switching plate 353 ′ is provided so that the pachinko ball flow path can be switched to the inflow path 350 or the annular flow path 351.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a shutter 357 for preventing the pachinko ball from flowing down, and a shutter solenoid 358 for moving the shutter in and out, are connected to the connecting portion between the outflow passage 352 and the annular passage 351 on the outflow passage 352. , A payout sensor 356 for detecting a pachinko ball passing through the shutter 357 is provided, and the upstream position of the shutter is a ball storage portion 355. As shown in FIG. The counted pachinko balls counted by 354 are stored in the ball storage section 355.

  In the present embodiment, the number of pachinko balls that can be stored in these ball storage portions 355 is 12 for each strip, that is, 24 for two strips, which is 25 payout units in the pachinko machine 2. Even the 24 fraction balls, which are the largest fractions less than, can be paid out from the pachinko balls stored in the ball storage portion 355.

  Further, when 24 pachinko balls are already stored in the ball storage unit 355, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the pachinko balls counted by the counting sensor 354 are stored in the ball storage unit. Since it cannot flow into 355, it flows down to the discharge path 360 side and is discharged into the game island outside the card unit 3 through the discharge path 360.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, in the state where 24 pachinko balls are stored in the ball storage unit 355, for example, when 20 balls are paid out (returned), the payout sensor The shutter 357 is opened until the 20 pachinko balls are counted by 356, and a total of 20 pachinko balls are counted and dispensed from the ball storage unit 355. As shown in FIG. 8 (c), for example, 2 balls × 2 strips of a total of 4 pachinko balls remain in the ball storage portion 355 after flowing down the return passage 344 and returned to the return port 342. Become.

  In addition, a ball sensor (not shown) for detecting each pachinko ball stored in the ball storage unit 355 is provided on each side of the ball storage unit 355 at a position where each pachinko ball exists (stops). It is provided for each stop position of the ball, and the counting and payout unit 348 grasps the number of pachinko balls stored in the ball storage unit 355 at that time, and can output it externally as a stored ball number output. By inputting these stored ball number outputs to the control unit 328, the control unit 328 can grasp the number of pachinko balls that can be paid out (returned) by the counting payout unit 348.

  In addition, when the counting cannot be performed by the counting sensor 354, as shown in FIG. 8D, the flow path switching plate 353 ′ is rotated based on the instruction from the control unit 328 so that the inflow path 350 is set. When the pachinko ball that has entered the inflow path 350 flows down the annular flow path 351, the outflow path 352, and the return path 344 and is returned to the return port 342, the control unit can perform counting. Based on the instruction from 328, the flow path switching plate 353 ′ closes the entrance of the annular flow path 351 so that the pachinko balls can pass through the entrance to the annular flow path 351. Counted by sensor 354.

  When counted by these counting sensors 354, a detection signal of a predetermined pulse is output from the count dispensing unit 348 to the control unit 328 in response to detection of one pachinko ball.

  Next, the distribution device 5 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. The distribution device 5 has a vertically long box-like appearance as shown in FIG. An operation notification lamp 503 for informing the operation status, a display device 501 formed of a liquid crystal display having a transparent touch panel 502 on the surface, a first card insertion slot 504 into which a visitor card or membership card as a distribution source is inserted, A first insertion slot LED 506 is provided corresponding to the first card insertion slot 504 and notifies the discharge of the card from the first card insertion slot 504 by blinking, etc., and a visitor card or membership card as a distribution destination is inserted. In addition, a second card insertion slot 505 from which a visitor card for a new distribution destination is issued is provided in correspondence with the second card insertion slot 505. A second insertion port LED507 for notifying by blinking the discharge or the like card from the second card slot 505 is provided.

  The display device 501 displays an operation guide for the distribution device 5, and the user can easily perform distribution by inserting a card or selecting a menu along the operation guide.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sorting device 5 of the present embodiment. The device has almost the same configuration as the card reader / writer 327 (see FIG. 4) built in the card unit 3 described above. The first card reader / writer 508 is provided so as to face the first card insertion slot 504, and the second card reader / writer 509 having the same configuration as the card reader / writer 327 (see FIG. 4) It is provided so as to face the card insertion slot 504.

  The second card reader / writer 509 has a card storage unit 370 for storing visitor cards to be issued, like the card reader / writer 327 described above, and can newly issue a visitor card as a distribution destination. On the other hand, the first card reader / writer 508 has a configuration in which the card storage unit 370 is omitted, and does not have a visitor card issuing function.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the distribution device 5 includes a control unit 510 that is connected to each unit provided in the distribution device 5 and performs control for realizing various functions of the distribution device 5. The control unit 510 includes a ROM (not shown) that stores a control program in which control contents for realizing various functions of the distribution device 5 are described, and a microcomputer (CPU) that executes the control program. ) And a RAM that can be used by the microcomputer (CPU) for processing.

  The control unit 510 is connected to the above-described local area network (LAN) through the communication unit 511, and data communication with the management computer 150 and the like on the local area network (LAN) is possible.

  Next, the system controller 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 13, the system controller 100 used in the present embodiment has a data bus 101 that transmits and receives data inside a computer, a CPU 102 that performs various processes performed by the system controller 100, a work memory, and the like. RAM 103, RTC 104 that outputs time information and calendar information, storage device 105 such as a hard disk, input device 106 such as a keyboard and mouse, display device 107 that displays and outputs various screens, and prints various information Installed in a card company, a communication unit 109 that performs data communication with a printer 108, a card unit 3 (control unit 328) connected to a local area network (LAN), a distribution device 5, a card issuing / payment machine, etc. Data communication with the management server 12 Digital service unit (DSU) 110 is connected is a conventional computer.

  The storage device 105 has a membership card table (FIG. 14 (FIG. 14)) for managing prepaid balance remaining in the membership card in addition to a processing program in which processing contents for performing various processes executed in the system controller 100 are described. a)) and a visitor card table (see FIG. 14B) for managing the prepaid balance remaining on the visitor card.

  In the membership card table, as shown in FIG. 14A, each membership card is associated with a membership card ID that can be individually identified, and the membership ID of the membership player who has issued the membership card, and prepaid The remaining amount and an unusable flag indicating whether or not the member card is unusable are stored, and the prepaid balance or the use of the member card can be used from the member card ID or member ID stored in the member card. Can be specified.

  In the visitor card table, as shown in FIG. 14B, each visitor card is associated with a card ID that can be individually identified, and the status of the visitor card (whether it is being used or stored). ), The latest issuance date and time when the prepaid card was issued, the prepaid balance, and an unusable flag indicating whether or not the card is unusable are stored in the visitor card. The prepaid balance, the availability of the visitor card, and the latest issue date and time can be specified from the card ID.

  The system controller 100 (CPU 102) of the present embodiment transmits the device ID of the card unit 3 and the received membership card or visitor transmitted from each card unit 3 in response to acceptance of the membership card or visitor card in the card unit 3. In response to receipt of a card acceptance notification including the (member) card ID read from the card and the prepaid balance, a card acceptance process is performed for determining whether or not the member card or visitor card can be used and returning the card to the card unit 3.

  Further, the system controller 100 (CPU 102) of the present embodiment is included in the received lending completion notification in response to reception of a lending completion notification (to be described later) transmitted along with the lending processing in the card unit 3 (member). A subtraction update process for subtracting and updating the tax-included use amount included in the lending completion notice from the prepaid balance stored in the member card table or visitor card table corresponding to the card ID is performed.

  In addition, the system controller 100 (CPU 102) of the present embodiment receives the received card in response to receipt of a card deposit notification (to be described later) transmitted in accordance with the issuance / payment processing in the card unit 3 or the card issuance / payment machine. Corresponding to the (member) card ID included in the payment notification, a payment update process is performed to add and update the payment amount included in the card payment notification to the prepaid balance stored in the member card table or visitor card table.

  In addition, the system controller 100 (CPU 102) of the present embodiment responds to the receipt of the distribution issue notification transmitted from the card unit 3 or the distribution device 5 with the issuance of the visitor card in the card unit 3 or the distribution device 5. Corresponding to the card ID included in the received distribution issue notification, “0” is stored in the prepaid balance stored in the visitor card table, and update processing for updating the status and the latest issue date data is performed.

  Next, the management computer 150 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 15, the management computer 150 used in the present embodiment is connected to a data bus 151 that transmits and receives data within the computer, and a central processing unit (for performing various processes performed by the management computer 150) ( CPU) 152, RAM 153 used as a work memory, real-time clock (RTC) 154 that outputs time information and calendar information, a storage device 155 including a hard disk, an input device 156 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and various screens are displayed. A display device 157 for outputting, a printer 158 for printing various information, and a communication unit 159 for performing data communication with the card unit 3, the sorting device 5 and the gift exchange POS terminal 170 connected to the local area network (LAN) are connected. Is a normal computer.

  In the storage device 155, in addition to a processing program in which processing contents for performing various processing executed in the management computer 150 are described, on the business day, which is the number of saving balls owned by a member player possessing a membership card Recorded in the visitor card and the member saving management table (see FIG. 16 (a)) for managing the number of possessions acquired by the member player and the number of stored balls acquired by the member player before the previous day of business. A visitor saving management table (see FIG. 16 (b)) for managing the number of possessions acquired on the business day by the player who possesses the visitor card, and the current time in each card unit 3 in the game hall A unit management table (see FIG. 17) for managing the number of balls that have been counted and the cards being received by each card unit 3; A distribution history table (see FIG. 18) that stores and manages the distribution history that has been distributed in FIG. 18, and a member information table that stores member information regarding the member player who owns the member card (see FIG. 14 (a)). And a member-specific game history table (see FIG. 14B) in which a game history including game information of the member player is stored for each member ID that can identify the member player.

  In the member saving management table, as shown in FIG. 16A, a member ID that is member identification information that can be associated with each member card ID and that can individually identify the member player who has issued the member card. And the total number of balls acquired by the member player on that business day, which is the number of balls that are not used for game or prize exchange, and the member player acquired before the previous day of the business. The total number of balls acquired and the number of stored balls that are unused for gaming and prize exchange are stored, and the member player possesses the member card ID or member ID stored in the member card. The number of holding balls and the number of stored balls can be specified.

  Note that the number of balls managed in the member savings management table is managed as the number of balls held only on that business day, and the number of balls in the member savings management table in the closing process after the end of business is the number of balls After being updated, everything is reset.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16B, the visitor saving management table associates each visitor card with a card ID that can be individually identified, and possesses the latest issue date and time of the visitor card and the visitor card. The total number of balls that the player has acquired on that business day, and the number of balls that are unused for the game or prize exchange are stored, and from the card ID stored in the visitor card, It is possible to specify the number of balls possessed by the player.

  In addition, the number of balls managed in the visitor savings management table is valid only on the day of business, and all the existing balls in the visitor savings management table are reset in the closing process after the end of business. , Disabled. In addition, when the number of balls held before the previous day is recorded on the visitor card, the number of balls held is erased as invalid.

  In the unit management table, as shown in FIG. 17, the local IP in which the local IP address of the card unit 3 is stored in association with the device ID uniquely assigned to each card unit 3 installed in the game hall. An island where the island number of the gaming island in which the card unit 3 is installed is stored, a situation in which the card unit 3 is accepting or waiting for a card, and the card unit 3 corresponds to the corresponding machine number in which the machine number of the pachinko machine 2 is stored, the reception ID in which the card ID of the member card or visitor card being received is stored, and the number of balls counted for each card unit 3 at that time And the data of the counted number of balls are periodically received from each card unit 3 in response to reception of a transmission request from the management computer 150. And the latest counted number of balls is managed by being transmitted from each card unit 3 after a predetermined time (for example, after 5 seconds) after changing the number of counted balls. .

  In the distribution history table, as shown in FIG. 18, the date of distribution, the device ID of the card unit 3 or distribution device 5 on which the distribution has been performed, the card ID of the distribution source card, the distribution destination Used by the card ID of the card, whether the visitor card is issued when the distribution destination is a visitor card, the distribution ball number that is the distribution ball number, and the distribution destination card For this purpose, a distribution history including usage acceptance indicating whether or not the card unit 3 is accepted is stored. In this embodiment, 1 is the maximum period that can be selected as an aggregation target period on the distribution setting screen described later. Monthly distribution history is stored.

  As data stored in “issue”, “1” is stored when a visitor card is issued, and “0” is stored when no visitor card is issued. Further, as data stored in “use acceptance”, “1” is stored when it has been accepted, and “0” is stored when it has not been accepted.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the distribution history tables indicate the total number of pachinko balls distributed in the game hall in a predetermined period, for example, one day, and the distribution numbers of all the history records in which the date of the day is stored. In addition, the same card ID is stored in the distribution source card, and the total number of distributions of all histories in which the date of the day is stored is summed up from the distribution source card. The total number of pachinko balls distributed in can be specified, and furthermore, the same card ID is stored in the distribution destination card, and the distribution number of all the history in which the date of the day is stored is totaled, the distribution destination You can also specify the total number of pachinko balls assigned to the card that day.

  As shown in FIG. 19 (a), the member information table is associated with the member ID of the member player who owns the member card, and the personal identification number and the day of receiving the member card. Membership consisting of store visit points where the predetermined store visit points are added and updated once, rank based on store visit status, member's name (last name and name), gender, age, birthday, occupation, address, e-mail address Attribute information (personal information) is registered.

  In the member-specific game history table, as shown in FIG. 19B, for each member ID, the game history of the member player, specifically, the date of visit to the store, the pachinko machine 2 where the game was played. Number, model name, game start time (time), game end time (time), game time from game start to end, number of starts, number of bonuses, number of probability fluctuations (number of probability changes), number of balls earned, expenditure A game history including the amount of money, the number of replay balls, and the number of used balls is stored. The visit date of the member-specific game history table stores the date when the game history is stored based on the calendar information output from the RTC 154, and the game start time, game end time, game time, start count, The game history of the number of bonuses, the number of chances of change, the number of balls acquired, and the amount of money spent is stored based on member game history data transmitted from the card unit 3 when the member card is returned via the counting / payout unit 4.

  Here, the distribution setting that can be performed by the management computer 150 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 20. The management computer 150 according to the present embodiment is implemented by the card unit 3 and the distribution device 5 in the game hall. Various settings related to restrictions on distribution are enabled on the distribution setting screen shown in FIG.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, there are restrictions on the total number of distributions in the entire amusement hall, restrictions on the total number distributed from one visitor card or member card, and one visitor card or There are restrictions on the total number assigned to membership cards, and restrictions on re-assignment before the card unit 3 accepts the card after one assignment, and the contents of each restriction are the desired contents of the game hall. It can be set to.

  As shown in FIG. 20, in the distribution setting screen of the present embodiment, a setting item of “totaling period” is provided at the upper position of the screen, and data to be compared with the contents to be restricted on the distribution setting screen is displayed. You can specify the period to be counted.

  For example, if you want to limit the total number of distributions during the time period, for example, from the start of business to 15:00, you can select the content from “15:00 from the start of business” and want to limit it on a daily basis. In this case, it is only necessary to select “one day” in the setting item of the “summation target period”, and if it is desired to limit in one week unit, ”Can be selected.

  In the present embodiment, all items that limit the total period are common, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the total period, distribution source upper limit, distribution destination Each of the upper limit restrictions may be set individually.

