JP2012055477A - Prize exchange system and prize exchange method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prize exchange system and a prize exchange method capable of appropriately and efficiently supplying prizes desired by a player according to the needs of the player.SOLUTION: When a player playing at a game machine 20 performs a prize reserving operation from a present seat, the number of balls required for the prize exchange of the prize is subtracted from the number of owned balls, reservation request data including a prize code and a card ID are notified to a management device 40, the card information 40e of the management device 40 is updated, and a prize management device 70 which receives the reservation request data transferred from the management device 40 adds a reserved prize to a prize reservation list 70f.

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize exchange system and a prize exchange method for exchanging a game medium acquired by a player for a prize, and in particular, can appropriately and efficiently supply a prize desired by the player according to the player's needs. The present invention relates to a free gift exchange system and a free gift exchange method.

  Conventionally, at game stores such as pachinko parlors, game media such as pachinko balls acquired by the player are counted with an island edge counter, and the receipt printed with the count result and the member card associated with the count result are used as a counter. Generally, a mechanism for exchanging game media for prizes using a prize exchange device in the counter is common.

  In addition, recently, a system in which each card counter is provided in an inter-card card processing machine provided alongside a game machine, and the number of balls that can be counted by each card counter is becoming widespread. The player can exchange game media for prizes by inserting a possession card (hereinafter simply referred to as “card”) associated with the possession ball into the prize exchange device.

  As described above, in the conventional prize exchange system, it has been common to perform prize exchange processing at a counter using a prize exchange device provided at a counter of a game shop. Prior art that can exchange game media for prizes at their own seats is known. Using such prior art, the player can obtain prizes such as juice and cigarettes at his / her own seat without going to the counter.

  For example, in Patent Literature 1, each counter of the inter-card card processor and the prize exchange device are connected by a communication line, and a prize exchange acceptance process is performed by the prize exchange device according to the counting result of each counter. A prize exchange system is disclosed in which a prize received by a prize exchange device is transported to a gaming machine with an inter-card card processor.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, an order panel inserted between pachinko machines is provided with a product price input port and a product selection button, and a product outlet is provided on the front side of each pachinko machine, corresponding to each pachinko machine. A pachinko machine that allows customers to purchase a desired product at each pachinko machine seat during pachinko games by providing a product delivery path that is connected to each product outlet and connecting one end of the product delivery path to the product storage unit. A vending machine is disclosed.

JP-A-10-118324 JP-A-8-238382

  However, the above-mentioned prior arts 1 and 2 are useful when acquiring prizes such as juice and tobacco, but are not efficient when acquiring other prizes. For example, if the amusement store prepares a limited-edition sale such as “crab” or “mentaiko” as a free gift, even if the player acquires the sale using the above-mentioned conventional techniques 1 and 2, For a player who wants to play a game, the result is that he / she is troubled by where to place the acquired specials.

  In addition, the player has a large number of balls at the time of obtaining a prize such as a special sale item, but the number of balls of the player often decreases with the game after that. In such a case, there is a possibility that the player may obtain a prize such as a special sale as a result, which may hinder continuous games.

  In this way, for players, it is not just gifts that they want to have immediately, such as juices and cigarettes, but also gifts that they want to get ahead of other players, such as specials, but do not want to keep them during the game. Also, it is desirable to give away prizes when there are balls or the like, but give away and give priority to the continuation of the game when the balls decrease. For these reasons, it is an important issue to efficiently supply the prize desired by the player according to the needs of the player.

  The present invention was made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and a prize exchange system capable of appropriately and efficiently supplying a prize desired by a player according to the needs of the player, The purpose is to provide a gift exchange method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a card processing machine that is attached to a gaming machine and performs a game medium dispensing process within the range of the number of gaming media associated with a predetermined card. A prize exchange system having a prize exchange apparatus for performing a prize exchange process according to the number of game media associated with the card, wherein the card processor accepts identification information of a prize selected as a reservation target Reservation accepting means and reservation request data including the identification information of the prize received by the prize reservation accepting means and the identification information of the card to be processed by the card processor are transmitted, and the prize reservation request process is performed. A prize request processing means, wherein the prize exchange device stores a prize reservation list information in which prize identification information and card identification information are associated with each other; When the request data is received, the free gift reservation list update is performed to register the free gift identification information and the card identification information included in the reservation request data in the free gift reservation list information stored in the storage means and update the free gift reservation list. And a reserved prize exchange processing means for performing a prize exchange process for a reserved prize while referring to the prize reservation list information stored in the storage means when the card is received. To do.

  In the present invention, the management device for managing the card processing machine or the number of game media associated with the card is configured to calculate the number of game media corresponding to the card identification information included in the reservation request data. The number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the prize is subtracted.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the card processor is a cancellation request receiving means for receiving a cancellation request for a premium reservation registered in the premium reservation list information, and a target of the cancellation request received by the cancellation request receiving means. A reservation cancellation request processing means for transmitting reservation cancellation request data including identification information of a prize to be processed and identification information of a card to be processed by the card processor, and performing reservation cancellation request processing of the premium; The prize exchange device, when receiving the reservation cancellation request data, deletes the prize identification information and the card identification information included in the reservation cancellation request data from the prize reservation list information stored in the storage means And a reservation cancel processing means for performing the reservation cancel processing of the prize.

