JP2017121380A - Each machine device and method of controlling game machine state - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase convenience when using a plurality of game types.SOLUTION: When a game machine 20 having a residual game possible number of a game type different from a setting of an own device is newly connected (a), an inter-game-machine card processor 10 changes the setting of the game type in the own device to match the game machine 20 (b). After matching the game type by the change, the inter-game-machine card processor 10 transfers the game possible number to a holding ball number by a counting operation (c). After that, the inter-game-machine card processor 10 outputs the holding ball number as collected balls to clear the holding ball number to zero (d). Then, the inter-game-machine card processor 10 returns the game type of the own device to the original game type and notifies the game machine 20 of the game type of the own device to cause a change in setting of the game type (e). Therefore, it is possible to increase work efficiency when moving a game machine managing a game possible number as data and increase convenience when using a plurality of game types.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a stand apparatus that is installed in association with a gaming machine and performs processing related to gaming media used for gaming by the gaming machine, and a gaming machine state control method that controls the gaming machine state.

  Conventionally, a game store provides a game with a game medium interposed therebetween. For example, in a pachinko game, a game ball is used as a game medium, and a game ball is driven into a game board surface to play a game. A plurality of winning areas (winning openings) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined number of gaming balls are awarded as winning balls based on the passing of the gaming balls through the winning area. In this way, the number of game media increases or decreases depending on the result of the game, and the player can exchange the acquired game media for prizes.

  In addition, games of a plurality of game types are provided at one game store. The game type is a type set for the game medium based on a difference in shape, unit price at the time of lending, and the like. For example, a game ball used in a pachinko game and a medal used in a slot are set as different game types. Similarly, game balls that are rented at a 4-yen rate of 4 yen per ball are different from those that are rented at a 1-yen rate of 1 yen per ball, even for game balls used for pachinko games. Set as seed.

  In a game store using a plurality of game types, the inside of the store is divided into game types, and the same game type is used to play games in the same division. For example, in a game shop using a 4 yen rate and a 1 yen rate, a 4 yen rate section and a 1 yen rate section are separated.

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

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

JP 2002-233635 A

  However, in the conventional technology as well as the enclosed game machine, it is determined whether or not the game medium held or stored on the game machine side corresponds to the type of game medium to be processed by each device. I couldn't. For example, even if there is a game medium acquired with a gaming machine having a different unit price, each device may recognize the game medium as a unit price set for the own apparatus, and a plurality of game types may be selected. There was a problem when operating.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and to solve the problems, and provides each device and a gaming machine state control method that improves convenience when operating a plurality of game types. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is an apparatus that is installed in association with a gaming machine that uses a game medium for a game and performs processing related to the game medium, A game type correspondence determining means for determining whether information capable of specifying a game type of a game medium acquired by a machine corresponds to information capable of specifying a game type set in the own device; and the game type When it is determined in the correspondence determination means that the information that can identify the game type of the game medium acquired by the gaming machine does not correspond to the information that can specify the game type set in the own device, a predetermined process And a processing means for performing the above.

  In addition, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the processing means acquires the game type set in the own device in the gaming machine when a predetermined process is required for the gaming media acquired in the gaming machine. And a game type changing unit that changes the game type according to the game type of the game medium, and the game type is changed by the game type changing unit, and then a predetermined process is performed.

  The present invention further includes a game type return means for returning the game type changed by the game type change means to the state before the change after the predetermined process is performed by the processing means in the above invention. It is characterized by that.

  Further, the present invention provides the game type change information output means for outputting information for changing the game type of the game medium acquired by the gaming machine to one corresponding to the game type set in the own device in the above invention. Is further provided.

  In the present invention, the present invention further includes an acquisition unit that acquires the number of game media held by the gaming machine, and an initialization processing unit that performs a process for initializing the number of game media held by the gaming machine. It is characterized by having.

  In addition, the present invention is a gaming machine state control method in which game machines are installed in association with gaming machines used for gaming, and each device that performs processing related to the gaming media controls the state of the gaming machine. A game type correspondence determination step for determining whether information capable of specifying a game type of a game medium acquired by the gaming machine corresponds to information capable of specifying a game type set in the own device; When it is determined that the information that can specify the game type of the game medium acquired by the gaming machine and the information that can specify the game type set in the own device do not correspond in the game type correspondence determination step, And a processing step for performing a predetermined process.

  According to the present invention, it is determined whether the information that can specify the game type of the game medium acquired by the gaming machine corresponds to the information that can specify the game type set in the own device, Since it is determined that the information that can specify the game type of the game medium acquired in step 1 does not correspond to the information that can specify the game type set in the own device, the predetermined process is performed. Convenience when operating a plurality of game types can be improved.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for collecting the number of games that can be played according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the amusement store. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the inter-card card processing machine and the gaming machine. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing configurations of the inter-card card processing machine and the gaming machine. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the inter-card card processor. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of the card management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the card management apparatus. (Part 1) FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the card management apparatus. (Part 2) FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the inter-card card processing machine is newly connected to the gaming machine. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing operations at the time of starting up the inter-card card processing machine and the gaming machine. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the inter-card card processor is activated. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of notification related to the update of the authentication key. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the inter-card card processing machine according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of the inter-card card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the inter-card card processor establishes communication with the counting unit.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of each device and a gaming machine state control 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.

  In the first embodiment, a case will be described in which the inter-card card processing machine 10 which is each unit device provided in the enclosed gaming machine 20 collects the number of games that can be stored by the gaming machine 20. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for collecting the number of games that can be played according to the first embodiment.

  If the inter-card processing machine 10 is newly connected to the gaming machine 20 due to new introduction or movement within the gaming store, the number of gaming machines and the gaming type are acquired from the gaming machine 20. The gaming machine 20 is normally connected to the inter-card card processing machine 10 in a state where the number of games that can be played is zero, but when the gaming machine 20 that has been temporarily unavailable due to a failure or a communication abnormality is connected. There may be a game remaining number. In addition, in the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20, a game type corresponding to the installed section is set, and when the gaming machine 20 is moved from a section corresponding to another game type, The game type does not match between the card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20.

  If a game machine is moved within the same game type section, the number of games can be cleared to zero by connecting to each device at the destination and performing a counting operation. When the player moves to the section, the number of games that can be played cannot be cleared by counting operation. Although the game clerk can open the door of the gaming machine and clear the number of games that can be played, the work done by opening the door of the gaming machine is strictly controlled from the viewpoint of fraud prevention, etc. As a result, the workload is greatly increased, and the efficiency is lowered.

  Therefore, the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is each device according to the first embodiment is a gaming machine even when the number of games that can be played remains when moving the gaming machine that manages the number of games as data. By eliminating the need for operations such as opening the door, the load is prevented from increasing and work efficiency is improved. The operation of the inter-card card processor 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 (a) to 1 (e).

  FIG. 1A shows a state in which the gaming machine 20 with the remaining number of games remaining is newly connected to the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming types are inconsistent. Specifically, the game type of the gaming machine 20 is “ball 1” and the possible number of games is “300”. Further, the game type of the inter-card processing machine 10 is “ball 3”, and the holding ball is “0”.

  In this way, when connected to the gaming machine 20 in which the remaining number of games of different game types remains, the inter-card card processing machine 10 sets the game type of its own device as shown in FIG. Change according to the gaming machine 20. In FIG. 1B, the game type of the gaming machine 20 and the possible number of games are not changed, but the game type of the inter-card processing machine 10 is changed to “ball 1”. Note that the holding ball remains “0”.

  If the game types match, as shown in FIG. 1 (c), the inter-card card processing machine 10 can shift the number of games that can be played to a holding ball by a counting operation. As a result, the gaming machine 20 has the game type “ball 1” and the possible number of games “0”. The inter-card card processing machine 10 has a game type “ball 1” and a possession ball “300”.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1 (d), the inter-card processing machine 10 outputs the retained balls as the recovered balls and clears the retained balls to zero. For example, the process of outputting the possession balls as the recovered balls may be a process of outputting to a higher-level device (such as a card management device described later) by communication. Moreover, you may use the process discharged | related in relation to the card accommodated in the inter-card processor 10 as a holding ball. With this processing, the number of games that can be left in the gaming machine 20 can be output as the original game type, that is, the possession ball of the game type before movement.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1 (e), the inter-card card processing machine 10 returns the game type of its own device to the original game type and notifies the game machine 20 of its own game type. The gaming machine 20 that has received this notification can change the setting to the notified game type because the number of games that can be played is zero.

  As described above, when the inter-card card processing machine 10 is connected to the gaming machine 20 in which the number of games that can be played with different game types remains, the game type setting of the own device is temporarily changed according to the gaming machine 20. Then, the number of games that can be played is transferred to the possession ball by counting operation and output as a recovered ball. This eliminates the need for a game clerk to open the door of the gaming machine and clear the number of games that can be played, greatly improving the work efficiency related to the movement of the gaming machine, and convenience for operating multiple game types. Can be improved.

