JP2014090878A - Game medium counting device and game medium counting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience when counting game media.SOLUTION: An inter-stand token dispensing machine 10 provided in combination with a game machine 20, managing the number or the like of usable tokens in association with a card, and performing dispensing or count of the tokens can receive input of a designated count value from a player. When the player inputs tokens to the inter-stand token dispensing machine 10 in a state that the inter-stand token dispensing machine 10 has received the designated count value, the inter-stand token dispensing machine 10 counts the inputted tokens until the number of the inputted tokens reaches the designated count value and sets the tokens as a player's own token, and returns the tokens exceeding the designated count value to a reception tray of the game machine 20. Therefore, the player can easily obtain a card associated with a desired count result.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium counting device and a game medium counting method for counting game media used for games by gaming machines.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a game store, a lending machine that lends game media such as game balls and medals and a counter that counts game media are generally installed. The lending machine is provided in each gaming machine and dispenses a predetermined number of gaming media based on the operation of the player. The player can play a game using the game medium thrown out from the lending machine.

  On the other hand, the counter is a device installed at an island edge in a game store, which counts game media obtained by the player and issues a receipt printed with the count result and a card associated with the count result. It is. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a medal counter that feeds out inserted medals one by one with a rotating disk and counts the number of medals that are fed out by a counting sensor. The counting result by the counter can be used for prize exchange by a prize counter or the like.

JP-A-9-35107

  However, in the conventional technique, there are cases where a fraction is output after the player exchanges the counting result with a desired prize. The fraction will be returned as a game medium so that it can be used in the game, or it will be exchanged for prizes for processing fractions such as confectionery, but at the time of prize exchange, the player intends to end the game. In many cases, even if it is returned as a game medium, it cannot be used effectively.

  For this reason, there is a need to play a game while adjusting the number of game media so that no fraction is left when exchanging with a prize. However, it has been difficult for conventional techniques to meet the needs of such players. For this reason, it has been an important issue to improve convenience when counting game media and to enable a player to easily obtain a card or a receipt associated with a desired count result.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game medium counting device and a game medium counting method capable of improving convenience when counting game media.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a game medium counting device for counting game media used in a game by a gaming machine, and counting means for counting the inserted game media. Receiving means for accepting a designated input of the number of game media desired by the player as a designated input value, and at least designated when the count value counted by the counting means becomes the designated input value accepted by the accepting means Control means for performing storage processing using the input value as the number of acquired game media is provided.

  In the present invention, the control means terminates the counting process when the count value counted by the counting means reaches the designated input value, and the control means has not yet entered the game medium that has been inserted. It is characterized by paying back the counted game media.

  Further, in the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, the control means continues counting processing even when the count value becomes the specified input value, and the specified input value among the inserted game media. It is characterized by paying out game media in excess of, and displaying the number of excess game media.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the control means associates the designated input value subjected to the storage process with a storage medium when the count value exceeds the designated input value accepted by the accepting means, A storage process is performed for the excess.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, if the number of previously acquired game media generated in advance is present, a sum of the number of previously acquired game media and the count value is calculated as the specified input value. In this case, a storage process is performed as a new number of acquired game media.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the control means adds the count value to a balance of a storage media account specified by the member information when the member information is read by the device. And

  Further, the present invention is a game medium counting method for counting game media used in a game by a gaming machine, and a receiving step for accepting a designated input of the number of game media desired by a player as a designated input value is input. A counting step for counting the gaming media, and when the count value counted in the counting step becomes the designated input value accepted by the accepting step, at least the designated input value is stored in the storage unit as the number of acquired gaming media And a control step.

  According to the present invention, the designated input of the number of game media desired by the player is accepted as the designated input value, and at least the designated input value is obtained when the count value obtained by counting the inserted game media becomes the designated input value. Since the storage processing is performed as the number of game media, convenience in counting game media can be improved.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of medal counting according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the amusement store. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the gaming machine and the inter-unit medal lending machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-unit medal lending machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit of the inter-unit medal lending machine. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the designated count by the inter-unit medal lending machine. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the specified count completion confirmation process. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of medal counting according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-unit medal lending machine shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of designated counting by the inter-unit medal lending machine according to the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a game medium counting device and a game medium counting method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In this specification, a possession medal is data indicating a game medium or a number of game media acquired by a player in a game, and may be used again for the game only during that day (time before closing). Say what you can do. The stored medals are data indicating the game media acquired by the player in the game or the number of the game media, and can be used again after the next day (time after closing). The medal can be used by both general and member players, and is used when the gaming machine is moved. The stored medals can usually be used only by member players, and are used when the acquired game media is used for the game from the next day. A predetermined fee may be imposed on the use of stored medals.