  As shown in FIG. 20, a check box for selecting execution / non-execution of the distribution total number restriction is provided in the item of total distribution number restriction, and an input unit for inputting the total number to be restricted is provided. When the restriction on the total number of distributions is performed, the check box corresponding to “Yes” is selected and checked, and the value of the total number to be restricted (upper limit value) may be input to the input unit.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20, a check box for selecting execution / non-execution of the distribution source upper limit is provided in the item of distribution source upper limit, and an input unit for inputting the total number to be limited Are provided on each of the membership card and visitor card, and when performing the distribution source upper limit restriction, the check box corresponding to “Yes” is selected and checked, and the input unit corresponding to each card is also checked. The total value (upper limit value) to be limited may be input.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, a check box for selecting execution / non-execution of the distribution destination upper limit restriction is also provided in the item of the distribution destination upper limit restriction, and an input unit for inputting the total number to be restricted Is provided for each member card and visitor card, and when the distribution destination upper limit is to be enforced, select the check box corresponding to “Yes” and check the input section corresponding to each card. The total value (upper limit value) to be limited may be input.

  In addition, a check box for selecting execution / non-execution of the continuous distribution restriction is provided in the item of the continuous distribution restriction, and the card of the distribution destination at the time of one distribution is a card unit. “When” is performed when restricting the execution of another distribution before inserting into the card unit 3, that is, when limiting a plurality of distributions before inserting into the card unit 3 and performing the receiving. Select the check box corresponding to the check box, and if you want to allow multiple sorting before inserting into the card unit 3 and accepting it, select the check box corresponding to "No" and check Just do it.

  In this way, when continuous distribution restriction is implemented, the distribution frequency cannot be re-executed unless the distribution-destination card is inserted into the card unit and accepted. In the case where the continuous distribution restriction is not performed, that is, when continuous distribution is allowed, the distribution destination player is continuously assigned from a plurality of distribution source players. The distribution can be received, and the convenience of the player can be improved.

  As described above, after specifying and inputting the desired setting contents in each setting item, by selecting and inputting the “setting” selection input section provided at the bottom of the distribution setting screen, the distribution setting screen is displayed. The setting contents are updated and stored. Note that when a “reset” selection input section provided at the bottom of the distribution setting screen is selected and input, the content of each item on the screen is initialized to a predetermined default state.

  In addition, the management computer 150 of this embodiment uses the distribution history including the device ID of the card unit 3 subjected to the distribution process stored in the distribution history table, and member information such as store visit points stored in the member information table. Etc. are transmitted to the system controller 100 and the hall computer 140, and halls used by the game hall staff to check the game information of the pachinko machine 2 and the video of the surveillance camera in the game hall. In the computer 140, information on the distribution history and member information can be confirmed.

  The information providing function will be described with reference to FIG. 27, taking as an example the case where distribution history information is provided. First, when a predetermined operation for displaying the distribution history is performed in the hall computer 140, the hall information is displayed. The computer 140 identifies the date / time information of the latest distribution history among the distribution histories already acquired and stored from the management computer 150, and manages the distribution history request including the date / time information of the identified latest distribution history. Send to computer 150.

  In response to reception of the distribution history request, the management computer 150 identifies a distribution history including date and time information after the date and time information included in the received distribution history request as an unsent history, and all the identified unsent histories are assigned to the distribution history. It is read from the table and returned to the hall computer 140 as distribution history information.

  In response to receiving the distribution history information, the hall computer 140 additionally registers the received distribution history in the already stored distribution history, and includes a list of distribution history including the additionally registered distribution history, A list including display of device IDs that have been subjected to the distribution process included in the distribution history is displayed.

  In this way, when data or an image suspected of abnormality is found in the confirmation of game information of the pachinko machine 2 or the confirmation of the video of the surveillance camera, it is determined whether or not these are abnormal. Therefore, the hall computer 140 can quickly browse information on the distribution history including the display of the device ID that has been subjected to the distribution process, so that these determinations can be made quickly and accurately while identifying the card unit 3 that has been subjected to the distribution process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the management computer 150 may not have such a distribution history providing function.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the card unit 3 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the control unit 328 of the card unit 3 is activated by turning on the power to the card unit 3, thereby performing the activation process of Sb1, initializing various tables, checking the connection status of each unit, and system controller. 100, hall computer 140, management computer 150 connection confirmation request transmission and each setting data based on the setting information returned from system controller 100, hall computer 140, management computer 150 in response to the connection confirmation request transmission Set initial values, etc.

  Then, after the activation process is completed, the process of Sb2 to Sb10 is performed to accept the card that is the insertion of the membership card or the visitor card into the card insertion slot 309 and the rental button by the player (member or visitor) Operation, cash acceptance by inserting a bill from the bill insertion slot 302, operation of a return button by a player, operation of a replay button 319 (reception of replay operation information from the display control board 329), operation of a payout button 311, An operation for leaving a seat using a remote control owned by a staff member (receiving seating operation information from the display control board 329), a selection operation for selecting a sorting menu by a player (receiving a sorting operation information from the display control board 329), a menu button 316 Standby state for detecting operation (reception of main menu display operation information from display control board 329) To become.

  The control unit 328 monitors the input of the count sensor signal output from the count payout unit 348 in parallel with the normal process shown in FIG. 21 after the start process of Sb1. And processing for monitoring the receipt of an additional reservation request transmitted from the remote control, and a big hit signal, a probability change signal, a time short and medium signal, a start signal, a prize output from the corresponding pachinko machine 2 and out ball counter 16 By performing the interrupt monitoring process (not shown) that monitors the input and change of the ball signal and out ball count signal based on the processing task that is separate from the processing task that performs these normal processes, each target state is generated. Monitoring, addition updating to the counted number of balls, addition reservation setting and cancellation, and game information update processing can be performed sequentially.

  Here, the flow of counting pachinko balls in the card unit 3 will be described. When counting pachinko balls, the player is first paid out from the pachinko machine 2 and stored in the lower plate 24. The pachinko balls are thrown into the throwing portion 345 by operating a lever provided on the lower plate 24.

  Then, after the amount of pachinko balls to be counted is thrown into the throwing portion 345, the counting lever 341 is operated to open the open / close shutter 346 provided at the entrance to the counting passage 343. As a result, the pachinko balls temporarily stored in the insertion portion 345 flow into the counting passage 343 from the entry port, and are detected by the counting sensor 354 in the counting dispensing unit 348 through the counting passage 343, and one pachinko ball is Each time it is detected, a predetermined number of count sensor signals are output to the control unit 328.

  These count sensor signals are input in step SS1 in the count sensor signal processing shown in FIG. 22 performed by the control unit 328. It is determined that the count sensor signal is input, and the process proceeds to step SS2. It is determined whether or not the count prohibition state is outputting the count prohibition instruction.

  When counting is prohibited, the process proceeds to step SS5, where the display unit 312 displays that a counting error has occurred, and the process proceeds to an error notification process in which the multifunction lamp 301 is lit. If counting is not prohibited, the process proceeds to step SS3, and it is determined whether there is an additional reservation setting by the remote controller possessed by the attendant.

  When there is no additional reservation setting, the process proceeds to step SS4, and 1 is added to the number of balls held in the card table and the counted number of balls on the display unit 312 and the process returns to the step of SS1, while there is an additional reservation setting. Return to the SS1 step without performing the SS4 step.

  That is, pachinko balls that have flowed into the counting payout unit 348 through the counting portion 345 from the input unit 345 are detected one by one by the counting sensor 354 and added to the number of balls held and the number of balls already counted.

  In addition, in these additions, the addition end detection timer (in this embodiment, 5 seconds is set) for detecting the end of the addition is reset for each addition, and the addition end detection timer is up. At the time point, that is, when the predetermined time set in the addition end detection timer has elapsed since the last addition was performed, the device ID of the card unit 3, the card ID of the card being received, and the post-addition When the number of possessed balls update request including the counted number of balls is transmitted to the management computer 150, the number of possessed balls after addition is the number of balls in the member saving management table or visitor saving management table of the management computer 150, The counted number of balls in the unit management table is updated without delay to the counted number of balls included in the number-of-balls update request.

  Further, when the number of balls stored in the ball storage unit 355 in the counting and dispensing unit 348 described above is small and it is necessary to replenish the ball storage unit 355 with a pachinko ball, a remote controller (not shown) carried by an attendant is carried out. After performing the reserve setting by operating, the pachinko ball to be replenished is inserted from the entrance, so that the added pachinko ball is not added to the number of balls and the number of balls already counted, and the ball storage unit 355 Will be stored.

  Next, when the player inserts a visitor card or a membership card into the card insertion slot 309 in the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10 described above, the insertion detection information accompanying the insertion of the visitor card or membership card is a card reader. As a result of output from the writer 327 to the control unit 328, the control unit 328 determines that there is card acceptance in Sb2, advances to the step of Sb20, and performs card acceptance processing.

  In the card accepting process of this embodiment at Sb20, an instruction for taking in the membership card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion slot 309 is output to the card reader / writer 327, and the inserted membership card or visitor card is sent to the card reader. Data stored in the card slot 392 of the writer 327 and stored in the member card or visitor card, specifically, the (member) card ID and member ID (member card only) of the member card or visitor card And prepaid balance data, number of possession data (visitor card only), distribution flag, and the like are read.

  Then, the control unit 328 transmits an authentication request including the (member) card ID read from the received member card or visitor card, the prepaid balance data, and the device ID to the system controller 100, and receives the authentication result from the system controller 100. Perform the card authentication process.

  In response to the reception of the authentication request, the system controller 100 determines whether the (member) card ID included in the received authentication request exists in the member card table or the visitor card table, and cannot be used in the unavailable flag “1”. ”Is stored, and if it is present and unavailable“ 1 ”is not stored, that is, if“ 0 ”is stored in the unavailable flag, the (member) card ID is stored. The prepaid balance that is stored and managed in the member card table or visitor card table in association is specified from the prepaid balance data included in the received authentication request, that is, the prepaid balance data read from the received member card or visitor card It is determined whether it matches the prepaid balance to be As a result, “authentication OK” is returned. On the other hand, when the (member) card ID does not exist in the member card table or the visitor card table, or when the unavailable flag “1” is stored in the unavailable flag, the prepaid balance is If they do not match, “authentication NG” is returned. However, if the prepaid balance does not match and the prepaid balance specified from the prepaid balance data included in the authentication request is smaller, the prepaid balance in the member card table or visitor card table is set to the small amount. In addition to renewing the amount, “authentication OK” is returned to permit use of the member card or visitor card.

  When the authentication result returned from the system controller 100 is “authentication NG”, the card unit 3 outputs an instruction to eject the accepted member card or visitor card to the card reader / writer 327 and inserts the inserted member card or visitor. If the returned authentication result is “authentication OK” while returning the card and completing the card acceptance process, the (member) card ID, member ID (member only), and prepaid balance read from the accepted card are returned. Are stored in the card table and, as shown in FIG. 26, the (member) card ID, device ID, and number of balls (only the visitor card) read from the received membership card or visitor card to the management computer 150 And a card acceptance notification including distribution flag data.

  In response to reception of this card acceptance notification, the management computer 150 first determines whether or not the number of possessed balls included in the received card acceptance notification is present, and if so, verifies the number of possessed balls. Perform verification processing.

  Specifically, the number of balls stored in the visitor saving management table corresponding to the card ID included in the received card acceptance notification matches the number of balls included in the received card acceptance notification. Determine whether.

  If they do not match in the verification determination, the card unit 3 returns the verification error information indicating that the verification of the number of possessed balls is NG to the card unit 3 that is the transmission source of the received card acceptance notification. The visitor card is returned.

  On the other hand, if they match in the collation determination, or if the received card acceptance notification does not include the number of balls (in the case of a membership card), the distribution flag data included in the received card acceptance notification is It is determined whether or not it is “1” indicating the presence or absence of.

  If the distribution flag data is “0” in the determination, that is, if there is no distribution, the process proceeds to the normal acceptance process, whereas if the distribution flag data is “1” in the determination, that is, if there is distribution. The distribution history table includes a distribution history including the card ID included in the received card acceptance notification, and whether or not there is a history in which “0” is registered in the usage acceptance, that is, in the received card acceptance notification. It is determined whether or not the included card ID matches the card ID included in the distribution history in which “0” is registered for use acceptance.

  If there is a distribution history, that is, the card ID included in the received card acceptance notification matches the card ID included in the distribution history in which “0” is registered for usage acceptance, the matching distribution history Is stored in correspondence with the member card ID in the member savings management table if the card ID is the member card ID, that is, if the card ID is a member card ID. If the card ID is a visitor card ID, the addition number is updated to the number of possessions stored in correspondence with the card ID in the visitor saving management table. In addition, the number of possessed balls can be used, and the usage acceptance data of the specified distribution history is updated to “1” indicating that usage has been accepted. Accepting proceeds to the process.

  In the case where the continuous distribution is not restricted and there are a plurality of specified distribution histories, all the distribution numbers of the specified distribution histories are added and updated.

  Further, when the distribution history does not exist at the time of specifying the distribution history, that is, the distribution in which the card ID included in the card reception notification whose distribution flag data is “1” is registered with “0” in the usage reception is registered. If it does not match the card ID included in the history, the error information is returned, the card received in the card unit 3 is ejected and returned, and the card cannot be used. Error information including the machine number of the pachinko machine 2 corresponding to the card unit 3 of the included device ID is displayed on the display device 157 of the management computer 150 and notified.

  In the normal acceptance process, the management computer 150 first updates the “status” data in the unit management table corresponding to the device ID included in the received card acceptance notification to “accepting” and is included in the received card acceptance notification. (Member) card ID is stored in the item “Reception ID” of the unit management table.

  Next, the number of possessed balls and the number of stored balls (member only) corresponding to the (member) card ID included in the received card acceptance notification are associated with the (member) card ID in the member saving management table or the visitor saving management table. In addition to specifying from each stored data, if the card ID is a member card ID, further specify the PIN and store visit point stored in the member information table corresponding to the member card ID, Sending the received card acceptance notification to the reception processing completion notification including the specified number of held balls, number of stored balls (member only), point of visit (member only), PIN (member only), and (member) card ID Reply to the original card unit 3.

  In response to the reception of the acceptance process completion notification, the card unit 3 (control unit 328) determines the number of possessed balls, the number of stored balls (member only), the point of visit (member only), the PIN number ( (Member only) is stored in the card table, and the distribution flag of the card being accepted is updated to “0”, and then the prepaid balance stored in the card table is displayed on the balance display of the corresponding pachinko machine 2 At the same time, the number of held balls stored in the card table is displayed on the display unit 312 as the counted number of balls, and the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10.

  When the player operates the lending button after the prepaid balance is displayed on these remaining amount indicators, a signal from the lending button switch for detecting the lending button operation by the player is sent to the control unit 328. The control unit 328 determines that the operation of the lending button is present in the step Sb3 in the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10, proceeds to the step Sb21, and executes the lending process.

  In this lending process, first, the prepaid balance read out from the inserted membership card or visitor card (including the visitor card issued by inserting the banknote) and stored in the RAM 328b (card table) is the corresponding pachinko machine 2 If the prepaid balance is less than 100 yen, it is determined as “Yes” in the determination. When the lending process is finished and the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10, if the prepaid balance is 1 count = 100 yen or more, the process proceeds to the next step, and the prepaid balance is the usage count of the lending process in this embodiment. It is determined whether or not 5 degrees set as is equal to or more than 500 yen.

