JP2017012567A - Each-machine unit, game system, and method of managing game media - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable expansion of functions related to games while effectively using an existing system in a game hall, and thereby to enhance convenience of players.SOLUTION: An inter-machine card processor 10 includes, in addition to a card reader 14a for receiving a card c1 such as a general card and a membership card, a hold-up portion 14b for receiving an expansion card c2. The inter-machine card processor 10 subtracts the digital money balance of the expansion card c2 to add the prepaid value of the card c1. After the prepaid value is added, the inter-machine card processor 10 subtracts the prepaid value balance of the card c1 and puts out a corresponding number of game balls.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a stand device installed in association with a gaming machine, a gaming system including the gaming machine and each stand device, and a game medium management method in the gaming system.

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

  In addition, a member's recording medium is issued to the player who has registered as a member of the game store, and various information about the player is managed in association with the identification information of the member's recording medium, and various services are provided to the player. Yes. For example, Patent Document 1 provides a savings service in which the number of game media is managed in association with the member ID of a player registered as a member of a game store, and the number of game media can be used for games and prize exchange from the next day. A storage management device is disclosed.

  As described above, at the amusement store, a recording medium that can be used without registration as a member (hereinafter referred to as a general card) and a recording medium that can be used under the condition of membership registration (hereinafter referred to as a member card) are used. Yes. The membership card has a function of a general card, for example, a function of associating a game medium, and the membership card and the general card can be read and written by the same reader / writer.

JP 2011-217846 A

  However, the conventional technique has a problem that it is difficult to cope with a recording medium of a new standard and the expandability is low. For example, the use of electronic money stored on recording media is spreading, but general cards and membership cards can be equipped with electronic money payment functions, and electronic money payment cards are the same as general cards and membership cards. It is difficult to make it usable. This is because it will be necessary to replace many of the existing facilities such as each device installed in the gaming machine.

  For these reasons, it has been important to increase the number of compatible recording media and expand the functions while effectively using the existing system of the amusement store.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and enables the expansion of functions related to games while effectively utilizing the existing system of the game store, thereby improving the convenience of the player. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus, a game system, and a game medium management method that can be performed.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is installed in association with a gaming machine that performs a game using a game medium, and the game medium can be used for the game according to a player's operation. And a first recording medium processing unit for receiving a first recording medium associated with the first valuable value, and the first valuable medium according to the operation of the player. A game medium lending process unit for performing a game medium lending process for subtracting the value and making the number of game media corresponding to the subtracted first valuable value usable, and a second recording medium process for accepting the second recording medium And subtracting the second value associated with the second recording medium and adding the value corresponding to the subtracted second value to the first value to transfer the value. And a valuable value transfer section.

  In the present invention, the second valuable value is electronic money, and the first valuable value is cash or a prepaid value for renting game media purchased with the electronic money. And

  Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the member management apparatus is inquired whether the identification information of the second recording medium is associated with the member information, and the identification information of the second recording medium is included in the member information. In the case of being associated, a member function providing unit for providing a member function based on the member information is further provided.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the member function providing unit is one of the deposit game media deposited by the member into the game store based on the member information associated with the identification information of the second recording medium. A replay process is performed in which a part or all of the game is made available for the game.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the game medium lending processing unit uses the whole or a part of the addition when the first value is added by the value transfer unit. A game medium lending process is performed.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, when the second recording medium is received by the second recording medium processing unit, is identification information of the second recording medium associated with member information? And / or a card identification processing unit that identifies whether or not the balance of the second valuable value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and changes a display mode according to the player's operation based on the identification result Is further provided.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the valuable value transition unit accumulates the history of subtraction of the second valuable value, and sums up the history of subtraction of the second valuable value at a predetermined timing. It transmits to an apparatus, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  The present invention also relates to a gaming machine that performs a game using a gaming medium, and each of the machines that are installed in association with the gaming machine and that can use the gaming medium for the game according to a player's operation. A first recording medium processing unit that receives a first recording medium associated with a first value, and the first value according to an operation of the player And a second recording medium processing unit for receiving the second recording medium, and a second recording medium processing unit for receiving the second recording medium. And subtracting the second value associated with the second recording medium, and adding the value corresponding to the subtracted second value to the first value to shift the value. And a valuable value transfer section.

  The present invention also relates to a gaming machine that performs a game using a gaming medium, and each of the machines that are installed in association with the gaming machine and that can use the gaming medium for the game according to a player's operation. A recording medium reception method in which a second recording medium processing unit receives a second recording medium different from the first recording medium used for renting out the gaming medium; The second value associated with the second recording medium is subtracted, and the value corresponding to the subtracted second value is added to the first value associated with the first recording medium. A game for performing a game medium lending process for subtracting the first value and allowing use of a number of game media corresponding to the subtracted first value. Media lending process Characterized in that it comprises a flop.

  According to the present invention, the first recording medium processing unit that receives the first recording medium associated with the first valuable value, and the first valuable value is subtracted and subtracted according to the player's operation. A game medium lending processing unit that performs a game medium lending process that makes it possible to use a number of game media corresponding to the first value, a second recording medium processing unit that accepts a second recording medium, and a second recording A value transfer unit that subtracts the second value associated with the medium and adds the value corresponding to the subtracted second value to the first value to transfer the value; Since it is configured, it is possible to expand the functions related to the game while effectively utilizing the existing system of the game store, thereby improving the convenience of the player.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram regarding the use of a card according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a basic system configuration of the amusement store. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration according to the expansion card. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit of the inter-card card processor. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the card management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit of the card management apparatus. (Part 1) FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit of the card management apparatus. (Part 2) FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the member management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit of the member management apparatus. (Part 1) FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit of the member management apparatus. (Part 2) FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of setting of availability of various functions by the card management apparatus. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for controlling the operation screen in the inter-card processing machine. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a member registration processing procedure by the member management apparatus. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a withdrawal procedure performed by the member management apparatus. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the ball lending process by the inter-card card processing machine. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a modified example of the ball lending process by the inter-card card processing machine. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for savings replay using an expansion card. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing identification processing between a mobile terminal and an expansion card. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of prepaid value purchase. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of another specific example of prepaid value purchase. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of savings replay using an expansion card. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example in the case where a holding ball is transferred to a storage ball using an expansion card. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of addition of electronic money.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of each device, a gaming system, and a gaming medium 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). Mochidama can be used by both general players and member players, and is used when a gaming machine used for gaming is changed (so-called table movement). 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, use of the card according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram regarding the use of a card according to the present embodiment. In the gaming store according to the present embodiment, the inter-card card processing machine 10 is installed in association with the gaming machine 20. The inter-card card processing machine 10 is an apparatus for paying out game balls using prepaid values used for lending game balls, holding balls, etc., and the gaming machine 20 is paid out by the inter-card card processing machine 10. This is a device for providing a game using a game ball.

  When paying out a game ball using a card c1 with a predetermined balance or more remaining in the prepaid value, the player inserts the card c1 into the card reader 14a and performs a ball lending operation on the display operation unit 13. . When receiving the ball lending operation, the inter-card card processing machine 10 subtracts the balance of the prepaid value of the card c1 and pays out a corresponding number of game balls. When the balance of the prepaid value is stored inside the card c1, the inter-card card processing machine 10 subtracts and updates the prepaid value stored in the card c1. When the prepaid value is managed by a higher-level device (for example, a card management device described later) in association with the identification information of the card c1, the inter-card card processor 10 transmits a prepaid value subtraction request to the higher-level device. The prepaid value is subtracted from the host device.

  Further, a player who does not have the card c1 can add the prepaid value of the card c1 prepared inside the inter-card card processing machine 10 by inserting a bill into the bill insertion slot 12a. When the ball lending operation is accepted after the prepaid value is added, the inter-card card processing machine 10 subtracts the balance of the prepaid value of the card c1 and pays out a corresponding number of game balls. The addition of the prepaid value is also processed by the inter-card card processing machine 10 or the host device, similarly to the subtraction.

  As described above, the inter-card processing machine 10 has the card reader 14a as the first recording medium processing unit that receives the card c1, and can lend the ball using the prepaid value associated with the card c1. . The card c1 may be a general card or a membership card.

  Furthermore, the inter-card card processing machine 10 includes a holding unit 14b as a second recording medium processing unit that receives the expansion card c2 in which the balance of electronic money is stored. The card reader 14a cannot accept the expansion card c2, but the holding unit 14b communicates with the expansion card c2 by short-range wireless communication, and can read and write data stored in the expansion card c2.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 subtracts the balance of the electronic money of the expansion card c2 and adds the prepaid value of the card c1. That is, the player can purchase a prepaid value with electronic money. FIG. 1 shows a state where the balance of electronic money “2000” is subtracted to “1500” and the prepaid value is added from “0” to “500”. After the prepaid value is added, the inter-card card processing machine 10 subtracts the balance of the prepaid value of the card c1 and pays out a corresponding number of game balls.

  As described above, the inter-card card processing machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes the holding unit 14b that receives the expansion card c2 in addition to the card reader 14a that receives the card c1 such as a general card or a membership card. Since the prepaid value of the card c1 can be added by the electronic money of the expansion card c2, the expansion card c2 can be used while using the conventional system.