  Next, the system configuration of the amusement store will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the amusement store. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of gaming machines 20 and an inter-card card processing machine 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20 are installed in the gaming store. The inter-card processing machine 10 is connected to a communication line, which is an in-store network, via the island controller 30. The island controller 30, the card management device 40, the member management device 50, the 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 a game ball enclosed in the device into a game board surface. The gaming board surface of the gaming machine 20 is provided with a plurality of winning areas (winning openings), and a predetermined number of gaming balls are given as prize balls based on the passing of the gaming balls through the winning area. It has become. In addition, a predetermined number of start areas (start ports) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is performed based on the game balls passing through the start areas. If the lottery is a big win, an operation that is advantageous in terms of game is performed, for example, by increasing the probability of passing the game ball to the winning area or other starting area by operating a predetermined movable member or the like. An area that serves as both a start area and a winning area may be provided.

  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. It has become. In addition, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize ball memory that stores the number of game balls to be given as a prize ball for each winning area, and a gameable number memory that indicates the number of balls that a player can throw out. Yes.

  Therefore, when the passing of a game ball that has been struck to a specific winning area is detected by the winning sensor, the gaming machine 20 should be given from the stored contents of the winning ball memory and the number of game balls that have passed the winning area. The number of prize balls can be determined, and the determined number of prize balls can be paid out.

  In the enclosed game machine 20, the payout processing of the number of prize balls is performed by adding the number of prize balls to the number of games that can be stored in the number-of-games memory and updating the stored contents. Further, when the number of games that can be transferred is transferred as the number of balls in the inter-card card processing machine 10, the number of games that can be held in the game-capable number memory is notified to the inter-card card processing machine 10, and the number of games that can be played Is cleared to zero. Further, when a notice of the number of games that can be added by ball lending operation or the like is received from the inter-card processing machine 10, the notified number of balls is added to the number of games that can be played, and the stored contents are updated.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 receives payment, rents out game balls, communicates with the card management device 40, and communicates with the gaming machine 20. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts a bill inserted by the player, the inter-card processing device 10 transmits deposit notification data including the amount of the bill to the card management device 40, and the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. The number corresponding to is added. 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.

  In the enclosed gaming machine 20, the game ball payout process based on the ball lending is performed by notifying the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value and adding it to the possible number of games.

  Further, if the inter-card card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of the card, it transmits the card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. Further, if the inter-card card processing machine 10 receives data including the prepaid value, the number of possessed balls, and the number of stored balls from the card management device 40, it stores the received prepaid value, the number of retained balls, and the number of stored balls. If the number of possessed balls is stored, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits the retained ball subtraction request data to the card management device 40, thereby reducing the number of retained balls managed by the card management device 40 to zero. clear.

  In addition, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the holding ball replay operation, the predetermined number is subtracted from the number of holding balls stored in the own device, and the payout processing of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted holding ball number is performed. Do. In addition, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the stored ball replay operation, it transmits the stored ball replay request data to the card management device 40, thereby subtracting a predetermined number from the number of stored balls managed by the member management device 50. The payout processing of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of stored balls is performed. The game ball payout process based on the replay and the replay of the stored ball is also performed by notifying the game machine 20 of the corresponding number and adding it to the possible number of games.

  In addition, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits to the card management device 40 the possession ball addition request data including the number of possession balls managed by the own device, and After the number is added, the card discharge notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40 to control the card discharge. In addition, when the transfer operation of the game possible number is received from the gaming machine 20 before the card returning operation, the transferred game possible number is added to the number of balls and the number of balls in the card management device 40 is updated. To do.

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

  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 device that manages the prepaid value of the card, the number of balls, etc. as card data. When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-card card processor 10, the card management device 40 manages the card ID of the inserted card and the device ID of the inter-card card processor 10 in association with each other. The prepaid value and the number of possessions associated with are transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10. When the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data is the card ID of the member card, the card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data to the member management device 50 and receives it from the member management device 50. The stored ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  Moreover, when the card management apparatus 40 receives the ball subtraction request data from the inter-card card processor 10, the card management device 40 clears the number of balls to zero. In addition, when the card management device 40 receives the ball addition request data from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 sets the number of balls included in the ball addition request data to the number of balls managed by the card management device 40. to add.

  Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball lending request data 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 uses the inter-card card processing machine 10 Send to. If the storage ball replay request data is received, the stored ball replay request data is transmitted to the member management device 50. If 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 is notified to the settlement machine 80.

  Further, the card management device 40 acquires the gaming machine ID from the inter-card card processing machine 10 and manages the gaming machine 20 installed in the own store. Then, an authentication key for authenticating the gaming machine 20 set in the own store is acquired from the authentication key management center C1 outside the gaming store and distributed to the inter-card card processing device 10.

  The member management device 50 is a management device that manages member management data of members registered as members in the amusement store. Specifically, the number of stored balls, the number of points, the password, the 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 data from the inter-card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 stores the stored ball replay data including the number of stored balls and the password associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data. To the inter-card processing machine 10. In addition, when the member management device 50 receives the stored ball replay request data from the inter-card card processor 10, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number from the number of stored balls associated with the card ID indicated in the stored ball replay request data, The stored ball replay data including the number of stored balls after subtraction is transmitted to the inter-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 number of 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 exchanging the acquired balls, the number of stored balls, and the number of held balls for prizes. The prize management device 60 is connected to a card reader that reads a card ID from a card and a prize dispensing device that dispenses 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 data corresponding to the card ID is read from the portable terminal or the like). Requesting the number of balls with the card ID. When exchanging prizes for the number of stored balls, the member management device 50 is requested for the number of stored balls.

  When the card associated with the prepaid value is inserted, the checkout machine 80 transmits the card ID of the card to the card management device 40 and receives the response data to obtain the prepaid value associated with the card. And pays out money according to the acquired prepaid value.

  Next, the ball lending process of the gaming 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 the ball lending request data to the card management device 40. The ball lending request data includes a card ID of a card inserted in the inter-card card processing machine 10 and an address or arbitrary identification data for specifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is a transmission source.

  Upon receiving the ball lending request data, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID of the ball lending request data. Then, the card management device 40 transmits the ball lending permission data to the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source. The inter-card card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission data performs payout processing of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

  Next, a description will be given of the ball replay process in the case of replaying the ball in the gaming system shown in FIG. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of the general card or the membership card, it transmits the card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. This card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-card card processor 10, an address or arbitrary identification data for identifying the inter-card card processor 10 that is the transmission source, and the inter-card card processor Data for specifying 10 rates.

  When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-card card processor 10, the card management device 40 gives the inter-card card processor 10 the number of balls held at each rate associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data. Notice.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 stores the number of balls received from the card management device 40. Then, data for specifying the card ID, rate, and holding ball subtraction request data indicating that the number of holding balls is cleared to zero are transmitted to the card management device 40. When the card management device 40 receives the ball subtraction request data, the card management device 40 clears the number of balls in each rate specified by the card ID to zero. Further, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts a holding ball replay operation and performs a holding ball replay, the predetermined number is subtracted from the stored number of holding balls, and a payout process for the corresponding number of gaming balls is performed. .

  The inter-card processing machine 10 receives the management transfer request data for transferring the management by setting the possible number of games of the gaming machine 20 as a possession of the inter-card processing machine 10, and then transfers the management. The number of playable games indicated in the request data is added to the number of possessed balls of the own device. After that, if a card return operation is accepted, the inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits the possession ball addition request data to the card management device 40. This possession ball addition request data includes the card ID of the card to be returned, the address or arbitrary identification data that identifies the inter-card processor 10 that is the transmission source, and the number of possessions at each rate. .

  When the inter-card card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits the possession ball addition request data to the card management device 40. This possession ball addition request data includes the card ID of the card to be returned, the address or arbitrary identification data that identifies the inter-card processor 10 that is the transmission source, and the number of possessions at each rate. .

  When the card management device 40 accepts the possession ball addition request data, the card management device 40 adds the possession number included in the possession ball addition request data to the number of possessions at each rate associated with the card ID. Thereafter, the inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits card discharge notification data to the card management device 40.

  Next, the stored ball replay process in the gaming system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When the inter-card card processor 10 reads the card ID from the membership card or the portable terminal that can be used as the membership card, it transmits the card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. This card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-card card processor 10, an address or arbitrary identification data for identifying the inter-card card processor 10 that is the transmission source, and the inter-card card processor Data for specifying 10 rates.

  The card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data received from the inter-card card processor 10 to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data, the membership number associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data and the number of stored balls at the rate specified by the card insertion notification data among the stored balls. Then, the stored ball replay data including the possible number of stored ball replays is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10. The number of possible replays of the stored ball indicates the number of times that the replay of the stored ball can be performed, and corresponds to a quotient obtained by dividing the number of stored balls by the number of payout units of the game ball in the stored ball replay. However, in the case where an upper limit is set for the stored ball replay, the upper limit limits the possible number of stored ball replays.

  The inter-card processing unit 10 stores the received stored ball replay data, and allows the stored ball replay operation to be accepted when the possible number of stored ball replays indicated in the stored ball replay data is 1 or more.

  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. It is determined whether or not it matches the password shown in FIG.

  The inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits the stored ball replay request data to the card management device 40 when the passwords match. This storage ball replay request data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-card card processing machine 10, the address or arbitrary identification data for specifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source, and inter-card processing. Data for specifying the rate of the machine 10.

