JP2013126601A - Each machine counting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent theft and fraudulent counting of a game recording medium.SOLUTION: In an each machine counting system 1, a CR unit 30 associates data with a prepaid card, the data that is machine number data showing a machine number of a Pachinko machine 40 corresponding to the CR unit 30 and possessed ball data. A prize management device 50 obtains the machine number data and possessed ball data associated with the prepaid card. The obtaind machine number data and possessed ball data are displayed on displays for a staff and player, respectively.

Description

  The present invention is arranged corresponding to each gaming table, and is either a count value of the game medium counted as a game result in the game table and a payout number of the count value or a number of held game media which is a difference value thereof. Each device corresponding to and issued as game media data in association with the recording medium, and a prize management device for performing exchange control for subtracting the number of game media equivalent to exchange prizes from the possessed game medium data associated with the recording medium It relates to each stand counting system.

  Conventionally, in game stores that provide pachinko games and pachislot games, pachinko balls, medals and other game media acquired by game players are transported by game store staff, and a counter provided on the island edge. It counts with.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, an image pickup device installed so as to be able to image the periphery of a counter is picked up based on an operation signal output at the time of counting from the counter, and the picked-up frame image is used for prize exchange. When the identification information of the count value recording medium is read by the prize settlement device provided in the prize counter, the information is associated with the identification information recorded in the count value recording medium. There has been disclosed a game room monitoring device for reproducing accumulated frame images on a monitor device attached to a prize settlement device.

  In other words, in such a monitoring device, it is monitored whether or not counting counters such as other stores or counterfeit balls and medals are deceived and thrown up, or counting sensors are illegally counted up. Is performed through the playback of frame images.

  Furthermore, when performing island edge counting, in addition to counting goto, from the standpoint of preventing fraud such as gotoing on a gaming table using a sensor, etc., the player number of the game medium is given to the game store staff Is input at the time of counting, and the difference between the out and the safe collected in the hall computer is confirmed, or the difference is confirmed through a transmission means such as an income.

  By the way, recently, from the viewpoint of making counting by the counter at the island edge unnecessary, the prize game media thrown out as a game result is counted by each machine counter attached to each game machine, and the counting result is calculated. There are some game stores that introduce a counting system that stores and manages the game media as a game media with a machine or the like and re-rents the game media.

  Specifically, the machine between the machines causes the game media exceeding the storage capacity in the upper and lower plates of the game machine to be thrown into each machine counter provided at the lower part of the game machine, and counts the number of balls inserted. Accumulating and storing the counting results, and when the player performs a card return operation with the intention of leaving, notifying the higher-level device connected to the inter-vehicle machine the cumulative number of counted gaming media, The count game medium number is associated with the game recording medium.

  In such a counter counting system, in addition to the valuable value previously associated with the game recording medium, the possessed game medium counted by each counter counter is included in the identification information recorded on the game recording medium. It is managed by a host device that is linked and communicatively connected to the lending processor.

Japanese Patent No. 3693185

  However, there is a problem that when the player has introduced the counting method for each vehicle, the above counting trouble cannot be prevented.

  In other words, in the case of a game shop that introduces each unit counting method, unlike the case of the conventional island edge counting, the counting of game media is intermittently repeated at each unit counter, so the employees are witnessed. Is difficult to do.

  For this reason, when a player acquires a game medium exceeding the storage capacity on the game machine, the game medium is counted by the player's own hand, and the result of the employee's monitoring being inadequate, You will overlook the above count.

  And since patent document 1 mentioned above is a monitoring device premised on an island edge count to the last, it cannot respond to each stand count, and under such a configuration, each monitor device of a prize settlement device There is no way to display the frame image when counting units.

  In addition, when the game store has introduced the respective counter counting method, since the game media is managed, the carrying of the game media is simplified, but the game recording medium associated with the game media is used. This also makes it easier to steal, so the number of game recording media thefts also increases.

  In other words, if a player tries to steal at an amusement store that introduces an island edge counting method, the player must carry the ball box containing the game media so that the owner does not notice it, and the ball box itself is heavy. The greater the number of ball boxes that are to be transported above, the less effort is required, and the theft of portable media is more difficult.

  On the other hand, if you try to steal at a game store that introduces each unit counting method, you only need to pull out the game recording medium held in the inter-machine regardless of the dozens of game boxes you have. In addition, it is difficult to control the theft site, and since the game recording medium is of a nature that can be used by an unspecified number of people, the game recording medium is stolen after being stolen. You can't overlook it.

  And the above-mentioned patent document 1 monitors the counting goto at the counting stage of the island edge counting, and is not capable of taking an image of the game stage with the inter-story machine, but theft of the game recording medium Therefore, it is impossible to contribute to the prevention of theft of the game recording medium.

  For these reasons, when a game store introduces a counting method for each vehicle, an important issue is how to prevent theft and counting of game recording media.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems (problems) caused by the prior art, and provides a counting system for each vehicle that can prevent theft and counting of game recording media. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is arranged corresponding to each game machine, and the count value of the game medium counted as the game result on the game machine and the number of payouts of the count value Alternatively, each of the corresponding devices that issue one of the difference values of the number of possessed game media and issue as game media data in association with the recording medium, and the game equivalent to the exchange prize from the possessed game media data associated with the recording medium Each unit counting system comprising a prize management device for performing exchange control for subtracting the number of media, wherein each unit corresponding device comprises association means for associating the possessed game medium data and game data with the recording medium, The prize management device exchanges prizes with acquisition means for acquiring possessed game medium data and game data associated with the recording medium by the association means. The game medium data acquired by the acquisition unit is displayed on at least one of the display unit for the player or the display unit for a staff member who performs exchange work, and the game data acquired by the acquisition unit is displayed. It is characterized by comprising display control means for displaying the game data when it is determined that there is a possibility of fraud.

  Further, in the present invention according to the above invention, the game data is a difference between the number of game media paid out by the game table and the number of game media shot into the game table or a difference value between the number of payouts and the number of shots. It is data regarding the number of game media.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the prize management device has an allowable range of deviation between the number of difference game media obtained from the game data and the number of game media obtained from the acquisition result by the acquisition means. When it is outside, it is determined that there is a possibility of fraud.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the game machine further comprises an imaging device for imaging the game table or its periphery, and the game data is image data captured by the imaging device.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the prize management device further includes an imaging means for imaging a player who exchanges the prize, and the player's captured image captured by the imaging means, and the game data Is used to determine that there is a possibility of fraud if the player who exchanges the prize is not the player who owns the number of possessed game media.

  According to the present invention, each device corresponding device associates the possessed game medium data and game data with the recording medium, and the prize management device acquires the possessed game medium data and game data associated with the recording medium, and exchanges the prize. The acquired game media data is displayed on at least one of the display unit for the player to perform or the display unit for the clerk who performs the exchange work, and the acquired game data is determined to be possibly illegal The game side is configured to display the game data when it is played, so the store side can monitor the theft of the recording medium and the counting goto, and the customer side recognizes that these fraudulent activities are being monitored by the store side It is possible to prevent the recording medium from being stolen or counting.

1 is a system configuration diagram of each counter counting system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the example of a screen displayed on the display part for attendants. It is a figure which shows an example of the example of a screen displayed on the display part for players. It is the front view which showed the external appearance of CR unit which concerns on Example 1. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a CR unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a prize management device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of association processing according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a gift exchange process according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the control sequence between the possession management apparatus and prize management apparatus regarding the display control process which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is a system configuration | structure figure of each stand counting system which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the example of a screen displayed on the display part for attendants. It is a figure which shows an example of the example of a screen displayed on the display part for players. It is a functional block diagram which shows the internal structure of CR unit which concerns on Example 2. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a video server according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the prize management apparatus concerning Example 2. It is a figure which shows the control sequence between CR unit and an image | video server regarding the image | video correlation process which concerns on Example 2. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of association processing according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the control sequence between the possession management apparatus, video server, and prize management apparatus regarding the display control processing which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the example of a screen displayed on the display part for attendants. It is a figure which shows an example of the example of a screen displayed on the display part for players. It is a system configuration | structure figure of each counter counting system which concerns on Example 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a prize management device according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the example of a screen displayed on the display part for attendants. It is a figure which shows an example of the example of a screen displayed on the display part for players. It is a figure which shows an example of the example of a screen displayed on the display part for attendants. It is a figure which shows the control sequence between the possession management apparatus, prize management apparatus, and hall computer regarding the fraud count determination process which concerns on Example 3. FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the prize management apparatus which concerns on Example 4. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the concept of the personal authentication which concerns on Example 4. FIG.