  When the prepaid balance is the usage frequency of 5 frequency = 500 yen or more, the usage amount ball lending process is performed. On the other hand, when the usage frequency is 5 frequency = less than 500 yen, the display amount ball lending process is performed. To implement.

  In this used amount ball lending process, a payout instruction for the number of pachinko balls corresponding to a use frequency of 5 degrees = 500 yen, specifically, a signal for instructing the payout of 25 balls, which is a single frequency, is output five times. Thus, the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is made to pay out 125 balls corresponding to 5 times = 500 yen.

  Specifically, PRDY HIGH / LOW output from the pachinko machine 2 is determined. If PRDY is HIGH, a predetermined error process is performed, and the lending process is terminated.

  When PRDY is LOW, after BRDY is switched to LOW, BRQ is set to LOW, waiting for detection of EXS HIGH from the pachinko machine 2, and BRQ is set based on detection of LOW of EXS. Switch to HIGH and wait for detection of EXS HIGH.

  Next, when the payout for one time in the pachinko machine 2 is completed and the HIGH level of the EXS is detected, the control unit 328 displays the prepaid balance displayed on the balance indicator, the prepaid balance data on the card table, and the receiving member. 100 yen corresponding to the one time is subtracted from the prepaid balance data stored in the card or visitor card, and the number of BRQs is counted, and the counted number of BRQs is equivalent to the number of use of 5 times. Compare with 5 times.

  When the number of BRQs counted in this comparison does not match the number of 5 times, the payout process for the above-mentioned 1 time is performed again, and the number of BRQs counted in the comparison with the above-mentioned usage frequency Is equal to 5 degrees, BRDY is set to HIGH.

  Then, the device ID uniquely assigned to the card unit 3 to the system controller 100, the (member) card ID of the member card or visitor card being received, and the amount used (500 yen) corresponding to the frequency of use. Is sent, and the used amount is subtracted and updated from the prepaid balance stored in association with the (member) card ID in the member card table or visitor card table of the system controller 100.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the accepting card is a visitor card. If it is not a visitor card, the lending process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10, while the visitor card is being accepted. Determines whether the prepaid balance displayed on the balance display (same as the prepaid balance stored in the card table of the RAM 328b) is zero.

  If the prepaid balance is not 0 in the determination, the lending process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10. On the other hand, if the prepaid balance is 0, the number of balls in the card table is further increased. Determine if it exists.

  If the number of possessed balls is present, the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10. On the other hand, if the number of possessed balls is not present, an instruction to collect a visitor card whose prepaid balance becomes 0 is output to the card reader / writer 327. Then, the card is stored in the card storage unit 370 on the inner side of the card reader / writer 327, and the system controller 100 and the management computer 150 are sent a collection notification including the card ID of the collected visitor card. After updating the “status” of the visitor card table of the controller 100 to “in storage” and updating the data of the card unit 3 in the unit management table of the management computer 150, the card table is reset, and Sb2 to Sb10 Return to the standby state.

  On the other hand, in the display amount ball lending process, payout for the number of times obtained by dividing the prepaid balance (same as the prepaid balance stored in the card table of the RAM 328b) displayed on the balance indicator by 100 yen corresponding to one count. If the instruction, for example, the prepaid balance is 400 yen, the signal for instructing the payout of 25 balls, which is one frequency, is output four times, and the payout of 4 times = 100 balls corresponding to 400 yen is used as described above. In the same way as in the case of payout, the corresponding pachinko machine 2 carries out the payment, the prepaid balance displayed on the balance indicator, the prepaid balance data on the card table, and the member card or visitor card being received. The amount of 400 yen equivalent to 4 times of using prepaid balance data for pachinko ball lending is deducted and updated, that is, “ Updated to ".

  The system controller 100 completes the lending including the device ID uniquely given to the card unit 3, the (member) card ID of the member card or visitor card being received, and the usage amount of 400 yen. The notification is transmitted, and the system controller 100 causes the prepaid balance stored in the membership card table or visitor card table to be subtracted from the prepaid balance stored in the membership card table or visitor card table and updated.

  Then, as in the case of the above-mentioned usage frequency, it is determined whether the card being received is a visitor card and the prepaid balance is 0 (in this case, it is always determined that it is 0), If it is a visitor card and the prepaid balance is 0, the visitor card is further collected on condition that the number of possessed balls does not exist, and then the lending process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10.

  Further, in the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10 described above, when a player inserts cash (banknote) from the banknote insertion slot 302, money identification information accompanying the insertion of the cash (banknote) is controlled from the banknote identification unit 321. By outputting to the unit 328, the control unit 328 determines that there is acceptance of cash in the step of Sb4, proceeds to the step of Sb22, and performs issue / payment processing.

  In this issuance / payment process, first, the amount of money inserted is specified from the input money identification information, and it is determined whether or not there is a member card or visitor card accepted by the card reader / writer 327. To do.

  When it is determined that there is no member card or visitor card being received, the control unit 328 moves the visitor card stored in the card storage unit 370 to a predetermined reading position on the card slot 392, The card ID of the visitor card is read, and an issuance request including the read card ID, the input amount, and the device ID of the card unit 3 is transmitted to the system controller 100.

  In response to receiving this issuance request, the system controller 100 determines whether or not the card ID included in the received issuance request exists in the visitor card table, and if it exists, the visitor corresponding to the card ID. Update the “status” of the card table to “in use” and store the current date and time output from the RTC 104 in the latest issue date and time, and store the received input amount in the “remaining amount” as the prepaid balance, “Issuance permission” is returned to the card unit 3 that is the transmission source of the issue request. If the received card ID does not exist in the visitor card table, “Issuance impossible” is returned.

  In response to the transmission of the “issue permission”, the system controller 100 notifies the management computer 150 of an issuance notification including the stored latest issuance date and time, the card ID and the device ID included in the received issuance request. By notifying, the management computer 150 stores the latest issue date and time included in the received issue notification in the latest issue date and time of the visitor saving management table corresponding to the card ID included in the received issue notification and received The “status” of the unit management table corresponding to the device ID included in the issue notification is updated to “accepting”, and the received card ID is stored in “acceptance ID” to update the unit management table.

  The card unit 3 (control unit 328) writes and stores the prepaid balance corresponding to the inserted amount in the visitor card moved to the card slot 392 in response to the reception of the above “issue permission”, and also stores the prepaid amount in the card table. After storing the card ID of the visitor card and the prepaid balance corresponding to the inserted amount, and displaying the prepaid balance on the balance display, the issuing / paying process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10.

  In addition, when "Issuance is impossible" is received from the system controller 100 and when a visitor card is not stored in the card storage unit 370, the cash (banknote) inserted from the banknote insertion slot 302 is returned, An error notification process for turning on the multi-function lamp 301 in a predetermined error notification mode is performed until the error state is eliminated, thereby notifying the occurrence of an error.

  On the other hand, if there is a member card or visitor card being accepted in the card slot 392 at the time of cash (banknote) insertion, the amount specified above is stored in the member card or visitor card being received and the card table. After adding the prepaid balance specified from the stored prepaid balance data and updating each of the prepaid balance data to the prepaid balance data that can be specified, the deposit amount (to the deposit amount) is updated. The same) and the device ID of the card unit 3 and the (member) card ID of the member card or visitor card being received are transmitted to the system controller 100, and the member card table of the system controller 100 or At the visitor card table, the (member) card The said input money amount of money to be added update the prepaid balance, which corresponds to the de-ID are stored.

  Then, the remaining amount of the prepaid displayed on the remaining amount display is updated and displayed as a new amount after the addition update, the deposit process is terminated, and the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10.

  In addition, when the player operates the return button in the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10 described above, a signal from the return button switch for detecting the operation of the return button by the player is input to the control unit 328. As a result, the control unit 328 determines that there is an operation of the return button in Sb5, proceeds to Sb23, and performs return processing.

  In this return process, first, it is determined whether or not there is a member card or visitor card being accepted by the card reader / writer 327, and if it does not exist, the operation is invalidated. The operation of the payout button 311 is invalidated and a count prohibition instruction is output to the count payout unit 348 to prohibit new counting.

  In the counting payout unit 348 due to the output of the counting prohibition instruction, the inflow path 350 is blocked by the flow path switching plate 353 ′, so that counting of new pachinko balls is prohibited and has flowed in during the prohibition. The pachinko balls are returned to the return port 342 via the annular flow path 351, the outflow path 352, and the return path 344.

  Then, the control unit 328 transmits a return notification including the device ID of the card unit 3, the card ID of the returned card, the number of possessed balls and the number of stored balls (member only) to the management computer 150. To do.

  In response to receiving the return notification, the management computer 150 stores the number of balls and the number of stored balls stored in the member saving management table or visitor saving management table corresponding to the (member) card ID included in the received return notification. (Members only) is updated to the number of possessed balls and the number of stored balls included in the received return notification, and the “status” corresponding to the device ID received in the unit management table is changed to “standby” And the update completion notification is transmitted to the card unit 3 that is the transmission source of the return notification.

  In response to the reception of the update completion notification, the card unit 3 (control unit 328) determines whether or not the card being received is a visitor card. If the card is a visitor card, the card table is stored in the visitor card. After recording the number of possessed balls, a discharge instruction is output to the card reader / writer 327 so that the accepted visitor card or member card is discharged from the card insertion slot 309, the card table is reset, and the operation of the payout button 311 is disabled. And the prohibition of counting are canceled and the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10.

  When the card to be returned is a membership card, the control unit 328 transmits a return notification including membership game information data stored in the membership game information table and resets the membership game information table. Member game information data is registered in the member-specific game history table.

  Further, when the player operates the replay button 319 in the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10 described above, the replay operation information is transmitted from the display control board 329 that has detected the operation of the replay button 319 to the control unit. By being input to 328, the control unit 328 determines that there is an operation of the replay button 319 in Sb6, proceeds to Sb24, and performs a replay process.

  In this replay process, first, it is determined whether or not the number of balls is “0”. If the number of balls is not “0”, the operation is invalidated, and “ After the message “Please operate the payout button” is displayed on the display unit 312, the process returns to the standby state of b2 to Sb10. On the other hand, if the number of held balls is “0”, the RAM 328b It is determined whether or not the collated flag indicating whether or not the password stored in the password is “1” indicating that the collation has been completed. Perform the PIN code acceptance process.

  In this way, in this embodiment, the number of possessed balls acquired by the member player on the day is different from the number of accumulated balls, and payout is performed without requiring a fee, so there are the number of possessed balls that do not incur these fees. By disabling the replay operation in this case, the disadvantage of the member player due to the use of the accumulated number of balls incurred despite the existence of the number of possessed balls that do not incur the fee is eliminated. Be able to.

  In the security code acceptance process of this embodiment, first, a security code acceptance screen including a numeric keypad and an announcement display for prompting the input of the security code are displayed on the display unit 312 to accept the security code.

  Then, the received personal identification number is compared with the personal identification number stored in the card table, and when the two coincide, the collation flag in the predetermined area in the RAM 328b is updated to “1” indicating the collation. The replay ball lending process is executed on condition that the number of stored balls stored in the card table is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of replay unit balls (135 balls).

  On the other hand, in the case of “1” indicating that collation has been completed, it is further determined whether or not the LED 320a is in a lit state, that is, whether or not the number of stored balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of replay unit balls. Is in the lit state, 135 balls, which is the number of replay units, are subtracted from the number of balls stored in the card table and updated, the replay display unit 320 (LED 320a) is turned off, and the replay ball lending is performed. Implement the process. In the replay ball lending process of this embodiment, the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the replay unit number (135 balls), specifically, 125 balls excluding 10 fees from the replay unit number (135 balls). As in the case of the lending process described above, the pachinko machine 2 is made to execute the pachinko machine 2 by outputting a signal instructing the payout of 25 balls, which is a payout unit in the corresponding pachinko machine 2, five times.

  In addition, when the number of stored balls after subtraction update of the number of replay unit balls is equal to or more than the number of replay unit balls, the replay display unit 320 (LED 320a) is turned on again after the replay ball lending process is completed. State.

  Then, after sending a replay completion notification including the membership card ID and membership ID stored in the card table to the management computer 150 and the number of replay units subtracted from the number of stored balls (135 balls), The replay process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10.

  The management computer 150 that has received the replay completion notification, in the member saving management table, determines the number of replay units (from the membership card ID included in the replay completion notification and the number of stored balls stored in association with the member ID). (135 balls) is subtracted and updated.

  Further, when the payout button 311 is operated in the above-described standby state of Sb2 to Sb10, an operation signal from the payout button switch 311 ′ is input to the control unit 328, so that the control unit 328 pays out in Sb7. When it is determined that the button 311 is operated, the process proceeds to Sb25, and the payout process shown in FIG. 23 is performed. When the payout operation is invalid, the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10 is continued without proceeding to Sb25.

  In the payout process of this embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 23, it is determined whether or not there is a counted number of balls, that is, the number of balls in the card table (Sh1).

  In the determination at the step of Sh1, if there is no counted number of balls (the number of holding balls), the process proceeds to the step of Sh6 and, for example, an error message “There is no counted number of balls” on the display unit 312. Is displayed to inform the player that there is no counted number of balls (the number of balls held), and then the payout process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10.

  On the other hand, if there is a counted number of balls (the number of balls held), the process proceeds to step Sh2, and the counted number of balls is 125 balls or more corresponding to a predetermined number of payouts set to 5 degrees. It is determined whether or not.

  If it is determined that the number of balls is 125 or more, the process proceeds to Sh8 and a payout set number payout process is performed.

  Specifically, in the payout set number payout process, the high / low PRDY output from the pachinko machine 2 is determined as in the case of the usage frequency loan process described above, and the condition is that PRDY is LOW. After switching BRDY to LOW, BRQ is set to LOW, and a state of waiting for detection of EX HIGH from the pachinko machine 2 is entered, and BRQ is switched to HIGH based on detection of the LOW of EXS. The payout of 25 pachinko balls corresponding to the frequency is executed, and a state of waiting for detection of HIGH of EXS is entered.

  Next, when the payout of one payout unit in the pachinko machine 2 is completed and the HIGH of the EXS is detected, the control unit 328 counts the number of BRQs, and the counted number of BRQs corresponds to the number of payouts set to 5 degrees. Compare with 5 times.

  If the number of BRQs counted in this comparison does not match the number of 5 times, the above-mentioned payout process is performed once again, and the number of BRQs counted in the above comparison is the set number of payouts. If it matches the 5th frequency, BRDY is set to HIGH.

  Then, the control unit 328 determines from the counted number of balls in the display unit 312 and the number of balls in the card table (if the card being received is a visitor card, the number of balls in the visitor card being received). While subtracting and updating the number of balls, the device ID uniquely assigned to the card unit 3, the (member) card ID of the member card or visitor card being received, and the ball that has been paid out to the management computer 150 The payout completion notification including the number (125 balls) is transmitted, and the payout is made from the number of possessed balls stored in association with the (member) card ID in the member saving management table or visitor saving management table of the management computer 150 After subtracting and updating the number of balls (125 balls), the process proceeds to Sh20 card collection determination processing.

  In this card collection determination process, it is determined whether or not the accepted card is a visitor card whose number of counted balls (number of balls) after subtraction update is “0”. If the visitor card is “0”, the prepaid balance is also “0”, as in the case where the prepaid balance in the aforementioned lending process is “0”. After collecting the visitor card, the payout process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10.

