JP2018130284A - Device for games - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a useful device for games.SOLUTION: The device for games connected to a Pachinko machine validating a function for executing a game, when receiving a CR connection signal, includes: a main control part of the Pachinko machine transmitting the CR connection signal; a card reader/writer capable of receiving a card and discharging the received card; and a control part restricting discharge of the card by the card reader/writer. When the control part restricts the discharge of the card, the device for games can execute a display relating to a total amount of expenditure and transmit the CR connection signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 30

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for a gaming apparatus used in gaming machines such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming device technique used for a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine has been publicly known. For example, a technique has been proposed in which the total amount deposited in a gaming device is stored in a storage medium (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-340623 A

  However, in the technique as described in Patent Document 1, since the amount of purchase and the amount of consumption (cumulative amount) that is the cumulative value of the amount provided for additional payment are displayed on the storage medium, the storage medium Is inserted into the gaming device, the amount of consumption cannot be confirmed, and the player's desire to always confirm the amount of consumption cannot be met. On the other hand, since it is considered that there is a player who does not always want to display the amount of money consumed, there is a need for a gaming device that can flexibly respond to each player's request.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a useful gaming device.

A gaming device according to the present invention is a gaming device connected to a gaming machine that activates a predetermined function upon receiving a predetermined signal, and receives a transmission means and a storage medium for transmitting the predetermined signal. A storage medium receiving means capable of discharging, a discharging means for discharging the storage medium received by the storage medium receiving means, and a limiting means for limiting discharge of the storage medium by the discharging means. If the discharge of the storage medium is restricted, it is possible to display the consumption amount and transmit the predetermined signal.

  Further, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an input means for inputting authentication information, the predetermined signal is a signal for validating a function related to game progress of the gaming machine, and the limiting means is When the authentication information is input by the input means, the storage medium is restricted from being discharged.

  According to the present invention, a useful gaming device can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the basic | summary outline | summary of the game system containing the game apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a game medium handling apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a server apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a pachislot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of each stand display machine. It is a block diagram which shows the connection of a game media handling apparatus, a pachinko machine, and each stand display machine. It is a block diagram which shows the connection of a game medium handling apparatus, a pachislot machine, and each stand display machine. It is an external view of the game media handling device used for a pachinko machine. It is an external view of the game medium handling device used for the pachi-slot machine. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a pachinko machine. It is a disassembled perspective view of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of a pachislot machine. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a pachislot machine, and is a perspective view of the state which closed the middle door. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a pachislot machine, and is a perspective view of the state which opened the middle door. It is a front view which shows each stand display machine typically. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a gaming system including a gaming device according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the rental processing procedure of a game medium. It is a front view which shows the selection screen displayed on a display means. It is a flowchart which shows the card lock process in 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the display processing of the consumption amount in 1st embodiment. It is a front view which shows the display screen of the consumption amount displayed on a display means. It is a time chart which shows an example of the consumption amount display in 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the card lock process in 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the display processing of the consumption amount in 2nd embodiment. It is a time chart which shows an example of the consumption amount display in 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of the consumption amount display in 3rd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the display processing of the consumption amount in 3rd embodiment. It is a time chart which shows an example of the consumption amount display in 3rd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the card lock process in 4th embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the display process of the consumption amount in 4th embodiment. It is a front view which shows the display screen of the consumption amount displayed on the display means in 4th embodiment. It is a time chart which shows an example of the consumption amount display in 4th embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the connection relation of an enclosed game machine, a game medium handling apparatus, and a server apparatus.

  First, a basic outline of a gaming system including a gaming device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the gaming system according to the present embodiment is composed of at least a game medium handling device 1, a server device 2, a gaming machine 3, and each display device 4, each of which is shown in FIG. Connected as shown. The game device according to the present invention includes a game medium handling device 1, a server device 2, and each display device 4.

  In the present embodiment, a card is used as an example of the “storage medium”. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present embodiment relates to a coin, token, or the like on which an IC chip or the like is mounted. All that is applicable to the invention shall be included.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although it demonstrated using the banknote as an example of "money", it is not restricted to this, All things applicable to the invention which concerns on this embodiment, such as a banknote, a coin, a coin, etc. Shall be included.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when “card” is simply described, a membership card that is lent to a player who has become a member of the amusement store, and a counting card (visitor card) that is temporarily lent by the amusement store. Both of them shall be included.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when simply described as “mochidama”, it includes both a stored ball that is stored in association with a membership card and a counting ball that is stored in association with a counting card. In the case of “mochidama information”, it is assumed that the ball information indicating a stored ball (hereinafter referred to as “stored ball information”) and the ball information indicating a counted ball (hereinafter referred to as “counted ball information”). ). In addition, information on the amount of money inserted by the player is “money information”, and in particular, “money information” may be included in “money information”. In addition, the “money information” includes “payment amount information” indicating the total amount of money inserted by the player, “consumption amount information” indicating the amount of money consumed as game media, and input by the player. “Remaining amount information” indicating the remaining amount of the selected money is included. In addition, the membership card can store separately stored information, counting ball information, and money information. Furthermore, for convenience of explanation, the expression “mochidama”, which usually indicates information related to the game balls held by the player, is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. Information on medals held and information on game values held by the player in an electromagnetic manner, and all other similar information shall be included.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the password is used as an example of “authentication information”, but the present invention is not limited to this, and facial data acquired by the camera unit 17 to be described later is included in the present embodiment. It shall include all those applicable to the invention concerned.

(Game media lending function)
The game medium handling device 1 is connected to the server device 2 via a switching hub, a controller, or the like. When a card is inserted by a player, a card ID or a member ID added to the IC chip of the card, etc. Identification information (hereinafter simply referred to as “identification information”) is transmitted to the server device 2, and the server device 2 stores the player's possession information stored in association with the received identification information as a game medium handling device. 1 to send. Then, when there is a payout instruction from the player, the server device 2 updates the possession ball information, and the game medium handling device 1 drives a payout device 106 to be described later, and executes game medium payout control. . When a bill is inserted by the player, the remaining amount information corresponding to the amount of the bill (inserted amount) is transmitted to the server device 2. When there is a payout instruction from the player, the server device 2 updates the remaining amount information, and the game medium handling device 1 similarly executes a game medium payout control.

(Game media counting function)
Further, the game medium handling device 1 counts the number of inserted game media when the game media is input to the counting device 107 described later by the operation of the player or directly from the gaming machine 3, and the counting result Is transmitted to the server device 2 as the player's counting ball information, and the server device 2 stores the received counting ball information in association with the identification information added to the card. When no card is inserted, the counting ball information received in association with the identification information added in advance to the counting card stored in the game medium handling device 1 is stored.

(Card lock function)
The card lock function is for the purpose of preventing the theft of the card and is a function for invalidating the card return function so that the card is not ejected from the game medium handling device 1. The game medium handling device 1 requests the player to set a personal identification number when a card lock instruction is issued from the player. When the personal identification number is set by the player, the game medium handling apparatus 1 prevents the card from being returned or the card lock function from being valid to invalid unless the personal identification number is input.

In the present embodiment, the server device 2 manages the player's possession information and money information. However, the game medium handling device 1 may manage these pieces of information.
In addition to adding identification information to the card, a storage area may be provided, and the information may be stored in the storage area to manage the information. The update of these pieces of information may be performed by the server device 2 or the game medium handling device 1. Furthermore, the coin information may be managed by the server device 2 or the game medium handling device 1, and the money information may be directly stored in the storage area of the card.

  That is, as long as the identification information, the coin information, and the money information are appropriately managed and updated, all these aspects can be applied to the present invention.

  In addition, in this embodiment, when no card is inserted, the counting ball information and the monetary information in association with the identification information added in advance to the counting card stored in the game medium handling device 1 However, when there is a card return request, the game medium handling device 1 or the server device 2 newly adds identification information to the counting card stored in the game medium handling device 1. In addition, the newly added identification information may be stored in association with the counting coin information or money information.

  That is, the “information corresponding to the possession information” in the present embodiment refers to only the identification information added to the card, the identification information added to and stored in the card and the possession information, In the case of the aspect including the ball information and the money information as the “ball information”, the identification information added to and stored in the card, the ball information and the money information, and including all these aspects means.

  Further, the game medium handling device 1 is also connected to a rental terminal plate 307, which will be described later, when the gaming machine 3 is provided with a rental device connection terminal plate (hereinafter referred to as “lending terminal plate”). Based on the receipt of the lending request signal, the return request signal, etc. output from the lending terminal board 307, the payout request signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 3 and the card is returned.

  That is, “execution of payout control of game media” in the present embodiment is not limited to the one that pays out game media directly from the game media handling device 1, but based on a signal from the game machine 3 3 means that a game medium is paid out.

  Further, the game medium handling device 1 is also connected to each display device 4 through a converter or the like, and a game information signal, an error signal, etc. output from an external terminal board 308 described later provided in the game machine 3. , And the player's possession information is transmitted to each display 4.

  As described above, the server device 2 is connected not only to the game medium handling device 1 but also to each display device 4, and game result management information (for example, the past few days) managed in the server device 2. (Including the game history information including fraud and fraud detection information) and information relating to the amusement store (for example, new machine information, vacant machine information, etc.) are transmitted to each machine display 4.

  The server device 2 is also connected to an external management device (not shown) managed by a center operator who is a third party other than the game store, and receives card identification information, member information, and player possession information. It is transmitted every predetermined period (for example, once a day). The external management device backs up each transmitted information. When the connection with the external management device is interrupted for a predetermined number of days (for example, 15 days), the server device 2 stops updating the player's ball information.

  As described above, the gaming machine 3 may be connected to the game medium handling device 1 and is also connected to each of the display devices 4 so that there is a change in each game or in the internal state. In this case, a game information signal, an error signal, and the like are output from the external terminal board 308 to be described later to each display device 4.

  As described above, each of the display devices 4 is connected to the game medium handling device 1, the server device 2, and the game machine 3, and is based on an input signal or a received signal or based on a player's operation. Various information is displayed on the display screen.

  Note that the connection method of the game medium handling device 1, the server device 2, the game machine 3, and the display devices 4 is not limited to the above method. For example, the server device 2 is configured such that only the game medium handling device 1 is connected, and the game medium handling device 1 and each display device 4 are connected via USB, so that the above-described information can be transmitted and received between each other. It may be configured. In this case, the display content displayed on each display device may be controlled by the control unit 100 of the game medium handling device 1 described later. In this case, the DVI system or HDMI is further used for image output. It is good also as connecting by the (registered trademark) system.

  As described above, when a player enters a game store, first, he / she sits on a desired game machine 3 while viewing various information displayed on each display 4. Next, when the player is a member of the game store, the member card is inserted into the game medium handling device 1, and after the identity is confirmed (for example, input of a registered personal identification number), the server device 2 If the ball information is stored, the ball is used, and if the ball information is not stored, or if the ball information is the number of balls that cannot be rented out by the gaming machine 3, , A rental request is made to receive the rental of the game medium, and the game medium is started by inserting the game medium into the gaming machine 3. Alternatively, if the player is not a member of the game store, a bill is inserted, a rental request is made, the game medium is lent, and the game medium is inserted into the gaming machine 3 to start the game. At this time, the ball information and remaining amount information stored in the server device 2 is updated (subtracted) by the lent amount.

  If the game medium cannot be paid out from the gaming machine 3 and the game is continued, the ball information and the remaining amount information stored in the server device 2 is stored each time a rental request is made. Then, the loaned amount is sequentially updated (subtracted). On the other hand, when the game medium 3 can be paid out from the gaming machine 3, when the paid-out game medium is inserted into the game medium handling device 1, the number of game media inserted is counted and the count result is obtained. Based on this, the ball information stored in the server device 2 is updated (added).

  Thereafter, when ending the game in the gaming machine 3, the player makes a card return request. Here, when the membership card is inserted in the game medium handling apparatus 1, the membership card is returned as it is after the identity confirmation (for example, input of a registered personal identification number). When the membership card is not inserted into the game medium handling apparatus 1, the count holding ball information is stored in the server apparatus 2 or when there is remaining amount information, the game card is stored in the game medium handling apparatus 1. Return (issue) the counting card.

  When the counting card is returned (issued) and it is desired to play a game in another gaming machine 3, the counting card is placed in the game medium handling device 1 provided corresponding to the other gaming machine 3. By inserting, the game can be started (replayed) in the same procedure as the membership card (excluding identity verification). In the above case, the replay based on the accumulated ball information is referred to as “reserved ball replay”, and the replay based on the counted retained ball information is referred to as “retained ball replay”.

<Game Media Handling Device 1>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game medium handling device 1. The game medium handling apparatus 1 includes components described below, a CPU 101 that controls them, a control unit 100 including a ROM 102, and a storage unit (RAM) 103.

  The control unit 100 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 102, and the CPU 101 executes control based on the control program, thereby controlling each component, the server device 2, the gaming machine 3, and each unit. Communication control with the display 4 is performed. In addition, the control unit 100 stores these control results in the storage unit 103. In addition, the CPU 101 calculates remaining amount information and consumption amount information, and associates identification information with other information (for example, password, remaining amount information and consumption amount information). In addition, a calculation unit that calculates remaining amount information and consumption amount information and an association unit that associates identification information with other information are provided separately, and the CPU 101 controls the calculation unit and the association unit. Also good.

  When a card is inserted from the card insertion slot 14, the card reader / writer 104 determines its authenticity and availability. If it is determined that the card is legitimate and usable, the type and identification information of the card are read. Then, the read information is transmitted to the server device 2 via the IF 110 by the control unit 100. On the other hand, if it is determined that the card is an unauthorized card or cannot be used, the control unit 100 notifies the touch panel LCD 16 and the like and transmits it to the server device 2 via the IF 110. The In this case, the inserted card may be returned (discharged), a predetermined authentication operation (for example, an authentication operation of an IC card for a store clerk to the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18) or a predetermined authentication operation. It is good also as not returning a card | curd until there exists transmission of an authentication signal (for example, authentication signal from the server apparatus 2).

  When a bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 15, the bill validator 105 performs an authenticity determination. When it determines with it being a regular banknote, the classification (denomination information) of the said banknote is read. And the read information is transmitted to the server apparatus 2 via IF110 by the control part 100 as money information. On the other hand, when it is determined that the banknote is non-regular (or unreadable), the control unit 100 notifies the touch panel LCD 16 and the like and transmits it to the server device 2 via the IF 110. In this case, the inserted bill may be returned, or a predetermined authentication operation (for example, an authentication operation of the IC card for the clerk to the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18) or a predetermined authentication signal ( For example, it is good also as not returning a banknote until there exists transmission of the authentication signal from the server apparatus 2. FIG.

  The touch panel LCD 16 has a function of serving as both display means for displaying various information to the player and reception means for receiving various operations from the player. Various information displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 and various operations received will be described later.

  The camera unit 17 shoots the front of the gaming machine 3 and detects whether or not the player in the shooting range is in a seated state (sitting result information). The camera unit 17 detects facial data of a player who is seated. The seating result information and the facial data are transmitted to the server device 2 by the control unit 100 via the IF 110.

