JP2015205102A - Each-machine unit and number-of-owned-game-media management method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience when providing services including subtraction of the number of owned game media.SOLUTION: When receiving an operation of services including subtraction of the number of owned game media, a card processing spacer machine 10 determines propriety of the services from a total value of the number of owned game media and number of playable game media, executes a display on possible service items, and receives a selection of a service menu from the player. When it is possible to offer the selected service menu only by the number of owned game media, the card processing spacer machine 10 executes the processing, however, when it is insufficient only by the number of owned game media, prompts the player to count the number of shortfall game media on the game machine 20 and, after completion of counting processing of the number of game media, automatically restarts and executes the selected service processing.

Description

  The present invention relates to a stand device provided in a gaming machine that uses a game medium to play a game, and a method for managing the number of game media held by each stand device.

  Conventionally, at game stores such as pachinko parlors, the number of game media obtained by gaming is managed as the number of game media, and the number of game media obtained by subtracting and subtracting the number of game media can be used in the game. A service for portable media that can be played (hereinafter referred to as replay). The number of game media is managed in association with the card ID of the player's card, and even if the card is used to move to another game machine and play again, the game media No need to carry itself. In addition, the game media can be used for exchanging prizes with a prize exchange counter.

  In addition, recently, problems of brought-in balls from other stores and brought-in balls between different loan rates have become apparent, and therefore, enclosed-type gaming machines that do not generate such brought-in balls are attracting attention. The enclosed game machine has a structure in which the player does not touch the game medium, and the number of game media that can be launched (hereinafter referred to as the number of games that can be played) is managed as data (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .)

  In each stand device attached to such an enclosed game machine, the actual game media is not controlled to be paid out by itself or the game machine, but the number of game media is transmitted to the game machine as data. Become. When the game is ended, each device acquires the number of games that can be played from the gaming machine and adds it to the number of game media. The operation in which each device acquires the possible number of games from the gaming machine and adds it to the possessed game medium is called a counting operation because it corresponds to the operation of counting game media.

JP 2002-233635 A

  However, if the management of the number of game media carried by each device and the management of the number of games that can be played by the gaming machine are individually performed, the convenience of the player may be lowered. This point will be specifically described. The game media can be used not only for replay and prize exchange at the prize exchange counter, but also for wagon prize exchange. Wagon prize exchange is a service that allows shop assistants to put prizes such as drinks and cigarettes in wagons and go around the amusement shop so that players in the game can exchange prizes on the spot.

  When exchanging wagon prizes, the number of game media is subtracted in exchange for prizes, but there are cases where the number of game media is less than the required number. Even in such a case, if the number of games that can be played is sufficient, there is no problem even if the number of games that can be added is added by performing a counting operation and prizes can be exchanged. However, if the exchange of prizes is made possible, it will seem impossible to exchange prizes if only the number of game media is checked, so the player must know the number of game media and the number of games that can be played, It must be determined whether or not it can be exchanged for a free gift.

  In addition, the number of game media is associated with one card ID, but there is also a division service that divides the number of game media by associating a part of the number of game media with another card ID. . In such a division service, even if the number of game media that the player wants to divide is larger than the number of game media managed by each device, the counting operation can be performed if the number of games that can be played is sufficient. There is no problem even if the number of games that can be added is added and division is possible. Also in this split service, as in the case of exchanging wagon prizes, the number of game media and the number of games that can be played are grasped, and it is necessary to determine whether or not the desired number of game media can be divided from the total. The problem of having to occur arises.

  This solves the problem that when a player in a game uses a service that involves subtraction of the number of game media, the player must know the number of game media and the number of games that can be played. Improving convenience is an important issue.

  The present invention is to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and each device and the number of game media that can improve convenience when providing a service that involves subtraction of the number of game media. The purpose is to provide a management method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a number of game media associated with a predetermined storage medium, each of which is attached to a gaming machine that uses a game medium to play a game. Game media number acquisition means for acquiring game media number storage means for storing the number of game media acquired by the game media number acquisition means, and the number of game media stored by the game media number storage means A game number transfer request means for making a game number transfer request for adding a part or all of the game number to a game number managed by the game machine, and a game number notification for receiving a notification of the game number from the game machine A receiving means; a holding medium number transfer request receiving means for receiving a request for transferring the number of held mediums for adding a part or all of the possible number of games to the number of held games medium from the gaming machine; Means remember A total processing means for calculating the total number of game media by adding the number of game media and the number of games received by the game count notification receiving means; and the number of game media stored in the number of game media storage means A portable game medium use service providing means for providing a service involving subtraction, wherein the portable game medium use service providing means determines whether the service can be provided based on the total number of game media calculated by the total processing means. It is characterized by doing.

  In addition, the present invention provides the above-mentioned invention, wherein the possession game medium use service providing means provides a prize exchange service for exchanging the number of possession game media and prizes, and the total number of game media is the minimum required for prize exchange. Whether or not the premium exchange service can be provided is determined based on whether or not the number is greater than or equal to the number.

  In addition, the present invention provides the portable game medium use service providing means according to the present invention, wherein when the total number of game media is less than the minimum number required for the prize exchange, the means for selecting the prize exchange service is accepted. It is characterized by deterrence.

  In addition, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the possession game medium use service providing means provides a possession game medium number division service that divides and associates the number of possession game media into a plurality of storage media, Whether or not the service for dividing the number of game media to be provided is determined based on whether or not the number of game media exceeds the total number of game media.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the number of required media, which is the number of game media required for providing the service, is equal to or less than the total number of game media, and the required number of media is stored in the game media number storage means. When the number of stored game media exceeds the number of stored game media, operation guide means for outputting an operation guide corresponding to the request for shifting the number of game media stored is further provided.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the number of required media, which is the number of game media required for providing the service, is equal to or less than the total number of game media, and the required number of media is stored in the game media number storage means. When the number of stored game media exceeds the stored number of game media, the game machine further comprises a game media number transfer request instruction means for instructing the game machine to execute the request for transfer of the number of game media.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the possession game medium use service providing means is configured such that the number of possession media stored in the possession game medium number storage means in response to the possession game medium number transfer request is greater than or equal to the required number of media. The service is provided in such a case.

  In addition, the present invention is a method for managing the number of game media to be used by each device attached to a gaming machine that uses a game media to play a game, and obtains the number of game media associated with a predetermined storage medium. A step of acquiring the number of game media, a step of storing the number of game media stored in the storage unit, the number of game media acquired by the step of acquiring the number of game media, and a part or all of the number of game media stored in the storage unit A game number transfer request step for making a game number transfer request for adding a game number to a game number managed by the gaming machine, a game number notification receiving step for receiving a notification of the game number from the gaming machine, A summing processing step of summing the number of gaming media stored in the storage unit and the number of gaming media received in the gaming number notification receiving step to calculate the total number of gaming media; and the summing processing step. Based on the determination step of determining whether to provide a service with subtraction of the number of game media, based on the calculated total number of game media, and on the condition that the service is determined to be provided by the determination step, A service medium use service providing step of providing the service.

  According to the present invention, the number of games that can be received is received from the gaming machine, the total number of game media and the number of games that can be added are calculated to calculate the total number of game media, and whether or not a service is provided that involves subtraction of the number of game media. Since the determination is made based on the total number of game media, the convenience in providing a service for using the number of game media can be improved.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the service for using the ball using the inter-card processing machine 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 inter-card card processing machine and the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine and the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of data excluding the wagon premium master among the data stored in the storage unit of the inter-card card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the wagon premium master stored in the storage unit of the inter-card processing machine. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the card management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of data stored in the storage unit of the card management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the service for using the ball by the inter-card processing machine. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display of the display operation unit of the inter-card processing machine during the wagon replacement process. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display of the display operation unit of the inter-card processing machine at the time of the ball splitting process. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the substitute process of the inter-card card processing machine when the gaming machine becomes impossible to count. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an uncounted ball processing procedure of the inter-card processing machine when the gaming machine is replaced with a gaming machine having an uncounted number of balls. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the uncounted ball processing by the card management device when the gaming machine cannot count. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the service for using the ball by the inter-card processing machine according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of uncounted ball processing by the inter-card card processing machine according to the second embodiment when the gaming machine is replaced with a gaming machine having uncounted balls.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of each device and a method for managing the number of game media according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In this specification, “mochitama” refers to data indicating the number of game media acquired by the player in the game or the number of the game media, and may be used again for the game only during that day (time before closing). Say what you can do. The stored ball is data indicating the game media acquired by the player in the game or the number of the game media, and can be used again for the game after the next day (time after closing). Mochitama can be used by both general and member players, and is used when a gaming machine is moved. The stored ball is normally only available to member players, and is used when the acquired game medium is used for games from the next day. A predetermined fee may be imposed on the use of the stored ball.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the service for using a ball by the inter-card card processing machine 10 according to the first embodiment. In the game store, a plurality of gaming machines 20 are installed, and each gaming machine 20 is provided with an inter-card processing machine 10. The gaming machine 20 is an enclosed gaming machine having a structure in which a player does not touch the game medium, and manages the number of game balls that can be fired as data that can be played using data. Further, the inter-card card processing machine 10 manages the holding balls as data.