  On the other hand, when the determination result in the step of Sh2 is a determination result that is not equal to or greater than the set number of payouts, the process proceeds to the step of Sh3 and 25 balls, which is the number of payout units in the corresponding pachinko machine 2, It is determined whether it is above.

  When it is determined that the number of balls is not more than 25 in the determination, for example, when the number of counted balls is 20, the process proceeds to the step of Sh4 and from the above-mentioned accumulated ball number output output from the counting payout unit 348. Whether the number of pachinko balls (remaining number) stored in the specified ball storage unit 355 is 20 or more, which is the counted number of balls, that is, the number of counted 20 balls It is determined whether or not payout is possible.

  In this determination, when it is determined that the number of pachinko balls (remaining number) stored in the ball storage unit 355 is not equal to or more than 20 which is the counted number of balls, that is, 20 pachinko balls are paid out. If not possible, proceed to step Sh7 and display on the display unit 312 the message “Cannot pay out due to lack of balls. Please call an attendant.” Then, a remaining storage ball number error notification process is performed in which a lighting operation is performed in a predetermined lighting state to notify that a remaining storage ball number error has occurred.

  The staff who grasps that the number of balls (remaining number) of the pachinko balls stored in the ball storage unit 355 by this notification is small, using the remote control, as described above, performs the additional reservation setting, and the ball storage unit By supplementing 355 with pachinko balls, the pachinko balls can be paid out from the ball storage unit 355.

  On the other hand, in the determination at the step of Sh4, when it is determined that the number of pachinko balls (remaining number) stored in the ball storage unit 355 is equal to or greater than 20 which is the counted number of balls, the step of Sh5 Then, the payout instruction for 20 balls, which is the counted number of balls, is output to the counting payout unit 348.

  In response to the input of the payout instruction, the counting payout unit 348 prohibits the counting of new pachinko balls by rotating the flow path switching plate 353 ′ to the position where the inflow path 350 is blocked by the flow path switching solenoid 353. The shutter 357 is opened until the dispensing sensor 356 detects the passage of 20 pachinko balls, and 20 pachinko balls are counted and dispensed to the outflow passage 352. More specifically, the shutter 357 is closed once when the passing sensor 356 detects the passage of 16 balls, and the shutter 357 is opened by 17 balls, 18 balls, 19 balls, and 20 balls one by one. Twenty pachinko balls are paid out from the ball storage unit 355.

  Since these paid-out pachinko balls flow down to the return port 342 through the outflow passage 352 and the return passage 344, when the player opens the opening / closing shutter 342 ′ of the return port 342, the paid-out 20 pachinko balls are discharged. The ball can be taken out.

  Then, when the payout of 20 pachinko balls based on the payout instruction is completed, the count payout unit 348 outputs a completion notification to the control unit 328.

  In response to the completion notification input, the control unit 328 counts the number of balls counted on the display unit 312 and the number of balls held on the card table (if the card being accepted is a visitor card, the control unit 328 holds the visitor card being accepted. The number of balls paid out is subtracted from the number of balls). Thereby, the counted number of balls and the number of balls are “0”.

  Then, the management computer 150 includes a device ID uniquely assigned to the card unit 3, a (member) card ID of the member card or visitor card being received, and the number of balls returned (20 balls). The payout completion notification is transmitted, and the number of balls (20 balls) returned from the number of possessed balls stored in association with the (member) card ID in the member saving management table or visitor saving management table of the management computer 150 is returned. After subtracting and updating to “0”, the card collection determination process of Sh20 described above is performed, and then the payout process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10.

  That is, when the counted number of balls (the number of possessed balls) is a fraction less than 25 balls corresponding to the number of times that is the payout unit, the player operates the payout button 311 so that the pachinko ball of the fraction is The player is returned to the player by paying out the pachinko balls stored in the ball storage unit 355 in the counting payout unit 348.

  On the other hand, in the determination in Sh3, when it is determined that the counted number of balls (the number of balls held) is 25 or more, the process proceeds to the step of Sh9, and the maximum payout within the range of the counted number of balls is possible. After specifying the payout unit and the fraction less than the payout unit, the process proceeds to the step of Sh10 to pay out the number of balls of the specified maximum payout unit from the corresponding pachinko machine 2, and the steps of Sh4 and Sh5 described above are performed. By performing, the specified number of pachinko balls are paid out from the counting payout unit 348.

  Specifically, for example, if the number of possessed balls (the number of counted balls) is 110 balls, in the step of Sh9, the value obtained by dividing 110 balls which is the number of retained balls by 25 balls which are payout units. An integer value of 4 is specified as the payout frequency corresponding to the maximum payout unit, and 10 balls less than the payout unit, which is the remainder of the value divided by the payout unit of 25 balls, are specified as a fraction.

  Then, in Sh10, the PRDY output from the pachinko machine 2 is determined to be HIGH / LOW, and on the condition that PRDY is LOW, BRDY is switched to LOW, then BRQ is set to LOW, and the EXS from the pachinko machine 2 is set. HIGH detection waiting state, and by switching the BRQ to HIGH based on the detection of the LOW of the EXS, 25 pachinko balls corresponding to a single payout unit are paid out, and the EXS HIGH detection It will be in a waiting state.

  Next, when the payout of one payout unit in the pachinko machine 2 is completed and the HIGH level of the EXS is detected, the control unit 328 counts the number of BRQs, and the payout number specified in the step of Sh8. Compare with 4 times corresponding to 4 degrees which is the frequency.

  If the number of BRQs counted in this comparison does not match the number of 4 times, the payout process for the above-mentioned 1 time is performed again, while the number of BRQs counted in the above comparison is the number of payouts set to 4 If it matches, BRDY is set to HIGH.

  Then, the control unit 328 calculates the number of balls counted on the display unit 312 and the number of balls held on the card table (if the card being received is a visitor card), the number of balls on the visitor card being received) In addition to subtracting and updating 100 balls corresponding to the 4 times of payout, the device ID uniquely assigned to the card unit 3 to the management computer 150 and the (member) card ID of the member card or visitor card being accepted And a payout completion notification including the number of balls paid out (100 balls), and stored in association with the (member) card ID in the member saving management table or visitor saving management table of the management computer 150. After subtracting and updating the number of balls (100 balls) paid out from the number of possessed balls, the remaining fraction is obtained by executing the steps of Sh4 and Sh5. While 0 pachinko balls are paid out from the counting payout unit 348, the number of balls that have been paid out is subtracted and updated, and the counted number of balls in the display unit 312 and the number of balls in the card table (the card being received) Is a visitor card, the number of possessed balls of the received visitor card) is all “0”, and the number of possessed cards of the accepting card in the management computer 150 is also “0”. .

  In other words, when the counted number of balls (the number of balls) is 25 balls or more corresponding to one payout unit, which is less than 125 balls corresponding to the set number of payouts, and there are fractions, In order to pay out the fraction, without operating the payout button 311 separately, the fractional pachinko balls are paid out from the pachinko balls stored in the ball storage portion 355 in the counting payout unit 348, so that the player can It is supposed to be returned.

  Further, when a player wants to leave his / her seat for his / her purpose, it is necessary to call an attendant and have the remote control carried by the attendant perform the leaving operation to shift to the away mode.

  When a remote control operation is performed on the remote controller, a predetermined infrared signal corresponding to the remote control operation is output from the remote control, so that the infrared signal can be specified by the IR light receiving unit 315. By being converted into a predetermined electrical signal and output to the display control board 329, the display control board 329 outputs to the control unit 328 the leaving operation information indicating that the leaving operation has been performed.

  The output of the leaving operation information is detected in Sb8 in the above-described standby state of Sb2 to Sb10, so that it is determined that there is a leaving operation, and the process proceeds to Sb26 to perform the leaving process.

  In this leaving process, the control unit 328 first invalidates all operations and outputs a count prohibition instruction to the count payout unit 348 to prohibit the counting of new pachinko balls.

  The control unit 328 determines the (member) card ID and the member ID (member card only) and the number of balls being received by the card reader / writer 327 even if the card data in the RAM 328b is lost due to a long power interruption or the like. (Member) card ID and the member ID are stored in a predetermined storage area of the EEPROM 328c, and then a discharge instruction is output to the card reader / writer 327 to accept the member card or visitor card being received. The display unit 312 starts displaying “being away” and displaying the elapsed time (remaining time of the predetermined away time) and outputting a card insertion enable instruction to the card reader / writer 327. In association with the ejection, the shutter of the card insertion slot 309 is brought into a sunk state by the shutter solenoid 399. In Rukoto, the process proceeds to Away mode to allow only card inserted from the card insertion slot 309.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, since the RAM 328b of the control unit 328 is backed up by a battery, the (member) card ID and the member ID (member only) are cards that are subject to cancellation of the away mode. As information, it may be stored again in a predetermined area in the RAM 328b, or, as in the present embodiment, the (member) card ID and the member ID (only the member card) are stored in the card table when the member card or visitor card is received. ) Is already stored, the new (member) card ID and member ID are not stored, and the (member) card ID and member ID (member) already stored in the card table are omitted. (Card only) may be used.

  The player may leave his / her seat by bringing the membership card or visitor card discharged from the card insertion slot 309.

  Note that the control unit 328 transmits a leave notice including the device ID and the (member) card ID of the ejected card to the system controller 100 and the management computer 150 when shifting to the above-described leave mode. (Member) By registering the card ID as a leaving card, even if these discharged cards are received by another card unit 3, the sorting device 5, or the gift exchange POS terminal 170, the card cannot be used. To be returned.

  When the player finishes his job and resumes the game, the member card or visitor card discharged at the time of leaving the seat may be inserted into the card insertion slot 309, and the member card or visitor card is inserted. In this case, the control unit 328 reads the (member) card ID and the member ID (member card only) from the inserted member card or visitor card, and stores the (member) card ID and member ID (member ID (only the member card) in the predetermined storage area of the EEPROM 328c. (Membership card only).

  If the (member) card ID and the member ID (member card only) do not match, the inserted member card or visitor card is ejected and the away mode is continued, while the (member) card ID and member ID ( (Member card only) matches, the (member) card ID and member ID (member card only) stored in the predetermined storage area of the EEPROM 328c are erased, and the operation performed in the transition to the away mode is prohibited. By canceling the prohibition of counting, the mode is changed from the away mode to the normal mode, and the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10 is returned.

  In the case where a player who has left the seat does not return even after a predetermined time, the seat leaving mode can be forcibly canceled. In the case of forcibly canceling the mode, the clerk only has to operate the forced release button provided on the remote controller that he / she has, and the operation of the forced release button (forced release operation) from the remote control by operating the forced release button. ) Is output to the display control board 329 by converting the infrared signal into a predetermined electrical signal that can specify the forcible release operation by the IR light receiving unit 315. Thus, the forced release operation information indicating that the forced release operation has been performed is output from the display control board 329 to the control unit 328.

  When the forced release operation information is input during these leaving modes, the control unit 328 stores the (member) card ID and the member ID (member card only) and the number of balls stored in a predetermined storage area of the EEPROM 328c. Is stored in the other predetermined area of the EEPROM 328c as forced release history data, and then the data is erased and the card table is reset.

  Then, by canceling the prohibition of the operation and counting prohibition performed in the transition to the away mode, the transition from the away mode to the normal mode returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10, and a new member card or visitor card and Acceptance of banknotes is possible.

  Further, the forced release history data is transmitted to both the system controller 100 and the management computer 150 in response to a transmission request from the system controller 100 and the management computer 150 or in a closing process at the time of closing of business. Even if there is a complaint by a person away from the person by being stored and managed by the computer 150, the system controller 100 or the management computer is controlled by the forced release history data stored and managed in the system controller 100 or the management computer 150. Even if a failure occurs in any of 150, the number of balls possessed by the person away can be reliably guaranteed.

  When the player selects and inputs the “distribution” menu in the main menu shown in FIG. 5 displayed on the display unit 312 in the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10 described above, the selection of the “distribution” menu is selected. When the distribution operation information is input to the control unit 328 from the display control board 329 that has detected the input, the control unit 328 determines that there is a distribution operation in Sb9, proceeds to Sb27, and performs the distribution process shown in FIG. .

  First, in the distribution process according to the present embodiment, the control unit 328 first invalidates the operation of the payout button 311 so that the counted number of balls (the number of held balls) does not change, and counts the counting payout unit 348. A prohibition instruction is output to prohibit the counting of new pachinko balls (Sf0).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the counted number of balls, that is, the number of balls in the card table is 0, that is, whether or not the number of balls is present (Sf1).

  When the counted number of balls (the number of balls held) is 0, the process proceeds to step Sf21, and it is determined whether or not the receiving card is a membership card.

  If it is not a membership card, the distribution process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10. On the other hand, if it is a membership card, the process proceeds to step Sf22 and the number of stored balls stored in the card table Display part, an additional storage ball number input part for receiving input of the number of balls to be added from the stored ball number to the number of balls, a personal identification number receiving part for receiving a personal identification number, and an additional storage ball number in the additional storage ball number input part A storage ball use screen (not shown) having a numeric keypad for inputting the number is displayed on the display unit 312 and the number of storage balls used for addition to the number of possessed balls is received from the member player. In addition, a selection input section for “decision” and “cancel” is provided on the storage ball use screen, and a player who does not add from the number of stored balls to the number of possessed balls in order to perform the distribution, By selectively inputting the “cancel” selection input unit, the distribution process is completed.

  In addition, in the case where it is desired to add the number of balls to the number of balls, the member player operates the numeric keypad provided at the bottom of the screen to use the balls to add the number of balls to be used for the addition to the number of balls. After inputting in the number of storages input part, the selection input part of “decision” is selected and input.

  The control unit 328 proceeds to step Sf23 in response to the selection input of “decide”, performs the number-of-balls adding process, and then returns to step Sf2.

  In this number-of-balls adding process, the control unit 328 first determines whether or not the number of balls input to the added number of stored balls input unit is within the range of the number of stored balls stored in the card table. If not, an error is displayed on the display unit 312, the number of possessed balls is stopped, and the process returns to the step of Sf 2, while the number of balls input to the added number of stored balls input unit is stored in the card table. If it is within the range of the number of stored balls, it is determined whether or not the accepted PIN number matches the PIN number stored in the card table.

  Then, in the case where the passwords match, the number of coins added including the device ID of the card unit 3, the member card ID being accepted, and the number of balls added that is the number of balls input to the added number of balls input unit The request is transmitted to the management computer 150.

  In response to the reception of the number-of-balls-adding request, the management computer 150 associates the number-of-balls-added storage number included in the received number-of-balls-adding request with the member card ID included in the received number-of-balls-adding request. And confirming whether it is within the range of the number of stored balls stored in the member savings management table, and subtracting and updating the added number of stored balls from the number of stored balls, provided that it is within the range of the number of stored balls The number of balls obtained by subtracting a predetermined fee (same as the above-mentioned replay fee in the present embodiment) from the number of balls added to the ball is associated with the member card ID and stored in the member saving management table. The number of balls is added and updated, and the number of balls to be added is notified, including the number of balls after the addition update, the number of stored balls after the subtraction update, and the membership card ID included in the received request for adding the number of balls. The card unit that sent the request To reply to 3. At this time, the management computer 150 updates the counted number of balls stored in the unit management table in accordance with the device ID included in the received number-of-balls-adding request to the number of balls after the addition update.

  The control unit 328 updates the number of balls and the number of stored balls in the card table to the number of balls and the number of stored balls included in the received notification of completion of adding the number of balls in response to receiving the notification of completion of adding the number of balls. To do.

