JP2016022277A - Each stand device, game system and game management method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically enable an owned ball to be converted into a game's possible number when the game's possible number becomes less than or lower than a predetermined number.SOLUTION: An inter-stand card processing machine 10 is set in an automatic dispensing mode for automatically adding a predetermined number of owned balls to the game's possible number of a game machine 20 by setting a card management device 40 or receiving operation from a game player. The inter-stand card processing machine 10 where the automatic dispensing mode is set monitors the game's possible number regularly transmitted from the game machine 20, automatically transmits the owned balls of the number of the defined unit or the owned balls of the unit number set by the game player to the game machine 20 for adding it to the game's possible number when the game's possible number becomes less than or lower than a predetermined number, and continues the automatic dispensing mode of the owned balls until receiving stopping of the automatic dispensing mode from the game player or establishing the release condition of the automatic dispensing mode such as a card return operation reception.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a stand device for managing game media used in a game by a gaming machine, a gaming system having a gaming machine and each stand device, and a gaming management method.

  Conventionally, in game stores such as pachinko parlors, the number of game media acquired by a player through a game is managed in association with the number of game media possessed by a recording medium (for example, a card). For this reason, even if the player does not carry the actual game medium (ball or medal), the player can use the number of game media associated with the recording medium again for the game or exchange prizes.

  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 fired (hereinafter referred to as the number of games that can be played) is managed as data.

  When a player plays a game after entering the store, the player first deposits money and starts playing by lending the ball. Here, if there is a ball, it is common for a player to play a game using the ball by replaying the ball using the ball without making a deposit.

  Then, if the number of games that can be played has decreased due to the game, each time the player represses the possessed ball replay button, the portion of the possessed balls is shifted to the game capable number. Therefore, the player is always forced to play the game while confirming the possible number of gaming machines. Further, if the operation frequency of the holding ball replay button increases, it becomes a burden on the player.

  In an open-type game machine in which game balls are not enclosed in the game machine, a sensor is provided in the nozzle that pays out game balls to the upper plate, and the number of game balls stored in the upper plate is detected to automatically pay out the holding balls. A technique for automatically paying out balls by determining the number of stored upper plates from the difference ball data of the out number and the safe number transmitted from the gaming machine is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). .

JP 2011-0667608 A

  However, the conventional techniques represented by the above are difficult to apply to enclosed game machines in the following respects. Enclosed gaming machines have a number of games that can be played corresponding to the number of game balls in the electronic form of data instead of the actual ones, and the payout of balls is sent in data. This is because it cannot be detected by a sensor and used as a criterion for automatic payout.

  In addition, if it is an open-type game machine, the number of balls in the upper plate can be easily confirmed, so it is easy for the player to know when to pay out the ball. Since it is necessary to read the numerical value of the possible number of games displayed in the section, it is difficult for the player himself to appropriately determine the timing at which the possession ball should be paid out. For this reason, automation of the operation which makes the holding ball usable for a game is required for an enclosed game machine rather than an open game machine.

  For these reasons, in the enclosed game machine, how to improve the efficiency of the player's operation related to the holding ball and improve the convenience of the player has been an important issue.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide each device, a game system, and a game management method that can improve the operation of a player related to the holding ball. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides each device connected to a gaming machine that uses a game medium to play a game, and has the number of game media acquired in advance. A number of game media management means managed as the number of media, and a first transition means for shifting a part or all of the number of game media managed by the game media number management means to a gameable number managed by the gaming machine. A second transfer means for transferring a part or all of the possible number of games to the number of retained game media managed by the retained game medium number management means, and when the possible number of games is less than or less than a first threshold value And a mode setting means for setting an operation mode in an automatic transition mode for performing the transition by the first transition means.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the mode setting means switches whether or not the operation mode is set to the automatic transition mode in accordance with an operation by a player.

  Also, in the present invention according to the above-described invention, the mode setting means rents out the game media when a predetermined prize is obtained, or when the number of game media is equal to or less than a second threshold value. When an operation for adding a prepaid value that can be used is received, when a lending operation for using the prepaid value for the addition of the number of games is accepted, or when an operation for requesting a transfer by the second transfer means is received The automatic transition mode is canceled when a cancellation condition including at least one of them is satisfied.

  Also, in the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, the mode setting means automatically performs a lending process in which a prepaid value that can be used for lending the game medium is used to add the number of games based on the number of games available. An automatic lending mode to be executed and a replay process in which the number of game media, which is the number of game media managed in a pre-registered member's account, is used for the addition of the number of games available, based on the number of games available It is possible to further set at least one of automatic replay modes to be automatically executed, and priority when two or more of the automatic transition mode, the automatic lending mode, and the automatic replay mode are set simultaneously The apparatus further comprises priority order defining means for defining the order.

  In addition, the present invention is a gaming system including a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium to play a game, and each device attached to the gaming machine, and the gaming machine can be used for gaming with respect to the gaming medium. A game number management means for managing the number of games as a game possible number, and subtracting and updating the game number as the game medium is used for a game, and a predetermined prize is obtained as a result of the game. Game processing means for adding and updating the number of games that can be played in each case, and each device request processing means for increasing and decreasing the number of games that can be updated in response to a request from each device. The stand device includes a number of game media management means for managing the number of game media acquired in advance as the number of game media, and a part or all of the number of game media managed by the game media number management means. First transition to shift to the number of possible games And second transition means for shifting a part or all of the possible game number to the number of possessed game media managed by the possessed game medium number management means, and the possible game number is equal to or less than a first threshold value. And a mode setting means for setting an operation mode to an automatic transition mode for performing the transition by the first transition means.

  The present invention also relates to a game management method for a gaming system including a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium to play a game and each of the gaming machines attached to the gaming machine, wherein each of the gaming machines acquires in advance. A number of game media management step for managing the number of game media played as the number of game media, and a game number management step for managing the number of game media that can be used in the game as a game possible number. And an automatic transition step of shifting a part or all of the number of game media to the game-possible number when the game-possible number is less than or less than a predetermined threshold value.