  The exchange of wagons and splitting of prizes is a service for exchanging them for prizes by using the possession balls and distributing the possession to other people. In this case, the player determines whether the number of possessed balls has reached the necessary number for exchanging wagons or splitting the possessed balls. If there is a shortage in the number of balls, it is determined whether or not the total number of games can be added, and if it is sufficient, the necessary number of games needs to be held. If such determination and processing are performed by the player every time the wagon is replaced or the ball is split, it is inconvenient because the player cannot concentrate on the game.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the inter-card card processing machine 10 according to the first embodiment, when trying to receive a service that consumes the possession balls, and the number of possession balls possessed by the player can be played. The total value with the number is compared with the number of balls used for the service. Then, it is determined that the service menu item having the total value larger than the number of balls necessary for the service is serviceable. Then, the service menu is received from the player and the process is executed.

  For example, if the number of possessed balls is “2000”, the number of games that can be played is “1000” balls, and the “mochidama split service” is selected to create a card associated with “1000” balls, It is determined that it is possible to divide the ball with only the number of balls, and a 1000 ball division process is automatically executed.

  Also, if you have 500 balls, you have 1000 playable balls, and you want to make a “1000” ball split card, the number of balls is not enough. The processor 10 prompts the player to count the number of games that can be played. When the counting process is completed, the inter-card card processing machine 10 automatically restarts the ball splitting process and discharges 1000 ball splitting cards.

  In this way, the inter-card processing machine 10 displays a service menu that can be selected by the player from the total value of the number of balls and the number of games that can be played. This makes it possible to smoothly access necessary services and concentrate on the game without being bothered by the calculation.

  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-card card processing machine 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20 are installed in the gaming store. The inter-card processing 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 device that plays a game by driving a game ball enclosed in the device into a game board surface. The gaming board surface of the gaming machine 20 is provided with a plurality of winning areas (winning openings), and a predetermined number of gaming balls are given as prize balls based on the passing of the gaming balls through the winning area. It has become. In addition, a predetermined number of start areas (start ports) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is performed based on the game balls passing through the start areas. If the lottery is a big win, an operation that is advantageous in terms of game is performed, for example, by increasing the probability of passing the game ball to the winning area or other starting area by operating a predetermined movable member or the like. There may be an area that doubles as a starting area and a winning area.

  The winning area is provided with a winning sensor for detecting the passing of a game ball to the winning area, and the winning sensor detects the passing (winning) of the game ball that has been driven into the winning area. ing. In addition, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize ball memory that stores how many game balls are awarded as prize balls for each winning area, and a gameable number memory that indicates the number of balls that the player can throw out. Have.

  Accordingly, when the passing of a game ball that has been struck to a specific winning area is detected by the winning sensor, the gaming machine 20 receives a prize ball that is to be awarded from the stored contents of the winning ball memory and the number of games that have passed through the winning area. The number is determined, and the determined number of prizes is added to the game possible number stored in the game possible number memory to update the stored content. Further, when the number of games that can be transferred is transferred as the number of balls in the inter-card card processing machine 10, the number of games that can be held in the game-capable number memory is notified to the inter-card card processing machine 10, and the number of games that can be played Is cleared to zero. Further, when a notice of the number of games that can be added by ball lending operation or the like is received from the inter-card processing machine 10, the notified number of balls is added to the number of games that can be played, and the stored contents are updated.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 receives payment, rents out game balls, communicates with the card management device 40, and communicates with the gaming machine 20. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts a bill inserted by the player, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits a payment notification including the deposit amount to the card management device 40, thereby converting the prepaid value into a prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Let them add. If a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, a ball 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 corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value is The machine 20 is notified and added to the number of games that can be played.

  Further, if the inter-card card processing machine 10 accepts the card insertion, the inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits a card insertion notification to the card management device 40. Further, when the inter-card card processing machine 10 receives the prepaid value, the balance or the balance of the stored ball from the card management device 40, the balance is stored. And when the balance of a possession ball is received and memorize | stored, the balance of the possession ball which the card management apparatus 40 manages is cleared to zero by transmitting a possession ball subtraction request | requirement with respect to the card management apparatus 40.

  Further, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the holding ball replay operation, the predetermined number of holding balls managed by its own device is subtracted, and the gaming machine 20 is notified of the number corresponding to the subtracted holding ball number, Add to the number of possible games. In addition, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the stored ball replay operation, it transmits a stored ball replay request to the card management device 40, thereby subtracting a predetermined number of stored balls managed by the member management device 50, The gaming machine 20 is notified of the number corresponding to the subtracted number of stored balls, and is added to the game possible number.

  Further, if the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits a holding ball addition request including the number of holding balls to the card management device 40 and causes the card management device 40 to add the holding balls, A card discharge notification is transmitted to the card management device 40 to control the card discharge. In addition, when the transfer operation of the game possible number is received from the gaming machine 20 before the card return operation, the transferred game possible number is added to the number of possessed balls, and the balance of the possessed balls of the card management device 40 is calculated. Update.

  In addition, the inter-card processing machine 10 has a function of acquiring a gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 and authenticating the gaming machine 20 using the acquired gaming machine ID and the authentication key received from the card management device 40. Have. This authentication is performed at the time of the store opening process or the like, and the gaming machine 20 can play a game on the condition that the authentication is successful.

  In addition, the inter-card card processing machine 10 receives notification of the number of games that can be played and the operation state of the handle 21 from the gaming machine 20, and receives display control of the display operation unit 22 and reception of player operations on the display operation unit 22. I do.

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

  When the card management device 40 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card management apparatus 40 manages the ID of the inserted card and the inter-card card processing machine 10 in association with each other, and prepaid associated with the card ID. The value and the balance of the possession ball are transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10. Further, when the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of the member card, the card insertion notification is transmitted to the member management device 50, and the replay data received from the member management device 50 is used as the interbank card. It transmits to the processor 10.

  In addition, when the card management device 40 receives the holding ball subtraction request from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the holding ball to zero and receives the internal ball addition request from the inter-card card processing machine 10. In such a case, the number of possessed balls indicated in the retained ball addition request is added to the balance of the retained balls.

  Further, when the card management device 40 receives a ball rental request from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID, and grants the ball rental permission to the inter-card card processing machine 10. Send. Then, when the storage ball replay request is received, the storage ball replay request is transmitted to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 outputs the storage ball replay data, Transmit to the card processor 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 number of possessed balls 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.

  Further, the card management device 40 acquires the gaming machine ID from the inter-card card processing machine 10 and manages the gaming machine 20 installed in the own store. Then, an authentication key for authenticating the gaming machine 20 set in the own store is acquired from the authentication key management center outside the gaming store, and distributed to the inter-card card processing machine 10.

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

  When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-card processing machine 10, the member management apparatus 50 stores the inter-ball replay data including the balance of the storage ball corresponding to the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification and the personal identification number. Transmit to the card processor 10. Further, when the member management device 50 receives the stored ball replay request from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number of the balance of the stored ball associated with the card ID indicated in the stored ball replay request, and after the subtraction The stored ball replay data including the balance of the stored balls is transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10. Note that communication between the inter-card card processor 10 and the member management device 50 is performed via the card management device 40.

  In addition, when the member management device 50 receives an inquiry about the number of stored balls from the premium management device 60, the member management device 50 notifies the premium management device 60 of the balance of the stored balls corresponding to the designated card ID.

  The prize management device 60 is a terminal device for exchanging prizes attached to a prize exchange counter in the amusement store, and performs prize exchange processing for earned balls, storage balls, and holding balls. The premium management device 60 is connected to a card reader that reads the card ID of the card and a premium dispensing device that dispenses premiums. The premium management device 60 transmits the card ID to the card management device 40 when the card ID is read from the general card or the membership card (or when the identification information corresponding to the card ID is read from the mobile terminal or the like). And request the balance of the possession of the card ID. In addition, when exchanging prizes for the stored balls, the member management device 50 is requested for the balance of the stored balls.

  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. Withdraw cash equivalents.

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

  When the card management device 40 receives a message including a ball 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 ball lending permission is transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10 of the transmission source. The inter-card card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission transmits an addition signal requesting addition to the number of possible games (for example, 125) corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value to the gaming machine 20.

  The gaming machine 20 that has received the addition signal adds the number of games that can be played, and transmits the number of games that can be added to the inter-card card processor 10. The inter-card processing machine 10 confirms whether or not the addition of the possible number of games has been properly performed using the possible number of games before the addition, the possible number of games after the addition, and the number of ball lending. .

  Next, a description will be given of the ball replay process in the case where the ball replay is performed in the system shown in FIG. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of the general card or the membership card, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits a message specifying the local address of the card management device 40 as the destination. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-card card processing machine 10, the address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source, and the rate of the inter-card card processing machine 10 Information for identifying the card and a card insertion notification.

  When the card management device 40 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-card card processing machine 10, among the possessed balls associated with the card ID in the message, the balance of the coins at the rate specified by the message Is sent to the inter-card card processor 10.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 stores the balance of the coins received from the card management device 40. And the message containing the information which specifies card ID and a rate, and a possession subtraction request | requirement is transmitted to the card management apparatus 40. FIG. When the card management device 40 receives the possession ball subtraction request, the balance of the possession ball specified by the card ID and the rate is cleared to zero. In addition, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the possession ball replay operation, the balance card balance is subtracted by a certain number, the corresponding number is notified to the gaming machine 20, and is added to the possible number of games.

