JP2017144112A - Prize management device, storage medium processor, and adjustment processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce restriction time of a game player by efficiently coping with a trouble, such as coin clogging, when performing adjustment processing of a prepaid value by a prize management device 60 utilized for exchanging prizes of the number of game media.SOLUTION: A prize management device 60 controls a counter adjustment machine 73 so as to put out coins corresponding to a prepaid value related to a card of a game player. When coins of the original sum cannot be put out because of an error, such as coin clogging, in putout processing of coins, error display is performed and selection operation for returning a card is allowed to be received. When an error occurs in putout processing of coins and then selection operation for returning a card is received, the prize management device 60 updates the prepaid value in accordance with coins that cannot be put out, and returns the card to a client.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize management apparatus, a storage medium processing apparatus, and a checkout processing method for exchanging gaming media and prizes in a game store such as a pachinko parlor.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game store has been provided with a prize exchange counter for exchanging game media acquired by a player for prizes. The prize exchange counter is provided with a prize management device that manages prizes corresponding to the number of game media (for example, see Patent Document 1). When the prize management device accepts a storage medium possessed by the player, the prize management device acquires the number of game media associated with the storage medium from the management device or the like, and when the prize is selected by the player, By subtracting the number of game media corresponding to prizes from the number of media, it is possible to smoothly exchange prizes for players. The number of game media associated with the storage media is the number of game media counted by the so-called island edge counter, the number of game media that cumulatively stores the count results of each counter, and the number of game media deposited at the game store. There is the number of balls.

  On the other hand, an amusement store is provided with a settlement machine that settles a prepaid value, which is a valuable value, into money (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When a player inserts money into the inter-device, the prepaid value corresponding to the amount of money is associated with the storage medium, and if the player does not use all of the prepaid value, the money corresponding to the prepaid value is This is so that it can be refunded.

JP 2014-57787 A

  However, in the conventional technology, when a clogging of money or the like occurs in the prepaid value settlement process, the influence on the player or the store clerk is significant. If the checkout process is stopped halfway due to a trouble such as money jamming, the player cannot leave the place until the checkout is resolved and the checkout process is completed. For this reason, a store clerk who has been engaged in other operations such as prize exchanges must give priority to dealing with troubles related to the checkout process, and this may interfere with other operations. Such an effect will spread throughout the game store, such as an increase in waiting time for other players.

  For these reasons, when prepaid value settlement processing is performed, how to effectively deal with obstacles such as money clogging and reduce the restraint time of the player is an important issue.

  The present invention is for solving the above-described problems of the prior art, and is capable of efficiently dealing with obstacles such as clogging of money and reducing a player's restraint time when performing prepaid value settlement processing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a prize management device, a storage medium processing device, and a checkout processing method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention reads the identification information of the storage medium possessed by the player and obtains a prize corresponding to the number of game media associated with the read identification information of the storage medium. A prize exchange processing means for identifying and performing a prize exchange process for the identified prize, and a settlement process for identifying a currency corresponding to the prepaid value associated with the identification information of the storage medium and performing a settlement process for the identified currency And a prepaid value association for controlling to associate the prepaid value of money not paid out with the storage medium when at least a part of the money corresponding to the prepaid value is not paid out in the payment processing by the payment processing means. Means.

  The present invention is the above invention, wherein the prize exchange processing means performs the prize exchange processing for the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium independently of the settlement processing result by the settlement processing means. Features.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the settlement processing means is specified by the specifying means for specifying the number of money for each denomination corresponding to the prepaid value associated with the identification information of the storage medium, and specified by the specifying means. And a notifying means for notifying a predetermined counter settlement machine of the number of denominated moneys.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the prepaid value association means includes an acquisition means for acquiring the number of money for each denomination discharged to a predetermined money discharge port of the counter settlement machine, and the specifying means. In the case where there is a difference calculated by the calculating means, a calculating means for calculating the difference between the number of money for each specified denomination and the number of money for each denomination acquired by the acquiring means, And control means for controlling to associate a prepaid value corresponding to the difference with the storage medium.

  Further, in the above invention, the present invention further includes display control means for controlling display of the number of money for each denomination acquired by the acquisition means and the difference calculated by the calculation means on a predetermined display unit. It is characterized by that.

  Further, the present invention specifies a currency corresponding to the prepaid value associated with the identification information of the portable storage medium, and performs a settlement process for performing the settlement process of the identified currency, and a settlement process by the settlement process unit. Prepaid value association means for controlling to associate the prepaid value of money not paid out with the storage medium when at least a part of the money corresponding to the prepaid value is not paid out.

  Further, the present invention reads identification information of a storage medium possessed by a player, specifies a prize corresponding to the number of game media associated with the read identification information of the storage medium, and a prize exchange process for the specified prize A payment processing method in the prize exchange device for performing the payment processing step of specifying the money corresponding to the prepaid value associated with the identification information of the storage medium and performing the payment processing of the specified money, and the payment processing A prepaid value associating step for controlling to associate the prepaid value of the money not paid out with the storage medium when at least a part of the money corresponding to the prepaid value is not paid out in the settlement process by the process. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, the money corresponding to the prepaid value associated with the identification information of the storage medium is specified, the specified money is settled, and at least a part of the money corresponding to the prepaid value is paid in the settlement process. When the prepaid value for money that is not paid out is controlled to be associated with the storage medium when it is not paid, the prepaid value is settled by using the prize management device used for exchanging prizes for the number of game media In addition, it is possible to efficiently deal with troubles such as money jams and to reduce the restraint time of the player.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of a prepaid value settlement process in the prize management device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view showing an appearance of the inter-card card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-card card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the storage unit of the inter-card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of the card management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit of the card management apparatus illustrated in FIG. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the member management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit of the member management apparatus illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a perspective view (1) showing the external appearance of the prize management device and the counter settlement machine shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view (2) showing the appearance of the prize management device and the counter settlement machine shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the prize management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit of the prize management apparatus illustrated in FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram (2) illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit of the prize management apparatus illustrated in FIG. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement machine shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen related to the prize exchange process and the settlement process in the prize management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an error display at the time of checkout processing in the prize management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the payment process in the prize management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing procedure of the bill shortage processing shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a message displayed on the display operation unit during the card return process in the inter-card card processing machine shown in FIG.

  Exemplary embodiments of a prize management device, a storage medium processing device, and a checkout processing method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, an outline of the prepaid value settlement process in the prize management device 60 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the counter settlement machine 73 that can pay out money is connected to the prize management device 60, and the prize management apparatus 60 controls the counter settlement machine 73 so as to pay out money according to the prepaid value. The prepaid value settlement process is performed by FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of a prepaid value settlement process in the prize management device 60.

  When the prize management device 60 reads the card ID from the card possessed by the player (S1), the prize management device 60 transmits the card insertion notification data including the card ID to the card management device 40, and is associated with the card included in the response data. A prepaid value (for example, 3000 yen) is acquired (S2). When the prize management device 60 receives an instruction operation to settle the prepaid value, the prize management device 60 instructs the counter settlement machine 73 to pay out money (3,000 yen) according to the prepaid value (S3).

  The counter settlement machine 73 pays out money according to the money payout instruction from the prize management device 60 (S4). The example shown in FIG. 1 shows a situation in which a jam jam or the like has occurred due to the counter settlement machine 73 performing a 3000 yen payout process. As a result, 2000 yen is paid out from the counter settlement machine 73, and 1000 yen is not paid out. In response to the money payout instruction (S3), the counter settlement machine 73 transmits error response data including the fact that an error has occurred and the amount paid (2000 yen) to the prize management device 60 (S5).

  When receiving the error response data, the prize management device 60 displays an error screen (S6). On this error screen, a message indicating that an error has occurred in the money payout process, the amount paid out (2000 yen), and the amount not paid out (1000 yen) are displayed. In addition, on this error screen, a card return indicating that a card associated with a retry button indicating that the payment of money that has not been paid out is retried and a prepaid value corresponding to the money that has not been paid out is returned. And buttons.