  Exemplary embodiments of a counter counting system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, the case where the present invention is applied to each vehicle counting system that provides a pachinko game will be described.

  First, the system configuration of each counter counting system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of each vehicle counting system according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, each vehicle counting system 1 includes a possession management device 10, a remaining frequency management device 15, an island controller 20, and a CR unit 30 with a counting function (hereinafter simply referred to as a CR unit). A pachinko machine 40, a prize management device 50, and a prize dispenser 60 are provided.

  The island controller 20 is a relay device that bundles a group of CR units 30 and pachinko machines 40 provided in a space (amusement island) surrounded by a passage.

  The CR unit 30 is a card processing unit attached to each pachinko machine 40 in the amusement store. In this embodiment, the CR unit 30 further has a counting function for counting pachinko balls inserted from the lower plate of the pachinko machine 40. Specifically, after counting the number of pachinko balls acquired by the player with the pachinko machine 40 to which the own device is connected, the counted value and the number of payouts of the counted value or the number of possessed balls that are the difference between them. Are associated with the prepaid card as possession data and a prepaid card associated with the possession data is issued. The CR unit 30 also lends a ball using the prepaid remaining frequency value that is valued to the prepaid card, as in the conventional case. Accordingly, two pieces of game value information, such as a possession ball and a prepaid remaining number, are associated with one prepaid card.

  The pachinko machine 40 is an apparatus in which a player plays a pachinko game by launching a pachinko ball into the game area. In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 40 is a so-called CR pachinko machine compatible with a prepaid card.

  The prize management device 50 is a terminal device for exchanging prizes arranged at a prize exchange counter in the amusement store, and manages exchange of possessed balls and prizes using an exchanged ball number management table 56a described later. The exchanged ball number management table 56a stores the number of exchanged balls required for exchanging with each prize for each prize. When the employee in the gift exchange counter receives the prepaid card issued by the CR unit 30 from the player, the player acquires the handball data through the reading operation of the prepaid card to the card reader and designates it by the player. The exchange button corresponding to the given prize is pressed to execute exchange control for subtracting the number of exchanged balls corresponding to the prize from the number of possessions, and then handed over to the player manually by the employee. If the player wishes to exchange for a special prize, the employee presses a special prize exchange button provided in the prize management device 50, and refers to the exchanged number management table 56a to determine the number of possessions. The prize giver 60 is instructed to pay out the special prize according to the above.

  The possession management device 10 is a management device that manages possessions associated with a prepaid card using a possession management table (not shown). This remaining number management table stores prepaid card identification information (hereinafter referred to as prepaid card ID) and the number of possessions in association with each other. For example, when a request for adding balls is received from the CR unit 30, the number of balls requested to be added corresponding to the prepaid card ID included in the update request is added to the number of balls to be added and updated. When receiving a subtraction request (held ball return request) from the unit 30 or the prize management device 50, the number of balls to be returned from the number of balls corresponding to the prepaid card ID included in the update request or Subtract and update the number of subtraction request balls such as exchange consideration.

  The remaining frequency management device 15 is a management device that manages the remaining frequency associated with a prepaid card using a remaining frequency management table (not shown). This remaining number management table stores a prepaid card ID and a prepaid remaining number in association with each other. For example, when a prepaid remaining frequency addition request (value request) is received from the CR unit 40, a value request amount such as an inserted banknote amount is added to the remaining frequency corresponding to the prepaid card ID included in the update request. In addition, when a request for subtraction of the prepaid remaining frequency is received, the subtraction request amount such as the lending unit amount of the ball lending is subtracted and updated from the remaining frequency corresponding to the prepaid card ID included in the update request.

  Here, each car counting system 1 causes the CR unit 30 to associate the card number data indicating the machine number of the pachinko machine 40 corresponding to the CR unit 30 and the ball data with the prepaid card, and causes the prize management device 50 to prepaid the card. This is characterized in that the table number data and the ball data associated with the game are acquired, and the acquired table number data and the ball data are displayed on the display unit for the staff and the display unit for the player.

  In other words, in the conventional island edge counter, when the counting was performed, the system side could not grasp which game stand the ball was out of, so the player entered the unit number at the time of counting or put a tag on the ball box. I was trying to identify the origin of the acquired ball by taking measures such as attaching.

  However, even if such measures are taken, fraudulent acts such as misrepresenting the table that the player was playing or storing the acquired balls in a ball box on a different game table from the game table If done, the origin of the earned ball is easily falsified.

  For this reason, when a prepaid card associated with a possession ball or a stolen prepaid card is brought into the prize counter through the counting goto, there is a problem that these fraudulent acts cannot be ignored and prize exchange is performed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the CR unit 30 that is each counter is associated with the unit number in advance, the unit number is associated when associating the ball with the prepaid card, and the unit number associated with the prepaid card is determined as a prize. The information is displayed on the management device 50.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the display unit for the attendant displays the unit number, the number of counting balls, the number of paying balls and the number of holding balls associated with the prepaid card on the exchange screen. With such a display, for example, the number 230 balls that are collected and managed by a hall computer (not shown) are browsed, and the number of counting balls “29743” or possession balls “25243” is not excessively large. 29743 ”, the number of payouts“ 4500 ”and the number of possession“ 25243 ”, or the players who are in trouble with the prepaid card theft at the 230th game machine It can be monitored whether there is any. In the present embodiment, the example in which the count value, the number of withdrawals and the number of possessions are associated with the prepaid card as the possession ball data has been described, but it is also possible to associate only one of the count value and the number of withdrawals or the number of possessions. Good.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the player number, the number of balls, the number of balls to be paid back and the number of balls held are also displayed on the display unit for players prior to the prize exchange. With such a display, the player counts 29743 in the 230 series and pays out 4500 of them, and as a result, the game contents that 25243 balls have been acquired are grasped in detail, and the above-mentioned monitoring is performed by the staff. The player can be aware that

  In this way, in this embodiment, the unit number from which the possession is derived is accurately associated with the prepaid card, and the unit number is displayed to the attendant of the game store and the player at the time of prize exchange. Card theft can be monitored and the customer can be made aware that these fraudulent activities are being monitored by the store. As a result, it is possible to suppress card theft and counting.

  Then, the structure of each apparatus which comprises each stand counting system based on a present Example is demonstrated. Here, after describing the configuration of the CR unit 30, the configuration of the prize management device 50 will be described.

  As described above, here, the external configuration and internal configuration of the CR unit according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating an appearance of the CR unit according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, the pachinko machine 40 provided with the CR unit 30 is indicated by a broken line.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the CR unit 30 issues a status display unit 301 that is lit when a clerk calls, a bill insertion unit 302 that accepts various bills for lending, and a return (refund) request for a possession ball. A receiving ball return button 303, a displayable and inputable touch panel 304 that can receive an operation input on a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or a display, and a ball dispensing unit 305 having a nozzle that dispenses a ball , A card insertion unit 306 that accepts / returns cards such as prepaid cards, a counting unit 35 that counts possessed balls (acquired balls), and a ball storage unit 307 that retains retained balls (acquired balls).

  In addition, the pachinko machine 40 is provided with an upper plate 410 for storing pachinko balls used for pachinko games, and a lower plate 420 for storing pachinko balls overflowing the allowable capacity of the upper plate 410. The upper plate 410 is further provided with a 7SEG display unit 411 for displaying the remaining number of prepaid cards, a ball lending button 412 for receiving a ball lending request, and a return button 413 for receiving a prepaid card return request. In the present embodiment, the ball lending button 412 and the return button 413 are provided on the pachinko machine 40, but are not necessarily provided on the pachinko machine 40 side, and may be provided on the CR unit 30.

  When borrowing a pachinko ball, when a player presses a ball lending button 412 on the pachinko machine 40 side, a ball lending operation signal is transferred to the CR unit 30 and a ball lending operation is accepted on the CR unit 30 side. At this time, when the prepaid remaining number is present, a ball throwing instruction is issued from the CR unit 30 to the pachinko machine 40, and the lending balls are thrown onto the upper plate 410.