  First, the concept of medal counting according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of medal counting according to the first embodiment. The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 is attached to a gaming machine 20 that uses medals as game media, manages the number of usable medals in association with cards, and pays out and counts medals.

  The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 can accept input of a designated count value from a player. FIG. 1A shows a state in which “800” is received as a designated count value from a player. In this way, when the player inserts a medal into the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 in a state where the specified count value is received, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 counts the inserted medal until the specified count value is reached. The medal that exceeds the specified count value is paid back to the tray of the gaming machine 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (b), if 803 medals are inserted, as shown in FIG. 1 (c), the designated count value of 800 medals will be held, and the excess three will be gaming machines. It will be paid out to 20 trays. Therefore, if the card return operation is accepted in the state shown in FIG. 1C, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 returns the card associated with the designated count value “800” as a medal. It becomes.

  As described above, when counting is performed in a state where the input of the designated count value is received in advance, the player counts up to the designated count value to obtain a medal, and then pays back the excess amount, so that the player can obtain a desired count result. Can be easily obtained.

  Next, the system configuration of the amusement store will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the amusement store. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of gaming machines 20 and an inter-unit medal lending machine 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20 are installed in the gaming store. The plurality of gaming machines 20 and the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 are installed with divisions according to the rate to be used. This rate indicates the renting unit price (rate) of medals. In FIG. 1, a 20-yen slot section using medals lent out at 20 yen per sheet and a 5-yen slot section using medals lent out at 5 yen per sheet. Provided.

  The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 is connected to a communication line, which is an in-store network, via the island controller 30. The island controller 30, the card management device 40, the member management device 50, the free gift management device 60, and the checkout machine 80 are connected to the communication line.

  The gaming machine 20 is a slot machine that plays a game by inserting medals, which are game media, into the medal slot, rotating three drums, and pressing the stop buttons in sequence to align the pictures. When a certain pattern is aligned on the effective lines of the three drums, the gaming machine 20 pays out the number of medals according to the type of the pattern as an acquired medal.

  The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 accepts payment, lends medal, and communicates with the card management device 40. When the interbank medal lending machine 10 accepts a bill inserted by the player, it sends a payment notice including the deposit amount to the card management device 40, thereby converting the prepaid value into the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Let them add. Then, if a predetermined medal lending operation is performed, a medal lending request is transmitted to the card management device 40, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is subtracted, and the number of medals corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value. Pay out.

  In addition, when the inter-card medal lending machine 10 accepts the insertion of the card, the inter-card medal lending machine 10 transmits a card insertion notification to the card management device 40. Further, when receiving the prepaid value, the balance medal account or the balance of the stored medal account from the card management device 40, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 stores the balance. When the balance of the medal account is received and stored, the medal account balance managed by the card management device 40 is cleared to zero by sending a medal subtraction request to the card management device 40. To do.

  In addition, when receiving the medal replay operation, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 subtracts a predetermined number of balances of the medal account managed by the own device and pays out medals corresponding to the subtracted number. In addition, when the intermedal medal lending machine 10 accepts the stored medal replay operation, the intermediary medal lending machine 10 transmits the stored medal replay request to the card management device 40, thereby obtaining the balance of the stored medal account managed by the member management device 50. A predetermined number is subtracted, and the number of medals corresponding to the subtracted number is paid out.

  When the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-medal lending machine 10 transmits a possession medal addition request including the balance of the possession medal account managed by the own device to the card management device 40, and stores the possession medal in the card management device 40. After the addition, a card discharge notification is transmitted to the card management device 40 to control the card discharge.

  The island controller 30 is a relay device that bundles a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-unit medal lending machines 10 provided on the gaming island. The card management device 40 is a management device that manages the prepaid value of a card, the number of medals, etc. as card data.

  When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, the card management device 40 manages the ID of the inserted card and the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 in association with each other, and prepaid associated with the card ID. The value and the balance of the medal account are transmitted to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. When the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of the member card, the balance of the stored medal account associated with the card ID is acquired from the member management device 50, and the prepaid value and the medal account Are transmitted to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 together with the balance.

  Further, when the card management device 40 receives the medal subtraction request from the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the medal account to zero and receives the medal addition request from the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. In this case, the number of medals indicated in the medal addition request is added to the medal account.

  Further, when receiving a medal lending request from the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, the card management device 40 subtracts a corresponding prepaid value by a predetermined value, and transmits a medal lending permission to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. Then, when the medal replay request is received, the medal replay request is transmitted to the member management device 50, and when the member management device 50 outputs the medal replay permission, the medal replay is performed. The permission is transmitted to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10.

  Further, when the card management device 40 receives the card ID from the premium management device 60, the card management device 40 notifies the premium management device 60 of the balance of the medal account associated with the card ID. Further, when the card ID is received from the settlement machine 80, the prepaid value associated with the card ID is notified to the settlement machine 80.