  According to the present invention, when the number of games that can be enclosed is less than or less than the threshold value, each device is configured to automatically shift the number of game media to the number of games that can be played by the game machine. Therefore, it is not necessary for the player to perform the payout operation of the game media every time the number of game media is made the number of games that can be played, and convenience is improved.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of automatic payout of a ball according to the present 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 an explanatory diagram for explaining the own device state data, gaming machine state data, card data, payout setting data, and gameable number threshold data shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining automatic payout cancellation conditions in the automatic payout mode for holding balls. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition according to the payout mode in the display operation unit of the inter-card card processing machine. FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a payout mode selection screen in the display operation unit of the inter-card card processing machine. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting screen of the automatic payout mode in the display operation unit of the inter-card processing machine. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for setting a payout for a ball by the inter-card processing machine. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the automatic payout of the ball by the inter-card processing machine. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the automatic payout cancellation condition in the automatic payout mode by using the prepaid value for lending, holding balls and storing balls. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for automatic payout setting of a lending, holding ball and storage ball using a prepaid value in the display operation unit of the inter-card processing machine. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of automatic payout setting of a ball lending, a holding ball and a storage ball using a prepaid value by the inter-card processing machine. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of automatic payout of a lending ball, a holding ball and a stored ball using a prepaid value in the inter-card card processing machine.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of each device, a game system, and a game management method according to the present invention will be described 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.

  First, the concept of the automatic ball payout according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the automatic ball payout according to the present 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 that is structured so that the player does not touch the gaming medium, and manages the number of game balls that can be fired as the number of games that can be played. In addition, the inter-card card processing machine 10 includes a lending button that accepts operations such as lending a ball and replaying a ball, and a replay button for holding a ball while managing the ball that has been transmitted from the card management device 40 as data. ing. When the joke ball replay button is operated, the joke balls are transferred to the number of games that can be played by the gaming machine 20. Further, the inter-card processing machine 10 shifts and adds the number of games that can be played from the gaming machine 20 to the possessed ball, causes the card management device 40 to register the retained ball in association with the card when the card is ejected, and Discharge.

  If the player acquires the ball, the player inserts the card associated with the ball into the inter-card processing machine 10 so that the player can use the ball by replaying the ball instead of lending the ball. It is common to play a game with this gaming machine 20.

  Then, in order to replay the possession ball, the player performs an operation of pressing a possession ball replay button, paying out a predetermined number of possession balls, and adding it to the number of games that can be played by the gaming machine 20. If the number of games that can be played is consumed and the number of games that can be played in the gaming machine decreases, the holding ball replay button is repeatedly pressed. In this case, in the case of each conventional counting system, the game balls are present on the upper and lower plates of the gaming machine, so the player knows that the number of game balls is low, and holds it. By pressing the ball replay button, the timing for replenishing the ball can be confirmed. However, the annoyance of pressing every time the holding ball is replayed remains.

  However, in the case of the enclosed game machine 20, the possible number of games corresponding to the number of game balls exists in the game machine 20 in the form of electronic data instead of the actual game. For this reason, the player must check whether the number of games that can be played is small or whether the game is still sufficient by checking the number of games that can be displayed.

  In other words, in the case of holding ball replay, the player has to check and determine the number of games that can be displayed when pressing the holding ball replay button. In this case, the player is forced to play a game while alternately checking the display of the game board surface and the display of the possible number of games, and is difficult to concentrate on the game. On the other hand, if you are concentrating on the game and you are not aware that the number of games that can be played is decreasing, and you try to replenish the number of games when you are likely to win a big hit, you will mistakenly rent a button instead of a coin replay button May be pressed. This wastes prepaid value.

  Therefore, the gaming system according to the present embodiment automates the payout of the holding balls associated with the subsequent holding ball replay by selecting the automatic payout of the holding balls in the first holding ball replay operation, and the player Is able to concentrate on the game.

  The automatic payout of the holding balls will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 1, the player first inserts a general card (a ball card) in which the remaining amount of 2000 yen and the number of balls 2500 are associated with the inter-card card processing machine 10 ((1) in FIG. 1). The inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the selection of the automatic payout mode when the player plays the possession replay ((2) in the figure).

  The inter-card card processing machine 10 that has received the automatic payout mode notifies the gaming machine 20 of a predetermined number (125 balls in the figure) from the possession balls, and subtracts the number of possession balls ((3) in the figure). When the number of games that can be played by the player decreases and the number of games that can be played is less than or equal to a predetermined number (less than or less than 25 balls in the figure), a predetermined number of balls are automatically set as the number of games that can be played. Pay out ((4) in the figure). The inter-card processing machine 10 repeats this until the number of holding balls becomes 0 or until a big hit occurs and the automatic payout mode becomes unnecessary.

  As described above, the inter-card card processing machine 10 according to the present embodiment automatically replenishes the number of games that can be played and smoothly continues the game when the number of games that can be played is less than or equal to the predetermined number. Therefore, the player can concentrate on the game without being bothered by the remaining number of games that can be played. In addition, if the margin of the number of balls is known, even if a big hit comes, there is no need to perform an operation that erroneously presses the lending button.

  In addition, although the example where the end of the automatic payout mode of the holding balls is the case where the number of holding balls is zero and the case where a jackpot occurs has been described here, the present invention is not limited to this. The automatic payout mode may also be terminated when it is detected that the deposit, lending button or card return button is pressed. Details will be described later.

  Similarly, when there is a prepaid value, it is possible to automate ball lending and automatically notify the gaming machine 20 of the number of games that can be replenished if the number of games that can be played falls below a predetermined number. . This will also be described later.

  It should be noted that in the enclosed game machine 20, the payout of the ball is not the payout of the ball managed by the inter-card card processing machine 10 as an actual item, but the amount that the game machine 20 adds to the number of games that can be played. It becomes processing to transmit the number of possession balls.

  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 a player can throw out. Have.

  Accordingly, when the passing of the 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 to be given from the storage content of the winning ball memory and the number of gaming balls that have passed 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. Furthermore, when a notice of the addition of the number of games possible by ball lending operation or the like is received from the inter-card processing machine 10, the notified number is added to the number of games that can be played, and the stored content is updated.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 receives a deposit, rents out game balls, communicates with the card management device 40, communicates with the gaming machine 20, and the like. 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 including the card ID and the number of balls lending is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is subtracted and subtracted. The gaming machine 20 is notified of the number corresponding to the value and added to the possible number of games.

  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. Note that the card management device 40 may store it as it is instead of clearing it to zero even if it receives a holding ball subtraction request. However, in this case, since the inter-card card processing machine 10 manages the holding ball, it is managed to a reference value to the last.

  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.

  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 and subtracting a predetermined number of stored balls managed by the member management device 50. The number corresponding to the number of stored balls is notified to the gaming machine 20 and added to the possible number of games.

  In addition, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits a possession ball update request including the number of possessed balls to the card management device 40 and causes the card management device 40 to update and store the possession balls. The card discharge notification is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is controlled to be discharged. In addition, when the transfer operation of the game possible number is received from the gaming machine 20 before the card return operation, after adding the transferred game possible number to the number of balls, the balance of the balls in the card management device 40 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.