  In addition, when the possession balls are counted, when the acquired balls are inserted from the lower plate 420 of the pachinko machine 40 into the ball storage unit 307, the inserted balls are guided to the counting unit 35 and the number of acquired balls is counted. . When the player presses the possessed ball return button 303, the possessed ball passes through the possessed ball dispensing unit 305 if it is within the range of the number of balls stored and managed as retained balls (acquired balls) by the storage unit 37 described later. Then, it is thrown out on the upper plate 410 of the pachinko machine 40.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the CR unit according to the first embodiment. Note that the actual CR unit 30 has functional units (for example, a bill validator unit) other than the functional units shown in the figure, but FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration necessary for explaining the characteristics of the CR unit 30 according to the first embodiment. Only the elements are extracted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the CR unit 30 includes an operation unit 31, a display unit 32, a communication I / F unit 33a, a gaming machine communication I / F unit 33b, a card processing unit 34, and a counting unit. 35, a bead dispensing unit 36, a storage unit 37, and a control unit 38.

  The operation unit 31 is a generic term for various button groups such as the holding ball return button 303 and the touch panel 304 shown in FIG. 4, and the display unit 32 is a generic term for the status display unit 301 and the touch panel 304 shown in FIG. .

  The communication I / F unit 33 a is an interface for performing various communications among other devices such as the possession management device 10, the remaining frequency management device 15, and the island controller 20.

  The gaming machine communication I / F unit 33b is an interface for performing various communications (for example, a ball lending request and a ball throwing instruction) with the pachinko machine 40 provided in the CR unit 30.

  The card processing unit 34 is a processing unit that handles various cards inserted from the card insertion unit 306. Specifically, information recorded on various cards such as prepaid cards and membership cards is read, and information is written on these cards.

  The counting unit 35 is a processing unit that counts the acquired balls thrown from the lower plate 420 of the pachinko machine 40 that forms a pair, and includes a counting sensor that counts not-shown balls. Specifically, this counting sensor is provided in the vicinity of the passage path of the acquired ball introduced from the ball storage unit 307, and is acquired by performing light emission such as infrared rays and reception of reflected light on this passage path. The passing of balls is detected, and the passing number is counted up by a possessed ball update unit 38a described later.

  The possessed ball dispensing unit 36 is a processing unit that performs throwing control of the possessed ball. Specifically, when a ball payout instruction including the payout number is issued from the bead updating unit 38a, which will be described later, the pachinko balls corresponding to the payout number are thrown onto the upper plate 410 of the pachinko machine 40 via the ball payout unit 305. Put out.

  The storage unit 37 is a storage device such as a non-volatile memory that stores data and programs necessary for various processes performed by the control unit 38. For example, the storage unit 37 has a count value, a payout number, and a possession number indicating the number of possessions. Data 37a and machine number data 37b indicating the machine number of the pachinko machine 40 to be paired are stored together.

  The control unit 38 is a control unit that controls the entire CR unit 30, and includes a possession ball update unit 38a, a remaining frequency update unit 38b, a ball lending processing unit 38c, and an association unit 38d. Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, and the possession update unit 38a, the remaining frequency update unit 38b, The ball lending processing unit 38c and the associating unit 38d are caused to execute corresponding processes.

  The possession ball update unit 38 a is a processing unit that updates the possession ball data 37 a stored in the storage unit 37. Specifically, when the counting sensor output from the counting unit 35 is obtained, the sensor output is counted up, and the counted up value is added to the count value stored as the possession ball data 37a in the storage unit 37. Update. In addition, when an operation of pressing the holding ball return button 303 is received, an update is performed by adding the number of payout balls of the current process to the number of payouts stored as the holding ball data 37a in the storage unit 37, and for the number of payout balls Is instructed to give out the pachinko ball. When updating either of these count values or the number of payouts, the number of possessed balls is calculated by subtracting the number of payouts from the count value, and the number of possessed balls in the storage unit 37 is calculated. Updating to overwrite the data 37a is also performed.

  The remaining frequency update unit 38b is a processing unit that requests the remaining frequency management device 15 to add or subtract the remaining frequency of the prepaid card. Specifically, when a pressing operation (ball lending operation) of the ball lending button 412 is received, a subtraction request for a lending unit frequency, such as a frequency of 5 times, is made to the remaining frequency management device 15. Note that the bill valuation request (addition request) is made in response to the insertion of the bill into the bill insertion unit 302 without any particular limitation as in the existing case.

  The ball lending processing unit 38c is a processing unit that issues a ball throwing instruction to the pachinko machine 40 when the prepaid remaining frequency is subtracted by the remaining frequency updating unit 38b. Specifically, a predetermined number of ball throwing instructions by the CR unit 30 between the communication I / F unit 33b for gaming machines and the communication I / F unit (not shown) in the pachinko machine 40 (For example, when lending a ball at 4 yen per ball, 25 balls = 1 frequency (100 yen)), there is a rule that the pachinko machine 40 throws out the pachinko machine and the remaining prepaid card being inserted When the lending unit frequency is subtracted from the frequency, a ball throwing instruction corresponding to the frequency is given to the pachinko machine 40, and the pachinko ball for the lending unit frequency is sent to the pachinko machine 40 (in this example, 125 for 5 times). ).

  The association unit 38d is a processing unit that associates the machine number data indicating the machine number of the pachinko machine 40 corresponding to the CR unit 30 and the ball data with the prepaid card. The details will be described later with reference to FIG. 7. As an outline, when a prepaid card return operation is accepted, if the possessed ball stored as the possessed ball data 37 a is at least zero by the storage unit 37, it is stored. It asks the possession management device 10 to register the associated ball data 37a and the machine number data 37b stored in the section 37 in association with the ID of the prepaid card to be issued.

  Here, the possession management apparatus 10 that has received such an association request performs overwrite update when registering the possession data and the number data in the possession management table in association with the prepaid card ID included in the association request.

  In other words, even if the possession ball data and the unit number data are already registered in the possession management table due to the movement of the player's platform, the possessed ball data and the unit number data received in the current process are overwritten on the already registered data. Thus, the prize counter in which the prize management device 50 is arranged always displays the latest possessed ball data and unit number, and the data stored in the possession management device can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the prepaid residual frequency is managed by the both the latest residual frequency while always synchronizing between the CR unit 30 and the residual frequency management device 15, while the prepaid card is used for the possession data. Until the return is made, the possessed ball data is managed locally in the CR unit 30, and when the prepaid card is returned, the possessed ball data is associated with the prepaid card ID and notified to the possessed ball management apparatus 10.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the ball data and the unit number data are associated with the card return, but it is not always necessary to associate the unit number data at the time of the card return. The serial number data can be associated at an arbitrary timing from when the card needs to be returned until the card is returned. Further, the association of possession data need not be limited to when the card is returned, and can be performed at any time in accordance with the timing at which possession data is updated, a predetermined cycle (for example, one minute interval), or the like.

  Next, the configuration of the prize management device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the prize management device according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the prize management device 50 includes an employee touch panel 51, a player touch panel 52, a communication I / F unit 53, a printing unit 55, a storage unit 56, and a control unit 57. Have.

  The employee touch panel 51 is a displayable and inputable employee device that can accept an operation input on a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or a display. For example, when accepting a prepaid card, the number of read prepaid cards In addition to the display of the exchange screen including items related to exchange control such as the total number of balls acquired, the remaining number, etc., the pop-up screen shows the unit number, count value, number of refunds and number of possessions associated with the prepaid card Display (see FIG. 2).

  The player touch panel 52 is a displayable and inputable player device that can accept an operation input on a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or a display, and performs the same display as the employee touch panel 51. Basically, the display contents of both are not necessarily the same. For example, the display screen shown in FIG. 3 is simpler than the screen (see FIG. 2) displayed to the employee who performs the exchange work. Various information may be displayed.

  The communication I / F unit 53 performs various communications between the prize management device 50 and other devices (for example, other devices such as the possession management device 10, the remaining frequency management device 15, and the prize dispenser 60). It is an interface for.

  The card processing unit 54 is a processing unit that handles various inserted cards. Specifically, information recorded on various cards such as prepaid cards and membership cards is read, and information is written on these cards.

  The printing unit 55 is a printing device that prints print data on a receipt. For example, the contents (for example, exchange date / time, employee name, total number of balls acquired, exchanged prizes) of which exchange control is performed by the gift management apparatus 50 are performed. And items such as the number of exchanged balls) are printed and issued as prize exchange receipts. Also, after the amusement store is closed, information related to receipt / exit management of prizes (for example, gross profit management by prize delivery) is tightened. Or issued as a raised vote.

  The storage unit 56 is a storage device such as a non-volatile memory that stores data and programs necessary for various processes performed by the control unit 57. In addition to information such as the format printed on the exchange receipt and the printed contents, the storage unit 56 A replacement ball number management table 56a for managing the number of replacement balls required for replacement is stored.