  In the present invention, the management device for managing the card processing machine or the number of game media associated with the card is configured to set the number of game media corresponding to the card identification information included in the reservation cancellation request data. The number of game media corresponding to the prize identification information is added.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, a card processing machine that is attached to a gaming machine and performs a game medium throwing process within a range of the number of gaming media associated with a predetermined card, and the card is associated with the card. A prize exchange method of a prize exchange system having a prize exchange apparatus for performing a prize exchange process according to the number of game media, wherein the card processor accepts identification information of a prize selected as a reservation target And a reservation request process that transmits the reservation request data including the identification information of the premium received in the premium reservation reception step and the identification information of the card to be processed by the card processor, and performs the premium reservation request processing. And subtracting the number of game media corresponding to the prize identification information from the number of game media corresponding to the card identification information included in the reservation request data. Processing step, and when the prize exchange device receives the reservation request data, the prize identification information and the card identification information included in the reservation request data are registered in the prize reservation list information, and the prize reservation list is registered. A premium reservation list update step to be updated, and a reserved premium exchange processing step of performing a premium exchange processing of a premium reserved with reference to the premium reservation list information when the card is received, To do.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the card processor accepts a cancellation request reception request for a premium reservation registered in the premium reservation list information, and a target of the cancellation request received by the cancellation request reception step A reservation cancellation request processing step for transmitting reservation cancellation request data including the identification information of the prize to be processed and the identification information of the card to be processed by the card processor, and performing the reservation cancellation request processing of the premium; and the reservation An addition processing step of adding the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the prize to the number of game media corresponding to the card identification information included in the cancellation request data, and the prize exchange device accepting the reservation cancellation request data In this case, the prize identification information and the card identification information included in the reservation cancellation request data are deleted from the prize reservation list information and the prize reservation cancellation is performed. A reservation cancellation processing step of performing physical, and wherein, further containing.

  According to the present invention, the card processing machine receives the identification information of the prize selected as the reservation target, and the reservation request data including the received identification information of the prize and the identification information of the card to be processed by the card processing machine. The prize exchange device receives the reservation request data and registers the prize identification information and the card identification information contained in the reservation request data in the prize reservation list information. Then, when the prize reservation list is updated and a card is received, the prize exchange process for the reserved prize is performed while referring to the prize reservation list information, so the prize desired by the player is reserved from his seat. Therefore, the prize desired by the player can be appropriately and efficiently supplied according to the needs of the player.

  According to the present invention, the management device for managing the card processing machine or the number of game media associated with the card corresponds to the prize identification information from the number of game media corresponding to the card identification information included in the reservation request data. Since the number of game media to be processed is subtracted, the subtraction process associated with exchanging reserved prizes in the prize exchanging apparatus becomes unnecessary, and it becomes possible to deliver the reserved prizes quickly and efficiently.

  Further, according to the present invention, the card processing machine accepts a request for canceling a prize reservation registered in the prize reservation list information, the identification information of the prize that is the object of the received cancellation request, and the processing target of the card processing machine The reservation cancellation request data including the identification information of the card to be received is transmitted to perform the reservation cancellation request processing of the free gift, and when the free gift exchange device receives the reservation cancellation request data, the free gift included in the reservation cancellation request data And the card identification information are deleted from the prize reservation list information and the prize reservation cancellation process is performed, so that the player can flexibly cope with the case where the player desires to continue the game rather than the reserved prize. be able to.

  According to the present invention, the management device for managing the number of game media associated with the card processor or the card includes the number of game media corresponding to the card identification information included in the reservation cancellation request data in the prize identification information. Since it is configured to add the corresponding number of game media, even if a subtraction process is performed at the time of reservation, returning the number of game media along with cancellation of the reservation will allow the player to take advantage of the disadvantage associated with the reservation Can be prevented.

  According to the present invention, the card processing machine accepts identification information of a prize selected as a reservation target, and the reservation includes the received identification information of the prize and the identification information of the card to be processed by the card processing machine. The request data is transmitted, the premium reservation request processing is performed, the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the premium is subtracted from the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the card included in the reservation request data, and the premium exchange device However, when the reservation request data is received, the premium identification information and the card identification information included in the reservation request data are registered in the premium reservation list information, the premium reservation list is updated, and the card is received. Since the prize exchange process for the reserved prize is performed while referring to the prize reservation list information, the prize desired by the player can be reserved from his / her own seat. It is possible to appropriately and efficiently supplied according the prize to the needs of the recreation base.

  Further, according to the present invention, the card processing machine accepts a request for canceling a premium reservation registered in the premium reservation list information, and the identification information of the premium that is the target of the received cancellation request and the processing target of the card processing machine The reservation cancellation request data including the identification information of the card to be played is transmitted, the premium reservation cancellation request processing is performed, the number of game media corresponding to the card identification information included in the reservation cancellation request data is added to the identification information of the premium When the number of corresponding game media is added, and the prize exchange device accepts the reservation cancellation request data, the prize identification information and the card identification information included in the reservation cancellation request data are deleted from the prize reservation list information. Thus, since the prize reservation cancellation process is performed, it is possible to flexibly cope with the case where the player desires to continue the game rather than the reserved prize.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of the game medium processing system (including a prize exchange system) according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the inter-card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine, management device, and prize management device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a prize selection screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the card information shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the prize reservation list shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of prize reservation of the inter-card card processing machine, management apparatus and prize management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a card is inserted into the giveaway management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the gift exchange system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state transition of card information when a reservation is canceled. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a premium reservation cancellation screen. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when canceling a free gift reservation of the inter-card card processing machine, the management device and the free gift management device shown in FIG.