  Further, the inter-card card processing machine 10 performs display control and display of the display operation unit 13 when an abnormality occurs in its own device, or when notification of the number of games that can be played and the operation state of the handle 21 is received from the gaming machine 20. A player's operation is accepted from the operation unit 13.

  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 a possession ball acquisition request from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the possession ball to zero, and receives the internal ball update request from the inter-card card processing machine 10. In this case, the number of possessions indicated in the possession ball update request is added to the balance of the possession 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, and the storage ball replay data received from the member management device 50 is transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  Further, when the card management device 40 receives the card ID from the premium management device 60, the card management device 40 notifies the premium management device 60 of the 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 information registered as a member in the amusement shop as member management data. Specifically, member information such as the number of stored balls, points, password, and name is managed in association with the member card ID issued to each 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. The timing for transmitting the balance of the stored ball and the password may be another timing, for example, when the stored ball replay button is pressed. 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 gift management device 60 reads the card ID from the general card or the membership card (or identification information corresponding to the card ID from a portable terminal or the like; hereinafter referred to as a card ID), and then uses the card ID as the card management device. 40 to 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. Pay out the corresponding cash.

  Next, 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 a ball replay process in the case of performing a ball replay which is a replay of the ball 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. In addition, when adding the number of possible games to the holding ball, it may be possible to add in a lump instead of a fixed number. Thereafter, when a card return operation is accepted, a message including a request for updating the possession 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 to update the ball.

  When the card management device 40 accepts a request to update the possession ball, the card management device 40 updates the possession balance of the rate specified by the message to the received value among the possessions 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, 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.

  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. Then, the card management device 40 is notified of the number of balls added to the game possible number. Further, it is determined whether or not 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 stored ball data is 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 in the card management data during the closing process, and if there is a retained ball with a retained balance larger than “0”, the balance of the retained ball is used as the card ID and the rate. In addition, the member management apparatus 50 is notified. 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 is provided with a game board surface, a handle 21 used when throwing out the enclosed game balls onto the game board surface, and a counting button 23.

  The count button 23 is a button for subtracting the number of games that can be played by the gaming machine 20 and adding the corresponding number to the ball of the inter-card card processing machine 10. In other words, the counting button 23 is also an operation button for performing a management transition for shifting the management of the number of games that can be fired on the game board from the gaming machine 20 to the management of the ball by the inter-card processing machine 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.

  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. Part 17.

  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, acquisition of the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, management shift from the number of possessions to the number of games that can be managed, management transition from the number of games that can be managed to the number of possessions, the number of shot balls (number of outs) in the gaming machine 20 And game results such as the number of winning balls (safe number). 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 16b.

  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 gaming balls of 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 its own device state data 16a, gaming machine state data 16b, card data 16c, payout setting data 16d, and gameable number threshold value data 16e.

  The own device status data 16a is data indicating the status of the inter-card card processing machine 10. The own apparatus status data 16a includes an inter-card card processor ID, a game setting, and automatic payout validity / invalidity. The inter-card card processor ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the inter-card card processor 10 within the amusement store. The game setting is data indicating a rate corresponding to the game type 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 a game setting. The game setting may be a game type fixed for each section where the inter-card card processing machine 10 is installed, or may be changeable by a player's operation. The automatic payout valid / invalid is data indicating whether automatic payout is valid or invalid (manual payout) in the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The gaming machine state data 16b is data indicating the state of the gaming machine 20. The gaming machine state data 16b includes a gaming machine ID, the number of games that can be played, a firing strength, and the like. The gaming machine ID is a gaming machine ID received from the gaming machine 20 by the gaming machine management board 18. 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 card data 16c is data related to a card that is being used by a player. The card data 16c includes a card ID, a prepaid value, a possession ball, a storage ball, and the like. The card ID is a card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is transported from a card storage section (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and the card is ejected, the card data 16c is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transport. Also, when a card is transported from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), the card data 16c is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transport. The prepaid value indicates the balance of the prepaid value that can be used for the ball lending, and the holding ball and the stored ball indicate the respective balances. The automatic payout takeover setting indicates whether or not to take over the current automatic payout mode even when the table is moved.

  The payout setting data 16d is data in which conditions for performing automatic or manual payout of the holding balls are set. The payout setting data 16d includes a payout type, mode setting, the number of payout balls, and payout priority. The mode setting is a setting for whether the payout of the ball is automatic or manual. The number of times is the number of times of automatic payout. The number of balls to be paid out is the number of balls to be automatically paid out. The automatic payout invalid condition is a condition for invalidating automatic payout at a corresponding valuable value. The payout priority is data that sets whether to give priority to automatic payout of a lending ball, a holding ball, or a stored ball.

  The game possible number threshold value data 16e is data in which a threshold value of the game possible number serving as a trigger for automatic payout is set. The game possibility number threshold data 16e is designated from the card management device 40, or a default value is set by the inter-card card processor 10.

  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 game setting processing unit 17b, a gaming machine state management unit 17c, a payout setting unit 17d, an automatic payout control unit 17e, and a payout. It has a threshold determination unit 17f, a release condition determination unit 17g, and a notification unit 17h.

  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. Further, 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 card data 16c 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 a ball lending permission is received as a response to the ball lending request, the data management unit 17a subtracts the prepaid value of the card data 16c, and transmits a predetermined number of balls to the gaming machine 20 to obtain a game possible number. Let them add.

  In addition, when the ball lending operation based on the prepaid value is set in the automatic payout mode, the data management unit 17a plays the predetermined number or the number of balls set by the above procedure according to the instruction of the automatic payout control unit 17e. It is transmitted to the machine 20 and added to the number of games that can be played.

  In addition, when the data management unit 17a accepts a replay operation, the data management unit 17a subtracts and updates the retained balls in the card data 16c by a predetermined number unit, and transmits the corresponding number of balls to the gaming machine 20 to be playable. Let it be added to the number.

  Further, when the data management unit 17a receives an instruction from the automatic payout control unit 17e during the automatic ball payout mode, the data management unit 17a subtracts the set number of balls and sets the corresponding ball number to the gaming machine 20. To be added to the possible number of games.