  The card management device 40 transmits the stored ball replay request data to the member management device 50. When the member management apparatus 50 receives the stored ball replay request data, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the stored ball associated with the card ID in the stored ball replay request data at a rate specified by the message. Then, recalculate the possible number of replays of the stored ball. Then, stored ball replay data including the balance after subtraction and the possible number of stored ball replays is transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 updates the number of stored balls to be stored, and performs a payout process for the number of game balls corresponding to the number of payout units for storing replay. In addition, it is determined whether the number of possible replays of the renewed stored ball is 1 or more. If the possible number of pool replays is 0, the storage ball replay operation cannot be accepted. If the number of possible replays of stored balls after renewal is 1 or more, the replay operation of stored balls can be accepted again. In the second and subsequent replays, it is not necessary to confirm the password. Note that the password may be confirmed every time. Moreover, although the case where the member management device 50 subtracts the balance of the stored ball and then the inter-card 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. This is because the storage ball replay data before the storage ball replay request indicates the possible number of storage ball replays, and it does not become a situation where the balance shortage is found after receiving the storage ball replay request.

  Next, the transition from the holding ball to the storage ball in the closing process will be described. The card management device 40 checks the number of balls in the card management data during the closing process, and if there is a record associated with a number of balls larger than zero, the number of balls in the record is displayed together with the card ID and the rate. The member management apparatus 50 is notified. The member management device 50 adds the number of balls informed from the card management device 40 to the number of balls specified by the card ID and rate. Thereafter, the card management device 40 clears the number of possessed balls to zero.

  Next, the external appearance of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20. Moreover, in FIG. 3, 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. 3, the inter-card card processing machine 10 includes a state display unit 11, a bill insertion slot 12a, a display operation unit 13, a card insertion slot 14a, and a holding unit 14b. Although the display operation unit 22 is located on the front surface of the gaming machine 20, input / output control is performed by the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The status display unit 11 displays the status of the inter-card card processor 10 by lighting or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color. The banknote insertion slot 12a is an insertion slot for various banknotes necessary for lending game balls. The display operation unit 13 is a device that accepts display of operation buttons such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display and input operation using the operation buttons.

  The card insertion slot 14a is an insertion slot for cards possessed by the player. The holding part 14b is a part that holds the portable terminal used for member registration. When the portable terminal is held over the holding part 14b, data such as a unique ID (for example, IDm) of the portable terminal is read from the portable terminal. The display operation unit 22 is an input / output device such as a touch panel display that displays various types of information such as the balance of the holding ball and receives various types of operations such as a display switching operation. In addition, the display operation unit 22 displays information that can identify the game type set in the inter-card card processing machine 10 by color display such as a character string or a background color. In addition, the display which can identify the balance and the game type such as the holding ball / prepaid value displayed in the display operation unit 22 may be displayed also in the display operation unit 13 described above.

  The gaming machine 20 is provided with a game board surface, a handle 21 used when throwing out the enclosed game balls onto the game board surface, and a counting button 23.

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

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

  The banknote conveyance part 12 is a conveyance part conveyed to the banknote storage part which is not shown in figure, discriminating the money type and authenticity of the banknote inserted from the banknote insertion port 12a. The display operation unit 13 is an input / output device such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display that displays various information such as a prepaid value that can be used for ball lending, the number of balls held, and the number of balls stored, and accepts various operations such as ball lending operations. It is.

  The reader / writer 14 is a device that reads a card ID from a card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a. The card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a is stored in a card storage section (not shown) through the reader / writer 14. The holding unit 14b is an interface unit that reads various kinds of information such as a unique ID (for example, IDm) of the portable terminal by short-range wireless communication when the portable terminal is held over. The reader / writer 14 also issues a new card by associating the card stored in the card storage unit with a valuable value such as a holding ball or prepaid value shown in the card data 16b in response to a player's return operation. Also have. However, when the prepaid value shown in the card data 16b is 0 and the number of possessed balls is less than a certain number (minimum holding number), control is performed so that the card is not returned even if a return operation is performed. This is a control for preventing a loss from occurring in the game hall due to the discard of a card associated with a small amount of balls. As a certain number, for example, the value obtained by multiplying the number of balls held by the lending unit price per ball can be set so that the value of the card or the lowest price prize in the game hall is not limited to this, Can be set freely according to the policy of the venue. In addition, when controlling so that the card is not returned even if there is a return operation, it is possible to transmit the stored possession balls to the gaming machine 20 as a possible number of games. A display prompting replay may be performed.

  The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication between the gaming machine 20 and the island controller 30.

  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, and collection data 16c.

  The own device status data 16a is data indicating the status of the inter-card card processing machine 10. The own device status data 16a includes the device ID of the inter-card processing machine and the game settings. The device ID of the inter-card card processing machine is identification data for uniquely identifying the inter-card card processing machine 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 The game type name is set and managed for each rate, such as “ball 4” for a game ball of 0.5 yen 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 holding ball, a stored ball, a possible number of stored ball replays, and the like. There are data for each game type (rate) for the possession balls and storage balls. The card ID is a card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is transported from a card storage section (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and the card is ejected, the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transport. Also, when a card is transported from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transport.

  The collection data 16c indicates information relating to the number of games that can be collected from the gaming machine 20 when the collection data 16c is connected to the gaming machine 20 in which the number of games of different game types remains. Specifically, the collection data 16c includes a collection number indicating the collection date and time, the gaming machine ID, the game type, and the number of games that can be collected.

  The game management unit 18 is a processing unit that performs processing related to authentication and communication with the gaming machine 20. The game management unit 18 is preferably formed on a different board from the control unit 17. The game management unit 18 includes an authentication processing unit 18a, an authentication key management unit 18b, and a gaming machine state management unit 18c.

  When the inter-card card processing machine 10 is turned on, the authentication processing unit 18a first asks the card management apparatus 40 whether or not the operation of the enclosed game machine is permitted. And if the notification of operation permission is received from the card management apparatus 40, the authentication process part 18a will authenticate the gaming machine 20 using the stored authentication key. If the authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 18a transmits an operation permission to the gaming machine 20. The authentication processing unit 18 a transmits the result of authentication such as success or failure of authentication to the card management device 40 and controls display on the display operation unit 13 as appropriate.

  The authentication key management unit 18b is a processing unit that manages authentication keys. The use time is set in the authentication key, and the authentication key becomes unusable when the total operating time of the gaming machine 20 reaches the use time of the authentication key. Specifically, the authentication key management unit 18b manages the use time of the authentication key by using the energization time of the board on which the game management unit 18 is formed as the operating time of the gaming machine 20. The authentication key management unit 18b acquires a new authentication key from the authentication key management center C1 via the card management device 40 and updates the authentication key before the authentication key becomes unusable.

  Here, the authentication key includes a common key and an individual key. The common key is an authentication key that is used first when the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 are newly connected. After the gaming machine 20 becomes usable with this common key, an individual key individually given to the gaming machine 20 is acquired within the usage time of the common key, and thereafter, this individual key is used for authentication. In addition, by acquiring and updating a new individual key within the usage time of the individual key, the gaming machine 20 can be used continuously beyond the usage time of each authentication key.

  If the individual key cannot be updated properly for some reason, the authentication key management unit 18b uses the common key for authentication, thereby extending the time until the gaming machine 20 becomes unusable. However, when the usage time of the common key is reached, the gaming machine 20 becomes unusable. For this reason, if it becomes a situation where the common key is used after obtaining the individual key, the authentication key management unit 18b may notify the game store clerk and the gaming machine 20 may become unusable. Recognize that.

  The gaming machine state management unit 18 c is a processing unit that communicates with the gaming machine 20 and manages the state of the gaming machine 20. Specifically, the gaming machine state management unit 18c obtains the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, transmits an addition request to the number of games available for ball lending, and changes the number of possessed balls to the number of games available for playing the ball. Transmission of management transfer request, transmission of addition request to the number of games that can be played by replaying the stored ball, reception of game results such as the number of balls to be thrown in and the number of winning balls in the gaming machine 20, from the number of games that can be played to the holding ball by counting Receive management transfer request. In addition, the gaming machine state management unit 18c periodically acquires the number of gaming machines 20 that can be played as a reference value. The possible number of games acquired by the gaming machine state management unit 18c can be displayed on the display operation unit 13 or the like. The communication between the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 uses encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

  Note that the gaming machine state management unit 18c may further acquire the current number of games that can be played by the gaming machine 20 and the state set for the game such as “big hit”. The time interval at which the gaming machine state management unit 18c acquires the state of the gaming machine 20 is desirably set to be shorter than the interval at which gaming balls are launched (used) in the gaming machine 20.

  The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-card processing machine 10, and includes a data management unit 17a, a game setting processing unit 17b, a gaming machine state determination unit 17c, a game type change processing unit 17d, and a gameable number collection. It has a portion 17e.

  When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits card insertion notification data including the device ID of the device status data 16a and the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40. Further, when the data management unit 17a receives data including a valuable value (at least one of prepaid value, number of possessions, and number of balls) 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 number of possessed balls, and the number of stored balls 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 data containing the money amount of inserted banknote, card ID, and inter-card processing machine ID to the card management apparatus 40. FIG.

  Further, the data management unit 17a transmits the ball lending request data including the card ID and the device ID to the card management device 40 when the ball lending operation is performed by the player. If the ball lending permission data is received as a response to the ball lending request data, the data management unit 17a instructs the game management unit 18 to add a predetermined number of balls to the game possible number of the gaming machine 20. The payout process is performed.