  The inter-card card processing machine 10 is transmitted if it receives from the gaming machine 20 a management transfer request for transferring its management by setting the possible number of gaming machines 20 to be possessed by the inter-card card processing machine 10. Add a certain number of playable games to your own device. After that, if a card return operation is accepted, a message including a request for adding coins is transmitted to the card management device 40. This message includes the card ID of the card to be ejected, an address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-card card processor 10 that is the transmission source, information for identifying the rate of the inter-card card processor 10, and possession Includes a balance of balls and a request for adding balls.

  When the card management device 40 accepts a request for adding a ball, the card management device 40 updates the balance of the ball having the rate specified by the message to the received value among the balls associated with the card ID in the message. To do.

  Thereafter, the inter-card card processor 10 transmits a card discharge notification to the card management device 40 and controls the card discharge.

  Next, a stored ball replay process when the replay of the stored ball is performed with the system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The inter-card processing machine 10 designates the local address of the card management device 40 as a destination when a membership card is inserted or when identification information corresponding to a card ID is read from a portable terminal that can be used as a membership card. Send a message. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-card card processing machine 10 (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal; hereinafter referred to as the card ID), and the inter-card process that is the transmission source. An address for identifying the machine 10 or arbitrary identification information, information for identifying the rate of the inter-card card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

  The card management device 40 transmits a card insertion notification message to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives a card insertion notification message, the member management device 50 includes a personal identification number associated with the card ID in the message and the balance of the stored balls at the rate specified by the message among the stored balls. The stored ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 stores the received stored ball replay data, and the balance of the stored ball indicated in the stored ball replay data is the number of game balls paid out in the stored ball replay (the number of stored ball replay units. For example, 125 balls). ) If it is above, it is possible to accept the replay operation of the stored ball.

  When the storage card replay data is stored for the first time after the storage ball replay data is stored, the inter-card processing machine 10 requests the player to input a password, and the input password is the stored ball replay data. Confirm that it matches the PIN number shown in.

  The inter-card card processor 10 transmits a message specifying the local address of the card management device 40 as the destination when the passwords match. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-card card processing machine 10, the address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source, and the rate of the inter-card card processing machine 10 And information for identifying the storage ball replay request.

  The card management device 40 transmits a telegram of a storage ball replay request to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives a message for a replay request for a stored ball, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined amount of the balance of the stored ball at the rate specified by the message from among the stored balls associated with the card ID in the message, The stored ball replay data including the balance after the subtraction is transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 receives the stored ball replay data, updates the balance of the stored ball, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units, and adds it to the number of possible games. Further, it is determined whether the balance of the updated storage ball is less than the number of stored ball replay units. If the updated balance of the stored ball data is equal to or greater than the number of stored ball replay units, the stored ball replay operation can be accepted again, and if the stored ball replay operation is received, a stored ball replay request is transmitted. In the second and subsequent replay operations of the stored ball, it is not necessary to confirm the password. If the balance of the updated storage ball data becomes less than the number of stored ball replay units, the stored ball replay operation cannot be accepted.

  Next, the transition from the holding ball to the storage ball in the closing process will be described. The card management device 40 confirms the balance of the possessed ball associated with the membership card in the card management data during the closing process, and if there is a retained ball with a balance of more than “0”, The balance of the balls is notified to the member management device 50 together with the card ID and rate. The member management device 50 adds the notified balance to the balance of the stored ball specified by the card ID and the rate and updates it. Thereafter, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the holding ball to zero.

  Next, the external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. Although the inter-card card processing machine 10 that accepts only banknotes is illustrated in the figure, a unit that can accept electronic money can also be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-card card processing machine 10 includes a status display unit 11 that displays the status of the apparatus of the inter-card card processing machine 10 by lighting or blinking a predetermined color lamp, and a bill insertion slot that accepts various bills. 12a, a display operation unit 13 such as a touch panel display, and a card insertion slot 14a for receiving a card associated with a card ID are provided.

  The gaming machine 20 includes a gaming board surface, a handle 21 used when throwing the enclosed gaming balls onto the gaming board surface, a display operation unit 22 of the inter-card processing machine 10 such as a touch panel display, and a counting button 23. And are provided.

  The counting button 23 subtracts the number of games that can be played by the gaming machine 20 and adds the corresponding number to the balls of the inter-card card processing machine 10, thereby managing the number of balls that can be thrown from the gaming machine 20 to the This is an operation button for performing management transfer to the card processor 10. This management shift corresponds to a counting process in which, in an open-type gaming machine in which the actual game balls are paid out by winning, the paid game balls are counted by the inter-card processing machine 10 and added to the holding balls.

  Although the display operation unit 22 is provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 20, input / output control thereof is performed by the inter-card card processing machine 10. The display operation unit 22 is an input / output device such as a touch panel display that displays various types of information such as the balance of the holding ball and receives various types of operations such as a display switching operation.

  Next, the internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the inter-card card processing machine 10 includes a banknote transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader / writer 14, a communication unit 15, a gaming machine management board 18, a storage unit 16, and a control. Unit 17 and display operation unit 22.

  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 display operation unit 13 is an input / output device such as a touch panel display that displays various kinds of information such as valuable value and accepts various operations such as a ball lending operation.

  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 the card management device 40 via a communication line.

  The gaming machine management board 18 is a board built in the inter-card card processing machine 10. The gaming machine management board 18 performs authentication and activation management of the gaming machine 20. Specifically, the gaming machine 20 is authenticated using the authentication key received from the card management device 40. If the authentication is successful, an operation permission is transmitted to the gaming machine 20, and a result of the authentication success is transmitted to the card management device 40. It is preferable to authenticate the gaming machine 20 with a plurality of parameters. And even if it is a case where a part of authentication becomes NG, it is preferable to enable operation | movement only for a fixed period (for example, 10 days).

  Further, the gaming machine management board 18 communicates between the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20. Specifically, the acquisition of a gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, the management shift from the possession ball to the number of games that can be played, the management transition from the number of games that can be played to the possession ball, the number of shot balls and the winning balls in the gaming machine 20 Receive game results such as numbers. The communication between the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 uses encryption communication using a predetermined encryption method.

  The gaming machine management board 18 reads the identification information from the control CPU provided in the control unit 17 when the inter-card card processing machine 10 is activated, and checks whether the identification information is appropriate. 10 is permitted, and a state in which communication with the gaming machine 20 is possible is set. Note that the gaming machine management board 18 communicates in different encryption modes for communication with the control unit 17 when the inter-card card processing machine 10 is started up and communication with the gaming machine 20.

  The gaming machine management board 18 receives a signal transmitted from the gaming machine 20 at regular intervals, and returns a signal indicating that it has been received to the gaming machine 20 based on the reception of the signal. The signal transmitted from the gaming machine 20 includes, for example, data indicating a signal serial number (hereinafter referred to as “signal serial number”) using a certain range of numbers and data indicating the state of the gaming machine 20. The gaming machine management board 18 has a storage unit that stores the signal sequence number of the signal received from the gaming machine 20 at least once before, and the gaming machine 20 is compared with the signal sequence number received from the gaming machine 20 this time. Control to maintain the consistency of information from. For example, if the signal sequence number of the received signal is different from the sequence number stored in the storage unit plus one (for example, a number greater than 1), the signal reception may be lost. As a result, the game machine 20 is requested to retransmit the previous signal. The reply signal returned to the gaming machine 20 also includes a signal sequence number, and for example, 1 is added to the signal sequence number for each transmission. Further, data indicating the state of the gaming machine 20 included in the received signal is stored in the gaming machine state data 16f. In addition, the gaming machine management board 18 determines that the state is abnormal when there is no signal transmission from the gaming machine 20 for a certain period longer than the above certain interval, and performs abnormality processing (notification output, error Down). The data indicating the state of the gaming machine 20 transmitted from the gaming machine 20 includes the current number of games that can be played by the gaming machine 20, game information indicating whether the game machine 20 is normal or probability variation, and the like. In this way, the time interval for acquiring the state of the gaming machine 20 is set to be narrower than the interval at which the gaming balls are launched (used) in the gaming machine 20.

  The gaming machine management board 18 has a security chip. The security chip has its own identification ID and a predetermined encryption / decryption program, and communicates with the security chip of the gaming machine 20.

  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 setting data 16c, an inter-card card processing machine ID 16d, a gaming machine ID 16e, a gaming machine state data 16f, and a wagon prize master 16g.

  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 add the number of games that can be played. This valuable value includes the balance of the prepaid value that can be used for the ball lending, the balance of the possession data, the password for replaying the stored ball, and the balance of the stored ball data.

  The game setting data 16c is data indicating a game type or the like set in the inter-card card processing machine 10. When handling multiple rate game balls in a game store, “ball 1” for 4 yen game balls, “ball 2” for 2 yen game balls, “ball 3” for 1 yen rate game balls As shown, the game type name is set and managed for each rate. The inter-card processing machine 10 selects a rate used for the game from these game types and stores it as the game setting data 16c. The game setting data 16c may be a game type fixed for each section in which the inter-card card processing machine 10 is installed, or may be changeable by a player's operation.

  The inter-card card processing machine ID 16d is identification information for uniquely identifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 in the amusement store. The gaming machine ID 16e is gaming machine ID data received from the gaming machine 20 by the gaming machine management board 18.