  Further, when the balance of the stored ball indicated in the card data 16c is equal to or greater than the number of stored ball replay units, the data management unit 17a displays a stored ball replay button on the display operation unit 13 and accepts the stored ball replay operation. Make it possible. 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 replay request for the stored ball, the balance of the stored ball in the card data 16c is updated, and the number of balls corresponding to the stored ball replay unit number can be transmitted to the gaming machine 20 to play the game. Let it be added to the number. Then, the card management device 40 is notified of the card ID and the number of balls added to the possible number of games. In addition, at the time of the first storage replay operation, the input of a personal identification number is requested, and the fact that it matches the personal identification number indicated in the card data 16c is a condition for transmitting the storage ball replay request.

  In addition, when the data management unit 17a receives an instruction from the automatic payout control unit 17e during the automatic payout mode of the stored balls, the data management unit 17a repeats the above procedure, and the ball corresponding to the stored ball replay unit number or the set unit number. The number is transmitted to the gaming machine 20 and added to the possible number of games.

  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 data management unit 17a adds the number of games that can be transferred from the gaming machine 20 to the holding balls of the card data 16c. And update.

  In addition, when the data management unit 17a receives a card return operation, the data management unit 17a transmits a possession ball update request including the card ID, the inter-card card processor ID, and the balance of the possession balls to the card management device 40. Then, after clearing the card data 16c, a card discharge notification is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is discharged.

  The game setting processing unit 17b is configured to display the rate corresponding to the current game type set in the game setting of the own device state data 16a on the display operation unit 13 and accept the selection of the rate by the player. If so, the selectable rate is displayed on the display operation unit 13. When the player selects a desired rate, the game setting processing unit 17b updates the game setting in the own apparatus state data 16a 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, selectable rates are displayed on condition that the remote control operation by the employee is accepted and the authentication is performed. When the employee selects a rate, the game setting processing unit 17b updates the game setting of the own apparatus state data 16a with the game type corresponding to the selected rate. Further, in this case, when there is a signal instructing selection of a game type from a higher-level device such as the card management device 40, the own device state data 16a is displayed by the instructed game type without displaying a selectable rate. Update game settings for.

  The gaming machine state management unit 17c performs a process of updating the gaming machine state data 16b when the gaming machine ID, the number of games that can be played, the firing strength, and the like are acquired from the gaming machine 20. In addition, when a gaming machine ID is acquired from the gaming machine 20, the gaming machine ID depends on whether the gaming machine ID matches the previously acquired gaming machine ID, that is, the gaming machine ID indicated in the gaming machine state data 16b. 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 16b is updated, and the updated gaming machine ID and inter-card card processing machine ID are transmitted to the card management device 40.

  The payout setting unit 17d is a processing unit that accepts payout settings for a lending ball, a holding ball, and a stored ball. The payout setting unit 17d receives a setting related to payout from the display operation unit 13 and stores it in the storage unit 16 as payout setting data 16d.

  The payout setting unit 17d determines whether the payout is to be automatic or manual, how many balls are to be paid out at one time, how much balls are left to be automatically paid, Set which priority is given to automatic dispensing of balls. When the automatic payout mode is set and the automatic mode is taken over when the table is moved, the automatic takeover setting of the card data 16c is turned on, and the payout setting data 16d is recorded on the card when the card is discharged. If any one of the automatic payout cancellation conditions is satisfied, it is automatically turned OFF.

  The automatic payout control unit 17e is a control unit that performs automatic payout control based on the payout setting data 16d and the game possibility number threshold data 16e. The automatic payout control unit 17e sets the payout setting if the payout setting data 16d is set in the automatic payout mode and the priority is the payout of the ball, and the number of games is less than or less than the gameable number threshold. The data management unit 17a is made to pay out the number of balls set in the data 16d. That is, in the automatic payout mode, the automatic payout control unit 17e performs the same operation as pressing the holding ball replay button when the game playable number threshold data 16e is less than or less than the playable number threshold value.

  Further, the automatic payout control unit 17e determines that, in the payout setting data 16d, the number of games reaches the gameable number threshold value data 16e when the balls are set in the automatic payout mode and the balls are given priority. Then, the data management unit 17a is caused to perform a ball lending operation. The ball lending operation performed by the data management unit 17a is the same as a normal ball lending process by prepaid value subtraction.

  In addition, in the payout setting data 16d, the automatic payout control unit 17e sets the automatic payout mode in the payout setting data 16d. The management unit 17a is allowed to accept the storage ball replay operation. Note that the payout by the storage ball replay performed by the data management unit 17a is the same as the processing when the storage ball replay operation is accepted.

  Further, when the automatic payout cancel condition of the payout setting data 16d is satisfied, the automatic payout control unit 17e ends the current priority automatic payout and shifts to the next priority automatic payout. Further, if an instruction to end automatic payout is received from the release condition determination unit 17g, all automatic payouts are terminated and returned to manual payout.

  The payout threshold value determination unit 17f is a processing unit that determines whether or not the possible number of games matches the automatic payout condition. In the automatic payout mode, the payout threshold value determination unit 17f reads the game possible number from the gaming machine state data 16b, and notifies the automatic payout control unit 17e when the game possible number threshold value is less than or less than the game possible number threshold value. Further, when the automatic payout mode is not activated, the notification unit 17h is notified.

  The release condition determination unit 17g is a processing unit that determines whether or not an automatic payout release condition is satisfied in the automatic payout mode. The release condition determination unit 17g notifies the automatic payout control unit 17e when an event that matches any of the automatic payout conditions described later occurs.

  The notification unit 17h notifies the number of possible games. When the automatic payout mode is not activated, the notification unit 17h highlights the manual button or the automatic payout button on the display operation unit 13 and allows the game if the number of games that can be played is less than or less than the threshold value. Notify that the number needs to be replenished.

  In addition, in the automatic payout mode, the notification unit 17h notifies that automatic payout has been performed, and when the priority of the payout type is switched from automatic payout of a ball to lending with a prepaid value, etc. A message to that effect is displayed on the display operation unit 13 for notification.

  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, the mutual authentication with the inter-card card processor 10 is OK in the communication control unit 24, and a game is started when 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.

  In addition, when the game control unit 26 receives a control to stop use from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the game control unit 26 stops the game operation of the game machine 20, and plays a game such as the number of game balls stored in the game number memory. Control to hold the machine status data. In addition, when receiving a return instruction from the use stop, it is returned to the state at the use stop state.

  In addition, the game control unit 26 monitors the state of the gaming machine 20 and notifies an inter-card card processing machine 10 of an error message when a gaming machine error occurs. If the error is in the counting system, the transmission of the gameable number is stopped and the gameable number data is held.

  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. This makes it easy to give a prize to a player.