  Here, the case where the function of ball lending is expanded by using the expansion card c2 for the addition of the prepaid value has been described, but the expansion card c2 can also be used for expansion of the member function. Expansion of the member function by the expansion card c2 will be described later.

  Next, the basic system configuration of the amusement store will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a basic 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 prize 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 game balls into the 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. Further, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize ball memory for storing how many game balls are awarded as prize balls for each winning area.

  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 can be determined, and the determined number of prizes can be paid out.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 accepts payment, rents out game balls, and communicates with the card management device 40. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts a bill inserted by the player, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits a payment notification including the deposit amount to the card management device 40, thereby converting the prepaid value into a prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Let them add. If a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, a ball lending request is transmitted to the card management device 40, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is subtracted, and the number of games corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value Perform the ball payout process.

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

  Further, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the possession ball replay operation, the predetermined number of possession balls managed by the own device is subtracted, and a payout process of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of possession balls is performed. . In addition, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the stored ball replay operation, it transmits a stored ball replay request to the card management device 40, thereby subtracting a predetermined number of stored balls managed by the member management device 50, A payout process for the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of stored balls is performed.

  In addition, if the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits a holding ball update request including the number of holding balls to the card management device 40 and causes the card management device 40 to update the holding balls. A card discharge notification is transmitted to the card management device 40 to control the card discharge. In this embodiment, when a card is inserted into the inter-card card processing machine 10, the ball balance of the card management device 40 is cleared to zero, and the balance of the internal coins managed by the inter-card card processing machine 10 when the card is returned. A configuration for updating the balance of the possession balls of the card management device 40 will be described as an example. As another configuration, even if a card is inserted into the inter-card card processing machine 10, the balance of the card management device 40 is not cleared, and the inter-card card processing machine 10 adds a ball to the card management apparatus 40. It may be configured to request subtraction.

  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. In addition, a card insertion notification is transmitted to the member management device 50, and the stored ball replay data received from the member management device 50 is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10.

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

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

  Further, when the card management device 40 receives the card ID from the prize management device 60, the card management device 40 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of 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 or the portable ID m is notified to the settlement machine 80.

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

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

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

  The prize management device 60 is a prize exchange terminal device provided in the prize exchange counter in the amusement store, and performs prize exchange processing for winning balls, saving balls and holding balls. The prize management device 60 is connected to a card reader for reading the card ID of the card and a prize payout device for paying out prizes. The prize management device 60 transmits the card ID to the card management device 40 when the card ID is read from the general card or the membership card (or when the identification information corresponding to the card ID is read from the portable terminal or the like). And request the balance of the possession of the card ID. Further, when exchanging prizes for the stored balls, the member management device 50 is requested for the balance of the stored balls.

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

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

  When the card management device 40 receives a message including a ball lending request, the card management device 40 subtracts a prepaid value associated with the card ID in the message by a predetermined value (for example, 100 degrees when 1 yen = 1 degree). The data is updated, and the ball lending permission is transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10 of the transmission source. Upon receiving the ball lending permission, the inter-card card processing machine 10 performs a payout process of the number of game balls (for example, 25) corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

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

  When the card management device 40 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card management apparatus 40 notifies the inter-card card processing machine 10 of the balance of the coins associated with the card ID in the message.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 stores the balance of the coins received from the card management device 40. Then, a message including information for specifying the card ID and a coin subtraction request is transmitted to the card management device 40. When the card management device 40 receives a ball subtraction request, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the ball specified by the card ID to zero. Further, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the possession ball replay operation, the inter-card processing machine 10 subtracts a certain number of the balances of the possession balls, and performs a payout process for the corresponding number of game balls.

  When the inter-card card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits a telegram including a holding ball update request to the card management device 40. This telegram includes the card ID of the card to be ejected, an address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source, the balance of the balls at each rate, and a ball update request.

  When the card management device 40 receives a ball update request, the card management device 40 updates the balance of the ball for each rate associated with the card ID in the message to the received value.

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

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

  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, and performs payout processing for the number of game balls corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units. Further, it is determined whether the balance of the updated storage ball is less than the number of stored ball replay units. If the updated balance of the stored ball data is equal to or greater than the number of stored ball replay units, the stored ball replay operation can be accepted again, and if the stored ball replay operation is received, a stored ball replay request is transmitted. In the second and subsequent replay operations of the stored ball, it is not necessary to confirm the password. If the balance of the updated storage ball data becomes less than the number of stored ball replay units, the stored ball replay operation cannot be accepted. In addition, although the case where the member management apparatus 50 subtracts the balance of the stored ball and then the inter-card processing machine 10 performs the game ball payout process is illustrated here, the game ball payout process is performed based on the stored ball replay request. After doing so, the balance of the stored ball may be subtracted. Because the replay data before savings replay request indicates whether or not the balance necessary for savings replay remains, it will not be a situation where the balance shortage is revealed after accepting the replaying request is there.

  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, a system configuration related to the expansion card will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the card management device 40 in the game store is connected to a card management center X1 outside the game store via a network. In addition, the member management device 50 in the game store is connected to a member management center X2 outside the game store via a network. In addition, an electronic money card registration machine 90 is provided in the game store, and the electronic money card registration machine 90 is connected to a member management device 50 in the game shop. Further, the electronic money card management center X3 is connected to the card management center X1 and the electronic money card registration device 90.

  The inter-card card processing machine 10 of the game store holds a purchase history of prepaid value by electronic money as an electronic money settlement history, and transmits it to the card management device 40 as appropriate (a1). The card management device 40 aggregates and manages the electronic money settlement history in the amusement store and transmits it to the card management center X1 (a2).

  The card management center X1 further sums up electronic money settlement histories at a plurality of amusement stores, and transmits them to the electronic money card management center X3 (a3). The electronic money card management center X3 pays a fee according to the received electronic money settlement history. The card management center X1 distributes the paid fee according to the electronic money settlement history of each game store. For this reason, the amusement store can receive payment of the fee for the settlement of electronic money. The electronic money card management center X3 and the card management center X1 may collect a fee when paying a fee.

  For electronic money settlement, data may be transmitted for each transaction. In this case, the inter-card card processing machine 10 makes an electronic money settlement to the electronic money card management center X3 via the card management device 40 and the card management center X1 every time a prepaid value is purchased with electronic money. Will send data about.

  Further, the data may be transmitted when a predetermined number or a predetermined amount of data relating to electronic money settlement is accumulated. Furthermore, periodic transmission and irregular transmission based on the number of data or the data capacity may be used in combination, or these transmission methods may be switched. Thereby, smooth transmission processing can be performed by switching the transmission load of data related to electronic money settlement according to the situation, and the communication load to the electronic money card management center X3, the card management center X1, and the card management device 40 can also be reduced. .

  The electronic money card registration device 90 is a device that issues an electronic money card and charges electronic money. The electronic money card registration machine 90 does not have to be provided in every game store, and may be provided outside the game store.

  The electronic money card is an expansion card that can be used to purchase prepaid value at an amusement store. Furthermore, the electronic money card can be used in place of a membership card of a game store. When an electronic money card is used instead of a membership card, the identification information is used as information corresponding to the card ID of the membership card. In this case, a function such as storage can be used as in the case where the portable ID m of the portable terminal is used as information corresponding to the card ID of the member card.

  When an electronic money card is issued by the electronic money card registration device 90 and this electronic money card is used instead of a membership card, the player's name, address, etc. are accepted, and the membership management device 50 and electronic money card management are received. Transmit to the center X3 (b1).

  The member management apparatus 50 performs member registration using information received from the electronic money card registration device 90. As a result, the player becomes a member of the store. The member management center X2 manages member information of a plurality of game stores such as affiliated stores, and the information registered by the member management device 50 is transmitted to the member management center X2 (b2). For this reason, the player can omit part or all of the registration work when performing membership registration at the affiliated store.

  Furthermore, since the electronic money card management center X3 manages the information received from the electronic money card registration machine 90 in association with the electronic money card, the electronic money card management center X3 is connected to the electronic money card management center X3 even if it is not an affiliated store. In the case of an amusement store, information associated with an electronic money card can be used at the time of member registration.

  Next, the external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 connected to the gaming machine 20 is shown as the inter-card card processing machine 10. Moreover, the gaming machine 20 provided side by side is illustrated with a broken line. Moreover, in FIG. 4, although the inter-card processing machine 10 which receives only a banknote was illustrated, the unit for coin reception can also be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 4, 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 lamp of a predetermined color, and various types of gaming balls. And a bill insertion slot 12a for receiving bills. In addition, the inter-card processing machine 10 includes a display operation unit 13 such as a touch panel display, a card reader 14a for receiving a card, a holding unit 14b for holding a portable terminal or the like, and a nozzle for throwing out a game ball to the gaming machine. It has a unit 18a and a counting unit 18b for counting game balls dropped from the lower pan of the gaming machine.

  Next, the internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the inter-card card processing machine 10 includes a banknote transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a card reader 14 a, a holding unit 14 b, a communication unit 15, a storage unit 16, and a control unit 17. And a nozzle unit 18a and a counting unit 18b.

  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 a valuable value and accepts various kinds of operations such as a ball lending operation.

