JP2011245063A - Device adapted to each machine, and game medium dispensing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device adapted to each machine, and a game medium dispensing system to improve the convenience of fraction game media.SOLUTION: A medium dispenser includes a dispensing section for dispensing, to a game machine, game media corresponding to integer times of the dispensing unit of the game machine within a range not exceeding the number of available game media corresponding to a game medium dispensing request when receiving the game medium dispensing request; a remaining medium adding section for adding, to a storage part, the number of remaining game media by subtracting the number of game media dispensed to the game machine from the number of available game media every time a dispensing request is received; and an execution instructing section for instructing the execution of predetermined processing using the total number of remaining game media stored in the storage part.

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a device corresponding to each device and a game medium lending system provided in correspondence with a game table, and more particularly to a device corresponding to each device and a game medium lending system capable of improving the convenience of fractional game media.

  Conventionally, a pachinko machine using a prepaid value associated with an inserted recording medium (hereinafter referred to as a “card”) that is juxtaposed with a game machine such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine installed in a game shop such as a pachinko shop. There are known devices for lending out game media such as balls and medals.

  Among the devices corresponding to each table, there is a type including a nozzle for throwing out game media toward the upper plate of the game table. According to each device with nozzles, when the remaining number of game media held by the player is less than the payout unit (for example, 25 balls) of the game stand, the game media that are less than the payout unit (hereinafter referred to as the payout unit) , Described as “fractional game medium”) from the nozzle. However, depending on the game store, there are stores that refrain from introducing nozzle-compatible devices because they do not want the nozzle to interfere with the frame on the front of the game table.

  Therefore, in recent years, a dedicated small plate (fraction dispensing small plate) for storing the fraction gaming medium is provided in a place where it does not interfere with the frame of the gaming table (for example, the lower part of the frame), and the fraction gaming medium is placed on the fraction dispensing small plate. A device compatible with each unit has also been developed. Here, when the fraction game medium is thrown into the fraction dispensing small plate, the player performs an operation of moving the fraction game medium thrown into the fraction dispensing small plate to the upper plate of the game table.

  However, when the consumption tax is dealt with, the consumption tax is collected for each lending request, so that fractional game media are frequently generated. For example, the number of game media originally lent out in one lending request is 125 balls (payout unit “25 balls” × 5), and 120 balls are actually rented by subtracting 5 balls for consumption tax from this 125 balls. Let's say. In such a case, for each lending request, 100 balls (payout unit “25 balls” × 4) are paid out from the game stand, and the remaining 20 balls are paid out as fraction game media to the fraction payout plate. Become. Therefore, each time the player performs a lending operation, the player must perform an operation of transferring the 20 pieces of fraction game media thrown into the fraction dispensing small plate to the upper plate of the game table, which is very troublesome.

  Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which fractional game media are not paid out every time they are rented, but are accumulated until the payout unit of the game machine is reached. Specifically, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, only game media that can be paid out from the game machine are lent to the player, and game media that do not satisfy the payout unit of the game machine are not lent to the player. The amount is managed as a fractional amount. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the fractional amount is accumulated and added every lending, and when the fractional amount reaches the amount of the payout unit of the game stand, the number of game media in the payout unit is lent out. .

JP 2006-340920 A

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the convenience of the fractional game medium is low for the player. This is a technique in which the technology described in Patent Document 1 manages fractional game media on a monetary basis, and even if the player wants to use up the fractional amount in the game, the game media for the fractional amount is paid out. It is because it cannot be put out. For this reason, the user had no choice but to cash the fractional amount with a cash settlement machine.

  Here, the cash settlement machine installed in the amusement store usually does not support small changes such as 10 yen or 50 yen. For this reason, in order for the store side to be able to settle the fractional amount, it is necessary to newly install a cash settlement machine corresponding to a small amount of change, and there is a problem that a large amount of equipment costs are required. Thus, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is not convenient for the store side.

  For these reasons, it has become a big issue how to realize a device corresponding to each unit or a game media rental system that can improve the convenience of the fractional game media.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a device and a game medium lending system that can improve the convenience of fractional game media. To do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a device corresponding to each game machine provided corresponding to a game machine, and responds to the loan request when a game medium rental request is received. A payout processing means for paying out to the game machine a number of game media corresponding to an integral multiple of the payout unit of the game machine within a range not exceeding the number of rented game media; An adding means for adding to the predetermined storage area an unpaid number obtained by subtracting the number of game media paid out to the gaming machine from the number of rented game media, and a total unpaid number stored in the predetermined storage area And execution instruction means for instructing execution of the predetermined processing used.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, the execution instructing unit may determine the predetermined payout unit when the total unpaid number stored in the predetermined storage area is equal to or greater than a predetermined integral multiple of the payout unit. The payout processing means is instructed to execute an automatic payout process for paying out an integer multiple of game media to the game machine.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the counting means for counting the game media obtained by the player on the game table corresponding to the player's own device and storing the number of held balls as a counting result in the predetermined storage area is provided. Further, the adding means adds the unpaid number as the number of retained balls to the predetermined storage area, and the execution instructing means is configured such that the number of retained balls stored in the predetermined storage area is equal to or less than a predetermined number. Only in some cases, the payout processing means is instructed to execute the automatic payout process.

  Further, the present invention, in the above invention, further comprises a recording medium holding means for holding a game recording medium to be used for games, and the execution instruction means, when receiving a return request for the gaming recording medium, Instructing the recording medium holding means to execute a process of returning the game recording medium after associating the number of balls held in a predetermined storage area with the game recording medium To do.