  The member management device 50 is a management device that manages member management data of members registered as members in the amusement store. More specifically, the number of stored medals, points, personal identification number, name, etc. are managed in association with the member card ID issued to the member.

  When the member management device 50 receives an inquiry about the medal account balance from the card management device 40, the member management device 50 notifies the card management device 40 of the balance of the medal account corresponding to the designated card ID. In addition, when the member management device 50 receives the stored medal replay request via the card management device 40, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number of the balance of the stored medal account associated with the card ID indicated in the stored medal replay request. And a medal replay permission is output.

  Further, when the member management device 50 receives an inquiry about the saving medal account balance from the prize management device 60, the member management device 50 notifies the prize management device 60 of the balance of the saving medal account corresponding to the designated card ID.

  The prize management device 60 is a terminal device for prize exchange provided in the prize exchange counter in the amusement store, and performs prize exchange processing for acquired medals, stored medals and possessed medals. The premium management device 60 is connected to a reader / writer that reads the card ID of the card and a premium dispensing device that dispenses premiums. When the reader / writer accepts the card, the free gift management device 60 transmits the card ID of the card read by the reader / writer to the card management device 40 and requests the medal account balance of the card. In addition, when exchanging prizes for saving medals, the member management device 50 is requested for the balance of saving medals account.

  When the card associated with the prepaid value is inserted, the checkout machine 80 transmits the card ID of this card to the card management device 40, acquires the prepaid value associated with the card, and adds the prepaid value to the acquired prepaid value. Make a corresponding cash withdrawal.

  The medal lending process when medal lending is performed in the system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When the player performs a medal lending operation on the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, the inter-table medal lending machine 10 transmits a message specifying the local IP address of the card management device 40 as the destination. This electronic message includes a card ID of a card inserted in the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, an IP address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 that is a transmission source, and a medal lending request.

  When the card management device 40 receives a message including a medal lending request, the card management device 40 subtracts a prepaid value associated with the card ID in the message by a predetermined value (for example, 100 yen = 5 times when the frequency is 1). The data is updated, and the medal lending permission is transmitted to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 that has received the medal lending permission pays out the number of medals (for example, 25) corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

  Next, the medal replay process when the medal replay is performed in the system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When receiving the insertion of a general card or a membership card, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 transmits a message specifying the local IP address of the card management device 40 as a destination. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-medal medal lending machine 10, the IP address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-medal medal lending machine 10 that is the transmission source, and the inter-medal medal lending machine 10 It includes information for specifying the rate and a card insertion notification.

  When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, the medal account having the rate specified by the message out of the medal accounts associated with the card ID in the message. Is notified to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10.

  The inter-unit medal lending machine 10 stores the balance of medals received from the card management device 40. Then, a message including information specifying the card ID and rate and a medal subtraction request is transmitted to the card management device 40. When receiving the medal subtraction request, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the medal account specified by the card ID and the rate to zero. When receiving the medal replay operation, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 subtracts a predetermined number of stored medal balances and pays out a corresponding number of medals.

  When the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-medal lending machine 10 transmits a message including the medal addition request to the card management device 40. This message includes a card ID of a card to be ejected, an IP address or arbitrary identification information that identifies the intermediary medal lending machine 10 that is a transmission source, information for identifying the rate of the intermediary medal lending machine 10, and It includes the balance of medals and a request for adding medals.

  When the card management device 40 receives the medal addition request, the balance that has received the balance of the medal account at the rate specified by the message out of the medal accounts associated with the card ID in the message. Update to the value of.

  Thereafter, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 transmits a card ejection notification to the card management device 40 and controls ejection of the card.

  Next, a stored medal replay process in the case of replaying a stored medal with the system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The inter-medal renting machine 10 manages the card when the first medal replay operation is accepted after inserting the card, or when the identification information corresponding to the card ID is read from a portable terminal that can be used as a membership card. A message specifying the local IP address of the device 40 as a destination is transmitted. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-medal lending machine 10 (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the portable terminal; hereinafter referred to as the card ID) and the inter-medal medal loan that is the transmission source. It includes an IP address or arbitrary identification information for specifying the machine 10, information for specifying the rate of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, and a stored medal replay request. In addition, when requesting the input of a personal identification number at the time of replaying a medal, the input of the personal identification number is requested before the transmission of the electronic message, and the input personal identification number is included in the electronic message.

  The card management device 40 transmits a message for a replay request for saving medals to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives a message for a replay request for saving medals, the member management device 50 calculates the balance of the saving medals account at the rate specified by the message among the savings medals associated with the card ID in the message. A predetermined value is subtracted, and a saved medal replay permission is transmitted to the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 together with the balance after the subtraction.

  When receiving the medal replay permission, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 sequentially throws out medals until the stored medal balance reaches the balance after subtraction received together with the stored medal replay permission. Renew the medal balance.