  The card reader 14a is a reading unit that reads a card ID from an inserted card. The card inserted into the card reader 14a is stored in a card storage unit (not shown). The holding unit 14b is an interface that reads various information such as a card ID by short-range wireless communication when a portable terminal, an expansion card, or the like is held over.

  The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication between the gaming machine 20 and a communication line. The nozzle unit 18a is used for part or all of the payout when the game balls are paid out by lending or replaying balls. The counting unit 18b is a unit that counts game balls.

  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, card data 16b, expansion card data 16c, and electronic money processing data 16d.

  The own device status data 16a is data indicating the status of the inter-card card processing machine 10. The own apparatus state data 16a includes an inter-card card processor ID and a game setting. 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 game type or the like set in the inter-card card processing machine 10. When handling multiple rate game balls in a game store, “ball 1” for 4 yen game balls, “ball 2” for 2 yen game balls, “ball 3” for 1 yen rate game balls As shown, the game type name is set and managed for each rate. The inter-card processing machine 10 selects a rate used for the game from these game types and stores it as a game setting.

  The card data 16b is data relating to a card that is being used by a player. The card data 16b 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 card reader 14a. When a card is conveyed from a card storage unit (not shown) to the card reader 14a and the card is ejected, the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read during the conveyance. Also, when a card is transported from the card reader 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the card reader 14a 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 expansion card data 16c indicates information related to the expansion card. The information related to the expansion card includes the expansion card identification information, the balance of electronic money, whether the expansion card is associated with the member of the store, and the like.

  The electronic money processing data 16d is data indicating a history of processing related to electronic money. The electronic money processing data 16d includes an electronic money settlement history that is a purchase history of prepaid value by electronic money.

  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 count processing unit 17b, an expansion card processing unit 17c, an electronic money processing unit 17d, and a member function expansion unit 17e.

  When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits to the card management device 40 a card insertion notification including the inter-card card processor ID of the own device status data 16a and the card ID of the card data 16b. In addition, when the data management unit 17a receives data including a valuable value (at least one of prepaid value, possession ball and storage ball) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 17a updates the card data 16b with the received valuable value. The data management unit 17a appropriately controls the display operation unit 13 to display the prepaid value, the retained ball value, and the stored ball value indicated in the card data 16b.

  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.

  Further, the data management unit 17a transmits a ball lending request including a card ID and a device ID to the card management device 40 when a ball lending operation is performed by a player. If a ball lending permission is received as a response to this ball lending request, the data management unit 17a pays out a predetermined number of game balls.

  The data management unit 17a also subtracts a predetermined number of the balance of the possession account indicated in the card data 16b when the player performs a possession replay operation, and pays out a corresponding number of game balls. To do.

  If the balance of the stored ball indicated in the card data 16b 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. When the stored ball replay data is received as a response to the stored ball replay request, the balance of the stored ball in the card data 16b is updated, and the game balls of the number of stored ball replay units are paid out. In addition, at the time of the first storage ball replay operation, the input of the password is requested, and the condition for matching the password shown in the card data 16b is a condition for transmitting the stored ball replay request.

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

  The counting processing unit 17b performs processing of causing the counting unit 18b to count the gaming balls when the gaming balls are inserted into the counting unit 18b, and adding the counting result to the number of balls in the card data 16b.

  The expansion card processing unit 17c reads the expansion card ID and the electronic money balance from the expansion card and updates the expansion card data 16c when the expansion card is held over the cover unit 14b. Further, the expansion card processing unit 17c transmits the read expansion card ID to the member management apparatus 50, acquires the card state of the expansion card ID, and updates the expansion card data 16c. The card status indicates whether or not the expansion card ID is associated with the member of the store.

  The expansion card processing unit 17c controls the display contents of the display operation unit 13 based on the expansion card data 16c. Although a specific example will be described later, an operation screen adapted to the state of the expansion card is provided by controlling the display content.

  Further, the expansion card processing unit 17c can display information related to the expansion card, for example, a card state, an electronic money balance, and the like on the display operation unit 13 in accordance with a player's operation.

  The electronic money processing unit 17d is a processing unit that performs a process of subtracting the electronic money balance and adding a prepaid value. When the electronic money processing unit 17d subtracts the electronic money balance and adds the prepaid value, the electronic money processing unit 17d stores the processing content in the electronic money processing data 16d. For this reason, an electronic money settlement history that is a purchase history of prepaid value is indicated in the electronic money processing data 16d.

  When subtracting electronic money, the inter-card card processing machine 10 subtracts and updates the balance if the balance is stored in the card. Further, when the electronic money balance is managed by the host device in association with the card identification information, the inter-card card processor 10 transmits a request for subtracting electronic money to the host device and sends the electronic money to the host device. Is subtracted.

  The electronic money processing unit 17d transmits the electronic money processing data 16d to the card management device 40 when the electronic money processing data 16d is changed or periodically.

  The member function expansion unit 17e is a processing unit that provides functions for members such as replaying a stored ball and shifting to a stored ball when the expansion card ID is associated with a member of the store. The function for members can include any existing function such as the provision of store visit points.

  Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-card card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The own apparatus state data 16a shown in FIG. 6A indicates a state in which the ID of the inter-card card processing machine 10 is “3001” and “ball 3” is set as the game type of the inter-card card processing machine 10. ing.

  The card data 16b shown in FIG. 6B indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the inter-card card processing machine 10 is “1002”. 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 16b indicates a state where the prepaid value is “500” frequency. Here, the frequency of prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen per frequency. Further, the card data 16b indicates a state in which the balance of the ball 1 is “0”, the balance of the ball 2 is “0”, and the balance of the ball 3 is “1000”. ing.

  The card data 16b includes a password for replaying the stored balls and the balance of the stored balls of the balls 1 to 3, but in the example of FIG. 6, since the general card is inserted, these data do not exist. Although not shown, the card management device 40 also stores ON / OFF of a “lock” flag indicating validity / invalidity of the card in addition to the holding ball, the accumulated ball, and the prepaid balance in association with the card ID. When a card theft is detected, it is turned ON by an employee operation. These data are also stored in the card data 16b. In addition, this “lock” flag can be set for each function (“use of pool”, “entry”, etc.). For example, only the “entry” function is subject to “lock” at the request of the player. It can also be used to prevent erroneous operation.

  The expansion card data 16c shown in FIG. 6C includes an expansion card ID, which is identification information of the expansion card, an electronic money balance, and a card state as information on the expansion card. In the example of FIG. 6C, the expansion card ID is “A0055”, the balance of electronic money is “1500”, and the card status is “own store member”. The card status includes “own store member”, “resigned own store member”, “other store member”, “general” and the like.

  The electronic money processing data 16d shown in FIG. 6C includes the processing date and time, the expansion card ID, and the processing content of processing related to electronic money. In the example of FIG. 6C, the processing date and time is “2015/06/20 17:30”, the expansion card ID is “A0055”, and the processing content is “prepaid value purchase 500 yen card ID 1002”. This processing content indicates that 500 yen of electronic money is used for purchase of the prepaid value and added to the prepaid value of the card ID 1002.

  Next, the internal configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the card management device 40 is connected to a display unit 41 and an input unit 42, and includes an external network communication unit 43, a store network communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a control unit 46.

  The display unit 41 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like. The input unit 42 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The external network communication unit 43 is an interface unit for data communication via a network outside the game store. The store network communication unit 44 is an interface unit for performing data communication with the island controller 30, the member management device 50, the prize management device 60, and the checkout machine 80 via a communication line in the amusement store.

  The storage unit 45 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a nonvolatile memory, and stores game type setting data 45a, card management data 45b, device management data 45c, expansion card corresponding data 45d, and electronic money processing data 45e.

  The game type setting data 45a is data in which a loan rate and a display name are associated with a game type. The card management data 45b is data in which the balance of the prepaid value, the balance of the possession ball, and the like are associated with the card ID. The device management data 45c is data relating to a device placed in the amusement store. The device management data 45c includes the inter-card card processor ID, the address of the inter-card card processor 10, the installation location, the gaming machine ID, and the model data of the gaming machine 20.

  The expansion card correspondence data 45d is data in which availability of various functions related to the expansion card is set for each inter-card card processor 10 in the game store. Not all the inter-card card processing machines 10 installed in the amusement store are the same. For example, the display operation unit 13 may include a touch panel display model and a 7SEG display model. When the purchase of the prepaid value by the electronic money of the expansion card can be used, since it is necessary to perform a corresponding display, the display operation unit 13 can be used if it is a touch panel display. Cannot be made available. Therefore, regarding the purchase of the prepaid value by electronic money, whether or not it can be used is set according to the configuration of the display operation unit 13 of the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  In addition, the use of the member function by the expansion card and the use of the member function by the portable terminal indicate whether the use is possible or not in the expansion card correspondence data 45d. Both of them use the cover portion 14b. However, if the same member function can be used in a variety of ways, the player may be confused and the convenience may be lowered. Therefore, the use of the member function using the cover 14b can be limited to either an expansion card or a portable terminal. Depending on the policy of the amusement store, the use of the member function by the expansion card and the use of the member function by the portable terminal can be prohibited. It is also possible to permit use of both.

  The electronic money processing data 45e is data in which the electronic money processing data 16d received from the inter-card card processor 10 is stored in association with the identification information of the inter-card card processor 10 that is the transmission source. That is, the electronic money processing data 45e is data obtained by tabulating the electronic money settlement history at the amusement store.