  Further, the present invention, in the above invention, further comprises a recording medium holding means for holding a game recording medium to be used for games, and the execution instruction means, when receiving a return request for the gaming recording medium, The game record after associating the total unpaid number stored in a predetermined storage area with the game recording medium as the number of possession balls, which is the number of game media acquired by the player on the game table corresponding to the player's own device. The recording medium holding unit is instructed to execute a process of returning the medium.

  Further, the present invention, in the above invention, further comprises a throwing means for throwing out a number of game media less than a payout unit of the gaming table to a predetermined storage unit, the execution instruction means, the game recording If a total unpaid number stored in the predetermined storage area is greater than or equal to a predetermined number when a medium return request is received, the total unpaid number is associated with the game recording medium as the number of possessed balls In addition, the recording medium holding means is instructed to execute the process of returning the game recording medium, and if the total number of outstanding payouts stored in the predetermined storage area is less than the predetermined number, The dispensing means is instructed to execute a process of dispensing the game media corresponding to the total unpaid number to the storage unit.

  In addition, the present invention is a gaming medium lending system including each device corresponding to a gaming table, and when a gaming medium lending request is received, the number of lending gaming media corresponding to the lending request is calculated. Within a range not exceeding, payout processing means for paying out to the gaming machine a number of game media corresponding to an integral multiple of the payout unit of the game machine, and from the number of rented game media each time the loan request is received Addition means for adding an unpaid number obtained by subtracting the number of game media paid out to the gaming machine to a predetermined storage area, and a predetermined process using the total unpaid number stored in the predetermined storage area And an execution instruction means for instructing the execution.

  According to the present invention, when the payout processing means accepts a game media lending request, a number corresponding to an integral multiple of the payout unit of the gaming machine within a range not exceeding the number of lending game media corresponding to the lending request. Each time the game medium is paid out to the game machine, and the addition means accepts a loan request, the number of unpaid games is calculated by subtracting the number of game media paid out to the game machine from the number of game machines that are loaned. It is added to the storage area, and the execution instruction means instructs execution of the predetermined process using the total unpaid number stored in the predetermined storage area, so that the convenience of the fraction game medium can be improved. There is an effect.

  Further, according to the present invention, the execution instructing means plays a game medium having a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit when the total unpaid number stored in the predetermined storage area is equal to or greater than a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit. Since the payment processing means is instructed to execute automatic payout processing for paying out to a stand, each consumption request is made when consumption tax is handled on each stand-compatible device that does not have a nozzle. In this way, it is possible to eliminate the troublesomeness caused by paying out the fractional game media.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the counting means counts the game media acquired by the player on the game table corresponding to the own device, and stores the number of possessed balls as the counting result in a predetermined storage area, and the adding means Is added to the predetermined storage area as the number of unpaid balls, and the execution instruction means executes the automatic payout process only when the number of balls stored in the predetermined storage area is equal to or less than the predetermined number. Since it was decided to instruct the payout processing means, when managing the number of outstanding payouts as the number of balls, after the player has acquired a large number of balls due to a jackpot, etc., There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the situation from being issued.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the recording medium holding means holds a game recording medium to be used for a game, and the execution instructing means accepts a return request for the game recording medium, it is stored in a predetermined storage area. Since the number of possessed balls is related to the game recording medium and the recording medium holding means is instructed to execute the process of returning the game recording medium, the player holds the fraction game medium. There is an effect that it can be used as a ball.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the recording medium holding means holds a game recording medium to be used for a game, and the execution instructing means accepts a return request for the game recording medium, it is stored in a predetermined storage area. The process of returning the game recording medium is executed after associating the total unpaid number with the game recording medium as the number of possession balls, which is the number of game media acquired by the player on the game machine corresponding to the own device. Thus, since the instruction is given to the recording medium holding means, it is possible for the player to use the fraction game medium as a holding ball.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the throwing-out means throws out a number of game media less than the payout unit of the game machine to the predetermined storage unit, and the execution instructing means accepts a return request for the game recording medium In addition, if the total unpaid number stored in the predetermined storage area is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the process of returning the game recording medium after associating the total unpaid number with the number of balls as a game recording medium If the total unpaid number stored in the predetermined storage area is less than the predetermined number, the game medium corresponding to the total unpaid number is thrown out to the storage unit. If the total number of unpaid items is small and exchangeable prizes are limited, the fractional game medium is held as a holding ball. Along with the psychology of the player who wants to use it up in the game rather than keeping it An effect that processing can be performed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a game medium management method according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a network environment to which the inter-device apparatus according to the first embodiment is connected. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the inter-station apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an external view of the inter-device apparatus. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing communication contents between the inter-table device and the game machine. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the inter-station apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation example when the card is returned according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a device corresponding to each apparatus and a game medium rental system according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following explanation, each device corresponding to a game machine such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine installed in a game shop such as a pachinko shop (hereinafter referred to as an “inter-device”) is used as a game medium. The case of lending or returning a card will be described.

  First, prior to detailed description of the embodiment, an outline of the game medium management method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a game medium management method according to the present invention.

  In the following, a case where the payout unit of the gaming table is “25 balls” as shown in FIG. Here, the “payout unit” is the minimum unit number of game media that can be paid out by the game machine. In other words, a gaming machine with a payout unit of 25 balls can pay out game media only in units of 25 balls, and cannot pay out game media less than 25 balls.

  In addition, for each lending request, “120 balls” is collected by collecting 500 yen from the prepaid value and subtracting “5 balls” for consumption tax from “125 balls”, which is five times the payout unit. A case of renting out to a player will be described. Here, a gaming machine with a payout unit of “25 balls” can only pay out “100 balls” for 4 units, and cannot pay out the remaining “20 balls”.