  When the card return button is operated on this error screen (S7), the prize management device 60 has a prepaid value including the card ID read in the card read process (S1) and the prepaid value after update (1000 yen). Update request data is transmitted to the card management device 40 (S8). Upon receiving the prepaid value update request data, the card management device 40 associates the prepaid value of 1000 yen with the card ID of the player's card. Thus, after the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is updated, the card is returned to the player (S9). The player can use the returned card to pay back money (1000 yen) according to the prepaid value using a settlement machine (not shown) installed in the store.

  Thus, the prize management device 60 controls the counter settlement machine 73 so as to pay out money corresponding to the prepaid value associated with the player's card. When the original amount of money cannot be paid out due to an error such as a paper jam in the money payout process, a message indicating that an error has occurred is displayed and a selection operation for returning the card can be accepted. If an error occurs in the money payout process and the selection operation for returning the card is accepted, the prize management device 60 updates the prepaid value according to the money that cannot be paid out, and the card Was returned to the customer. With this configuration, when the prepaid value settlement process is performed using the prize management device 60 used for exchanging prizes for the number of game media, it efficiently copes with troubles such as money clogging and reduces the player's binding time. be able to.

  Next, the system configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of gaming machines 20, an inter-card card processing machine 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20, a card management device 40, a member management device 50, and a prize management device 60. And the checkout machine 80 are connected via a communication line which is a network in the store.

  The gaming machine 20 is a device that plays a game by driving game balls into the game board surface. The gaming board surface of the gaming machine 20 is provided with a plurality of winning areas (winning openings), and if a gaming ball passes through the winning area, a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out as winning balls. In addition, a predetermined number of start areas (start ports) are provided in the game area, and a predetermined lottery is performed when a game ball passes through the start area. 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 driven into the winning area. The control device of the gaming machine 20 has a prize ball memory that stores the number of game balls to be paid out as prize balls for each winning area.

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

  The inter-card processing machine 10 performs processing such as receipt of payment, rental of game balls, and the like. 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. Then, if a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, the ball lending request data is transmitted to the card management device 40, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is subtracted, and the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value Pay out the game balls.

  Further, when the card is inserted, the inter-card card processing machine 10 reads the card ID from the card and transmits card insertion notification data including the card ID 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 card processing machine 10 clears the number of retained balls managed by the card management device 40 to zero by transmitting the possession ball subtraction request data to the card management device 40. .

  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 its own device, and the number of gaming balls corresponding to the subtracted holding ball number is paid out. 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 member management device 50, thereby subtracting a predetermined number from the number of stored balls managed by the member management device 50. And pays out the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of stored balls.

  When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, it sends the ball addition request data including the number of balls managed by the own device to the card management device 40 and adds the balls to the card management device 40. Then, the card discharge notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40 to control the card discharge. In addition, when the prepaid value is associated with the card, the inter-card processing machine 10 determines the prepaid value according to the amount of money in the counter settlement machine 73 and the settlement machine 80 connected to the prize management device 60. A guidance message is output to the device that settles. Specifically, when the counter counter settlement machine 73 in which the inter-card card processing machine 10 is arranged has no money, and the money is in an empty state, the player who settles the prepaid value is settled. A message for guiding to the machine 80 is displayed. Details thereof will be described later.

  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 possessed balls associated with the ID are transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10. Further, when the card ID included 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 the storage ball received from the member management device 50. The replay data is transmitted to the inter-card card processor 10.

  Moreover, if the card management apparatus 40 receives the possession ball subtraction request data from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card management apparatus 40 clears the number of possession balls managed by the card management apparatus 40 to zero. Further, when the card management device 40 receives the possession ball addition request data from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 adds the number of possessions included in the possession ball addition request data to the number of possession balls managed by the card management device 40. To do.

  Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball lending request data from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card management apparatus 40 subtracts a predetermined number from the corresponding prepaid value and transmits the ball lending permission data to the inter-card card processing machine 10. . 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 apparatus 40 receives the card ID from the prize management apparatus 60, the card management apparatus 40 notifies the prize management apparatus 60 of the number of possessed balls and the prepaid value 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 receives the money amount data of the counter settlement machine 73 from all the prize management devices 60 arranged in the store, and stores the money amount data of each counter settlement machine 73. To do. Further, the card management device 40 receives the money balance data of the settlement machine 80 from all the settlement machines 80 arranged in the store, and stores the currency balance data for each of the settlement machines 80. . In addition, when the card management device 40 receives the inquiry request data of the monetary balance status of the counter settlement machine 73 and the settlement machine 80 from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 stores the currency balance for each counter settlement machine 73 and the settlement machine 80. Reply high status data.

  The member management device 50 is a management device that manages member management data 55a 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 card ID of the member card issued to the member.

  When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-card card processor 10, the member management device 50 stores the inter-ball replay data including the number of stored balls and the password associated with the card ID included in the card insertion notification data. Transmit to the card processor 10. In addition, when the member management device 50 receives the stored ball replay request data, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number from the number of stored balls associated with the card ID included in the stored ball replay request data, and stores the number of stored balls after the subtraction. The replay data is transmitted to the inter-card card processor 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 terminal device for exchanging prizes arranged in a prize exchange counter in the amusement store, and performs prize exchange processing for exchanging the obtained balls, the number of stored balls and the number of possessed balls with prizes. When the card ID is read by the card reader 64, the prize management device 60 transmits the card ID to the card management device 40 and receives the response data, whereby the number of coins and the prepaid value associated with the card ID are received. To get. When a prize is exchanged for the number of balls, the card ID is transmitted to the member management device 50, and the response data is received to acquire the number of balls associated with the card ID. When the prize is selected by the player, the prize management device 60 determines the number of balls corresponding to the selected prize from the number of balls managed by the card management device 40 or the number of balls managed by the member management device 50. Prizes are exchanged by subtracting.

  The prize management device 60 performs a prepaid value settlement process. The prize management device 60 is connected to a counter settlement machine 73 that can pay out money, and performs a settlement process by controlling so that money corresponding to the prepaid value acquired from the card management device 40 is paid out from the counter settlement machine 73. Do. In this checkout process, if the payout of the money is not normally performed by the counter checkout machine 73 due to an error such as a paper jam, the card associated with the prepaid value for the unsettled payment is returned, It is possible to select whether to retry the money payout process according to the prepaid value. If retry of the payout process is selected, the cause is retried after removing the cause of the error such as clogging of money, which causes the player to wait. In the amusement store, in addition to the prize management device 60, there is a settlement machine 80 that can perform the settlement process, so that the settlement machine 80 can perform the settlement process for the unpaid portion of the prepaid value. It may be advantageous for the player to return the card associated with the prepaid value. Further, since it is possible to continue the prize exchange process without removing the cause of the error such as the clogging of the counter settlement machine 73, it is not settled in the time zone where the prize exchange counter is crowded, such as just before closing. By allowing the card associated with the prepaid value of the minutes to be returned, it is possible to avoid a situation where the prize exchange process stays.

  Also, the prize management device 60 manages the money balance data of the counter settlement machine 73, and when the money balance status included in the balance data is updated, the money balance status data is stored in the card management device 40. Send to.

  When the card 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 acquire the prepaid value associated with the card, and the acquired prepaid value. Pay out money according to Further, the settlement machine 80 manages the currency balance data of the settlement machine 80, and transmits the currency balance status data to the card management device 40 when the currency balance status included in the balance data is updated. To do.

  Next, the ball lending process in 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 number 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 processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission data pays out 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 where the ball replay is performed in the system shown in FIG. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of the general card or the membership card, 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. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts a replay operation and performs a replay operation, the predetermined number is subtracted from the stored number of balls, and the number of game balls corresponding to the predetermined number is paid out.

  When the inter-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 data request for adding money includes the card ID of the card to be returned, the address or arbitrary identification data for identifying the inter-card processor 10 that is the transmission source, and the inter-card processor 10 rate. It includes data for identification and the number of balls in 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 member management device 50 includes a personal identification number associated with the card ID included in the card insertion notification data and the number of balls stored at the rate specified by the card insertion notification data. The stored ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 stores the stored ball replay data, and the number of stored balls included in the stored ball replay data is equal to or greater than the number of game balls paid out in the stored ball replay (hereinafter referred to as “the number of stored ball replay units”). If this is the case, it is possible to replay the stored ball. In addition, here, the case where the stored ball replay is enabled when the number of stored balls is equal to or greater than the number of stored ball replay units is shown, but when the number of replayable balls is indicated in the stored ball replay data, It is also possible to enable the replay of the stored ball when the number of possible replays of the stored ball 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 asks the player to input a password, and the input password is stored in the stored ball replay data. It is determined whether or not it matches the included password.