  Embodiments of a prize exchange system and a prize exchange method disclosed in the present application will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Example 1 shown below shows a case where a player reserves a premium from his seat, and Example 2 shows a case where a premium reservation is canceled. In addition, although Example 1 and 2 shown below demonstrates the case where the coins counted by the inter-card processing machine are exchanged for prizes, the present invention can also be applied to the case of exchanging prizes for storage balls and the like.

  First, the concept of the gift exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the gaming store, there are a plurality of gaming machines 20, an inter-card processing machine 10 provided corresponding to each of the gaming machines 20, and a remaining amount and a holding ball associated with the card 90. A management device 40 that manages the number, a settlement machine 60 that settles the balance associated with the card 90, and a prize management device 70 that performs a prize exchange process for the number of coins associated with the card 90 are provided. .

  This premium exchange system is characterized in that a player playing a game on the gaming machine 20 can reserve a premium from his / her seat. Specifically, when the player performs a prize reservation operation from the operation display unit of the inter-card card processing machine 10 in a state where the player has a ball, the inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits the reservation request data to the management device 40. The number of balls necessary for exchanging premiums to be reserved is subtracted from the possession information managed by the inter-card processing machine 10. This reservation request data includes a premium code of a premium to be reserved and a card ID of the card 90 associated with the number of possessions.

  The management device 40 that has received the reservation request data updates the card information 40e. For example, if the management apparatus 40 receives reservation request data including a free gift code “123” and a card ID “001”, it searches the card information 40e for the number of possessions of this card ID “001”. At this time, if the number of possession of the card ID “001” is “5000” and the number of possession necessary for the exchange of the prize code “123” is “1000”, the card ID The number of possessed balls of “001” is subtracted from “5000” to “4000”. At the same time, the number of prize reservation balls with the card ID “001” is changed from “0” to “1000”. The management apparatus 40 is notified in advance of the number of balls “1000” necessary for the exchange of the free gift code “123”. Also, “123” is added to the premium code column of the card ID “001”.

  As a result, the management device 40 knows that the premium with the premium code “123” has been reserved by the card ID “001”. Thereafter, the management device 40 transfers the reservation request data to the prize management device 70.

  The prize management device 70 that has received the reservation request data registers the prize code “123” and the card ID “001” included in the reservation request data in the prize reservation list 70f. It should be noted that the number of balls “1000” required for the prize exchange of the prize code “123” is also registered in the prize reservation list 70f. It should be noted that the prize management device 70 is notified in advance of the number of balls “1000” required for the prize exchange of the prize code “123”.

  Thereafter, the player finishes the game at the gaming machine 10, ejects the card 90 from the inter-card processing machine 10, and inserts the card 90 into the prize management device 70. The prize management device 70 reads the card ID “001” of the card 90 and checks whether or not a reserved prize associated with the card 90 exists. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the card ID “001” exists in the card ID column of the prize reservation list 70f.

  If there is a corresponding prize in the prize reservation list 70f, the corresponding prize is delivered to the player. The prize code column of the delivered prize is deleted from the prize reservation list 70f, and the management apparatus 40 is notified of the completion of the prize exchange to clear the number of prize reservation balls and the prize code.

  By performing the above-described series of processing, the player can make a reservation process for a special gift of a limited quantity such as “crab”. In addition, since it is a reservation process to the last, it is not necessary to place a special sale item in the player's hand, and the player can continue playing the game.

  Next, a system configuration of the game medium processing system (including a prize exchange system) according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of the game medium processing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this gaming medium processing system, a plurality of gaming machines 20, a card processor 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20, a management device 40, and a plurality of island edges A counter 50, a payment machine 60, and a prize management device 70 are connected via a communication line 80. The plurality of gaming machines 20 and the inter-card card processing machine 10 are connected to the communication line 80 via the island controller 30.

  The gaming machine 20 is a device such as a pachinko machine in which a pachinko ball is driven into the gaming area and a player plays a pachinko game. The inter-card card processing machine 10 is acquired by a ball lending process for the gaming machine 20, and the gaming machine This is a device for performing pachinko ball counting processing, processing for re-throwing the counted pachinko balls as holding balls, and the like.

  When the card 90 is inserted into the inter-card processing machine 10 and the player finishes the game and presses the card return button, the remaining amount and the possession information are associated with the card 90. Specifically, the remaining amount and the ball information are written on the card 90, and the contents of the card information 40e managed by the management device 40 are also updated. If the card 90 is accepted, the gaming medium lending process and the throwing-out process of the possession ball are performed based on the remaining amount of the card 90 and the possession ball information.

  Here, this inter-card card processing machine 10 is also used when a premium is reserved. Specifically, when a prize is selected using the liquid crystal panel, reservation request data including a prize code of the selected prize and a card ID of the card is transmitted to the management apparatus 40. If this inter-card card processing machine 10 is used, the player can cancel the reserved prize. This point will be described in a second embodiment to be described later.

  The island controller 30 is a relay device that bundles a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-card card processing machines 10 provided on the gaming island. The management device 40 is a management device that manages the remaining amount of the card 90, the possession information, and the like as card information 40e. The management device 40 also manages information related to premiums reserved using the card information 40e.