  By doing in this way, the member player pays out the number of accumulated balls once in the pachinko machine 2 by the re-playing operation, and throws out the paid-in pachinko balls from the lower plate 24 to the input unit 345 and counts them. Without adding to the number of balls, the desired number of stored balls can be added to the number of balls in a simple and quick manner and used for distribution.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step Sf1 that the number of balls already counted (the number of balls held) is not 0, the process proceeds to step Sf2, and the distribution ball number acceptance screen shown in FIG. Then, the number of balls to be sorted (number of balls to be sorted) from the number of balls is received from the player.

  In the distribution ball number acceptance screen of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28 (a), the number of balls that are counted (the number of balls) that can be used for distribution is displayed. When the number of balls to be sorted is input, the selection input unit for “Decision”, the selection input unit for “Cancel” for interrupting the processing, and the receiving card is a membership card In addition, from the selection input part of “use of storage ball” operated when adding the number of stored balls to the number of holding balls, numeric keys from 0 to 9, and “half”, “1/4”, “fraction” keys The player selects and inputs these numeric keys, half, 1/4, and fractional keys, and the desired number of balls to be distributed to the ball number input unit. Enter.

  If the “half” key is selected and entered, the number of balls that are half of the number of balls that have been counted (the number of balls) displayed in the number of holding balls (the number of balls that are not divisible) is rounded off. When it is automatically entered in the number input section and the “1/4” key is selected and input, the number of balls that are 1/4 of the counted number of balls (the number of balls held) is rounded off. In the case of automatic input to the number input unit and selection input of the “fraction” key, the number of balls less than 1000 of the counted number of balls (number of possessed balls) is automatically input to the sorting ball number input unit.

  In addition, when the selection input section of “use of storage ball” is selected and input on the distribution ball number acceptance screen, the selection input of “use of storage ball” is detected in step Sf3 and proceeds to Sf21, as described above. In addition, on the condition that the card being accepted is a membership card, the number of balls that can be used for the distribution can be simplified by performing the number-of-balls adding process (Sf23) for adding the number of balls to the number of balls. And it can be increased quickly.

  Further, when the player inputs a desired number of balls to be allocated to the allocation ball number input unit and then selects and inputs a “decision” selection input unit, the step of Sf4 is performed according to the selection input of the “decision” In this case, it is determined whether or not the number of balls allocated at the allocation ball number input unit is equal to or less than the counted number of balls (the number of possessed balls). Then, the process proceeds to step Sf25 to display the counted ball number error screen of FIG. 28 (e) to notify the player that the counted ball number is insufficient, and to display the counted ball number error screen. In response to the selection input unit of “confirm” being selected and input by the player, the number of balls to be sorted is received again by returning to the step of Sf2. If it is desired to end the process, “cancel” may be selected and input on the counted ball number error screen.

  On the other hand, in the determination of the step of Sf4, when the number of balls to be distributed accepted in the number of balls to be distributed is equal to or less than the number of balls already counted (the number of balls), the process proceeds to the step of Sf5, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the management computer 150 stores the device ID of the card unit 3, the (member) card ID of the card being accepted, the number of balls received in the sorting ball number input unit, and the card table. The distribution permission request including the number of balls counted at that time (the number of balls held) is transmitted.

  In response to receiving this distribution permission request, the management computer 150 associates the (member) card ID included in the received distribution permission request with the number of balls stored in the member saving management table or the visitor saving management table, Compare the counted number of balls (number of balls) included in the received distribution permission request, and if both do not match, the number of balls in the member saving management table or visitor saving management table, and the received device in the unit management table The counted number of balls corresponding to the ID is updated to the counted number of balls (the number of balls held) included in the received distribution permission request.

  Then, in the above-described distribution setting screen (see FIG. 20), it is determined whether or not “Yes” is set as the total number limit. If “Yes” is set as the total number limit, the distribution setting is determined. The total number (total) of pachinko balls distributed in the game hall during the period set as the target period on the screen, such as one day, is distributed in the distribution history table for all distribution histories including that date. It is specified by totaling the number of balls. In the present embodiment, the total number (total) of these distributions is calculated at the time of receiving the distribution permission request. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and these totals are performed in advance. You may make it keep.

  Then, the total number of distributions (total) after adding the number of distribution balls included in the received distribution permission request to the specified total number of distributions (total) is set in the distribution total number restriction item on the distribution setting screen. Determine whether the limit is exceeded.

  Furthermore, in the above-mentioned distribution setting screen, it is determined whether or not “Yes” is set for the distribution source upper limit, and if “Yes” is set for the distribution source upper limit, it is set as the aggregation target period. The total number of pachinko balls distributed (distribution source) distributed from the card specified from the (member) card ID included in the received distribution permission request that becomes the distribution source card, for example, in one day that is the distribution period, It is specified by totaling the number of balls to be sorted in all the sorting histories including the date of the day and the (member) card ID included in the received sorting permission request.

  In the case of counting the total number of distributions (distribution source), if the card ID is the visitor card ID, the latest issue date and time stored in the visitor saving management table in association with the card ID The date and time when the visitor card was last issued is specified, and only the distribution history including date and time information after the specified last issued date and time is included in the counting target. The total number of distribution (distribution source) that is distributed from the player who issued the last visitor card is accurately specified.

  Then, the total number of distributions (distribution source) after adding the number of distribution balls included in the received distribution permission request to the specified total distribution number (distribution source) is set in the distribution source upper limit item in the distribution setting screen It is determined whether or not the limit number is exceeded.

  In any of these determinations, if any of the limit numbers is exceeded, a reply indicating that the distribution is impossible including the card ID included in the received distribution permission request is returned. When replying that these sorts cannot be made, the number of sort balls included in the received sort permission request is added to the total number (total) of the sorts before the addition and the difference number (total) between the limit and the received sort license request. Calculate the total number of sorting balls included (sorting source) before the addition and the difference number (sorting source) between the limit number and when these numbers are both positive, The smaller difference number is specified as the assignable number, and an unassignable message including the specified assignable number is returned.

  On the other hand, when both “no” is set in the distribution total number limit and the distribution source upper limit limit, and “Yes” is set in the distribution total number limit and / or the distribution source upper limit limit, the limit number is set. If it is determined that it does not exceed, a distribution permission including the (member) card ID included in the received distribution permission request is returned.

  In step Sf6, the control unit 328 determines whether or not the reply from the management computer 150 is a distribution permission. If the reply is not possible, the control unit 328 determines “No” in the step Sf6 and determines that the reply is Sf24. As shown in FIG. 28 (f), the limit number of balls error screen including the display of the number of balls that can be distributed is displayed on the display unit 312 by performing the limit step number error screen display. After notifying the player of the number of balls that can be distributed, the process returns to step Sf2.

  As a result, the player can recognize the number of balls that can be allocated, and therefore, if the number of balls that can be allocated is input again as the number of balls to be distributed in the step of Sf2, a limit ball number error will occur repeatedly. Can be avoided.

  On the other hand, if the reply from the management computer 150 is a distribution permission, “Yes” is determined in step Sf6, the process proceeds to step Sf7, and a card insertion enabling instruction is output to the card reader / writer 327. , While permitting the insertion of a new card into the card insertion slot 309, as shown in FIG. 28 (b), a display section for the number of balls to be distributed, a display section for a message prompting the insertion of the card to be distributed, and the distribution After a new issue acceptance screen having a new issue selection input unit for accepting a new issue operation of a visitor card when there is no previous card is displayed on the display unit 312, a transition is made to a monitoring state in which the steps of Sf8 and Sf9 are circulated. Then, it is monitored whether there is a selection input from the new issue selection input unit or whether a new card is inserted into the card insertion slot 309.

  If the distribution destination player does not have a visitor card or membership card, it is only necessary to select and input a new issue selection input unit, and the selection input of the new issue selection input unit is issued at step Sf8. If it is detected that the card is present and the process proceeds to step Sf10, it is determined whether or not the accepted card is a membership card. If the accepted card is not a membership card, that is, if the accepted card is a visitor card, the process goes to Sf11. On the other hand, the visitor issuance distribution process is carried out. On the other hand, if the accepted card is a membership card, the process proceeds to Sf12 and the member issuance distribution process is carried out.

  In the visitor issuance distribution process of Sf11, the control unit 328 first retracts and holds the accepting visitor card at the retracted position on the card insertion port 309 side of the card reader / writer 327, and at a predetermined in the card reader / writer 327. The visitor card stored in the card storage unit 370 is moved to the read position, and the card ID of the visitor card is read and temporarily stored.

  The issued distribution including the read card ID (new), the card ID (old) of the visitor card retreated to the retreat position stored in the card table, the number of distribution balls, and the device ID of the card unit 3 The request is transmitted to the management computer 150.

  In response to reception of this issue distribution request, the management computer 150 includes the visitor card ID (new) and card ID (old) in the received issue distribution request, that is, the card IDs of the two visitor cards. Is determined to be a visitor issue distribution process in which a visitor card is exchanged, and the holding balls stored in the visitor saving management table in association with the card ID (old) included in the received issue distribution request The number and the latest issue date and time, and subtracting and updating the distribution ball number included in the issued distribution request received from the specified number of holding balls, and the number of holding balls after the subtraction update and the specified latest issue date and time The number of coins stored in the visitor saving management table in association with the card ID (new) included in the issued issuance distribution request and the latest issuance date / time And 憶, the "0" to the number of lifting balls stored in the visitor savings management table in association with the card ID (old), updates and stores the date and time of the point to the latest issue date.

  Further, the card ID (new) is updated and stored in the data of “acceptance ID” corresponding to the device ID included in the issued distribution request received in the unit management table, and the number of balls distributed in the “number of counted balls” data. The number of balls that have been subtracted is updated and stored.

  The distribution history includes the date and time at that time, the device ID included in the received distribution request, the card ID (old) as the distribution destination card, and the card ID (new) as the distribution source card. A distribution history including “1” indicating “number of distribution balls” and “0” indicating no acceptance is registered in the distribution history table, and then an issue distribution completion notification is returned.

  In response to receiving this issuance distribution completion notification, the control unit 328 issues a card replacement request including the temporarily stored card ID (new), the card ID (old) stored in the card table, and the prepaid balance. It transmits to the controller 100.

  In response to receiving this card exchange request, the system controller 100 identifies the prepaid balance and the latest issue date and time stored in the visitor card table in association with the card ID (old), and the identified prepaid balance has been received. The prepaid balance and the latest issuance date are stored in the prepaid balance and the latest issuance date corresponding to the card ID (new) included in the received issuance distribution request, on condition that the prepaid balance matches. The corresponding “situation” is updated to “in use”, the prepaid balance stored in association with the card ID (old) is set to “0”, and the date and time at that time is updated and stored in the latest issue date, Reply notification of card exchange completion.

  In other words, in order to use the visitor card stored in the card storage unit 370 as the distribution source card, and newly issue the visitor card that has been received up to that point, the data is reassigned. To do.

  In response to the reception of the card exchange completion notification, the control unit 328 updates and stores the temporarily stored card ID (new) in the card ID of the card table, and for the card with the card ID (new), After the prepaid balance and the number of possessions stored in the card table are written and stored, the card with the card ID (new) is temporarily retracted to the card storage unit 370, so that the standby position on the card insertion slot 309 side The visitor card with the card ID (old) held in is moved to the predetermined reading position, the prepaid balance and the number of balls are updated to “0”, and the distribution flag is updated to “1” indicating that there is a distribution To do.

  After these updates are completed, the visitor card with the card ID (old), that is, the visitor card that was being accepted at the time of accepting the sorting operation is ejected from the card insertion slot 309 and retracted to the card storage unit 370. The card with the new card ID (new) is moved to a predetermined reading position, and a message “Please take out the issued visitor card” is displayed on the display unit 312 as shown in FIG. The displayed visitor card is displayed until it is removed from the card insertion slot 309, and the visitor issue distribution process ends. At the end of the processing, the prohibition of counting performed in Sf0 and the invalid operation of the payout button 311 are cancelled.

  Thus, in the visitor issue distribution process of the present embodiment, the visitor card that was being accepted at the time of accepting the distribution operation is issued as the visitor card of the distribution destination, so the player can In order to issue a visitor card, it is necessary to eject the visitor card that was being accepted at the time of accepting the distribution operation, issue a new visitor card, and insert the visitor card again after the issuance is completed. ), The visitor card can be issued smoothly and the visitor card once discharged is not lost.

  As described above, these issued visitor cards are displayed on the display unit 312 as the number of balls that have been distributed by adding them to other card units 3 and adding the number of balls that have been distributed to the number of balls that have been allocated. As a result, the number of possessed balls can be paid out by operating the payout button 311.

  Further, in the member issuance distribution process of Sf12, the control unit 328 first retracts and holds the member card being accepted at the retreat position on the card insertion port 309 side of the card reader / writer 327, and also within the card reader / writer 327. The visitor card stored in the card storage unit 370 is moved to the predetermined reading position, and the card ID of the visitor card is read out and temporarily stored.

  Then, an issuance distribution request including the read card ID, the membership card ID stored in the card table, the number of distribution balls, and the device ID of the card unit 3 is transmitted to the management computer 150.

  In response to receipt of this issue distribution request, the management computer 150 determines that it is a member issue distribution process by including the visitor card ID and member card ID in the received issue distribution request, and receives the issued issue The number of possessed balls stored in the member saving management table is specified in association with the member card ID included in the distribution request, and the number of distributed balls included in the issued distribution request received is subtracted from the identified number of retained balls. At the same time, “0” is stored in the number of possessed balls stored in the visitor saving management table in association with the card ID of the visitor card included in the issued issuance distribution request, and the current date and time is updated and stored.

  Further, the “counted number of balls” data corresponding to the device ID included in the issued distribution request received in the unit management table is updated to the number of held balls after the number of distributed balls is subtracted and updated.

  Then, as the distribution history, the current date and time, the device ID included in the received issue distribution request, the card ID as the distribution destination card, the member card ID as the distribution source card, and “1” indicating the issue After a distribution history including the number of balls to be distributed and “0” indicating no usage acceptance is registered in the distribution history table, an issue distribution completion notification is returned.

  In response to receiving this issuance distribution completion notification, the control unit 328 transmits a distribution issuance request including the temporarily stored visitor card ID to the system controller 100.

  In response to receiving this distribution issue request, the system controller 100 sets “0” to the prepaid balance stored in the visitor card table in association with the card ID included in the received distribution issue request, and the latest issue date and time Is updated and stored in the “status”, and a distribution issue completion notification is returned.

  In response to receiving this distribution issue completion notification, the control unit 328 writes and stores “0” as the prepaid balance and the number of balls in the issued visitor card, and updates the distribution flag to “1” indicating that there is a distribution.

  Then, a reservation for use request including the membership card ID stored in the card table is transmitted to the system controller 100 to disable use of the membership card in another card unit 3, and then the card insertion slot 309. The membership card held at the standby position on the side is ejected from the card insertion slot 309 and, as shown in FIG. 28 (d), “When the returned membership card is removed, a visitor card for distribution is issued. Is displayed on the display unit 312 to prompt the user to take out the ejected membership card.

  When the member player removes his / her membership card from the card insertion slot 309 according to the display of this message, the visitor card is immediately ejected from the card insertion slot 309 according to the removal, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, a message “Please take out the issued visitor card” is displayed on the display unit 312.