  The control unit 46 is a control unit that performs overall control of the card management device 40, and includes a game type setting management unit 46a, a card management unit 46b, a device management unit 46c, an expansion card correspondence processing unit 46d, and an electronic money processing unit 46e. . Actually, a program corresponding to these functional units is stored in a ROM or a non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed to thereby execute a game type setting management unit. 46a, the card management unit 46b, the device management unit 46c, the expansion card correspondence processing unit 46d, and the electronic money processing unit 46e are caused to execute corresponding processes.

  The game type setting management unit 46a is a processing unit that manages the game type used in the game store, the rate, and the display name in association with each other as the game type setting data 45a. The card management unit 46b is a processing unit that manages the card management data 45b.

  The card management unit 46b communicates with the inter-card card processing machine 10, the prize management device 60, and the checkout machine 80, and updates the prepaid value and the balance of the coins associated with the card ID. Further, when the card management unit 46b receives a card insertion notification from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b notifies the valuable value associated with the card and the balance of the coins.

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

  The expansion card correspondence processing unit 46d sets whether or not various functions related to the expansion card can be used for each inter-card card processing device 10 based on the model of the inter-card card processing device 10 and stores the same in the expansion card corresponding data 45d. It is a processing unit. This setting includes whether or not a prepaid value can be purchased using an expansion card, whether or not a storage ball process can be performed using an expansion card, and whether or not a storage ball process can be performed using a mobile terminal. The stored ball process is a part of the member function, and is a process for shifting from the holding ball to the stored ball and replaying the stored ball. In addition, member functions such as granting store visit points may be set individually. Or it is good also as setting the member function collectively and the availability.

  When the electronic money processing unit 46e receives the electronic money processing data 16d from the inter-card card processor 10, the electronic money processing unit 46e registers the received electronic money processing data 16d in the electronic money processing data 45e. At this time, the identification information of the inter-card card processor 10 of the transmission source is associated. In addition, the electronic money processing unit 46e transmits the electronic money processing data 45e to the card management center X1 periodically (for example, during the closing process). Further, the electronic money processing data 45e may be transmitted when a predetermined number or a predetermined amount of data relating to electronic money settlement is accumulated. Further, the periodic transmission and the irregular transmission based on the number of data or the data capacity may be used in combination.

  Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40 will be described. 8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams for explaining data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40. FIG.

  The game type setting data 45a shown in FIG. 8A associates the rate “4 yen” and the display name “4 pachis” with the game type name “ball 1”. In addition, the game type setting data 45a associates the rate “2 yen” and the display name “2 pachis” with the game type name “ball 2”. Further, the game type setting data 45a associates the rate “1 yen” and the display name “1 pachi” with the game type name “ball 3”.

  In the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 8B, the prepaid value “2500” for the card ID “1001”, the balance “1500” of the ball 1's own ball account, and the balance “2300” of the ball 2's own ball account. And the balance “0” of the holding account of the ball 3 are associated with each other. That is, the card with the card ID “1001” is not inserted into the inter-card processing machine 10, and the management of the possession balls is performed by the card management device 40.

  Further, in the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 8B, the prepaid value “500”, the balance “0” for each rate and the usage ID “3001” are associated with the card ID “1002”. That is, the card with the card ID “1002” is inserted into the inter-card card processing machine 10 with the device ID “3001”, and the management of the holding balls has been transferred to the inter-card card processing machine 10. For this reason, the balance of the coins at each rate is zero.

  Further, in the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 8B, the prepaid value “2000”, the balance “0” for each rate, and the usage ID “3004” are associated with the card ID “2002”. That is, the card with the card ID “2002” is inserted into the inter-card card processing machine 10 with the device ID “3004”, and the management of the holding ball is transferred to the inter-card card processing machine 10. For this reason, the balance of the coins at each rate is zero.

  In the device management data 45c shown in FIG. 8C, the network address of the inter-card card processor 10 with ID “3001” is “AB.CD.EF.GH”, and the installation location is “island 1-1. ”, The ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is“ A0012X4233 ”, the game type is“ ball 3 ”, and the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is“ EV01 ”. It also shows that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

  The expansion card correspondence data 45d shown in FIG. 9D sets the purchase of the prepaid value using the expansion card to “permitted” for the inter-card card processing machine 10 with the ID “3001”, and stores the balls using the expansion card. Is set to “permitted” and the storage processing by the mobile terminal is set to “prohibited”.

  The electronic money processing data 45e shown in FIG. 9 (e) has a processing date of “2015/06/20 17:30”, an expansion card ID of “A0055”, a processing content of “prepaid value purchase 500 yen card ID 1002”, processing The device ID is “3001”. This processing content indicates that 500 yen of electronic money is used for the purchase of the prepaid value and is added to the prepaid value of the card ID 1002 in the inter-card card processing machine 10 with ID “3001”.

  Next, the internal configuration of the member management apparatus 50 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the member management apparatus 50 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the member management apparatus 50 is connected to a display unit 51 and an input unit 52. The display unit 51 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like, and the input unit 52 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

  The member management apparatus 50 includes an external network communication unit 53, a store network communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a control unit 56. The external network communication unit 53 is an interface unit for data communication via a network outside the game store. The store network communication unit 54 is an interface unit for data communication with the prize management device 60, the card management device 40, and the like via a communication line in the amusement store.

  The storage unit 55 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a nonvolatile memory, and stores game type setting data 55a, member management data 55b, a prize master 55c, and member management expansion data 55d.

  The game type setting data 55a is data in which a loan rate and a display name are associated with a game type. The member management data 55b is data in which a name, a storage ball, a mobile ID m, an address, a telephone number, and the like are associated with the card ID of the member card issued to the member. The prize master 55c is data used when exchanging game balls for prizes.

  The member management expansion data 55d is data in which the expansion card ID and the card state are associated with the card ID. If the card ID is associated with the expansion card ID and the card status is “own store member”, the member function can be used by using the expansion card instead of the member card.

  The card status includes “own store member”, “resigned own store member”, “other store member”, and “general”. The member who has been withdrawn indicates that the member has registered in the past but has been withdrawn. Normally, when a membership is canceled, the membership card is destroyed and there is no need to leave information about the member. However, the expansion card is not discarded at the time of withdrawal, and the same expansion card may be used for membership registration again. Therefore, when an expansion card is associated, member information is also left for a member who has been withdrawn.

  The member of the other store indicates that the member is not registered at the own store but is registered as a member at another amusement store. In this case, the member registration at the own store can be easily performed by acquiring the information registered at the other amusement stores. In general, it indicates that no membership is registered at any game store. In this case, the member registration at the own store can be easily performed by acquiring the information registered when the expansion card is issued.

  When the card status is a member of another store or general, the ID of the expansion card is transmitted to the member management center X2 at the time of member registration, and the member registration is performed using the data received from the member management center X2. For this reason, if the card status is a member of another store, information registered at other amusement stores can be acquired, and if the card status is general, the information registered at the time of issuing an expansion card is acquired. Can do.

  Note that the member management device 50 acquires and stores member information of other stores and information registered when the expansion card is issued in advance from the member management center X2, and the stored information is based on the ID of the expansion card to be registered. Thus, information usable for member registration may be read.

  The control unit 56 is a control unit that totally controls the member management apparatus 50, and includes a game type setting management unit 56a, a member management unit 56b, a prize master management unit 56c, and a member management expansion unit 56d. Actually, a program corresponding to these functional units is stored in a ROM or a non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed to thereby execute a game type setting management unit. 56a, the member management unit 56b, the prize master management unit 56c, and the member management expansion unit 56d are caused to execute corresponding processes.

  The game type setting management unit 56a is a processing unit that manages the game type used in the game store, the rate, and the display name in association with each other as the game type setting data 55a. The member management unit 56b is a processing unit that manages the member management data 55b. The member management unit 56b communicates with the card management device 40 and the prize management device 60 to update the balance of the savings account associated with the card ID. In addition, when the member management unit 56b receives a member registration request, the member management unit 56b performs an update for adding a member to the member management data 55b.

  The prize master management unit 56c is a processing unit that manages the prize master 55c. If the prize master 55c is updated, the prize master management unit 56c distributes the prize master 55c to the prize management device 60 in the amusement store.

  The member management expansion unit 56d is a processing unit that executes various processes using an expansion card. Specifically, the member management expansion unit 56d performs association of expansion cards, member registration using the expansion cards, withdrawal of members associated with the expansion cards, and provision of member functions using the expansion cards.

  Expansion card association is a process of associating an expansion card ID with a registered member. By this processing, the member management expansion data is updated, and thereafter, the expansion card can be used instead of the member card.

  Member registration using an expansion card is a process for newly registering a member using information associated with the expansion card (registration information at another store or information when the expansion card is issued). By this process, the member management data 55b and the member management expansion data 55d are updated, and thereafter, the expansion card can be used instead of the member card.

  The withdrawal of the member associated with the expansion card is a withdrawal process for the member associated with the expansion card. When a member associated with an expansion card is withdrawn, the card status of the expansion card becomes “withdrawn own shop member”. In addition, it is preferable to leave the information regarding the member without deleting it.