  The control unit 57 is a control unit that controls the giveaway management apparatus 50 as a whole, and includes an association data acquisition unit 57a, a display control unit 57b, and an exchange control unit 57c. Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or a non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU for execution, and the association data acquisition unit 57a, display control unit 57b, and exchange The control unit 57c is caused to execute a corresponding process.

  The association data acquisition unit 57a is a processing unit that acquires association data associated with a prepaid card. Specifically, the possessed ball data and the number data corresponding to the prepaid card ID read from the prepaid card by the card processing unit 54 are acquired by inquiring the possessed ball management device 10.

  The display control unit 57 b is a processing unit that performs display control of the employee touch panel 51 and the player touch panel 52. For example, on the employee touch panel 51, the associated data acquisition unit 57 a holds the possession ball together with the display of the exchange screen including items related to exchange control such as the number of read prepaid cards, the total number of balls acquired, and the remaining number. While displaying the data, the unit number acquired as the unit number data, the count value, the number of payouts and the number of possessions as a pop-up screen (refer to FIG. 2), the player touch panel 52 provides the employee who performs the exchange work Information simpler than the screen to be displayed is displayed (see FIG. 3).

  The exchange control unit 57c is a processing unit that performs exchange control between a possession ball (acquired ball) and a prize using the exchanged ball number management table 56a. Specifically, the number of possessed balls acquired by the association data acquiring unit 57a is set as the total number of acquired balls, and the remaining number of the total acquired balls is the minimum replaceable number of balls (in this example, the minimum number that can be exchanged for a prize). Until the number of balls is less than the number of balls), an exchange operation that accepts pressing of the exchange button corresponding to the prize specified by the player from the amusement shop employee and subtracts the number of exchanged balls corresponding to the prize from the number of balls If the number of held balls is less than the minimum number of exchangeable balls, a prize exchange receipt with items such as exchange date / time, employee name, total number of earned balls, exchanged prizes and exchanged balls printed The printing unit 55 is instructed to issue it.

  Next, the processing flow of each counter counting system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. Here, after (1) the association process performed by the CR unit 30 is described, (2) the prize exchange process performed by the prize management device 50 will be described.

(1) Association Process As described above, the association process according to the present embodiment will be described here. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the association process according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, when the pressing operation of the return button 413 is accepted (Yes at Step S101), the associating unit 38d reads the ball data 37a stored in the storage unit 37 (Step S102).

  Here, when a possessed ball exists in the possessed ball data 37a read from the storage unit 37 (Yes at Step S103), the associating unit 38d further reads the machine number data 37b stored in the storage unit 37 (Step S104). ), Request the possession management device 10 to register the read possessed ball data and unit number data in association with the ID of the prepaid card to be issued (step S105), and the association from the possession management device 10 If a completion response (registration completion response) is received, the prepaid card being inserted is returned to the card processing unit 34 (step S106), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when there is no possessed ball in the possessed ball data 37a read from the storage unit 37 (No in Step S103), the associating unit 38d determines the remaining frequency or the remaining frequency management device 15 of the remaining frequency updating unit 38b. The remaining number stored in the remaining number management table is acquired (step S107), and it is determined whether or not the remaining number exists in the prepaid card (step S108).

  At this time, if the remaining number is present in the prepaid card (Yes at step S108), the prepaid card being inserted is returned to the card processing unit 34 (step S106), and the process is terminated. If there is no remaining number in the prepaid card (No at Step S108), it is not necessary to discharge the card, and the process is terminated as it is.

(2) Premium Exchange Process Next, the premium exchange process according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of a gift exchange process according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, when a prepaid card reading operation is accepted (Yes in step S201), the association data acquisition unit 57a and the display control unit 57b perform display control processing of the possession data and the unit number data (step S202). .

  Here, prior to the subsequent processing, the display control processing in step S202 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence between the possession management apparatus and the prize management apparatus regarding display control processing according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when a prepaid card reading operation is performed, the card processing unit 54 of the prize management device 50 reads the prepaid card ID from the prepaid card (step S301).

  Subsequently, the association data acquisition unit 57a of the giveaway management device 50 inquires the possession management device 10 about the possessed ball data and the stand number data corresponding to the prepaid card ID read from the prepaid card by the card processing unit 54 (step S302). ).

  Upon receiving this inquiry, the possession management device 10 reads possession data and unit number data corresponding to the inquired prepaid card ID from the possession management table (step S303), and the readout possession data and unit number. Data is returned to the prize management device 50 (step S304).

  On the other hand, the display control unit 57b of the prize management device 50 causes the employee touch panel 51 and the player touch panel 52 to display the car number data and the possession data obtained as the inquiry response (step S305), and ends the processing. To do.

  In this way, when the player visits the prize counter, the table number of the gaming table on which he / she played and the contents of the game are displayed.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 8, after the end of step S202, the exchange control unit 57c determines whether or not the possessed ball acquired by the association data acquisition unit 57a is equal to or greater than the minimum replaceable number of balls (step S203).

  At this time, when the number of possessed balls is equal to or greater than the minimum exchangeable number of balls (Yes at Step S203), the exchange control unit 57c performs an operation of pressing an exchange button displayed on the employee touch panel 51 or the player touch panel 52. The designation of the premium is accepted (step S204). If the number of possessed balls is less than the minimum number of replaceable balls (No at Step S203), the process proceeds to Step S207 described later.

  Subsequently, if there are more than the number of balls required for the prize for which the designation has been received (Yes at Step S205), the exchange control unit 57c subtracts the number of exchanged balls corresponding to the prize from the possessed ball (Step S206). ).

  Thereafter, until the number of possessed balls falls below the minimum replaceable number of balls (Yes at Step S203), the exchange control unit 57c repeats the processing from Step S204 to Step S206 described above.

  Here, if the prize is exchanged when the number of possessed balls is less than the minimum exchangeable number of balls (No at Step S203 and Yes at Step S207), the exchange control unit 57c performs the exchange that has been internally subtracted at Step S206. Requests the possession management device 10 to subtract the consideration from the number of possessions of the prepaid card being inserted (step S208), and items such as exchange date and time, employee name, total number of earned balls, exchange prizes and exchange balls Is printed on the printing unit 55 (step S209), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the prize is not exchanged when the number of possessed balls is less than the minimum exchangeable number (No at Step S203 and No at Step S207), the exchange control unit 57c does not need to issue a prize exchange receipt. The process ends.

  Even if processing is completed in any case after giving out a gift exchange receipt or no gift exchange, if the prepaid card still has a high value of either the ball or the remaining number, it will be prepaid by the staff. The card is returned to the player.

  As described above, according to each vehicle counting system 1 according to the present embodiment, the CR unit is associated with the prepaid card and the unit number data indicating the unit number of the pachinko machine 40 corresponding to the CR unit 30 and the possession data. 30 to obtain the unit number data and possession data associated with the prepaid card, and to display the obtained unit number data and possession data on the employee touch panel 51 and the player touch panel 52 Since the apparatus 50 is configured, the store side can monitor counting goto and card theft, and can make the customer recognize that these fraudulent activities are being monitored by the store side. It becomes possible to deter.

  By the way, in this embodiment, even if the possession ball data and the unit number data are already registered in the possession management table due to the movement of the player's platform, the newly received possession ball data and the unit number data are already registered data. Although the example of overwriting and updating has been described, the possession data for each model number may be registered in the possession management device 10 without performing the overwriting update.

  That is, if the counting value and the number of payouts for each card number when the card is returned are registered in the ball management device 10, even if the player moves the table, the transition of game contents is transferred to the store side and the customer side. The store side can monitor the counting goto and card theft in more detail, and can make the customer strongly recognize that these fraudulent activities are being monitored by the store side.

  In the present embodiment, the higher-level device such as the possession management device 10 or the remaining frequency management device 15 stores the retained ball or the prepaid remaining frequency in association with the prepaid card ID. Alternatively, the prepaid remaining number may be directly recorded, or the host device or the prepaid remaining number may be recorded and recorded on the prepaid card itself while being stored and managed. Needless to say, when recording directly on a prepaid card, a host device is unnecessary.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the example in which the possessed ball management device 10 and the remaining frequency management device 15 are individually managed for the retained ball and the remaining frequency has been described. The frequency management device 15 may be integrated and a value management device that manages both the possession and the remaining frequency may be provided.

  In this embodiment, a case where a non-member (visitor) player uses a prepaid card has been described. However, a player who has joined a game store member can exchange prizes using a member-specific medium such as a member card or a portable terminal. The same applies to the case of performing the above. In this case, it is preferable to perform the authentication process using a password or the like when the card is inserted.