  The member player takes out the visitor card discharged to the card insertion slot 309 and hands it to another player who distributes the card, and inserts his member card through the card insertion slot 309 again.

  In response to the insertion of the membership card, the control unit 328 determines whether or not the membership card ID read from the re-inserted membership card matches the membership card ID stored in the card table. Sometimes, the card is returned to shift to an error notification state in which an error is notified to a staff member. On the other hand, when they match, the member issue distribution process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when a new card is inserted into the card insertion slot 309 in the monitoring state at the steps Sf8 and Sf9, the insertion of the card is detected at the step Sf9, and the process proceeds to the step Sf14. The card is moved to the storage unit 370 and retracted, and the recording information of the newly inserted card is read out to determine whether or not the newly inserted card is a membership card.

  If the newly inserted card is a membership card, the process proceeds to step Sf15. Further, it is determined whether or not the distribution source card received before the card is inserted is a membership card. If the card is a member card, the process proceeds to step Sf16, where a member-to-member distribution process in which the distribution source card is a member card and the distribution destination card is also a member card is executed and the card is inserted. If the distribution source card received in step S3 is not a member card, the process proceeds to step Sf17, and a visitor-to-member distribution process is performed in which the distribution source card is a visitor card and the distribution destination card is a member card.

  On the other hand, if the newly inserted card is a visitor card, the process proceeds to step Sf18, and further, it is determined whether or not the distribution source card received before the card is inserted is a membership card. If the distribution source card is a member card, the process proceeds to step Sf19, and a member-to-visitor distribution process is performed in which the distribution source card is a member card and the distribution destination card is a visitor card, and the card is inserted. If the distribution source card received before the distribution is not a membership card, the process proceeds to step Sf20, and a visitor-visitor distribution process is performed in which the distribution source card is a visitor card and the distribution destination card is also a visitor card. .

  In the member-to-member distribution process of Sf16 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), the control unit 328 reads the device ID of the card unit 3 and the member card ID read from the inserted distribution-destination member card. A distribution request including (distribution destination), member card ID (distribution source) of the distribution source member card stored in the card table, and the number of distribution balls is transmitted to the management computer 150.

  In response to receiving this distribution request, the management computer 150 determines whether or not “Yes” is set for the continuous distribution restriction on the above-described distribution setting screen, and “Yes” is set for the continuous distribution restriction. In this case, the member card ID (distribution destination) included in the received distribution request is included as a distribution destination card, and it is searched whether there is a distribution history whose use acceptance data is “0” indicating non-acceptance.

  If it exists by the search, a reply indicating that the member card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request is not returned is returned, while if it does not exist by the search and the continuous distribution restriction is set to “not”. In this case, it is further determined whether or not “Yes” is set as the distribution destination upper limit on the above-mentioned distribution setting screen. If “Yes” is set as the distribution destination upper limit, the total is calculated. The total number of pachinko balls distributed to the card specified from the membership card ID (distribution destination) included in the received distribution request that becomes the distribution destination card in the period set as the target period (for example, one day) All) including the membership card ID (distribution destination) included in the received distribution request as the distribution destination card. To identify by summing the distribution ball number of the distribution history.

  Then, the total number of distribution (distribution destination) after adding the number of distribution balls included in the received distribution request to the specified total distribution number (distribution destination) is set in the item of distribution destination upper limit on the distribution setting screen. It is determined whether or not the limit number is exceeded.

  In the determination, if the limit number is exceeded, a reply indicating that the distribution is impossible including the membership card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request is returned. When replying that these sorts are not possible, the difference between the total number of sorts before being added (the sort destination) and the limit number (sort destination) is calculated for the number of sort balls included in the received sort request. When the number is a positive value, the difference number is specified as a allocable number, and a non-assignable value including the specified allocable number is returned, so that the card unit 3 is the same as in FIG. After the error screen is displayed, the process returns to the step of Sf2, and in the step of Sf2, again, the number of balls that can be sorted is input as the number of balls to be sorted, so that the sorting can be reliably received.

  On the other hand, when the limit number is not exceeded and when “No” is set in the distribution destination upper limit, the member saving management table is associated with the member card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request. The number of held balls is specified, the number of balls to be distributed included in the received distribution request is subtracted from the specified number of held balls, and the device ID included in the distribution request received in the unit management table is supported. The “counted ball count” data is updated to the number of balls held after subtracting and updating the allocated ball count.

  Then, as the distribution history, the current date and time, the device ID included in the received distribution request, the member card ID (distribution destination) as the distribution destination card, and the member card ID (distribution source) as the distribution source card After the distribution history including “0” indicating non-issuance, the number of distribution balls, and “0” indicating no use acceptance is registered in the distribution history table, the membership card ID (distribution) included in the received distribution request Reply completion notification including the original).

  In response to receiving the distribution completion notification, the control unit 328 updates the distribution flag of the distribution-destination member card to “1” indicating that there is distribution, returns it from the card insertion slot 309, and temporarily saves it in the card storage unit 370. Returned the member card of the distribution source that had been distributed to the predetermined reading position, and displayed the message “Please take the returned card” on the display unit 312 as shown in FIG. The user is prompted to remove the member card of the distribution destination, and the member-to-member distribution process is terminated. At the end of the processing, the prohibition of counting performed in Sf0 and the invalid operation of the payout button 311 are cancelled.

  When the returned membership card of the distribution destination is inserted into another card unit 3, the number of balls to be distributed stored in the distribution history table is added to the number of balls to be used.

  In the visitor-member distribution process of Sf17 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), the control unit 328 reads the device ID of the card unit 3 and the member card ID read from the inserted distribution-destination member card. A distribution request including the (distribution destination), the card ID (distribution source) of the visitor card stored in the card table, and the number of balls to be distributed is transmitted to the management computer 150.

  In response to receiving this distribution request, the management computer 150 determines whether or not “Yes” is set for the continuous distribution restriction on the above-described distribution setting screen, and “Yes” is set for the continuous distribution restriction. In this case, it is searched whether there is a distribution history that includes the member card ID (distribution destination) included in the received distribution request and whose use acceptance data is “0” indicating non-acceptance.

  When it exists by the search, a reply indicating that the distribution is not possible including the card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request is returned, and when it does not exist by the search and the continuous distribution restriction is set to “No” In addition, it is determined whether or not “Yes” is set as the distribution destination upper limit in the above-mentioned distribution setting screen, and if “Yes” is set as the distribution destination upper limit, The total number of pachinko balls distributed to the card specified from the member card ID (distribution destination) included in the received distribution request that becomes the distribution destination card in the period set as the period (for example, one day) ) For all distributions that include the current day's date and the membership card ID (distribution destination) included in the received distribution request. Only be identified by summing the distribution ball number of history.

  Then, the total number of distribution (distribution destination) after adding the number of distribution balls included in the received distribution request to the specified total distribution number (distribution destination) is set in the item of distribution destination upper limit on the distribution setting screen. It is determined whether or not the limit number is exceeded.

  In this determination, if the limit number is exceeded, a reply indicating that the distribution is impossible including the card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request is returned. When replying that these sorts are not possible, the difference between the total number of sorts before being added (the sort destination) and the limit number (sort destination) is calculated for the number of sort balls included in the received sort request. When the number is a positive value, the difference number is specified as a allocable number, and a non-assignable value including the specified allocable number is returned, so that the card unit 3 is the same as in FIG. After the error screen is displayed, the process returns to the step of Sf2, and in the step of Sf2, again, the number of balls that can be sorted is input as the number of balls to be sorted, so that the sorting can be reliably received.

  On the other hand, when the limit number is not exceeded and when the distribution destination upper limit is set to “No”, the restriction is stored in the visitor saving management table in association with the card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request. The number of held balls is specified, and the number of balls to be distributed included in the received distribution request is subtracted and updated from the specified number of held balls, and the device ID included in the distribution request received in the unit management table is “ The data of “counted balls” is updated to the number of balls after the number of balls to be distributed is subtracted and updated.

  Then, as the distribution history, the current date and time, the device ID included in the received distribution request, the member card ID (distribution destination) as the distribution destination card, and the card ID (distribution source) as the distribution source card, After registering a distribution history including “0” indicating non-issuance, the number of distributed balls, and “0” indicating non-use acceptance in the distribution history table, the card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request Reply notification of distribution completion including.

  In response to receiving the distribution completion notification, the control unit 328 updates the distribution flag of the distribution destination member card to “1” indicating that there is distribution, returns it from the card insertion slot 309, and temporarily saves it in the card storage unit 370. Return the visitor card that had been assigned to the original reading position, and display the message “Please take the returned card” on the display unit 312 as shown in FIG. The user is prompted to remove the member card of the distribution destination, and the visitor-member distribution process is terminated. At the end of the processing, the prohibition of counting performed in Sf0 and the invalid operation of the payout button 311 are cancelled.

  When the returned membership card of the distribution destination is inserted into another card unit 3, the number of balls to be distributed stored in the distribution history table is added to the number of balls to be used.

  In the member-to-visitor distribution process of Sf19 in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), the control unit 328 includes the device ID of the card unit 3 and the card ID read from the inserted distribution-destination visitor card ( A distribution request including a distribution destination), a member card ID (distribution source) of the distribution source member card stored in the card table, and the number of distribution balls is transmitted to the management computer 150.

  In response to receiving this distribution request, the management computer 150 determines whether or not “Yes” is set for the continuous distribution restriction on the above-described distribution setting screen, and “Yes” is set for the continuous distribution restriction. In this case, it is searched whether there is a distribution history that includes the card ID (distribution destination) included in the received distribution request as a distribution destination card and whose use acceptance data is “0” indicating non-acceptance.

  If it exists by the search, a reply indicating that the member card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request is not returned is returned, while if it does not exist by the search and the continuous distribution restriction is set to “not”. In this case, it is further determined whether or not “Yes” is set as the distribution destination upper limit on the above-mentioned distribution setting screen. If “Yes” is set as the distribution destination upper limit, the total is calculated. The total number of pachinko balls distributed to the card specified from the card ID (distribution destination) included in the received distribution request that becomes the distribution destination card in the period set as the target period (for example, one day) ) Is a distribution history including the date of the day and the card ID (distribution destination) included in the received distribution request as a distribution destination card. What is specified by summing the distribution piece count of the distribution history including the date and time information since the last issue date stored in the visitor savings management table in association with the card ID (distribution destination).

  Then, the total number of distribution (distribution destination) after adding the number of distribution balls included in the received distribution request to the specified total distribution number (distribution destination) is set in the item of distribution destination upper limit on the distribution setting screen. It is determined whether or not the limit number is exceeded.

  In the determination, if the limit number is exceeded, a reply indicating that the distribution is impossible including the membership card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request is returned. When replying that these sorts are not possible, the difference between the total number of sorts before being added (the sort destination) and the limit number (sort destination) is calculated for the number of sort balls included in the received sort request. When the number is a positive value, the difference number is specified as a allocable number, and a non-assignable value including the specified allocable number is returned, so that the card unit 3 is the same as in FIG. After the error screen is displayed, the process returns to the step of Sf2, and in the step of Sf2, again, the number of balls that can be sorted is input as the number of balls to be sorted, so that the sorting can be reliably received.

  On the other hand, when the limit number is not exceeded and when “No” is set in the distribution destination upper limit, the member saving management table is associated with the member card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request. The number of held balls is specified, the number of balls to be distributed included in the received distribution request is subtracted from the specified number of held balls, and the device ID included in the distribution request received in the unit management table is supported. The “counted ball count” data is updated to the number of balls held after subtracting and updating the allocated ball count.

  Then, as the distribution history, the date and time at that time, the device ID included in the received distribution request, the card ID (distribution destination) as the distribution destination card, and the member card ID (distribution source) as the distribution source card, After registering a distribution history including “0” indicating non-issuance, the number of distribution balls, and “0” indicating no use acceptance in the distribution history table, the membership card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request ) Including reply).

  In response to receiving the distribution completion notification, the control unit 328 updates the distribution flag of the distribution destination visitor card to “1” indicating that there is distribution, returns it from the card insertion slot 309, and temporarily stores it in the card storage unit 370. Returned the member card of the distribution source that had been distributed to the predetermined reading position, and displayed the message “Please take the returned card” on the display unit 312 as shown in FIG. The user is prompted to remove the destination visitor card, and the member-to-visitor distribution process is terminated. At the end of the processing, the prohibition of counting performed in Sf0 and the invalid operation of the payout button 311 are cancelled.

  In the visitor-visitor distribution process of Sf20 of the present embodiment, the control unit 328, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), the device ID of the card unit 3 and the card ID (from the inserted distribution-destination visitor card) A distribution request including a distribution destination), a card ID (distribution source) of a distribution source visitor card stored in the card table, and the number of distribution balls is transmitted to the management computer 150.

  In response to receiving this distribution request, the management computer 150 determines whether or not “Yes” is set for the continuous distribution restriction on the above-described distribution setting screen, and “Yes” is set for the continuous distribution restriction. In this case, it is searched whether there is a distribution history that includes the card ID (distribution destination) included in the received distribution request as a distribution destination card and whose use acceptance data is “0” indicating non-acceptance.

  When it exists by the search, a reply indicating that the distribution is not possible including the card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request is returned, and when it does not exist by the search and the continuous distribution restriction is set to “No” In addition, it is determined whether or not “Yes” is set as the distribution destination upper limit in the above-mentioned distribution setting screen, and if “Yes” is set as the distribution destination upper limit, The total number of pachinko balls distributed to the visitor card specified from the card ID (distribution destination) included in the received distribution request that becomes the distribution destination card in the period set as the period (for example, one day) ) Including the date of the day and the card ID (distribution destination) included in the received distribution request as the distribution destination card A is, it identifies by summing the distribution piece count of the distribution history including the date and time information since the last issue date stored in the visitor savings management table in association with the card ID (distribution destination).

  Then, the total number of distribution (distribution destination) after adding the number of distribution balls included in the received distribution request to the specified total distribution number (distribution destination) is set in the item of distribution destination upper limit on the distribution setting screen. It is determined whether or not the limit number is exceeded.

  In this determination, if the limit number is exceeded, a reply indicating that the distribution is impossible including the card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request is returned. When replying that these sorts are not possible, the difference between the total number of sorts before being added (the sort destination) and the limit number (sort destination) is calculated for the number of sort balls included in the received sort request. When the number is a positive value, the difference number is specified as a allocable number, and a non-assignable value including the specified allocable number is returned, so that the card unit 3 is the same as in FIG. After the error screen is displayed, the process returns to the step of Sf2, and in the step of Sf2, again, the number of balls that can be sorted is input as the number of balls to be sorted, so that the sorting can be reliably received.

  On the other hand, when the limit number is not exceeded and when the distribution destination upper limit is set to “No”, the restriction is stored in the visitor saving management table in association with the card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request. The number of held balls is specified, and the number of balls to be distributed included in the received distribution request is subtracted and updated from the specified number of held balls, and the device ID included in the distribution request received in the unit management table is “ The data of “counted balls” is updated to the number of balls after the number of balls to be distributed is subtracted and updated.

  As the distribution history, the date and time at that time, the device ID included in the received distribution request, the card ID (distribution destination) as the distribution destination card, the card ID (distribution source) as the distribution source card, non- After registering a distribution history including “0” indicating issuance, the number of distribution balls, and “0” indicating non-use acceptance in the distribution history table, the card ID (distribution source) included in the received distribution request is entered. Reply notification including distribution completion.