  The island edge counter 50 is provided at a game island edge or the like, counts the number of game media acquired by the player, and associates the count value with the card 90 or prints it on a receipt and issues it. The checkout machine 60 pays out cash corresponding to the remaining amount when the card 90 associated with the remaining amount of various banknotes inserted into the card insertion slot is inserted.

  The prize management device 70 is a terminal device for exchanging prizes provided at the prize exchange counter in the amusement store, and performs prize exchange processing for coin information. Specifically, the prize management device 70 not only performs the conventional process for exchanging the number of possessions for a prize, but also delivers a reserved prize.

  Here, for convenience of explanation, description of exchanging prizes by receipts issued by the island edge counter 50 and exchanging prizes for storage cards associated with the cards 90 will be omitted, but the prize management device 70 is worthy of receipts. It is also possible to exchange prizes for the counted value or the number of stored balls.

  Next, the external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. In the drawing, a gaming machine 20 to which the inter-card card processing machine 10 is provided is shown by a broken line. Moreover, although the inter-card processing machine 10 that accepts only banknotes is shown in the figure, a unit for accepting coins may be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-card card processing machine 10 includes a status display unit 11 that displays the apparatus status of the inter-card card processing machine 10 by lighting or blinking a predetermined color lamp, and various banknotes for lending game media. And a bill insertion part 12 for accepting. Further, the inter-card processing machine 10 includes a display operation unit 13 including a display unit such as a display and an operation unit including a numeric keypad and various buttons, a nozzle 14 for supplying game media to the upper plate 21 of the gaming machine 20, and a card. There are provided a card insertion slot 15 for receiving a card 90 in which the ID, remaining amount, and possession information are stored, and a portable reading unit 16 for reading IDm which is an identifier of the portable terminal.

  In addition, the inter-card card processing machine 10 includes a counting unit 17 that counts the number of game media acquired by the player as the number of balls, and a ball storage unit 18 that stores the number of balls. The game media dropped from the lower tray 22 of the gaming machine 20 is guided to the counting unit 17 through the holding ball storage unit 18. In addition, the holding ball storage unit 18 is provided with a holding ball display unit that displays the number of holding balls and a holding ball payout button. In the case where the player has pushed down the ball payout button, a payout request is notified to the payout processing unit 10h.

  The gaming machine 20 has a display unit for displaying the remaining amount of the card, the number of lent game media, and the like, and operation buttons including a rent button for instructing the rent of the game media and a card return button for instructing the card return. Provided. If the lending button is pressed, a lending request is notified to the payout processing unit 10h.

  Next, the internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10, the management device 40, and the prize management device 70 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10, the management device 40, and the prize management device 70 shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the inter-card card processing machine 10 includes an R / W unit 10a, a communication I / F unit 10b, a storage unit 10c, and a control unit 10e. A display operation unit 13 and a counting unit 17 are connected to the control unit 10e.

  The R / W unit 10a is a processing unit that reads and writes data from and to the received card 90. Specifically, when the card 90 is inserted, the card ID, the remaining amount, and the possession information of the card 90 are read and output to the control unit 10e. When the card 90 is returned, a process of writing the remaining amount and the possession information on the card 90 is performed. The communication I / F unit 10b is an interface unit for performing data communication with the management apparatus 40. The storage unit 10c is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and stores the ball information 10d.

  The control unit 10e is a control unit that performs overall control of the inter-card card processing machine 10, and includes a coin management unit 10f, a prize reservation processing unit 10g, and a payout processing unit 10h. The possession management unit 10f is a management unit that manages the number of possessions of the player using the possession information 10d stored in the storage unit 10c. Specifically, when a new ball is counted, the count value is added to the number of balls, and when the ball is paid out, the payout number is subtracted from the number of balls. When adding or subtracting the number of balls, the management device 40 is notified of this, and the number of balls is updated after the management device 40 finishes updating the number of balls. This is for the purpose of matching with the number of possessed balls managed by the management device 40.

  The premium reservation processing unit 10g is a processing unit that performs premium reservation processing. If a prize to be reserved is selected in the display operation unit 13, reservation request data including a prize code and a card ID of the selected prize are transmitted to the management device 40, and the holding data stored in the storage unit 10c is stored. A process of subtracting the number of game media necessary for exchanging prizes from the ball information 10d is performed.

  When the prize selection using the display operation unit 13 is performed, the display screen illustrated in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display operation unit 13 and the player selects “1. Crab” and clicks the “Reserve” button. Is pressed, the premium code “123” corresponding to “1. crab” is specified as the reservation target.

  The payout processing unit 10h instructs the gaming machine 20 to pay out a predetermined number (for example, 100 balls) of the holding ball information when the holding ball paying button is pressed, and the lending button is pressed. In this case, the processing unit instructs the gaming machine 20 to pay out a predetermined number of game media on condition that the card 90 has a remaining amount.