  As described above, the case where the payout unit of the gaming table is “25 balls” and the number of rented game media corresponding to the lending request is “120 balls” will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, when the inter-device receives a game media rental request from a player, it subtracts 500 yen from the prepaid value, and adds 120 balls of 500 media to the player. (See (A-1) in the figure).

  Subsequently, the inter-device device issues an instruction for paying out game media in a number corresponding to an integral multiple of the payout unit “25 balls” within a range not exceeding the number of rented game media “120 balls”. (See (A-2) in the figure). Here, a payout instruction for 4 payout units (100 balls in total) is transmitted to the game machine, and 100 game media are paid out from the game machine ((A-3 in the figure). )reference).

  Further, the inter-device device adds the number of game media that could not be paid out from the game machine (hereinafter referred to as “unpaid number”) to a predetermined storage area ((A-4) in the figure). reference). Specifically, the inter-device device determines the number of unpaid “20 balls” obtained by subtracting the number of game media “100 balls” paid out to the game table from the number of rented game media “120 balls” as a predetermined storage area. (See (A-4) in the figure).

  Then, the inter-device apparatus executes a predetermined process using the total unpaid number stored in the predetermined storage area. For example, as shown in (B) of the figure, the inter-tablet device, when the total unpaid number added to the predetermined storage area becomes equal to or greater than the payout unit (see (B-1) of the figure). ), An automatic payout process for transmitting a payout instruction for the payout unit to the game machine is executed (see (B-2) in the figure).

  Here, the automatic payout process is executed when the number of unpaid becomes equal to or greater than the payout unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the inter-device is a predetermined integer whose payout number is the payout unit. When the number becomes double (for example, “125 balls”) or more, a predetermined medium multiple of the payout unit may be paid out from the game medium.

  Thus, in the game medium management method according to the present invention, the unpaid number is added to a predetermined storage area every time a rental request is accepted. That is, since the fraction game medium is managed not by the amount but by the number of balls, the fraction amount is not generated as in the prior art. Therefore, according to the game media management method according to the present invention, it is not necessary for the store side to install a new cash settlement machine corresponding to the settlement of the fractional amount.

  In the game medium management method according to the present invention, when the total number of payouts is equal to or greater than a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit, a game medium having a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit is paid out from the game medium. Therefore, when the consumption tax is dealt with by the inter-device that does not have the nozzle, it is possible to eliminate the troublesomeness caused by paying out the fraction game medium for each lending request.

  In addition, as for other processing using the total unpaid number, the inter-device is a process of returning the card after the total unpaid number is transferred to the number of balls at the end of the game, or game media for the total unpaid number It is also possible to perform a process of throwing out the sachet into a predetermined small plate. As described above, in the game medium management method according to the present invention, the predetermined process is executed using the total number of payouts stored in the predetermined storage area, so that the convenience of the fraction game medium can be improved. .

  By the way, in the game medium management method according to the present invention, the number of unpaid can be managed as the number of possessed balls. Here, “mochidama” is a game medium acquired by a player on a game table corresponding to the inter-device, and can be used for prize exchange, replay, storage, etc. In this way, by managing the unpaid number as the number of balls, the range of use of the fraction game medium can be expanded.

  The inter-device may be provided with a counting function for counting game media acquired by the player on the gaming table. In such a case, if a player acquires a large number of balls due to a big hit or the like, the number of balls will greatly exceed the payout unit of the game stand, and there is a possibility that the balls will be paid out by the automatic payout process. Therefore, in the game medium management method according to the present invention, in order to avoid such a situation, when managing the number of unpaid balls as the number of balls, automatic payout is performed only when the number of balls is less than a predetermined number. It was decided to execute the process. Details of this point will be described later in Examples.

  Below, the Example about the inter-device which applied the game media management method demonstrated using FIG. 1 is described in detail. In the following description, the case where the interstitial apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an interstitial apparatus with a counting function will be described. However, the interstitial apparatus according to the present invention does not necessarily have a counting function. Good.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a network environment to which the inter-device apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is connected. As shown in the figure, the inter-device 10 provided for each gaming machine 100 includes a management device 200, an island controller 300, a checkout machine 400, and a prize management machine 500 via a network such as an in-store LAN (Local Area Network). Are connected to various devices such as a card processor 600 and a gift dispenser 700. Note that the gaming medium lending system according to the present embodiment includes at least the inter-device 10 and the management device 200.

  The island controller 300 is a relay device provided for each gaming island on which the inter-device 10 and the gaming table 100 are installed, and communication between the management device 200 / the inter-device 10 or between the management device 200 / the gaming table 100. Relay data.

  Here, when the inter-device device 10 returns the card (game recording medium), a player who is not willing to continue the game on the other game table 100 inserts the card into the checkout machine 400, thereby prepaid value. Receive money according to (prepaid balance). It is assumed that the settlement machine 400 does not support small changes such as 10 yen or 50 yen, like a general settlement machine installed in an amusement store.

  In addition, the player brings the card to the prize exchange corner, and holds or inserts the card into the card processor 600. Then, when an employee of the game shop operates the prize management machine 500 or the prize dispenser 700, the player receives a prize according to the value of the possession.

  As shown in the figure, the management apparatus 200 has a recording medium management DB (database) 201 that manages values associated with cards. The storage medium management DB 201 is a prepaid card DB (database) 201a for managing prepaid value, and a storage ball indicating that the game medium acquired by the player is stored in a game store without being exchanged for cash or prizes. A storage ball DB (database) 201b for managing the money and a money ball DB (database) 201c for managing the money value acquired by the game store.