  The gaming machine state data 16f is data indicating the state of the gaming machine 20. The gaming machine state data 16f includes a gaming machine ID, the number of games that can be played, a firing strength, and the like. The number of games that can be played, the firing strength, and the like are updated each time update data is received from the gaming machine 20.

  The wagon prize master 16g is data in which a prize name, a group code indicating a prize classification, a prize value, and the number of exchange balls are associated with a prize code that uniquely identifies a prize. The wagon giveaway master 16g is used to specify the number of exchange balls necessary for exchanging with a prize desired by the player.

  The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the inter-card card processing machine 10 as a whole, and includes a data management unit 17a, a rate setting processing unit 17b, a gaming machine state management unit 17c, a gameable number total processing unit 17d, and a service using a ball. It has a providing unit 17e, an operation guide unit 17f, and an uncounted ball processing unit 17g.

  When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits a card insertion notification including the card ID and the inter-card card processor ID to the card management device 40. In addition, when the data management unit 17a receives data including a valuable value (at least one of prepaid value, holding ball, and storage ball) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 17a updates the valuable value data 16b with the received valuable value.

  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 the inserted banknote, card ID, and inter-card processing machine ID to the card management apparatus 40.

  The data management unit 17a transmits a ball lending request including the card ID and the inter-card processing machine ID to the card management device 40 when a ball lending operation is performed by the player. If the ball lending permission is received as a response to the ball lending request, the data management unit 17a subtracts the prepaid value of the valuable value data 16b and transmits a predetermined number of balls to the gaming machine 20 to allow the number of games possible To add.

  In addition, when the data management unit 17a accepts the possession ball replay operation, the possession of the valuable value data 16b is subtracted and updated by a predetermined number unit, and the corresponding number of balls is transmitted to the gaming machine 20 to be played. Add to the possible number.

  Moreover, the data management part 17a displays the savings replay button on the display operation part 13 or the display operation part 22 when the balance of the savings indicated in the value data 16b is equal to or more than the number of savings replay units, It is possible to accept a replay operation of the stored ball. The data management unit 17a transmits a stored ball replay request including the card ID and the inter-card processing machine ID to the card management device 40 when the player performs a stored ball replay operation. If the stored ball replay data is received as a response to the reclaimed ball replay request, the balance of the stored ball in the value data 16b is updated, and the number of balls corresponding to the stored ball replay unit number is transmitted to the gaming machine 20 to play the game. Add to the possible number. In addition, at the time of the first storage replay operation, a password is requested to be input and to match the password shown in the valuable value data 16b is a condition for transmitting a storage ball replay request.

  In addition, when the data management unit 17a receives a game ball transfer request from the gaming machine 20 through the gaming machine management board 18, the number of games that can be transferred from the gaming machine 20 is used as a possession of the valuable value data 16b. Add and update.

  In addition, when the data management unit 17a accepts a card return operation, the data management unit 17a transmits a card ID, an inter-card card processing machine ID, a ball addition request including the balance of the ball and the number of uncounted balls to the card management device 40. To do. Then, after the valuable data 16b is cleared, a card discharge notification is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is discharged.

  In addition, the data management unit 17a receives the notification of the temporary holding ball from the uncounted ball processing unit 17g under the control of the store clerk terminal (remote controller or the like) when the gaming machine 20 becomes unable to count. In addition to updating the possession data of the card management device 40 by adding the temporary possession ball to the number of possession balls, the card is returned after associating it with the card.

  The rate setting processing unit 17b displays a rate corresponding to the current game type set in the game setting data 16c on the display operation unit 13 or the display operation unit 22, and is configured to accept selection of a rate by the player. If it is, the selectable rate is displayed on the display operation unit 13 or the display operation unit 22. When the player selects a desired rate, the rate setting processing unit 17b updates the game setting of the game setting data 16c with the game type corresponding to the selected rate. On the other hand, if the player is not set to accept rate selection, no selectable rate is displayed during the game. In this case, a selectable rate is displayed on condition that a remote control operation or the like by the store clerk is accepted and authentication is performed. When the store clerk selects the rate, the rate setting processing unit 17b updates the game setting of the game setting data 16c with the game type corresponding to the selected rate. In this case, if there is a signal instructing selection of a game type from a higher-level device such as the card management device 40, the game setting data 16c is displayed according to the instructed game type without displaying a selectable rate. Update game settings.

  The gaming machine state management unit 17c performs processing for updating the gaming machine state data 16f when the gaming machine ID, the number of games that can be played, the firing speed, and the like are acquired from the gaming machine 20. Further, when a gaming machine ID is acquired from the gaming machine 20, the gaming machine ID depends on whether or not the gaming machine ID matches the previously acquired gaming machine ID, that is, the gaming machine ID indicated in the gaming machine state data 16f. 20 replacements may be detected. When the gaming machine ID acquired from the gaming machine 20 does not match the previously acquired gaming machine ID, the gaming machine state management unit 17c determines that the gaming machine 20 has been replaced, and the gaming machine ID is determined based on the acquired gaming machine ID. The gaming machine ID in the machine status data 16f is updated, and the updated gaming machine ID and inter-card card processing machine ID are transmitted to the card management device 40.

  The game possible number summation processing unit 17d calculates a sum value of the number of possession balls and the number of playable games when the service using the possession ball is selected, compares the number of balls necessary for the service with the sum value, It is a processing part which determines the propriety. The game possible number summation processing unit 17d reads the game possible number from the gaming machine state data 16f and sums it with the number of possessed balls. In the case of the wagon exchange service, the number of balls required for the prize exchange is specified from the wagon prize master 16d, and the total number of balls is calculated.

  In addition, when the number of available balls is less than the number of balls required for the service for using the balls, the displayable unit 22 displays that the number of game balls necessary for the shortage is necessary. The operation guidance unit 17f is notified so as to do so. Then, the ball use service providing unit 17e is notified that the number of balls necessary for the ball use service has been reached.

  The holding ball use service providing unit 17e is a processing unit for providing a service using a holding ball such as a wagon exchange or a holding ball division. The possession ball use service providing unit 17e receives the service selection of the player from the service menu displayed by the operation guide unit 17f. Then, when the player selects the service menu, the result of availability is received from the game possible number summation processing unit 17d, the menu that can provide the service is displayed, and the menu that cannot provide the service is hidden and cannot be selected.

  The possessed ball use service providing unit 17e, when receiving the service selected by the player from the displayed menu, executes the received service and executes the received service from the number of retained balls in the valuable value data 16b. Update by subtracting the number.

  In addition, if the possession ball use service providing unit 17e is insufficient for providing the service, the service provision unit 17e suspends the service provision and displays a message prompting the counting of game balls through the operation guide unit 17f. After that, when a notification indicating that the number of balls required for the service has been reached is received from the game possible number total processing unit 17d, the service providing process is automatically resumed.

  In addition, the service using service providing unit 17e receives a notification from the data management unit 17a or the like when an operation irrelevant to the service providing such as deposit or lending is performed while displaying a message for encouraging counting. The providing process is terminated and the display is returned to the game display screen.

  The operation guide unit 17f is a processing unit that displays an operation guide necessary for the service of using the ball, and guides the player's operation. The operation guide unit 17f displays operation procedures for each stage so that the player can receive the service smoothly.

  Specifically, the operation guide unit 17f displays a service menu that is possible with the sum of the number of balls and the number of games that can be played. Then, the service menu selected by the player is notified to the possession ball use service providing unit 17e. Here, when a notification that counting of the possible number of games is necessary is received from the gameable number summation processing unit 17d, a message prompting the counting of the possible number of games is displayed. When the required number of games has shifted to the inter-card processing machine 10 by the required number of balls, a message indicating that the required number of balls has been reached is displayed.

  The uncounted ball processing unit 17g is a processing unit that performs an alternative process when counting by the gaming machine 20 becomes impossible due to a failure of the counting button 23 or the like. When the gaming machine 20 becomes unable to count, under the control of the store clerk's terminal (remote controller), the uncounted ball processing unit 17g reads the game possible number from the gaming machine state data 16f, and temporarily stores it. The data management unit 17a is notified as a holding ball.

  In addition, the uncounted ball processing unit 17g receives the notification from the gaming machine state management unit 17c when the gaming machine 20 is replaced with the gaming machine 20 in which the number of games remaining is left, and the gaming machine state data When it is detected from 16f that there is an uncounted ball, a display that prompts for counting is performed. Then, the counting operation of the player or the store clerk is accepted and the possession shift process is performed, and the card management device 40 is notified of the uncounting together with the number of possessions and the gaming machine ID. After that, it clears the possession data.

  Next, the internal configuration of the gaming machine 20 will be described. The gaming machine 20 includes a handle 21, a counting button 23, a communication control unit 24, an effect control unit 25, a game control unit 26, and a game ball control unit 27. The communication control unit 24 is a control unit for controlling data communication with the inter-card card processor 10. The communication control unit 24 has a security chip. The security chip has its own identification ID and a predetermined encryption / decryption program, and communicates with the security chip of the inter-card card processor 10.

  The communication control unit 24 reads the identification information from the control CPU provided in the game control unit 26 and / or the game ball control unit 27 when the gaming machine 20 is activated, and checks whether the identification information is appropriate. The start of the gaming machine 20 is permitted, and a state in which communication with the inter-card card processing machine 10 is possible is set.