By detecting the seating result information by the camera unit 17, for example, when there is a forgetting to take a card with the remaining ball information or money information, a touch panel LCD 16 or a status indicator lamp 13 described later is displayed. It can also be used to notify a store clerk or player of a game store.
Thereby, forgetting to take a card can be suppressed.

  In addition, by detecting facial data by the camera unit 17, for example, when the table is moved, it can be determined whether or not they are the same player. If they are different players, It is also possible to notify the store clerk or player of the game store to that effect using the touch panel LCD 16 or a status indicator lamp 13 described later. As a result, the possibility of fraudulent acts can be suppressed.

  Here, the camera unit 17 receives an infrared LED substrate 17A (not shown) that irradiates infrared light, and reflected light obtained by reflecting the infrared light at the subject (player), thereby providing a subject. A CMOS camera 17B (not shown) that captures an image and a filter 17C (not shown) are included. The infrared LED substrate 17 </ b> A emits infrared light based on the control of the control unit 100 by the infrared LED. The CMOS camera 17B sends the facial data to the control unit 100. The filter 17C is a filter that transmits infrared light and does not transmit light of other wavelengths. The filter 17C transmits only reflected light of infrared light irradiated to the subject from the infrared LED substrate 17A and passes it to the CMOS camera 17B. It is designed to receive light. Thereby, the influence of the effect light of the game store where the gaming machine 3 is installed can be suppressed, and the image of the subject (player) can be clearly captured.

  In addition, it is good also as using the facial data mentioned above in the case of a stored ball replay or a holding ball replay. Specifically, even if it is determined that the replay of the stored ball or the replay of the holding ball is possible, if the facial data does not match, the control unit 100 controls the replay so that these replays cannot be performed. It is good as well. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent this in the stage of replay for a fraudster who tries to play a game illegally using another person's card.

The non-contact IC card reader / writer 18 reads the identification information stored in the IC card or the ball information stored in the IC card itself when the player holds the corresponding IC card. Then, the read information is transmitted to the server device 2 via the IF 110 by the control unit 100. That is, the game medium can be lent out in addition to the card insertion and bill insertion described above. Alternatively, at the end of the game, when the player holds the corresponding IC card, the identification information stored in the IC card and the current possession information are associated with each other and stored in the server device 2, or the IC card itself This makes it possible to return the possession balls.
When the identification information is read from the IC card and it is determined that the game has ended for the read identification information or when the identification information is discarded, the card is inserted from the card insertion slot 14. You may make it perform the process performed when the done card | curd is returned to a player. In any situation, it is considered that a situation has occurred such as the player leaving or the game being temporarily interrupted, and the same processing can be executed.
Further, when the card inserted into the card insertion slot 14 cannot be ejected, when the information is read from the IC card and one identification information (for example, one member information) is received, other identification information (for example, one member) This is the same as the process of prohibiting acceptance of other member information).

  Further, the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18 enables the controller 100 to cancel various error states and perform other authentications by holding the IC card for the store clerk corresponding to the store clerk of the game shop.

  The non-contact IC card reader / writer 18 may be capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from a mobile phone, a smartphone or other information communication device (hereinafter referred to as “mobile terminal device”) owned by the player. . For example, when the player holds the portable terminal device owned by the player in front of the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18, the control unit 100 transmits the URL of the homepage of the gaming store or the mail member registration page to the portable terminal. Also good. Further, the mobile terminal device itself may function as a membership card using hardware or software installed in the mobile terminal device. Furthermore, when the electronic payment function is implemented in the mobile terminal device, the remaining amount information may be updated (added) by the function in the same manner as when a bill is inserted.

  When there is a payout instruction from the player (for example, a lending request operation to the reception unit of the touch panel LCD 16), the payout device 106 controls the drive circuit 106a to drive the game device in a quantity based on the payout instruction. Pay out. The control unit 100 transmits the paid-in money information and the remaining amount information to the server device 2.

  Further, when the game medium handling device 1 is connected to a later-described rental terminal board 307 of the gaming machine 3, the payout device 106 issues a payout instruction from the player (for example, a rental request operation on the gaming machine 3 side). ), A payout request signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 3 under the control of the control unit 100.

When the game medium paid out from the gaming machine 3 is inserted by the player, the counting unit 107 controls the drive circuit 107a to drive the control unit 100 and counts the number of game media input.
The control unit 100 transmits the counting ball information based on the counting result to the server device 2.

  The speaker 108 responds to a change in the operating state of each component in the game medium handling apparatus 1 (for example, according to display on the touch panel LCD 16 or an operation on the accepting means, or lighting of a state indicator lamp 13 described later) Depending on the mode, the controller 100 controls the drive circuit 108a to output sound. However, the sound is output regardless of changes in the operating state of each component in the game medium handling device 1 (for example, depending on the timing results of the RTC built in the game medium handling device 1 or attached externally). It is good as well.

  The sensor group 109 is a plurality of sensors provided in the payout device 106, provided in the counting device 107, or provided in a predetermined portion of the front surface portion 11 and the housing 12 described later. It is a sensor provided for detecting the payout result and the counting result, or provided for detecting fraud.

  The state indicator lamp 13 is a lamp for informing the outside of the current state of the game medium handling device 1. A full color LED is built in, and the control unit 100 drives and controls the drive circuit 109a based on the current state, and emits the full color LED in the lighting color and lighting mode (light emission mode) according to the current state. Let

<Server apparatus 2>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the server device 2. The server device 2 includes a ball management device 200, a member management device 210, a game information management device 220, a display device management device 230, an input unit 240, an output unit 250, a display unit 260, and an IF 270. Furthermore, the coin management device 200 is configured by a control unit 201 and a storage unit 202, the member management device 210 is configured by a control unit 211 and a storage unit 212, and the game information management device 220 is configured by a control unit 221 and a storage unit. The display device management apparatus 230 includes a control unit 231 and a storage unit 232.

  The possession management device 200 manages the player's possession information and money information by the control unit 201 and the storage unit 202. Specifically, in the game medium handling device 1, when there is a change in the possession information, money information, etc. owned by the player, the card identification information, the possession information transmitted via the IF 110 of the game medium handling device 1 Information such as ball information and money information is received via the IF 270, and the information is associated and stored (updated) in the storage unit 202. In addition, when the game store is capable of games at different rates, the storage unit 202 stores ball information for the different rates. For example, the number of types of lending rate that can be set (for example, 1 yen rate and 4 yen rate in the pachinko machine 3a, pachislot machine 3b) in the number of types of coin information (for example, two kinds of accumulated ball information and counting ball information) 4 types of 5 yen rate and 20 yen rate) is multiplied by the number of coin information (for example, 8 types) and monetary information. In addition, about money information, it is good also as memorize | storing the amount of inserted money (in this embodiment, a banknote) as it is, and it converts into predetermined frequency (for example, "10" frequency for 1,000 yen). It may be stored, or may be stored after being converted into the number of game media according to the set rate.

  Moreover, based on the information input from the input unit 240, the possession management device 200 makes various settings of the game medium handling device 1 (for example, setting of a lending rate, setting of whether or not replay is possible, etc.). Do. The set information is transmitted to the game medium handling device 1 via the IF 270 and the IF 110 and stored in the storage unit 103. However, these various settings may be performed on the game medium handling device 1 side, and the set information may be transmitted to the possession management device 200 via the IF 110 and IF 270 and stored in the storage unit 202. In this case, the setting screen may be displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 by holding the above-mentioned clerk IC card over the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18 so that various settings can be made.

  The member management device 210 manages member information of a player who is a member by the control unit 211 and the storage unit 212. Specifically, regardless of whether or not the card is inserted into the game medium handling device 1, identification information and various member information (for example, name, address, date of birth, A personal identification number).

  The game information management device 220 manages information related to games by the control unit 221 and the storage unit 222. Specifically, when various types of information to be described later in the description of FIGS. 7 and 8 are transmitted via the IF 410 of each display device 4 and received via the IF 270, these pieces of information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit. Store (update) in 222.

  In addition, the game information management device 220 converts various information stored in the storage unit 222 from the output unit 250 as sales report data, sales analysis data, or error history data based on the information input from the input unit 240. Output or display on the display unit 260.

  The display device management device 230 manages display contents displayed on each display device 4 by the control unit 231 and the storage unit 232. Specifically, information such as the model information and model image of the gaming machine 3 installed in association with each stand display device 4 is transmitted to each stand display device 4 via IF 270 and IF 410 to display each stand display. It manages so that these information may be displayed in the machine 4.

  In addition, the display device management apparatus 230 performs various settings of each display device 4 based on the information input from the input unit 240 (for example, information information, telop information, and home screen settings other than the above example) Etc.). The set information is transmitted to each display 4 via the IF 270 and IF 410 and stored in the RAM (storage unit) 403. However, these various settings may be performed on the display device 4 side, and the set information may be transmitted to the display device management apparatus 230 via the IF 410 and IF 270 and stored in the storage unit 232. In this case, a setting screen may be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405 by operating a remote controller (not shown) attached to each stand display device 4 so that various settings can be made.

  In the present embodiment, the server device 2 includes the ball management device 200, the member management device 210, the game information management device 220, the display device management device 230, the input unit 240, the output unit 250, the display unit 260, and the IF 270. Although it is supposed to be configured, each of the ball management device 200, the member management device 210, the game information management device 220, and the display device management device 230 is configured as an independent server device (for example, the ball management as the server device 2a). Device 200, member management device 210 as server device 2b, game information management device 220 as server device 2c, and display device management device 230 as server device 2d). The ball management device 200 and the member management device 210 are configured as the same server device, and the game information management device 220 and the table It is also possible to configure the machine management device 230 as a separate server device. Needless to say, these can be combined in various configurations. In addition, when configured as separate server devices in this way, each server device is provided with an IF (communication interface) to transmit / receive information to / from other servers or other devices constituting the gaming system. What is necessary is just to comprise so that it can perform.

  In this case, the input unit 240, the output unit 250, and the display unit 260 may be functions that the possession management device 200 bears or functions that the game information management device 220 bears. Alternatively, a device (for example, the game information utilization device 2e) having the functions of the input unit 240, the output unit 250, and the display unit 260 may be separately configured.

  In this case, the server device 2 is configured as a higher-level integrated management device (for example, an integrated management device), and the server device 2a (mob management device 200), server device 2b (member management device 210), server device 2c ( The game information management device 220), the server device 2d (display device management device 230), and the game information utilization device 2e may be configured to exhibit their functions under the control of the integrated management device. Furthermore, the function performed by the game information utilization device 2e may be a function of the integrated management device.

  When the game information utilization device 2e is separately configured, it may be configured by installing a dedicated application on a general-purpose personal computer. In this case, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. become the input part 240, a printer etc. become the output part 250, and a monitor etc. become the display part 260.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the function of the possession management apparatus 200 and the member management apparatus 210 is different, it is good also as having the completely same function. In particular, the member management apparatus 210 may be configured to perform the functions related to the possession among the functions of the possession management apparatus 200.

<Pachinko machine 3a>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the pachinko machine 3a. The pachinko machine 3a includes a main control unit 301a that controls the main device group 303a, a sub control unit 302a that controls the sub device group 304a, and a payout control unit 305 that controls the payout device group 306, and the main control unit 301a. Is connected to the sub-control unit 302a by one-way communication, and the main control unit 301a and the payout control unit 305 are connected to be capable of two-way communication. In addition, a lending terminal board 307 is connected to the payout control unit 305 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and an external terminal board 308a is connected by one-way communication. Each of the main control unit 301a and the sub control unit 302a includes a ROM that stores a CPU, a program, and the like, and an RWM that stores information related to games and effects.

  The main device group 303a includes, for example, a start port switch, a count switch, a winning port switch, a normal electric accessory solenoid, a winning port solenoid, and the like, and the main control unit 301a controls these devices, The progress of the game in the pachinko machine 3a is controlled. In addition, the main control unit 301a transmits a command corresponding to a change in the gaming state or the like to the sub-control unit 302a and the payout control unit 305.

  The sub device group 304a includes, for example, a liquid crystal module, an effect button sensor, an accessory control circuit, an electrical decoration control circuit, a speaker control circuit, and the like. The sub control unit 302a transmits a command transmitted from the main control unit 301a. Based on the above, the devices in the pachinko machine 3a are controlled by controlling these devices.

  The payout device group 306 includes, for example, a payout control circuit, a payout ball detection switch, a launch control circuit, a touch switch, and the like, and the payout control unit 305 is based on these commands transmitted from the main control unit 301a. By controlling these devices or automatically controlling these devices, the launch and payout of the game ball in the pachinko machine 3a is controlled.

  In addition, the payout control unit 305 is connected to the game medium handling device 1 via the lending terminal board 307, and outputs a lending request signal and a return request signal based on the player's operation.

  As described above, when the payout control unit 305 is connected to the game medium handling apparatus 1 and a predetermined permission (permission of output of a CR connection signal described later) is given, the game medium handling apparatus 1 is concerned. A CR connection signal is output to the payout control unit 305. The pachinko machine 3a is in a state in which it is possible to control the launch and payout of game balls on condition that a CR connection signal is input from the game medium handling device 1. That is, if no CR connection signal is input, the pachinko machine 3a does not fire a game ball even if the launch handle 55 is operated, and even if the game ball wins a winning opening etc., a prize ball (game) (Ball payout) is not performed. Thus, the CR connection signal is a signal related to the game progress of the pachinko machine 3a, and the pachinko machine 3a cannot play a game when the CR connection signal is not input. It should be noted that only the functions relating to the progress of the game (launching of game media, insertion of game media, etc.) are impossible as functions restricted when the CR connection is not performed, and the game media may be lent out.

  In addition, the payout control unit 305 is connected to each display 4 via the external terminal board 308a, so that a game information signal or an error signal is detected for each game or when the internal state changes. Etc. are output.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the pachislot machine 3b. The pachislot machine 3b includes a main control unit 301b that controls the main device group 303b and a sub control unit 302b that controls the sub device group 304b, and is connected to the sub control unit 302b from the main control unit 301b by one-way communication. ing. An external terminal board 308b is connected to the main control unit 301b by one-way communication. Each of the main control unit 301b and the sub control unit 302b includes a CPU, a ROM that stores programs, and an RWM that stores information related to games and effects.

  The main device group 303b includes, for example, a reel control circuit, a medal sensor, a start lever sensor, a stop button sensor, a hopper control circuit, and the like, and the main control unit 301b controls the pachislot machine by controlling these devices. Control the progress of the game in 3b. Further, the main control unit 301a transmits a command corresponding to a change in the gaming state or the like to the sub control unit 302b.

  The sub device group 304b includes, for example, a liquid crystal module, an effect button sensor, an accessory control circuit, an illumination control circuit, a speaker control circuit, and the like. The sub control unit 302b transmits a command transmitted from the main control unit 301b. Based on the above, the devices in the pachislot machine 3b are controlled by controlling these devices.