  In addition, 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 the player has acquired a certain amount of game media after the start of probability-changing games or short-time games, it will be stopped (the card will be ejected and a prize exchange or a table move will be requested) 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 when the effect is executed, the effect display is performed by superimposing the effect data on the background symbol data. 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 controls the number of games that can be played, and includes a game number management unit 27a and a dispensing control unit 27b. The game number management unit 27a stores the game number in the game number memory, and performs a process of updating the game number.

  Specifically, the game number management unit 27a subtracts “1” from the game number every time a game ball is fired, and adds the number of game balls to the game number when a winning occurs. In addition, when the number of balls that can be used in the game is notified from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the notified number of balls is added to the number of games that can be played, and the number of games that can be played to the inter-card card processing machine 10 A confirmation signal indicating that it has been added to 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 game possible number management unit 27a transmits a management transfer request for adding a predetermined number (for example, 100) to the possession card 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 number of games is cleared to 0 in response to a response indicating completion of addition to the ball.

  In addition, in the automatic payout mode, the game possible number management unit 27a transmits an automatic payout instruction to the inter-card card processing machine 10 when the game possible number reaches a threshold value, and is transferred from the inter-card card processing machine 10. The number of possessed balls may be added to the number of games that can be played.

  The throwing control unit 27b is a control unit that controls throwing of the game ball, determines the throwing direction of the game ball according to the operation amount of the handle 21, and controls the throwing mechanism to throw the game ball. Let go out.

  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 an explanatory diagram for explaining the own device state data 16a, the gaming machine state data 16b, the card data 16c, the payout setting data 16d, and the gameable number threshold value data 16e shown in FIG.

  In the own apparatus state data 16a shown in FIG. 5A, the ID of the inter-card card processing machine 10 is “3001”, and “Game 1” is set as the game type as the game setting of the inter-card card processing machine 10. In this state, the automatic payout mode is “valid”.

  The gaming machine state data 16b shown in FIG. 5B indicates that the ID of the gaming machine 20 is “A0012X4234”, the current number of games that can be played is “120”, and the firing strength is “38”. Yes. In addition, the gaming machine 20 is in a “normal” state where there is no probability variation and the like, indicating that the device is operating normally. The reach reliability is data representing the reliability of realization when a big hit reach occurs. The gaming machine state data may include the number of big hits and the number of reach times during the game.

  The card data 16c shown in FIG. 5C indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the inter-card processor 10 is “1001”. 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 card data 16c indicates a state where the prepaid value is “20” frequency. Here, the frequency of prepaid value is equivalent to 100 yen per frequency. Further, the card data 16c indicates a state in which the balance of the balls 1 has “2500” balls, and the balls 2 and 3 have “0” balls. Further, it is shown that the automatic payout mode takeover setting is ON and the current automatic payout mode is taken over even when the table is moved.

  The payout setting data 16d shown in FIG. 5 (d) shows a state in which the ball lending and the holding ball are set to automatic payout, and the priority of automatic payout is set in the order of the ball holding and the ball lending. Further, the automatic payout of the holding balls is always performed. The number of payout balls is a predetermined value of “125” balls, and the automatic payout is always enabled if the remaining number of balls is “1500” balls or more. For this reason, when the number of remaining balls reaches “1500” balls, the process shifts to automatic payout of the lending balls based on the prepaid value. That is, the automatic payout invalid condition becomes an automatic payout priority change condition. Further, in the case of ball lending, automatic payout is performed up to four times, the number of payout balls is “125” balls, and automatic payout mode is canceled when automatic payout is performed four times.

  The game possible number threshold value data 16e shown in FIG. 5 (e) indicates a state in which automatic payout is performed when the game possible number threshold value data is “25” balls and becomes less than or less than this value. For example, if the number of games that can be played 100 times is allowed per minute, the automatic payout is performed 15 seconds before the number of games that can be played becomes zero.

  Next, the automatic payout cancellation condition will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining automatic payout cancellation conditions in the automatic payout mode for holding balls. As shown in FIG. 6, the automatic payout cancellation condition is a condition for canceling the automatic payout mode because it becomes impossible to perform automatic payout of the ball or no automatic payout is required. The automatic payout mode is automatically canceled when any one of the two conditions is satisfied.

  The case where the automatic withdrawal of the holding ball is disabled includes the case where the holding ball becomes “0”, the case where the card is returned, and the case where the ball is loaned with the deposit or the remaining prepaid value. . In the case of automatic payout, as long as there is a ball, it is automatically added to the number of games that can be played, so that the player does not need to be aware of deposit or remaining prepaid loan. When the ball lending with the deposit or the remaining prepaid value is performed, the inter-card card processing machine 10 determines that the number of possessed balls is reduced and the automatic payout condition is not satisfied, and the automatic payout mode is canceled.

  The case where there is no need for automatic payout is when a jackpot is generated. The inter-card processing machine 10 determines that the number of games that can be played is sufficiently accumulated based on the number of winning balls if a jackpot is generated, and determines that there is no need to perform automatic ball payout. Therefore, if any one of the automatic payout cancellation conditions is satisfied, the automatic payout mode is disabled until the player enables the automatic payout mode again.

  Next, screen transition when the payout mode is selected will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition according to the payout mode in the display operation unit 13 of the inter-card card processing machine 10. First, the player selects a payout menu from the standby screen ((1) in the figure). Next, it is selected whether the balls are to be automatically paid out or manually paid out ((2) in the figure). Here, when automatic payout is selected, the inter-card processing machine 10 adds “125” balls from the possession balls to the number of games that can be played by the gaming machine 20 ((3) in the figure). It should be noted that “125” balls are similarly paid out when manual payout is pressed in the payout method selection in (2).

  When automatic payout is selected, after the first 125 balls are paid out, 125 balls are automatically subtracted from the holding ball if the number of games that can be played is less than or less than the game number threshold of 25 balls. The gaming machine 20 is made to add the number of possible games. Then, automatic payout is repeated until the automatic payout mode cancel condition is satisfied or the automatic payout end button is pressed to cancel the automatic payout mode.

  On the other hand, if manual payout is selected, the first 125 balls are paid out from the holding ball, and when the number of games is lost, the standby screen is displayed again, and manual payout is selected again to pay out the holding ball. become. Or you may make it pay out a ball by pushing down the physically-retained ball replay button. Even in the case of manual payout, if the number of games that can be played is 25 balls or less in FIG. 7, the manual payout button or the automatic payout button is highlighted (flashing, lit, enlarged display, etc.). Encourage replenishment.