  In response to receiving the distribution completion notification, the control unit 328 updates the distribution flag of the distribution destination visitor card to “1” indicating that there is distribution, returns it from the card insertion slot 309, and temporarily stores it in the card storage unit 370. Return the visitor card that had been assigned to the original reading position, and display the message “Please take the returned card” on the display unit 312 as shown in FIG. The user is prompted to take out the destination visitor card, and the visitor-to-visitor assignment process ends. At the end of the processing, the prohibition of counting performed in Sf0 and the invalid operation of the payout button 311 are cancelled.

  When the player operates the menu button 316 in the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10 described above, the main menu display operation information is received from the display control board 329 that has detected the operation of the menu button 316 from the control unit 328. , The control unit 328 determines that the menu button 316 is operated in Sb10, proceeds to Sb28, and performs a menu display process (not shown).

  In this menu display process, the control unit 328 first determines whether or not the player who is playing the game with the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is a member based on the data stored in the card table (whether the member ID is stored). If the player is not a member (if the member ID is not stored), the “table data”, “ranking”, “notification”, and “sorting” that do not include member-specific menu items are determined. A visitor main menu (see FIG. 5) including only the menu items is displayed on the display unit 312 by outputting a visitor main menu display instruction to the display control board 329, while the player is a member. The member main menu shown in FIG. 5 further including menu items “point display” and “replay” which are menu items unique to the member, It is displayed on the display unit 312 by outputting a main menu display instruction to the display control board 329.

  Each menu item displayed on the display unit 312 can be selected by the player, and if any menu item is not selected within a predetermined time, a menu display end instruction is displayed on the display control board 329. After the display of the main menu is terminated by outputting, the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10. On the other hand, if any menu item is selected within a predetermined time, it corresponds to the selected menu item. After executing the process, the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10.

  When the “replay” menu in the main menu is selected, the replay process of Sb24 described above is executed.

  In addition, when the “device data” menu is selected, each data of today stored in the game information table is displayed. When the “ranking” menu is selected, the type of ranking, specific Specifically, a submenu screen for selecting a payout ranking, a jackpot ranking, a consecutive house ranking, etc. is displayed, and ranking data of the type selected on the submenu screen is acquired from the hall computer 140 and displayed on the display unit 312. Is displayed.

  In addition, when the “Point display” menu is selected, the number of points of the store points stored in the card table (if the store point is not stored, the store point acquisition request is sent to the management computer 150. When the “Notification” menu is selected, the notification information stored in the RAM 328b is displayed on the display unit 312. 312 is displayed.

  In addition, unlike the main menu, the display of the “counted number of balls” below the display unit 312 is always displayed below the display unit 312 so that the player can always display the number of counted balls. It can be confirmed.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the counted number of balls becomes only a fraction, the fraction is paid out in accordance with the operation of the payout button 311. Either paying out the pachinko balls or leaving these fractional pachinko balls without paying them out can be selected by performing / not performing the operation of these payout buttons 311.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, unlike the ball supply nozzles as shown in the above-mentioned cited documents 1 to 3, in the card unit 3 which is a gaming device, a fractional pachinko ball is returned to the player. Since the return passages 344 are provided at positions below the counting passages for allowing the pachinko balls paid out by the corresponding pachinko machine 3 to flow into the counting-out unit 348, these return passages 344 can be used for obstacles and obstacles to the game. Can be avoided.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, the card unit 3 that is a gaming device includes the opening / closing shutter 342 ′ serving as an opening / closing member that allows the player to open and close the return port 342 at the end of the return passage 344. Even when an unexpected payout is made, it is possible to prevent the paid-out pachinko balls from falling from the return port 342.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the card unit 3 which is a gaming apparatus includes the opening / closing shutter 342 ′ serving as an opening / closing member on the front surface of the terminal box 340a serving as a box having the insertion portion 345 on the upper side. The operability of the opening / closing shutter 342 ′ can be improved.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted, and the features of the second embodiment that are different from the first embodiment, specifically, the counting / dispensing unit and the connection box of the card unit 3, and the counting Only the payout form of the number of balls will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the counting payout unit 348 ′ provided at the lowest position of the card unit 3 includes the lower plate 24 of the pachinko machine 2, the repair plate 1 of the game island, and the like. The connection box 440 made into the horizontally long box shape arrange | positioned between these is connected.

  The connection box 440 includes a terminal box 440a formed on the terminal side of the connection box 440 and having a relatively large thickness in the height direction, a thickness in the height direction being relatively small, and the terminal box 440a and the counting dispensing unit 348 ′. And a path box 440b formed so as to connect the connecting portion.

  The connection box 440 is connected to the counting / dispensing unit 348 ′ so that the terminal box 440a is positioned below the lower plate 24. The upper surface of the terminal box 440a is discharged from the lower plate 24. An insertion portion 445 having a hopper shape into which a pachinko ball is inserted is formed. A counting lever 441 that can be slid by the player is provided at the front surface of the throwing portion 445. By sliding the counting lever 441 against the bias, a counting passage 443 is provided from the throwing portion 445. The opening / closing shutter 446 provided at the entrance to the door is opened.

  A return tray 442 capable of storing a fraction of pachinko balls paid out (returned) from the counting payout unit 348 ′ is housed in the front lower position of the input portion 445 so that it can be pulled out to the front side. As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 34, a fractional pachinko ball can be taken out by pulling out the return tray 442 from the storage position to the take-out position on the near side.

  An upper position inside the path box 440b is provided so as to incline downward toward the counting / dispensing unit 348 ′, and the pachinko balls thrown into the feeding portion 345 are guided to the counting / dispensing unit 348 ′ under natural flow. And a pachinko ball that is paid out from the counting payout unit 348 ′ is returned in a natural flow at a position below the counting passage 443 so as to incline downward toward the return tray 442. A return passage 444 leading to the dish 442 is provided.

  The return passage 444 extends to the inside of the connection box 440, and the return port 444a at the end of the return passage 444 is disposed so as to face the outer surface of the side wall of the return tray 442 stored in the connection box 440a. When the return tray 442 is in the storage position, the return port 444a is closed by the outer wall of the return passage 444 so that the pachinko balls that have flowed down the return passage 444 are prevented from flowing into the return tray 442. In addition, when the return tray 442 is pulled out and is in the take-out position, a notch 442a formed in the rear portion of the side wall of the return tray 442 is disposed at a position facing the return port 444a and flows down in the return passage 444. The pachinko ball that has been discharged flows out into the return tray 442. That is, the side wall of the return passage 444 constitutes an opening / closing member that can open and close the return port 444a.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 33, the upstream end of the annular flow path 480 connected to the return path 444 is connected to the downstream position of the counting path 443. Then, at a branch portion between the counting passage 443 and the annular flow passage 480, a passage switching plate 481 ′ that closes the entrance of the counting passage 443 or the annular passage 480 by rotating substantially at right angles, and the passage switching plate 481 ′ are provided. A flow path switching solenoid 481 for rotation is provided, and the pachinko ball flow path can be switched to the counting passage 443 or the annular flow passage 480.

  Normally, the pachinko ball flow path is on the counting passage 443 side, and the pachinko ball flow path is switched to the annular flow path 480 side in response to a count prohibition instruction being output from the control unit 328. Ball counting is prohibited.

  As shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34, the counting delivery unit 348 ′ of the second embodiment to which the connection box 340 is connected is arranged from the front side of the device connected to the counting passage 443 to the rear side inside the device. An inflow path 450 provided so as to incline downward, a terminal unit of the inflow path 450 is connected at a lower position, and a lifting unit 451 for lifting pachinko balls that have flowed down the inflow path 450; A starting end is connected to the upper position of the lifting unit 451, and an outflow passage 452 is provided so as to be inclined downward toward the front side of the apparatus connected to the return passage 444. That is, the inflow path 450 and the outflow path 452 are connected by the lifting unit 451 installed on the rear side of the apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 34 in particular, the lifting unit 451 includes a cylindrical case 470 that faces in the vertical direction, a screw member 471 that is pivotally supported around an axis that faces in the vertical direction in the case 470, A lifting motor 472 that is provided at the upper end of the case 470 and drives the screw member 471 in the forward and reverse directions is mainly configured. Inside the case 470, there are formed an accommodating portion in which the screw member 471 is accommodated, and a transfer passage that extends in the vertical direction and has a substantially concave groove shape in cross section for transferring pachinko balls. In addition, an inflow port 470a to which the end of the inflow passage 450 is connected is formed at the lower portion of the peripheral surface of the transfer passage in the case 470, and the start end of the outflow passage 452 is connected to the upper portion of the peripheral surface of the transfer passage. An outlet 470 b is formed, and a discharge hole 470 c communicating with a discharge path 460 described later is formed at a position facing the transfer path on the lower end surface of the case 470.

  The screw member 471 includes a drive shaft 471a connected to the lifting motor 472 and a spiral convex portion 471b formed on the outer periphery of the driving shaft 471a. The screw member 471 rotates forward and backward by driving the lifting motor 472. Thus, the pachinko balls that have entered the transfer passage from the inlet 470a can be lifted upward and discharged from the outlet 470b or transferred downward to be discharged from the discharge hole 470c.

  A counting sensor 454 that detects and counts pachinko balls flowing down in the inflow channel 450 is provided at the end position of the inflow channel 450, and the pachinko balls that have flowed into the counting dispensing unit 348 ′ through the counting channel 443 are provided. By detecting and counting by the counting sensor 454, as in the first embodiment, a one-pulse counting sensor signal is output in response to detection of one pachinko ball.

  As shown in FIG. 34, a shutter 457 that prevents the pachinko ball from flowing down, a shutter solenoid 458 that moves the shutter 457 in and out, and the shutter 457 And a payout sensor 456 for detecting a pachinko ball passing through the ball, and an upstream position of the shutter is a ball storage portion 455. As shown in FIGS. 33 and 35A, a counting sensor 454 is provided. The pachinko balls that have been counted and transported by the lifting unit 451 are stored in the ball storage section 455.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 33, the ball storage part 455 of the present embodiment is a meandering path that meanders in the left-right direction toward the downstream side, so that pachinko balls can be efficiently stored in the flow-down direction. ing. The number of pachinko balls that can be stored in the ball storage unit 455 is 24. Even if the number of pachinko balls is a fractional unit of less than 25 that is a payout unit in the pachinko machine 2, the ball storage unit The pachinko balls stored in 455 can be paid out.

  Further, when 24 pachinko balls are already stored in the ball storage unit 455, as shown in FIG. 35 (b), the pachinko balls counted by the counting sensor 454 are stored in the ball storage unit. Since it cannot flow into 455, it flows down to the discharge path 460 side and is discharged into the game island outside the card unit 3 through the discharge path 460.

  As shown in FIG. 35A, in the state where 24 pachinko balls are stored in the ball storage unit 455, for example, when 20 balls are paid out (returned), the payout sensor 456 The shutter 457 is opened until the 20 pachinko balls are counted, and a total of 20 pachinko balls are counted and dispensed from the ball storage unit 455. The dispensed pachinko balls are discharged from the outflow path 452 and the return path. 444 is naturally flowed down and returned to the return tray 442, and a total of four pachinko balls remain in the ball storage portion 455.

  In addition, a ball sensor (not shown) for detecting each pachinko ball stored in the ball storage unit 455 is provided for each pachinko ball in an upper portion of the ball storage unit 455 where the pachinko balls are present. The counting and payout unit 348 ′ grasps the number of pachinko balls stored in the ball storage unit 455 at that time and can output the number of stored balls as an external output. Is input to the control unit 328 so that the control unit 328 can grasp the number of pachinko balls that can be paid out (returned) by the counting payout unit 348 ′.

  When the player operates the counting lever 441, the opening / closing shutter 446 is opened, and the pachinko balls in the throwing portion 445 flow out into the counting passage 443. At this time, if 24 pachinko balls are not stored in the storage unit 445, the lifting motor 472 is driven to rotate the screw member 471 in the normal direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 35 (a), the pachinko balls that flow down the counting passage 443 and the inflow passage 450 and are detected and counted by the counting sensor 454 enter the transfer passage from the inflow port 470a, and then rotate forward. The screw member 471 is pumped up, flows out from the outlet 470b, and is stored in the storage unit 455.

  And as shown in FIG.35 (b), when 24 pachinko balls are stored by the storage part 455, the feeding motor 471 reversely drives and the screw member 471 starts reverse rotation. Thereby, the pachinko balls that have entered the transfer passage at that time are transferred downward and discharged from the discharge hole 470c to the discharge path 460, and after all the pachinko balls are discharged, a new one is introduced from the inlet 470a. The pachinko balls that enter are transported downward and discharged from the discharge hole 470c to the discharge path 460. Finally, when the state where no pachinko balls are detected by the counting sensor 454 continues for a predetermined time, the drive of the lifting motor 472 is stopped.

  Further, when the counting cannot be performed by the counting sensor 454, the flow path switching plate 481 ′ is rotated based on the input of the count prohibition instruction from the control unit 328 as described above, although not particularly illustrated. By closing the counting passage 443, the pachinko balls that have entered the counting passage 4430 flow down the return passage 444 and the return passage 444 and are returned to the return port 444a. Based on an instruction from the unit 328, the flow path switching plate 481 ′ blocks the inlet of the annular flow path 480 so that the pachinko ball can pass through the entrance to the annular flow path 480. Counted by the counting sensor 354.

  Next, counting end processing and payout processing performed by the card unit 3 ′ of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31.

  The processing at the end of counting in the second embodiment is performed in parallel with the normal processing shown in FIG. 21 as in the counting sensor signal processing in the first embodiment. In the counting sensor signal processing, Whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the change of, that is, whether or not there is a timer up of the above-described addition end detection timer that is reset after each addition to the number of counted balls in the counting sensor signal processing, It is constantly monitored (Sp1).

  When the addition end detection timer is up, that is, when a predetermined time set in the addition end detection timer has elapsed since the last addition was performed, the calculation end detection timer is increased by Sp1. The process proceeds to the step Sp2, and it is determined whether or not the counted number of balls has a fraction.

  Specifically, it is determined whether there is a remainder obtained by dividing the counted number of balls by 25 balls corresponding to the number of times that is a payout unit in the corresponding pachinko machine 2, and a fraction that is the number of balls of the remainder Is identified.

  For example, if the number of balls that have been counted is 555 balls, the remainder when dividing by 25 is 5, so that there is a fraction and it is specified that the fraction is 5.

  Then, the process proceeds to the step of Sp3, and the fraction payout process for paying out the five balls as the specified fraction from the count payout unit 328 'is performed.

  In this fraction payout process, first, the number of pachinko balls (remaining number) stored in the ball storage unit 455 specified from the output of the stored balls output from the counting payout unit 348 ′ is specified. It is determined whether or not the number is 5 or more, that is, whether or not the 5 balls that are a fraction can be paid out (returned).

In this determination, when it is determined that the number of pachinko balls (remaining number) stored in the ball storage unit 455 is not more than 5 fractions, that is, when 5 pachinko balls cannot be paid out. Displays the message “Cannot pay out due to lack of balls. Please call a clerk” on the display unit 312 and informs the lighting status of the multi-function lamp 301 that there is an error in the remaining number of stored balls. The stored ball remaining number error notification process for lighting in a predetermined lighting mode is performed.