  The provision of the member function by the expansion card is a process of providing the member function by using the corresponding member information when the expansion card ID whose card status is “own store member” is read by the inter-card card processor 10. Part. The member functions to be provided can include replaying a stored ball, shifting the holding ball to a stored ball, and giving store visit points.

  Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 55 illustrated in FIG. 10 will be described. 11 and 12 are explanatory diagrams for explaining data stored in the storage unit 55 of the member management apparatus 50. FIG. The game type setting data 55a shown in FIG. 11A associates the rate “4 yen” and the display name “4 pachis” with the game type name “ball 1”. Further, the game type setting data 55a associates the rate “2 yen” and the display name “2 pachis” with the game type name “ball 2”. Further, the game type setting data 55a associates the rate “1 yen” and the display name “1 pachi” with the game type name “ball 3”.

  The member management data 55b shown in FIG. 11B shows a state in which the card ID “2002” is associated with a name “BC”, a savings account for each game type, a mobile ID m “IDmX1”, and the like. Yes. Although illustration is omitted, the member management data 55b can associate a store visit point, the number of visits, a game history, a personal identification number, etc. with a card ID. The mobile IDm is identification data that can specify a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, and is used when the mobile terminal is used as a membership card.

  Further, in FIG. 11B, the savings account is provided for three game types “ball 1”, “ball 2”, and “ball 3”, and the balance of each savings account is shown. For example, the game type “ball 1” of the card ID “2002” has “250” as the savings ball. Further, the game type “ball 2” of the card ID “2002” has “0” in the stored ball. Similarly, the game type “ball 3” with the card ID “2002” has “0” in the accumulated ball.

  The prize master 55c shown in FIG. 11C is data in which a prize name, a group code, a prize value, and the number of exchange balls are associated with a prize code that uniquely identifies a prize. Here, the group code is identification information for classifying and managing prizes. The group code “01” indicates a special prize that can be transferred at a predetermined value through a certain procedure. The group code “02” and later are general prizes including daily necessities other than special prizes.

  The prize master 55c has a prize code “0001”, a prize name “Grand Prize”, a group code “01”, a prize value “1000”, the exchange number of balls 1 “250”, and the exchange number of balls 2 “500”. ”And the number of exchange balls“ 1000 ”of the balls 3 are associated with each other.

  In addition, the prize master 55c has the prize name “small prize”, the group code “01”, the prize value “100”, the exchange number of balls 1 “25”, the exchange number of balls 2 for the prize code “0002”. “50” and the number of exchange balls “100” of the balls 3 are associated with each other.

  In addition, the prize master 55c, for the prize code “0100”, the prize name “M Seven”, the group code “02”, the prize value “400”, the number of exchanged balls “100”, the number of exchanged balls 2 “200” and the number of exchange balls “400” of the balls 3 are associated with each other.

  In addition, the prize master 55c, with respect to the prize code “0101,” the prize name “rack”, the group code “02”, the prize value “420”, the exchanged number of balls 1 “105”, and the exchanged number of balls 2 “ 210 ”and the number of exchange balls“ 420 ”of the ball 3 are associated with each other.

  In addition, the prize master 55c, with respect to the prize code “0600”, the prize name “Akira Tamada”, the group code “04”, the prize value “12”, the number of exchanged balls “3”, and the exchanged balls 2 The number “6” and the number of exchange balls “12” of the ball 3 are associated with each other.

  In the member management expansion data 55d shown in FIG. 12D, the expansion card ID and the card state are associated with the card ID of the member card. In the example shown in FIG. 12D, the card ID “2002” is associated with the expansion card ID “A0055” and the card status “own store member”.

  Next, setting of availability of various functions by the card management device 40 will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram regarding setting of availability of various functions by the card management device 40. As shown in FIG. 13, the expansion card corresponding processing unit 46d of the card management device 40 is a member function expansion when all the inter-card processing units 10 in the amusement store have a touch panel display as the display operation unit 13. Is set to “permitted”, and electronic money processing such as purchase of prepaid value is set to “permitted”.

  On the other hand, when all the inter-card card processing machines 10 in the amusement store have a 7SEG display as the display operation unit 13, the use of the member function expansion is set to “permitted” and an electronic such as purchase of prepaid value is performed. Set the money process to “impossible”.

  When the touch panel display and the 7SEG display are mixed in the inter-card card processing machine 10 in the amusement store, the use of the member function expansion is set to “permitted”, and electronic money processing such as purchase of prepaid value is performed. Is set to “impossible”.

  The availability of the various functions is set by the expansion card correspondence processing unit 46d by acquiring information on each inter-card processing machine 10 in the amusement store and automatically setting it. Also, a store clerk at the amusement store can input the settings.

  In this way, by changing the usage settings for member function expansion in accordance with the status of the units in the amusement store, it is possible to flexibly deal with the situation in the amusement store. In addition, by automatically changing the setting according to the unit status in the game store, it is possible to prevent confusion among players due to different settings in the game store, and it is also possible to prevent setting mistakes.

  Here, a case where settings are unified in the amusement store is shown. However, for example, the use setting may be performed in an arbitrary unit in the amusement store such as a floor unit or an island unit. Although it is possible to vary the usage settings for each inter-card card processing machine 10, there is a possibility of causing confusion for the player if the setting is varied for each inter-card card processing machine 10. It is preferable to unify the settings.

  The use setting by the expansion card correspondence processing unit 46d is reflected in the expansion card correspondence data 45d. That is, if the usage setting for electronic money processing is “permitted”, the expansion card prepaid value purchase of the inter-card processing machine 10 is set to “permitted”, and if the usage setting for electronic money processing is “impossible”, The expansion card prepaid value purchase of the inter-card processing machine 10 is set to “prohibited”.

  If the usage setting for the member function expansion is “permitted”, the expansion card storage processing of the inter-card card processor 10 is set to “permitted”, and if the usage setting for the member function expansion is “impossible”, the unit The expansion card storage processing of the inter-card processing machine 10 is set to “prohibited”.

  As described above, when the expansion card saving process is set to “permitted”, the portable IDm saving process is set to “prohibited”, and when the expansion card saving process is set to “prohibited”. Is preferably set to "permitted" for the portable IDm storage ball process.

  The inter-card card processor 10 uses this setting and the state of the expansion card to provide a corresponding operation, that is, provide member function expansion and electronic money processing.

  Next, control of the operation screen in the inter-card card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for controlling the operation screen in the inter-card card processing machine 10. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the expansion card processing unit 17 c of the inter-card card processing machine 10 controls the display content of the display operation unit 13 based on various data associated with the expansion card.

  Specifically, the card status of the expansion card is “own store member”, both electronic money and savings have a balance, and the amusement store sets “prepaid value purchase: permission” and “expansion card savings processing: permission”. If set, a selection screen is displayed on the display operation unit 13 when an expansion card is held over. This selection screen is a screen for selecting either the purchase of prepaid value by electronic money or the storage ball processing. As for the balance of the stored ball, the case where it is less than the minimum unit of the stored ball replay is set to “None”. For example, if the minimum unit for storing ball replay is 25 balls, less than 24 balls is “no savings balance”. If the stored balls can be paid out in units of one ball, 0 balls is “no stored balance”. Further, regarding the balance of electronic money, the case where it is less than the minimum unit of purchase of prepaid value is set to “None”.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “own store member”, both electronic money and savings have a balance, and the prepaid value purchase: permission and expansion card savings processing: prohibited are set by the amusement store For example, when an expansion card is held over, a prepaid value purchase screen using electronic money is displayed on the display operation unit 13.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “own store member”, both electronic money and savings have a balance, and the prepaid value purchase: prohibited and “expanded card savings processing: allowed” are set by the amusement store For example, when an expansion card is held over, an operation screen for replaying the stored ball is displayed on the display operation unit 13.

  The card status of the expansion card is "own store member", there is a balance in electronic money, there is no balance in the savings ball, and the prepaid value purchase: permission and "expansion card savings processing: permission" are set by the amusement store If there is an expansion card, a prepaid value purchase screen by electronic money is displayed on the display operation unit 13.

  The card status of the expansion card is "own store member", there is a balance in electronic money, there is no balance in the savings ball, and the prepaid value purchase: permission and "expansion card savings processing: prohibited" are set by the amusement store If there is an expansion card, a prepaid value purchase screen by electronic money is displayed on the display operation unit 13.

  The card status of the expansion card is "own store member", there is a balance in electronic money, there is no balance in the savings ball, and the prepaid value purchase: prohibited and "expansion card savings processing: permission" are set by the amusement store If there is an expansion card, information about the member is displayed on the display operation unit 13 when the card is held over.

  The card status of the expansion card is “own store member”, there is no balance in the electronic money, there is a balance in the savings ball, and the prepaid value purchase: permission and “expansion card savings processing: permission” are set by the amusement store Then, when an expansion card is held over, an operation screen for replaying the stored ball is displayed on the display operation unit 13.

  The card status of the expansion card is “own store member”, there is no balance in the electronic money, there is a balance in the savings ball, and “availability of prepaid value purchase: permitted” and “expansion card saving ball processing: prohibited” are set by the amusement store Then, when an expansion card is held over, information related to electronic money is displayed on the display operation unit 13.