  Next, a transition from a medal to a stored medal in the closing process will be described. The card management device 40 confirms the balance of the medal account in the card management data during the closing process, and if there is a medal account with a medal balance larger than “0”, the card management device 40 uses the card medal account balance as the card. The member management apparatus 50 is notified together with the ID and rate. The member management device 50 adds the notified medal account balance to the balance of the saving medal account specified by the card ID and the rate, and updates it. Thereafter, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the possession medal account to zero.

  Next, the external configuration of the gaming machine 20 and the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the gaming machine 20 and the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 shown in FIG. In addition, although the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 that accepts only banknotes is illustrated, a unit for accepting coins may be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 20 corresponds to a drum unit 21 having three drums, a display unit 22 for performing various displays, a medal slot 23, and a start lever and a drum for receiving a drum rotation start operation. And an operation unit 24 having three stop buttons and the like, and a tray 25 for receiving medals paid out from the gaming machine 20.

  The intermedal medal lending machine 10 also displays a state display unit 11 that displays the device status of the intermediary medal lending machine 10 by turning on or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color, and a banknote insertion slot 12a that accepts various banknotes when lending medal. A display operation unit 13 such as a touch panel display, a card insertion slot 14a for receiving a card, a holding unit 14b for holding a portable terminal or the like, a nozzle 18a for throwing out a medal to a gaming machine, and a medal to be counted And a medal insertion unit 19a for accepting insertion.

  Next, the internal configuration of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 includes a banknote transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader / writer 14, a holding unit 14 b, a communication unit 15, a storage unit 16, and a control unit 17. And a nozzle unit 18 and a counting unit 19.

  The banknote conveyance part 12 is a conveyance part conveyed to the banknote storage part which is not shown in figure, discriminating the money type and authenticity of the banknote inserted from the banknote insertion port 12a. The reader / writer 14 is a reading unit that reads a card ID from a card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a. The card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a is stored in a card storage section (not shown) through the reader / writer 14. The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication with a communication line. The counting unit 19 is a unit that counts medals inserted into the medal insertion unit 19a.

  The storage unit 16 is a storage device including a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory, and the like. The storage unit 16 stores a card ID 16a, valuable value data 16b, game type data 16c, and designated count data 16d.

  The card ID 16 a is a card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is conveyed from a card storage unit (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and the card is ejected, the card ID 16a is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the conveyance. Also, when a card is transported from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), the card ID 16a is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transport.

  The valuable value data 16b is data indicating a valuable value that can be used to receive payout of game media. This valuable value includes the balance of the prepaid value that can be used for medal lending, the balance of the medal account, and the balance of the stored medal account.

  The game type data 16c is data for specifying the game type used by the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. When handling medals with multiple rates in the amusement store, the game type name is set and managed for each rate, such as “medal 1” for a 20-yen rate medal and “medal 2” for a 5-yen rate medal. doing. Accordingly, the inter-medal lending machine 10 installed in the 20-yen slot section stores “medal 1” as the game type data 16c, and the inter-medal medal lending machine 10 installed in the 5-yen slot section stores the game type data. “Medal 2” is stored as 16c. The designated count data 16d is data indicating the designated count value received from the player.

  The control unit 17 is a control unit that totally controls the inter-unit medal lending machine 10, and includes a data management unit 17a, a count processing unit 17b, a designated count receiving unit 17c, and an excess medal return unit 17d.

  When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits a card insertion notification including the card ID 16a and the device ID to the card management device 40. When the data management unit 17a receives a valuable value (at least one of a prepaid value, a medal and a stored medal) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 17a updates the valuable value data 16b with the received valuable value. The data management unit 17a appropriately controls the display operation unit 13 to display the prepaid value, the medal value and the stored medal value indicated in the valuable value data 16b.

  In addition, when the player performs a medal lending operation, the data management unit 17 a transmits a medal lending request including the card ID 16 a and the device ID to the card management device 40. If a medal lending permission is received as a response to this medal lending request, the data management unit 17a pays out a predetermined number of medals.

  In addition, when a player performs a medal replay operation, the data management unit 17a subtracts a predetermined number of medal account balances indicated in the valuable value data 16b and pays out a corresponding number of medals. .

  Further, the data management unit 17a transmits a request for replaying a stored medal including the card ID 16a and the device ID to the member managing device 50 via the card managing device 40 when the player performs a replaying operation on the stored medal. To do. When the medal replay permission is received as a response to the replay request for stored medals, the data management unit 17a pays out a predetermined number of medals.

  In addition, when the card return operation is performed by the player, the data management unit 17a transmits a medal addition request including the card ID 16a, the device ID, and the medal number to the card management device 40, so that the own device medal After clearing the balance of the account to 0, a card discharge notification is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is discharged.