  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 storage ball replay request data, the member management device 50 stores the ball at the rate specified by the storage ball replay request data out of the number of storage balls associated with the card ID included in the storage ball replay request data. A predetermined number is subtracted from the number, and the stored ball replay data including the number of stored balls after the subtraction is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 updates the number of stored balls stored in the apparatus, and pays out the number of game balls corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units. Further, it is determined whether or not the updated number of stored balls is less than the number of stored ball replay units, and if the number of stored balls is less than the number of stored ball replay units, the stored ball replay operation cannot be accepted. If the number of stored balls after the update is equal to or greater than the number of stored ball replay units, the replay operation can be accepted again. In the second and subsequent replays, it is not necessary to confirm the password. The password may be confirmed every time.

  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 45a during the closing process, and if there is a record associated with a number of balls larger than zero, the card management device 40 uses the card ID and the rate In addition, 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 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the inter-card card processing machine 10. In FIG. 3, the appearance of the inter-card card processing machine 10 connected to the gaming machine 20 is shown, and the gaming machine 20 to be provided is indicated by a broken line. 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, a holding unit 14b, a nozzle unit 18a, and a counting unit 18b.

  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 nozzle unit 18 a is a mechanism for throwing out game balls to the gaming machine 20. The counting unit 18b is a mechanism for counting game balls dropped from the lower plate of the gaming machine 20.

  Next, the configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 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 14 b, a communication unit 15, a storage unit 16, and a control unit 17. And a nozzle unit 18a and a counting unit 18b.

  The banknote conveyance part 12 is a conveyance part conveyed to the banknote storage part which is not shown in figure, discriminating the money type and authenticity of the banknote inserted from the banknote insertion port 12a. The display operation unit 13 is an input / output device such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display that displays various information such as prepaid value, the number of balls that can be used for ball lending, 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 passes through the reader / writer 14 and is stored in a card storage section (not shown) located on the opposite side of the card insertion slot 14a with respect to the reader / writer 14. A plurality of general cards can be stored in the card storage unit. Then, the inter-card processing machine 10 has a prepaid value or the number of possessions included in the valuable value data 16b of the storage unit 16, and when the player returns the card, The valuable value data 16b is associated with the stored card, and the card is discharged so that the player can receive it.

  If the card to be processed is a general card, after reading the card ID at the reading position of the reader / writer 14, the general card is stored in the card storage unit and waits until the card is discharged. When the card to be processed is a member card, after reading the card information ID at the reading position of the reader / writer 14, the apparatus waits until the card is discharged while holding the member card at the reading position. The reader / writer 14 can process both the general card and the membership card by configuring the card transport path so that the membership card can be held at the reading position in a state where the general card is stored in the storage unit. 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 communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication between the gaming machine 20 and the island controller 30. The nozzle unit 18a is used when paying out game balls by lending or replaying balls. The counting unit 18b is a unit that counts game balls.

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

  The card ID 16 a is a card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is transported from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), the card ID 16a is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transport. Further, if the deposit is performed in a state where no card is inserted, the card is conveyed from a card storage unit (not shown) to the reader / writer 14 and the card ID 16a is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14. In the present embodiment, the card is transferred from the card storage unit (not shown) to the reader / writer 14 by the deposit operation in a state where the card is not inserted, and the card ID 16a is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the card is finally ejected, the card at the top of the card storage unit (not shown) is transported to the reader / writer 14, where the card ID is read and stored, and the card is deposited without being inserted by the player. In this case, the card ID stored in this way may be used as the card ID 16a.

  The valuable value data 16b is data indicating a valuable value that can be used to receive a payout of game balls. This valuable value includes the prepaid value that can be used for lending the ball, the number of balls, the password for replaying the stored ball, and the number of stored balls. Further, the valuable value data 16b is data storing information acquired from the card management device 40 and the member management device 50 when the card is inserted, and is updated thereafter according to the ball lending operation or the replay operation.

  The device ID 16c is identification data for uniquely identifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 in the game store. The game setting data 16d is data indicating a game type or the like set in the inter-card card processing machine 10. When handling game balls with multiple loan rates in the amusement store, “ball 1” for games with a lending rate of 4 yen per ball, “ball 2” for games with a lending rate of 2 yen per ball, 1 yen per ball A game type name is set and managed for each lending rate, such as “ball 3” for a game at the lending rate. Accordingly, the inter-card card processing machine 10 installed in the 4-yen section stores “ball 1” as the game setting data 16d, and the inter-card card processing machine 10 installed in the 2-yen section is used as the game setting data 16d. The inter-card card processor 10 storing “ball 2” and installed in the 1-yen section stores “ball 3” as the game setting data 16d.

  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 counting processing unit 17b, and a player guide unit 17c. Actually, a program corresponding to the data management unit 17a and the counting processing unit 17b is stored in a non-illustrated non-volatile memory or the like, and this program is loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed. The process will be executed.

  When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits card insertion notification data including the card ID 16a and the device ID 16c to the card management device 40. Moreover, if the data management part 17a receives the data containing a valuable value (at least one of a prepaid value, a holding ball, and a storage ball) from the card management apparatus 40, it will update the valuable value data 16b with the received valuable value. The data management unit 17a appropriately controls the display operation unit 13 to display the prepaid value, the number of possessed balls, and the number of stored balls indicated in the valuable value data 16b.

  The data management unit 17a transmits ball lending request data including the card ID 16a and the device ID 16c to the card management device 40 when a 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 pays out a predetermined number of game balls.

  The data management unit 17a also subtracts a predetermined number from the number of possessed balls indicated in the valuable value data 16b when a player replays the possessed ball, and obtains the number of game balls corresponding to the predetermined number. Pay out.

  In addition, the data management unit 17a can accept a stored ball replay operation when the number of stored balls indicated in the valuable value data 16b is greater than or equal to the number of stored ball replay units. The data management unit 17a transmits the stored ball replay request data including the card ID 16a and the device ID 16c to the member management device 50 when the player performs a stored ball replay operation. 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 valuable value data 16b is updated, and the game balls of the number of stored ball replay units are paid out. In addition, at the time of the first storage ball replay operation, it is assumed that the password is requested to be input and that it matches the password stored in the valuable value data 16b is a condition for transmitting the pool ball replay request data.

  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 16a, the device ID 16c, and the number of balls, and the valuable value 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.

  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 the inserted banknote, card ID16a, and apparatus ID16c to the card management apparatus 40. FIG.

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

  When the prepaid value is associated with the card returned at the time of the card return process, the player guiding unit 17c obtains the money balance status data of the counter settlement machine 73 and the settlement machine 80 from the card management device 40, A guidance message for a device that can efficiently settle the prepaid value is output. Specifically, when the number of possessed balls or the number of balls to be exchanged for prizes and the prepaid value to be settled are associated with the card, the player guiding unit 17c is connected to the prize management device 60. The cash balance status data of the counter settlement machine 73 is inquired, and if it is not empty or near empty, it is displayed that settlement processing is possible at the prize exchange counter. Further, the player guidance unit 17c displays a message for guiding to the settlement machine 80 if the money balance status data of the counter settlement machine 73 connected to the prize management device 60 is near empty or empty. Detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-card card processing machine 10 illustrated in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the valuable value data 16b includes a prepaid value managed in association with the card ID 16a, the number of possessed balls for each game type, a password for replaying a stored ball, and the number of stored balls for each game type. Have The valuable value data 16b shown in FIG. 5 (a) shows that the prepaid value is “7000 yen”, the number of balls 1 is “2000 balls”, the game type is “2 balls” and the game type is “0 balls”. The number of balls 3 has “0 balls”, the password for replaying the stored ball is “1234”, the number of balls of game 1 is “0”, and the number of balls of game 2 is “1000” This indicates a situation in which the number of stored balls of “ball” and game type 3 is “300 balls”.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the game setting data 16d includes a game type name, a game medium type corresponding to the game type name, a game medium unit price, and a game medium lending unit. The game medium unit price includes the number of game media and the price including tax corresponding to the number of game media. In addition, the game medium lending unit includes the number of game media, which is a normal game medium lending unit, and a tax-inclusive price corresponding to the number of game media. In the game setting data 16d shown in FIG. 5B, the game type name is “ball 1”, the type of game medium used is “game ball”, and the number of game media is “25 balls”. “100 yen” indicates that the game medium lending unit is “125 balls” and the tax-included price is “500 yen”.