  Next, the management device 40 includes an input unit 40a, a display unit 40b, a communication I / F unit 40c, a storage unit 40d, and a control unit 40f. The input unit 40a is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, and the display unit 40b is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or a display device. The communication I / F unit 40c is an interface unit for data communication with the inter-card card processor 10 and the prize management device 70, and the storage unit 40d is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a nonvolatile memory.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the storage unit 40d stores card information 40e in which the card ID, the remaining amount, the number of possessed balls, the number of prize reserved balls, and the prize code are associated with each other. In FIG. 6, the remaining amount “0 yen”, the number of possessed balls “5000 balls”, the prize reserved number of balls “0 ball”, the prize code “−” are associated with the card ID “001”, and the remaining amount “0 yen” This shows a situation in which the number of possessed balls “2000 balls”, the number of prize reserved balls “0 ball”, and the prize code “−” are associated with the card ID “002”. In this situation, neither of the card IDs “001” and “002” has been given a premium reservation.

  Here, when a free gift reservation of the free gift code “123” is made for the card ID “001”, as shown in FIG. 6B, the remaining amount “0 yen” of the card ID “001”, the number of balls “4000 balls”. ”, The number of prize reservation balls“ 1000 balls ”, and the prize code“ 123 ”. This shows a situation in which a prize with a prize code “123” requiring “1000 balls” for prize exchange is reserved.

  The control unit 40f is a control unit that totally controls the management device 40, and includes a possession management unit 40g and a prize reservation management unit 40h. The possession management unit 40g is a management unit that manages the number of possessions of each card using the card information 40e stored in the storage unit 40d.

  The premium reservation management unit 40h is a management unit that manages information related to premiums reserved using the card information 40e stored in the storage unit 40d. When receiving the reservation request data, the free gift reservation management unit 40h searches the card information 40e with the card ID included in the reservation request data, and exchanges the free gift of the free gift code from the number of possessions of the corresponding card ID. In addition, the number of possessions necessary for this is subtracted, the number of possessions necessary for exchanging the prize of the prize code is written in the prize reserved quantity, and the prize code is written in the prize code column. Thereafter, the reservation request data is transferred to the prize management device 70.

  Next, the prize management device 70 includes an input unit 70a, a display unit 70b, a communication I / F unit 70c, an R / W unit 70d, a storage unit 70e, and a control unit 70g. The input unit 70a is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, and the display unit 70b is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or a display device. The communication I / F unit 70c is an interface unit for data communication with the management apparatus 40, and the R / W unit 70d is a processing unit that reads and writes data from and to the received card 90.

  The storage unit 70e is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and stores a prize reservation list 70f indicating a list of prizes reserved by the player. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the prize reservation list 70f includes a prize code, a required number of balls, a card ID, and a prize name. In this example, a free gift code “123”, a required number of balls “1000 balls”, a card ID “001”, and a free gift name “crab” are reserved.

  The control unit 70g is a control unit that performs overall control of the free gift management apparatus 70, and includes a free gift exchange processing unit 70h and a reserved free gift management unit 70i. The free gift exchange processing unit 70h is a processing unit that performs free gift exchange processing of the possession information into a general free gift or a special free gift.

  The reserved prize management unit 70i is a processing unit that performs management of prizes reserved by the player using the prize reservation list 70f and delivery processing of reserved prizes. Specifically, when the reservation request data is received, the premium code and the card ID included in the reservation request data are registered in the free gift reservation list 70f, and are also necessary for exchanging the free gift of the free gift code. The number of possessions and the name of the prize are registered in the prize reservation list 70f. When the card 90 is received, the prize reservation list 70f is searched with the card ID of the card 90. If the card ID exists, the prize reservation list 70f is processed after the prize is transferred. Are deleted, and the management device 40 is notified of completion of the exchange of the reserved prize.

  Next, a processing procedure at the time of prize reservation of the inter-card card processing machine 10, the management apparatus 40, and the prize management apparatus 70 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of prize reservation of the inter-card card processing machine 10, the management apparatus 40, and the prize management apparatus 70 shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the player has acquired enough balls in advance and this number of balls is associated with the card.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the inter-card card processing machine 10 is initially in a state of waiting for receiving a free gift reservation operation (step S101: No), and if it receives a free gift reservation operation (step S101: Yes), it is selected. The prize reservation data including the prize code and the card ID is transmitted to the management apparatus 40 (step S102), and the number of possessions necessary for the prize exchange of the selected prize is subtracted from the possession information 10d ( Step S103).

  On the other hand, the management device 40 is in a state of waiting for receiving the premium reservation data (step S104: No). If the premium reservation data is received (step S104: Yes), the card ID included in the premium reservation data is extracted. Then, the number of possessions necessary for exchanging the prize of the prize code is subtracted from the number of possessions corresponding to the card ID of the card information 40e (step S105).

  Further, the number of possessions necessary for the exchange of the free gift of the free gift code is added to the free gift reserved ball corresponding to the card ID of the card information 40e (step S106), and the free gift code corresponding to the card ID of the card information 40e The premium code included in the free gift reservation data is written in the field (Step S107), and the free gift reservation data is transferred to the free gift management device 70 (Step S108).

  The prize management device 70 is in a state of waiting for receiving the prize reservation data (step S109: No), and when receiving the prize reservation data (step S109: Yes), takes out the card ID contained in the prize reservation data, The premium code, the required number of balls, the card ID and the premium name are written in the premium reservation list 70f (step S110), and reservation completion data including the premium code and the card ID is transmitted to the management device 40 (step S111).

  By performing the above-described series of processing, the reserved prize can be registered in the prize reservation list 70f of the prize exchange management device 70. As a result, the player can receive the reserved prize at any time by bringing the card 90 to the counter.