  For example, the money value or prepaid value that is valued for the card returned by the inter-device 10 is also managed by the prepaid card DB 201a or the money DB 201c managed by the management device 200.

  The storage ball DB (database) 201b is a database for performing a storage ball service given to a membership card distributed to members of the amusement store. In the case of a general card, a prepaid card DB (database) 201a. In addition, only the holding ball DB (database) 201c is related.

  Here, with respect to the storage ball DB (database) 201b, a member management device may be separately provided, and the member management device may manage the storage ball DB (database) 201b.

  Next, the configuration of the inter-station apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the inter-device apparatus 10. In the figure, only components necessary for explaining the characteristics of the inter-device 10 are shown, and descriptions of general components are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inter-device 10 includes a counting unit 11, a card holding unit 12, a fraction game medium dispensing unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15. Moreover, the control part 14 has memorize | stored the ball data 14a, and the control part 15 is provided with the payout process part 15a, the unpaid-out number addition part 15b, and the execution instruction | indication part 15c.

  The counting unit 11 counts game media (for example, pachinko balls) acquired by the player, and stores the counted value in the storage unit 14 as possession ball information 14a. The ball information 14a is updated each time the count value is counted up.

  The card holding unit 12 is a device that accepts a card such as a general card or a membership card and returns a card associated with a possession value or a prepaid value. When the card holding unit 12 receives a card return instruction from the execution instructing unit 15c, the card holding unit 12 returns the card after associating the ball value or prepaid value with the card.

  When the fraction game medium throwing unit 13 receives a fraction game medium throwing instruction from the execution instruction unit 15c, the fraction game medium throwing unit 13 throws out game media for the number of possessed balls included in the possessed ball data 14a to a fraction dispensing small plate, which will be described later. It is a device. Such fraction game medium throwing-out processing is performed when the number of possessed balls is equal to or less than a predetermined number (for example, a payout unit of the gaming table 100).

  Further, the fraction game medium throwing-out process is not limited to the case where the number of possessed balls is a predetermined number or less. For example, when the fraction game medium throwing-out process is instructed when the number of possessed balls is “112 balls”, “12 balls” can be thrown out to the small dish. At this time, the remaining “100 balls” may be thrown out of the gaming table 100. In addition, as the game media to be paid out from the fraction game media dispensing unit 13, the counted game media may be reserved and reused, or a new game media connected to the game island ball supply mechanism may be used. It may be received and paid out.

  Here, the external configuration of the inter-device 10 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an external view of the inter-station apparatus 10. In the figure, the gaming table 100 provided with the inter-device device 10 is indicated by a broken line. Moreover, although the inter-device 10 which receives only a banknote is shown in the same figure, it is good also as providing the unit for coin reception.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the inter-table device 10 is a type of inter-device that does not have a nozzle for paying out game media such as holding balls. Specifically, the inter-device 10 includes a state display unit 51 that displays the device state of the inter-device 10 by lighting or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color, and a bill insertion unit 52 that accepts various bills for renting game media. And. The inter-table device 10 includes a remote control light receiving unit 53 that receives instructions from a remote control (portable terminal device) carried by an employee of the amusement shop, a display unit such as a display, and operation units such as numeric keys and various buttons. And an operation / display unit 54.

  In addition, the inter-device 10 receives a card such as a general card or a membership card, and returns a card associated with a possession value or a prepaid value (corresponding to the “card holding unit 12” shown in FIG. 3). ). The inter-device 10 stores a counting unit 56 (corresponding to the “counting unit 11” shown in FIG. 3) that counts the game media (held balls) acquired by the player, and a stored ball (acquired balls). The holding ball storage part 57 is provided. Here, the game media dropped from the lower plate of the game table 100 is guided to the counting unit 56 through the holding ball storage unit 57.

  Further, it is assumed that the retained ball storage unit 57 is provided with a retained ball display unit 57a for displaying the number of retained balls and a retained ball payout button 57b. Here, in the case where the player has pushed down the ball payout button 57b, a payout request is notified to the payout processing unit 15a.

  In addition, the inter-device 10 includes a fraction dispensing plate 58 instead of a nozzle that dispenses game media such as a ball. The fraction payout small plate 58 is a small plate for storing the fraction game medium thrown out by the fraction game medium dispensing unit 13 shown in FIG.

  It should be noted that the game console 100 has an operation button 100b such as a display unit 100a for displaying the remaining amount of the card, the number of lent game media, and a return button for instructing to rent out game media and a card return. And are provided. If the lending button is pressed, a lending request is notified to the payout processing unit 15a.

  The inter-device 10 temporarily stores the retained balls (acquired balls) dropped from the lower plate of the gaming table 100 shown in the figure in the retained ball storage unit 57, and guides the retained retained balls (acquired balls) to the counting unit 56. . Then, the counting unit 56 counts the number of possessed balls (acquired balls).

  Specifically, the counting unit 56 calculates the total number of possessed balls (acquired balls) by adding the counting results of retained balls (acquired balls). In addition, although a present Example demonstrates the case where the counting part 56 is provided with the function which calculates the total number of possession balls (acquired ball), it is also possible to provide the processing part which performs total number calculation independently of the counting part 56. Good. Here, the counted game media are discharged to a game media collection path (not shown) formed in the game island.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 3, the storage unit 14 will be described. The storage unit 14 is a storage device such as a nonvolatile memory or a hard disk drive, and stores the possession data 14a. The internal ball data 14a is a total value of the count value by the counting unit 11 and the unpaid number added by the unpaid number adding unit 15b.