  Next, the coin payout mode selection screen in the display operation unit 13 of the inter-card card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a payout mode selection screen in the display operation unit 13 of the inter-card card processing machine 10. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a standby screen for selecting the payout mode. When the payout menu is pressed here, a screen for selecting an automatic payout mode or a manual payout mode shown in FIG. 8B is displayed.

  In FIG. 8B, when the manual payout selection is accepted, the inter-card card processing machine 10 subtracts the holding ball, and adds the number corresponding to the subtracted amount to the gameable number of the gaming machine 20. When automatic payout is selected, the automatic payout mode is set to the default value. When a detailed setting is performed in the automatic payout mode, a detail button for detailed setting is pressed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting screen for the automatic payout mode in the display operation unit 13 of the inter-card processing machine. It is a screen displayed when the automatic payout mode is set in FIG. 8B and the detailed setting is selected. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the automatic payout mode can be set to be always automatic, how many times the automatic payout is performed, and how many balls are used in one automatic payout. . Note that the detailed setting in the automatic payout mode is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to set a threshold value to be left as a holding ball and perform automatic payout until then.

  Next, a processing procedure for setting the payout mode in the inter-card card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for setting a payout for a ball by the inter-card card processing machine 10. In the following description of the flowcharts, it is assumed that the player already has a ball.

  The payout setting unit 17d of the inter-card processing machine 10 displays a payout setting standby screen and waits for a setting from the player (step S101). The payout setting unit 17d receives the ball payout setting from the payout setting standby screen (step S102). When a manual payout setting is accepted from the player (step S103; No), a predetermined number of balls are paid out (step S111), and the process ends.

  If automatic payout is selected (step S103; Yes) and the number of balls in the automatic payout mode setting is less than a predetermined number (step S104; No), automatic payout setting impossible is displayed (step S112). Then, all the possessed balls are paid out (step S111), and the process is terminated.

  If the number of holding balls when the automatic payout mode is set is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S104; Yes), it is determined whether or not the detailed setting for automatic payout is selected (step S105). If the default is selected without making detailed settings (step S105; No), a predetermined number of balls are paid out (step S111), and the process is terminated.

  When the selection of the detailed setting is accepted (step S105; Yes) and the input of the number of payout balls is accepted (step S106; Yes), the payout setting unit 17d sets the accepted number of payout balls in the payout setting data 16d. (Step S107). If there is no setting acceptance of the number of payout balls (step S106; No), the process proceeds to step S108.

  When selection of the payout time is accepted (step S108; Yes), the payout setting unit 17d sets the accepted payout time in the payout setting data 16d (step S109). When the payout time is not selected and the default value is set (step S108; No), the process proceeds to step S110.

  If the detailed setting is completed and the determination button is pressed (step S110; Yes), the automatic payout control unit 17e pays out a predetermined number of balls (step S111), and the processing is ended. If the cancel button is pressed (step S110; No), the process returns to step S106, and the detailed setting input reception is repeated.

  In this flowchart, the processing procedure for setting the number of payout balls and the payout time has been described, but the detailed setting is not limited to these items, and setting items can be added. For example, it is good also as receiving the additional setting of the automatic payment cancellation | release conditions from a player.

  Next, the automatic payout processing procedure of the inter-card card processing machine 10 in the automatic payout mode will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the automatic ball payout by the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The payout threshold value determination unit 17f monitors the number of games that can be played from the gaming machine state data 16b (step S201). Further, the release condition determination unit 17g determines whether or not the automatic payout end button has been pressed (step S202). If the automatic payout end button is not pressed (Step S202; No), it is determined whether or not the number of games that can be played is below or below the payout threshold (Step S203). If the possible number of games is larger than the threshold (step S203; No), the process returns to step S201.

  If the possible number of games becomes less than or less than the threshold (step S203; Yes), the release condition determination unit 17g determines whether or not the automatic payout release condition is satisfied (step S204). If the automatic payout cancellation condition is not satisfied (step S204; No), the automatic payout control unit 17e causes the data management unit 17a to pay out a predetermined number of balls (step S205). Then, the processing from step S201 is repeated. Note that the inter-card card processing machine 10 periodically communicates with the gaming machine 20, and the number of games that can be played by the gaming machine 20 is confirmed through this periodic communication. The threshold may be determined by the received numerical value, or an automatic payout request signal may be received from the gaming machine 20 when the number of games that can be played is less than or less than the threshold.

  When the automatic payout end button is pressed in step S202 (step S202; Yes), or when the automatic payout cancel condition is satisfied in step S204 (step S204; Yes), the automatic payout control unit 17e Is displayed and notified on the display operation unit 13 (step S206). Then, the mode of the payout setting data 16d is updated from automatic to manual, the automatic payout setting is finished (step S207), and the process is finished.

  In the present embodiment, the description has been made that the inter-card card processing machine 10 automatically pays out the possessed balls when the game possible number is less than or less than the threshold value, but the game machine 20 is paid out as the game possible number. Is not limited to Mochitama. In addition to ball lending based on the remaining prepaid amount and addition to the number of games that can be played by paying out the stored ball by replaying the stored ball, it may be necessary to repeatedly pay out in the same way as the replaying of the holding ball. Therefore, as a modified example of the automatic payout, an extended automatic payout including ball lending by the prepaid balance and payout by replaying the stored ball will be described.

  In the case of automatic payout of the ball, the automatic payout control unit 17e of the inter-card processing machine 10 performs a process that emulates pressing of the ball replay button. In the case of automation including ball lending with the remaining amount of prepaid and payout of stored balls by replaying the stored ball, the automatic payout control unit 17e emulates the processing in which the lending button or the replay button of the stored ball is pressed in each automatic payout. Think about it.

  Next, automatic payout cancellation conditions for a plurality of automatic payout modes will be described. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the automatic payout cancellation condition in the automatic payout mode by using the prepaid value for lending, holding balls and storing balls. The present modification is different in that, when the holding ball of the embodiment is 0, a condition of less than or less than a predetermined number of stored balls is added. This means that the automatic payout cancellation condition is set when the value of all valuable values is disabled in the automatic payout mode.

  That is, if automatic payout with a certain type of valuable value becomes impossible, the automatic payout mode shifts to automatic payout with another type of valuable value, and the automatic payout mode ends when automatic payout with all valuable values is completed. Therefore, the automatic payout cancellation condition in this modification is changed from the automatic payout cancellation condition of the embodiment to the condition that all the valuable values are 0 by combining the conditions of 0 holding balls and the remaining prepaid loan. Note that the value 0 is not only completely zero but also includes cases where the value is less than the minimum payout number. For example, when the minimum payout amount of stored balls is 100 balls, 99 balls or less are applicable. If the minimum lending value of the prepaid value is 100 yen, it corresponds to 99 yen or less.