  Moreover, if a banknote is inserted in the banknote insertion slot 12a, the data management part 17a will transmit the payment notification containing the money amount of inserted banknote, card ID16a, and apparatus ID to the card management apparatus 40. FIG.

  In addition, when the data management unit 17a accepts a stored medal transfer operation for transferring a medal from a player to a stored medal, the data management unit 17a issues a request for transferring a stored medal including the card ID 16a and the device ID to the card management device 40. And transfer a part or all of the medal from the medal to the stored medal.

  If the inserted card is a membership card issued to a member, the transfer medal account can be specified by the card ID, but the inserted card can be used by non-members in general. In the case of a card, information for identifying a member is required in order to specify a transfer saving medal account. As information for identifying this member, the IDm of the portable terminal can be used. When using IDm of a portable terminal, IDm read from the holding part 14b will be included in the saving medal transfer request. In addition, instead of using IDm itself for storing medals at the mobile terminal, the member card ID may be inquired in advance using IDm, and the member card ID obtained in the response may be used.

  When a medal is inserted into the counting unit 19, the counting processing unit 17b performs a process of causing the counting unit 19 to count medals and adding the counting result to the number of medals held in the valuable value data 16b. In a normal count, the count processing unit 17b counts all inserted medals and adds the count result to the number of medals, but when the designated count is instructed by the designated count receiving unit 17c, the designated count data Counting is performed with the designated count value shown in 16d as the upper limit.

  When the designated count receiving unit 17c receives an input of the designated count value by the player, the designated count receiving unit 17c stores the inputted designated count value as the designated count data 16d in the storage unit 16, and causes the count processing unit 17b to perform the designated count. It is a processing unit.

  The excess medal return unit 17d is a processing unit that returns to the player by receiving the surplus medals to the tray 25 when the count processing unit 17b performs the specified count and the count result exceeds the specified count value. .

  Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10.

  The card ID 16a shown in FIG. 5A indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 is “2002”. Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, the card with the first digit “1” being a general card, and the card with the first digit “2” being a membership card.

  The value data 16b shown in FIG. 5B has a prepaid value of “20 times”, a medal account balance of “200”, a medal account balance of “2”, and “400” medal. This shows a state in which the balance of the saving medal account of 1 is “50” and the balance of the saving medal account of medal 2 is “0”. Here, the frequency of the prepaid value is equivalent to 100 yen per frequency. The medal 1 corresponds to a medal lent out at 20 yen per piece, and the medal 2 corresponds to a medal lent out at 5 yen per piece.

  The game type data 16c shown in FIG. 5C indicates that the game type used by the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 is “medal 1”. In addition, the designated count data 16d shown in FIG. 5D indicates that the designated count value received from the player is “800”.

  Next, a processing procedure of designated counting by the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the designated count by the inter-unit medal lending machine 10. The medal counting shown in FIG. 6 starts when an operation for instructing the counting, such as a pressing operation of a counting button, is received. Further, a medal insertion sensor may be provided so that counting is automatically started when the medal insertion sensor detects insertion of a medal. As the medal insertion sensor, a sensor for detecting the actual medal itself, a sensor for detecting vibration generated when the medal is inserted, or the like can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 to which the designated count value has been input waits for the insertion of a medal if no medal is inserted in the counting unit 19 (step S101; No). If a medal is inserted into the counting unit 19 (step S101; Yes), the counting processing unit 17b determines the number of medals and the count value that are the medals account balance of the game type indicated in the game type data 16c. Are added to determine whether the addition result matches the specified count value (step S102).

  If the total of the number of medals and the count value is less than the specified count value (step S102; No), the count processing unit 17b adds 1 to the count value (step S103) and collects one inserted medal for the recovery path. (Step S104). On the other hand, if the result of adding the number of medals and the count value matches the specified count value (step S102; Yes), the excess medal return unit 17d returns one inserted medal (step S107). If the result of adding the number of medals and the count value matches the specified count value, a message such as “having reached the specified number of 800 sheets” is displayed on the display operation unit 13, and the excess medal return unit 17d When the medals are returned, it is preferable to display a message such as “excess medal paying out” on the display operation unit 13.

  After step S104 or step S107 ends, the counting processing unit 17b determines whether or not the inserted medal remains (step S105). If there are medals remaining (step S105; Yes), the number processing unit 17b proceeds to step S102 and determines whether the total of the number of medals and the count value matches the specified count value.

  If the processing is completed for all inserted medals (step S105; No), the counting processing unit 17b adds the counting result to the medal account balance of the game type indicated in the game type data 16c (step S106). ), The process is terminated. When the count value reaches the specified count value after the count is completed or during the count, the specified count value may be associated with the card as a medal and discharged.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the processing in the case where control is performed so that the sum of the possessed medals and the count value becomes the specified count value is shown. You may control so that it may become. It is also possible to control so that the sum of the medal, the stored medal and the count value becomes the specified count value. It is preferable that the player can arbitrarily select whether or not the count value, the medal and the stored medal are totaled.