  The main control unit 301b is connected to each display 4 via an external terminal board 308b, and outputs a game information signal, an error signal, etc. for each game or when the internal state changes. Output.

  As described above, also in the pachislot machine 3b, the main control unit 301b is connected to the game medium handling device 1 via the lending terminal board 307, and the lending request signal and the return request are based on the operation of the player. You may comprise so that a signal may be output. In such a configuration, the main control unit 301b is connected to the game medium handling device 1 via the lending terminal board 307 and has a predetermined permission (permission to output a CR connection signal described later). When the game is performed, a CR connection signal is output from the game medium handling apparatus 1 to the main control unit 301b. The pachislot machine 3b is in a state in which the progress of the game can be controlled on condition that the CR connection signal is input from the game medium handling device 1. That is, the pachislot machine 3b does not advance the game when the CR connection signal is not input. Thus, the CR connection signal is a signal related to the game progress of the pachislot machine 3b, and the pachislot machine 3b cannot play a game when the CR connection signal is not input.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of each stand display device 4. Each stand display device 4 includes each component described later, a CPU 401 that controls them, a control unit 400 including a ROM 402, and a RAM (storage unit) 403.

  The control unit 400 reads out the control program stored in the ROM 402, and the CPU 401 executes control based on the control program, thereby controlling each component, the game medium handling device 1, the server device 2, and the like. Communication control with the gaming machine 3 is performed. In addition, the control unit 400 stores these control results in a RAM (storage unit) 403.

  The button sensor group 404 is a plurality of sensors for detecting operations on a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 described later. When an operation is detected by these sensors, the control unit 400 displays the display content on the liquid crystal display unit 405, the light emission mode on the lamp 406, and the sound output mode on the speaker 407 according to the operation. Control is performed by driving 406a and 407a. The button sensor group 404 includes a sensor for detecting a touch operation on the touch panel 924 when the liquid crystal display unit 405 further functions as the touch panel 924.

  The IF 410 is an interface for performing communication with the game medium handling device 1, the server device 2, and the gaming machine 3, and is also a conversion module that converts the input information into an optimum method when outputting the information. The IF 410 and the IF 110 in the game medium handling apparatus 1 are connected by a contact input / output system using a harness, and bidirectional communication is possible. In addition, the IF 410 and the IF 270 in the server device 2 are connected by a wired LAN system using a coaxial cable, and are connected by a contact output system using a harness so that bidirectional communication is possible. The IF 410 and the external terminal board 308 in the gaming machine 3 are connected by a contact input method, and the one-way communication from the gaming machine 3 to each of the display devices 4 is performed. Note that the connection method is not limited to these methods, and for each connection, a wireless LAN method may be used, or an optical communication method using an optical cable may be used. Further, a combination of these methods may be used.

  FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing the connection of the game medium handling device 1, the pachinko machine 3a, and the display devices 4 of each unit. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, only the IF 110 in the game medium handling device 1, the external terminal board 308a in the pachinko machine 3a, and the IF 410 in each stand display device 4 are shown, and the other components are not shown. ing. In FIG. 7, the pachinko machine 3 a (external terminal board 308 a) and the server device 2 are connected via each stand display device 4 (IF 410), but are connected directly (not via the IF 410). It may be a thing. In such a case, the signal output from the pachinko machine 3a can be input to the server device 2 without passing through the IF 410. Further, the signal output from the server device 2 can be input to the pachinko machine 3a without going through the IF 410.

  From the IF 110 in the game medium handling device 1 to the IF 410 in each display device 4, a “card issuance” signal indicating that a card has been issued (returned), and a “game” indicating that a game ball has been lent (paid out) ”Lending ball” signal, “Replayed ball” signal indicating that the replay of the stored ball has been performed, “Retained ball information” signal indicating the current counting ball information, and “Stored ball information” signal indicating the current stored ball information “Call information” indicating that a call button 902 to be described later is operated is input from the IF 410 in each display 4 to the IF 110 in the game medium handling apparatus 1.

  In addition, from the external terminal board 308a in the pachinko machine 3a to the IF 410 in each display device 4, a “prize ball signal” indicating the number of game balls paid out to the player, a big hit in the pachinko machine 3a Or, "External information 1" signal indicating that it is a big hit, "External information 2" signal indicating that it is probable in the pachinko machine 3a, or that it is being probable, a special symbol game is started in the pachinko machine 3a “External information 3” signal indicating that the game ball launched in the pachinko machine 3a has won the starting opening, indicating that some error (abnormality) has occurred in the pachinko machine 3a The “security signal” indicates that the base door 33 (door) or the glass door 34 (frame) described later in the pachinko machine 3a is in an open state. Is input "door-frame open signal" indicating. The “external information 1” signal to the “external information 7” signal should be appropriately output in accordance with the specifications of the pachinko machine 3a on the transmission side and the specifications of the display devices 4 on the reception side. Can do. In addition, an “out ball information” signal indicating that a game ball launched in the pachinko machine 3a has not entered any of the winning openings and has entered the out opening (not shown) is sent to an out ball sensor (not shown). Although it is input from another signal line based on the detection result, when the out ball sensor is controlled by the control of the pachinko machine 3a, it may be output from the external terminal board 308a in the pachinko machine 3a.

  Further, from the IF 410 in each stand display 4 to the IF 270 in the server device 2, “out information” based on the “out ball information” signal, “safe information” based on the “prize ball signal”, “external information 1” "Large hit information" based on the "External information 2" signal, "Probability information" based on the "External information 3" signal, "Start signal" based on the "External information 3" signal, "Starting port information" based on the "External information 4" signal, " “Door opening information” based on “door / frame opening signal” and “abnormality 1 information” based on “security signal” are input. If the error (abnormality) type can be determined from the output time of the “security signal”, “abnormality 1 information”, “abnormality 2 information” or “ It may be converted into “abnormality 3 information” and output to the server device 2. Further, as described later, predetermined information may be added under the control of the control unit 400 and output to the server device 2. In addition, the IF 410 may itself receive each signal input from the external terminal board 308a and output each input signal to the server device 2 as it is (through signal).

  As for the type of error (abnormality) indicated by the “security signal” in the pachinko machine 3a, the start switch is turned on even though the game ball has not entered due to unauthorized means or other factors. Start port switch error indicating that it has become a count switch error indicating that the winning port solenoid has not been driven (the winning port is not opened) due to unauthorized means or other factors. As an example, a sensor detection error (for example, a magnetic sensor error) indicating that various sensors (for example, a magnetic sensor) provided in the pachinko machine 3a for detecting fraud are in a detection state can be given.

  FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing the connection of the game medium handling device 1, the pachislot machine 3 b, and the display units 4. In FIG. 8, for convenience of explanation, only the IF 110 in the game medium handling device 1, the external terminal board 308b in the pachislot machine 3b, and the IF 410 in each display unit 4 are shown, and the other components are not shown. ing. In FIG. 8, the pachislot machine 3b (external terminal board 308b) and the server apparatus 2 are connected via the display units 4 (IF410), but are directly connected (not via the IF410). It may be a thing. In such a case, the signal output from the pachislot machine 3b can be input to the server device 2 without passing through the IF 410. Further, the signal output from the server device 2 can be input to the pachislot machine 3b without going through the IF 410.

  From the IF 110 in the game medium handling device 1 to the IF 410 in each display device 4, a “card issuance” signal indicating that a card has been issued (returned), and a “medal lending” indicating that a medal has been rented (paid out) ”Signal, a“ reserved ball replay ”signal indicating that a replay of the stored ball has been performed, a“ retained ball information ”signal indicating the current counting ball information, and a“ stored ball information ”signal indicating the current stored ball information, From the IF 410 in the table display 4 to the IF 110 in the game medium handling apparatus 1, “call information” indicating that a call button 902 described later has been operated is input.

Further, from the external terminal board 308b in the pachislot machine 3b to the IF 410 in each display unit 4, a “medal insertion signal” indicating the number of medals inserted by the player, and the number of medals paid out to the player “ "Medal payout signal", "External signal 2" indicating that an AT described later has occurred in the pachislot machine 3b, "External signal 1" indicating that the pachislot machine 3b has become a pseudo bonus described below or is in the pseudo bonus A signal, “security signal” indicating that some error (abnormality) has occurred in the pachislot machine 3b is input.
In the pachislot machine 3b, the fact that the front door 61b, which will be described later, is in an open state is input to each display 4 by a "security signal". For example, as in the pachinko machine 3a, The signal 4 ”may be output separately from the“ security signal ”, thereby outputting a signal indicating that the front door 61b described later is in an open state. In addition, the contents of “external signal 1” to “external signal 4” can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the pachislot machine 3b on the transmission side and the specifications of the display devices 4 on the reception side. .

  Further, from the IF 410 in each stand display 4 to the IF 270 in the server device 2, the “IN information” based on the “medal insertion signal”, the “OUT information” based on the “medal payout signal”, and the “external signal 2” described above. “AT information” based on “external signal 1”, “pseudo bonus information” based on “external signal 1”, and “error information” based on “security signal”. If the error (abnormality) type can be determined from the output time of the “security signal”, “error information”, “abnormality 1 information”, “abnormality” are selected according to the error (abnormality) type. The information may be converted into “2 information” or “abnormal 3 information” and output to the server device 2. Further, as described later, predetermined information may be added under the control of the control unit 400 and output to the server device 2. In addition, the IF 410 may receive each signal input from the external terminal board 308b and output the input signal to the server device 2 as it is (through signal).

  The types of errors (abnormalities) indicated by the “security signal” in the pachislot machine 3b include the door opening error indicating that the front door 61b is in the open state, and reading / writing of the RWM was not performed normally. RWM error indicating that, in the selector 85 which will be described later, an incorrect means or other factors (for example, clogged medals), a selector error indicating that normal detection is no longer performed, an incorrect means in the hopper 83 which will be described later or A hopper error indicating that a normal payout cannot be performed due to other factors (for example, medal empty), a medal auxiliary storage for storing extra medals that cannot be stored in the hopper 83, and the medal auxiliary storage Medal auxiliary warehouse error indicating that the medals contained in are full It can be mentioned as an example.

  Although not shown, in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, “call information” indicating that a call button 902 (to be described later) is operated is transmitted from the IF 410 in each display 4 to the IF 270 in the server device 2. Then, the IF 270 in the server device 2 to the IF 410 in each stand display device 4 is managed by the server device 2 (particularly, the game information management device 220) such as the operation data and the game data of each stand in the game store. Data is sent.

  FIG. 9 is an external view of the game medium handling device 1a used in the pachinko machine 3a. In FIG. 9, the pachinko machine 3a is omitted. As shown in FIG. 9, the game medium handling device 1a includes a front surface portion 11a and a housing 12a. The front surface portion 11a has a status indicator lamp 13a, a card insertion port 14a, and a bill insertion port through which bills can be inserted. 15a, a touch panel LCD 16a, a camera unit 17a, a non-contact IC card reader / writer 18a, a speaker cover 19a, a counting slot 20, a fraction outlet 21 and the like.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a guide device 120 is detachably provided in the game medium handling device 1a. The guide device 120 is mounted such that a mounting portion 121 provided at a part thereof covers the counting inlet 20 and the fraction outlet 21. The game ball that has dropped from the lower plate of the pachinko machine 3a onto the guide plate 123 of the guide device 120 is put into the counting slot 20 through the counting passage provided in the guide device 120. Also, the fractional game balls paid out from the fraction payout port 21 are paid out to the payout tray 124 provided exclusively for the fraction through the fraction passage provided in the guide device 120. The player can move the fraction of game balls paid out to the payout tray 124 to the upper plate of the pachinko machine 3a and use it for the game. And on the upper surface part of the housing | casing 122 of the guidance apparatus 120, when the player operates the handle | steering-wheel of the pachinko machine 3a, the hand setting part 125 for putting the hand operated is provided.

  In the game medium handling device 1a according to the present embodiment, when a lending request signal is received from the lending terminal board 307 of the pachinko machine 3a or when a payout instruction from the player to the game medium handling device 1a is received, the supply unit ( Control of paying out the number of balls (for example, 125 balls) according to the lending request signal directly from the pachinko machine 3a through a supply passage (not shown) inside the pachinko machine 3a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a ball paying outlet (for example, a ball paying outlet 23a) is provided at a location on the front surface portion 11a above the upper plate of the pachinko machine 3a. In addition, a nozzle for guiding the game ball paid out from the ball payout exit to the upper plate of the pachinko machine 3a is detachably provided, and control is performed to pay out the number of balls corresponding to the lending request signal from the ball payout exit. It may be. That is, it is good also as comprising so that a game ball may be paid out with respect to the pachinko machine 3a indirectly with the nozzle. In addition, the direct payout or the indirect payout may be selectively performed.

  FIG. 10 is an external view of a game medium handling device 1b used in the pachislot machine 3b. In FIG. 10, the pachislot machine 3b is omitted. As shown in FIG. 10, the game medium handling device 1b is composed of a front surface portion 11b and a housing 12b. The front surface portion 11b has a status indicator lamp 13b, a card insertion port 14b, and a bill insertion port through which bills can be inserted. 15b, touch panel LCD 16b, camera unit 17b, non-contact IC card reader / writer 18b, speaker cover 19b, front panel 22, medal payout port 23, medal counting slot 24, medal guide member 25, and the like.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the game medium handling device 1b is provided with a medal payout portion 130 in a detachable manner. The medal payout unit 130 can be changed between a use state (use position) and a storage state (storage position) as shown in FIG. In the state of use, the medal paid out from the medal payout opening 23 is set to slide down the inclined surface by its own weight, and the medal slipped down the inclined surface is the front side of the pachislot machine 3b, and the medal is inserted. It is stored at a height position between the mouth and the lower plate. The inclined surface of the medal payout portion 130 is configured to be extendable and retractable so as to draw an arc, and the medal payout portion 130 is configured to be rotatable upward so that the inclined surface is contracted and the contracted medal payout By rotating the part 130 upward, a transition from the use state (use position) to the storage state (storage position) is performed.

  In the game medium handling device 1b according to the present embodiment, when a payout instruction is received from the player for the game medium handling device 1b or a lending request signal is received from the lending terminal board 307 of the pachislot machine 3b, A predetermined number of medals (for example, 50) is to be paid out to the payout unit 130. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The payout control may be performed. Further, instead of the medal payout unit 130, or selectively, a nozzle for guiding the medal paid out from the medal payout outlet 23 to the lower plate of the pachislot machine 3b is detachably provided, and the pachislot machine indirectly by the nozzle. It may be configured to pay out medals for 3b.

  Next, the structure of the pachinko machine 3a will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the pachinko machine 3a, and FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine 3a.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the pachinko machine 3a includes a main body 32, a base door 33 pivotally attached to the main body 32 so as to be freely opened and closed, and a glass door 34 pivotally attached to the base door 33 so as to be freely opened and closed. I have.

  The main body 32 is formed in a rectangular frame shape having an opening 32a (see FIG. 12). An example of the material of the main body 32 is wood.