  Next, a display screen at the time of setting the automatic payout mode based on the valuable value including the prepaid value, the holding ball, and the stored ball will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for automatic payout setting of a lending ball, a holding ball and a stored ball using a prepaid value in the display operation unit 13 of the inter-card processing machine 10. In FIG. 13A, the prepaid balance is “2500 yen”, the holding balls are “1500” balls, and the storage balls are “3500” balls, and an automatic payout setting is going to be made from these three valuable values. When the payout setting menu is pressed, the valuable value for selecting automatic payout is displayed as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13B shows a screen in which three items, that is, a holding ball, a prepaid balance and a stored ball, are selected as valuable values for automatic payout, and the priority order is also in this order. Automatic withdrawal does not have to select all the valuable values. Two or one of the three may be used. The priority order can also be changed according to the status of valuable value.

  FIG. 13C is an example of an automatic payout setting screen related to the stored ball in the payout setting menu in the automatic payout mode. In FIG. 13C, regarding the automatic payout of the stored balls, the automatic payout mode setting “always” is selected, the number of automatic payout balls is “125” balls, and the remaining storage ball setting is “3000” balls. This setting indicates that the automatic withdrawal mode of the stored ball will exit from the automatic withdrawal mode of the stored ball after four automatic withdrawals. It is also possible to set the automatic payout mode based on the remaining amount.

  Next, the processing procedure of the automatic payout setting of the ball lending, holding ball and storage ball using the prepaid value by the inter-card card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the automatic payout setting of the lending, holding balls and storage balls using the prepaid value by the inter-card processing machine 10.

  The payout setting unit 17d displays a payout setting screen for accepting payout settings (step S301). Then, the automatic payout mode setting of the valuable value is received from the player (step S302). Here, the payout setting unit 17d accepts the selection and priority of the type (prepaid value, possession ball or storage ball) for automatic payout from the player, and records it in the payout setting data 16d (step S303).

  When the selection of the automatic payout of the stored ball is accepted (step S304; Yes), the password for paying out the stored ball is accepted (step S305). The reason why the password is accepted is that the automatic payout priority is given to save money, and the automatic payout is interrupted for accepting the input of the password, so that the game is not disturbed in advance.

  If the stored ball is the highest priority for automatic payout (step S306; Yes), the automatic payout control unit 17e causes the data management unit 17a to transmit a stored ball replay request to the member management device 50 (step S307). . When the stored ball replay data is received from the member management device 50 (step S308), the data management unit 17a updates the stored ball balance (step S309), notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number of games that can be played (step S310), and performs processing. Exit.

  If there is no reception of selection of automatic storage ball payout (step S304; No), or automatic payout of storage balls is not the highest priority (step S306; No), it is determined whether the automatic payout of holding balls is the highest priority (step). S311). When the automatic payout of the possession ball is received with the highest priority (step S311; Yes), the automatic payout control unit 17e notifies the gaming machine 20 of a predetermined number of available games to the data management unit 17a (step S311). S312), the corresponding number of balls are subtracted (step S313), and the process is terminated.

  If the automatic payout of the holding balls is not the highest priority (step S311; No), it is determined whether the automatic payout of the loaned balls with the remaining amount is the highest priority (step S314). If automatic payout with the remaining amount is not the highest priority (step S314: No), the process is terminated.

  When the automatic payout by the remaining amount has the highest priority (step S314; Yes), the automatic payout control unit 17e causes the data management unit 17a to notify the gaming machine 20 of a predetermined number of possible games (step S315). ) The amount corresponding to the number of games that can be played is subtracted from the prepaid value (step S316), and the process is terminated.

  Next, the processing procedure of the automatic payout of the lending balls, the holding balls and the stored balls using the prepaid value will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for automatically paying out balls, holding balls and storage balls using prepaid value in the inter-card processing machine 10.

  The payout threshold determination unit 17f monitors the number of games that can be played (step S401). If the number of games that can be played reaches or falls below the automatic payout threshold (step S402; Yes), the release condition determination unit 17g It is determined whether or not the end is selected (step S403). If the end of automatic payout is selected (step S403; Yes), the fact that the automatic payout mode is to be ended is notified (step S414), the automatic payout mode is canceled (step S415), and the process is ended. . If the number of games that can be played is not less than or less than the hourly payout threshold value (step S402; No), the process returns to step S401.

  When the automatic payout end is not selected (step S403; No), it is determined whether or not the current automatic payout is a stored ball (step S404). If the current automatic payout is a stored ball (step S404; Yes), a stored ball replay request is transmitted to the member management device 50 (step S405). Then, the stored ball replay play data is received (step S406), the stored ball balance is updated (step S407), and the number of games that can be played is notified to the gaming machine 20 (step S408).

  If the current automatic payout priority is not stored in step S404 (step S404; No), the automatic payout control unit 17e notifies the gaming machine 20 of a predetermined number of games available to the data management unit 17a (step S409). Then, the corresponding prepaid value or the number of possessed balls is subtracted (step S410).

  Thereafter, the automatic payout control unit 17e determines whether or not the automatic payout priority change condition is satisfied (step S411). When the automatic payout priority changing condition is satisfied (step S411; Yes), the automatic payout control unit 17e changes the automatic payout priority and notifies the data management unit 17a to that effect. If there is no change in the automatic payout priority (step S411; No), the process proceeds to step S413.

  If the automatic payout release condition is satisfied (step S413; Yes), the release condition determination unit 17g notifies the end of the automatic payout mode (step S414), cancels the automatic payout mode (step S415), and The process ends. If not established (step S413; No), the process returns to step S401 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the inter-card card processing machine 10 monitors the number of games that can be played by the gaming machine 20, and when the number of games that have fallen below a predetermined threshold, Since the stored balls are paid out, the player can concentrate on the game without being bothered by the player's lending button, holding-ball replay button pressing, and stored ball replay operation.

  Further, in this embodiment, once the automatic payout setting is performed, the setting can be stored in the card. Therefore, it is possible to take over the setting without performing the automatic payout setting from the beginning when the table is moved.

  Also, in this embodiment, the player can set the automatic payout mode end condition so that the player can automatically pay out automatically by setting the remaining number of balls or storage balls used for prize exchange. It becomes possible to play a game in the mode.

  In this embodiment, the automatic payout mode is set by pressing the payout menu from the standby screen and then pressing the automatic payout button. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An operation of providing an automatic payout button on the standby screen, guiding the start of the automatic payout mode after pressing the automatic payout button, and setting the automatic payout mode again by pressing the automatic payout button may be performed.