  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. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the card management device 40 includes a display unit 41, an input unit 42, a store network communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a control unit 46.

  The display unit 41 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The input unit 42 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The store network communication unit 44 is an interface unit for data communication with the inter-card card processing machine 10, the member management apparatus 50, the prize management apparatus 60, and the checkout machine 80 via a communication line.

  The storage unit 45 is a storage device composed of a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory, or the like, and stores card management data 45a and settlement machine state data 45b. The card management data 45a is data in which a prepaid value, the number of balls in each rate, and a usage ID indicating the ID of the inter-card processing machine 10 in which the card is inserted are associated with the card ID. The settlement machine state data 45b is money amount status data received from the prize management device 60 and the settlement machine 80, and stores the money status of the counter settlement machine 73 and the settlement machine 80 connected to the prize management device 60. .

  The control unit 46 is a control unit that controls the entire card management device 40, and includes a card management unit 46a and a settlement machine state management unit 46b. Actually, a program corresponding to the card management unit 46a and the settlement machine state management unit 46b is stored in a non-illustrated nonvolatile memory or the like, and the corresponding process is executed by loading the program into the CPU and executing it. I will let you.

  The card management unit 46a is a processing unit that manages the card management data 45a. Specifically, when the card management unit 46a receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-card card processor 10, the card management unit 46a sets the usage ID corresponding to the card ID included in the card insertion notification data to the same card insertion notification data. Are managed as device IDs. In addition, the inter-card card processor 10 is notified of the prepaid value associated with the card ID included in the card insertion notification data and the number of possessions at each rate 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 46a receives the possession ball subtraction request data from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46a clears the number of possessions of the rate included in the possession ball subtraction request data to zero.

  In addition, when the card management unit 46a receives the ball lending request data including the card ID from the inter-card card processor 10, the card management unit 46a 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 greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the card management unit 46a subtracts a predetermined number from the prepaid value stored in the card management data 45a 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 46a notifies the inter-card card processing machine 10 of the ball lending impossibility data.

  Further, when the card management unit 46a receives the deposit notification data including the money amount inserted from the inter-card processor 10 and the card ID 16a and the device ID 16c, the card management unit 46a notifies the prepaid value associated with the card ID. The prepaid value corresponding to the amount included in the data is added.

  Further, when the card management unit 46 a receives the stored ball replay request data from the inter-card card processor 10, the card management unit 46 a transfers the stored ball replay request data to the member management device 50. The card management unit 46 a also transfers response data from the member management device 50 to the stored ball replay request data to the inter-card processing machine 10.

  Moreover, if the card management part 46a receives the possession ball addition request data, it will add the number of possessions included in the possession ball addition request data to the number of possessions of the corresponding rate. When the card management unit 46a receives the card discharge notification data, the card management unit 46a deletes the usage ID of the card ID.

  Further, when the card management unit 46 a receives the card ID from the prize management device 60, the card management unit 46 a transmits the number of possessed balls and the prepaid value of each rate associated with the card ID to the prize management device 60.

  The settlement machine state management unit 46b receives the money balance status data of the counter settlement machine 73 and the settlement machine 80 from the prize management device 60 and the settlement machine 80, and updates the settlement machine state data 45b. In addition, the settlement machine state management unit 46b returns the settlement machine state data 45b when receiving the inquiry request data of the currency balance status of the counter settlement machine 73 and the settlement machine 80 from the inter-card processing machine 10.

  Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40 illustrated in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the card management data 45a is data in which a use ID indicating an apparatus that uses a card, an update date, a prepaid value, and the number of possessions are associated with the card ID. is there. The number of balls is the number of balls for each game type, and the game types have the number of balls 1, 2, and 3.

  The card management data 45a shown in FIG. 7 includes a card with the card ID “00001” being used in the device with the user ID “5006”, and the date when the data was last updated is “2015/5/5”. The value is “7000 yen”, the game type is “2000 balls”, the game type is “2 balls”, the game type is “0 balls”, and the game type is “3 balls”. Is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 7 (b), the checkout machine state data 45b is data in which the monetary monetary status is associated with the device identification information, and is data indicating the monetary monetary status of each device corresponding to the device identification information. is there. The device identification information includes a device classification, a device number, and an installation corner. The device classification is coded data, where “1” indicates the settlement machine 80 and “2” indicates the prize management device 60. In addition, the monetary balance status includes “empty” indicating that the monetary balance is zero, “near empty” indicating that the monetary balance is below the predetermined threshold and is close to empty, a predetermined threshold One of “normal” indicating the presence of the above money is stored.

  In the settlement machine state data 45b shown in FIG. 7B, the device classification “1” indicates the settlement machine 80, the device number “1” is the first unit, and the first unit of the settlement machine 80 is “ It is installed at “XX Corner” and indicates that the currency balance is “normal”. Further, the device classification “2” indicates the prize management device 60, the device number “1” indicates that it is the first device, and the counter settlement machine 73 connected to the first machine of the prize management device 60 is “XX”. It is installed at the “corner” and indicates that the currency balance is “near empty”.

  Next, the configuration of the member management apparatus 50 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the member management apparatus 50. As shown in FIG. 8, the member management device 50 is connected to a display unit 51 and an input unit 52. The display unit 51 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The input unit 52 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse.

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

  The storage unit 55 is a storage device including a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory, and the like, and stores member management data 55a, game type setting data 55b, and a prize master 55c. The member management data 55a is data in which a name, the number of stored balls, a mobile IDm, an address, a telephone number, and the like are associated with the card ID of the member card issued to the member. The game type setting data 55b is data in which a game type is associated with a type of game medium, a rental rate of the game medium, a display name, and the like. The prize master 55c is data used when exchanging game balls for prizes, and stores the number of exchanged balls in association with prize codes.

  The control unit 56 is a control unit that controls the entire member management apparatus 50, and includes a member management unit 56a and a prize master management unit 56b. Actually, programs corresponding to the member management unit 56a and the prize master management unit 56b are stored in a non-illustrated non-volatile memory or the like, and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed to execute the corresponding processes. Will be executed.

  The member management unit 56a is a processing unit that manages member information included in the member management data 55a. When the member management unit 56a receives the member registration request data, the member management unit 56a performs a process of adding member information to the member management data 55a. When the member management unit 56a receives the card insertion notification data including the card ID of the member card from the inter-card card processor 10, the member management unit 56a searches the member management data 55a using the card ID, and uses the card ID as the card ID. The stored ball replay data is generated according to the corresponding number of stored balls and transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10. Moreover, if the member management part 56a receives the stored ball replay request data including the card ID of the member card, the member management unit 56a subtracts a predetermined number from the number of stored balls of the member corresponding to the card ID, and corresponds to the number of stored balls after the subtraction. The stored ball replay data is generated and transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The prize master management unit 56b receives update data of the prize master 55c from a host device (not shown), and reflects the updated contents in the prize master 55c. Further, the prize master management unit 56b notifies the prize management device 60 of the updated contents when the prize master 55c is updated.

  Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 55 of the member management apparatus 50 illustrated in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit 55 of the member management apparatus 50.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the member management data 55a is data in which a member classification, a mobile IDm, a personal identification number, the number of points given by visiting a store, member personal information, and the number of stored balls are associated with a card ID. Member personal information includes information such as name, address, and telephone number. The number of stored balls includes the number of stored balls for each game type.