  The communication control unit 24 reads out the game possible number stored in the game possible number memory of the game ball control unit 27 at regular intervals, and the state of the gaming machine 20 stored in the game control unit 26 (normal or during probability variation). Or the like) and the like are transmitted to the inter-card card processor 10 as a signal. This signal includes, for example, data indicating a signal serial number (hereinafter referred to as “signal serial number”) using a certain range of numbers. The communication control unit 24 confirms the signal sequence number included in the reply signal returned from the inter-card card processor 10 for the signal transmitted to the inter-card card processor 10 and compares it with the transmitted signal sequence number. Control to maintain the integrity of information. Further, the communication control unit 24 has a function of managing the signal sequence number, stores the signal sequence number assigned to the previously transmitted signal, and when transmitting a signal, the communication control unit 24 sets a value obtained by incrementing the previously transmitted signal sequence number by 1. Attach to signal and send. When the signal sequence number reaches a certain value, it returns to the initial value and circulates. Further, when transmitting the game possible number read from the game possible number memory, the configuration may be such that the value of the game possible number is transmitted as it is, or information indicating a rough number (approximate number) such as adjusting by a certain digit. You may transmit.

  In addition, the communication control unit 24 receives a signal for adding the number of games that can be played from the inter-card processing machine 10 (a loan signal based on valuable value, a management transfer signal based on holding balls), and the game ball control unit 27 Involved in the control of adding to the number of games that can be played. In addition, the holding ball management request from the gaming ball control unit 27 to the gaming machine 20 is relayed.

  The security chip determines whether the data input / output from the communication control unit 24 corresponds to a predetermined data type that requires security, and if not, inputs / outputs the data as it is. On the other hand, if it falls under a data type that requires security, the data encrypted by the encryption program is output when data is input / output. Decode the processed data. The encryption / decryption method is determined in advance with the security chip of the inter-card processing machine 10, and the data encrypted by the other party can be mutually decrypted.

  Further, the gaming machine 20 starts control when the power is turned on at the start of business, but does not enter the normal gaming enabled state when the power is on, but is in a standby control state. In the standby control state, mutual authentication with the inter-card card processor 10 is established in the communication control unit 24, and a game control start signal is received from the inter-card card processor 10 through the communication control unit 24. It becomes possible.

  The game control unit 26 is a control unit that controls a game by the gaming machine 20. Specifically, the game control unit 26 controls the launching of the game balls onto the game board surface by detecting the handle operation, the detection of the game balls that have entered the winning opening on the game board surface, and the random number (0 to Acquisition and lottery (special symbols and normal symbols) of big hits, small hits, and off numbers for each predetermined range among 65535 random numbers, movable members (tulips, etc.) provided on the game board ), Display control of a special symbol display device provided on the game board surface, detection of anomaly that may be fraudulent (front frame opened, vibration detected, etc.) and notification to the host device.

  A lot of obstacle nails are planted on the game board surface, and the game balls fired on the game board surface by the handle operation will fall between the obstacle nails and win or win the prize opening, start opening Without being discharged from the game board surface out of the game board surface. A lottery is made when the game ball wins the starting hole, and when a big hit is made, a big hit game is performed in which a predetermined winning port on the game board surface is controlled to be opened multiple times, and the game ball wins at this winning hole. As a result, the player is given a prize ball.

  Further, the jackpot includes a bonus jackpot game with a bonus that gives a predetermined bonus game to the player after the jackpot game ends. Bonus games with benefits include probability variation jackpots and hourly jackpots. The probability variation jackpot and the short-time bonus jackpot are those that give a probability-changing game and a time-shortage game as a bonus game after each jackpot. Short-time game is a normal symbol lottery (opening and closing lottery of the movable member described above) and / or special symbol lottery (big hit lottery by winning the above-mentioned game ball) (from the start of the lottery process until the result is displayed) This is a privilege game that increases the number of lotteries per unit time and increases the probability of winning a big hit per unit time by shortening (time). This special game may include a normal symbol probability variation that increases the probability of winning the normal symbol. The time-saving game based on the time-saving jackpot ends when the number of lotteries for the special symbol lottery is a predetermined number of times after the jackpot. The probability variation game will be described later.

  The game control unit 26 has a probability variation function. The probability variation function is a control for changing the jackpot random number range used for the next lottery (generally about 10 times) when the lottery result falls within a predetermined random number range of the jackpot. It is a function. In the probability variation game, a special symbol lottery is performed using the probability after the change. Stochastic games will continue until the next big hit. Further, the probability variation game and the short time game may be given simultaneously. However, in order to prevent unforeseen game store damage, if a player acquires a certain amount of game media after the start of probability-changing games or short-time games, it will be stopped (temporarily ejecting the card and requesting exchange of prizes or moving of the table) It is good also as processing. In this case, the number of game media acquired after entering the probability variation gaming state is counted by the gaming machine 20, and when the counted value reaches a predetermined value, the game stop control such as stopping the launch of the game ball is performed. This can be achieved.

  The effect control unit 25 is a control unit that controls the effect during the game, and includes an effect symbol lottery unit 25a and an effect lottery unit 25b. The effect symbol lottery unit 25a draws the effect symbol (the symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device such as a display device in the game board) based on the special symbol lottery in the game control unit 26 (specifically, the final display) To stop at 7, 7, 7 etc.).

  The effect lottery unit 25b performs an effect type lottery (such as when a character comes out and performs a reach effect) until the lottery result based on the effect symbol is displayed. Such effects are set so that the effects selected for the main lottery result are different.

  The effect control unit 25 stores effect data of each effect. Further, the effect control unit 25 controls the display of the effect symbol display device, and at the time of executing the effect, the effect data is superimposed on the background symbol data to display the effect. Further, when the probability changes, background color data different from the normal state is set.

  The game ball control unit 27 is a control unit that performs control related to the game balls, and includes a game number management unit 27a and a throwing control unit 27b. The throwing-out control part 27b performs control which throws out the actual game ball on the game board surface. The game number management unit 27a stores the game number in an internal game number memory, and performs a process of updating the game number.

  Specifically, the possible game number management unit 27a decrements the possible game number by “1” every time a game ball is thrown out, and adds a prize ball number to the possible game number when a winning occurs. Further, when the addition of the number of games available is notified from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the notified number is added to the possible number of game balls and added to the possible number of games for the inter-card card processing machine 10. A confirmation signal indicating that it has been sent is transmitted.

  Further, the game possible number management unit 27 a periodically transmits the game possible number to the inter-card card processing machine 10. In this case, the game number management unit 27a does not subtract the game number. In addition, when the count button 23 is operated, the game number management unit 27a transmits a management transfer request to the inter-card card processor 10. At this time, if the operation time of the counting button 23 is less than the predetermined time, the gameable number management unit 27a transmits a management transfer request for adding a predetermined number (for example, 100) to the possession ball to the inter-card card processing machine 10. In response to a response indicating completion of addition to the holding ball, a predetermined number is subtracted from the number of games that can be played. Further, if the operation time of the counting button 23 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the game possible number management unit 27a sends a management transfer request for adding all the game possible numbers at that time to the possession balls to the inter-card card processing machine 10. The game is cleared and the number of games that can be played is cleared to zero in response to completion of addition to the holding ball.

  The game control unit 26 and the game ball control unit 27 are each configured on separate boards. The game control board on which the game control unit 26 is configured and the game ball control board on which the game ball control unit 27 is configured each have a unique ID. The gaming machine 20 uses the gaming control board ID and the gaming ball control board ID in combination as a gaming machine ID.

  Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 16 illustrated in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure excluding the wagon premium master 16g among the data stored in the storage unit 16 shown in FIG.

  The card ID 16a shown in FIG. 5A indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the inter-card card processor 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 valuable value data 16b shown in FIG. 5B shows a state where the prepaid value is “20” frequency. Here, the frequency of prepaid value is equivalent to 100 yen per frequency. Further, the valuable value data 16b includes the ball 1 having a balance of “0” balls, a ball 2 having a balance of “1200” balls, and a ball 3 having a balance of “500” balls. It shows a certain state.

  Further, the valuable value data 16b has a password for replaying the stored ball of “7777”, the balance of the stored ball data of the ball 1 is “1000” balls, the balance of the stored ball data of the ball 2 is “0” balls, and the ball 3 This indicates a state where the balance of the stored ball data is “0” balls.

  The game setting data 16 c shown in FIG. 5C shows a state where “ball 1” is set as the game type of the inter-card processing machine 10. Further, the inter-card card processing machine ID 16d shown in FIG. 5D shows a state where the ID of the inter-card card processing machine 10 is “5006”. A gaming machine ID 16e shown in FIG. 5E indicates a state where the ID of the gaming machine 20 is “A0012X4233”.

  The gaming machine state data 16f shown in FIG. 5 (f) stores data such as the number of games that can be transmitted from the gaming machine 20 in almost real time, and is rewritten each time update data is transmitted. In FIG. 5 (f), the current number of games that can be played is “1250” balls, the firing strength is “100”, and the gaming machine 20 is in a normal state with no probability variation, and the equipment operates normally. It shows that. The reach reliability is data representing the reliability of realization when a big hit reach occurs. Further, the gaming machine state data 16f may include the number of big hits and the number of reach during the game.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the wagon premium master 16g stored in the storage unit 16. FIG. The wagon giveaway master 16g is data in which a giveaway name, a group code, a prize value, and the number of exchange balls are associated with a giveaway code that uniquely identifies a giveaway for a giveaway provided for a wagon exchange service. Here, the group code is identification information for classifying and managing prizes. The group code “01” indicates a special prize that can be transferred with a predetermined value through a certain procedure. The group code “02” and later are general prizes including daily necessities other than special prizes.