  The control unit 15 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-bed apparatus 10, and includes a payout processing unit 15a, an unpaid number addition unit 15b, and an execution instruction unit 15c.

  The payout processing unit 15a, when accepting a lending request notified in response to pressing of the lending button, subtracts a certain amount from the prepaid value, and out of the number of lending game media corresponding to the deducted amount, This is a processing unit that causes 100 of game media to be paid out from the gaming table 100.

  Specifically, the payout processing unit 15a pays out to the game machine 100 a number of game media corresponding to an integral multiple of the payout unit of the game machine 100 within a range not exceeding the number of rented game media. Here, a payout instruction indicating that four units of game media “100 balls” should be paid out is transmitted to the game console 100.

  The payout processing unit 15a also performs a process of notifying the unpaid number adding unit 15b of an unpaid number, which is the number obtained by subtracting the number of game media paid out to the gaming machine from the number of rented game media. Here, the number of unpaid “20 balls” obtained by subtracting the number of game media “100 balls” paid out from the gaming machine 100 from the number of rented game media “120 balls” is notified to the unpaid number addition unit 15b. The Rukoto.

  In addition, when the payout processing unit 15a receives an execution instruction for automatic payout processing from the execution instruction unit 15c described later, a payout instruction indicating that a game medium (for example, 125 balls) that is a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit should be paid out. Is executed to transmit to the gaming machine 100. The execution instruction unit 15c performs automatic payout processing on the payout processing unit 15a when the number of held balls stored as the held ball data 14a is equal to or greater than a predetermined integral multiple of the payout unit (for example, 125 balls). Although execution is instructed, this point will be described later.

  In the following, a payout instruction transmitted in response to a loan request from a player is referred to as a “normal payout instruction”, and a payout instruction automatically transmitted in response to an execution instruction from the execution instruction unit 15c is referred to as “automatic payout instruction”. This is referred to as “payout instruction”. In addition, when the payout processing unit 15a receives a payout request notified in response to the pressing of the ball payout button 57b, the payout processing unit 15a pays out a fixed number of game media after subtracting a specific number from the ball data 14a. A payout instruction indicating that it should be issued is transmitted to the gaming machine 100.

  The unpaid-out number adding unit 15b is a processing unit that, when receiving the unpaid out number from the payout processing unit 15a, adds the received unpaid out number to the possession data 14a. Here, every time a loan request is accepted, the unpaid number “20 balls” is added to the possessed ball data 14a.

  The execution instructing unit 15c is a processing unit that instructs execution of various processes using the number of possessed balls stored as the retained ball data 14a.

  For example, the execution instruction unit 15c subtracts a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit from the number of held balls when the number of held balls stored as the held ball data 14a is a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit. The payout processing unit 15a is instructed to execute the automatic payout process. As a result, an automatic payout instruction is transmitted from the payout processing unit 15a to the gaming machine 100, and a gaming medium of a predetermined integral multiple of the payout unit is paid out from the gaming machine 100.

  In this case, when the number of possessed balls becomes 125 balls or more corresponding to 5 times the payout unit, the execution instructing unit 15c instructs the payout processing unit 15a to execute the automatic payout process, and the payout process The unit 15 a transmits an automatic payout instruction for 125 balls to the gaming machine 100 to the gaming machine 100.

  By the way, when the player acquires a large number of balls due to a big hit or the like, the acquired game medium is counted by the counting unit 11, and the counted value is added to the ball data 14a. As a result, the number of possessed balls stored as the possessed ball data 14a greatly exceeds the payout unit of the game stand, and the execution of the automatic payout process is repeatedly instructed until the number of retained balls becomes less than 125 balls.

  Therefore, in order to avoid such a situation, the execution instructing unit 15c instructs the payout processing unit 15a to execute the automatic payout process only when the number of possessed balls is equal to or less than a predetermined number. Here, the predetermined number may be a number at the time when the unpaid number added for each lending request exceeds the number of game media paid out from the gaming machine 100 by the automatic payout instruction. Specifically, when the number of unpaid outs added for each lending request is 20 balls and the number of game media paid out from the gaming table 100 by the automatic payout instruction is 125 balls, 20 × 7 = What is necessary is just to set 140 balls as a predetermined number.

  As described above, the counting unit 11 counts the game media acquired by the player on the gaming table 100 corresponding to the own device, and stores the number of held balls as the counting result in the storage unit 14, and the unpaid-out number adding unit 15b. However, the unpaid number is added to the storage unit 14 as the number of possessed balls, and the execution instruction unit 15c pays out the execution of the automatic dispensing process only when the number of retained balls stored in the storage unit 14 is equal to or less than a predetermined number. An instruction is given to the processing unit 15a. Therefore, when managing the number of unpaid balls as the number of balls, it is possible to prevent situations in which the ball is automatically paid out by the automatic payout process after the player has acquired a large number of balls due to a jackpot or the like. it can.

  Moreover, when the execution instruction | indication part 15c receives the return request | requirement of a card | curd according to the input operation to the operation / display part 54, it relates to the card | curd, after associating with the card | curd number stored as the ball data 14a The card holding unit 12 is instructed to execute the process of returning the card. Thereby, the player can use the fractional game medium as a holding ball.

  In addition, when the execution instruction unit 15 c receives a request for throwing out fraction game media in response to an input operation to the operation / display unit 54, the number of held balls stored as the held ball data 14 a is sent to the fraction dispensing plate 58. The fraction game medium throwing unit 13 is instructed to throw.