  In the present embodiment, the description has been given of the player setting the automatic payout mode. However, the automatic card payout may be set in the inter-card card processing machine 10 from a host device such as the card management device 40. In addition, the inter-card card processing machine 10 may automatically issue a payout in response to an instruction from the gaming machine 20 for an addition request for the number of games that can be played.

  Also, in this embodiment, when the automatic payout mode is not enabled, if the number of games that can be played is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the manual payout button or the automatic payout button is highlighted and highlighted. However, the notification is not limited thereto. In the automatic payout mode, when the prepaid balance or the number of balls or the number of stored balls is close to the predetermined payout unit number, that fact may be notified.

  Moreover, although detailed description was abbreviate | omitted in the present Example, when using a storage ball or a possession ball, you may enable it to perform the transfer process between rates. For example, the gaming machine 20 that is currently playing has a lending rate of 4 yen and used 4 yen storage balls, but there are cases where it is desirable to use 2 yen rate holding balls at a 4 yen rate. In this case, it may be possible to convert the balls with a 2-yen rate into a 4-yen rate and transfer them. Further, if the automatic payout mode is in progress, the transfer may be performed automatically, and when the transfer is performed, the player's permission may be obtained. Further, the priority order of transfer may be set. The setting may be at the timing when the automatic payout mode is set or at a different timing. Further, the transfer may be made from a medal to a ball or vice versa.

  In the present embodiment, the description “less than / less than” is described for the number of games that can be used as a threshold for executing automatic payout. However, since this threshold is a numerical value only for integers, It may be “less than”. For example, if it is desired to have 25 balls or less, it may be set to less than 26 balls.

  Further, in this embodiment, detailed description of the form of the card, which is a medium for associating the number of game media, is omitted, but such a card includes a magnetic card, an IC card, and the like. Further, although the “card” has been described as an example here for convenience of explanation, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a chip, a stick, a portable terminal, or the like is used in addition to such a card. In particular, when a mobile terminal with an IC chip is used as a medium, the mobile terminal can be uniquely identified using identification information that can be obtained in a non-contact manner from the IC chip of the mobile terminal. You can manage the number.

  In this embodiment, a game ball is launched and a pachinko game machine that is a kind of a ball-type game machine that gives a prize when the game ball passes through a predetermined area has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of ball-type game machines or a predetermined number of game media are set as the number of bets for one game and the reel is rotated. Regardless of the shape of the game medium 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 stop operation is performed. Can be applied as well. In this case, the game media corresponding to the number of games that can be played is a so-called credit that is stored in advance in the gaming machine so that medals can be inserted by a button operation in order to save time and labor to insert medals each time. To do.

  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, game system, and game management method according to the present invention automatically transfers the possession ball to the gaming machine and adds it to the number of games that can be played in the game with the enclosed game machine. Therefore, it is suitable for improving the convenience of the player.

10 inter-card processing machine 11 status display unit 12 banknote transport unit 12a bill insertion slot 13 display operation unit 14 reader / writer 14a card insertion port 15 communication unit 16 storage unit 16a own device status data 16b gaming machine status data 16c card data 16d payout Setting data 16e Playable number threshold data 17 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Game setting processing unit 17c Game machine state management unit 17d Disbursement setting unit 17e Automatic payout control unit 17f Discharge threshold value determination unit 17g Release condition determination unit 17h Notification unit 18 Game Machine management board 20 Game machine 21 Handle 23 Count button 24 Communication control unit 25 Production control unit 25a Production symbol lottery unit 25b Production lottery unit 26 Game control unit 27 Game ball control unit 27a Gameable number management unit 27b Throwing control unit 30 Island Controller 40 Card management equipment 50 Member management device 60 Premium management device 80 Settlement machine

Claims (6)

Each device installed in a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium to play a game,
A number of game media management means for managing the number of game media acquired in advance as the number of game media;
First transition means for causing a part or all of the number of game media managed by the game media number management means to transition to the number of games that can be managed by the gaming machine;
A second transition means for shifting a part or all of the possible number of games to the number of game media managed by the game media number management means;
Each apparatus comprising: mode setting means for setting an operation mode in an automatic transition mode in which transition is performed by the first transition means when the number of games that can be played is less than or less than a first threshold value .   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode setting unit switches whether to set the operation mode to the automatic transition mode according to an operation by a player.   The mode setting means is configured to add a prepaid value usable for lending the game medium when a predetermined prize is obtained, or when the number of game media is equal to or less than a second threshold value. When a lending operation using the prepaid value for the addition of the number of games is accepted, or when an operation requesting a transition by the second transition means is accepted, a release condition including at least one is Each stand apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the condition is established, the automatic transition mode is canceled. The mode setting means includes
An automatic lending mode for automatically executing a lending process in which a prepaid value that can be used for lending the game medium is used to add the number of games, based on the number of games available;
Automatic replay processing that automatically executes a replay process using the number of game media, which is the number of game media managed in a member account registered in advance, for the addition of the game possible number based on the game possible number. At least one of play mode and can be further set,
The apparatus further comprises priority order defining means for defining a priority order when two or more of the automatic transition mode, the automatic lending mode, and the automatic replay mode are set simultaneously. Each stand apparatus of 2 or 3. A gaming system including a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium to play a game, and each device connected to the gaming machine,
The gaming machine is
A game number management means for managing the number of games that can be used in a game as a game possible number;
Game processing means for subtracting and updating the number of games available as the game medium is used for a game, and adding and updating the number of games available when a predetermined prize is obtained as a result of the game When,
Each device request processing means for increasing and decreasing the number of games that can be played in response to a request from each device, and
Each of the stand devices is
A number of game media management means for managing the number of game media acquired in advance as the number of game media;
First transition means for shifting part or all of the number of game media managed by the number of game media management means to the game possible number;
A second transition means for shifting a part or all of the possible number of games to the number of game media managed by the game media number management means;
A game system, comprising: mode setting means for setting an operation mode in an automatic transition mode in which transition is performed by the first transition means when the possible number of games is less than or less than a first threshold. A game management method for a gaming system including a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium to play a game, and each device provided in the gaming machine,
The number of game media management step for each device to manage the number of game media acquired in advance as the number of game media;
The game number management step for managing the number of games that can be used in the game as the game possible number for the gaming machine;
An automatic transition step of shifting a part or all of the number of game media to the game-capable number when the game-capable number is less than or less than a predetermined threshold value. .

Images