  The base door 33 is formed in a rectangular shape that is substantially the same as the main body 32. The base door 33 is disposed in front of the main body 32 and opens and closes the opening 32 a of the main body 32. The base door 33 is provided with an opening 33a. The opening 33 a is formed in a quadrangular size that occupies most of the upper side from the substantially central portion of the base door 33.

  A speaker 41, a game board 42, a display device 43, a dish unit 44, a launching device 45, a payout device 46, and a substrate unit 47 are attached to the base door 33. The speaker 41 and the display device 43 show a specific example of notification means according to the present invention.

  The speaker 41 is disposed on the upper part of the base door 33. The game board 42 is disposed in front of the base door 33 and covers the opening 33 a of the base door 33. The entire game board 42 is formed of a plate-like resin having permeability (a member having permeability). Examples of the resin having transparency include an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, and a methacrylic resin.

  In addition, a game area 42 a in which a game ball launched from the launching device 45 rolls is formed on the front surface of the game board 42. The game area 42a is an area surrounded by guide rails (not shown). A plurality of game nails (not shown) are driven into the game area 42a.

  The display device 43 is disposed so as to overlap the back side of the game board 42. The display device 43 has a display area 43a for displaying an image. The display area 43a is set to a size that overlaps all or part of the game board 42. In the display area 43 a of the display device 43, various images such as an identification symbol for effect, an effect image, and a decoration image for decoration are displayed. The player can view the image displayed in the display area 43a of the display device 43 via the game board 42.

  As the display device 43, for example, a liquid crystal display device can be applied. However, the display device according to the present invention is not limited to the liquid crystal display device, and may be a plasma display, a rear projection display, or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display.

  A spacer 49 is disposed on the back side of the game board 42. The spacer 49 forms a space serving as a flow path for the game ball rolling on the game area 42 a of the game board 42 between the back surface of the game board 42 and the front surface of the display device 43. The spacer 49 is made of a permeable material. Note that the spacer according to the present invention is not limited to being formed of a material having transparency, and for example, a part thereof may be formed of a material having transparency. Moreover, you may form with the material which does not have permeability | transmittance.

  The dish unit 44 is disposed below the game board 42. The dish unit 44 includes an upper dish 51 and a lower dish 52, and the lower dish 52 is located below the upper dish 51. The upper plate 51 and the lower plate 52 are formed with payout openings 51a and 52a for renting out game balls and paying out game balls (prize balls), respectively. When a predetermined payout condition is satisfied, the game balls are discharged from the payout openings 51 a and 52 a and stored in the upper plate 51 and the lower plate 52. Further, the game balls stored in the upper plate 51 are launched into the game area 42 a by the launching device 45.

  The dish unit 44 is provided with an effect button 53. This effect button 53 is arranged on the upper plate 51. A dial operation unit (jog dial) 54 is rotatably fitted to the periphery of the effect button 53. When performing a predetermined effect, an image that prompts the user to operate the effect button 53 and the dial operation unit 54 is displayed in the display area 43 a of the display device 43.

  The launching device 45 is disposed in the lower right part of the base door 33. The launching device 45 includes a launching handle 55 that can be operated by a player, and a panel body 56 that engages with the lower right portion of the dish unit 44. The firing handle 55 is disposed on the surface side of the panel body 56 and is supported by the panel body 56 so as to be rotatable. Further, a solenoid actuator (not shown), which is a specific example of a driving device that launches a game ball, is disposed on the back side of the panel body 56.

  A touch sensor (not shown) is provided at the periphery of the firing handle 55, and a firing volume is provided inside the firing handle 55. The firing volume changes the resistance value according to the amount of rotation of the firing handle 55, and changes the power supplied to the solenoid actuator.

  When the player's hand touches the touch sensor of the firing handle 55, the touch sensor outputs a detection signal. As a result, it is detected that the player has gripped the launch handle 55, and the game ball can be launched by the solenoid actuator.

  When the player holds the firing handle 55 and rotates it in the clockwise direction, the resistance value of the firing volume changes according to the turning angle of the firing handle 55, and the power corresponding to the resistance value is supplied to the solenoid actuator. Supplied. As a result, the game balls stored in the upper plate 51 are sequentially fired, and the fired game balls are guided to the guide rail and discharged to the game area 42a of the game board 42.

A firing stop button (not shown) is provided on the side of the firing handle 55.
The launch stop button is provided to stop the launch of the game ball by the solenoid actuator. When the player presses the launch stop button, the launch of the game ball is stopped even when the launch handle 55 is held and rotated.

  The dispensing device 46 and the substrate unit 47 are disposed on the back side of the base door 33. A game ball is supplied to the payout device 46 from a storage unit (not shown). The payout device 46 pays out a predetermined number of game balls supplied to the storage unit to the upper plate 51 or the lower plate 52 based on the establishment of the payout condition. The board unit 47 has various control boards. Various control boards are provided with the main control unit 301a and the sub-control unit 302a described above.

  The glass door 34 is disposed in front of the game board 42, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with a size covering the game board 42. A speaker cover 59 facing the speaker 41 is provided on the upper portion of the glass door 34.

  In addition, an opening 34 a having a size that exposes at least the game area 42 a of the game board 42 is formed at the center of the glass door 34. The opening 34a of the glass door 34 is closed with a protective glass 58 having transparency. Therefore, when the glass door 34 is closed with respect to the base door 33, the protective glass 58 faces at least the game area 42 a of the game board 42.

  Next, the structure of the pachislot machine 3b in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the external structure of the pachislot machine 3b of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the pachislot machine 3b includes a cabinet 61a that accommodates a reel, a circuit board, and the like, and a front door 61b that is attached to the cabinet 61a so as to be openable and closable. Three reels 63L, 63C, and 63R are provided inside the cabinet 61a, and the three reels 63L, 63C, and 63R are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction (direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the reels). Hereinafter, the reels 63L, 63C, and 63R are referred to as a left reel 63L, a middle reel 63C, and a right reel 63R, respectively.

  Each reel (display row) has a cylindrical reel body and a translucent sheet material mounted on the peripheral surface (circumferential surface) of the reel body. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are continuously drawn on the surface of the sheet material along the circumferential direction of the reel body.

  At the center of the front door 61b, a liquid crystal display device 70 and a display window 64 for displaying symbols drawn on the three reels 63L, 63C, 63R are provided. And in the liquid crystal display device 70, an image is displayed and an effect is performed.

  The display window 64 is formed of a transparent member such as an acrylic plate, for example, and is provided at a position overlapping with the three reel arrangement regions as seen from the front (player side) as shown in FIG. It is provided so as to be positioned in front of one reel (player side). Therefore, the symbols drawn on the three reels provided behind the display window 64 can be viewed through the display window 64.

  Further, a 7-segment display 66 including a 7-segment LED (Light Emitting Diode) is provided on the left side of the display window 64 when viewed from the front. The 7-segment display 66 is stored in the inside of the pachislot machine 3b. Information such as the number of medals (hereinafter referred to as credits) is digitally displayed.

  The front door 61b is also provided with various devices (medal slot 71, MAX bet button 72, 1BET button 74, start lever 76, stop buttons 77L, 77C, 77R) that are to be operated by the player.

  The medal slot 71 is provided for receiving a medal that is inserted into the pachislot machine 3b from the outside by the player. The medals accepted through the medal slot 71 are inserted into one game up to a predetermined number (for example, three), and the amount exceeding the predetermined number can be deposited inside the pachislot machine 3b ( So-called credit function). In the pachislot machine 3b of this embodiment, the number of medals that can be thrown into one game is one, two, or three.

  The MAX bet button 72 and the 1BET button 74 are provided to determine the number of coins to be inserted into one game from medals deposited inside the pachislot machine 3b. Although not shown in FIG. 13, the front door 61b is provided with a settlement button (disposed on the side of the start lever 76 opposite to the stop button). This checkout button is provided for pulling out (ejecting) medals deposited inside the pachislot machine 3b.

  The start lever 76 is provided to start rotation of all the reels (63L, 63C, 63R). Stop buttons 77L, 77C, and 77R are provided in association with left reel 63L, middle reel 63C, and right reel 63R, respectively, and each stop button is provided to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel. Hereinafter, the stop buttons 77L, 77C, and 77R are referred to as a left stop button 77L, a middle stop button 77C, and a right stop button 77R, respectively.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the front door 61b is provided with a medal payout outlet 78, a medal tray 79, speakers 80L, 80R, and the like.

  The medal payout opening 78 guides medals discharged by driving a medal payout device 83 described later to the outside. The medal tray 79 stores medals discharged from the medal payout opening 78. The various lamps provided on the front door 61b are composed of LEDs or the like, and turn on and off the light in a pattern corresponding to the contents of the effect. In addition, the speakers 80L and 80R output sound such as sound effects and music corresponding to the production contents.

In addition, although this embodiment demonstrates the structure provided with the liquid crystal display device 70, this invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of LEDs may be arranged in a matrix on the top of the reel, and a production (notification) may be performed by a dot pattern by turning these LEDs on and off.
The liquid crystal display device 70, the speakers 80L and 80R, the various lamps, and the plurality of LEDs represent a specific example of the notification unit according to the present invention.

  Next, the internal structure of the pachislot machine 3b will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the front door 61b is opened and the middle door 86 provided on the back side of the front door 61b is closed with respect to the front door 61b. FIG. 15 shows a state in which the front door 61b is opened and the middle door 86 is opened with respect to the front door 61b.

  Below the interior of the cabinet 61a, a medal payout device 83 (hereinafter referred to as a hopper 83) having a structure in which a large amount of medals can be accommodated in the lower part of the cabinet 61a and can be discharged one by one. Is provided). In addition, on one side of the hopper 83 (on the left side in the example shown in FIG. 14) in the cabinet 61a, a power supply device 84 that supplies necessary power to each device included in the pachislot machine 3b is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the middle door 86 is arranged at the center of the back surface of the front door 61 b and is configured to be able to open and close the display window 64 (see FIG. 15) from the back side.
Door stoppers 86a, 86b, and 86c are provided on the upper and lower portions of the middle door 86, respectively. The door stoppers 86a, 86b, 86c fix (prohibit) the opening operation of the middle door 86 in a state where the display window 64 is closed from the back side. That is, in order to open the middle door 86, it is necessary to rotate the door stoppers 86a, 86b, 86c to release the middle door 86 from being fixed.

The middle door 86 is provided with a main board 81 that constitutes the main control unit 301b described above.
The main control unit 301b controls main operations of the game in the pachislot machine 3b and the flow between the operations, such as determination of an internal winning combination, rotation and stop of each reel, determination of presence / absence of winning.

  Further, three reels (a left reel 63L, a middle reel 63C, and a right reel 63R) are provided at the center portion of the middle door 86. Although not shown in FIG. 14, each reel is connected to a corresponding stepping motor via a gear having a predetermined reduction ratio.

  Above the middle door 86, the sub-board 82 constituting the sub-control unit 302b described above is provided. The sub-control unit 302b controls the execution of effects by displaying images.

  Further, a selector 85 is provided in a lower part of the arrangement area of the display window 64 on the back side of the front door 61b. The selector 85 is a device for selecting whether or not the material or shape of the medal inserted from the outside through the medal insertion slot 71 is appropriate, and guides the medal determined to be appropriate to the hopper 83. Further, although not shown in FIG. 14, a medal sensor 85 </ b> S that detects that a proper medal has passed is provided on the path through which the medal passes in the selector 85.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the structure of each stand display device 4 will be described. FIG. 16 is a front view schematically showing each stand display device 4.

  Each of the display devices 4 has a main body housing 911 having a liquid crystal display unit 405 on the front surface, and is installed so as to be positioned above the gaming machine 3. Above the liquid crystal display unit 405, a table number display unit 901 for displaying a table number is provided, and around the liquid crystal display unit 405, lamps 406 are provided on the left and right sides of the table number display unit 901.

  A plurality of buttons 902 to 908 are arranged side by side on the lower front side of the main body casing 911. Specifically, a call button 902, a “forward” button 903, an enter button 904, a “return” button 905, a “past” button 906, a “history” button 907 and a “graph switch” button 908 are provided in order from the left side. Yes. Further, on the right side, a remote control communication unit 909 for receiving instruction data from the above-described remote controller is provided. Further, a sound transmission hole 910 that transmits sound output from the speaker 407 is provided on the lower right side of the front surface of the main body housing 911.

  The call button 902 is a button for calling a store clerk at the amusement store. Further, a “forward” button 903, a “decision” button 904, and a “return” button 905 are buttons for selecting and determining display data. The “past” button 906 is a button for displaying a past game history (for example, weekly data for one week). A “history” button 907 is a button for displaying the game history of today. The “graph switching” button 908 is a button for instructing switching of the display of the slump graph.

  FIG. 17 is a system configuration diagram of a gaming system including each display 4 according to the present invention. A plurality of island controllers 8 and a HUB 9 are connected to the server device 2 via a LAN, and the island edge counting device 5, the settlement device 6, and the prize management device 7 are connected via the HUB 9 to the LAN.

  The server device 2 includes a predetermined number of pachinko gaming units when the game medium handling device 1a, the pachinko machine 3a, and the display devices 4 are set as one unit (hereinafter referred to as “pachinko gaming units”). The LAN connection is made via the island controller 8 and the HUB 9. Similarly, when the game medium handling device 1b, the pachislot machine 3b, and the display units 4 are set as one unit (hereinafter referred to as “pachislot game unit”), a predetermined number of pachislot game units are connected to the island controller 8 and LAN connection is established via HUB9. A unit to which these pachinko gaming units or pachislot gaming units are connected is called an island unit.

  The server apparatus 2 is normally configured to set rate information for each island. For example, for a pachinko gaming unit represented in parallel under the island edge counting device 5 in FIG. 17, a 4-yen rate is set, and a pachinko gaming unit represented in parallel underneath is Set the 1 yen rate.

  The island edge counting device 5 is provided at a game island edge or the like, counts game balls and medals acquired by the player, and associates the count value with card identification information together with rate information. Further, the island edge counter 5 prints and issues information indicating the count value and the lending rate on the receipt. It should be noted that the island edge counting device 5 may be provided for each lending rate, or may select a lending rate to be associated when counting game balls and medals.

  When the balance information is associated with the card identification information, the settlement apparatus 6 pays out cash corresponding to the balance information when the card is inserted. In addition, it is good also as the payment apparatus 6 paying out the cash equivalent to these information based on not only remaining amount information but the amount-by-rate possession information associated with the card identification information.

  The prize management device 7 is a terminal device for exchanging prizes attached to a prize exchange counter in the game store, and manages exchange of the number of acquired game media and prizes using exchange game media number management information (not shown). To do. The exchange game medium number management information is information in which the number of game media required for exchange with a prize is associated with each prize. For example, in the case of a 4-yen rate, 2 balls are associated with the number of game media that need to be exchanged for the minimum unit price prize. It is associated. The number of game media that need to be exchanged for the lowest unit price prize is not limited to the above example, and can be set as appropriate.