  In the wagon giveaway master 16g, for the prize code “0100”, the prize name “M Seven”, the group code “02”, the prize value “400”, the number of exchanged balls “100”, the number of exchanged balls 2 “200” and the number of exchange balls “400” of the balls 3 are associated with each other.

  In addition, in the wagon premium master 16g, for the premium code “0201,” the premium name “Drink A”, the group code “02”, the premium value “120”, the number of balls 1 “30” exchanged, and the ball 2 exchanged. The number of balls “60” and the number of replacement balls “120” of ball 3 are associated with each other.

  Next, the internal configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the card management device 40 is connected to a display unit 41 and an input unit 42, and includes a store network communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a control unit 46.

  The display unit 41 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like. The input unit 42 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The store network communication unit 44 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, the member management device 50, the prize management device 60, and the checkout machine 80 via a communication line in the amusement store.

  The storage unit 45 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a nonvolatile memory, and stores card management data 45a, device management data 45b, temporary holding ball data 45c, and other store ball data 45d.

  The card management data 45a is data in which a prepaid value balance, a balance of coins, and the like are associated with a card ID. The device management data 45b is data relating to a device placed in the amusement store. The device management data 45b includes the inter-card card processor ID, the address of the inter-card card processor 10, the installation location, the gaming machine ID, and the model data of the gaming machine 20. When the gaming machine 20 becomes unable to count, the interim card processing machine 10 substitutes the number of games that can be played at that time as a temporary holding ball, and is transmitted to the card management device 40. Data. The other store ball data 45d is data on the number of uncounted balls received from the inter-card card processing machine 10 when there is an uncounted ball in the gaming machine 20 moved from the other store.

  The control unit 46 is a control unit that performs overall control of the card management device 40, and includes a card management unit 46a, a device management unit 46b, and a temporary holding ball management unit 46c. Actually, by loading these programs into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executing them, the card management unit 46a, the device management unit 46b, and the temporary ball management unit 46c execute corresponding processes. .

  The card management unit 46a is a processing unit that manages the card management data 45a. The card management unit 46a communicates with the inter-card card processing machine 10, the prize management device 60, and the checkout machine 80 to update the prepaid value and the balance of the coins associated with the card ID.

  In addition, when the card management unit 46a receives a card insertion notification from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46a notifies the valuable value associated with the card and the balance of possessions.

  In addition, when the gaming machine 20 becomes impossible to count, the card management unit 46a adds the uncounted balls registered as temporary holding balls to the holding ball data as the number of games that can be played. Thereafter, in the renewal of the possession from the inter-card processing machine 10 provided in the gaming machine, the provisional possession is not counted. In addition, even if the uncounted balls registered as the uncounted balls of other stores in the other store ball data 46d are counted, they are not subject to renewal.

  The device management unit 46b is a processing unit that manages the device management data 45b. The device management unit 46b generates and updates device management data 45b based on the inter-card card processing machine ID, the inter-card card processing machine 10 address, the installation location, and the gaming machine ID acquired from the inter-card card processing machine 10. .

  When the device management unit 46b receives the gaming machine ID from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the device management unit 46b inquires of the model management center about the model data and updates the model data of the device management data 45b. Further, when the device management unit 46b updates the gaming machine ID and the model data, the device management unit 46b requests the setting change to the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the member management device 50, so that the setting related to the replacement of the gaming machine 20 is performed. Make changes automatically.

  The temporary ball management unit 46c is a processing unit that manages temporary balls. The temporary holding ball management unit 46c uses, as a temporary holding ball, an uncounted ball of a player who has been notified by the inter-card processing machine 10 when an uncountable state occurs during the game at the gaming machine 20 in the store. Register in the temporary ball data 45c. This temporary holding ball is additionally registered because it is added and updated to the number of holding balls in the card management data 45a when the card is returned.

  In addition, when receiving the notification of the number of uncounted balls from the inter-card processing unit 10 provided in the gaming machine 20, the temporary holding ball management unit 46c determines whether there is data corresponding to the temporary holding ball data 45c. If there is no corresponding data, the uncounted ball is registered in the other store ball data 45d as an uncounted ball of the gaming machine 20 moved from the other store. If there is data corresponding to the temporary holding ball data 45c, it is assumed that the gaming machine 20 that could not be counted has returned to a state where it can be used for gaming, and the temporary holding ball management unit 46c corresponds to the temporary holding ball data 45c. Update data as processed.

  Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40.

  In the card management data 45a shown in FIG. 8A, the card ID “1001” is associated with the prepaid value “25” frequency, the balance “0” balls for each rate, and the usage ID “3001”. That is, the card with the card ID “1001” is inserted into the inter-card card processing machine 10 with the inter-card card processing machine ID “3001”, and the management of the ball is transferred to the inter-card card processing machine 10. For this reason, the balance of the coins at each rate is zero.

  Further, in the card management data 45a shown in FIG. 8A, the card ID “2001” has a prepaid value “30” frequency, the balance “1500” of the ball 1 and the balance “3” of the ball 2 The “2500” ball and the balance “0” ball of the ball 3 are associated with each other. That is, the card with the card ID “2001” is not inserted into the inter-card processing machine 10, and the management of the holding balls is performed by the card management device 40.

  In the device management data 45b shown in FIG. 8B, the network address of the inter-card card processor 10 having the inter-card card processor ID “3001” is “AB.CD.EF.GH”, and the installation location is It is “island 1-1”, the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is “A0012X4233”, and the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is “EV01”. It also shows that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

  The temporary holding ball data 45c shown in FIG. 8 (c) is data regarding the temporary holding balls in which the gaming machine ID, the game type, the number of balls, the registration date and the processing status are associated with the inter-card processing machine ID. In FIG. 8C, the inter-card card processing machine 10 having the inter-card card processing machine ID “3007” is added to the gaming machine having the gaming machine ID “A0012X4233” and the number of balls “450” of the game type “ball 1”. The ball is registered at “17:30 on December 15, 2013”, indicating an unprocessed situation. Here, “unprocessed” indicates that the gaming machine 20 that has become uncountable does not return from the disabled state and the number of possible games has not yet been cleared.

  Further, in the temporary holding ball data 45c shown in FIG. 8C, the inter-card card processing machine 10 having the inter-card card processing machine ID “3020” is added to the gaming machine 20 having the gaming machine ID “A0100X0300”, and the game type The number of balls “700” of “ball 2” is registered at “11 o'clock on December 16, 2013” and indicates that it has been processed. That is, the gaming machine 20 that has become uncountable is in a return state, and the counting of uncounted balls is completed and cleared.

  The other store ball data 45d shown in FIG. 8 (d) is data in which the gaming machine ID, the number of balls, and the registration date / time are associated with the inter-card card processing machine ID. In FIG. 8D, the inter-card card processing machine 10 having the inter-card card processing machine ID “3031” is added to the gaming machine 20 having the gaming machine ID “A0222X4444”, and the “450” ball is “December 15, 2013”. 9:30 "shows the situation registered as another store ball.

  Next, the processing procedure of the service for using the ball by the inter-card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the possession ball use service by the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The possession ball use service providing unit 17e detects that the service menu has been selected (step S101). The game possible number total processing unit 17d calculates the total value of the number of balls and the number of possible games (step S102). The possession ball use service providing unit 17e receives this sum and determines whether the sum is greater than the minimum number of balls used in the service menu (step S103).

  If the total value is larger than the minimum number of used balls in the service menu (step S103; Yes), the used ball service providing unit 17e displays possible service menu items (step S104). When the operation guide unit 17f accepts the processing selection (step S105), the possession ball use service providing unit 17e calculates the number of balls necessary for processing the selected menu item and specifies the number of balls used (step S106).

  The possessed ball use service providing unit 17e compares the number of possessed balls with the number of used balls (step S107), and if the number of possessed balls is less than the number of used balls (step S107; No), the number of games that can be played through the operation guide unit 17f. Guidance for prompting counting is displayed (step S108).

  When the shift of the game possible number is accepted by the counting operation by the player (step S109; No), the data management unit 17a adds the transferred game possible number to the holding ball (step S110), and proceeds to step S107. Transition. And if the number of balls is equal to or more than the number of balls used (step S107; Yes), the ball usage service providing unit 17e executes the process selected by the player (step S111). After executing the process, the possession ball use service providing unit 17e closes the service menu, shifts to a display during game (step S113), and ends the process.

  When an operation other than counting is accepted from the player (step S109; Yes), the possession ball use service providing unit 17e closes the service menu, shifts to a display during gaming (step S113), and ends the process. .

  In step S103, when the total value is less than the minimum number of balls used for the menu item (step S103; No), the holding ball use service providing unit 17e displays all menu items inactive (cannot be selected) ( Step S112) closes the service menu, shifts to display during game (Step S113), and ends the process.

  Next, an example of the screen display of the service for using the holding ball will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display of the display operation unit 22 of the inter-card card processing machine 10 during the wagon replacement process. FIG. 10A shows a screen on which a service menu is opened and selectable menu items are displayed. At this point, the player has a prepaid value of “20” frequency, a possible number of games of “1250”, and the possession ball is “0” ball.