  In the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which an accurate machine number is displayed on the prize management device 50 to obtain a deterrence effect against fraud. However, the display of other information can similarly provide a deterrent effect. You can also get Therefore, in the second embodiment, an example in which fraudulent acts such as card theft and counting goto are suppressed by displaying, on the prize management device 100, a video image of a player while playing a game with the pachinko machine 40. explain.

  First, the system configuration of each counter counting system according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, the description will be made while comparing with each of the counter counting systems 1 according to the above-described first embodiment. Omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram of each vehicle counting system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, each vehicle counting system 3 according to the second embodiment includes a tracking camera 80 that images and monitors the pachinko machine 40 to be monitored, compared to each vehicle counting system 1 shown in FIG. 1. The difference is that each camera 81 is arranged corresponding to each pachinko machine 40 and images and monitors the operator, and a tracking camera 80 and a video server 90 that stores images captured by each camera 81. To do.

  The tracking camera 80 is an imaging device that can capture a predetermined area in a game arcade, includes an electric zoom lens that changes the zoom magnification of the camera, and tilts the camera in a vertical plane with a rotation angle that rotates the camera in a horizontal plane. It is mounted on an electric pan head that can change the tilt angle expressed by the angle formed with the horizontal plane. The tracking camera 80 takes an image of each pachinko machine 40 with the rotation angle, tilt angle, and zoom magnification set for each pachinko machine 40 and the prize management device 100 according to an instruction from the video server 90. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of tracking cameras 80 are installed on the ceiling of the passage between the game islands, and the pachinko machine 40 in the entire amusement hall can be imaged.

  Each stand camera 81 is an image pickup apparatus that is installed for one pachinko machine 40 and picks up an image of a front area including an operator. Each camera 81 takes an image of a target area (a front area including a pair of pachinko machine 40 and CR unit 70 and a player who is an operator thereof) assigned at the time of installation in accordance with an instruction from the video server 90. The video is transmitted to the video server 90. Here, an example in which each camera 81 is installed independently of other in-store devices has been described. However, a call lamp (not shown) installed above each CR unit 70 or pachinko machine 40 has been described. You may make it incorporate a camera.

  The video server 90 is a server device that performs an imaging instruction of the pachinko machine 40 to the tracking camera 80 and each camera 81 and accumulation of images captured by the tracking camera 80 and each camera 81. Specifically, by instructing the tracking camera 80 that accommodates the pachinko machine 40 to be imaged in the imaging range to change the rotation angle, tilt angle, and zoom magnification set in the pachinko machine 40, The pachinko machine 40 and its periphery are imaged, and the captured images are accumulated. In addition, each camera 81 can fix the imaging position since imaging of a plurality of areas is not assigned unlike the tracking camera 80, and therefore only needs to send an imaging instruction.

  Here, in the present embodiment, a player who is playing a game with the pachinko machine 40 is imaged using the tracking camera 80 and each camera 81, and the captured images are linked to the video sequence number to the video server 90. While storing the video sequence number, the prepaid card is associated with the video sequence number, the premium management device 100 acquires the video sequence number associated with the prepaid card, and the video corresponding to the acquired video sequence number is sent to the video server 90. This is characterized in that an inquiry and a video obtained as a result of the inquiry are displayed on a display unit for an attendant and a player.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when a game is played with the pachinko machine 40, a video image of the player is displayed on a display unit for a staff member, so that the player can play pachinko balls or counterfeit pachinko machines at other stores. It is possible to monitor whether or not a ball has been brought in, or to monitor whether or not the person playing the game and the person exchanging the prize are the same person.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, by displaying the video at the time of the game on the display unit for the player, it is possible to make the player aware that the above monitoring is being performed by the staff. ing.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the store side can monitor the counting goto and the card theft, and can make the customer recognize that these fraudulent activities are being monitored by the store side. As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress card theft and counting loss.

  In particular, in the event of card theft, the video of the original prepaid card holder will be displayed, so that an unauthorized person who steals a card and exchanges prizes will be seen and theft to the unauthorized person It is possible to present physical evidence that proves the act, and it is possible to prevent card theft.

  Then, the structure of each apparatus which comprises each stand counting system based on a present Example is demonstrated. Here, the configuration of the CR unit 70 will be described, then the configuration of the video server 90 will be described, and the configuration of the prize management device 100 will be described.

  As described above, here, the configuration of the CR unit according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the CR unit according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the CR unit 70 includes video sequence number data 71a indicating video sequence numbers associated with videos stored in the video server 90, as compared with the CR unit 30 shown in FIG. The difference is that it is stored in the storage unit 71, and the video sequence number acquisition unit 72 a is further included in the control unit 72.

  The video sequence number acquisition unit 72 a is a processing unit that acquires video sequence numbers associated with videos by the video server 90. The details will be described later with reference to FIG. 16, but as an outline, when the player performs a predetermined operation on the CR unit 70, an operation acceptance notification is sent to the video server 90, so that the player is present at the game stand. In addition, in order to cause the video server 90 to execute imaging control at a timing that is highly likely to be a game, and to link the image thus captured to the prepaid card that is currently inserted, an image associated with the image The serial number is acquired from the video server 90 and registered in the storage unit 71 as video serial number data 71a.

  The associating unit 72b associates the video sequence number associated with the video accumulated by the video server 90 with the prepaid card instead of the serial number of the pachinko machine 40 as a pair with the associating unit 38d shown in FIG. Is different. The details will be described later with reference to FIG. 17, but as an outline, when the prepaid card return operation is accepted, if at least the possessed ball stored as the possessed ball data 37 a by the storage unit 71 is zero or more, the memory is stored. It requests the possession management device 10 to register the possessed ball data 37a and the video sequence number data 71a stored in the section 71 in association with the ID of the prepaid card to be issued.

  Next, the configuration of the video server according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the video server according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the video server 90 includes a communication I / F unit 91 that is an interface for performing various communications with the CR unit 70, the tracking camera 80, each camera 81, and the prize management device 100. A storage unit 92 and a control unit 93.

  The storage unit 92 is a storage device such as a non-volatile memory that stores data and programs necessary for various processes performed by the control unit 93, and stores images captured by the tracking camera 80 and each camera 81 for each video sequence number. Video DB 92a to be used.

  The control unit 93 is a control unit that controls the entire video server 90, and includes a video acquisition unit 93a, a video linking unit 93b, and a video inquiry response unit 93c. Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, and the video acquisition unit 93a, video linking unit 93b, and video Each of the inquiry response units 93c executes a corresponding process.

  The video acquisition unit 93 a is a processing unit that acquires video captured by the tracking camera 80 or each camera 81 at the timing when the operation acceptance is notified from the CR unit 70. Specifically, when the operation acceptance notification is received from the video sequence number acquisition unit 72a of the CR unit 70, the tracking camera 80 that accommodates the pachinko machine 40 that is a pair of the CR unit 70 that is the notification source in the imaging range By instructing the pachinko machine 40 to change to the rotation angle, tilt angle, and zoom magnification, the pachinko machine 40 and its surroundings are imaged and the video is acquired. In addition, the CR unit 70 that is the notification source of the operation reception notification and the pair of pachinko machines 40 are instructed to take images to the respective cameras 81 that are accommodated in the imaging range, and the video is acquired. Note that the video acquired here may be a still image or a moving image.

  The video association unit 93b is a processing unit that associates the video acquired by the video acquisition unit 93a with the video sequence number. Specifically, a video sequence number is assigned to the video acquired by the video acquisition unit 93a, and the video is stored in the video DB 92a in association with the assigned video sequence number. In the present embodiment, the video is linked using a serial number in which the number is incremented in the given order. However, as long as the video stored in the video DB 92a can be uniquely specified. For example, names and times may be used instead of sequential numbers.

  The video inquiry response unit 93c is a processing unit that returns a video in response to a video inquiry. Specifically, when a video inquiry including a video sequence number is received from the prize management device 100, the video corresponding to the video sequence number is read from the video DB 92a, and the read video is returned to the premium management device 100. Here, an example in which a video corresponding to a video inquiry from the prize management device 100 has been described has been described, but in response to a video inquiry from another device such as the possession management device 10 or the remaining frequency management device 15. A video may be returned.

  Next, the configuration of the prize management device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the prize management device according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the prize management device 100 is characterized in that the control unit 110 has a video inquiry unit 110b that inquires the video server 90 about the video, as compared to the prize management device 50 shown in FIG. Further, the processing contents of the association data acquisition unit 110a and the display control unit 110c inherent in the control unit 110 are partially different from those in FIG.