  The data management unit 17a also subtracts a predetermined number from the number of possessed balls indicated in the card data 16b when the player performs a possession replay operation, and the corresponding number of balls is played by the game machine 20 The payout process is performed by instructing the game management unit 18 to add to the possible number. Here, the inter-card card processing machine 10 is a case where there is a number of balls other than the rate of the player's own machine, and the ball replay using the number of balls other than the rate of the player's own machine is permitted. When the setting is made, it is possible to perform a replay of the ball by converting the number of balls other than the rate of the own device into the number of balls at the rate of the own device in accordance with the player's operation. Here, assuming that the unit price A per game medium at another rate and the unit price of the rate of the player's own machine are B, X × (A / B) payout processing is performed by subtracting X balls with other rates. It can be performed.

  When the number of balls other than the own player's rate is converted to the number of held balls at the own player's rate and the ball is replayed, the number of balls to be paid out after conversion is basically set to the own player's rate. The payout processing is performed for each payout processing unit number. However, with regard to the number of possessed balls at other rates to be subtracted, the payout process is not performed when the value after subtraction is less than the minimum holding number of the rate. This is a process for preventing a card associated with the number of possessed balls below the minimum retained number from being issued as a result of the conversion payout process.

  In addition, when the possible number of reclaimed balls indicated in the card data 16b is 1 or more, the data management unit 17a displays a replay button for reclaimed balls on the display operation unit 13 and can accept a replay operation for reclaimed balls. And The data management unit 17a transmits the stored ball replay request data including the card ID and the inter-card card processing machine ID to the member management device 50 when the stored ball replay operation is performed by the player. If the stored ball replay data is received in response to the stored ball replay request data, the number of stored balls in the card data 16b is updated, and the payout unit number of the stored ball replay is added to the possible number of games of the gaming machine 20. A payout process is performed by instructing the game management unit 18. Here, the inter-card card processing machine 10 is a case where there is a number of balls other than the own player's rate, as in the case of the holding ball, and the storage ball replay using the number of stored balls other than the own player's rate is permitted. When the setting is made, according to the player's operation, the number of stored balls other than the own player's rate can be converted into the number of held balls at the own player's rate, and the stored ball replay can be performed. At the time of the first re-playing operation of the stored ball replay, the user is requested to input a password, and the stored ball re-play request data is transmitted on condition that the password matches the password shown in the card data 16b.

  In addition, when the game management unit 18 receives a transfer request for the number of games possible from the gaming machine 20, the data management unit 17a adds the number of balls instructed to the game management unit 18 to the possession balls of the card data 16b. Update.

  In addition, when the card return operation is performed by the player, the data management unit 17a transmits to the card management device 40 the ball addition request data including the card ID, the device ID, and the number of balls, and the card data 16b. After clearing the number of holding balls to zero, the card discharge notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is discharged.

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

  The gaming machine state determination unit 17c is a processing unit that determines the state of the connected gaming machine 20 when the gaming machine 20 is newly connected. The case where the game machine 20 is newly connected refers to the case where the machine is connected to the game machine 20 for the first time after the inter-card card processing machine 10 is newly introduced, or the case where the inter-card card processing machine 10 or the game machine 20 is moved. This includes the case where the inter-card processing machine 10 is connected to a different gaming machine 20 so far. Specifically, the gaming machine state determination unit 17c stores a gaming machine ID that uniquely identifies the gaming machine 20 to which the own device is connected, and periodically checks the gaming machine ID at a predetermined timing such as when the power is turned on. Is doing. A state in which the gaming machine ID acquired by confirmation or the like is different from the previous gaming machine ID is a state newly connected to the gaming machine 20.

  When the gaming machine state determination unit 17c is newly connected to the gaming machine 20, the gaming machine state determination unit 17c acquires the number of games and the type of gaming from the gaming machine 20, and the gaming machine number of the gaming machine 20 is less than a predetermined value (for example, zero). It is determined whether or not the game type set in the gaming machine 20 is equal to the game type set in the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The game type change processing unit 17d is a processing unit that performs a process of changing the game type setting of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20. Specifically, the game type change processing unit 17d is different from the game type in which the game type set in the gaming machine 20 is set in the inter-card card processing machine 10, that is, the game setting shown in the own apparatus state data 16a. When the number of games that can be played by the gaming machine 20 is 1 or more, first, the game setting is changed according to the game type set in the gaming machine 20. After the change of the game setting, the possible game number collection unit 17e collects the possible game number of the gaming machine 20, and when the possible game number becomes zero, the game type change processing unit 17d changes the game setting to the original game type. The game machine 20 is notified of the game type of the game setting. The gaming machine 20 in which the number of possible games becomes zero changes the game type of its own device in accordance with the game type notified from the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  Further, the game type set in the gaming machine 20 is different from the game type set in the inter-card processing machine 10, that is, the game setting shown in the own device state data 16a, and the number of games that can be played in the gaming machine 20 is different. If it is zero, the game type change processing unit 17d notifies the game machine 20 of the game type of the game setting. The gaming machine 20 with the possible number of games changing the game type of its own device in accordance with the game type notified from the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  If the game type set in the gaming machine 20 matches the game setting, the game-possible number collection unit 17e can shift the game-possible number to the holding ball by counting operation. As a result, the number of games that can be played by the gaming machine 20 is cleared to zero. When the possible number of games remaining in the newly connected gaming machine 20 is collected by the counting operation, the process of transmitting the counting result to the higher-level device (for example, the card management device 40 or the hall computer) is not performed. It is desirable. This is because the ball obtained by the collection is handled separately from the normal ball generated during the game.

  Specifically, the game possible number collection unit 17e transmits the retained balls obtained by the collection to the card management device 40 as the collected balls, and clears the retained balls to zero. Or you may use the process discharged | related in relation to the general card accommodated in the inter-card card processing machine 10 as a holding ball. With this processing, the number of games that can be left in the gaming machine 20 can be output as the original game type, that is, the possession ball of the game type before movement.

  Further, the game number collection unit 17e registers the history of the game number collection in the collection data 16c. In the collection data 16c, it is desirable to register the collection date and time, the gaming machine ID, the game type, and the collection number indicating the collected number of games that can be collected.

  As a result of the determination by the gaming machine state determination unit 17c, if the number of games that can be played remains (1 or more), or if the game types of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 are inconsistent, You may notify a salesclerk. For the notification, display on the display operation unit 13, display on the display operation unit 22, transmission to an arbitrary host device, and the like can be used.

  Further, when the game type is changed by the game type change processing unit 17d or the possible game number collection unit 17e collects the possible game number, a confirmation operation by the game store clerk may be requested. For example, when the game type set in the gaming machine 20 is different from the game setting and the number of games that can be played is 1 or more, a notification is made using the display operation unit 13, and a game is played from the store assistant terminal carried by the game store clerk. If a signal instructing the collection of the possible number is received, the game setting is changed, the number of games that can be collected by counting, the restoration of the game setting, and the notification of the game setting to the gaming machine 20 are sequentially executed. Can do.

  Further, it is configured to notify when the game type set in the gaming machine 20 is different from the game setting, change the game setting according to the game type designated by the clerk terminal, and notify the gaming machine 20. You can also.

  Next, the internal configuration of the gaming machine 20 will be described. The gaming machine 20 includes a communication control unit 24, an effect control unit 25, a game control unit 26, and a game ball control unit 27. The communication control unit 24 is a control unit for controlling data communication with the inter-card card processor 10. Communication with the inter-card card processor 10 uses encryption communication using a predetermined encryption method.

  The communication control unit 24 reads the identification information from the control CPU provided in the game control unit 26 and / or the game ball control unit 27 when the gaming machine 20 is activated, and checks whether the identification information is appropriate. Then, communication with the inter-card card processor 10 is established and the apparatus enters a standby state. If the operation permission is received from the inter-card card processing machine 10 in the standby state, the effect control unit 25, the game control unit 26, and the game ball control unit 27 are activated to make the game possible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The effect control unit 25 stores effect data of each effect. Further, the effect control unit 25 controls the display of the effect symbol display device, and when the effect is executed, the effect display is performed by superimposing the effect data on the background symbol data. Further, when the probability changes, background color data different from the normal state is set.

  The game ball control unit 27 is a control unit that controls the number of games that can be played. Specifically, the number of games that can be played is stored in the game number of games memory 27a, and the number of games that can be played is decremented by "1" each time a game ball is fired, and the number of balls that are awarded by winning is added to the number of games that can be played. . Further, when the number of balls is notified from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the notified number of balls is added to the number of games that can be stored in the game-capable number memory 27a to the inter-card card processing machine 10. A confirmation signal indicating the addition to the number of games that can be played is transmitted. The game ball control unit 27 can also perform cleaning control of game balls (circulation balls) enclosed in the gaming machine 20.

  The game ball control unit 27 stores the game type set in the own device in the game type setting memory 27b. The game ball control unit 27 stores the game type in the game type setting memory 27b when the game type is notified from the inter-card processing machine 10 in a state where the number of possible games stored in the game possible number memory 27a is zero. The game type to be changed is changed to the notified game type.

  In addition, the game ball control unit 27 periodically transmits the game possible number stored in the game possible number memory 27 a to the inter-card card processing machine 10. In this case, the game ball control unit 27 does not clear the contents of the game-possible number memory 27a and continues to update the game-possible number according to the game state, while at the time of data acquisition to the inter-card card processing machine 10. The number of games that can be played is transmitted.