  In the member management data 55a shown in FIG. 9A, the member with the card ID “00001” has the member classification “regular member”, the personal identification number “1234”, the number of points “200 points”, and the number of stored balls “1”. This indicates a situation in which the number of balls stored in “ball”, ball 2 is “1000 balls”, and the number of balls stored in ball 3 is “300 balls”.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the game type setting data 55b is data in which a game medium type, a rental rate, a display name, and the like are associated with the game type. In the game type setting data 55b shown in FIG. 9B, the game type with the game type name “ball 1” is the game medium type “game ball”, the lending rate is “4 yen per ball”, and the display name “4 pachis”. The game type with the game type name “ball 2” is the game medium type “game ball”, the lending rate “2 yen per ball”, and the display name “2 pachis”.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, the prize master 55c is data in which a prize name, a group code, a prize price, the number of exchange points, and the number of exchanged balls for each game type are associated with a prize code for uniquely identifying a prize. is there. The group code is identification data for classifying and managing prizes. The group code “01” indicates a special prize that can be transferred at a predetermined value through a certain procedure. The group code “02” indicates a general prize including daily necessities other than the special prize.

  In the first record of the prize master 55c shown in FIG. 9C, the prize with the prize code “0001” indicates the prize name “Grand Prize”, the group code “01” (special prize), and the prize price “5000 yen”. The number of exchange points “5000 points”, the number of exchange balls “1250 balls” of ball 1, the number of exchange balls of ball 2 “2500 balls”, and the number of exchange balls of ball 3 “5000 balls” are shown.

  Further, in the second record of the prize master 55c shown in FIG. 9C, the prize with the prize code “0002” indicates the prize name “medium prize”, the group code “01” (special prize), and the prize price “1000”. Yen, exchange points “1000 points”, ball 1 exchange balls “250 balls”, ball 2 exchange balls “500 balls”, ball 3 exchange balls “1000 balls” .

  Next, the external appearance of the prize management device 60 and the counter settlement machine 73 shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view (1) showing the external appearance of the prize management device 60 and the counter settlement machine 73.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the prize management device 60 has a store side display unit 61, an operation unit 62, a card reader 64, a store clerk tag reader 65, a receipt issue unit 66, a barcode reader 71, and a customer side operation unit 72. A counter settlement machine 73 is connected.

  The store side display unit 61 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays prize exchange contents, operation guidance, and the like. The operation unit 62 includes a plurality of keys such as a numeric keypad, a dedicated key, and a mode key, and is used for a prize specifying operation. The card reader 64 is a device for reading the card ID stored in the card. When the card presented by the player is held over the card reader 64, the prize management device 60 reads the card ID from the card and transmits the card ID to the card management device 40. Moreover, the prize management device 60 acquires the number of balls and the prepaid value associated with the card ID as response data to the transmitted card ID.

  The clerk tag reader 65 is a device for reading a clerk tag possessed by the clerk. When the clerk tag is held over the clerk tag reader 65, the clerk authentication process is performed. The receipt issuing unit 66 is a printer that prints on heat-sensitive roll paper, and issues various receipts related to prize exchange. The barcode reader 71 is a device for reading a barcode of a prize to be exchanged, and is used when inputting a prize to be exchanged.

  Next, the external appearance of the prize management device 60 and the counter settlement machine 73 shown in FIG. 10 as viewed from the customer side will be described. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the prize management device 60 and the counter settlement machine 73.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the customer side operation unit 72 includes a customer side display unit 72a and a portable terminal reader 72b. The customer-side display unit 72a is an input / output unit such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display device, and displays the number of possessed balls, the prepaid value, etc. associated with the card so that the player can visually recognize them. When a portable terminal that can be used as a membership card is held over the portable terminal reader 72b, the portable terminal reader 72b reads identification data corresponding to the card ID from the portable terminal. Then, the prize management device 60 acquires notification data including such identification data to the card management device 40 and the member management device 50, thereby acquiring the prepaid value, the number of balls and the number of balls stored associated with the mobile terminal. .

  As shown in FIG. 11, the counter settlement machine 73 includes a display operation unit 73a, a coin slot 73b, a coin outlet 73c, a banknote insertion slot 73d, and a banknote outlet 73e. The display operation unit 73a includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display and buttons for input operation. The coin slot 73b is a slot for inserting coins. The coin take-out port 73c is a coin take-out port that is paid out when the prepaid value is settled. The banknote insertion slot 73d is an insertion slot for inserting banknotes. The banknote outlet 73e is a banknote outlet that is paid out by the settlement of the prepaid value.

  In this embodiment, a small counter settlement machine 73 as shown in FIG. 11 is connected to the prize management device 60 to pay out money accompanying the settlement process, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is not something. For example, it is possible to connect a banknote processing apparatus and a coin processing apparatus with a large storage capacity of money as installed in a financial institution or the like, and control the banknote processing apparatus and coin processing apparatus to pay out money. Further, for example, the prize management device 60 may be integrated with a function of paying out money.

  Next, the configuration of the prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the prize management device 60. As shown in FIG. 12, the already described counter settlement machine 73 is connected to the prize management device 60. The prize management device 60 includes a store side display unit 61, an operation unit 62, a communication unit 63, a card reader 64, a store clerk tag reader 65, a receipt issuing unit 66, a storage unit 67, and a control unit 68. The communication unit 63 is an interface unit for data communication with the card management device 40 and the member management device 50.

  The storage unit 67 is a storage device including a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory, and the like, and stores a prize master 67a, processing history data 67b, valuable value data 67c, prize exchange candidate data 67d, and a settlement machine state data 67e. The prize master 67a is data used when the game medium is exchanged for prizes, and stores data distributed from the member management apparatus 50.

  The processing history data 67b is history data of prize exchange processing and settlement processing performed by the prize management device 60. The valuable value data 67c is data such as the number of possessed balls, the number of stored balls, and the prepaid value that are the targets of prize exchange and settlement. The number of possessed balls, the number of stored balls, and the prepaid value of the valuable value data 67c are data associated with the player's card, and are obtained from the card management device 40 and the member management device 50.

  The prize exchange candidate data 67d indicates a prize candidate selected by the player. When a prize is determined, a prize exchange history is added to the processing history data 67b based on the prize exchange candidate data 67d, and the prize exchange candidate data 67d is cleared. The settlement machine state data 67e is money amount data notified from the counter settlement machine 73 every time the money is dispensed, and includes information related to the money amount of the counter settlement machine 73.

  The control unit 68 is a control unit that controls the entire prize management device 60, and includes a prize management unit 68a, a prize exchange processing unit 68b, a settlement processing unit 68c, and a settlement machine state management unit 68d. Actually, programs corresponding to the prize management unit 68a, the prize exchange processing unit 68b, the settlement processing unit 68c, and the settlement machine state management unit 68d are stored in a non-illustrated non-volatile memory such as a ROM, and these programs are stored in the CPU. This is realized by loading and executing the program.

  The prize management unit 68 a is a management unit that manages the number of exchanged game media for each prize to be handled by the prize management device 60 by the prize master 67 a stored in the storage unit 67. The prize management unit 68a stores the prize master 55c distributed from the member management apparatus 50 in the storage unit 67 as the prize master 67a.

  The prize exchange processing unit 68b transmits the card ID read by the card reader 64 to the card management device 40, acquires the possessed ball and the prepaid value associated with the card ID, and stores the acquired contents in the valuable value data 67c. to add. In addition, when the read card is a member card, the prize exchange processing unit 68b transmits the read card ID to the member management device 50, acquires the number of stored balls associated with the card ID, and provides valuable value. Add to the number of balls in data 67c.

  Further, the prize exchange processing unit 68b performs a prize exchange process using the number of possessed balls and a prize exchange process using the number of accumulated balls when the number of possessed balls and the number of stored balls have a predetermined balance or more. Also, the prize exchange processing unit 68b performs prize exchange processing for each game type when the number of possessed balls or the number of stored balls of a plurality of game types has a predetermined number or more. When receiving the designation of the prize to be exchanged, the prize exchange processing unit 68b registers the designated prize code or the like in the prize exchange candidate data 67d. The prize exchange processing unit 68b calculates the number of game balls corresponding to the designated prize, and the number of game balls is managed by the card management device 40 or managed by the member management device 50. Control to subtract from the number of balls.