  Further, when the card ID 16a is a membership card ID, it is possible to select a process for transferring the count result of the designated count to the saving medal account. If the result of the designated count can be transferred to the saving medal account as it is, the player secures it as a saving medal by performing the designated counting for the amount corresponding to the investment amount in the game, and the remaining medals, that is, the medals acquired by the game Subsequent games can be performed within the range.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, when all inserted medals are processed, even if the sum of the number of medals and the count value is less than the specified count value, the process of ending the specified count as it is will be described. However, when the total of the medal and the count value is less than the specified count value, a confirmation may be requested from the player. If confirmation of the player is requested when the sum of the number of medals and the count value is less than the specified count value, an end confirmation process for the specified count is added after step S106 in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the specified count completion confirmation process. As shown in FIG. 7, after step S106 is completed, the count processing unit 17b determines whether or not the sum of medals and the count value has reached the specified count value (step S201), and reaches the specified count value. If so (step S201; Yes), the process is terminated as it is.

  If the sum of the medals and the count value has not reached the specified count value (step S201; No), the count processing unit 17b displays a confirmation message on the display operation unit 13. Specifically, a message such as “Currently 750 sheets. Before reaching the specified number (800 sheets), do you want to finish counting?” Is displayed (step S202).

  If additional insertion of medals is performed after the confirmation message is displayed (step S203; Yes), the count processing unit 17b proceeds to step S102 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the additional insertion of medals has not been performed (step S203; No), the counting processing unit 17b determines whether or not an operation for finishing the specified counting by the player has been received (step S204). The specified count end operation may be a dedicated operation for instructing the end of the specified count, or may be used as the specified count end operation when another operation such as card return is performed. Good.

  If the operation for ending the specified count is received (step S204; Yes), the count processing unit 17b ends the specified count. On the other hand, if the operation for ending the designated count is not received (step S204; No), the count processing unit 17b determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the confirmation message was displayed (step S205). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the confirmation message was displayed (step S205; No), the count processing unit 17b proceeds to step S203, and if the predetermined time has elapsed (step S205; Yes), ends the specified count. To do.

  6 and 7 show the processing procedure of refunding without counting the excess medals after the sum of the number of medals and the count value reaches the specified count value. A processing procedure may be used in which all medals inserted are counted, the card associated with the medal with the specified count value is discharged, and the excess amount is paid back. In this case, if 803 medals are inserted in the state of the specified count value 800, after counting 803, the card associated with 800 is ejected, and 3 medals are paid out. Become.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 counts up to the specified count value when the count is performed while receiving the input of the specified count value from the player. After that, the excess amount is paid back, so that the player can easily obtain a card associated with a desired counting result, and the convenience when counting medals can be improved.

  In addition, since it is possible to count so that the total of the number of medals and the number of medals and stored medals becomes the specified count value, the number of medals desired by the player can be determined in consideration of the number of medals and stored medals. It is possible to secure.

  In the first embodiment, the configuration for paying back the excess of the specified count value has been described. However, when the specified count value is exceeded, the specified count value and the excess may be associated with different cards. In the second embodiment, a configuration in which the designated count value and the excess are associated with different cards will be described.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of medal counting according to the second embodiment. The inter-unit medal lending machine 110 shown in FIG. 8 is attached to the gaming machine 20 that uses medals as game media, manages the number of usable medals in association with cards, and pays out and counts medals.

  The inter-unit medal lending machine 110 can accept input of a designated count value from a player. FIG. 8A shows a state in which “800” is received as a designated count value from the player. As described above, when the player inserts a medal into the inter-unit medal lending machine 110 in a state where the specified count value is received, the inter-unit medal lending machine 110 uses the specified count value among the inserted medals as a card. The cards are discharged in association with each other, and medals exceeding the specified count value are associated with another card.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (b), if 803 medals are inserted, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), a card in which 800 designated count values are associated as medals is issued. The three medals become the medals owned by the inter-unit medal lending machine 110. Therefore, if a card return operation is accepted in the state shown in FIG. 8C, the inter-unit medal lending machine 110 will separately issue a card associated with the medal “3”.

  As described above, when counting is performed in a state in which the input of the designated count value is received in advance, by associating the designated count value and the excess with different cards, the player can select a card associated with a desired count result. It can be obtained easily.

  Next, the internal configuration of the inter-unit medal lending machine 110 shown in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-unit medal lending machine 110 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the inter-unit medal lending machine 110 has a card switching unit 17f in the control unit 17 instead of the excess medal return unit 17d. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the inter-unit medal lending machine 10 shown in the first embodiment, and thus the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  When the count processing unit 17b performs the designated count and the count result reaches the designated count value, the card switching unit 17f discharges the card associated with the designated count value. The process of associating with a medal is performed.