  Here, when a player brings a card associated with possession information and inserts a card into a card insertion slot of a card processing machine (not shown), the prize according to the possession information according to rate Can receive. Further, in the prize management device 7, a player can bring a receipt and exchange prizes based on information indicating a count value and a rental rate printed on the received receipt.

  At that time, the store clerk in the prize exchange counter presses an exchange button (not shown) corresponding to the prize designated by the player. The prize management device 7 that has received the press of the exchange button executes exchange control for subtracting the number of game media corresponding to the designated prize from the count value. Thereafter, the store clerk hands over the prize designated to the player manually. Note that special prizes described later may be automatically paid out from a prize dispenser (not shown) connected to the prize management device 7.

  In the present embodiment, since the coin information is stored for each rate, the prize management device 7 adds the prize information and exchanges the prize when executing the exchange control. It is good also as being able to perform.

  Next, a control flow relating to a game medium lending process executed by the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a gaming medium lending process. In step S11, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there has been a payout instruction based on the number of balls that have already been counted (a stored ball that is stored in association with a membership card or a counting ball that is stored in association with a counting card). To do.

  Incidentally, FIG. 19 is a front view showing a selection screen displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 in step S11. As shown in FIG. 19, the touch panel LCD 16 displays an icon A1 for selecting a payout instruction based on the counted number of balls and an icon A2 for selecting a payout instruction based on cash (value medium). The The player can specify any one of these icons by pressing the icon.

  When there is a payout instruction based on the number of balls that have been counted (“YES” in step S11), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S11 to step S12 and drives the payout device 106 to specify the specified number. The game medium is controlled to be paid out to the upper plate of the gaming machine 3.

On the other hand, when there is no payout instruction based on the counted number of held balls (“NO” in step S11), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S11 to step S13, and the value medium is input. It is determined whether or not. The value medium means a membership card or counting card inserted into the card insertion slot 14, a banknote inserted into the banknote insertion slot 15, or a non-contact IC card held over the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18. When the membership card or counting card is inserted into the card insertion slot 14, the card reader / writer 104 reads the amount data from the membership card or counting card. When the bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 15, the bill validator 105 identifies the amount of the bill and reads the amount data. When a non-contact IC card is held over the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18, the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18 reads the amount data of the non-contact IC card. These read amount data are stored in the storage unit 103 as (a part of) deposit amount information.
Further, when a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 15 in a state where no membership card or counting card is inserted into the card insertion slot 14, the control unit 100 uses the counting card stored in the game medium handling device 1 as a card. Control is performed so that the reader / writer 104 is placed at a reading position. The identification information of the counting card is read by the card reader / writer 104. In the following, an example in which a counting card is used as a card will be described, and the counting card will be referred to as a “card”. The counting card may be a visitor card, and may be movable between a position where the counting card can be read and a position where the counting card is stored (a state where the counting card is stocked).

  When the value medium has been inserted ("YES" in step S13), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S13 to step S14, and specifies the amount related to payout (game medium out of the input amount) It is determined whether or not there is a designation of the amount to be used for paying out. Note that the amount of money related to payout can be specified by the player operating the touch panel LCD 16 (pressing the icon A2 on the selection screen shown in FIG. 19). The control unit 100 transmits the deposit amount information and the card identification information to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and the IF 270 in a state where they are associated with each other. The deposit amount information and the identification information are stored in the storage unit 202.

  When the amount related to the payout is specified (“YES” in step S14), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S14 to step S15 and drives the payout device 106, thereby playing game media for the specified amount. Is controlled to be paid out to the upper plate of the gaming machine 3.

  On the other hand, when there is no designation of the amount related to payout (“NO” in step S14), the control unit 100 shifts the processing from step S14 to step S16 and drives the payout device 106 so that all of the input is made. Control is performed so as to pay out an amount of game media to the upper plate of the gaming machine 3.

  If the player does not insert a value medium (“NO” in step S13), the control unit 100 returns the process from step S13 to step S11. Thus, the game media payout (lending) process is completed.

  Next, a first embodiment of the control flow relating to the display of the card lock and the consumption amount executed by the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. By the following processing, the player can select whether or not to display the consumption amount, and the consumption amount is continuously displayed even if a game is played on another gaming machine 3 (even if the vehicle is moved). Can be made.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing card lock processing in the first embodiment. In step S <b> 101, the control unit 100 determines whether a card is inserted into the card insertion slot 14.

  When a card is inserted in the card insertion slot 14 (“YES” in step S101), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S101 to step S102, and determines whether or not there is a remaining amount in the card. Specifically, the control unit 100 transmits the card identification information read by the card reader / writer 104 to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. Based on the identification information received from the control unit 100, the control unit 201 searches for the remaining amount information associated with the identification information and stored in the storage unit 202, and transmits the search result to the game medium handling device 1. . Based on the search result, control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a remaining amount on the card.

  When there is no remaining amount in the card (“NO” in step S102), or when no card is inserted in the card insertion slot 14 (“NO” in step S101), the control unit 100 performs steps from step S102 or step S101. The process moves to S103 to determine whether or not there is a deposit. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a deposit by inserting a bill into the bill insertion slot 15 or by holding a non-contact IC card over the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18.

  When there is a deposit (“YES” in step S103), or when there is a remaining amount on the card (“YES” in step S102), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S103 or step S102 to step S104, It is determined whether or not there is a card lock request (instruction) from the player. The card lock can be requested by the player operating the touch panel LCD 16 (pressing the icon A3 on the selection screen shown in FIG. 19). If the control unit 100 determines that no card is inserted into the card insertion slot 14 and there is a deposit, the control unit 100 places the counting card stored in the game medium handling device 1 in a position where it can be read by the card reader / writer 104. Control to place.

  If there is a card lock request (instruction) from the player (“YES” in step S104), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S104 to step S105, and determines whether or not a password has been set for the card. Determine whether. Specifically, based on the identification information received from the control unit 100, the control unit 201 searches for a personal identification number associated with the identification information and stored in the storage unit 212, and handles the search result as a game medium handling. Transmit to device 1. Based on the search result, the control unit 100 determines whether a password has been set for the card.

  If the password has not been set on the card ("NO" in step S105), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S105 to step S106, and displays a setting screen for setting the password for card lock on the touch panel LCD 16. Let

  When a screen for setting a password for card lock is displayed on touch panel LCD 16, control unit 100 moves the process from step S106 to step S107, and determines whether or not a password is set.

  When the player operates the touch panel LCD 16 to set the password (“YES” in step S107), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S107 to step S111, and the card arranged in the card reader / writer 104 is a card. The card reader / writer 104 is controlled so as to be locked (so that the card lock function is effectively switched). The control unit 100 transmits the input personal identification number to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. The control unit 201 stores the password in association with the card identification information in the storage unit 212 of the server device 2.

  On the other hand, if a password has already been set on the card in step S105 (“YES” in step S105), control unit 100 moves the process from step S105 to step S108, and displays a password input screen on touch panel LCD 16. Display.

  When the password input screen is displayed on touch panel LCD 16, control unit 100 moves the process from step S108 to step S109, and determines whether or not the password is input.

  When the player operates the touch panel LCD 16 to input a personal identification number (“YES” in step S109), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S109 to step S110, and the personal identification number in which the input personal identification number is set. To determine whether or not.

  If the passwords match (“YES” in step S110), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S110 to step S111 so that the card placed in the card reader / writer 104 is card-locked as described above. The card reader / writer 104 is controlled (to switch the card lock function effectively).

  In addition, the control part 100 returns a process to the first step (step S101), when all result in a negative result in step S103, step S104, step S107, step S109, and step S110.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a consumption amount display process in the first embodiment. In step S201, the control unit 100 determines whether a password has been set for the card. Specifically, based on the identification information received from the control unit 100, the control unit 201 searches for a personal identification number associated with the identification information and stored in the storage unit 212, and handles the search result as a game medium handling. Transmit to device 1. Based on the search result, the control unit 100 determines whether a password has been set for the card.

  When the personal identification number has already been set on the card (“YES” in step S201), the control unit 100 shifts the processing from step S201 to step S202 and consumes it after setting the personal identification number as a game medium in the deposit amount. Start (calculate) the calculated amount (consumption amount) and the remaining amount (the amount obtained by subtracting the consumption amount from the deposit amount). Specifically, first, the control unit 100 transmits a signal indicating that the personal identification number is set to the card (step S107 shown in FIG. 20) to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. When the control unit 201 receives the signal from the control unit 100, the control unit 201 searches the consumption amount information stored in the storage unit 202 in association with the identification information based on the identification information received from the control unit 100. The searched consumption amount information is transmitted to the control unit 100. When there is no corresponding consumption amount information, the control unit 201 transmits a signal to that effect to the control unit 100.

  The control unit 100 calculates the sum of the searched consumption amount (0 when there is no corresponding consumption amount information) and the consumption amount after setting the personal identification number as the consumption amount. That is, when replaying using a card that has been returned once, the amount of money consumed before returning the card is taken over.

  The control unit 100 transmits the consumption amount information (consumption amount information) and the remaining amount information (remaining amount information) to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. The control unit 201 stores (updates) the consumption amount information and the remaining amount information in the storage unit 202 in association with the card identification information. The consumption amount information and the remaining amount information are updated each time a gaming medium lending (dispensing) process is performed.

  When the consumption amount information and the remaining amount information are stored in the storage unit 202, the control unit 100 moves the process from step S202 to step S203, and displays the consumption amount information and the remaining amount information on the selection screen displayed on the touch panel LCD 16. The touch panel LCD 16 is controlled so that an icon for performing the selection (icon A4 on the selection screen shown in FIG. 19) can be selected. When the player selects (presses) the icon A4, the consumption amount and the remaining amount are displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 (see FIG. 22).

  Next, the control unit 100 moves the process from step S203 to step S204, and determines whether or not the remaining amount is zero. Specifically, based on the identification information received from the control unit 100, the control unit 201 searches for the remaining amount information stored in the storage unit 202 in association with the identification information, and handles the search result as a game medium handling. Transmit to device 1. The control unit 100 determines whether the remaining amount is 0 based on the search result.

  When it is determined that the remaining amount is 0 (“YES” in step S204), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S204 to step S205, and determines whether the holding ball is 0 or not. Specifically, based on the identification information received from the control unit 100, the control unit 201 searches for the ball information associated with the identification information and stored in the storage unit 202, and the search result is used as a game medium. Transmit to the handling device 1. The control unit 100 determines whether or not the holding ball is 0 based on the search result.

  If it is determined that the holding ball is 0 (“YES” in step S205), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S205 to step S206, and causes the status indicator lamp 13 to blink. Thereby, it is possible to notify an employee or the like that the remaining amount is 0 and the remaining ball is 0 in the gaming machine 3.

  When the status indicator lamp 13 is blinked, the control unit 100 shifts the process from step S206 to step S207, and determines whether or not there is a card return request from the player. The card return request can be made by the player operating the touch panel LCD 16 (pressing the icon A5 on the selection screen shown in FIG. 19). When the control unit 100 receives a signal indicating that the icon A5 has been selected (pressed) from the touch panel LCD 16, it determines that a card return request has been received from the player. In the above, it is determined that there is a card return request when the touch panel LCD 16 is operated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is determined that there is a card return request when the return button of the gaming machine is pressed. You may do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S204 that the remaining amount is not 0 (“NO” in step S204), or if it is determined in step S205 that the holding ball is not 0 (“NO” in step S205), the control unit 100 Then, the process moves from step S204 or step S205 to step S208 to determine whether or not there is a card return request from the player. A specific method for this determination is the same as in step S207 described above.

  When there is a card return request from the player (“YES” in step S207 or step S208), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S207 or step S208 to step S209, and performs card lock (step shown in FIG. 20). S111) is determined.

  If the card is locked (“YES” in step S209), control unit 100 moves the process from step S209 to step S210, and causes touch panel LCD 16 to display a password input screen.

  When the password input screen is displayed on the touch panel LCD 16, the control unit 100 moves the process from step S210 to step S211 and determines whether the password is input.

  When the player operates the touch panel LCD 16 to input a password (“YES” in step S211), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S211 to step S212, and stores the input password in the storage unit 212. It is determined whether or not it matches the entered password. Specifically, the control unit 100 transmits the card identification information read by the card reader / writer 104 to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. Based on the identification information received from the control unit 100, the control unit 201 searches for the personal identification number associated with the identification information and stored in the storage unit 212, and transmits the search result to the game medium handling device 1. . Based on the search result, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the input personal identification number matches the personal identification number stored in the storage unit 212.

  If the passwords match (“YES” in step S212), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S212 to step S213, releases the card lock (switches the card lock function to invalid), and returns the card. The card reader / writer 104 is controlled as described above, and the display of the consumption amount and the remaining amount is ended (the display is disabled). At this time, the control unit 100 associates the PIN number, identification information, consumption amount information, and remaining amount information with each other and stores them in the storage unit (storage unit 202 and storage unit 212) of the server device 2, and then returns the card. Process.

  On the other hand, if the card is not locked in step S209 (“NO” in step S209), the control unit 100 also moves the process from step S209 to step S213 so that the card is returned. 104 is controlled, and the display of the consumption amount and the remaining amount is ended (the display is disabled).

  On the other hand, if there is no card return request in step S207 (“NO” in step S207), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S207 to step S214 and determines that the number of holding balls is 0 before It is determined whether or not there is a signal based on the player's operation for a continuous time. The signal based on the player's operation includes a signal generated when the player operates the touch panel LCD 16, a signal indicating that there is a deposit, and a signal indicating that a game is being performed (from the touch sensor of the launch handle 55). Detection signal etc.).

  If there is no signal based on the player's operation for a predetermined time (“YES” in step S214), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S214 to step S215 so that the card is taken into the game medium handling apparatus 1. In addition, the card reader / writer 104 is controlled and the display of the consumption amount is ended (the display is disabled). Then, the control unit 100 transmits a signal indicating that the card is taken into the game medium handling device 1 to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. Upon receiving the signal, the control unit 201 cancels the association between the personal identification number and the identification information stored in the storage unit (the storage unit 202 and the storage unit 212) of the server device 2, and the consumption amount information and the identification information. Cancel the association with. Alternatively, the control unit 201 may delete the password, identification information, consumption amount information, and remaining amount information from the storage unit (storage unit 202 and storage unit 212) of the server device 2.

  In addition, when the negative result is obtained in step S201, step S208, step S211, step S212, and step S214, the control unit 100 returns the process to the first step (step S201).

  Next, the time chart which shows an example of the consumption amount display in 1st embodiment is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 23 is a time chart illustrating an example of a consumption amount display in the first embodiment. After the deposit or after the card is inserted, when a password for card lock is set (step S107), the calculation of the consumption amount is started (step S202) and the consumption amount can be displayed. (Step S203). When the personal identification number is set, the consumption amount is displayed as 0 yen. The consumption amount is updated according to the amount consumed as the game medium. When 20000 yen is consumed as a game medium, the amount of money consumed is displayed at 20000 yen.