  Specifically, the prize exchange processing unit 68b calculates the number of game balls corresponding to the prize when performing the prize exchange process using the number of possessed balls, and the calculated number of game balls, game type, and card ID are calculated. The included number-of-balls subtraction update request data is transmitted to the card management device 40. The card management device 40 that has received the number-of-balls subtraction update request data subtracts the designated number of game balls from the number of balls of the game type associated with the card ID. Further, when performing the prize exchange process using the number of accumulated balls, the prize exchange processing unit 68b calculates the number of game balls corresponding to the prize, and the stored ball number subtraction update request data including the calculated number of game balls and the card ID. Is transmitted to the member management device 50. The member management apparatus 50 that has received the accumulated ball number subtraction update request data subtracts the designated number of game balls from the number of game balls associated with the card ID.

  In addition, the prize exchange processing unit 68b adds the contents of the prize exchange process as a history to the process history data 67b.

  When the settlement processing unit 68c receives an instruction operation for performing settlement processing, the settlement processing unit 68c performs settlement processing according to the prepaid value of the valuable value data 67c. Specifically, control is performed so that money corresponding to the prepaid value is paid out from the counter settlement machine 73, and control is performed so as to clear the prepaid value associated with the card of the player managed by the card management device 40. In the payment process of money in the counter payment machine 73, the checkout processing unit 68c returns a card associated with the prepaid value for unsettled payment when money cannot be paid out normally due to an error such as a clogged money. A screen is displayed that allows selection of whether or not to retry the money payout process according to the prepaid value for the unpaid portion. Further, when the settlement process is performed, the settlement processing unit 68c registers the contents of the settlement process in the processing history data 67b.

  The settlement machine state management unit 68d acquires the money balance data of the counter settlement machine 73 from the counter settlement machine 73 and updates the settlement machine state data 67e. Further, the settlement machine state management unit 68d transmits the updated contents to the card management device 40 when the currency balance status included in the settlement machine state data 67e is updated.

  Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 67 of the prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 12 will be described. 13 and 14 are diagrams illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit 67 of the prize management device 60. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the processing history data 67b includes a date and time when a prize exchange process or a settlement process is performed, a game type name, a card ID, a member classification, a processing classification, a prize exchange description, and a settlement detail. Is the data related to The member classification is data in which “0” indicates a non-member and “1” indicates a member. The processing classification is data in which “1” indicates prize exchange, “2” indicates settlement, and “3” indicates prize exchange and settlement. The prize exchange details include a prize code and a number for each prize exchanged. The checkout details are data including the amount for which the checkout process has been performed and the number of denominated money types.

  The processing history data 67b illustrated in FIG. 13A indicates a history of processing performed on the date “2015/5/5” and the time “10:00”. In addition, the processing history data 67b indicates that the game type of the possessed ball that is the object of prize exchange with this apparatus is “ball 1”, the card ID of the inserted card is “01050”, and the member classification is “0” (nonmember). , The processing classification is “3” (prize exchange and checkout). Further, the processing history data 67b indicates a situation in which “2” prizes with a prize code “0001” and “3” prizes with a prize code “0002” are exchanged. Further, the processing history data 67b shows a situation in which the amount of “6000” yen is settled and “1” for the 5,000 yen ticket and “1” for the 1,000 yen ticket are paid out.

  As shown in FIG. 13 (b), the valuable value data 67c includes a prepaid value associated with the card ID read from the card, the number of balls for each game type, a password for replaying a stored ball, and the number of balls stored for each game type. Have In the valuable value data 67c shown in FIG. 13B, the prepaid value is “1000 yen”, the number of balls 1 has “3000 balls”, the number of balls 2 has “0 balls”, and the balls 3 have balls. The number is “0 ball”, the password for replaying the storage ball is “1234”, the number of balls 1 is “0 balls”, the number of balls 2 is “0 balls”, the number of balls 3 is “0 balls” Is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, the prize exchange candidate data 67d is data in which the prize code of the prize to be exchanged, the number of prizes to be exchanged, the card ID, and the number of exchanged balls are items of the record.

  In the prize exchange candidate data 67d shown in FIG. 14 (a), the prize exchange candidate is “2 prizes” with the prize code “0002” and the ball “1” associated with the card ID “01011”. This indicates that the exchange is for “500 balls”.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (b), the settlement machine state data 67e has data of device identification information, money balance status and money type balance (number). The device identification information includes a device classification, a device number, and an installation corner. The device classification is data in which “1” indicates the settlement machine 80 and “2” indicates the prize management device 60. In addition, the money balance status includes “empty” indicating that there is no money in a certain denomination, “near empty” indicating that the money balance in a certain denomination is below a predetermined threshold, empty or One of “normal” indicating that there is a sufficient amount of money, not near empty, is stored.

  In the settlement machine state data 67e shown in FIG. 14B, the own device is installed in the device classification “2” (the prize management device 60), the device number is installed in “No. 1”, “XX corner”, Indicates a situation of “near empty”. In addition, the settlement machine state data 67e indicates that the amount of money of the money of the counter settlement machine 73 to be connected is “10 pieces”, “5,000 pieces”, “20 pieces”, and “1,000 pieces”. , 500 yen “10 sheets” and 100 yen “5 sheets”.

  Next, the configuration of the settlement machine 80 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the checkout machine 80. As shown in FIG. 15, the checkout machine 80 includes a display operation unit 81, a communication unit 82, a card reader 83, a money unit 84, a storage unit 85, and a control unit 86.

  The display operation unit 81 is a touch panel type liquid crystal display or the like, and is an input / output device that displays buttons for operations related to the settlement process and receives input operations related to the settlement process using the displayed buttons. The communication unit 82 is an interface unit for performing data communication with the card management device 40. The card reader 83 is a device for reading the card ID stored in the card. The money unit 84 is a device that pays out money in the prepaid value settlement process.

  The storage unit 85 is a storage device composed of a hard disk device, a non-volatile memory, or the like, and stores valuable value data 85a, processing history data 85b, and settlement machine state data 85c. The valuable value data 85 a includes prepaid value information associated with the card ID read by the card reader 83. The processing history data 85b has the same data structure as the processing history data 67b stored in the storage unit 67 of the prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 13 (a), and the history of the checkout process performed by the checkout machine 80. Information. The settlement machine state data 85c is data relating to the balance of the settlement machine 80 currency, and has the same data structure as the settlement machine state data 67e stored in the storage unit 67 of the prize management device 60 shown in FIG. It is data.

  The control unit 86 is a control unit that controls the entire settlement machine 80, and includes a settlement processing unit 86a and a settlement machine state management unit 86b. Actually, a program corresponding to the settlement processing unit 86a and the settlement machine state management unit 86b is stored in a non-illustrated non-volatile memory or the like, and the corresponding process is executed by loading and executing this program on the CPU. I will let you.

  The settlement processor 86a transmits the card ID read by the card reader 83 to the card management device 40, acquires the prepaid value associated with the card ID, and stores the acquired prepaid value in the valuable value data 85a. When the settlement processing unit 86a receives an instruction operation for performing the settlement process, the settlement process unit 86a performs a settlement process according to the prepaid value of the valuable value data 85a. Specifically, the money corresponding to the prepaid value is paid out from the money unit 84, and the prepaid value associated with the card of the player managed by the card management device 40 is controlled to be cleared.

  The settlement machine state management unit 86b updates the settlement machine state data 85c when the amount of money in the apparatus is changed due to payment of money by the settlement process. Further, the settlement machine state management unit 86b transmits the updated contents to the card management apparatus 40 when the currency balance status included in the settlement machine state data 85c is updated.

  Next, an example of the input screen relating to the prize exchange process and the settlement process in the prize management apparatus 60 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen related to a prize exchange process and a checkout process in the prize management apparatus 60.

  As shown in FIG. 16, a list of exchange prize candidates designated by the operation unit 62 or the barcode reader 71 is displayed on the prize exchange screen. In this list, for each prize, a prize name, the number of game balls per prize required for exchange, the number of prizes and the number of balls required corresponding to the number of prizes are displayed. In addition, the total required number of balls corresponding to all designated prizes is displayed on the bottom line of the list.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 16, the prize exchange screen is provided with a display column of the number of possessed balls, and the number of retained balls or the number of accumulated balls associated with the card is displayed. Further, the number of balls obtained by subtracting the total number of required balls corresponding to all exchange prizes from the number of held balls is displayed in the display column of the number of remaining balls.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the prize exchange screen is provided with a display column for an amount corresponding to the prepaid value, and an amount corresponding to the prepaid value associated with the read card is displayed. Further, a radio button for giving an instruction regarding the settlement of the prepaid value is provided below the prepaid value display field. With this radio button, it is possible to select either “settlement” or “settlement”. “Settlement” indicates that the prepaid value is to be settled together with the prize exchange process, and “Do not settle” indicates that the prepaid value is not to be settled together with the prize exchange process. The screen of FIG. 16 shows that the amount corresponding to the prepaid value is “3000 yen” and “settlement” is selected.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 16, the prize exchange screen includes a cancel button and an execution button. The cancel button is a button for instructing to cancel the prize exchange process and the payment process. The execution button is a button for instructing to execute the prize exchange process and the settlement process with the contents displayed on the prize exchange screen.