  Next, a processing procedure when the card 90 is inserted into the prize management device 70 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the card 90 is inserted into the prize management device 70 shown in FIG. Here, for convenience of explanation, explanation of the prize exchange process for the number of possessed balls associated with the card is omitted.

  As shown in the figure, the gift management device 70 is in a waiting state for accepting the card 90 (step S201: No), and if the card 90 is accepted (step S201: Yes), the card ID and the holding ball are received from the card 90. The information is read, and the premium reservation list 70f is searched with this card ID (step S202).

  As a result, if the card ID corresponding to the free gift reservation list 70f exists and there is a free gift (step S203: Yes), the free gift exchange process for the reserved free gift is performed (step S204). Specifically, since the number of possession balls necessary for exchanging prizes has already been subtracted at the reservation stage, only the delivery of prizes is performed (step S204).

  When the delivery of the prize is completed, the card ID is deleted from the prize exchange list 70f (step S205), and an instruction to delete the prize code including the card ID is given to the management apparatus 40 (step S206). The management apparatus 40 that has received the instruction to delete the premium code clears the premium reservation column and the premium code column for the corresponding card ID in the card information 40e. By performing the above-described series of processing, the player can receive the reserved prize smoothly and quickly.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when a player who is playing on the gaming machine 20 performs a reservation operation for a prize from his seat, the number of balls necessary for exchanging the prize for the prize is subtracted from the number of possessions. At the same time, the reservation request data including the free gift code and the card ID is notified to the management device 40, the card information 40e of the management device 40 is updated, and the free gift management receives the reservation request data transferred from the management device 40. Since the apparatus 70 is configured to add the reserved prize to the prize reservation list 70f, the prize desired by the player can be reserved from his seat, and the prize desired by the player can be appropriately and according to the needs of the player. It becomes possible to supply efficiently.

  When such a prize can be reserved, it is not necessary for the game shop to always prepare the prize in the counter, which is advantageous for the game shop. Since the amusement store can grasp the number of prizes to be placed at the counter to some extent, for example, prepare prizes at a convenience store close to the amusement store and check the number of possessions of the player as appropriate. By transporting it to the amusement store, the equipment can be used efficiently.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the player can reserve a prize has been described. However, when the prize is a limited quantity limited item, the player may not be able to reserve a prize. In such a case, a prize reservation waiting list may be provided in the prize management device 70 to enable waiting for a prize reservation. If the reserved prize is cancelled, the prize reservation list 70f is shifted to the prize reservation list 70f in order from the highest priority card ID in the prize reservation waiting list and the reservation state is entered. What is necessary is just to display on the display operation part 13 of the inter-card processing machine 10 provided side by side with the gaming machine 10 in which a customer plays. The premium reservation waiting list is the same as the premium reservation list 70f shown in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, when the reservation of the prize is completed regardless of the number of possessions of the player, the card ID is written in the prize reservation list 70f to confirm the reservation. It is not limited, and when the number of balls held by the player becomes a predetermined number or less, it is determined whether or not to cancel the reservation of the prize. Can be displayed on the display operation unit 13.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the premium selected by the player is reserved is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the reservation is made when the number of possessed balls of the player increases. It is also possible to display on the display operation unit 13 of the inter-card card processing machine 10 provided alongside the gaming machine 10 where the player plays a game so as to recommend a higher-ranked prize. For example, when there are prizes for crabs (1000 balls) and hair crabs (3000 balls) and the player reserves crabs (1000 balls), if the number of balls of the player exceeds a predetermined number, the hair crabs (3000 balls) ) Can be displayed. When the prize to be reserved is changed in accordance with such recommendation, the number of possessed balls for the difference is subtracted from the number of possessed balls of the player. Even if the number of exchanges is more than the number of balls you have, if you win a big hit etc., you can grasp the approximate number of balls, so if you have a prize with the number of exchanges within that number of balls It may be possible to make a reservation without counting. In that case, even if the number is counted, the count value does not increase until the number of reserved prizes exchanged is exceeded. Further, the reservation may be managed in an uncounted state where the reservation is not completed, and the reservation may be automatically canceled if the number of exchanges is not counted within a predetermined time.

  By the way, in the first embodiment, a case where a player who plays with the gaming machine 20 reserves a prize at his / her own seat is shown, but the reservation of the prize can also be canceled. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case where a premium reservation is canceled will be described.

  First, the concept of the gift exchange system according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the gift exchange system according to the second embodiment. The detailed description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment is omitted.

  The premium exchange system shown in the figure is characterized in that a player playing a game on the gaming machine 20 can cancel a premium reservation from his seat. Specifically, when a player performs a free gift reservation canceling operation using the display operation unit of the inter-card card processing machine 10, the reservation cancel request data is transmitted from the inter-card card processing machine 10 to the management device 40. At the same time, the number of balls required for the exchange of the free gift for which the reservation is canceled is added to the possession information managed by the inter-card processing machine 10. This reservation cancellation request data includes the premium code of the reserved premium and the card ID of the card 90 associated with the number of possessed balls.

  The management apparatus 40 that has received the reservation cancellation request data updates the card information 40e. For example, if the management apparatus 40 receives reservation cancellation request data including a free gift code “123” and a card ID “001”, it searches the card information 40e for the number of possessions of this card ID “001”. At this time, if the number of possession of the card ID “001” is “4000” and the number of possession necessary for the prize exchange of the prize code “123” is “1000”, the card ID The number of held balls of “001” is added from “4000” to “5000”. At the same time, the number of prize reservation balls with the card ID “001” is changed from “1000” to “0”. The management apparatus 40 is notified in advance of the number of balls “1000” necessary for the exchange of the free gift code “123”. In addition, “123” is deleted from the premium code column of the card ID “001”.