  When the player replays with another gaming machine 3 (moving the vehicle), the player requests return of the card (step S207 or step S208). Since the consumption amount is associated with the identification information of the card, when the player returns the inserted card to the game medium handling apparatus 1 connected to another gaming machine 3, the consumption amount is displayed at 20000 yen. The In addition, after the consumption amount is displayed at 20000 yen, the consumption amount is added when consumption of the amount (consumption of the amount corresponding to the paper sheet) is performed with the game medium handling device 1 connected to the other gaming machine 3. Can be controlled.

  When the remaining amount is 0 and the remaining ball is 0 and the player finishes the game, the consumption amount display is automatically ended when a predetermined time elapses without the player performing an operation such as depositing (step S215).

  Here, as described above, conventionally, a technique of a gaming apparatus used for a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine has been publicly known. For example, a technique has been proposed in which the total amount of money deposited in a gaming device is stored in a storage medium (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-340623).

  However, in the technology as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-340623, a purchase amount and an amount such as a consumption amount (cumulative amount) that is a cumulative value of the amount provided for additional payment are displayed on the storage medium. Therefore, when the storage medium is inserted into the gaming device, the amount of consumption cannot be confirmed, and the player's desire to always confirm the amount of consumption cannot be met. On the other hand, since it is considered that there is a player who does not always want to display the amount of money consumed, there is a need for a gaming device that can flexibly respond to each player's request.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming apparatus that is beneficial to a player.

As described above, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 (game device) according to the first embodiment are
A touch panel LCD 16 (input means) to which a personal identification number (authentication information) is input;
A card reader / writer 104 (storage medium information reading means) capable of receiving a card (storage medium) and reading identification information of the card (storage medium);
A touch panel LCD 16 (display means) capable of displaying the amount of consumption;
A control unit 100 (associating means) that associates the consumption amount with the identification information and associates the personal identification number (authentication information) with the identification information;
With
When the personal identification number (authentication information) and the identification information are not associated with each other, the consumption amount associated with the identification information is not displayed, and the personal identification number (authentication information) and the identification information are When it is associated, the consumption amount associated with the identification information can be displayed.

  With such a configuration, the player can select whether or not to display the consumption amount, and the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 that are beneficial to the player can be provided.

  Specifically, the player can display the amount of consumption by setting (inputting) a personal identification number (authentication information) in the identification information of the card (storage medium). Further, since the consumption amount information is stored in association with the identification information, the player can know the total consumption amount even when the player has made a deposit after the remaining amount is 0 and the remaining ball is 0.

In addition, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 (game device) according to the first embodiment are:
Upon receiving a return instruction for the card (storage medium),
The card (storage medium) is ejected from the card reader / writer 104 (storage medium information reading means),
The password (authentication information), the identification information, and the consumption amount associated by the control unit 100 (association unit) are stored in the storage unit of the card (storage medium) or the storage unit of the game medium handling device 1. 103 and the storage unit 202 of the server device 2 (a storage unit of the game device).

  With such a configuration, it is possible to continuously display the amount of money consumed even if a game is played on another gaming machine 3 (even if the vehicle is moved).

  Specifically, the consumption amount is stored in association with the identification information, and even if the card (storage medium) is returned, the personal identification number (authentication information), the identification information, and the consumption amount are associated with each other. It remains memorized. Therefore, a player who wants to play a game on another gaming machine 3 (want to replay) can use the returned card to continuously display the previous consumption amount.

  In addition, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 (game device) according to the first embodiment are the storage means of the card (storage medium) or the storage unit 103 of the game medium handling device 1 and the storage of the server device 2. In the state where the personal identification number (authentication information), the identification information, and the consumption amount associated with the control unit 100 (association means) are stored in the unit 202 (storage means of the gaming device) When the (storage medium) is received by the card reader / writer 104 (storage medium information reading means), the password (authentication information) associated with the identification information is not input to the touch panel LCD 16 (input means). The consumption amount is not displayed.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the consumption amount from being displayed even if the storage medium returned by another person is used.

  Specifically, even if the returned card is dropped or forgotten and another person obtains the card, the other person knows the amount of money spent unless he knows the password that matches the password. Can be prevented.

  In addition, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 (game device) according to the first embodiment have both the remaining amount of the deposit amount and the remaining number of game media being 0, and signals based on the operation of the player. If it is determined that the password has not been received for a predetermined time, the association between the password (authentication information) and the identification information and the association between the consumption amount and the identification information are canceled.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the player who plays the next game from knowing the amount of money consumed.

  Specifically, if a player whose balance of the deposit amount and the remaining number of game media are both 0 leaves the game and does not return the card, the consumption amount is displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the amount of money consumed from being known to other players who will play a game on the gaming machine 3 next time. Further, it is possible to prevent the other player from confusing the consumption amount of the previous player with his own consumption amount.

In addition, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 (game device) according to the first embodiment include a touch panel LCD 16 (first notification means) that notifies the remaining amount of the deposit amount and the remaining number of game media,
When it is determined that the remaining amount of the deposit amount and the remaining number of game media are both 0, the touch panel LCD 16 (first notification means) is different from the aspect (specifically, the remaining amount of the deposit amount and the game). A status indicator 13 (second display) that informs that both the remaining amount of the deposit amount and the remaining number of the remaining number of game media are 0 in a mode of lighting instead of a mode of displaying the remaining number of media in numbers. Notification means),
It comprises.

  With such a configuration, an employee or the like can know that the balance of the deposit amount and the remaining number of game media are both zero.

  Specifically, when the employee determines that the player who has played with the gaming machine 3 whose status indicator 13 is blinking has finished the game, for example, a non-contact IC card reader / writer 18 uses a dedicated staff card. The card lock can be released by holding it over.

  As mentioned above, although 1st embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said structure, A various change is possible within the range of the invention described in the claim.

  For example, in the first embodiment, the consumption amount can be displayed by setting a password for card lock (that is, for displaying the password for card lock and the amount of consumption). However, the code number for displaying the amount of consumption may be set separately from the card lock.

  In the first embodiment, the personal identification number is used as the authentication information. However, the authentication information of the present invention is not limited to this, and the player's facial data detected by the camera unit 17 or fingerprint authentication is used. Any information such as data that can authenticate the player can be used as the authentication information.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the state indicator lamp 13 is blinked to notify that the remaining amount is 0 and the holding ball is 0 in the gaming machine 3, but the means for notifying is limited to this. Instead of changing the background color of the screen of the touch panel LCD 16 (a mode different from a mode in which the remaining number of deposits and the remaining number of game media are displayed in numbers), the remaining amount is 0 and the remaining ball is 0 You may notify that it is. In this case, the touch panel LCD 16 is an embodiment of the first notification means of the present invention and an embodiment of the second notification means.

  In the first embodiment, the personal identification number (authentication information), the card identification information, and the consumption amount are stored in the storage unit 202 in association with each other, but are stored in the storage unit of the card. It may be stored in the storage unit 103 of the game medium handling device 1.

  In addition, as the data format, when the consumption amount, the identification information, and the authentication information are stored in one table, it is assumed that any two are stored in one table. In the case where the consumption amount, the identification information, and the authentication information are stored in one command (such as a telegram) as a command to be transmitted or received, any two are one. Various correspondences such as when stored in the command are assumed.

  In the first embodiment, the consumption amount is not displayed unless authentication information is input to the input unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the consumption amount is displayed regardless of the input of authentication information. There may be.

In the first embodiment, when it is determined that the balance of the deposit amount and the remaining number of game media are 0 and a signal based on the player's operation is not received for a predetermined time, the authentication information and the identification information Although the association, the association between the consumption amount and the identification information is canceled, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, when the player leaves the seat (setting a break time), the time for allowing the player to leave the seat is set, so the time for allowing the player to leave the seat is set. In such a case, the measurement of the elapsed time until the cancellation of the association is temporarily stopped, and when the time allowing the player to leave the seat is released, the measurement of the elapsed time until the cancellation of the association is made. It may be resumed.

  In addition, as input means, various forms such as an operation means such as a button and an operation means that also serves as a display means such as a touch panel can be considered.

  The authentication information may be a PIN (password, etc.). In the case of a membership card, it may be set when the membership card is created, or when the card is locked, such as a one-time password. Information that can be set arbitrarily.

  Next, a second embodiment of the control flow relating to the display of the card lock and the consumption amount executed by the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. By the following processing, the player can select whether or not to display the consumption amount, and even if the remaining amount is 0 and the money is deposited after the holding ball becomes 0, the total amount of consumption can be known. it can.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing card lock processing in the second embodiment. In step S <b> 301, the control unit 100 determines whether a card is inserted into the card insertion slot 14.

  When a card is inserted in the card insertion slot 14 (“YES” in step S301), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S301 to step S302 and is arranged at a position where the card reader / writer 104 can read it. It is determined whether or not a lock flag is added to the card (whether or not the lock flag is on). The lock flag indicates that the card has been locked in the past.

  When the lock flag of the card is off (“NO” in step S302), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S302 to step S303, and determines whether there is a remaining amount on the card. Specifically, the control unit 100 transmits the card identification information read by the card reader / writer 104 to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. Based on the identification information received from the control unit 100, the control unit 201 searches for the remaining amount information associated with the identification information and stored in the storage unit 202, and transmits the search result to the game medium handling device 1. . Based on the search result, control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a remaining amount on the card.

  When there is no remaining amount in the card (“NO” in step S303), or when no card is inserted in the card insertion slot 14 (“NO” in step S301), the control unit 100 performs steps from step S303 or step S301. The process moves to S304, and it is determined whether or not there is a deposit. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a deposit by inserting a bill into the bill insertion slot 15 or by holding a non-contact IC card over the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18.

  If there is a deposit (“YES” in step S304), or if there is a remaining amount on the card (“YES” in step S303), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S304 or step S303 to step S305, It is determined whether or not there is a card lock request (instruction) from the player. The card lock can be requested by the player operating the touch panel LCD 16 (pressing the icon A3 on the selection screen shown in FIG. 19). If the control unit 100 determines that no card is inserted into the card insertion slot 14 and there is a deposit, the control unit 100 places the counting card stored in the game medium handling device 1 in a position where it can be read by the card reader / writer 104. Control to place.

  When a card lock request (instruction) is received from the player ("YES" in step S305), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S305 to step S306, and sets a password for card lock on the touch panel LCD 16. Display the screen.

  When the screen for setting a password for card lock is displayed on touch panel LCD 16, control unit 100 moves the process from step S306 to step S307, and determines whether or not a password is set.

  When the player operates the touch panel LCD 16 to set the password (“YES” in step S307), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S307 to step S308, and the counting card arranged in the card reader / writer 104 is The card reader / writer 104 is controlled so that the card is locked (so that the card lock function is effectively switched). The control unit 100 transmits the input personal identification number to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. The control unit 201 stores the personal identification number in the storage unit 212 of the server device 2 in association with the identification information of the counting card.

  On the other hand, when the card lock flag is on in step S302 (“YES” in step S302), the control unit 100 shifts the process from step S302 to step S308 and performs the card lock as described above. Thereby, the player can perform card locking without setting a personal identification number.

  When the card is locked, the control unit 100 shifts the processing from step S308 to step S309, and adds a lock flag to the card if the lock flag is not added (if the lock flag is OFF) (lock). Turn on the flag).

  In addition, the control part 100 returns a process to the first step (step S301), when all result in a negative in step S304, step S305, and step S307.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a consumption amount display process in the second embodiment. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 25 is premised on the card lock shown in FIG.

  When the card lock shown in FIG. 24 (step S308) is performed and the personal identification number is associated with the identification information and stored in the storage unit 212, in step S401, the control unit 100 uses the card as a game medium in the deposit amount. Start (calculate) the amount (consumption amount) and remaining amount (the amount obtained by subtracting the consumption amount from the deposit amount) consumed after the lock. The control unit 100 calculates a cumulative amount consumed after the card lock as a consumption amount. The control unit 100 transmits the consumption amount information (consumption amount information) and the remaining amount information (remaining amount information) to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. The control unit 201 stores (updates) the consumption amount information and the remaining amount information in the storage unit 202 in association with the identification information of the counting card. The consumption amount information and the remaining amount information are updated each time a game ball lending (dispensing) process is performed.

  When the consumption amount information and the remaining amount information are stored in the storage unit 202, the control unit 100 moves the process from step S401 to step S402, and displays the consumption amount information and the remaining amount information on the selection screen displayed on the touch panel LCD 16. The touch panel LCD 16 is controlled so that an icon for performing the selection (icon A4 on the selection screen shown in FIG. 19) can be selected. When the player selects (presses) the icon A4, the consumption amount and the remaining amount are displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 (see FIG. 22).

  Next, the control unit 100 moves the process from step S402 to step S403, and determines whether or not there is a card return request from the player. The card return request can be made by the player operating the touch panel LCD 16 (pressing the icon A5 on the selection screen shown in FIG. 19). When the control unit 100 receives a signal indicating that the icon A5 has been selected (pressed) from the touch panel LCD 16, it determines that a card return request has been received from the player.

  If there is a card return request from the player (“YES” in step S403), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S403 to step S404 and causes the touch panel LCD 16 to display a password input screen.

  When the password input screen is displayed on touch panel LCD 16, control unit 100 moves the process from step S404 to step S405, and determines whether the password is input.

  When the player operates the touch panel LCD 16 to input a password (“YES” in step S405), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S405 to step S406 and stores the input password in the storage unit 212. It is determined whether or not it matches the entered password. Specifically, the control unit 100 transmits the card identification information read by the card reader / writer 104 to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. Based on the identification information received from the control unit 100, the control unit 201 searches for the personal identification number associated with the identification information and stored in the storage unit 212, and transmits the search result to the game medium handling device 1. . Based on the search result, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the input personal identification number matches the personal identification number stored in the storage unit 212.

  If the passwords match ("YES" in step S406), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S406 to step S411, releases the card lock (switches the card lock function to invalid), and returns the card. In this manner, the card reader / writer 104 is controlled, and the display of the consumption amount and the remaining amount is ended. At this time, the control unit 100 associates the PIN number, identification information, consumption amount information, and remaining amount information with each other and stores them in the storage unit (storage unit 202 and storage unit 212) of the server device 2, and then returns the card. Process.

  On the other hand, if there is no card return request from the player in step S403 ("NO" in step S403), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S403 to step S407, and determines whether the remaining amount is 0 or not. . Specifically, based on the identification information received from the control unit 100, the control unit 201 searches for the remaining amount information stored in the storage unit 202 in association with the identification information, and handles the search result as a game medium handling. Transmit to device 1. The control unit 100 determines whether the remaining amount is 0 based on the search result.

  When it is determined that the remaining amount is 0 (“YES” in step S407), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S407 to step S408, and determines whether the holding ball is 0 or not. Specifically, based on the identification information received from the control unit 100, the control unit 201 searches for the ball information associated with the identification information and stored in the storage unit 202, and the search result is used as a game medium. Transmit to the handling device 1. The control unit 100 determines whether or not the holding ball is 0 based on the search result.