  It should be noted that the fraction game medium throwing-out process is not limited to the case where the number of possessed balls is a predetermined number or less. For example, when the fraction game medium throwing-out process is instructed when the number of possessed balls is “112 balls”, “12 balls” can be thrown out to the small dish. Further, the remaining “100 balls” may be thrown out of the gaming table 100. In addition, the game media paid out by the fraction game media dispensing unit 13 may be stored and reused by counting the game media, or connected to the ball supply mechanism of the game island to obtain new game media. It may be received and paid out.

  Next, the communication contents between the inter-table device 10 and the game machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing communication contents between the inter-table device 10 and the game machine 100. Note that (A) in the figure shows the communication contents when the number of held balls is less than 5 times the payout unit, and (B) in the figure shows that the number of held balls is more than 5 times the payout unit. The contents of communication when Moreover, (C) of the figure respectively shows an operation example when the counting result by the counting unit 11 is added to the number of balls.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the lending button is pressed (step S101), the payout processing unit 15a subtracts 500 yen from the prepaid value and also receives 120 balls of game media for 500 yen. Lend to. Also, the payout processing unit 15a transmits a normal payout instruction to the game stand 100 indicating that 100 balls for 4 units out of 120 balls of game media lent to the player ((A-1 in the figure)). )reference). Then, the gaming table 100 pays out 100 game media in accordance with the normal payout instruction received from the payout processing unit 15a (step S102).

  Further, the unpaid-out number adding unit 15b adds “20 balls” that have not been paid out among the 120 game media lent out to the player to the possession data 14a (step S103). As a result, the storage unit 14 stores the number of balls “20 balls” as the ball data 14 a.

  Here, as a result of the processes of steps S101 to S103 being repeated a plurality of times, as shown in (B) of the figure, the number of possessed balls stored as the possessed ball data 14a is at least five times the payout unit (125 balls). (Step S104).

  In such a case, in the inter-vehicle apparatus 10, the execution instruction unit 15c instructs the payout processing unit 15a to execute an automatic payout process for 125 balls, and the payout processing unit 15a issues an automatic payout instruction for 125 balls. It transmits with respect to the stand 100 (refer (B-1) of the figure). The gaming table 100 pays out 125 game media in accordance with the automatic payout instruction received from the payout processing unit 15a (step S105). Further, the execution instruction unit 15c subtracts 125 balls from the holding ball data (step S106). As a result, the total number of balls is 15 balls.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that the counting unit 11 counts 1000 game media acquired by the player due to the jackpot, and adds the count result to the ball data 14a, resulting in a total of 1015 balls (step S107). . In such a case, the execution instruction unit 15c disables automatic payout (step S108). That is, the execution instructing unit 15c does not instruct the payout processing unit 15a to execute the automatic payout process even if the number of held balls is 125 balls or more.

  More specifically, the automatic payout instruction is not transmitted while the counting is continuously performed, and if the number of held balls exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 140 balls), the automatic payout instruction is issued even when the counting is finished. Output is prohibited. In addition, when the holding ball payout is executed and the number of holding balls falls below a predetermined value, an automatic payout instruction can be output.

  Here, the automatic payout process is executed when the number of held balls becomes five times or more the payout unit, but the timing of executing the automatic payout process is not limited to this. For example, the execution instructing unit 15c may instruct the payout processing unit 15a to execute an automatic payout process for 25 balls when the number of held balls becomes a payout unit (25 balls or more).

  Here, when the payout processing unit 15a is instructed to execute the automatic payout processing from the execution instruction unit 15c, the automatic payout instruction is transmitted to the gaming machine 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, the payout processing unit 15a may transmit the automatic payout instruction to the gaming machine 100 together with the normal payout instruction when the next lending request is received after the execution of the automatic payout process is instructed.

  Alternatively, the player may use the operation / display unit 54 or the like to select how many times the number of coins to be paid out will be automatically paid out. Further, the player may be allowed to select whether or not automatic payout processing is possible.

  Next, a specific operation of the inter-station apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, in the inter-device apparatus 10, the payout processing unit 15a determines whether or not a lending request has been accepted (step S201), and if accepted (step S201, Yes), A normal payout instruction is transmitted to the terminal (step S202). The unpaid-out number adding unit 15b adds the unpaid-out number to the ball data 14a (step S203).

  Subsequently, the execution instruction unit 15c determines whether or not the number of possessed balls is a predetermined number (for example, 140 balls) or less (step S204), and if the number is less than the predetermined number (step S204, Yes), It is determined whether the number of held balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit (for example, 125 balls) (step S205).

  If the number of balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit (Yes in step S205), the payout processing unit 15a transmits an automatic payout instruction to the gaming machine 100 in accordance with an instruction from the execution instruction unit 15c. (Step S206), the execution instructing unit 15c subtracts the number of balls held by a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit (Step S207), and the process is completed.

  On the other hand, when there is no lending request in step S201 (step S201, No), the execution instructing unit 15c determines whether a card return request has been received (step S208). When a card return request is accepted (step S208, Yes), the card holding unit 12 associates the number of possessed balls with the card according to an instruction from the execution instruction unit 15c (step S209), and returns the card. (Step S210), and the process ends.

  In addition, when the number of holding balls is not less than a predetermined number (step S204, No), the inter-device 10 is not more than a predetermined number, but not more than a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit (No in step S205). Also when there is no card return request (step S208, No), the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when the payout processing unit accepts a game medium lending request, the number of game unit payout units is within a range not exceeding the number of lending game media corresponding to the lending request. The number of game media equivalent to double is paid out to the game machine, and every time the unpaid addition unit accepts the loan request, the number of game media paid out to the game machine is subtracted from the number of game media paid out. The unpaid number is added to the storage unit, and the execution instruction unit instructs execution of a predetermined process using the total unpaid number stored in the storage unit. Therefore, the convenience of the fraction game medium can be improved.