  On this screen, when the player inputs a prize and its quantity and checks (touches) the selection column, the prize and quantity are selected. The number is entered with a numeric keypad, but is not limited to this as long as the number can be entered.

  FIG. 10B shows a screen as a result of the player selecting “M Seven” and “Drink A” one by one and pressing the OK button. Since “M Seven” and “Drink A” use “100” balls and “30” balls respectively, a total of “130” balls are required. Since the player does not have a ball, it is necessary to exchange prizes with a possible number of games. For this reason, the inter-card card processor 10 prompts to count “130” balls or more. If the player counts 130 balls or more and holds them, the inter-card card processing machine 10 automatically restarts the wagon exchange process. Further, since the “130” balls that can be played are used as holding balls by the prize exchange, the balance of the number of games that can be played is reduced from “1250” balls to “1120” balls. The prepaid value is not used and is not changed.

  FIG. 11 is an example of a screen display of the display operation unit 22 of the inter-card processing machine 10 at the time of the coin splitting process. FIG. 11A shows a state in which the player is going to make a “1000” ball split card. The number of games that can be played is “1500”, the number of balls is “500”, and the ball cannot be divided only with the balls.

  FIG. 11B is a display screen after “1000” balls are input as the number of possessed balls. When the number of divisions is input, the inter-card card processing machine 10 automatically calculates and displays the excess / deficiency from the number of possessed balls. FIG. 11B shows a state where all the possession balls “500” are used and the shortage is being allocated from the number of games that can be played. For this reason, the inter-card card processing machine 10 urges the gaming machine 20 to count “500” balls or more, which is insufficient from the number of games available by the number of possessed balls alone. When the counting is completed, the ball splitting process is performed, and the possible number of games of the gaming machine 20 decreases from “1500” balls to “1000” balls, and the inter-card card processing machine 10 automatically adds “1000” balls. Discharge the holding ball split card.

  Next, an alternative process of the inter-card card processing machine 10 when an uncountable state occurs in the gaming machine 20 during the game will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of an alternative process of the inter-card card processing machine 10 when the gaming machine 20 is in a count impossible state. Here, the case where the counting is impossible is, for example, a case where the operation signal of the counting button of the gaming machine 20 has been raised for a certain period of time (ie, the operation is ON), etc. State) is included.

  When an abnormality that cannot be counted occurs in the gaming machine 20 (step S201; Yes), the gaming machine state management unit 17c displays a gaming machine error and prompts the store clerk call button to be pressed (step S202). When the registration of the temporary holding ball is received under the control of the employee's clerk terminal (step S203; Yes), the uncounted ball processing unit 17g sets the number of playable balls as the temporary holding ball to the card management device 40. To be registered (step S204). If there is no abnormal state that cannot be counted (step S201; No), the process ends. Further, when there is no acceptance of registration of the temporary holding ball (step S203; No), the reception standby state is set. In addition, although the example premised on recognizing the non-countable state of the gaming machine 20 in the inter-card card processing machine 10 is shown as an example here, the alternative process is in a state other than this, It may be performed under the control of the employee clerk terminal. For example, when an uncountable state that cannot be recognized by the inter-card card processing machine 10 occurs, it is possible for the player to perform a substitute process by calling a store clerk.

  The data management unit 17a regards the uncountable number of games that can be counted as a temporary ball as counted, and adds this temporary ball number to the number of balls in the valuable value data 16b (step S205). Then, the number of possessed balls is transmitted to the card management device 40 to update the possessed ball data, the card is returned in association with the card (step S206), and the process is terminated.

  Next, an uncounted ball processing procedure of the inter-card card processing machine 10 when the gaming machine 20 is replaced will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an uncounted ball processing procedure of the inter-card card processing machine 10 when the gaming machine 20 is replaced with a gaming machine 20 having uncounted balls.

  The gaming machine state management unit 17c determines whether or not the gaming machine 20 has been replaced based on the gaming machine ID (step S301). When it is determined that the gaming machine ID is the same as the previous ID and that the gaming machine 20 has not been exchanged (step S301; No), the process ends.

  When it is determined that the gaming machine 20 has been replaced (step S301; Yes), the uncounted ball processing unit 17g determines whether there is a gameable number (step S302). When there is no game possible number (step S302; No), a process is complete | finished.

  If there is a number of games that can be played (step S302; Yes), the uncounted ball processing unit 17g displays a message that prompts counting (step S303). Then, the game machine number transfer request from the gaming machine 20 is accepted, and the game play number is added to the holding ball (step S304). After completion of counting, the uncounted ball processing unit 17g transmits an uncounted notification including the number of balls and the gaming machine ID to the card management device 40 (step S305), clears the number of balls (step S306), and performs processing. finish.

  Next, the procedure of the uncounted ball processing of the card management device 40 corresponding to the alternative processing of the inter-card card processing machine 10 when the gaming machine 20 is in a count impossible state will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the uncounted ball processing of the card management device 40 when the gaming machine 20 cannot count.

  When the card management unit 46a receives registration of the temporary holding ball from the inter-card processing machine 10 (step S401; Yes), the temporary holding ball management unit 46c additionally registers the temporary holding ball in the temporary holding ball data 45c ( Step S402). If registration of the temporary ball is not accepted (step S401; No), the process proceeds to step S403.

  When an uncounted notification is received from the inter-card processing machine 10 (step S403; Yes), the temporary ball management unit 46c determines whether there is data corresponding to the uncounted notification in the temporary ball data 45c. Search is performed (step S404). If there is corresponding data (step S404; Yes), the temporary holding ball management unit 46c updates the temporary holding ball data 45c with the corresponding data as processed (step S405), and ends the process.

  If there is no data corresponding to the temporary holding ball data 45c (step S404; No), the number of holding balls not notified is registered in the other store ball data 45d (step S406), and the process is terminated. Further, even when an uncounted notification is not received (step S403; No), the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the inter-card processing machine 10 automatically uses the holding balls when the number of holding balls is sufficient when executing the menu item selected by the player. And execute service processing. If the number of possessed balls is not enough, the game system prompts the player to count the possible number of games. In addition, the menu item that can be selected by the player is automatically displayed based on the sum of the number of balls and the number of games that can be played, so the player does not need to play while considering the number of balls and the number of games that can be played. You can concentrate on the game.

  Further, even if the counting operation is performed, if the number of balls used for the service is reached, the inter-card processing machine 10 automatically restarts the service execution process and does not force the player to perform an extra operation. Therefore, after the counting operation is completed, the player can continue playing the game.

  In addition, since the inter-card card processing machine 10 can proceed with the same procedure for both the wagon exchange and the splitting of the ball and is followed by the operation guidance, the player can perform the service with a simple and similar operation. You can receive the offer.

  In addition, even when the counting operation of the gaming machine 20 becomes impossible, the inter-card processing machine 10 issues and guarantees a substitute ball equivalent to the uncountable number of games that can be played, so that the player can exchange prizes. Can be moved, minimizing the player's prize exchange and game interruption, and avoiding losses.

  In the first embodiment, when using the possession ball use service, if the number of possession balls is less than the number of possession balls, the inter-card processing machine 10 counts the number of games that can be played and held for the player. A message to make a ball was displayed. And if a player presses down the count button 23 and it becomes more than the number of used balls, it will be decided that the inter-card processing machine 10 will restart the service using a ball. If this series of processing is automatically executed according to an instruction from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the handling operation of the player is omitted. Therefore, in the second embodiment, when a management transfer request for the number of games that can be played is possible from the inter-card card processor 10 to the gaming machine 20, a management transfer request is transmitted, and the required number of balls is calculated from the number of games that can be played. The case of acquiring will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 110 and the gaming machine 120 according to the second embodiment. In the inter-card card processing machine 110 and the gaming machine 120, the same parts as the functional units of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. . The description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that the system configuration according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the inter-card card processor 110 is different from the first embodiment in that the control unit 117 includes a management transfer request unit 117 f. Since the management transfer request unit 117f is provided, the player's operation is only the service menu selection, so the operation guide unit 17f of the first embodiment is not particularly required. The management transfer requesting unit 117f issues an instruction to transfer the available number of games to the inter-card processing unit 110 to the gaming machine 120 when the number of used balls is less than the number of used balls when receiving the service for using the used balls.

  In addition, when the gaming machine 120 is replaced with the remaining number of gaming machines 120, the management transfer requesting unit 117f sets an uncounted number of gaming machines to the An instruction to shift to the holding ball of the card processor 110 is issued.

  The gaming machine 120 is different from the first embodiment in that the game ball control unit 127 is provided with a management transfer request processing unit 127c. The management transfer request processing unit 127c is a processing unit that receives and processes a game number management transfer request from the inter-card card processor 110. When the management transfer request processing unit 127c receives a management transfer request signal from the management transfer request unit 117f of the inter-card processor 110, it returns a transfer request response signal to the management transfer request unit 117f. Then, an instruction to shift the uncountable game count is issued to the game count manager 27a. In response to this instruction, the game count management unit 27a manages and transfers the uncountable game count to the inter-card card processor 110.

  Next, the procedure of the ball use service processing of the inter-card card processing machine 110 in the case of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the service for using the possession ball of the inter-card card processing machine 110 according to the second embodiment.