  The gaming machine 20 is provided with a counting button 23, and a signal indicating that the counting button 23 has been pressed is input to the gaming ball control unit 27. The game ball control unit 27 detects the pressing operation of the counting button 23, and if the detection signal rises and falls within a certain period of time, a certain number (for example, 100 balls per operation) can be played. A management transfer request is transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10 together with the data. Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-card card processing machine 10 is subtracted (invalidated) from the number of games that can be played. In addition, when the pressing operation of the counting button 23 is detected and no falling is detected for a predetermined time or more after the detection signal rises, a certain number (for example, every 5 seconds) every time the detection signal rises for a certain period of time. A management transfer request is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10 together with data on the number of games that can be played (200 balls). Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-card card processing machine 10 is subtracted (invalidated) from the number of games that can be played. When subtracting from the number of possible games, the value to be subtracted is decremented from the value of 1 stored in the memory, the value stored in the memory is updated with the value after subtraction, and the value before subtraction is deleted or logically A method of deleting and invalidating can be considered, but there is no particular limitation as long as the value after subtraction can be specified.

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

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

  The own apparatus state data 16a shown in FIG. 5A 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. 5B shows a state where the ID of the card inserted into the inter-card card processing machine 10 is “2002”. Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, the card with the first digit “1” being a general card, and the card with the first digit “2” being a membership card. The card data 16b indicates a state where the prepaid value is “2000 degrees”. Here, the frequency of prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen per frequency. Further, the card data 16b indicates a state in which the number of balls 1 has “0 balls”, the number of balls 2 has “0 balls”, and the number of balls 3 has “875 balls”.

  Further, the card data 16b has a password for replaying the stored ball of “7777”, the possible number of replayed stored balls is “1”, the number of stored balls of “1” is “250 balls”, The number of stored balls is “0 ball”, and the number of stored balls of ball 3 is “150 balls”. 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 possession ball, storage ball, and prepaid value 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” as requested by the player. It can also be used to prevent erroneous operation.

  The collection data 16c shown in FIG. 5C associates the collection date and time, the gaming machine ID, the game type, and the number of collections indicating the number of games that can be collected. Specifically, the date “2015/11/26 9:30” indicates that the number of possible games “3000” of the game type “ball 1” was collected from the gaming machine with the gaming machine ID “A0012X4233”. Yes.

  Next, the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the card management device 40 includes a display unit 41, an input unit 42, 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 display device of a liquid crystal display device. The input unit 42 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. 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, authentication status management data 45d, and collection history data 45e.

  The game type setting data 45a is data in which the lending rate and the display name are associated with the game type. The card management data 45b is data in which the prepaid value, the number of possessions of each game type, and the use destination device ID indicating the device ID of the inter-card processing machine 10 in which the card is inserted are associated with the card ID. is there. The device management data 45c is data relating to a device placed in the amusement store. The device management data 45c includes the device ID of the inter-card card processing machine, the address of the inter-card card processing machine 10, the installation location, the gaming machine ID and model data of the attached gaming machine.

  The authentication status management data 45d indicates the status of the authentication key in the inter-card card processing machine 10. Specifically, the authentication status management data 45d is data in which the type of authentication key used by each inter-card card processor 10 and the remaining time are associated with each other.

  The collection history data 45e indicates information related to the number of games that can be collected from the gaming machine 20 by the inter-card card processing machine 10. Specifically, the collection history data 45e includes the collection date indicating the collection date and time, the device ID of the inter-card card processing machine 10 that collected the game machine ID, the game type, and the collected number of games that can be collected.

  The control unit 46 is a control unit that controls the entire card management device 40, and includes a game type setting management unit 46a, a card management unit 46b, a device management unit 46c, an authentication status management unit 46d, and a collection management 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 authentication status management unit 46d, and the collection management 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. Specifically, when the card management unit 46b receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b also notifies the card insertion notification of the used device ID of the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data. The device ID shown in the data is assumed. In addition, the prepaid value associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data and the number of possessions at each rate are notified to the inter-card card processing machine 10 as valuable values. If the inserted card is a membership card, card insertion notification data is transmitted to the membership management device 50. When the card management unit 46b receives the ball subtraction request data from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b clears the number of balls having the rate indicated in the ball subtraction request data to zero.

  Further, when receiving the ball lending request data including the card ID from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b determines whether or not the prepaid value associated with the card ID is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. . If the prepaid value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b subtracts the predetermined value from the prepaid value stored in the card management data 45b and includes the updated prepaid value in the inter-card card processor 10. Send ball lending permission data. On the other hand, when the prepaid value is less than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b notifies the inter-card card processing machine 10 of the ball lending impossibility data.

  In addition, when the card management unit 46b receives payment notification data including the amount of money inserted from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card ID, and the device ID, the card management unit 46b notifies the payment to the prepaid value associated with the card ID. Add the prepaid value for the amount shown in.

  In addition, when the stored card replay request data is received from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46 b transfers the stored ball replay request data to the member management device 50. Further, response data from the member management device 50 to the stored ball replay request data is also transferred to the card management device 40.

  In addition, when the card management unit 46b receives the possession ball addition request data, the card management unit 46b adds the possession number included in the possession ball addition request data to the number of possessions at the corresponding rate. Further, when the card management unit 46b receives the card discharge notification data, the card management unit 46b deletes the used device ID of the card ID.

  Further, when the card management unit 46b receives the card ID from the prize management device 60, the card management unit 46b notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of possessions of each rate associated with the card ID. Further, when the card management unit 46b receives the card ID from the payment machine 80, the card management unit 46b notifies the payment machine 80 of the prepaid value associated with the card ID.

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

  The authentication status management unit 46 d is a processing unit that manages the status of authentication in the inter-card card processing machine 10. The authentication status management unit 46d receives the result of authentication from the inter-card card processor 10 and updates the authentication status management data 45d. When the authentication key needs to be updated in the inter-card card processing machine 10, a new authentication key is acquired from the authentication key management center C1 and transmitted to the inter-card card processing apparatus 10 that needs to be updated. To do.

  Furthermore, when the authentication status management unit 46d receives a notification about authentication from the inter-card processing machine 10, the authentication status management unit 46d can notify the game clerk by outputting the received notification using the display unit 41 or the like. . Specifically, when the inter-card card processing machine 10 is updated from an individual key to a common key, the game machine 20 may become unusable upon receiving a notification from the inter-card card processing machine 10. It is possible to notify that there is sex.

  In addition, the authentication status management unit 46d manages whether or not the game store permits the operation of the enclosed game machine. A store that operates an enclosed game machine requires authentication to activate the game machine, and is registered in advance in the authentication key management center C1 and supplied with a common key. The authentication status management unit 46d stores whether or not the enclosed game machine can be operated, and manages the common key. In response to an inquiry from the inter-card card processing machine 10 as to whether or not the operation of the enclosed game machine is permitted, if the operation of the encapsulated game machine is permitted, the inter-card card processing machine 10 Send an operation permission notification to.

  The collection management unit 46 e is a processing unit that manages the history of the collection of the number of games that can be played from the gaming machine 20. Specifically, when the collection management unit 46e receives a collection ball notification from the inter-card card processor 10, the collection management unit 46e updates the collection history data 45e based on the received content. At this time, the collection data 16c is acquired from the inter-card processing machine 10, and the device ID of the inter-card processing machine 10 is registered in association with the date / time, gaming machine ID, game type, and number of collections indicated in the collecting data 16c. do it.

  Further, when the collection management unit 46e receives an operation to the effect that the holding ball is a collection ball for a general card associated with the holding ball and the game type, the collection management unit 46e collects the holding ball of the general card as a collection ball. The history data 45e is updated. At this time, the holding ball and its game type are registered as the number of collections and its game type. The date and time, the gaming machine ID, and the device ID of the inter-card card processing machine 10 may be registered by input from a game store clerk, or may be specified and registered with reference to the card management data 45b or the like.

  Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40 will be described. 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40. FIG.

  The game type setting data 45a shown in FIG. 7A 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. 7B, the card ID “1001” has a prepaid value “2500”, the number of balls 1 “1500”, the number of balls 2 “2300”, and ball 3 Is associated with “0”. 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. 7B, the prepaid value “500”, the number of possessed balls at each rate “0”, and the used device ID “3004” 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 “3004”, and the management shifts to the inter-card card processing machine 10 regarding the number of balls. For this reason, the number of balls in each rate is zero.

  In the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7B, the card ID “2002” is associated with the prepaid value “2000”, the number of balls held at each rate “0”, and the usage destination device ID “3001”. That is, the card with the card ID “2002” is inserted into the inter-card card processing machine 10 with the device ID “3001”, and the management of the holding ball is transferred to the inter-card card processing machine 10. For this reason, the number of balls in each rate is zero.

  In the device management data 45c shown in FIG. 7C, the address on the network of the inter-card card processor 10 having the device 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.