  Similar to the association data acquisition unit 57a shown in FIG. 6, the association data acquisition unit 110a is a processing unit that acquires association data associated with a prepaid card. The difference is that the data is inquired to the possession management device 10 while the possession data and video serial number data are inquired to the possession management device 10.

  The video inquiry unit 110b is a processing unit that inquires the video server 90 about the video. Specifically, when the video sequence number data is acquired by the association data acquisition unit 110a, the video server 90 is inquired of the video corresponding to the video sequence number data.

  The display control unit 110c is a processing unit that performs display control of the employee touch panel 51 and the player touch panel 52, similarly to the display control unit 57b illustrated in FIG. 6, but as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. In addition to the display of the replacement screen, the video obtained as the query result of the video query unit 110b is displayed on both touch panels.

  Next, the processing flow of each counter counting system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. Note that here, (1) the video linking process performed by the CR unit 70 and the video server 90 will be described, and then (2) the association process performed by the CR unit 70 will be described. (3) Display control processing performed by the video server 90 and the prize management device 100 will be described.

(1) Video Association Processing As described above, the video association processing according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence between the CR unit and the video server regarding the video linking process according to the second embodiment. Note that this processing is performed in a predetermined manner with respect to the CR unit 70, for example, when a release operation of the lower plate 420 of the game table is detected by an operation of the counting sensor of the counting unit 35 or when a pressing operation of the return button 413 in the pachinko machine 40 is detected. Started when an operation is accepted.

  As shown in the figure, when a predetermined operation on the CR unit 70 is received (step S401), the video sequence number acquisition unit 72a of the CR unit 70 sends an operation reception notification to the video server 90 (step S402).

  The video acquisition unit 93a of the video server 90 that has received this operation reception notification is set in the pachinko machine 40 with respect to the tracking camera 80 that houses the pachinko machine 40 that is a pair of the notification source CR unit 70 in the imaging range. By instructing to change the rotation angle, tilt angle, and zoom magnification, the pachinko machine 40 and its surroundings are imaged to acquire the video, or the CR unit 70 and the pachinko machine 40 that is a pair thereof are imaged. An image is instructed to each camera 81 accommodated in the range, and the pachinko machine 40 and its surroundings are imaged to acquire the video (step S403).

  Then, the video linking unit 93b of the video server 90 assigns a video serial number to the video acquired by the video acquisition unit 93a (step S404), and associates the video with the video DB 92a in association with the numbered video serial number. (Step S405), and the video sequence number is returned to the notifying CR unit 70 (step S406).

  On the other hand, the video sequence number acquisition unit 72a of the CR unit 70 overwrites and updates the video sequence number returned from the video server 90 with the video sequence number data 71a in the storage unit 71 (step S407), and ends the process.

  In addition, although the example which performs operation reception notification on condition that the release operation of the lower plate 420 of a game stand and the pressing operation of the return button 413 were performed was demonstrated here, this invention is limited to these operation Instead, the operation acceptance notification may be performed in response to other operations such as a cash insertion operation, a ball lending button 412 depressing operation, and a possession return button 303 depressing operation.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, the example in which the video serial number data 71a in the storage unit 71 of the CR unit 70 is overwritten and updated has been described. However, until the card is returned after the possession or the remaining number is generated. It is also possible to hold all the video sequence numbers received from the video server 90 during this period.

(2) Association process Next, the association process according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the association process according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 17, parts having the same operation contents as the association process shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the pressing operation of the return button 413 is accepted (Yes at Step S101), the associating unit 72b reads the possessed ball data 37a stored in the storage unit 71 (Step S102).

  Here, when a possessed ball exists in the possessed ball data 37a read from the storage unit 71 (Yes in step S103), the associating unit 72b further reads the video sequence number data 72a stored in the storage unit 71 (step S103). S504), the possession management device 10 is requested to register the read possessed ball data and video serial number data in association with the ID of the prepaid card to be issued (step S505). If the association completion response (registration completion response) is received, the prepaid card being inserted is returned to the card processing unit 34 (step S106), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when there is no possessed ball in the possessed ball data 37a read from the storage unit 71 (No in step S103), the associating unit 72b stores the remaining frequency or the remaining frequency managing device 15 in the remaining frequency updating unit 38b. The remaining number stored in the remaining number management table is acquired (step S107), and it is determined whether or not the remaining number exists in the prepaid card (step S108).

  At this time, if the remaining number is present in the prepaid card (Yes at step S108), the prepaid card being inserted is returned to the card processing unit 34 (step S106), and the process is terminated. If there is no remaining number in the prepaid card (No at Step S108), it is not necessary to discharge the card, and the process is terminated as it is.

(3) Display Control Processing Next, display control processing according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence between the possession management device, the video server, and the prize management device regarding display control processing according to the second embodiment. This process is a process performed when a prepaid card reading operation is received during the gift exchange process (step S202 shown in FIG. 8).

  As shown in FIG. 18, when a prepaid card reading operation is performed, the card processing unit 54 of the prize management device 100 reads the prepaid card ID from the prepaid card (step S601).

  Subsequently, the association data acquisition unit 110a of the prize management device 100 inquires the possession management device 10 about the possessed ball data and the video serial number data corresponding to the prepaid card ID read from the prepaid card by the card processing unit 54 (step). S602).

  Upon receiving this inquiry, the possession management device 10 reads possession data and video sequence number data corresponding to the inquired prepaid card ID from the possession management table (step S603), and the read possession data and video. The serial number data is returned to the premium management apparatus 100 (step S604).

  Then, the video inquiry unit 110b of the prize management device 100 inquires the video server 90 about the video corresponding to the video sequence number data acquired by the association data acquisition unit 110a (step S605).

  On the other hand, the video inquiry response unit 93c of the video server 90 reads a video corresponding to the video serial number data for which the inquiry has been received from the video DB 92a (step S606), and responds to the premium management apparatus 100 with the read video (step S607). ).

  Then, the display control unit 110c of the prize management device 100 causes the employee touch panel 51 and the player touch panel 52 to display the video obtained as the query result of the video query unit 110b in conjunction with the display of the exchange screen (step S608), the process ends.

  As described above, according to each vehicle counting system 3 according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined operation of the player with respect to the CR unit 70 is detected, the video server 90 is notified of acceptance of the operation, and the tracking camera The CR unit 30 is configured to acquire the video sequence number associated with the video captured by the 80 or each camera 81, and associate the acquired video sequence number with the prepaid card, and at the timing when the acceptance of the operation is notified. The video server 90 is configured to acquire video captured by the tracking camera 80 or each camera 81, link the acquired video to a video sequence number, and store the acquired video in association with the linked video sequence number. The video sequence number associated with the prepaid card is acquired, the video corresponding to the acquired video sequence number is inquired of the video server 90, and the video obtained as the inquiry result is obtained. Is displayed on the employee touch panel 51 and the player touch panel 52, the store side can monitor the counting and card theft, and these fraudulent activities are monitored by the store side. Can be recognized by the customer, and card theft and counting can be suppressed.

  In this embodiment, a player who plays a game with the pachinko machine 40 is picked up by the tracking camera 80 and each camera 81, but the image pickup form in the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one image pickup device may be installed for one or a plurality of CR units 70, or an image pickup device may be installed on the island edge to obtain a video during a game.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the embodiment is implemented exclusively from the above-described embodiment 1 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the embodiment 1 and the embodiment 2 may be implemented in combination. You can also.

  That is, when associating with the prepaid card, if the base number data and the video serial number data are associated in addition to the possession data, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the employee touch panel 51 of the prize management device is provided. In addition, both the player number and the video at the time of the game can be displayed on the player touch panel 52, and the effects of both the first and second embodiments and the synergistic effect thereof can be obtained.

  Now, in this embodiment, by further developing the deterrence of fraud by displaying the machine number described in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, by using such a machine number and verifying the actual ball on the game machine, An embodiment for performing fraud detection of counting goto will be described.

  First, the system configuration of each counter counting system according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, the description will be made while comparing with each of the counter counting systems 1 according to the above-described first embodiment. Omitted.

  FIG. 21 is a system configuration diagram of each vehicle counting system according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, each counter counting system 5 according to the third embodiment is different from the counter counting system 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that it further includes a hall computer 500.