  As a result, the management apparatus 40 knows that the reserved prize with the prize code “123” has been canceled with the card ID “001”. Thereafter, the management device 40 transfers the reservation cancellation request data to the prize management device 70.

  The prize management device 70 that has received the reservation cancellation request data deletes the line of the prize code “123” and the card ID “001” included in the reservation cancellation request data from the prize reservation list 70f. It should be noted that the prize management device 70 is notified in advance of the number of balls “1000” required for the prize exchange of the prize code “123”.

  By performing the above-described series of processing, the player can cancel the reservation of the prize once reserved, and can continue the game including the number of possessed balls for the canceled prize.

  Next, the state transition of the card information 40e at the time of reservation cancellation will be described. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state transition of the card information 40e when the reservation is canceled. As shown in FIG. 5A, at the stage before the reservation, the remaining amount “0 yen”, the number of holding balls “5000 balls”, the number of free gift reservation balls “0”, and the free code “−” are the card ID “001”. The remaining amount “0 yen”, the number of possessed balls “2000 balls”, the number of prize reserved balls “0 ball”, and the prize code “−” are associated with the card ID “002”. In this situation, neither of the card IDs “001” and “002” has been given a premium reservation.

  Further, when a free gift reservation of the free gift code “123” is made for the card ID “001”, as shown in FIG. 11B, the remaining amount “0 yen” of the card ID “001” and the number of possessed balls “4000 balls”. The number of prize reservation balls is “1000 balls” and the prize code is “123”.

  Further, when the free gift reservation cancellation of the free gift code “123” is performed for the card ID “001”, as shown in FIG. 11C, the remaining amount “0 yen” of the card ID “001”, the number of balls “5000 balls”. ”, The number of prize reservation balls“ 0 ”, and the prize code“ − ”. That is, it returns to the state before the premium reservation. For this reason, the player can continue the game using the possession ball including the reserved prize.

  In the case of performing the prize cancellation selection using the display operation unit 13, the display screen illustrated in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display operation unit 13, and the player selects “1. Crab” and “Cancel”. If the button is pressed, the premium code “123” corresponding to “1. crab” is specified as the reservation cancel target.

  Next, the processing procedure at the time of cancellation of a prize reservation in the inter-card card processing machine 10, the management apparatus 40, and the prize management apparatus 70 shown in FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when canceling a prize reservation in the inter-card card processing machine 10, the management apparatus 40, and the prize management apparatus 70 shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that a premium has been reserved in advance.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the inter-card card processing machine 10 is in a state of waiting to receive a free gift reservation canceling operation (step S301: No), and if a free gift reservation canceling operation is received (step S301: Yes), The prize reservation cancellation data including the selected prize code and card ID is transmitted to the management apparatus 40 (step S302), and the number of possessions necessary for the prize exchange of the selected prize is added to the possession information 10d. (Step S303).

  On the other hand, if the management device 40 is in a state of waiting to receive free gift reservation cancellation data (step S304: No), and receives the free gift reservation cancellation data (step S304: Yes), the card included in the free gift reservation cancellation data The ID is extracted, and the number of possessed balls necessary for exchanging the free gift of the premium code is added to the number of free balls corresponding to the card ID of the card information 40e (step S305).

  Further, the number of possessions necessary for the exchange of the free gift of the free gift code is subtracted from the free gift reserved ball corresponding to the card ID of the card information 40e (step S306), and the free gift code corresponding to the card ID of the card information 40e is obtained. The prize code included in the prize reservation data is deleted from the field (step S307), and the prize reservation cancellation data is transferred to the prize management device 70 (step S308).

  The prize management device 70 is in a state of waiting to receive premium reservation cancellation data (step S309: No). If the premium reservation cancellation data is received (step S309: Yes), the card ID included in the premium reservation cancellation data is received. Is deleted from the prize reservation list 70f (step S310), and cancellation completion data including the prize code and card ID is transmitted to the management apparatus 40 (step S311). ).

  By performing the above-described series of processing, it is possible to cancel the reservation of the prize reserved in the prize reservation list 70f of the prize exchange management device 70. As a result, the player can continue playing the game including the number of coins reserved for prizes.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, when a player who is playing with the gaming machine 20 performs a reservation canceling operation for a free gift from his / her seat, the number of balls necessary for exchanging the free gift for the free gift becomes the number of balls. The reservation cancellation request data including the premium code and the card ID is notified to the management device 40, the card information 40e of the management device 40 is updated, and the reservation cancellation request data transferred from the management device 40 is accepted. Since the prize management device 70 is configured to delete the reserved prize from the prize reservation list 70f, it is possible for the player to cancel the prize reservation at any time and continue the game including the number of possessions for the prize. Become.

  In the second embodiment, the case where the reserved premium can be canceled unconditionally is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined number of fees can be collected when canceling the reservation. . In this case, the number obtained by subtracting the number of balls in the fee from the number of balls necessary for exchanging the reserved prize is added to the number of balls held by the player.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the case where a premium is reserved using the number of possession balls has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a game medium such as a storage ball or a storage medal is used. This can also be applied when a free gift is reserved.