  The card status of the expansion card is “own store member”, there is no balance in electronic money, there is a balance in the savings ball, and the prepaid value purchase: prohibited and “expansion card savings processing: permission” are set by the amusement store Then, when an expansion card is held over, an operation screen for replaying the stored ball is displayed on the display operation unit 13.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “own store member”, there is no balance in both the electronic money and the savings ball, and the prepaid value purchase: permission and “expansion card savings processing: permission” are set by the amusement store For example, when an expansion card is held over, information about members and information about electronic money are displayed on the display operation unit 13.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “own store member”, there is no balance in both electronic money and savings balls, and “availability of prepaid value purchase: permitted” and “expanded card savings processing: prohibited” are set by the amusement store For example, when an expansion card is held over, information related to electronic money is displayed on the display operation unit 13.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “own store member”, there is no balance in both electronic money and savings balls, and the prepaid value purchase: prohibited and “expanded card savings processing: allowed” are set by the amusement store For example, when an expansion card is held over, information related to the member is displayed on the display operation unit 13.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “resigned own store member”, there is a balance in electronic money, and “paid value purchase: permission” and “expansion card savings processing: permission” are set by the amusement store, When an expansion card is held over, a purchase screen of prepaid value by electronic money is displayed.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “resigned own store member”, the electronic money has a balance, and the amusement store has set “prepaid value purchase: permission” and “expansion card savings processing: prohibited” When an expansion card is held over, a purchase screen of prepaid value by electronic money is displayed.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “resigned own store member”, the electronic money has a balance, and the amusement store has set “prepaid value purchase: forbidden” and “expanded card savings processing: permitted” When an expansion card is held over, a display indicating that the card cannot be used is displayed.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “Resigned Own Store Member”, there is no balance in electronic money, and “Prepaid Value Purchase: Permitted” and “Extended Card Savings Processing: Permitted” are set by the amusement store, When an expansion card is held over, information about electronic money is displayed.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “resigned own store member”, there is no balance in the electronic money, and the prepaid value purchase: permission and “expansion card savings processing: prohibition” are set by the amusement store, When an expansion card is held over, information about electronic money is displayed.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “Resigned Own Store Member”, there is no balance in electronic money, and “Prepaid Value Purchase: Prohibited” and “Extended Card Savings Processing: Permitted” are set by the amusement store, When an expansion card is held over, a display indicating that the card cannot be used is displayed.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “other store member” or “general”, the electronic money has a balance, and the prepaid value purchase: permission and “expansion card savings processing: permission” are set by the amusement store For example, when an expansion card is held over, a screen prompting member registration is displayed.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “other store member” or “general”, there is a balance in electronic money, and the prepaid value purchase: permission and “expansion card savings processing: prohibition” are set by the amusement store For example, when an expansion card is held over, a purchase screen of prepaid value by electronic money is displayed.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “other store member” or “general”, there is a balance in electronic money, and the prepaid value purchase: prohibited and “expanded card savings processing: permitted” are set by the amusement store For example, when an expansion card is held over, a screen prompting member registration is displayed.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “other store member” or “general”, there is no balance in the electronic money, and the prepaid value purchase: permission and “expansion card savings processing: permission” are set by the amusement store For example, when an expansion card is held over, a screen prompting member registration is displayed.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “other store member” or “general”, there is no balance in electronic money, and the prepaid value purchase: permission and “expansion card savings processing: prohibition” are set by the amusement store For example, information about electronic money is displayed when an expansion card is held over.

  If the card status of the expansion card is “other store member” or “general”, there is no balance in the electronic money, and the prepaid value purchase: prohibited and “expanded card savings processing: permitted” are set by the amusement store For example, when an expansion card is held over, a screen prompting member registration is displayed.

  From the above settings, the contents displayed on the unit can be switched from the card state of the expansion card. By switching the display from the card state of the expansion card, it is possible to provide a highly convenient system and to promote membership enrollment.

  Further, the card status may be set in combination with member information. For example, you can use all the functions of an expansion card for good members, but you can change the settings based on member information even in the same card state so that new members can not purchase prepaid value. Anyway.

  Next, member registration by the member management apparatus 50 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a member registration processing procedure by the member management apparatus 50. When receiving the registration start operation (step S101), the member management apparatus 50 determines whether or not the expansion card has been read (step S102).

  If the expansion card is not read (step S102; No), the member management unit 56b accepts an input operation for information on the player to register as a member (step S103). And based on the input information, new registration of a member is performed (step S104) and a process is complete | finished.

  If the expansion card has been read (step S102; Yes), the member management expansion unit 56d refers to the member management expansion data 55d, and determines whether or not the expansion card ID has been registered as the own store member. (Step S105).

  If it has been registered as an own store member (step S105; Yes), the member management extension unit 56d notifies that it has been registered (step S107), and ends the process. If it is not registered as the own store member (step S105; No), the member management expansion unit 56d acquires information about the player associated with the expansion card (step S106), and uses the acquired information to obtain a member. Is newly registered (step S104), and the process is terminated.

  Next, withdrawal of a member by the member management apparatus 50 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a withdrawal procedure performed by the member management apparatus 50. When the member management device 50 accepts a member withdrawal operation (step S201), the member management device 50 determines whether or not an expansion card is registered for the member to be withdrawn (step S202).

  If the expansion card is not registered (step S202; No), the member management unit 56b deletes the information of the target member (step S203) and ends the process. If the expansion card is registered (step S202; Yes), the member management expansion unit 56d changes the card state of the expansion card to “withdrawn own shop member” (step S204), and ends the process.

  Next, the ball lending process by the inter-card card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the ball lending process by the inter-card card processing machine 10. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the ball lending operation (step S301), the inter-card processing machine 10 determines whether or not the prepaid value has a predetermined balance or more (step S302). Here, the balance of prepaid value equal to or greater than a predetermined value corresponds to a minimum unit of ball lending. That is, if the minimum unit of the ball lending is 125 balls and the ball is 4 yen, it is determined that there is no balance when the prepaid value is less than 500 yen. Note that the predetermined value for determining that the prepaid value is “no remaining amount” can be arbitrarily set.

  If there is a predetermined balance or more in the prepaid value (step S302; Yes), the data management unit 17a subtracts the prepaid value and pays out a game ball (step S303), and the process ends.

  If the prepaid value does not have a predetermined balance or more (step S302; No), the expansion card processing unit 17c determines whether or not the holding unit 14b has accepted the expansion card (step S304).

  If the cover unit 14b accepts the expansion card (step S304; Yes), the electronic money processing unit 17d determines whether or not the electronic money has a predetermined balance or more (step S305). Here, a predetermined balance or more of electronic money corresponds to a minimum unit of ball lending. That is, when the minimum unit of the ball lending is 125 balls and the ball is 4 yen, it is determined that there is no balance when the electronic money is less than 500 yen. If the electronic money has a predetermined balance or more (step S305; Yes), the electronic money processing unit 17d subtracts the electronic money and adds the prepaid value (step S306). Thereafter, the data management unit 17a subtracts the added prepaid value and pays out a game ball (step S303), and the process ends. Note that the prepaid value added in step S306 is larger than the prepaid value subtracted in step S303. Alternatively, the prepaid value added in step S306 may be equal to the prepaid value subtracted in step S303.

  If an expansion card has not been received (step S304; No), or if there is no balance equal to or greater than the predetermined amount in electronic money (step S305; No), the data management unit 17a notifies that ball lending is not possible (step S307), and processing is performed. finish.

  Next, a modified example of the ball lending process by the inter-card card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a modified example of the ball lending process by the inter-card card processing machine 10. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the ball lending operation (step S401), the inter-card processing machine 10 determines whether or not the prepaid value has a predetermined balance or more (step S402). Here, the balance of prepaid value equal to or greater than a predetermined value corresponds to a minimum unit of ball lending. That is, if the minimum unit of the ball lending is 125 balls and the ball is 4 yen, it is determined that there is no balance when the prepaid value is less than 500 yen.

  If the prepaid value has a predetermined balance or more (step S402; Yes), the data management unit 17a subtracts the prepaid value and pays out a game ball (step S403), and the process ends.

  If the prepaid value does not have a predetermined balance or more (step S402; No), the expansion card processing unit 17c determines whether or not the expansion unit 14b has accepted the expansion card (step S404).

  If the cover unit 14b receives the expansion card (step S404; Yes), the electronic money processing unit 17d determines whether or not the electronic money has a predetermined balance or more (step S405). If the electronic money has a predetermined balance or more (step S405; Yes), the electronic money processing unit 17d subtracts the electronic money and adds the prepaid value (step S406). Here, the subtraction amount of electronic money may be a fixed value or may receive input from a player. Moreover, when accepting an input from a player, it may be a selection input from a plurality of amounts presented by the inter-card processing machine 10, or the player may input the amount itself.

  After the prepaid value is added, the electronic money processing unit 17d displays the addition result on the display operation unit 13 and notifies the player (step S407). Then, the electronic money processing unit 17d proceeds to step S401 and accepts the ball lending operation. If the prepaid value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value by addition (step S402), the prepaid value is subtracted and the game balls can be paid out (step S403).

  If an expansion card has not been received (step S404; No), or if there is no balance equal to or greater than the predetermined amount in electronic money (step S405; No), the data management unit 17a notifies that no ball lending is possible (step S408), The process ends.