  The hall computer 500 is a management device that collects and manages table data in an amusement store using a table data management table (not shown). This machine data management table stores machine data such as the model name, the number of outs, the number of safes, and the sales amount of each machine number. And various pulse signals (for example, an out signal, a safe signal, a sales signal, etc.) received from the pachinko machine 40 are interpreted, and the number of outs, the number of safes, or the sales amount in the table data management table is added and updated. The number of outs refers to the number of pachinko balls that have been driven into the game stand, the safe number refers to the number of pachinko balls thrown out as prizes from the game stand, and the sales amount refers to the number of games Refers to the amount of money obtained as a consideration for a loaned ball.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the number of balls that are the safe number and the out number in the pachinko machine 40 or the difference value between the safe number and the out number in the pachinko machine 40 is collected as base data in association with the pachinko machine 40 number data. Inquiry about the base data corresponding to the base number data obtained from the prepaid card, and the deviation between the number of balls obtained from the base data as the result of the inquiry and the number of possessions obtained from the prepaid card is within an allowable range. This is characterized in that it is determined whether or not.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, by adopting the configuration according to the above-described first embodiment, the machine number that is the origin of the possession can be specified on the prize management device 200 side. Is called to the prize management device 200, and the consistency between the possession ball and the outgoing ball is further determined.

  Explaining the relationship between such balls and balls, it is managed by the hall computer 500 as long as it does not count the balls that have been brought from other game machines by moving the table, or count the balls that have been picked up as balls. There will never be more balls than there are games. Therefore, when the number of balls in excess of the number of balls is present, it can be estimated that there is a high possibility that the counting is being performed.

  From this, in this embodiment, when the number of balls is less than the number of balls (when there is no error) or when the number of balls is larger than the number of balls, the excess is less than the allowable range. As in the first embodiment, the machine number is displayed on the replacement screen. On the other hand, if the number of balls is larger than the allowable number, the counting goto is performed along with the machine number display. Notify that there is a risk that

  Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to verify the possession ball and the actual appearance on the game table using the unit number associated with the prepaid card, and it is possible to automatically detect the counting goto with the prize counter. It becomes.

  Next, the configuration of the prize management device that is the main part of each vehicle counting system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the prize management device according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the prize management device 200 according to the third embodiment stores the replaced number of balls management table 205a in the storage unit 205 as compared with the prize management device 50 shown in FIG. The difference is that the unit 210 further includes a table data inquiry unit 210a and an illegal count determination unit 210b.

  The exchanged ball number management table 205a is a table that stores the number of exchanged balls for each unit number. This exchanged number of balls is the number of possessed balls that have already been exchanged for prizes, and is updated separately for each unit number by the exchange control unit 210d. And by storing the number of balls that have been replaced for each unit number, the number of balls that have been replaced in the game table obtained from the hall computer 500 is excluded, and the number of unreplaced balls in one game table can be accurately determined. So that you can ask.

  The table data inquiry unit 210a is a processing unit that queries the hall computer 500 for table data corresponding to the table number data acquired by the association data acquisition unit 57a. The hall computer 500 that has received this inquiry returns the model name of the corresponding machine number, the number of safes, the number of outs, and the sales amount as an inquiry response.

  The fraud count determination unit 210b determines whether the difference between the number of balls obtained from the inquiry result by the table data inquiry unit 210a and the number of balls obtained as possession data by the association data acquisition unit 57a is within an allowable range. It is a processing unit for determining whether or not.

  Here, in the illegal counting determination unit 210b according to the present embodiment, prior to determining the illegal counting (counting goto), an outgoing ball that can be actually brought into the prize counter on the gaming machine number obtained from the prepaid card. It was decided to calculate the number (hereinafter referred to as “actual number of balls”).

  That is, the number of balls that are the difference between the number of outs obtained from the hall computer 500 and the number of safes is the total number of outs that have been driven into the pachinko machine 40 of the inquired machine number, and also paid out from the pachinko machine 40 The total number of safes.

  The number of balls that are obtained from the total number of outs and safes does not include the number of balls lent out in exchange for cash by the CR unit 30. There will be more balls.

  For this reason, the fraud count determination unit 210b calculates the number of balls lent on the gaming machine from the sales amount acquired from the hall computer 500, and subtracts the number of outs from the sum of the safe number and the number of lent balls.

  Further, the number of balls obtained from the safe number + the number of balls lent out-the number of outs in this way is the total number of balls obtained at the gaming machine with that machine number, and the prepaid in which the same machine number is associated with the prize counter. If there are multiple players who bring cards, it is not possible to identify the individual, and for players who bring prepaid cards for the second and subsequent games, Will be compared.

  Therefore, the fraud count determination unit 210b reads the number of balls that have been replaced corresponding to the unit number used for the inquiry from the number of managed balls management table 205a, subtracts the number of outs from the sum of the safe number and the number of balls lent, and further exchanges The number of finished balls is deducted.

  In other words, the illegal count determination unit 210b adds the safe number and the number of balls to be borrowed and subtracts the number of outs and the number of balls that have been exchanged, that is, calculates the number of safes + the number of borrowed balls-the number of outs-the number of balls that have been exchanged Thus, the actual number of balls was calculated. This makes it possible to accurately calculate the actual number of balls that can actually be brought into the prize counter on the gaming machine with the machine number acquired from the prepaid card.

  Then, the fraud count determination unit 210b determines whether the error between the number of possessed balls acquired from the prepaid card by the association data acquisition unit 57a and the actual number of balls is within an allowable range. In other words, the fraud count determination unit 210b determines whether or not the number of possessed balls is larger than the actual number of balls exceeding the allowable range. It includes errors when counting the balls that have been brought in as counting balls or counting the picked-up balls as holding balls.

  In this embodiment, the actual number of balls is calculated using the above-described calculation method, and the calculated actual number of balls is compared with the number of possessed balls to determine whether or not it is an illegal count. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the actual number of balls may be calculated by a method other than the above calculation method.

  For example, the CR unit 30 may calculate the timing at which the ball from the pachinko machine 40 can be estimated for the first time, that is, when the count-up from the holding ball zero occurs, and the prepaid in the stack as the counting start time. When the card return operation is accepted in a state where the number of possessed balls is greater than zero, the time is associated with the return card and discharged as a count completion time.

  If the counting start time and the counting completion time are associated with the prepaid card in this way, on the side of the prize management device 200 that has received the prepaid card, as the table data of the unit number associated with the prepaid card, from the counting start time You can inquire about the number of outs and the number of safes or the number of balls in the section up to the counting completion time.

  Since the number of balls obtained from the response of the hall computer 500 is the number of balls played by the individual player who owns the ball, simply adding the number of balls lent out to this number of balls is the number of balls that have been replaced. It is possible to accurately specify the actual number of balls of a player who brings a prepaid card without obtaining the number of unreplaced balls using the number of replaced balls in the management table 205a.

  Also, here, the time point when the CR unit 30 counts up from zero is used as the starting point of the table data inquiring the hall computer 500, but the time near the time point when the card was ejected last time is counted the previous time. The completion time may be associated with the prepaid card in the stack, and when the card return operation is accepted this time, the time may be associated with the return card and discharged as the current counting completion time. In this case as well, the hall computer 500 can be inquired for the number of individual players who have possession balls.

  The display control unit 210c controls the display of the employee touch panel 51 and the player touch panel 52 in the same manner as the display control unit 57b shown in FIG. The contents to be displayed are partially different.

  That is, when the error count determination unit 210b determines that the error between the number of possessed balls and the actual number of balls is within the allowable range, the employee touch panel 51 obtains association data together with the display of the replacement screen. In addition to displaying the unit number, the count value, the number of payouts and the number of possessions acquired by the unit 57a, the model name obtained as a result of the inquiry by the table data inquiry unit 210a is displayed as a pop-up screen (see FIG. 23). The player touch panel 52 displays simpler information than the screen displayed to the employee who performs the exchange work (see FIG. 24).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the error between the number of held balls and the actual number of balls exceeds the allowable range by the illegal counting determination unit 210b, there is a possibility that the counting is performed together with the display of the machine number and the model name. A message to that effect is displayed on the employee touch panel 51 (see FIG. 25). In addition, although the example which performs the employee alert | report of the counting goto on the employee touch panel 51 was demonstrated here, the touch panel for players, the possession management apparatus 10 which is another apparatus, the remaining frequency management apparatus 15, and the hall computer 500 are demonstrated. In addition to notifying by display by displaying the same content on the display unit, it is also possible to perform notification by sound by outputting the sound of the same content to the income possessed by the employee.

  Next, the process flow of each counter counting system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence between the possession management device, the prize management device, and the hall computer regarding the fraud count determination processing according to the third embodiment. This process is a process performed when a prepaid card reading operation is received during the gift exchange process (step S202 shown in FIG. 8).