  In the authentication status management data 45d shown in FIG. 8D, the key type, the remaining time, and the like are associated with the device ID of the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The key types of the authentication key used by the inter-card processor 10 include a common key and an individual key. When the inter-card card processor 10 is newly installed, it first receives a common key from the card management device 40 and performs authentication using the common key. This common key has been passed from the authentication key management center C1 to the card management device 40 in advance, and can be used in any inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The usage time of the common key is set so that it can be used for about 10 days, for example. The inter-card card processor 10 acquires a new authentication key from the authentication key management center C1 before the common key usage time expires. The authentication key acquired by the inter-card card processor 10 at this time is an individual key that cannot be used by other inter-card card processors 10. The usage time of the individual key is set so that it can be used for about 90 days, for example. Thereafter, before the usage time of the individual key runs out, the inter-card card processing machine 10 acquires a new authentication key from the authentication key management center C1.

  The key type of the authentication status management data 45d indicates whether the authentication key being used by the inter-card card processing machine 10 is a common key or an individual key. The remaining time indicates the remaining usage time set in the authentication key. In the authentication status management data 45d shown in FIG. 8D, the inter-card card processor 10 having the device ID “3001” uses an individual key, and the remaining time of the individual key is “330” hours. Is shown.

  The collection history data 45e shown in FIG. 8 (e) includes the collection date indicating the collection date and time, the device ID of the inter-card card processing machine 10 that has collected the collection, the gaming machine ID, the game type, and the number of games that can be collected. Corresponds. Specifically, on the date and time “2015/11/26 9:30”, the inter-card card processing machine 10 having the device ID “3001” is transferred from the gaming machine having the gaming machine ID “A0012X4233” to the game type “ball 1”. It shows that the possible number of games “3000” has been collected.

  Next, a processing procedure when the inter-card card processing machine 10 is newly connected to the gaming machine 20 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the inter-card card processing machine 10 is newly connected to the gaming machine 20.

  First, when the inter-card card processing machine 10 is newly connected to the gaming machine 20, the gaming machine state determination unit 17c acquires the number of games that can be played and the gaming type from the gaming machine 20 (step S101). And the game machine state determination part 17c determines whether the acquired number of possible games is larger than 0 (step S102).

  If the number of possible games is greater than 0 (step S102; Yes), the gaming machine state determination unit 17c determines whether or not the gaming type acquired from the gaming machine 20 matches the gaming type indicated in the gaming settings. (Step S103). Here, since it is not connected with the game machine 20 from which the shape of the game media to be used differs, the difference in a game type is a difference in a rate. That is, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the rates match.

  If the rates match (step S103; Yes), the gaming machine state determination unit 17c performs notification of “there is a ball with the same rate” indicating that there is a remaining number of games of the same game type as the game setting ( Step S111). The game-possible number collection unit 17e requests the gaming machine 20 to return the game-possible number by a counting operation (step S112). The counting operation may be actually performed by the game store clerk or based on a signal from the store clerk terminal. Further, it may be automatically executed regardless of the operation of the store clerk. In the case of automatic execution, the notification in step S111 can be omitted.

  After step S112, the possible game number collection unit 17e adds the possible game number notified from the gaming machine 20 to the possessed ball (step S113), and outputs the retained ball as a collected ball (step S114). Due to the output of the holding balls, the holding balls managed by the inter-card card processing machine 10 are cleared to zero.

  On the other hand, if the rates do not match (step S103; No), the gaming machine state determination unit 17c notifies “there is a different rate ball” indicating that there is a remaining number of games of a game type different from the game setting. (Step S104). In this case, the display operation unit 22 can at least recognize the number of game types remaining in the gaming machine 20, the number of remaining game types, and the game type set in the inter-card processing unit 10. Display.

  After step S104, the game type change processing unit 17d changes the game setting according to the game type acquired from the gaming machine 20 (step S105). Prior to this change, a confirmation operation by a game store clerk may be requested.

  After step S105, the game number collection unit 17e requests the gaming machine 20 to return the game number by a counting operation (step S106). The counting operation may be actually performed by the game store clerk or based on a signal from the store clerk terminal. Further, it may be automatically executed regardless of the operation of the store clerk. In the case of automatic execution, the notification in step S104 can be omitted.

  After step S106, the game possible number collecting unit 17e adds the game possible number notified from the gaming machine 20 to the possessed ball (step S107), and outputs the retained ball as a recovered ball (step S108). Due to the output of the holding balls, the holding balls managed by the inter-card card processing machine 10 are cleared to zero. After step S108, the game type change processing unit 17d returns the game setting to the original game type (step S109).

  After step S109, step S114, or when the possible number of games is zero (step S102; No), the game type change processing unit 17d notifies the gaming machine 20 of the game type of the game setting (step S110), and processing Exit.

  Next, the operation | movement at the time of starting of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing operations at the time of starting the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20. When the power of the inter-card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 is turned on during the preparation time before opening the store, the authentication processing unit 18a first permits the card management device 40 to operate the enclosed gaming machine. Inquire whether or not.

  Then, on the condition that the operation permission notification is received from the card management device 40, the inter-card card processing machine 10 starts communication with the gaming machine 20 and performs an authentication process. If this authentication is successful, the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 will continue to operate and become ready for gaming.

  Note that if the operation permission notification is not received or the authentication fails, the inter-card card processing machine 10 stops its operation. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the inter-card card processing machine 10 is activated.

  When the inter-card card processing machine 10 is turned on (step S201), the authentication processing unit 18a inquires of the card management device 40 whether or not the operation of the enclosed game machine is permitted (step S202). ). If the operation permission is not received for this inquiry (step S203; No), the inter-card card processing machine 10 stops the operation (step S210) and ends the activation process.

  If the operation permission is received from the card management device 40 (step S203; Yes), the inter-card card processing machine 10 starts communication with the gaming machine 20 (step S206) and performs an authentication process (step S207).

  If the authentication fails (step S208; No), the inter-card card processor 10 stops the operation (step S210) and ends the activation process. If the authentication is successful (step S208; Yes), the inter-card card processing machine 10 continues to operate (step S209), and enters a game-ready state and ends the activation process.

  Next, notification related to the update of the authentication key will be described. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of notification related to the update of the authentication key. As already described, a common key is first used as an authentication key used for the authentication process, and then updated to an individual key. The update from the individual key to the individual key is repeated each time the usage time of the individual key is reduced.

  In this way, when the authentication key is properly updated, notification to the game store clerk is unnecessary. On the other hand, if the individual key cannot be updated properly for some reason and the common key is used again, the gaming machine 20 becomes unusable when the use time of the common key is exhausted. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, when the authentication key to be used is changed from the individual key to the common key, the authentication key management unit 18b may notify the game clerk and the gaming machine 20 may become unusable. Recognize that there is sex.

  As described above, the inter-card card processing machine 10 according to the first embodiment has a game when it is newly connected to an enclosed game machine 20 that manages the number of times that a game ball can be used as the number of games that can be used. It is determined whether or not the possible number is greater than a predetermined value and whether or not the game type set in the gaming machine 20 matches the game type set in the own device. If the possible number of games is larger than a predetermined value and the game type set in the gaming machine 20 and the game type set in the own device do not match, the game type set in the own device is changed to the gaming machine. The game type is changed according to the game type set to 20, and the number of games that can be played is transferred to the holding balls managed by the own device and collected. Therefore, it is possible to improve work efficiency when moving the gaming machine 20 that manages the number of games that can be used as data, and to improve convenience when operating a plurality of game types.

  Also, the inter-card card processing machine 10 changes the game type set in the own device and collects the number of games that can be played, then returns the game type set in the own device to the original game type and sets it in the own device. By notifying the gaming machine 20 of the played game type, the game type of the gaming machine in the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 can be set appropriately.

  Further, when collecting the number of games that can be played from the gaming machine 20, the counting operation used during the game is used, so that it is not necessary to add a new configuration to the gaming machine 20. In addition, the collected number of games that can be collected can be managed by being distinguished from ordinary holding balls by being output to the card management device 40, which is a host device, or by being discharged in association with a general card. .

  In addition, the inter-card processing machine 10 starts authentication with the gaming machine 20 after inquiring of the card management device 40 whether or not the encapsulated operation is permitted when the power is turned on. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the inter-card card processing machine 10 performs authentication with the gaming machine 20 at a gaming store that does not permit encapsulated operation and the gaming machine 20 becomes ready for gaming.

  Further, the inter-card processing machine 10 notifies the game store clerk when the authentication key is changed from the individual key to the shared key, so that the individual key is preferentially used before the gaming machine 20 becomes unusable. It is possible to take early measures such as updating to.

  In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which each stand device provided with an open-type gaming machine and provided with a counting unit for counting game balls collects the number of held balls stored in the counting unit. Here, the open-type gaming machine is a gaming machine that launches game balls thrown from the outside onto the game board surface and pays out prize balls with actual game balls.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the inter-card card processing machine 110 according to the second embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 13, the external appearance of the inter-card processing machine 110 connected to the open-type gaming machine 120 is shown, and the gaming machine 120 provided side by side is illustrated by a broken line. In FIG. 13, the inter-card processing machine 110 that accepts only banknotes is illustrated, but a unit for accepting coins may be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the inter-card card processing machine 110 includes a state display unit 11, a bill insertion slot 12a, a display operation unit 13, a card insertion slot 14a, a holding unit 14b, a nozzle unit 118a, and a counting unit 118b.