  Note that which one of the ball lending process shown in FIG. 17 and the ball lending process shown in FIG. 18 is used can be arbitrarily set on the game store side.

  Next, a description will be given of a replay of a stored ball using an expansion card. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for savings replay using an expansion card. The member function expansion unit 17e of the inter-card processing machine 10 determines whether or not the cover unit 14b has accepted the expansion card (step S501). If the cover 14b does not accept an expansion card (step S501; No), the process is terminated as it is.

  If the cover unit 14b receives the expansion card (step S501; Yes), the member function expansion unit 17e determines whether or not the member associated with the expansion card ID has been authenticated (step S502). When the member authentication has not been completed (step S502; No), the password is requested to be input, and the authentication is performed using the input password (step S503). Note that if the authentication fails more than the specified number of times, it is preferable to end the processing as it is.

  After step S503 or when the member has been authenticated (step S502; Yes), the member function expansion unit 17e determines whether or not the balance of the stored ball is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount (step S504). If the balance of the stored ball is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the member management device subtracts the stored ball, pays out the game ball (step S505), and the process is terminated. If the balance of the stored ball is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S504; No), a notification that the stored ball cannot be replayed is given (step S506), and the process is terminated.

  Next, identification of the mobile terminal and the expansion card will be described. The portable ID m of the portable terminal is a part of the manufacturing ID code, and the manufacturing ID code includes PDm in addition to IDm. IDm is an 8-digit code uniquely determined from manufacturing information such as a manufacturer code, a manufacturing equipment code, a manufacturing date, and a manufacturing serial number. The expansion card ID of the expansion card is also a part of the manufacturing ID code, and the expansion card manufacturing ID code includes PDm in addition to the expansion card ID.

  PMm is an 8-digit code that allows an issuing company to set arbitrary parameters. Here, for convenience of explanation, in the case of an expansion card, the first two digits of PMm are defined as “00”, and in the case of a portable terminal, the first two digits of PMm are defined as “FF”. Explain the case.

  The inter-card processor 10 reads the PMm and identifies the mobile terminal and the expansion card when the mobile terminal or the expansion card is held over the cover 14b. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing identification processing between a mobile terminal and an expansion card. First, the holding unit 14b determines whether or not the holding operation has been performed (step S601), and if the holding operation has not been performed (step S601; No), the process ends.

  If a holding operation is performed (step S601; Yes), the holding unit 14b acquires a manufacturing ID code (step S602). The data management unit 17a extracts the first two digits of PMm from the manufacturing ID code (step S603), and determines whether the mobile terminal is a portable terminal (step S604).

  In the case of a mobile terminal, that is, when the first two digits of PMm are “FF” (step S604; Yes), the data management unit 17a determines whether or not the storage process for the mobile IDm is set to “permitted”. (Step S605). If the storage process for the mobile IDm is set to “permitted” (step S605; Yes), the data management unit 17a reads the mobile IDm (step S606) and ends the process. The read mobile IDm is used for providing member functions thereafter. If the storage process for the portable ID m is set to “prohibited” (step S605; No), the process is terminated as it is. At this time, you may make it complete | finish after giving the notification which shows that a portable terminal cannot be used instead of a membership card.

  If it is not a portable terminal but an expansion card, that is, if the first two digits of PMm are “00” (step S604; No), the expansion card processing unit 17c is set to “permitted” to use the expansion card. It is determined whether or not there is (step S607). Specifically, it is determined whether or not either the prepaid value purchase of the expansion card or the storage processing of the expansion card is set to “permitted”.

  If the use of the expansion card is set to “permitted” (step S607; Yes), the expansion card processing unit 17c reads the expansion card ID (step S608) and ends the process. The read expansion card ID is used for purchase of prepaid value and provision of member functions. If the use of the expansion card is set to “prohibited” (step S607; No), the process is terminated as it is. At this time, the notification may be terminated after a notification indicating that the expansion card cannot be used.

  Note that the usage settings for the mobile terminal and the expansion card can be set so that only the mobile terminal can be used, only the expansion card can be used, both the mobile terminal and the expansion card can be used, and both cannot be used. Can be set collectively by transmitting the setting from the member management device 50 to each unit. In addition, about a setting, you may set in each unit.

  In addition, the usage setting of the mobile terminal or the expansion card may be set in combination with the above-described electronic money usage setting as well as whether the mobile terminal or the expansion card itself can be used. Thereby, it is possible to expand the functions related to the game while effectively utilizing the existing system of the game store, and to improve the convenience of the player.

  Next, a specific example of prepaid value purchase will be described. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of prepaid value purchase. First, when the player performs a ball lending operation in a state where the prepaid value is “no balance”, that is, less than the minimum unit of ball lending (1), the inter-card card processing machine 10 provides guidance on the use of electronic money. Display is performed (2). In FIG. 21, a message “Please hold the card when using electronic money” is displayed. In addition to this, a display indicating the location of the cover 14b may be performed.

  Thereafter, when the player holds the expansion card over the holding unit 14b (3), the inter-card processing machine 10 subtracts the electronic money and adds it to the prepaid value, subtracts the added prepaid value, Payout (4). At this time, all the prepaid values added are used for paying out game balls. In other words, the electronic money subtraction is all used for paying out game balls.

  In the following, each time an expansion card is held over without pressing the lending button, the inter-card processing machine 10 subtracts the electronic money and adds it to the prepaid value, and subtracts the added prepaid value to play the game. The ball may be paid out.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of another specific example of prepaid value purchase. When the player holds the expansion card over the holding part 14b (1), the inter-card card processing machine 10 displays a screen (purchase screen) for selecting the usage amount of electronic money (2). In FIG. 22, a button for selection corresponding to 1000 yen and 500 yen is displayed together with a message “Please select the amount of money to be withdrawn from electronic money”. Note that if the balance of electronic money is less than the debit amount, prepaid value cannot be purchased. Further, instead of selecting from the specified debit amount, the player may be able to purchase a prepaid value by inputting an arbitrary amount within the range of the balance of electronic money.

  When the player selects the electronic money usage amount and holds the expansion card over the holding unit 14b (3), the inter-card processing machine 10 subtracts the selected amount from the electronic money and adds it to the prepaid value ( 4). Since the prepaid value is added in this way, the player can thereafter perform a ball lending operation at an arbitrary timing.

  In the following, every time an expansion card is held over, the previously used usage amount may be subtracted from the electronic money and added to the prepaid value.

  Next, a specific example of storage ball replay using an expansion card will be described. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of savings replay using an expansion card. During a game with a general card, if the player performs a replay operation in a state where the possession ball is “no balance”, that is, less than the minimum unit of the possession ball replay (1), The guidance about the use of the membership card is displayed (2). In FIG. 23, a message “Please hold your membership card” is displayed. In addition to this, a display indicating the location of the cover 14b may be performed.

  When the player holds the expansion card over the holding part 14b (3), the inter-card card processing machine 10 requests the input of a personal identification number (4). Then, if the member authentication is successful with the personal identification number, the game balls are paid out by subtracting the members' stored balls (5).

  Also, when playing with a general card, if the player holds the expansion card over the holding portion 14b in a state where the holding ball is “no balance”, that is, less than the minimum unit of holding ball replay (1a), The processor 10 displays a selection screen. This selection screen is a screen for selecting whether to purchase prepaid value with an expansion card or to replay. If replay is selected here (2a), the inter-card card processing machine 10 requests input of a personal identification number (4). Then, if the member authentication is successful with the personal identification number, the game balls are paid out by subtracting the members' stored balls (5).

  From the second time on, the game balls may be paid out by subtracting the stored balls each time the expansion card is held over. In addition, after the second time, when an expansion card is held over, the user may be asked to enter a personal identification number, and when the personal identification number is entered, the stored balls may be subtracted to pay out the game balls. Further, information on the extended card held over may be stored, and after the second time, the game balls may be paid out by subtracting the stored balls only by a replay operation.

  Next, a specific example of transition to a storage ball using an expansion card will be described. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example in the case where a holding ball is transferred to a storage ball using an expansion card. When a player performs a saving operation while a player has a ball while playing with a general card (1), the inter-card processing machine 10 displays a guidance for using a membership card (2). In FIG. 24, a message “Please hold your membership card” is displayed. In addition to this, a display indicating the location of the cover 14b may be performed.

  When the player holds the expansion card over the holding portion 14b (3), the inter-card processing machine 10 transfers a part or all of the holding balls to the storage ball and displays the result (4).

  Further, when a player holds an expansion card over the holding portion 14b in a state where there is a ball while playing with a general card (1a), the inter-card card processing machine 10 displays a selection screen. This selection screen is a screen for selecting whether to use the electronic money of the expansion card or to transfer the holding ball to the storage ball. Here, when the transition from the holding ball to the storage ball is selected (2a), the inter-card card processing machine 10 displays a guidance about the use of the member card (2). Then, when the player holds the expansion card over the holding portion 14b (3), the inter-card processing machine 10 transfers a part or all of the holding balls to the storage ball and displays the result (4).

  In addition, when an expansion card is held over (1a) and a storage ball is selected (2a), the operation (3) of holding the expansion card after selection of the storage ball may be omitted and the storage ball transfer (4) may be performed. This is because the information of the expansion card can be stored at the first stage.