  After confirming that the number of pachinko balls (remaining number) of pachinko balls stored in the ball storage unit 455 is small by this notification, the clerk uses the remote control as in the case of the first embodiment, and then performs the additional reservation setting. The pachinko balls are allowed to flow out from the ball storage unit 455 by allowing the pachinko balls to flow into the counting passage 443 from the input unit 445 and supplementing the ball storage unit 455 with the pachinko balls.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of pachinko balls (remaining number) stored in the ball storage unit 455 is 5 or more, which is a fraction, a 5-ball payout instruction is sent to the count payout unit 348 ′. Output.

  In response to the input of the payout instruction, the counting payout unit 348 ′ rotates the flow path switching plate 481 ′ to the position where the counting passage 443 is blocked by the flow path switching solenoid 481 to prohibit the counting of new pachinko balls. At the same time, the shutter 457 is opened until the dispensing sensor 456 detects the passage of the five pachinko balls, and the five pachinko balls are counted and dispensed to the outflow path 452. In detail, since the number of balls to be paid out is 5 or less, the shutter 457 is closed once every time one ball is passed, and the shutter 457 is moved by two balls, three balls, four balls, and five balls one by one. By opening, five pachinko balls are paid out from the ball storage unit 455.

  Since these paid-out pachinko balls flow down to the return port 444a through the outflow passage 452 and the return passage 444, the five paid-out pachinko balls can be taken out by pulling the return tray 442 forward. .

  Then, when the payout of the five pachinko balls based on the payout instruction is completed, the count payout unit 348 ′ outputs a completion notification to the control unit 328.

  In response to the completion notification input, the control unit 328 counts the number of balls counted on the display unit 312 and the number of balls held on the card table (if the card being accepted is a visitor card, the control unit 328 holds the visitor card being accepted. The number of balls paid out is subtracted and updated. As a result, the number of balls that have been counted and the number of balls that have been counted are always multiples of the frequency that is a payout unit having no fraction.

  At this time, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 328, the device ID uniquely assigned to the card unit 3, the (member) card ID of the member card or visitor card being received, and the returned ball A payout completion notification including the number (5 balls) is transmitted to the management computer 150.

  On the other hand, when there is no remainder in the determination in the step of Sp2, that is, when the counted number of balls is divisible by 25 balls, the processing returns to the step of Sp1 without performing the fraction payout processing of Sp3.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the counting is finished, the fraction is paid out without depending on the operation of the payout button 311 by the player. Since the counted pachinko balls are stored, there is a very high probability that the number of balls required to return the fraction is present in the storage unit 455, and therefore the storage unit 455 is used to pay out the fraction. The number of pachinko balls is not enough, and it is very rare that the fraction cannot be paid out (returned).

  Next, payout processing of the present embodiment that is performed in accordance with the operation of the payout button 311 by the player will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the payout process of the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. However, since the fractions less than the payout unit are paid out in the above-described counting end process, Since there is no need to pay out fractional pachinko balls, it is assumed that the step for paying out fractions has been deleted.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, in the card unit 3 ′ of the second embodiment, when the player operates the payout button 311 in the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10, an operation signal from the payout button switch 311 ′ is transmitted to the control unit 328. , The control unit 328 determines in Sb7 that the payout button 311 is operated, proceeds to Sb25, and performs the payout process shown in FIG.

  In the payout process according to the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not the number of balls already counted, that is, the number of balls in the card table exists (Sh1).

  If the number of balls already counted (the number of balls held) does not exist, the process proceeds to step Sh6 and an error message “No counting balls” is displayed on the display unit 312, for example. After notifying the player that there is no number (the number of balls), the payout process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state of Sb2 to Sb10.

  On the other hand, if there is a counted number of balls (the number of balls held), the process proceeds to step Sh2, and the counted number of balls is 125 balls or more corresponding to a predetermined number of payouts set to 5 degrees. It is determined whether or not.

  If the number of balls is 125 balls or more in the determination, the process proceeds to Sh8, where the payout set number payout process is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and 125 pachinko balls are paid out from the corresponding pachinko machine 2, and then the card is collected. The determination process is performed and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in the step of Sh2 is a determination result that is not equal to or greater than the set number of payouts, the process proceeds to the step of Sh9 ', and the payout frequency is specified by dividing the counted number of balls by the payout unit.

  Then, the process proceeds to the step of Sh10 and, as in the first embodiment, the number of pachinko balls of the specified payout frequency is paid out from the corresponding pachinko machine 2 by repeating until the BRQ count reaches the payout frequency, and then the card is collected. The determination process is performed and the process ends.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, in the card unit 3 which is a gaming apparatus, the downstream portion of the counting passage 443 is lower than the upstream portion of the return passage 444 for returning the fractional pachinko balls to the player. The pachinko balls that have flowed down to the downstream portion of the counting passage 443 are transported to the ball storage portion 455 that is upstream of the height position of the upstream portion of the return passage by the lifting unit 451 that is a lifting means. Therefore, as the high position of the downstream portion of the counting passage 443 can be lowered, the height position of the upstream portion of the counting passage 443 can also be lowered, so that the depth of the input portion 445 can be increased. Therefore, the capacity of the input unit 445 can be increased.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, in the card unit 3 that is a gaming device, the return passage 444 is provided with the return tray 442 capable of storing the fractional pachinko balls to be returned. Even when the payout is made, it is possible not only to prevent the paid-out pachinko balls from dropping, but also to easily take out the paid-out fractional pachinko balls as needed.

  In addition, according to the second embodiment, the card unit 3 that is a gaming device includes the return tray 442 on the front surface of the box 440a having the insertion portion 445 at the upper portion. It is possible to improve the take-out performance of the pachinko balls with fractions.

  Moreover, according to each above-mentioned Example, in the card unit 3 which is a game device, it has the ball storage parts 355 and 455 used as the storage part which stores the counted pachinko ball, and this ball storage part 355,455. Since the pachinko balls with fractional numbers are paid out from the pachinko balls stored in the card unit, it is not necessary to provide a replenishment path for supplying the pachinko balls for using these fractional pachinko balls in the card unit 3. Therefore, the complexity of the apparatus due to the provision of these supply paths can be eliminated.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. It is.

  For example, in the second embodiment, the counting passage 443 and the inflow passage 450, and the return passage 444 and the outflow passage 452 are arranged in the lateral direction so as not to collide with each other because the flow-down directions are opposite to each other. However, as shown in FIG. 36, for example, an intersection 490 between the counting passage 443 and the return passage 444 (or the inflow passage 450 and the outflow passage 452) is formed, and a pachinko ball passage is formed at the intersection 490. May be selectively switched to either the counting passage 443 or the return passage 444.

  Specifically, the counting passages 443 and the return passages 444 having different flow directions are arranged so as to intersect in the vertical direction in a plan view, and one switching passage 492 is formed through the intersection 490. The disc-shaped flow path switching member 491 thus arranged is rotatably arranged.

  For example, when a pachinko ball flows down through the counting passage 443, as shown in FIG. 36A, by opening both ends of the switching passage 492 to the openings of the upstream and downstream counting passages 443, The pachinko balls flow down in the counting passage 443. At this time, the pachinko balls flowing down from the upstream side of the return passage 444 are restricted from flowing by the peripheral surface of the flow path switching member 491, so the pachinko balls in the return passage 444 flow back to the counting passage 443 and are counted again. There is nothing to do.

  Further, when the pachinko balls flow down the return passage 444, as shown in FIG. 36 (b), the return passage 444 is returned by matching the opening of both ends of the switching passage 492 with the opening of the return passage 444 on the upstream side and the downstream side. A pachinko ball will flow down in the passage 444. At this time, the pachinko balls flowing down from the upstream side of the counting passage 443 are restricted from flowing by the peripheral surface of the flow path switching member 491, so the pachinko balls in the counting passage 443 are returned and returned to the return passage 444. There is no end.

  In the above-described embodiment, the pachinko balls of the input portions 345 and 445 flow into the counting passages 343 and 443 by opening the open / close shutters 346 and 446 by operating the counting levers 341 and 441. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of the opening and closing shutters 346 and 446, the lower surfaces of the input portions 345 and 445 are pivotally supported so as to swing to the counting passages 343 and 443. So as not to expose the entrance of the counting passages 343 and 443, and the lower surfaces of the input portions 345 and 445 are moved to the counting passages 343 and 443 by the operation of the counting levers 341 and 441. You may make it incline to the count passages 343 and 443 side so that an entrance may be exposed.

  In the above embodiment, the pachinko balls are paid out from the ball storage portions 355 and 455 by the shutters 357 and 457. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shutters 357 are provided. Instead of 457, a screw or a sprocket may be used.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the counting sensors 354 and 454 are provided on the inner side of the counting payout units 348 and 348 ′, and this is fraudulent by inserting a wire or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the counting sensors 354 and 454 may be provided in front of the counting dispensing units 348 and 348 ′ connected to the counting passages 343 and 443. good.

  Further, the return tray 442 of the second embodiment may be detachable.

  In the above embodiment, the distribution flag is stored in the visitor card and the membership card. However, this is the first time after the distribution that the visitor card and the membership card have not been accepted. It is possible to easily identify whether or not a card that has been accepted and is a card that needs to be searched in the sorting history table of a sorting history that has not been accepted for use. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the distribution flag can be set to a visitor card or a member. Card received for the first time after distribution when receiving a card acceptance notification without recording on the card Whether or not there is a distribution history that has not been received, including the card ID of the received card acceptance notification, is uniquely searched and specified to determine whether or not there is a distribution history. May be.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the addition update of the number of distributed balls is performed when the visitor card and membership card of a distribution destination are received by the card unit 3, this invention is limited to this. Rather, it is also possible to perform the addition update of the number of balls to be distributed simultaneously with the subtraction from the number of balls possessed by the distribution source. In this case, the addition of the number of balls to be distributed is updated. The distribution history including the (member) card ID of the visitor card or membership card that has not been accepted for use corresponding to the record of the distribution flag is registered in the distribution history table. It may be determined whether or not the number of possessed balls is permitted on the condition that the distribution history is registered.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the “half” key is selected and input, or when the “¼” key is selected and input, the fraction when it is not divisible is rounded down. However, the present invention is not limited to this. However, they may be rounded up, rounded off, rounded up or rounded off.

  In the above embodiment, the visitor card stores the number-of-balls data, while the membership card does not store the number-of-balls data or the number of balls, but the present invention is limited to this. Not like a visitor card, record the number of possessed balls and the number of accumulated balls on the membership card, and manage the number of retained balls and the number of accumulated balls on both the membership card and the management computer 150. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the number-of-balls data and the number-of-balls data are stored only in the member card or the visitor card, and the management computer 150 does not manage the number-of-balls data or the ball-number data.

  Further, in the embodiment, when the counting cannot be performed by the counting sensor 354, the pachinko ball that has entered the inflow path 350 is closed by rotating the flow path switching plate 353 ′ and closing the inflow path 350. The circulation channel 351, the outflow channel 352, and the return passage 344 flow down to be returned to the return port 342. Specifically, when these cannot be counted, there is specifically an abnormality (failure) in the counting sensor 354. Examples include cases where no visitor card or membership card is inserted.

2 Pachinko machine 3 Card unit 5 Sorting device 24 Lower plate 100 System controller 102 CPU
105 Storage Device 106 Input Device 107 Display Device 109 Communication Unit 140 Hall Computer 150 Management Computer 152 CPU
155 Storage device 156 Input device 157 Display device 170 Free gift exchange POS terminal 309 Card insertion slot 312 Display unit 314 Transparent touch panel 315 IR light receiving unit 321 Bill recognition unit 327 Card reader / writer 328 Control unit 334 Communication unit 345 Input unit 348 Counting / dispensing unit 354 Counting sensor 355 Ball storage unit 370 Card storage unit 440 Connection box 440a Termination box 440b Path box 442 Return tray 443 Count passage 444 Return passage 445 Feeding unit 451 Ball storage unit 508 First card reader / writer 509 Second card Reader / Writer 510 Control Unit

Claims (9)

A game machine that pays out a plurality of game media predetermined as payout units by input of a payout signal from the outside is provided in a one-to-one correspondence and outputs the payout signal by outputting the payout signal. A gaming device that allows a corresponding gaming machine to lend gaming media in a payout unit, counts gaming media, and pays out gaming media within the range of the counted number of gaming media to return to the player There,
An input portion that is disposed below a tray that stores game media paid out in the gaming machine and into which game media discharged from the tray is inserted;
Counting means for counting game media;
A counting passage for guiding the gaming medium thrown into the throwing portion to the counting means;
A storage unit for storing game media counted by the counting means;
Counting game medium number storage means for storing the number of counting game media counted by the counting means;
A count payout operation unit for receiving a count payout operation for paying out the number of game media from the player;
Unit payout processing means for outputting the payout signal in response to acceptance of the counting payout operation when the number of counted game media stored in the count game medium number storage means is equal to or greater than the payout unit;
When the counted number of game media stored in the counted game media number storage means is a fraction less than the payout unit, the fraction payout process for paying out the game media of the fraction from the game media stored in the storage unit Means,
Subtraction update means for subtracting and updating the number of game media paid out by the unit payout processing means and the fraction payout processing means from the number of counted game media stored in the counted game medium number storage means;
A gaming apparatus comprising:   2. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fraction payout processing unit pays out a fraction of game media in response to acceptance of the counting payout operation. A game machine that pays out a plurality of game media predetermined as payout units by input of a payout signal from the outside is provided in a one-to-one correspondence and outputs the payout signal by outputting the payout signal. A gaming device that allows a corresponding gaming machine to lend gaming media in a payout unit, counts gaming media, and pays out gaming media within the range of the counted number of gaming media to return to the player There,
An input portion that is disposed below a tray that stores game media paid out in the gaming machine and into which game media discharged from the tray is inserted;
Counting means for counting game media;
A counting passage for guiding the gaming medium thrown into the throwing portion to the counting means;
A storage unit for storing game media counted by the counting means;
Counting game medium number storage means for storing the number of counting game media counted by the counting means;
A count payout operation unit for receiving a count payout operation for paying out the number of game media from the player;
When the count game medium number stored in the count game medium number storage means has a fraction less than the payout unit, which is a remainder obtained by dividing the count game medium number by the payout unit, the game of the fraction Fraction payout processing means for paying out the medium from the game medium stored in the storage unit without receiving the counting payout operation;
Unit payout processing means for outputting the payout signal in response to acceptance of the counting payout operation when the number of counted game media stored in the count game medium number storage means is equal to or greater than the payout unit;
Subtraction update means for subtracting and updating the number of game media paid out by the fraction payout processing means and the unit payout processing means from the number of counted game media stored in the count game medium number storage means;
A gaming apparatus comprising:   The said fraction payout processing means has a return passage for returning a fraction of game media to a player, and the return passage is provided at a position below the counting passage. 4. The gaming device according to any one of 3.   The fraction payout processing means has a return passage for returning a fraction of game media to the player, the upstream portion of the return passage is positioned higher than the downstream portion of the counting passage, and the downstream of the counting passage The game apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a lifting means for lifting the game medium flowing down to the section at least to a height position upstream of the return passage.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an opening / closing member that allows a player to open and close a return port at a terminal end of the return passage.   The game apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a box body having the insertion portion at an upper portion thereof, wherein the opening / closing member is provided on a front surface of the box body.   The game apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a return tray capable of storing a fraction of game media to be returned at the end of the return passage.   The game apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a box body having the insertion portion at an upper portion thereof, and the return tray provided on a front surface of the box body.

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