  Since the status display unit 11, the bill insertion slot 12a, the display operation unit 13, the card insertion slot 14a and the holding unit 14b are the same as those of the inter-card processing machine 10 shown in the first embodiment, the same components are included. The same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  The nozzle unit 118 a is a mechanism for throwing out game balls to the gaming machine 120. The counting unit 118b is a mechanism that counts the game balls dropped from the lower plate of the gaming machine 120. The receiving unit that opens on the top surface to receive the game balls dropped from the lower plate of the gaming machine 120, and the tray unit And a counting unit that counts the received game balls with an internal counting sensor. The saucer part is composed of a saucer and a counting passage for guiding the game balls received in the saucer to the counting part, and can be separated from the counting part in response to a predetermined removal instruction. The counting unit is configured in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a counting sensor therein, and is accommodated in a housing space below the inter-card card processor 110 main body. The counting unit can be separated from the inter-card card processor 110 in response to a predetermined removal instruction. In addition, the shape of the counting unit is similar to that of a power supply unit (not shown) having a function of supplying power to the main body of the intercard card processing machine 110, and is not shown in the accommodation space below the main body of the intercard card processing machine 110. It is also possible to operate without a counting function in a state where the power supply unit is accommodated. When the operation having the counting function is performed, the power supply unit is attached to the back surface of the inter-card card processor 110 main body.

  Next, the internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 110 shown in FIG. 13 will be described. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-card card processor 110 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the inter-card card processing machine 110 includes a banknote transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader / writer 14, a holding unit 14 b, a communication unit 115, a storage unit 116, and a control unit 117. And a nozzle unit 118a and a counting unit 118b.

  Since the banknote transport unit 12, the display operation unit 13, the reader / writer 14, and the holding unit 14b are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. Further, since it is provided corresponding to the open-type gaming machine 120, when the return of the card is restricted by the reader / writer 14, the payout corresponding to the number of balls may be performed from a nozzle unit 118a described later.

  The communication unit 115 is an interface unit for performing data communication between the gaming machine 120 and a communication line. The nozzle unit 118a is used for part or all of the payout when the game balls are paid out by lending or replaying balls. The nozzle unit 118a is replenished with game balls to be paid out from the replenishment mechanism of the island to which the inter-card card processing machine 110 belongs, which is outside the inter-card card processing machine 110. Payout while counting the number of. When the above-described replay operation is performed, the number of balls that can be paid out from the gaming machine 120 (for example, 25 balls) is sent to the gaming machine 120 as a payout instruction signal using the communication unit 115. The ball replay process is performed by paying out the number of balls below the unit that can be paid out by controlling the nozzle unit 118a.

  The counting unit 118b is a unit that counts game balls. The counting unit 118b receives the game balls obtained by the player in the game at the receiving tray, aligns the received game balls in the internal passage, and places the aligned game balls in the counting unit in the counting unit 118b. Counting is performed by counting with a sensor. The game balls that have been counted by the counting unit are discharged into a collection passage provided in the island.

  The counting unit 118b has a storage unit 118c. The storage unit 118c stores a unit ID for uniquely identifying the counting unit 118b, a game setting indicating a game type, and the number of balls.

  The counting unit 118b adds the number of balls in the storage unit 118c when it receives a ball addition request from the control unit 117 of the inter-card card processor 110 on the main body side. Then, when it receives a holding ball subtraction request from the control unit 117, the number of holding balls in the storage unit 118c is subtracted. Further, when game balls are counted, the counting result is added to the number of balls in the storage unit 118c. When a ball return request is received from the counting unit 118b, a ball addition request for the number of balls in the storage unit 118c is transmitted to the control unit 117, and the number of balls in the storage unit 118c is cleared to zero.

  The storage unit 116 of the inter-card processor 110 is a storage device that includes a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory, and the like. The storage unit 116 stores its own device state data 16a, card data 16b, and collection data 116c.

  The device status data 16a and the card data 16b are the same as those in the first embodiment. The collection data 116c indicates information relating to the balls collected from the counting unit 118b when connected to the counting unit 118b in which balls with different game settings remain. Specifically, the collection data 116c includes the date and time of collection, the unit ID, the game type indicated in the game setting of the counting unit 118b, and the number of collections indicating the number of collected balls.

  The control unit 117 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-card processor 110, and includes a data management unit 117a, a game setting processing unit 117b, a unit state determination unit 117c, a game type change processing unit 117d, and a unit holding ball collection unit. 117e.

  When the card is inserted, the data management unit 117a transmits card insertion notification data including the device ID of the device status data 16a and the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40. In addition, when the data management unit 117a receives data including a valuable value (at least one of prepaid value, number of possessions, and number of balls) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 117a updates the card data 16b with the received valuable value. . In addition, for the number of balls with the own rate (rate indicated in the game setting of the own device state data 16a), a ball addition request is transmitted to the counting unit 118b, and the number of balls with the own rate in the card data 16b is set to zero. clear. The data management unit 117a appropriately controls the display operation unit 13 to display the prepaid value, the number of possessed balls, and the number of stored balls indicated in the card data 16b. At this time, with respect to the number of balls, the number of balls held in the number-of-balls memory of the counting unit 118b is displayed. Further, during standby, the display operation unit 13 displays information that can identify the game type set in the inter-card card processing machine 110 by color display such as a character string or a background color.

  Moreover, if a banknote is inserted in the banknote insertion slot 12a, the data management part 117a will transmit the payment notification data containing the money amount of inserted banknote, card ID, and inter-card processing machine ID to the card management apparatus 40. FIG.

  Further, the data management unit 117a transmits the ball lending request data including the card ID and the device ID to the card management device 40 when the ball lending operation is performed by the player. If the ball lending permission data is received as a response to the ball lending request data, the data management unit 117a performs a predetermined number of game ball payout processing. The inter-card card processing machine 110 provided alongside the open-type gaming machine 120 pays out the actual game balls in the payout process.

  In addition, when a player performs a replay operation for a possession ball, the data management unit 117a transmits a possession ball subtraction request to the counting unit 118b to subtract the number of possession balls, and a payout process for a predetermined number of game balls I do.

  Here, the inter-card card processing machine 10 is a case where there is a number of balls other than the rate of the player's own machine, and the ball replay using the number of balls other than the rate of the player's own machine is permitted. When the setting is made, it is possible to perform a replay of the ball by converting the number of balls other than the rate of the own device into the number of balls at the rate of the own device in accordance with the player's operation. Here, assuming that the unit price A per game medium at another rate and the unit price of the rate of the player's own machine are B, X × (A / B) payout processing is performed by subtracting X balls with other rates. It can be performed.

  When the number of balls other than the own player's rate is converted to the number of held balls at the own player's rate and the ball is replayed, the number of balls to be paid out after conversion is basically set to the own player's rate. The payout processing is performed for each payout processing unit number. However, with regard to the number of possessed balls at other rates to be subtracted, the payout process is not performed when the value after subtraction is less than the minimum holding number of the rate. This is a process for preventing a card associated with the number of possessed balls below the minimum retained number from being issued as a result of the conversion payout process.

  The data management unit 117a can display a stored ball replay button on the display operation unit 13 and accept a stored ball replay operation when the possible number of stored ball replays shown in the card data 16b is 1 or more. And The data management unit 117a transmits the stored ball replay request data including the card ID and the inter-card card processing machine ID to the member management device 50 when the stored ball replay operation is performed by the player. If the stored ball replay data is received as a response to the stored ball replay request data, the number of stored balls in the card data 16b is updated, and the game balls of the number of stored ball replay units are paid out. Here, the inter-card card processing machine 10 is a case where there is a number of balls other than the own player's rate, as in the case of the holding ball, and the storage ball replay using the number of stored balls other than the own player's rate is permitted. When the setting is made, according to the player's operation, the number of stored balls other than the own player's rate can be converted into the number of held balls at the own player's rate, and the stored ball replay can be performed. At the time of the first replay operation of the stored ball replay, the input of a password is requested, and the stored ball replay request data is transmitted on condition that the password matches the password shown in the card data 16b.

  In addition, when the card return operation is performed by the player, the data management unit 117a transmits a ball return request to the counting unit 118b, and in the card data 16b based on the ball addition request received from the counting unit 118b. Add the number of balls you own. Thereafter, the ball add request data including the card ID, the device ID and the number of balls is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the number of balls in the card data 16b is cleared to zero, and then the card discharge notification data is sent to the card management device 40. Send and eject the card.

  The game setting processing unit 117b displays the rate corresponding to the current game type set in the game setting of the own device state data 16a on the display operation unit 13. In addition, the game setting processing unit 117b receives a remote control operation or the like by an employee and displays a selectable rate on the display operation unit 13 on the condition that the authentication is performed. When the employee selects a rate, the game setting processing unit 117b updates the game setting of the own apparatus state data 16a with the game type corresponding to the selected rate. Further, in this case, when there is a signal instructing selection of a game type from a higher-level device such as the card management device 40, the own device state data 16a is displayed by the instructed game type without displaying a selectable rate. Update game settings for.

  The unit state determination unit 117c is a processing unit that determines the state of the connected counting unit 118b when newly connected to the counting unit 118b. The case where the counter unit 118b is newly connected includes the case where the inter-card card processor 110 is connected to the counter unit 118b for the first time after the inter-card card processor 110 is newly introduced, or the inter-card card processor 110 or the counter unit 118b is replaced. This includes the case where the inter-card processor 110 is connected to a different counting unit 118b. Specifically, the unit state determination unit 117c stores a unit ID that uniquely identifies the counting unit 118b to which the device is connected, and periodically checks the unit ID at a predetermined timing such as when the power is turned on. Yes. A state in which the unit ID acquired by confirmation or the like is different from the previous unit ID is a state newly connected to the counting unit 118b.