  Next, an example of an error display during the checkout process in the prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an error display during the checkout process in the prize management device 60.

  The screen shown in FIG. 17A is an error screen when an error occurs in the bill payout process in the middle of the process of paying 3000 yen by operating the execution button on the prize exchange screen shown in FIG. It is an example. As shown in FIG. 17A, the error screen displays the amount corresponding to the prepaid value, the amount that could be paid out, and the unpaid amount that could not be paid out due to an error. In addition, on this error screen, a retry button for instructing to retry the payment of money for the unpaid amount and a card return for instructing to return a card associated with the prepaid value according to the unpaid amount And buttons.

  When the retry button is selected on the error screen, it is necessary to remove the cause of the error of the counter settlement machine 73 prior to the button operation. For this reason, if it takes time to eliminate the cause of the error when the prize exchange counter is crowded with a line of players who wish to exchange prizes, it is not only from the player who is trying to settle. This will also cause dissatisfaction from the players in line. For this reason, when the prize exchange counter is crowded, it is possible to select to return the card associated with the prepaid value according to the amount that could not be paid out by the card return button. ing. Thereby, when the prize exchange counter is congested, even if an error occurs in the money payout process, the cause of the error of the counter settlement machine 73 can be removed later, and the prize exchange process can proceed. Further, even for the player who has returned the card, the settlement process can be performed more efficiently by performing the settlement process with the settlement machine 80 using the returned card.

  In the screen shown in FIG. 17B, when the execution button is operated on the prize exchange screen shown in FIG. 16, the amount corresponding to the prepaid value is 3000 yen, whereas the settlement machine state data 67e. It is an example of the screen displayed when it is memorize | stored that only two thousand yen coupons remain in the money amount balance of money. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 17 (b), a message indicating that money is insufficient and an amount corresponding to the designated prepaid value cannot be paid out is displayed.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 17 (b), the screen includes a card return button, a prepaid value full-equity coin conversion button, a shortage possession coin conversion button, and a designated prepaid value share coin conversion button. It is. The card return button is a button for instructing to return the card associated with the prepaid value corresponding to the shortage of money. The prepaid value total possession conversion button is a button for instructing to exchange the prize by converting the total prepaid value into the number of possessions. The shortage possession conversion button is a button for instructing that the prepaid value corresponding to the amount of money shortage is converted into the number of possessions and the prizes are exchanged. The designated prepaid value share ball conversion button is a button for accepting designation of a prepaid value to be converted into the number of possessions, and instructing to exchange the prize by converting the designated prepaid value into the number of possessions. .

  When there is a shortage of money in this way, the option of returning the card associated with the shortage of prepaid value, or the choice of exchanging prizes by converting the prepaid value corresponding to at least the shortage of money into the number of coins It can be performed. For this reason, it is not necessary to replenish money depending on the customer's request, and the operation of the prize exchange counter can be continued.

  Next, the process procedure of the payment process in the prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the payment process in the prize management device 60.

  First, the settlement processing unit 68c refers to the money type of money in the settlement machine state data 67e, and determines whether or not there is a lack of money when the prepaid value is settled (step S101). When it is determined that money is insufficient (step S102; Yes), the settlement processing unit 68c executes processing when money is insufficient (step S103), and proceeds to step S104. Details of processing when money is insufficient will be described later.

  If it is determined that there is no shortage of money (step S102; No), the process of step S103 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the settlement processing unit 68c receives a settlement operation. Specifically, the operation of the execution button is accepted in a state where “settlement” is specified for the prepaid value on the prize exchange screen shown in FIG.

  After step S104, the settlement processing unit 68c updates the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 (step S105). Normally, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 becomes zero by this update. However, if it is determined in step S103 that a part of the prepaid value is selectively settled, the prepaid value for the settlement is calculated. The prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is updated by subtraction.

  After step S105, the settlement processing unit 68c instructs the counter settlement machine 73 to pay out the money corresponding to the prepaid value for the settlement, and causes the counter settlement machine 73 to perform the money withdrawal process (step S106). Then, the settlement processing unit 68c determines whether or not an error has occurred in the money dispensing process by the counter settlement machine 73 (step S107).

  When an error occurs in the money payout process by the counter settlement machine 73 (step S107; Yes), an error screen related to the money payout process as shown in FIG. A handling selection operation is accepted (step S108). If an operation of a retry button for retrying the payout process is accepted on this error screen (step S109; Yes), the process of paying out unpaid money is re-executed by returning to step S106. Moreover, when the money payout process is normally performed in the money payout process (step S106) (step S107; No), the process proceeds to step S110. Moreover, also when operation of a card return button is received on an error screen (step S109; No), it transfers to step S110.

  In step S110, the settlement processing unit 68c determines whether or not an unsettled prepaid value remains. Specifically, when a money return process results in an error and a card return operation is accepted, or when it is determined in step S103 that a part of the prepaid value is selectively settled, an unpaid prepaid The value remains.

  If there is an unpaid prepaid value (step S110; Yes), the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is updated so as to match the unpaid portion (step S111). Thereafter, the checkout processing unit 68c displays a message to the effect that the card is returned to the store side display unit 61 and the customer side display unit 72a (step S112). When there is no prepaid value (step S110; No), or after the end of step S112, the settlement processing unit 68c adds the contents of the settlement process as a history to the process history data 67b (step S113), and ends the process.

  Next, a detailed processing procedure of the bill shortage processing (step S103) shown in FIG. 18 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing procedure of the bill shortage processing (step S103) shown in FIG.

  The settlement processing unit 68c displays a screen as shown in FIG. 17B, and accepts a selection operation for dealing with a lack of money (step S201). When an operation for returning the shortage with the prepaid value on this screen, for example, an operation of the card return button in FIG. 17B is accepted (step S202; Yes), the settlement processing unit 68c pays from the counter settlement machine 73. The money to be dispensed is changed according to the amount of money present (step S209), and the process is terminated. In this case, a part of the prepaid value is to be settled within the range of the money balance, and the unpaid portion remains as the prepaid value.

  When the operation of the designated prepaid value possession ball conversion button is accepted on the screen displayed in step S201 (step S202; No, step S203; Yes), the settlement processing unit 68c converts the number of possession balls. A screen for accepting a prepaid value input operation is displayed, and the input operation is accepted (step S204). In addition, when the operation of the prepaid value total possession ball conversion button or the shortage possession ball conversion button is received on the screen displayed in step S201 (step S203; No), the process of step S204 is skipped, The process proceeds to S205.

  The settlement processing unit 68c controls to subtract the prepaid value converted into the number of possessed balls from the prepaid value of the valuable value data 67c and also subtracts from the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 (step S205). Then, the settlement processing unit 68c converts the prepaid value corresponding to the input operation in step S204 or the countermeasure selected in step S201 into the number of possessed balls, adds the number to the possessed number in the valuable value data 67c, and performs card management. Control is performed so as to add the number of possessed balls converted to the number of retained balls managed by the device 40 (step S206).

  The prize exchange processing unit 68b re-displays the prize exchange screen as shown in FIG. 16, and accepts an exchange prize designation operation relating to the amount converted from the prepaid value to the number of possessed balls (step S207). When the execution button is operated on the prize exchange screen (step S208), the process ends.