  If it is determined that the holding ball is 0 (“YES” in step S408), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S408 to step S409, and determines whether or not there is a deposit within a predetermined time. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a deposit by inserting a bill into the bill insertion slot 15 or by holding a non-contact IC card over the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18.

  If there is a deposit (“YES” in step S409), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S409 to step S410, and selects to select whether or not to continue displaying the consumption amount on the touch panel LCD 16 Display the screen.

  If the player has not selected to continue displaying the consumption amount (“NO” in step S410), or if no payment has been made (“NO” in step S409), the control unit 100 starts from step S410 or step S409. The processing is shifted to step S411, the card lock is released, and the display of the consumption amount is ended (the display cannot be performed). Then, the control unit 100 transmits a signal indicating that the card lock is released (or the display of the consumption amount is ended) to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and the IF 270. Upon receiving the signal, the control unit 201 cancels the association between the personal identification number and the identification information stored in the storage unit (the storage unit 202 and the storage unit 212) of the server device 2, and the consumption amount information and the identification information. Cancel the association with. Alternatively, the control unit 201 may delete the password, identification information, consumption amount information, and remaining amount information from the storage unit (storage unit 202 and storage unit 212) of the server device 2.

  Note that the control unit 100 performs the process in the first step (step S401) when a negative result is obtained in step S405, step S406, step S407, and step S408, and when a positive result is obtained in step S410. return.

  Next, the time chart which shows an example of the consumption amount display in 2nd embodiment is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 26 is a time chart illustrating an example of a consumption amount display in the second embodiment. When the card is locked after the deposit or the card is inserted (step S308), the calculation of the consumption amount is started (step S401) and the consumption amount can be displayed (step S402). When the personal identification number is set, the consumption amount is displayed as 0 yen. At this time, it is assumed that the remaining amount is 10,000 yen. The consumption amount is updated according to the amount consumed as the game medium.

  When the remaining amount is 0 and the remaining ball is 0, if there is further payment, a selection screen for selecting whether or not to continue displaying the consumption amount is displayed (step S410). As shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 26, when the player chooses to continue the display, the consumption amount is displayed as the sum of the consumption amount consumed thereafter up to 10,000 yen consumed so far. . If 10,000 yen is consumed after the player has selected to continue display, the amount of money consumed is displayed at 20000 yen.

  On the other hand, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 26, when the player does not select the continuation of the display, the consumption amount display ends (step S411).

As described above, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 (game device) according to the second embodiment are
A card reader / writer 104 (accepting means) capable of accepting a card (storage medium);
A card reader / writer 104 (storage medium information reading means) for reading identification information of the card (storage medium);
A touch panel LCD 16 (display means) capable of displaying the amount of money consumed as a game medium;
A control unit 100 (associating means) that associates the consumption amount with the identification information;
A touch panel LCD 16 (accepting means) for accepting an operation from a player;
The touch panel LCD 16 (accepting means) locks the card (storage medium) received according to the player's operation, and the card (storage medium) is associated with the identification information when the card (storage medium) is not locked. A controller 100 (control means) that does not display the amount of consumption and can display the amount of consumption associated with the identification information when the card (storage medium) is locked. is there.

  With such a configuration, the player can select whether or not to display the consumption amount, and the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 that are beneficial to the player can be provided.

  Specifically, the player can display the consumption amount by setting (inputting) a personal identification number (authentication information) for card lock. Further, since the consumption amount information is stored in association with the identification information, the player can know the total consumption amount even when the player has made a deposit after the remaining amount is 0 and the remaining ball is 0.

In addition, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 (game device) according to the second embodiment are:
In a state where the card (storage medium) is locked, it is determined that both the remaining amount of the deposit amount and the remaining number of the game media are 0, and if it is determined that there is a deposit after that, the display of the consumption amount is displayed. A selection screen for selecting whether or not to continue is displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 (display means),
If the player chooses to continue displaying the consumption amount, the consumption amount is continuously displayed,
When the player selects not to continue displaying the consumption amount, the display of the consumption amount is terminated and the card (storage medium) is unlocked.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to select whether or not the player takes over the consumption amount.

  Specifically, when a player who continues to play a game deposits money, it is possible to select to continue displaying the consumption amount. On the other hand, when another player has made a payment, the consumption amount of the previous player can be prevented from being displayed by selecting the end of the consumption amount display.

In addition, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 (game device) according to the second embodiment are:
When the card (storage medium) is locked, a lock flag indicating that the card is locked is added to the card (storage medium),
When the card (storage medium) to which the lock flag is added is received by the card reader / writer 104 (accepting means), the card (storage medium) is removed without any operation on the touch panel LCD 16 (accepting means). In addition to locking, the consumption amount can be displayed.

  With such a configuration, even if a game is played on another gaming machine 3 (even if the table is moved), the amount of money consumed can be displayed without a lock operation.

  Specifically, when a player who has received a card (storage medium) to which a lock flag has been added through a return process plays a game on another gaming machine 3 using the card, a card lock operation (specifically, You can know the amount of consumption without having to enter your PIN.

  The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

  For example, in the second embodiment, the consumption amount can be displayed by setting a personal identification number for card lock (that is, for displaying the personal identification number for card lock and the consumption amount). However, the code number for displaying the amount of consumption may be set separately from the card lock.

  In the second embodiment, the personal identification number is used as the authentication information. However, the authentication information of the present invention is not limited to this, and the player's facial data and fingerprint authentication data detected by the camera unit 17. Any information that can authenticate the player can be used as the authentication information.

  In the second embodiment, the password (authentication information), the card identification information, and the consumption amount are stored in the storage unit 202 in association with each other, but are stored in the storage unit of the card. It may be stored in the storage unit 103 of the game medium handling device 1.

  In the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not the lock flag of the card is on. When the lock flag is on, the card is automatically locked. It is not necessary.

  Next, a third embodiment of the control flow relating to the display of the consumption amount executed by the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 will be described using FIG. 27 and FIG. With the following processing, the player can select whether or not to display the consumption amount, and even when the consumption amount is displayed in the middle of the game, the consumption amount before display can be known.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the consumption amount display setting process in the third embodiment. In step S501, the control unit 100 determines whether there is a deposit or a card insertion.

  If there is a deposit or card insertion (“YES” in step S501), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S501 to step S502 to indicate that the card IC chip (storage unit) has received a deposit. It is determined whether or not a deposit flag is added (whether the deposit flag is on).

  If the deposit flag has not been added (“NO” in step S502), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S502 to step S503, and adds the deposit flag to the IC chip (storage unit) of the card (payment). Turn on the flag). When the control unit 100 determines that the deposit has been made, the components of the game medium handling device 1 are arranged so that the counting card stored in the game medium handling device 1 is arranged at a position where the card reader / writer 104 can read the counting card. (Not shown) is controlled. The card to which the deposit flag is added in step S502 includes the counting card arranged in the card reader / writer 104 when the deposit is made, and the card (counting card or membership card) inserted in the card insertion slot 14. Is included.

  If a negative result is obtained in step S501 and a positive result is obtained in step S502, the process returns to the first step (step S501).

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a consumption amount display process in the third embodiment. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 28 is based on the assumption that the consumption amount display setting process (addition of a deposit flag) shown in FIG. 27 has been performed.

When the deposit flag is turned on, in step S601, the control unit 100 calculates an amount (consumption amount) and remaining amount (amount obtained by subtracting the consumption amount from the deposit amount) of the deposit amount after the card lock as a game medium. Start (calculate). The control unit 100 calculates the accumulated amount consumed after the deposit flag is turned on as the consumption amount. The control unit 100 transmits the consumption amount information (consumption amount information) and the remaining amount information (remaining amount information) to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. The control unit 201 stores (updates) the consumption amount information and the remaining amount information in the storage unit 202 in association with the identification information of the counting card.
The consumption amount information and the remaining amount information are updated each time a game ball lending (dispensing) process is performed.

  Next, the control unit 100 moves the process from step S601 to step S602, and causes the touch panel LCD 16 to display a selection screen for selecting whether or not to display the consumption amount.

  When the player selects display of the consumption amount (“YES” in step S602), the control unit 100 shifts the processing from step S602 to step S603 so that the consumption amount can be displayed on the touch panel LCD 16.

  Next, the control unit 100 shifts the process from step S603 to step S604, and determines whether or not there is an instruction from the player to end the display of the consumption amount.

  When the player gives an instruction to end the display of the consumption amount (“YES” in step S604), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S604 to step S605, and stores it in the IC chip (storage unit) of the card. The stored deposit flag is turned off and the display of the consumption amount is ended (display is disabled).

  On the other hand, if the player has not instructed the consumption amount display to end (“NO” in step S604), the control unit 100 shifts the processing from step S604 to step S606, and whether or not the player has made a card return request. Determine whether.

  If there is a card return request from the player (“YES” in step S606), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S606 to step S607 and stores the deposit flag stored in the IC chip (storage unit) of the card. The card reader / writer 104 is controlled so that the card is returned at the same time that the display of the amount of consumption is terminated (the display is disabled).

  When the deposit flag is turned off, the control unit 100 shifts the processing from step S605 or step S607 to step S608 and ends the calculation of the consumption amount.

  In addition, the control part 100 returns a process to the first step (step S601), when both result in a negative in step S602 and step S606.

  Next, the time chart which shows an example of the consumption amount display in 3rd embodiment is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 29 is a time chart showing an example of a consumption amount display in the third embodiment. When the first player deposits or inserts a card, the deposit flag is turned on (step S502), and calculation of the consumption amount is started (step S601). If the display of the consumption amount is selected after 5,000 yen has been consumed since the deposit flag was turned on, the consumption amount is displayed at 5000 yen.

  Thereafter, when the player selects to return the card or display the consumption amount, the deposit flag is turned off (step S605 or step S607), and the calculation of the consumption amount ends (step S608).

  Next, when the second player deposits or inserts a card, the deposit flag is turned on again, and calculation of the amount of consumption is started. At the end of business, the payment flag is turned off, and the consumption amount display ends.

As described above, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 (game device) according to the third embodiment are as follows.
A touch panel LCD 16 (display means) capable of displaying the amount of consumption;
A touch panel LCD 16 (display selection means) for selecting whether or not to display the consumption amount on the touch panel LCD 16 (display means);
When it is determined that a deposit or a card (storage medium) has been accepted, the consumption amount to be displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 (display means) is calculated, and the touch panel LCD 16 (display means) is selected according to the player's selection. A control unit 100 (control means) for controlling to display the consumption amount at
With
When the touch panel LCD 16 (display selection means) selects the consumption amount not to be displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 (display means), the calculation of the consumption amount is terminated and the display of the consumption amount is terminated.

  With such a configuration, the player can select whether or not to display the consumption amount, and the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 that are beneficial to the player can be provided. In addition, it is possible to prevent the player who will play next time from knowing the amount of money consumed.

  Specifically, it is possible to display the amount of money consumed since the receipt of the deposit or the card by the player's selection. Therefore, the player can know the consumption amount before display even when the consumption amount is displayed in the middle of the game. Further, since the display of the consumption amount can be ended by the player's selection, it is possible to prevent the consumption amount from being known to other players who will play a game on the gaming machine 3 next time. Further, it is possible to prevent the other player from confusing the consumption amount of the previous player with his own consumption amount.

  In addition, when the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 (game device) according to the third embodiment receive an instruction to return the card (storage medium) from the player, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 (game device) eject the card (storage medium). The display of the consumption amount is terminated.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the player who plays the next game from knowing the amount of money consumed.

  Specifically, when the card return instruction is issued, the display of the consumption amount ends, so that it is possible to prevent the other player who will play a game on the gaming machine 3 from knowing the consumption amount next. Further, it is possible to prevent the other player from confusing the consumption amount of the previous player with his own consumption amount.

  The third embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

  For example, in the third embodiment, the card identification information and the consumption amount are stored in the storage unit 202 in association with each other, but may be stored in the storage unit of the card. You may memorize | store in the memory | storage part 103 of the apparatus 1. FIG.

  In addition, the personal identification number used when the card is locked may be stored in the game medium handling device, each display device, the server device, the counting card, and the membership card. In addition, it may be possible to set a password (prompt a change) periodically (after a certain period of time).

  Next, a description will be given of a fourth embodiment of a control flow related to card lock and consumption display executed by the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2. By the following processing, the consumption amount is always displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 when a game is played in the gaming machine 3 without requiring the player's operation for displaying the consumption amount.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing card lock processing in the fourth embodiment. In step S <b> 701, the control unit 100 determines whether a card is inserted (received) in the card insertion slot 14.

  When a card is inserted into the card insertion slot 14 (“YES” in step S701), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S701 to step S702 to check whether the card is locked (the card lock function is valid). Whether or not) is determined. The determination by the control unit 100 is made based on whether or not the lock flag is on. In the fourth embodiment, the lock flag indicates that the card is currently locked in a card arranged at a position where it can be read by the card reader / writer 104.

  If the card lock is not performed (the card lock function is not valid) (“NO” in step S702), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S702 to step S703, and determines whether there is a remaining amount in the card. Judge whether or not. Specifically, the control unit 100 transmits the card identification information read by the card reader / writer 104 to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. Based on the identification information received from the control unit 100, the control unit 201 searches for the remaining amount information associated with the identification information and stored in the storage unit 202, and transmits the search result to the game medium handling device 1. . Based on the search result, control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a remaining amount on the card.

  When there is no remaining amount in the card (“NO” in step S703), or when no card is inserted in the card insertion slot 14 (“NO” in step S701), the control unit 100 performs steps from step S703 or step S701. The process moves to S704, and it is determined whether or not there is a deposit. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a deposit by inserting a bill into the bill insertion slot 15 or by holding a non-contact IC card over the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18.

  If there is a deposit (“YES” in step S704), or if there is a remaining amount on the card (“YES” in step S703), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S704 or step S703 to step S705, It is determined whether or not there is a card lock request (instruction) from the player. The card lock can be requested by the player operating the touch panel LCD 16 (pressing the icon A3 on the selection screen shown in FIG. 19). If the control unit 100 determines that no card is inserted into the card insertion slot 14 and there is a deposit, the card reader / writer 104 can read the card (counting card) stored in the game medium handling device 1. It controls to arrange in the position.

  When a card lock request (instruction) is received from the player (“YES” in step S705), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S705 to step S706, and sets a password for card lock on the touch panel LCD 16. Display the screen.

  When the screen for setting a password for card lock is displayed on touch panel LCD 16, control unit 100 moves the process from step S706 to step S707, and determines whether or not a password is set.

When the player operates the touch panel LCD 16 to set a personal identification number (“YES” in step S707), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S707 to step S708, and in the card arranged in the card reader / writer 104, The card reader / writer 104 is controlled so that the card lock is performed (so that the card lock function is enabled).
The control unit 100 transmits the input personal identification number to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. The control unit 201 stores the password in association with the card identification information in the storage unit 212 of the server device 2. In this way, card locking is performed on the card placed at a position where it can be read by the card reader / writer 104. Note that when the card is locked, the lock flag is turned on.