  When the unit state determination unit 117c is newly connected to the counting unit 118b, the unit state determination unit 117c acquires the number of balls and the game setting from the counting unit 118b, and whether the balls of the counting unit 118b are larger than a predetermined value (for example, zero). It is determined whether or not the game type indicated in the game setting of the counting unit 118b matches the game type indicated in the game setting of the own device state data 16a.

  The game type change processing unit 117d is a processing unit that performs a process of changing the game type settings of the inter-card card processor 110 and the counting unit 118b. Specifically, the game type change processing unit 117d notifies when the game setting of the counting unit 118b is different from the game setting of the own device state data 16a, accepts the operation of the game clerk, and sets the game setting of the counting unit 118b. Alternatively, the game setting of the device status data 16a is changed.

  The unit possession recovery unit 117e reads out the game setting and the number of possessions stored in the counting unit 118b, adds them to the number of possessions of the corresponding game type in the card data 16b, and sets the number of possessions in the counting unit 118b to zero. To clear. If the game type indicated in the game setting of the counting unit 118b does not match the game type indicated in the game setting of the own apparatus state data 16a, the unit holding ball collection unit 117e is indicated in the card data 16b. The held ball, that is, the held ball collected from the counting unit 118b is returned in association with the new general card, and the held ball in the card data 16b is cleared to zero.

  Further, the unit holding ball collection unit 117e registers the history of the collected balls from the counting unit 118b in the collection data 116c. In the collection data 116c, it is desirable to register the collection date and time, the unit ID, the game type indicated by the game setting of the counting unit 118b, and the number of collections indicating the collected number of games that can be collected.

  Next, a processing procedure when the inter-card card processor 110 establishes communication with the counting unit 118b will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the inter-card card processor 110 establishes communication with the counting unit 118b.

  First, when the inter-card card processor 110 establishes communication with the counting unit 118b, the unit state determination unit 117c acquires a unit ID and a game setting from the counting unit 118b (step S301). The unit state determination unit 117c determines whether or not the acquired unit ID matches the previous unit ID (step S302). If the unit IDs match (step S302; Yes), the process ends.

  If the unit IDs do not match (step S302; No), the unit holding ball collection unit 117e determines whether there is a holding ball in the counting unit 118b, that is, whether the holding ball in the storage unit 118c is 1 or more. (Step S303). If the number of holding balls in the storage unit 118c is 1 or more (step S303; Yes), the unit holding ball collection unit 117e reads the game setting and the number of balls in the storage unit 118c, and stores the corresponding game type in the card data 16b. By adding to the number of balls and clearing the number of balls in the storage unit 118c to zero, unit holding balls are collected (step S304).

  After the end of step S304, or when the possession ball of the storage unit 118c is 0 (step S303; No), the game type change processing unit 117d determines whether the game setting of the counting unit 118b and the game setting of the own device state data 16a are performed. It is determined whether or not they match (step S305). If the game settings match (step S305; Yes), the process ends.

  If the game settings do not match (step S305; No), the game type change processing unit 117d notifies the game store clerk that the game settings do not match (step S306). In this case, the display operation unit 13 can recognize at least the number of games remaining in the counting unit 118b and the number of games remaining and the game type set in the inter-card processing unit 110. Display. If the game clerk who has received this notification performs an operation to change the game setting of the main body side, that is, the own apparatus state data 16a (step S307; Yes), the game type change processing unit 117d causes the game of the counting unit 118b. The game setting of the own apparatus state data 16a is changed according to the setting (step S308), and the process is terminated.

  If there is no operation to change the game setting of the main body side, that is, the own device state data 16a (step S307; No), the unit holding ball collection unit 117e has the holding ball indicated in the card data 16b, that is, the counting unit 118b. The collected balls are discharged in association with a new general card (step S309), and the held balls in the card data 16b are cleared to zero (step S310). Then, the game type change processing unit 117d changes the game setting of the counting unit 118b in accordance with the game setting of the own device state data 16a (step S311), and ends the process.

  As described above, the inter-card processing machine 110 according to the second embodiment determines whether the game setting of the counting unit 118b corresponds to the game setting of the own apparatus state data 16a. The game settings can be changed. In addition, when a ball is left in the counting unit 118b, this ball can be collected.

  For this reason, during operation of the inter-card processing machine 110, a trouble occurs on the main body side, and there is a case where the holding balls cannot be associated with the card even though the holding balls remain on the counting unit 118b side. However, the balls of the counting unit 118b can be reliably recovered. The main body side ball (card data 16b) is backed up separately, and even if trouble occurs, it is possible to maintain consistency in the data, and in some cases it is possible to operate for compensation. In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to take data consistency with respect to the holding balls in the middle of the counting by the counting unit 118b, and in some cases, it is possible to perform an operation for performing compensation. Further, in addition to the configuration described above, when collecting the remaining balls remaining in the counting unit 118b, the card management device 40 or the like may determine whether or not the collected data is duplicated. For example, in the event of a trouble, even though the ball data can be reflected on the main body side, a signal indicating that the ball could be reflected could not be transmitted to the counting unit 118b, and the ball on the counting unit 118b side could not be cleared. The management device 40 manages that the signal could not be transmitted on the main body side as a history. Then, when the remaining balls remaining in the counting unit 118b are collected, if the number of balls specified in the history matches the remaining ball data, a process of rejecting without adding one is performed. By this process, it is possible to prevent the overlapping process of the holding balls.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the number of games that can be collected is collected when the game types are different or the processing related to the game medium such as clearing the count value is performed. If different, a predetermined notification process may be performed to wait for an operation of an employee or the like. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a process that does not conform to the intent of the game store from being automatically performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, detailed description of the form of the card, which is a medium for associating the number of game media, is omitted, but the card includes a magnetic card, an IC card, and the like. Further, although the “card” has been described as an example here for convenience of explanation, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a chip, a stick, a portable terminal, or the like is used in addition to such a card.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where a game ball is used as a game medium has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case of using a slot machine medal.

  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 and the gaming machine state control method according to the present invention are suitable for improving convenience when a plurality of game types are operated.

10, 110 Inter-card processing unit 11 Status display unit 12 Banknote transport unit 12a Banknote insertion slot 13, 22 Display operation unit 14 Reader / writer 14a Card insertion slot 14b Overhead unit 15, 115 Communication unit 16, 45, 116, 118c Storage unit 16a Self-device status data 16b Card data 16c, 116c Collected data 17, 46, 117 Control unit 17a, 117a Data management unit 17b, 117b Game setting processing unit 17c Game machine status determination unit 17d, 117d Game type change processing unit 17e Number collection unit 18 Game management unit 18a Authentication processing unit 18b Authentication key management unit 18c Game machine state management unit 20, 120 Game machine 21 Handle 23 Count button 24 Communication control unit 25 Production control unit 25a Production design lottery unit 25b Production lottery unit 26 Game control unit 27 Game ball control unit 27a Number of possible games memory 27b Game type setting memory 30 Island controller 40 Card management device 41 Display unit 42 Input unit 43 External network communication unit 44 Store network communication unit 45a Game type setting data 45b Card management data 45c Device management data 45d Authentication status management Data 45e Collection history data 46a Game type setting management unit 46b Card management unit 46c Device management unit 46d Authentication status management unit 46e Collection management unit 50 Member management device 60 Prize management device 80 Settlement machine 117c Unit state determination unit 117e Unit holding ball collection unit 118a Nozzle unit 118b Counting unit C1 Authentication key management center

Claims (6)

Each device is installed in association with a gaming machine that uses gaming media for gaming, and performs processing related to the gaming media,
A game type correspondence determining means for determining whether information capable of specifying the game type of the game medium acquired by the gaming machine corresponds to information capable of specifying the game type set in the own device;
When the game type correspondence determining means determines that the information that can specify the game type of the game medium acquired by the gaming machine does not correspond to the information that can specify the game type set in the own device, Each stand apparatus comprising processing means for performing predetermined processing. The processing means changes the game type set in the own device according to the game type of the game medium acquired by the gaming machine when a predetermined process is required for the game medium acquired by the gaming machine. Game type changing means to
2. Each stand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined process is performed after the game type is changed by the game type changing means.   3. The game type return means for returning the game type changed by the game type change means to the state before the change after the predetermined process is performed by the processing means. Each stand device described.   A game type change information output means for outputting information for changing the game type of the game medium acquired by the gaming machine to one corresponding to the game type set in the own device is further provided. Each stand apparatus as described in any one of claim | item 1-3. Obtaining means for obtaining the number of game media held by the gaming machine;
Each stand apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: an initialization processing unit that performs processing for initializing the number of game media held by the gaming machine. A gaming machine state control method in which a gaming machine is installed in association with a gaming machine used for gaming, and each device that performs processing related to the gaming medium controls the state of the gaming machine,
A game type corresponding determination step for determining whether information capable of specifying the game type of the game medium acquired by the gaming machine corresponds to information capable of specifying the game type set in the own device;
When it is determined that the information that can specify the game type of the game medium acquired by the gaming machine and the information that can specify the game type set in the own device do not correspond in the game type correspondence determination step, A gaming machine state control method comprising: processing steps for performing predetermined processing.

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