  Furthermore, in Examples 1 and 2 described above, the number of balls required at the time of booking a prize is subtracted from the number of balls, and the number of balls required at the time of canceling the reservation is shown as adding to the number of balls. The present invention can also be applied to the case where the required number of balls is subtracted from the number of balls at the time when the reserved prize is delivered, without adding / subtracting the number of balls at the time of the reservation and cancellation of the prize.

  As described above, the prize exchange system and prize exchange method according to the present invention are suitable for exchanging game media acquired by a player for a prize, and in particular, the prize desired by the player according to the needs of the player. Suitable for supplying properly and efficiently.

10 inter-card processing unit 10a R / W unit 10b communication I / F unit 10c storage unit 10d holding ball information 10e control unit 10f holding ball management unit 10g premium reservation processing unit 10h payout processing unit 11 status display unit 12 bill insertion unit 13 Display operation unit 14 Nozzle 15 Card insertion slot 16 Portable reading unit 17 Counting unit 18 Retained ball storage unit 20 Game machine 21 Upper plate 22 Lower plate 30 Island controller 40 Management device 40a Input unit 40b Display unit 40c Communication I / F unit 40d Storage Section 40e Card information 40f Control section 40g Mochitama management section 40h Prize reservation management section 50 Island edge counter 60 Settlement machine 70 Prize management apparatus 70a Input section 70b Display section 70c Communication I / F section 70d R / W section 70e Storage section 70f Free gift reservation list 70g Control unit 70h Free gift exchange processing unit 70i Free gift reservation management unit 80 Communication Line 90 card

Claims (6)

A card processing machine that is attached to a gaming machine and performs a game medium throwing process within the range of the number of gaming media associated with a predetermined card, and a prize exchange process according to the number of gaming media associated with the card A prize exchange system having a prize exchange device to perform,
The card processor is
A prize reservation receiving means for receiving identification information of a prize selected as a reservation target;
Reservation request processing means for transmitting reservation request data including the identification information of the prize received by the prize reservation receiving means and the identification information of the card to be processed by the card processor, and performing the reservation request processing of the prize. With
The prize exchange device is:
Storage means for storing premium reservation list information in which the identification information of the premium is associated with the identification information of the card;
When the reservation request data is received, the prize reservation list is updated by registering the prize identification information and the card identification information included in the reservation request data in the prize reservation list information stored in the storage means. List updating means;
A prize exchange processing means for performing a prize exchange process for a prize that has been reserved while referring to the prize reservation list information stored in the storage means when the card is received; system.   The management device for managing the card processing machine or the number of game media associated with the card, the number of game media corresponding to the prize identification information from the number of game media corresponding to the card identification information included in the reservation request data The premium exchange system according to claim 1, wherein a subtraction process is performed. The card processor is
Cancellation request receiving means for receiving a cancellation request for a premium reservation registered in the premium reservation list information;
Reservation cancellation request data including the identification information of the gift that is the object of the cancellation request received by the cancellation request receiving means and the identification information of the card that is the processing target of the card processing machine, and the reservation cancellation request of the gift A reservation cancellation request processing means for performing processing,
The prize exchange device is:
When the reservation cancellation request data is received, the prize identification information and the card identification information included in the reservation cancellation request data are deleted from the prize reservation list information stored in the storage means, and the prize reservation cancellation process is performed. The premium exchange system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising reservation cancellation processing means for performing the operation.   The management device for managing the card processing machine or the number of game media associated with the card has a game media number corresponding to the identification information of the prize in the number of game media corresponding to the card identification information included in the reservation cancellation request data. The premium exchange system according to claim 3, wherein the number is added. A card processing machine that is attached to a gaming machine and performs a game medium throwing process within the range of the number of gaming media associated with a predetermined card, and a prize exchange process according to the number of gaming media associated with the card A prize exchange method of a prize exchange system having a prize exchange apparatus to perform,
A prize reservation accepting step in which the card processor accepts identification information of a prize selected as a reservation target;
A reservation request processing step of transmitting reservation request data including identification information of a premium received by the premium reservation reception step and identification information of a card to be processed by the card processor, and performing a reservation request processing of the premium; ,
A subtraction process for subtracting the number of game media corresponding to the prize identification information from the number of game media corresponding to the card identification information included in the reservation request data;
When the prize exchange device receives the reservation request data, the prize reservation list updates the prize reservation list by registering the prize identification information and the card identification information included in the reservation request data in the prize reservation list information. List update process;
When receiving the card, a reserved prize exchange processing step of performing a prize exchange process for a prize reserved while referring to the prize reservation list information;
A prize exchange method characterized by including A cancellation request receiving step in which the card processor receives a cancellation request for a premium reservation registered in the premium reservation list information;
Reservation cancellation request data including the identification information of the prize that is the object of the cancellation request received in the cancellation request reception step and the identification information of the card that is the processing target of the card processing machine, and the reservation cancellation request of the prize A reservation cancellation request processing process for processing,
An addition processing step of adding the number of game media corresponding to the prize identification information to the number of game media corresponding to the card identification information included in the reservation cancellation request data;
When the prize exchange device receives the reservation cancellation request data, the prize cancellation information is deleted by deleting the identification information of the premium and the card identification information included in the reservation cancellation request data from the premium reservation list information. A reservation cancellation process step,
The prize exchange method according to claim 5, further comprising:

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