  Next, a message displayed on the display operation unit 13 during the card return process in the inter-card card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a message displayed on the display operation unit 13 during the card return process in the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-card processing machine 10 acquires the settlement machine state data 45b from the card management device 40, and specifies the currency balance status of the counter settlement machine 73 of the corner where the own apparatus is installed. . Then, as shown in FIG. 20, the inter-card card processing machine 10 determines whether or not there is a prepaid value, whether or not there is a holding ball or a storage ball, and whether or not the counter cash machine 73 of the corner where the apparatus is installed is in the currency balance status. The message to be displayed is determined accordingly.

  The inter-card card processing machine 10 has a prepaid value, has a possession ball or a storage ball, and if the cash balance of the counter settlement machine 73 is “normal”, the prepaid value can be settled by the prize exchange counter. Display a message to the effect. In addition, the inter-card card processing machine 10 has a prepaid value, and even if there is a possession ball or a storage ball, when the cash balance status of the counter settlement machine 73 is “near empty” or “empty” Since there is a high possibility that the award exchange counter cannot perform the settlement process, a message for guiding to the settlement machine 80 is displayed.

  If there is a prepaid value and there is no number of possession balls or accumulated balls, the inter-card card processing machine 10 displays a message for guiding to the checkout machine 80 because the prize exchange process is unnecessary. In addition, the inter-card processing machine 10 displays a message that the prize exchange counter can perform prize exchange according to the number of possessed balls or the number of accumulated balls when there is no prepaid value and there are the number of possessed balls or the number of accumulated balls. . Further, the inter-card card processing machine 10 does not display a message when there is no prepaid value and there are neither the number of possessed balls nor the number of accumulated balls.

  If the card management device 40 manages the amount of money of the money type of the counter settlement machine 73 connected to the prize management device 60, the counter settlement machine 73 is in the “near empty” state. However, when the amount of money is sufficient for the prepaid value settlement process, a display indicating that the payment can be made by the prize exchange counter may be performed. Further, even when there is no number of holding balls and the number of stored balls, the counter settlement is performed when all the settlement machines 80 are in an “empty” state by the settlement machine state data 45 b acquired from the card management device 40. If the currency balance of the machine 73 is “normal”, a display indicating that the payment can be made with the prize exchange counter may be performed. In addition, if the card to be returned is a membership card, even if you leave the store with the remaining number of balls remaining, it will be automatically transferred to the number of stored balls. If there is a prepaid value, a message for guiding to the settlement machine 80 may be displayed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the prize management device 60 controls the counter settlement machine 73 so as to pay out money corresponding to the prepaid value associated with the player's card. When the original amount of money cannot be paid out due to an error such as a paper jam in the money payout process, a message indicating that an error has occurred is displayed and a selection operation for returning the card can be accepted. If an error occurs in the money payout process and the selection operation for returning the card is accepted, the prize management device 60 updates the prepaid value according to the money that cannot be paid out, and the card Was returned to the customer. With this configuration, when the prepaid value settlement process is performed using the prize management device 60 used for exchanging prizes for the number of game media, it efficiently copes with troubles such as money clogging and reduces the player's binding time. be able to.

  In the present embodiment, in the checkout process in the prize management device 60, when the payout process of money results in an error, the paid out money is regarded as valid and the prepaid value is set according to the amount of paid out money. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the paid-out money may be invalidated, and it may be possible to select whether to return the card without updating the prepaid value or to retry the payout of money for the total number of prepaid values.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which a part of the prepaid value is transferred to a possession when the prize management device 60 runs out of money is illustrated, but according to the player's request even if money is not short It may be configured so that the prepaid value can be transferred to the possession.

  In the present embodiment, the prepaid value settlement process in the prize management device 60 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the prize management device 60. For example, in the same way, in the checkout machine 80, when an error occurs in the money payout process, the prepaid value is updated according to the amount of money paid out, and the card associated with the updated prepaid value is played. You may make it return to a customer. In addition, the present invention can be applied not only to a game store but also to any apparatus that performs prepaid value settlement.

  Moreover, although the present Example demonstrated the example of the game media management system which uses a game ball as a game media, this invention is not limited to this. For example, in the prize exchange process in the prize management device 60 related to a slot having a game medium as a medal, the prepaid value may be adjusted together when prizes are similarly exchanged.

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

  As described above, the prize management apparatus, the storage medium processing apparatus, and the settlement processing method according to the present invention are used when the prepaid value settlement process is performed using the prize management apparatus used for the prize exchange of the number of game media. It is suitable for efficiently dealing with obstacles such as clogging and reducing the restraint time of the player.

10 card processor 11 status display unit 12 bill transport unit 12a, 73d bill insertion slot 13, 81, 73a display operation unit 14 reader / writer 14a card insertion port 14b holding unit 15, 63, 82 communication unit 16, 45, 55 , 67, 85 Storage unit 16a Card ID
16b, 67c, 85a Valuable value data 16c Device ID
16d Game setting data 17, 46, 56, 68, 86 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Count processing unit 17c Player guidance unit 18a Nozzle unit 18b Counting unit 20 Game machine 30 Island controller 40 Card management device 41, 51 Display unit 42 , 52 Input unit 44, 54 Store network communication unit 45a Card management data 45b, 67e, 85c Settlement machine state data 46a Card management unit 46b, 68d, 86b Settlement machine state management unit 50 Member management device 53 External network communication unit 55a Member management Data 55b Game type setting data 55c, 67a Prize master 56a Member management part 56b Prize master management part 60 Prize management apparatus 61 Store side display part 62 Operation part 64, 83 Card reader 65 Clerk tag reader 66 Receipt issuing part 67b, 85 Processing history data 67d Prize exchange candidate data 68a Prize management unit 68b Prize exchange processing unit 68c, 86a Settlement processing unit 71 Bar code reader 72 Customer side operation unit 72a Customer side display unit 72b Mobile terminal reader 73 Counter settlement machine 73b Coin slot 73c Coin outlet 73e Banknote outlet 74 Prize dispenser 80 Settlement machine 84 Money part

Claims (7)

Prize exchange processing means for reading identification information of a storage medium possessed by a player, specifying a prize corresponding to the number of game media associated with the read identification information of the storage medium, and performing prize exchange processing for the specified prize When,
A settlement processing means for identifying the currency corresponding to the prepaid value associated with the identification information of the storage medium, and performing a settlement process for the identified currency;
Prepaid value association means for controlling to associate a prepaid value of money not paid out with the storage medium when at least a part of the money corresponding to the prepaid value is not paid out in the payment processing by the payment processing means; A prize management device characterized by comprising.   2. The prize according to claim 1, wherein the prize exchange processing means performs prize exchange processing on the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium independently of a settlement processing result by the settlement processing means. Management device. The settlement processing means includes
Specifying means for specifying the number of money for each denomination corresponding to the prepaid value associated with the identification information of the storage medium;
The prize management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a predetermined counter settlement machine of the number of money for each denomination specified by the specifying unit. The prepaid value association means is:
An acquisition means for acquiring the number of money for each denomination discharged to a predetermined money outlet of the counter settlement machine;
Calculating means for calculating a difference between the number of money for each denomination specified by the specifying means and the number of money for each denomination acquired by the acquiring means;
4. The prize management device according to claim 3, further comprising: a control unit that controls to associate a prepaid value corresponding to the difference with the storage medium when the difference calculated by the calculation unit exists. .   5. The display control unit according to claim 4, further comprising a display control unit configured to display on a predetermined display unit the number of money for each denomination acquired by the acquisition unit and the difference calculated by the calculation unit. The prize management device described. A checkout processing means for specifying the money corresponding to the prepaid value associated with the identification information of the portable storage medium and performing the checkout process of the specified money;
Prepaid value association means for controlling to associate a prepaid value of money not paid out with the storage medium when at least a part of the money corresponding to the prepaid value is not paid out in the payment processing by the payment processing means; A storage medium processing apparatus comprising the storage medium processing apparatus. In a prize exchange device that reads identification information of a storage medium possessed by a player, identifies a prize corresponding to the number of game media associated with the read identification information of the storage medium, and performs prize exchange processing for the identified prize Checkout processing method,
A settlement process step of identifying a currency corresponding to the prepaid value associated with the identification information of the storage medium and performing a settlement process of the identified currency;
A prepaid value associating step for controlling to associate a prepaid value of money not paid out with the storage medium when at least a part of the money corresponding to the prepaid value is not paid out in the payment processing by the payment processing step; A checkout processing method characterized by including.

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