  As shown in FIG. 26, when the prepaid card reading operation is performed, the card processing unit 54 of the prize management device 200 reads the prepaid card ID from the prepaid card (step S701).

  Subsequently, the association data acquisition unit 57a of the prize management device 200 inquires the possession ball management device 10 about the possessed ball data and the card number data corresponding to the prepaid card ID read from the prepaid card by the card processing unit 54 (step S702). ).

  Upon receiving this inquiry, the possession management device 10 reads possession data and unit number data corresponding to the inquired prepaid card ID from the possession management table (step S703), and the retrieved possession data and unit number. Data is returned to the free gift management apparatus 200 (step S704).

  Then, the table data inquiry unit 210a of the prize management device 200 inquires the hall computer 500 about the table data corresponding to the table number data acquired by the association data acquisition unit 57a (step S705).

  The hall computer 500 that has received this inquiry reads the table data corresponding to the table number for which the inquiry has been received from the table data management table (step S706), and returns the read table data to the prize management device 200 (step S707). .

  Here, the fraud count determination unit 210b of the prize management apparatus 200 stores the number of outs, the number of safes, and the sales amount as inquiry results by the table data inquiry unit 210a in association with the inquiry table number by the exchanged ball number management table 205a. The actual number of balls is calculated using the number of balls that have been replaced (step S708).

  Then, the fraud count determination unit 210b determines whether the error between the number of possessed balls acquired from the prepaid card by the association data acquisition unit 57a and the actual number of balls calculated as described above is within an allowable range. (Step S709).

  At this time, if the error between the number of possessed balls and the actual number of balls is within the allowable range (Yes at Step S709), the display control unit 210c is acquired as the base number data and the possessed ball data by the association data acquiring unit 57a. In addition to the machine number, the count value, the payout number, and the number of possessions, the model name inquired as the machine data by the machine data inquiry unit 210a is displayed on the employee touch panel 51 and the player touch panel 51 (step S710). The process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the error between the number of possessed balls and the actual number of balls exceeds the allowable range (No at Step S709), the display control unit 210c performs counting in conjunction with the display of the machine number and the model name. By displaying that there is a fear on the employee touch panel 51, the counting goto is notified (step S711).

  As described above, according to each car counting system 5 according to the present embodiment, the safe number and the out number or the safe number and the out number in the pachinko machine 40 are associated with the car number data of each pachinko machine 40. The hall computer 500 is configured to collect the number of balls that are the difference value as the base data, the base data corresponding to the base number data acquired from the prepaid card is inquired to the base computer 500, and the base data that is the inquiry result is used as the base data. Since the prize management device 200 is configured so as to determine whether or not the deviation between the obtained number of balls and the number of possessed balls acquired from the prepaid card is within an allowable range, the unit number associated with the prepaid card is Can be used to verify the actual ball and the actual ball on the game stand, and automatically detect the counting goto with the prize counter Theft is possible.

  Further, according to each vehicle counting system 5 according to the present embodiment, the hall computer 500 is configured to store the model data relating to the game machine for each machine number data of the pachinko machine 40, and obtained from the prepaid card. Since the prize management device 200 is configured to inquire the hall computer 500 for model data corresponding to the machine number data and to display the model data obtained as a result of the inquiry, a model name or the like that is different for each game machine or a plurality of game machines As a result, the customer can recognize that the game content is monitored in more detail by the store side, so that card theft and counting goto can be more effectively suppressed. .

  In the present embodiment, the card theft is further improved by further suppressing the fraud suppression by the video display described in the second embodiment and using the video at the time of the game and the video at the time of the prize exchange. An example of performing fraud detection will be described.

  That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, a camera 610 that captures a player who exchanges prizes is provided in the prize management device 600, and the player's video captured by the camera 610 and the video server Using the video obtained as a result of the inquiry to 90, it is determined whether or not the player who exchanges the prize is the player who owns the possession.

  More specifically, the video acquired from the video server 90 by the video inquiry unit 110b is a video of a player who is playing a game on the pachinko machine 40 (video at the time of a game). The video imaged by the camera 610 provided in the counter is a video image of a player who exchanges prizes (video at the time of prize exchange).

  As long as an unauthorized person does not steal a prepaid card of another player, both the images at the time of gaming and at the time of exchanging premiums should match. In the case where the images at the time of gaming and prize exchange do not match, there is a high possibility that the player who is going to exchange prizes has taken out a prepaid card of another player.

  Here, in the present embodiment, a face image is cut out from both the video at the time of gaming and the video at the time of prize exchange, and face authentication is performed using the cut out both face images. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, image processing software for performing face image segmentation and face authentication is installed in the prize management device 600 as the person authentication unit 620a, and the face image at the time of gaming And collate face images at the time of prize exchange. If the similarity between the two face images is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the player who exchanges the prize is the player who was playing the game, and allows the exchange of the prize later. When the similarity of the face image is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the player who exchanges the prize is not the player who has played the game, and notifies that there is a risk of card theft.

  As a form of this notification, a notification that there is a risk of card theft may be displayed through the employee touch panel 51 and the player touch panel 52, or a similar display may be performed by other devices to perform notification by display. It is also possible to make a sound notification of the same content by an income etc. possessed by the employee.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the user authentication is performed using the video at the time of the game associated with the prepaid card and the video at the time of the prize exchange captured by the prize counter, the prize management device 600 is provided. The prize counter can automatically detect card theft, and it is possible to suppress unauthorized persons before leaving the store.

  By the way, in this embodiment, face authentication is performed as a method for performing personal authentication using video, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other authentication methods such as appearance authentication are used. Can do. The appearance authentication refers to authenticating the person based on the presence or absence of facial wrinkles, the color and pattern of clothes, the presence or absence of glasses, and the like.

  In this embodiment, the camera 610 is provided in the prize management device 600. However, a tracking camera 80 connected to the video server 90 may be used for an imaging device that captures an image at the time of prize exchange. A camera connected to a device different from the gift management device 600 may be used.

  As described above, each vehicle counting system according to the present invention is suitable for suppressing theft and counting of game recording media.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Each stand counting system 10 Hand management apparatus 15 Remaining number management apparatus 20 Island controller 30 CR unit with a counting function 31 Operation part 32 Display part 33a Communication I / F part 33b Communication I / F part for gaming machines 34 Card processing part 35 Counting unit 36 Owned ball payout unit 37 Storage unit 38 Control unit 38a Owned ball update unit 38b Remaining number update unit 38c Ball lending processing unit 38d Association unit 40 Pachinko machine 50 Premium management device 51 Touch panel for employee 52 Touch panel for player 53 Communication I / F unit 54 card processing unit 55 printing unit 56 storage unit 56a exchanged ball number management table 57 control unit 57a association data acquisition unit 57b display control unit 57c exchange control unit 60 premium dispenser

Claims (5)

A game medium which is arranged corresponding to each game machine and has either a count value of the game medium counted as a game result in the game machine and a payout number of the count value or a number of game media which is a difference value thereof. Each vehicle counter having a device corresponding to each vehicle that is issued in association with a recording medium as data, and a prize management device that performs exchange control for subtracting the number of game media equivalent to the exchanged prize from the game media data associated with the recording medium A system,
The devices for each table are
An association means for associating the possessed game medium data and game data with the recording medium;
The giveaway management device includes:
Obtaining means for obtaining possessed game medium data and game data associated with the recording medium by the association means;
The possessed game medium data acquired by the acquisition unit is displayed on at least one of a display unit for a player who performs a prize exchange or a display unit for a staff member who performs an exchange operation, and is acquired by the acquisition unit. And a display control means for displaying the game data when it is determined that the game data is likely to be fraudulent. The game data is
2. The data relating to the number of game media paid out by the game table and the number of game media driven into the game table, or the difference game media number which is a difference value between the payout number and the game number. Each unit counting system described. The giveaway management device includes:
It is determined that there is a possibility of fraud when the difference between the number of difference game media obtained from the game data and the number of game media obtained from the acquisition result by the acquisition means is outside an allowable range. The counter counting system according to claim 2. Further comprising an imaging device for imaging the game table or its surroundings;
The each game counting system according to claim 1, wherein the game data is image data captured by the imaging device. The giveaway management device includes:
It further comprises imaging means for imaging the player performing the prize exchange,
There is a possibility of fraud when the player who exchanges the prize using the captured image of the player captured by the imaging means and the game data is not the player who owns the number of game media possessed. The counter counting system according to claim 4, wherein:

Images