  In this case, the inter-device 10 manages the number of held balls added by the unpaid-out number adding unit 15b and the number of held balls counted by the counting unit 11 without distinguishing them. These may be managed separately on the 200 side.

  By the way, in Example 1 mentioned above, although the case where the number of unpaid was managed as a ball was explained, it is not restricted to this, and it is also possible to manage the number of unpaid separately from the number of balls. Good. Below, Example 2 in such a case will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the inter-station apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the inter-device apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment, the unpaid number is stored as unpaid data 14b separately from the holding ball data 14a.

  Further, the unpaid-out number adding unit 15b according to the second embodiment adds the unpaid-out number to the unpaid data 14b instead of the retained data 14a. For this reason, in Example 2, only the count value by the counting part 11 will be memorize | stored as the ball data 14a.

  The execution instruction unit 15c according to the second embodiment instructs the payout processing unit 15a to execute the automatic payout process when the total number of unpaid items stored as the unpaid data 14b is 125 balls or more. . In Example 2, since the number of held balls and the number of unpaid items are managed separately, even if the player acquires a large number of held balls due to a jackpot, etc., the number of held balls only increases. There is no need to prohibit automatic payout processing using data.

  Further, when receiving a card return request, the execution instruction unit 15c shifts the total unpaid number stored as the unpaid data 14b to the possession data 14a and adds it. Then, the execution instructing unit 15c instructs the card holding unit 12 to execute a process of returning the card after associating the number of possessed balls (added value) stored as the retained ball data 14a with the card. .

  If the total number of payouts is small and exchangeable prizes are limited, there are not a few players who want to use up the game more than holding the fractional game media as possession balls. Therefore, the execution instructing unit 15c according to the second embodiment executes a process of throwing out the game media for the total unpaid out number to the fraction payout small plate 58 when the total unpaid out number is less than the predetermined number. An instruction is given to the fraction game medium throwing unit 13.

  Here, an operation example when returning a card according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation example when the card is returned according to the second embodiment. Here, (A) in the figure shows an operation example when the total unpaid number is a predetermined number or more, and (B) in the figure shows an operation when the total unpaid number is less than the predetermined number. Each example is shown. Here, the predetermined number is 100 balls, but the predetermined number can be arbitrarily set.

  As shown in (A) of the figure, it is assumed that the total unpaid number stored as unpaid data 14b is "120 balls", which is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (100 balls) ((A- 1)). In such a case, upon receiving the card return request, the execution instructing unit 15c shifts the total unpaid number to the number of possessed balls (see (A-2) in the figure) and returns the card to the card holding unit 12. Instructs execution of processing. Then, the card holding unit 12 returns the card (see (A-) in the figure) after associating the number of balls with the card according to the instruction from the execution instruction unit 15c (see (A-3) in the figure). 4)).

  On the other hand, as shown in (B) of the figure, it is assumed that the total unpaid number stored as unpaid data 14b is “20 balls” and is less than a predetermined number (100 balls) (( See B-1)). In such a case, the execution instruction unit 15c instructs the fraction game medium throwing unit 13 to execute a process of throwing out the game media for the total number of unpaid out to the fraction dispensing small plate 58 ((B -2).

  Next, a specific operation of the inter-station apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the inter-station apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, in the inter-device 10, the payout processing unit 15a determines whether or not a lending request has been accepted (step S301), and if accepted (step S301, Yes), A normal payout instruction is transmitted to the terminal (step S302). Further, the unpaid-out number adding unit 15b adds the unpaid-out number to the unpaid-out data 14b (step S303).

  Subsequently, the execution instruction unit 15c determines whether or not the total unpaid number is equal to or greater than a predetermined integer multiple (for example, 125 balls) of the payout unit (step S304). If the total unpaid number is equal to or greater than a predetermined integral multiple of the payout unit (Yes in step S304), the payout processing unit 15a issues an automatic payout instruction to the gaming machine 100 in accordance with an instruction from the execution instructing unit 15c. In step S305, the execution instruction unit 15c subtracts the number of unpaid out by a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit (step S306), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when there is no lending request in step S301 (step S301, No), the execution instruction unit 15c determines whether a card return request has been received (step S307). In addition, when the execution instruction unit 15c receives a card return request (step S307, Yes), the execution instruction unit 15c determines whether or not the total unpaid number is a predetermined number (for example, 100 balls) or more (step S308).

  If the total unpaid number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (step S308, Yes), the execution instruction unit 15c shifts the total unpaid number to the handball data 14a and adds it (step S309), and holds the card. A card return instruction is given to the unit 12. Further, the card holding unit 12 associates the number of balls (added value) with the card according to the instruction from the execution instruction unit 15c (step S310), returns the card (step S311), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the total unpaid number is less than the predetermined number (step S308, No), the fraction game medium throwing unit 13 outputs the game media for the total unpaid number according to the instruction from the execution instruction unit 15c. (Step S312), and the process ends.

  The inter-device 10 ends the process when the total unpaid number is not equal to or greater than a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit (No at Step S304) and when there is no card return request (No at Step S307).

  As described above, in the second embodiment, when the execution instruction unit receives a card return request, the execution instruction unit executes a process of returning the card after associating the card with the total unpaid number as the number of balls. In this way, the card holding unit is instructed. Therefore, even when the unpaid number is managed separately from the number of balls, the player can use the fraction game medium as a ball.