  Next, a processing procedure of designated counting by the inter-unit medal lending machine 110 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of designated counting by the inter-unit medal lending machine 110.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the inter-unit medal lending machine 110 to which the designated count value has been input waits for the medal insertion if no medal is inserted in the counting unit 19 (step S301; No). If a medal is inserted into the counting unit 19 (step S301; Yes), the counting processing unit 17b determines the number of medals and the count value that are the medals account balance of the game type indicated in the game type data 16c. Are added, and it is determined whether the addition result matches the designated count value (step S302).

  If the total of the number of medals and the count value is less than the specified count value (step S302; No), the count processing unit 17b adds 1 to the count value (step S303) and collects one inserted medal for the recovery path. (Step S304).

  On the other hand, if the addition result of the number of medals and the count value matches the specified count value (step S302; Yes), the card switching unit 17f adds the count value to the medals in the valuable value data 16b (step S307). The medals are discharged in association with the card (step S308). At this time, the number of medals in the valuable value data 16b is transmitted to the card management device 40 together with the card ID and managed by the card management device 40. Then, the count value and the medal are cleared (step S309), a new card is conveyed from the card storage unit, the card ID is read, and the card ID 16a is rewritten (step S310). If the result of adding the number of medals and the count value matches the specified count value, a message such as “having reached the specified number of 800 sheets” is displayed on the display operation unit 13, and the card is switched by the card switching unit 17f. It is preferable to display a message such as “I will issue a card” on the display / operation unit 13 when discharging.

  Here, the case where the card associated with the medal for the specified count value is ejected at the stage where the addition result of the medal number and the count value coincides with the specified count value (step S302; Yes) is inserted. After counting all medals, the cards associated with the medals for the specified count value may be discharged, and the excess may be used as the number of medals. In this case, if 803 medals are inserted with the specified count value 800, after counting 803, the card associated with 800 is ejected and the number of medals is 3 It is stored in the rental machine 110.

  After step S304 or step S310 ends, the counting processing unit 17b determines whether or not the inserted medal remains (step S305). If medals remain (step S305; Yes), the count processing unit 17b proceeds to step S302, and determines whether the total of the number of medals and the count value matches the specified count value.

  If the processing is completed for all inserted medals (step S305; No), the counting processing unit 17b adds the counting result to the medal account balance of the game type indicated in the game type data 16c (step S306). ), The process is terminated.

  Note that a new card may be discharged before the end of the process. In this case, the first card associated with the medal for the designated count value discharged in step S308 and the second card associated with the medal for the designated count value excess discharged before the end of processing are associated. Two cards with the card will be obtained. For example, if 803 medals are inserted in the state of the designated count value 800, the first card having the medal number “800” is ejected in step S308, and the second medal number “3” is second before the processing is completed. Card is ejected. When the first and second cards are ejected, the card ID and the medal number of each card are transmitted to the card management device 40.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the processing is shown in the case where control is performed so that the sum of the medal and the count value becomes the specified count value, but the count value becomes the specified count value without performing the sum with the medal. You may control as follows. It is also possible to control so that the sum of the medal, the stored medal and the count value becomes the specified count value. It is preferable that the player can arbitrarily select whether or not the count value, the medal and the stored medal are totaled.

  Further, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, when all the inserted medals are processed, even if the total of the possessed medals and the count value is less than the specified count value, the process for ending the specified count as it is will be described. However, when the total of the medal and the count value is less than the specified count value, a confirmation may be requested from the player. Since the specified count completion confirmation process for requesting confirmation from the player when the sum of the medals and the count value is less than the specified count value is the same as in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the inter-unit medal lending machine 110 differs between the specified count value and the excess when counting is performed in a state where the input of the specified count value is received from the player. Since it is associated with the card, the player can easily obtain a card associated with the desired counting result, and the convenience when counting medals can be improved.