  The possession ball use service providing unit 17e receives the player's operation from the service menu display by the operation guide unit 17f (S501). The game possible number total processing unit 17d calculates a total value of the number of possessed balls and the number of possible games (step S502), and compares the total value with the minimum number of balls required for the service (step S503).

  If the total value is larger than the minimum number of balls required for the service (step S503; Yes), the possession ball use service providing unit 17e activates the serviceable menu item to enable selection (step S504). Then, a service process selection is received from the player (step S505), and the number of balls used for the service is calculated and specified (step S506). The possessed ball use service providing unit 17e determines whether the service is possible only by the number of possessed balls as compared with the number of used balls (step S507).

  When the number of possessed balls is insufficient (step S507; No), the management transfer request unit 117f issues a management transfer request for transferring the deficient number of games possible to the gaming machine 120 (step S508). The data management unit 17a that has received a notification to the effect of transferring the game possible number from the management transfer request processing unit 127c of the gaming machine 120 adds the transferred game possible number to the number of possessed balls (step S509).

  If the number of possessed balls is equal to or greater than the number of used balls (step S507; Yes), the possessed ball use service providing unit 17e processes and executes the service selected by the player (step S510). Then, the service menu of the display operation unit 22 is closed, the display is changed to a game display (step S512), and the process ends.

  In step S503, when the total value does not reach the minimum number of balls used in the service menu (step S503; No), the menu is displayed inactive and cannot be selected (step S511), the service menu is closed and the game is displayed. The process is terminated (step S512).

  Next, a procedure of corresponding processing of the inter-card card processing machine 110 when the gaming machine 120 is moved and replaced will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of uncounted ball processing by the inter-card card processing machine 110 according to the second embodiment when the gaming machine 120 is replaced with a gaming machine 120 having uncounted balls. is there. Note that the procedure of the substitute process of the inter-card card processor 110 when the gaming machine 120 becomes impossible to count and the procedure of the uncounted ball process in the card management device 40 are the same as in the first embodiment.

  The gaming machine state management unit 17c confirms the ID of the gaming machine 120 and determines whether or not the gaming machine 120 has been replaced (step S601). If it is determined that the gaming machine 120 has not been exchanged (step S601; No), the process ends.

  When it is determined that the gaming machine 120 has been replaced (step S601; Yes), the uncounted ball processing unit 17g determines whether there is a gameable number (step S602). If there is no game possible number (step S602; No), the process is terminated.

  If there is a game playable number (step S602; Yes), the management transfer request unit 117f issues a management transfer request to the game machine 120 to transfer the game playable number (step S603). In response to the response of the game transferable number transfer from the management transfer request processing unit 127c of the gaming machine 120, the data management unit 17a adds the transferred game possible number to the number of possessed balls of the valuable value data 16b (step S604).

  The data management unit 17a transmits an uncounted notification including the number of balls and the gaming machine ID to the card management device 40 (step S605), clears the number of balls to zero (step S606), and ends the process.

  In the second embodiment, when it is determined that it is necessary to perform management transfer from the number of games that can be played, the counter card processor 110 transfers the game machine 120 to the game machine 120 without outputting a count operation guidance to the player. Send a management migration request for management migration. As a result, when the number of possessed balls is insufficient in order to receive the service, the counting operation by the player at the gaming machine 120 becomes unnecessary, and the necessary number of balls is automatically determined from the number of games that can be played. Can be acquired.

  Also, after the service menu is selected, there is no intervention by all players, so in order to relieve the anxiety of the players, as appropriate, “the number of games that can be played will shift to 100 because there are not enough balls” It is desirable to display a message such as “Transitioning possible number of games”.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, it has been described that the substitute processing is performed in the inter-card card processing machines 10 and 110 when the gaming machines 20 and 120 cannot count, but the card management device 40 Alternatively, it may be performed by the prize management device 60. In particular, when a substitute issuance is issued by the prize management device 60, a process that also serves as a prize exchange may be performed.

  Moreover, in Example 1 and Example 2, the availability of the serviced ball is determined based on the sum of the number of balls and the number of games that can be played. You may make it add.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the case of the enclosed gaming machines 20 and 120 and the inter-card card processing machines 10 and 110 provided therewith has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, the present invention may be applied to each vehicle counting system when medals are used as game media.

  In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine that is a kind of a ball-type gaming machine that fires a game ball and gives a prize when the game ball passes through a predetermined area has been described as an example. The use is not limited to this, but other types of ball-type game machines and a predetermined number of game media are set as the number of bets for one game and the reel is rotated. The shape of the game medium to be used even for a spinning-type game machine that gives a prize when a predetermined symbol combination is established on the stop line set on the spinning cylinder when the cylinder is stopped. It is possible to apply in the same manner.

  In addition, each configuration illustrated in the above-described embodiments is functionally schematic 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, each device and the number of game media management method according to the present invention are suitable for improving convenience when using an enclosed game machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 110 Card processor 11 Status display part 12 Banknote conveyance part 12a Banknote insertion slot 13, 22 Display operation part 14 Reader / writer 14a Card insertion slot 15 Communication part 16, 45 Storage part 16a Card ID
16b Valuable value data 16c Game setting data 16d Inter-card card processor ID
16e game machine ID
16f Game machine state data 16g Wagon prize master 17, 46, 117 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Rate setting processing unit 17c Game machine state management unit 17d Total number of game playable processing units 17e Mochidama use service providing unit 17f Operation guide unit 17g Uncounted ball processing unit 18 gaming machine management board 20, 120 gaming machine 21 handle 23 counting button 24 communication control unit 25 production control unit 25a production symbol lottery unit 25b production lottery unit 26 game control unit 27, 127 game ball control unit 27a game Possible number management unit 27b Throwing control unit 30 Island controller 40 Card management device 41 Display unit 42 Input unit 44 Store network communication unit 45a Card management data 45b Device management data 45c Temporary holding ball data 45d Other store ball data 46a Card management unit 46b Device management unit 46c Temporary ball management unit 50 Member management device 60 Free gift management device 80 Settlement machine 117f Management transfer request unit 127c Management transfer request processing unit

Claims (8)

Each device installed in a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium to play a game,
A number of game media acquisition means for acquiring the number of game media associated with a predetermined storage medium;
A number of game media storage means for storing the number of game media acquired by the number of game media acquisition means;
A gameable number transfer requesting unit for making a gameable number transfer request for adding a part or all of the number of held game media stored in the stored game medium number storing unit to the gameable number managed by the gaming machine;
Receivable number notification receiving means for receiving notification of the possible number of games from the gaming machine;
A game medium number transfer request accepting means for accepting a request to shift the number of possessed game media to add a part or all of the number of possible games from the gaming machine to the number of game media to be held;
A summing processing means for summing up the number of gaming media stored in the number of possessing gaming media storage means and the number of gaming possibilities received by the gaming number notification receiving means;
A service for using game media using service providing means for providing a service accompanied by subtraction of the number of game media stored in the game media number storage means;
Each device according to claim 1, wherein said service means for providing service using portable media determines whether or not to provide said service based on the total number of game media calculated by said summation processing means.   The possession game medium use service providing means provides a prize exchange service for exchanging the number of possession game media and prizes, and the prize according to whether or not the total number of game media is equal to or more than a minimum number necessary for prize exchange. Each stand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether or not to provide an exchange service is determined.   The said game media use service providing means suppresses reception of the operation which selects the said prize exchange service, when the said total number of game media is less than the minimum number required for prize exchange. Each stand device described in 1.   The provided game medium use service providing means provides a divided game medium number dividing service that divides and associates the number of held game media into a plurality of storage media. 2. Each device according to claim 1, wherein whether or not the game media number dividing service can be provided is determined based on whether or not the number exceeds.   When the required number of game media necessary for providing the service is less than or equal to the total number of game media and the required number of media exceeds the number of game media stored in the number of stored game media storage means The stand apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising operation guide means for outputting an operation guide corresponding to the request for shifting the number of game media to be held.   When the required number of game media necessary for providing the service is less than or equal to the total number of game media and the required number of media exceeds the number of game media stored in the number of stored game media storage means The game machine number transfer request instructing means for instructing the game machine to execute the request for transferring the number of held game media is further provided. Each stand device.   The possession game medium use service providing means provides the service when the number of possession game media stored in the possession game medium number storage means exceeds the required number of media by the possession game medium number transfer request. Each stand apparatus of Claim 5 or 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. A method of managing the number of game media carried by each device provided in a gaming machine that performs a game using game media,
A number of game media acquisition step for acquiring the number of game media associated with a predetermined storage medium;
A number of stored game media storage step of storing the number of game media acquired in the number of acquired game media in the storage unit;
A gameable number transfer request step for making a gameable number transfer request for adding a part or all of the number of game media stored in the storage unit to the gameable number managed by the gaming machine;
Receiving a notification of the number of games that can be received from the gaming machine;
A summing processing step of summing the number of gaming media stored in the storage unit and the number of gaming media received in the gaming number notification receiving step to calculate the total number of gaming media;
A determination step of determining whether to provide a service with subtraction of the number of game media based on the number of game media calculated in the summation processing step;
A method for managing the number of held game media, comprising the step of providing a service for using owned game media that provides the service on the condition that the service is determined to be provided by the determining step.

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