  In the second embodiment, when the execution instructing unit accepts a card return request, if the total unpaid number is less than a predetermined number, the game medium corresponding to the total unpaid number is thrown out to the fraction dispensing plate. The fraction game medium dispensing unit is instructed to execute the process. Therefore, in cases where the total number of unpaid items is small and exchangeable prizes are limited, a process in line with the player's psychology that the player wants to use up the fractional game media as a possession rather than holding it as a possession. It can be performed.

  Further, in the second embodiment, in step S308 in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not the fraction throwing process can be executed based on the total unpaid number, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is good also as determining using the total value of the number of holding balls. For example, if the number of unpaid is “10 balls” and the number of possessed balls is “95 balls”, the number of unpaid outs should be at least combined and discharged by associating “105 balls” with the cards. Good. At this time, there is no merit of discharging only the unpaid number “10 balls” with the game medium. On the other hand, if the number of unpaid is “15 balls” and the number of possessed balls is “5 balls”, the total number of “20 balls” is small as “20 balls”.

  In the embodiment described above, the case where one inter-unit device 10 has both the ball lending function and each unit counting function has been described. However, the first inter-unit device (CR unit) having the ball lending function. And a system (double sand system) in which a second inter-device device (counting sand) having a function of counting each vehicle may be employed. Moreover, the inter-device apparatus 10 does not need to be provided with each stand counting function itself. Further, the island controller 300 or the management device 200 may have a part of the functions of the inter-device 10 (for example, the storage unit 14 that stores the number of unpaid items).

  In the embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 4, the case where the counting unit 56 is provided in the lower part of the inter-device 10 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the counting unit 56 may be disposed on the board in front of the game table or above the game table.

  As described above, the inter-device device according to the present invention is useful when it is desired to improve the convenience of the fraction game medium, and is particularly suitable for application to a game store system using each counter counting method.

10 inter-device 11 counting unit 12 card holding unit 13 fraction game medium throwing unit 14 storage unit 14a holding ball data 14b unpaid data 15 control unit 15a payout processing unit 15b unpaid number adding unit 15c execution instruction unit 51 status display unit 52 bill insertion part 53 remote control light receiving part 54 operation / display part 55 card holding part 56 counting part 57 holding ball storage part 57a holding ball display part 57b Device 201 Recording medium management DB
201a Prepaid card DB
201b Savings DB
201c Mochitama DB
300 island controller 400 checkout machine 500 free gift management machine 600 card processing machine 700 free gift dispenser

Claims (7)

It is a device corresponding to each stand provided corresponding to the game stand,
When a gaming medium lending request is received, a number of gaming media corresponding to an integral multiple of the payout unit of the gaming machine is added to the gaming machine within a range not exceeding the number of renting gaming media corresponding to the lending request. A payout processing means for paying out;
An addition means for adding, to a predetermined storage area, an unpaid number obtained by subtracting the number of gaming media paid out to the gaming table from the number of rented gaming media each time the rental request is received;
An apparatus for responding to each vehicle, comprising: an execution instructing unit that instructs execution of a predetermined process using the total number of unpaid items stored in the predetermined storage area. The execution instruction means includes
Automatic payout for paying out game media of a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit to the game table when the total number of payouts stored in the predetermined storage area is equal to or greater than a predetermined integer multiple of the payout unit 2. The device for each device according to claim 1, wherein the payout processing means is instructed to execute processing. The game machine further includes counting means for counting game media acquired by a player on a game table corresponding to the own device, and storing the number of possessed balls as a counting result in the predetermined storage area,
The adding means includes
Adding the unpaid number as the number of balls to the predetermined storage area;
The execution instruction means includes
3. Each of the claim 2, wherein the payout processing unit is instructed to execute the automatic payout processing only when the number of held balls stored in the predetermined storage area is equal to or less than a predetermined number. Stand compatible device. A recording medium holding means for holding a game recording medium for use in games;
The execution instruction means includes
When a return request for the game recording medium is received, a process for returning the game recording medium after associating the number of balls stored in the predetermined storage area with the game recording medium is executed. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an instruction is given to the recording medium holding unit. A recording medium holding means for holding a game recording medium for use in games;
The execution instruction means includes
When a return request for the game recording medium is received, the total number of outstanding payouts stored in the predetermined storage area is the number of game balls obtained by the player on the game stand corresponding to the own device. 3. Each unit according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium holding unit is instructed to execute a process of returning the gaming recording medium after associating with the gaming recording medium. Compatible device. A dispensing means for dispensing a number of game media less than the payout unit of the game table to a predetermined storage unit;
The execution instruction means includes
When the game recording medium return request is accepted, if the total unpaid number stored in the predetermined storage area is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the total unpaid number is used as the number of possessed balls. Instructing the recording medium holding means to execute a process of returning the game recording medium after associating with the medium, and the total number of unpaid items stored in the predetermined storage area is less than the predetermined number 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein if there is, the instructing unit is instructed to execute a process of throwing out the game media corresponding to the total unpaid number to the storage unit. . A game medium lending system including a device corresponding to each device provided corresponding to a game device,
When a gaming medium lending request is received, a number of gaming media corresponding to an integral multiple of the payout unit of the gaming machine is added to the gaming machine within a range not exceeding the number of renting gaming media corresponding to the lending request. A payout processing means for paying out;
An addition means for adding, to a predetermined storage area, an unpaid number obtained by subtracting the number of gaming media paid out to the gaming table from the number of rented gaming media each time the rental request is received;
An execution instruction means for instructing execution of a predetermined process using the total number of payouts stored in the predetermined storage area.

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