  In addition, since it is possible to count so that the total of the number of medals and the number of medals and stored medals becomes the specified count value, the number of medals desired by the player can be determined in consideration of the number of medals and stored medals. It is possible to secure.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the configuration in which the player inputs an arbitrary value as the designated count value has been described. However, the number of medals located in the tray 25 of the gaming machine 20 is estimated, and the estimated medal The input of the designated count value may be performed using the number. The number of medals located in the tray 25 of the gaming machine 20 can be estimated using the number of medals inserted into the gaming machine 20 and the number of medals paid out by winning. Even if a value larger than the number of medals located in the tray 25 is set as the designated count value, the designated count value cannot be reached. Therefore, it is only necessary to accept the estimated medal number or less as the designated count value.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the configuration in which the player inputs an arbitrary value as the designated count value has been described. However, the input of the desired scene type and number is accepted, and the inputted scene type and number of prizes are received. The number of exchange medals necessary for exchange with may be used as the designated count value. Note that the type of prize can be selected from general prizes and special prizes. Further, when a special prize is selected, the number of pieces is not input, and after completion of the counting, the remaining medals from the special prize prize varieties (for example, a large prize equivalent to 5000 yen, a middle prize equivalent to 1000 yen, or a small prize equivalent to 200 yen). The designated count value may be automatically calculated so that (fractional medal) is minimized. For example, if the player performs an operation of selecting “special prize” and the counting result is “723 sheets” with a 10-yen rate medal, 720 sheets (one large prize, two middle prizes, and one small prize 1) 3) is the specified count value, and 3 sheets are the excess.

  In addition, a designated count value may be held in a member card or the like so that a player can always use the same designated count value easily.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the timing for returning the excess medals may be after the card is discharged. When a player performs a specified count for the purpose of leaving the store, there is a possibility that he / she wants to collect a card associated with the desired number of medals, so it is possible to meet the needs of the player by paying out the fractional medals together after collecting the cards. Cards and fractional medals can be returned.

  Moreover, it is good also as implementing combining the above-mentioned Example 1 and 2. FIG. That is, if the remaining number (count value−designated count value) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is associated with the second card, and if it is less than the predetermined value, a medal is returned. Specifically, if the designated count value is 500 and the change threshold of the remaining number return method is 20, if 550 cards are counted, a 500-medal card is ejected and 50 cards are held. The inter-unit medal lending machine stores a medal (may be ejected as a second card). On the other hand, if the counted value is 512, 500 medals are held by the inter-unit medal lending machine, and 12 medals are paid out. With this configuration, if there is a certain remaining number, the player can easily move the table. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the discharge of a card that is associated with only a few medals. The change threshold value may be set according to the lending rate.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, a detailed description of the form of the card is omitted, but such a card includes a magnetic card, an IC card, and the like. Further, here, for convenience of explanation, the “card” has been described as an example. However, in addition to the card, a chip or a stick may be used.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where a medal is used as a game medium has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied even when a game medal is used as a game medium.

  Each illustrated configuration is schematic in function, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. That is, the form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed / integrated in an arbitrary unit according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be configured.

  As described above, the game medium counting device and the game medium counting method according to the present invention are suitable for coping with the counting of non-regular game media.

10, 110 inter-unit medal lending machine 11 status display unit 12 bill transport unit 12a bill insertion slot 13 display operation unit 14 reader / writer 14a card insertion port 14b holding unit 15 communication unit 16 storage unit 16a card ID
16b Valuable value data 16c Game type data 16d Specified count data 17 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Count processing unit 17c Specified count reception unit 17d Excess medal return unit 17f Card switching unit 18 Nozzle unit 18a Nozzle 19 Count unit 19a Medal insertion unit 20 Game machine 21 Drum unit 22 Display unit 23 Medal slot 24 Operation unit 25 Sampling tray 30 Island controller 40 Card management device 50 Member management device 60 Premium management device 80 Checkout machine

Claims (7)

A game medium counting device for counting game media used in a game by a gaming machine,
Counting means for counting the game media that has been inserted;
Receiving means for accepting a designated input of the number of game media desired by the player as a designated input value;
A game medium count characterized by comprising control means for performing storage processing using at least the designated input value as the number of acquired game media when the count value counted by the counting means becomes the designated input value accepted by the accepting means. apparatus.   The control means ends the counting process when the count value counted by the counting means reaches the designated input value, and pays out an uncounted game medium among the inserted game media. The game medium counting device according to claim 1.   The control means continues the counting process even when the count value becomes the specified input value, and pays out the game media exceeding the specified input value among the inserted game media, 2. The game medium counting device according to claim 1, wherein the number of excess game media is displayed.   When the count value exceeds the designated input value accepted by the accepting means, the control means associates the designated input value subjected to the storage process with a storage medium, and further performs a storage process for the excess. The game medium counting device according to claim 1.   If there is a previously acquired number of previously acquired game media, the control means, when the sum of the number of previously acquired game media and the count value becomes the specified input value, a new acquired game media 5. The game medium counting device according to claim 1, wherein a storage process is performed as a number.   The said control means adds the said count value to the balance of the game media account specified by the said member information, when the member information is read by this apparatus. The game medium counting device according to one. A game medium counting method for counting game media used for gaming by a gaming machine,
An accepting step of accepting a designated input of the number of game media desired by the player as a designated input value;
A counting step for counting the inserted game media;
And a control step for storing at least the designated input value in the storage unit as the number of acquired game media when the count value counted in the counting step becomes the designated input value accepted in the accepting step. Game media counting method.

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