  Next, a specific example of addition of electronic money will be described. The inter-card card processing machine 10 may have a function of adding electronic money. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of addition of electronic money. When the player selects electronic money charge on the selection screen (1), deposits money (2) into the inter-card processing machine 10, and then holds the expansion card over the holding part 14b (3), the inter-card The processor 10 adds the value corresponding to the deposit amount to the balance of the electronic money and displays the result (4).

  The selection screen is a screen for selecting whether to add the electronic money of the expansion card (charge the electronic money), use the electronic money of the expansion card, or shift the holding ball to the storage ball. This selection screen is displayed by a player's operation. In addition, when an expansion card is held over, this selection screen may be displayed first.

  When the electronic money is added, the inter-card card processor 10 transmits data related to the addition of the electronic money to the electronic money card management center X3 via the card management device 40 and the card management center X1.

  It has been described that the operation screen related to the expansion card is displayed when the expansion card is held over the cover 14b. However, the operation menu shown on the operation screen may vary depending on the state of the expansion card. Is preferred.

  For example, if the balance of the stored ball is less than the number of replay units among the replay of the stored ball, the transfer of the stored ball, and the use of electronic money, the operation button for the replay of the stored ball is not displayed. It may be controlled not to display. Similarly, if the balance of electronic money is less than a predetermined value, it is preferable not to display an operation button for using electronic money.

  In this way, in addition to the above-mentioned expansion card store settings, unnecessary display that cannot be used by changing the display during expansion card holding operation according to conditions such as the balance of prepaid value, the number of balls held, the number of balls stored, etc. The convenience of the player can be improved.

  Furthermore, the processing executed by holding the expansion card may be stored, and thereafter, the same processing may be performed every time the expansion card is held. For example, if a prepaid value equivalent to 500 yen is purchased by holding an expansion card, then a prepaid value equivalent to 500 yen can be purchased by simply holding the expansion card. Note that the storage of such processing can be erased by a player's release operation or the passage of a predetermined time.

  As described above, in the system according to the present embodiment, the inter-card card processing machine 10 according to the present embodiment holds the expansion card c2 in addition to the card reader 14a that receives a card c1 such as a general card or a membership card. Part 14b. Since the prepaid value of the card c1 can be added by the electronic money of the expansion card c2, the expansion card c2 can be used while using the conventional system.

  Further, the expansion card ID can be registered as member information, and the expansion card can be used in place of the member card. At this time, since the holding unit 14b is used as in the case of using the portable terminal, a new interface is unnecessary.

  In addition, membership registration is performed using information registered at other amusement stores and information registered at the time of issuance of expansion cards, so membership registration can be performed easily, and customer information management is also strict. Can be

  In addition, since the information is retained for members who have already been withdrawn and prepaid value can be purchased with electronic money, it is possible to improve convenience for the player and to encourage the player to visit the store again. .

  Further, by acquiring information associated with the expansion card and controlling the display of the inter-card card processor 10, it is possible to provide a user interface suitable for the state of the expansion card and improve operability.

  In this example, purchase of prepaid value with electronic money, replay of stored balls, and transition to holding balls of storage balls were explained. However, expansion cards can be used for replay of holding balls and providing other member services. Also good. Moreover, it is possible to selectively limit a part of the function using the expansion card.

  In addition, when a card is returned in a state where there is a balance in the prepaid value, the prepaid value may be returned in association with a general card (or a membership card), or the prepaid value is added to the electronic money balance of the expansion card. You may add the balance. How to return the prepaid value can be set by the game store. Further, the player may arbitrarily select it.

  In addition, when a general card is returned when there is a balance in the holding ball, the holding card may be returned by associating the holding card with the general card, or the holding ball is transferred to the member's storage ball specified by the expansion card You may make it do. Moreover, you may comprise so that an extended card | curd may be matched and managed. The game store can set how to handle the ball when returning the general card. Further, the player may arbitrarily select it.

  Further, various settings shown in this embodiment may be set in combination. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which implements only some of the various settings shown to a present Example.

  Moreover, although the above-mentioned Example demonstrated the case where the storage ball and holding ball of the same game type as the game type set to the inter-card card processing machine 10 were used for a replay, it was set to the inter-card card processing machine 10 You may make it perform what is called entrance replay which uses the storage ball | bowl of a game type different from a game type, or a ball for replay. When entering and replaying, the number of balls to be subtracted from the entry source account is converted according to the game type of the destination and the number of payout balls.

  In the above-described embodiments, 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 the card.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to an enclosed game machine that uses game balls enclosed in a game machine. In enclosed game machines, the number of game balls that can be thrown onto the game board surface is managed as the number of games that can be played, and in the case of ball lending or replaying, the actual game balls are not paid out. The number of games that can be played is added. Further, the present invention is not limited to the case where balls are used as game media, but can also be applied to the case of using slot machine medals.

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

  As described above, each device, gaming system, and gaming medium management method according to the present invention enables the expansion of gaming-related functions while effectively utilizing the existing game store system, thereby improving the convenience of the player. Suitable for improvement.

10 inter-card processing machine 11 status display unit 12 banknote transport unit 12a bill insertion slot 13 display operation unit 14a card reader 14b holding unit 15 communication unit 16, 45, 55 storage unit 16a own device status data 16b card data 16c expansion card data 16d, 45e Electronic money processing data 17, 46, 56 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Count processing unit 17c Expansion card processing unit 17d, 46e Electronic money processing unit 17e Member function expansion unit 18a Nozzle unit 18b Count unit 20 Game machine 30 Island Controller 40 Card management device 41, 51 Display unit 42, 52 Input unit 43, 53 External network communication unit 44, 54 Store network communication unit 45a Game type setting data 45b Card management data 45c Device management data 45d Expansion car Corresponding data 46a Game type setting management unit 46b Card management unit 46c Device management unit 46d Expansion card correspondence processing unit 50 Member management device 55a Game type setting data 55b Member management data 55c Prize master 55d Member management extended data 56a Game type setting management unit 56b Member management unit 56c Prize master management unit 56d Member management expansion unit 60 Prize management device 80 Settlement machine 90 Electronic money card registration machine X1 Card management center X2 Member management center X3 Electronic money card management center

Claims (9)

Each device is installed in association with a gaming machine that performs a game using a game medium, and makes the game medium usable for the game according to a player's operation,
A first recording medium processing unit for receiving a first recording medium associated with the first valuable value;
A game medium lending processing unit for performing a game medium lending process for subtracting the first value in accordance with the operation of the player and enabling the number of game media corresponding to the subtracted first value;
A second recording medium processing unit for receiving a second recording medium;
Subtracting the second valuable value associated with the second recording medium and adding the value corresponding to the subtracted second valuable value to the first valuable value to shift the valuable value. Each stand apparatus characterized by comprising a transition section.   2. Each unit according to claim 1, wherein the second valuable value is electronic money, and the first valuable value is cash or a prepaid value for renting game media purchased with the electronic money. apparatus.   The member management apparatus is inquired whether the identification information of the second recording medium is associated with the member information. When the identification information of the second recording medium is associated with the member information, The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a member function providing unit that provides a member function based on member information.   The member function providing unit can use a part or all of the deposited game medium deposited by the member in the game store for the game based on the member information associated with the identification information of the second recording medium. 4. Each stand apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a replay process for setting the state is performed.   The game medium lending processing unit performs the game medium lending process using all or a part of the addition when the first value is added by the value transfer unit. Each stand apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-4.   If the second recording medium is received by the second recording medium processing unit, whether or not the identification information of the second recording medium is associated with member information and / or the second recording medium A card identification processing unit for identifying whether or not the balance of the valuable value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and for changing a display mode according to the operation of the player based on the identification result. Each stand apparatus as described in any one of claim | item 1 -5.   The said valuable value transfer part accumulate | stores the log | history of subtraction of said 2nd valuable value, totals the log | history of subtraction of said 2nd valuable value at a predetermined timing, It transmits to a high-order apparatus, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Each stand apparatus as described in any one of claim | item 1 -6. A gaming system comprising: a gaming machine that performs a game using a gaming medium; and each base device that is installed in association with the gaming machine and makes the gaming medium usable for the game in accordance with a player's operation. Because
A first recording medium processing unit for receiving a first recording medium associated with the first valuable value;
A game medium lending processing unit for performing a game medium lending process for subtracting the first value in accordance with the operation of the player and enabling the number of game media corresponding to the subtracted first value;
A second recording medium processing unit for receiving a second recording medium;
Subtracting the second valuable value associated with the second recording medium and adding the value corresponding to the subtracted second valuable value to the first valuable value to shift the valuable value. A gaming system comprising a transition section. A gaming system comprising: a gaming machine that performs a game using a gaming medium; and each base device that is installed in association with the gaming machine and makes the gaming medium usable for the game in accordance with a player's operation. A game media management method in
A recording medium receiving step in which the second recording medium processing unit receives a second recording medium different from the first recording medium used for renting out game media;
The second value associated with the second recording medium is subtracted, and the value corresponding to the subtracted second value is added to the first value associated with the first recording medium. A valuable value transfer step to transfer the valuable value by
A game medium lending process step of subtracting the first value and performing a game medium lending process for enabling the number of game media corresponding to the subtracted first value to be used. Management method.

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