  Once the card lock is performed, when the card inserted into the card insertion slot 14 is returned, it is requested to input the password again as will be described later (see step S712, step S713, etc.). Thus, when the card lock is performed, the return of the card is restricted.

  Thus, when the card lock is performed (that is, when the return of the card is restricted), the control unit 100 shifts the process from step S708 to step S709 and permits the output of the CR connection signal. Thus, when the output of the CR connection signal is permitted, the CR connection signal is output from the game medium handling device 1 to the gaming machine 3. Specifically, a CR connection signal is output from the game medium handling device 1a to the payout control unit 305 of the pachinko machine 3a. Thus, when the CR connection signal is input in the pachinko machine 3a, it becomes possible to play a game (ball launch, ball lending, ball payout, ball discharge, progress of variable game, etc.) Will be enabled). In addition, a CR connection signal is output from the game medium handling device 1b to the main control unit 301b of the pachislot machine 3b. Thus, when a CR connection signal is input in the pachislot machine 3b, it becomes possible to play a game.

Further, in the pachislot machine 3b, a game is performed by receiving a connection signal from the game medium handling device 1 like a CR connection signal (medal payout, medal discharge, medal insertion, lever operation, fluctuation). (Progress of game etc.) becomes possible (functions relating to game progress become effective).
Further, the game medium handling device 1 is connected to the pachinko machine 3a or the pachislot machine 3b (such as receiving a connection signal from each game machine or confirming connection with the game machine), thereby renting game media and playing games. Dispensing media, outputting various signals, replaying, discharging paper sheets (cards or bills), receiving paper sheets, moving paper sheets from the stack position to the reading position, various functions of the game medium handling device 1 Etc. may be controlled so as to be effective.

The pachinko machine 3a, the pachislot machine 3b, and the game medium handling device 1 handle the above-mentioned game media as data (the number of game media when performing game media launch, throw-in, payout, rental, launch, etc. For example, the number of game media may be managed as a number or value), or may be handled as an actual game media so that the player can actually touch the game media.
For example, while actual medals are paid out from the pachislot machine 3b, the number of game media (number of credits, number of insertions, number of bets, etc.) that can be used for the game is replenished from the game medium handling device 1 to the pachislot machine 3 as data. The configurations of the pachinko machine 3a, the pachislot machine 3b, and the game medium handling device 1 can be used in combination.

Further, the number of outs and the number of safes from the pachinko machine 3a and the pachislot machine 3b may be managed by the game medium handling device 1, or a game device different from the game medium handling device 1 (for example, outbox, safe number collection) It may be transmitted to the server device 2, each display device 4, and the game medium handling device 1 via the device.
In addition, player operation was required to lock the card, but this is not restrictive. For card insertion, whether the card is usable, payment, replay, lending, paying, counting, etc. The card may be locked accordingly.

  When the output of the CR connection signal is permitted, the control unit 100 shifts the processing from step S709 to step S710 and permits the display of the consumption amount. Specifically, the control unit 100 adds a display permission flag to the storage unit 103 of the control unit 100 (turns on the display permission flag). The display permission flag indicates that the touch panel LCD 16 is allowed to display the consumption amount and the remaining amount.

When the display of the consumption amount is permitted (step S710), or when the card is locked (“YES” in step S702), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S710 or step S702 to step S711. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a card return request from the player. The card return request can be made by the player operating the touch panel LCD 16 (pressing the icon A5 on the selection screen shown in FIG. 19).
When the control unit 100 receives a signal indicating that the icon A5 has been selected (pressed) from the touch panel LCD 16, it determines that a card return request has been received from the player.

  If there is a card return request from the player (“YES” in step S711), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S711 to step S712 and causes the touch panel LCD 16 to display a password input screen.

  When the password input screen is displayed on touch panel LCD 16, control unit 100 moves the process from step S712 to step S713, and determines whether the password is input.

  When the player operates the touch panel LCD 16 to input a password (“YES” in step S713), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S713 to step S714, and the input password is stored in the storage unit 212. It is determined whether or not it matches the entered password. Specifically, the control unit 100 transmits the card identification information read by the card reader / writer 104 to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. Based on the identification information received from the control unit 100, the control unit 201 searches for the personal identification number associated with the identification information and stored in the storage unit 212, and transmits the search result to the game medium handling device 1. . Based on the search result, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the input personal identification number matches the personal identification number stored in the storage unit 212.

  If the passwords match ("YES" in step S714), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S714 to step S715, releases the card lock (switches the card lock function to invalid), and returns the card. The card reader / writer 104 is controlled as described above. At this time, the control unit 100 associates the PIN number, identification information, consumption amount information, and remaining amount information with each other and stores them in the storage unit (storage unit 202 and storage unit 212) of the server device 2, and then the card lock. Release (card return) processing.

  When the card return process is performed, the control unit 100 shifts the process from step S715 to step S716 to prohibit the output of the CR connection signal. Thus, when the output of the CR connection signal is prohibited, the output of the CR connection signal from the game medium handling device 1 to the gaming machine 3 is completed. Specifically, the output of the CR connection signal from the game medium handling device 1a to the payout control unit 305 of the pachinko machine 3a is completed. Thus, when the input of the CR connection signal is finished in the pachinko machine 3a, it becomes impossible to play a game. Also, the output of the CR connection signal from the game medium handling device 1b to the main control unit 301b of the pachislot machine 3b is completed. Thus, when the input of the CR connection signal is completed in the pachislot machine 3b, it becomes impossible to play a game.

  When the output of the CR connection signal is prohibited, the control unit 100 shifts the processing from step S716 to step S717, and prohibits the display of the consumption amount. Specifically, the control unit 100 turns off the display permission flag.

  When the display of the consumption amount is prohibited (step S717) and when a negative result is obtained in step S704, step S705, step S707, step S711, step S713, and step S714, the first step (step S701). Return processing to.

  Thus, in the card lock process in the fourth embodiment, the output of the CR connection signal is permitted from the game medium handling device 1 when the card lock is performed (steps S708 and S709). That is, until the card lock is performed, the CR connection signal is not output from the game medium handling device 1 even if the game medium handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3 are connected. In other words, until the card lock is performed, the CR connection signal is not input to the gaming machine 3, so that the gaming machine 3 cannot play a game.

In the card lock process in the fourth embodiment, the display of the consumption amount is permitted when the output of the CR connection signal is permitted (steps S709 and S710).
Further, the display of the consumption amount is prohibited when the output of the CR connection signal is prohibited (steps S716 and S717).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a consumption amount display process in the fourth embodiment.

  In step S801, the control unit 100 determines whether or not display of the consumption amount is permitted. The determination by the control unit 100 is made based on whether or not the display permission flag is on.

  When the display of the consumption amount is permitted (“YES” in step S801), the control unit 100 shifts the processing from step S801 to step S802, and the amount of money to be consumed as a game medium after card lock out of the deposit amount. Start (calculate) the (consumption amount) and the remaining amount (the amount obtained by subtracting the consumption amount from the deposit amount). The control unit 100 calculates a cumulative amount consumed after the card lock as a consumption amount. The control unit 100 transmits the consumption amount information (consumption amount information) and the remaining amount information (remaining amount information) to the server device 2 via the IF 110 and IF 270. The control unit 201 stores (updates) the consumption amount information and the remaining amount information in the storage unit 202 in association with the identification information of the counting card. The consumption amount information and the remaining amount information are updated each time a game ball lending (dispensing) process is performed.

  When the consumption amount information and the remaining amount information are stored in the storage unit 202, the control unit 100 moves the process from step S802 to step S803, and controls the touch panel LCD 16 to display the consumption amount and the remaining amount. Note that when the consumption amount and the remaining amount are displayed in the consumption amount processing in the fourth embodiment, for example, it is not necessary to select (press operation) an icon (icon A4 on the selection screen shown in FIG. 19) displayed on the touch panel LCD 16. . That is, as shown in FIG. 32, the control unit 100 causes the touch panel LCD 16 to display the consumption amount and the remaining amount without requiring the player's operation regarding the display of the consumption amount.

  Further, the consumption amount and the remaining amount displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 are continuously displayed even when the display screen of the touch panel LCD 16 is changed (for example, when the home screen is changed to the menu screen). In this way, the consumption amount and the remaining amount are always displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 until the process of step S804 described later is performed.

  On the other hand, when the display of the consumption amount is not permitted (that is, the display of the consumption amount is prohibited) (“NO” in step S801), the control unit 100 moves the process from step S801 to step S804, The touch panel LCD 16 is controlled so that the consumption amount and the remaining amount are not displayed.

  After the processes in step S803 and step S804, the control unit 100 returns the process to the first step (step S801).

  As described above, in the consumption amount display process according to the fourth embodiment, when the consumption amount display is permitted when the output of the CR connection signal is permitted (steps S709 and S710 in the card lock process), the consumption amount is displayed. The consumption amount and the remaining amount are displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 without requiring the player's operation related to the display (step S803). Further, when the display of the consumption amount is prohibited due to the prohibition of the output of the CR connection signal (steps S716 and S717 in the card lock process), the touch panel LCD 16 does not require the player's operation regarding the display of the consumption amount. The display of the consumption amount and the remaining amount ends (step S804).

  Next, the time chart which shows an example of the consumption amount display in 4th embodiment is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 33 is a time chart showing an example of a consumption amount display in the fourth embodiment. Here, since the CR connection signal is not input in the gaming machine 3 until the card is locked after the deposit or the card is inserted, the game cannot be performed. In such a state, since the display of the consumption amount is not permitted, the consumption amount and the remaining amount are not displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 (“NO” in step S801, step S804).

  Further, when the card lock is performed, a CR connection signal is input in the gaming machine 3, so that a game can be performed. In such a state, since the display of the consumption amount is permitted, the consumption amount and the remaining amount are displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 at a timing when the game can be performed (“YES” in step S801, step S802, Step S803). In FIG. 33, since the deposited amount is 10,000 yen, when the card is locked, the consumption amount is displayed as 0 yen and the remaining amount is displayed as 10,000 yen.

  Further, the display of the consumption amount is continuously performed while the card is locked (while the game machine 3 can play a game). The displayed consumption amount and the remaining amount are updated according to the amount consumed as a game medium. Then, when the card lock is released and the card is returned, the display of the consumption amount and the remaining amount ends at a timing when it becomes impossible to play the game. In FIG. 33, when the card lock is released and the card is returned, all of the 10,000 yen initially deposited is used (consumed), so the consumption amount is displayed as 10,000 yen and the remaining amount is displayed as 0 yen. ing.

  Here, as described above, conventionally, a technique of a gaming apparatus used for a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine has been publicly known. For example, a technique has been proposed in which the total amount of money deposited in a gaming device is stored in a storage medium (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-340623).

  However, in the technology as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-340623, a purchase amount and an amount such as a consumption amount (cumulative amount) that is a cumulative value of the amount provided for additional payment are displayed on the storage medium. Therefore, if the storage medium is inserted into the game device, the amount of consumption cannot be confirmed. Therefore, in the above-described technology, it is impossible to meet a player's request to constantly check the amount of consumption or a manager of a game hall to display the amount of consumption to reduce the player's happiness. Thus, there is a need for a useful gaming device that can flexibly respond to each request of a player, a game hall manager, and the like.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a useful gaming device.

As described above, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 (game device) according to the fourth embodiment are
A gaming device connected to the gaming machine 3 that activates a predetermined function (a function for playing a game) when receiving a predetermined signal (CR connection signal),
A payout control unit 305 of the pachinko machine 3a that transmits the predetermined signal; a main control unit 301b (transmission means) of the pachislot machine 3b;
A card reader / writer 104 (storage medium receiving means) capable of receiving a card (recording medium);
A card reader / writer 104 (discharge unit) for discharging the card (recording medium) received by the card reader / writer 104 (storage medium receiving unit);
A control unit 100 (restricting means) for restricting discharge of the card (recording medium) by the card reader / writer 104 (discharge means);
With
By restricting the discharge of the card (recording medium) by the control unit 100 (restricting means), it becomes possible to display the consumption amount and transmit the predetermined signal (CR connection signal).

  With such a configuration, a predetermined function of the gaming machine 3 (a function related to game progress) becomes effective on the condition that the discharge of the card (recording medium) is restricted, so that both the player and the game hall manager are active. It is conceivable to limit the discharge of cards (recording media). Further, when the discharge of the card (recording medium) is restricted, a display regarding the amount of consumption is performed. That is, by actively discharging the card (recording medium), it is possible to actively display the amount of money consumed. In this way, by actively displaying the consumption amount, it is possible to encourage the player to reduce gambling, so that it is beneficial to the player and the game hall manager, and the game medium handling device 1 and A server device 2 can be provided.

In addition, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 (game device) according to the fourth embodiment are:
A touch panel LCD 16 (input means) for inputting a personal identification number (authentication information);
The predetermined signal (CR connection signal) is a signal for enabling a function related to the game progress of the gaming machine 3;
The control unit 100 (limitation unit) limits the discharge of the card (recording medium) when the password (authentication information) is input by the touch panel LCD 16 (input unit).

  With such a configuration, a CR connection signal is transmitted from the game medium handling device 1 on condition that a personal identification number is input to the touch panel LCD 16 and card lock is performed (return of the card is restricted). When a CR connection signal is transmitted from the game medium handling device 1, a game can be played on the gaming machine 3 and a consumption amount can be displayed. Thus, when the player plays a game, the card is always locked, and the consumption amount is displayed. That is, when a player plays a game, the player can visually recognize the consumption amount. Thereby, the player can always grasp the amount of money used (consumed) in the game, so that excessive consumption of the amount can be suppressed, and the reduction of euphoria can be promoted.

  Thus, since it is possible to promote a reduction in the player's happiness, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 are beneficial to the player. In addition, by urging the player to reduce gambling, it can be expected that the player will play the game again later. That is, since the player can expect to play a game not only for one day but for a long period of time, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 are beneficial to the game hall manager. Thus, a beneficial gaming device can be provided by the configuration of the gaming medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 (gaming device) according to the fourth embodiment.

  Although the fourth embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

  For example, in the fourth embodiment, the game medium handling device 1 and the server device 2 are illustrated as an embodiment of the game device according to the present invention. However, the game device according to the present invention is a game medium handling device. The present invention is not limited to the device 1 and the server device 2. The gaming apparatus according to the present invention only needs to constitute a pachinko gaming unit or a pachislot gaming unit.

  Moreover, although the CR connection signal is illustrated as an embodiment of the predetermined signal according to the present invention, the predetermined signal according to the present invention is not limited to the CR connection signal. As long as the predetermined signal according to the present invention enables a predetermined function (for example, a function for playing a game or a function for renting a game medium) to the gaming machine that has received the signal, Good. In addition, the predetermined signal according to the present invention is not limited to the signal input from the game medium handling device 1 to the gaming machine 3. The predetermined signal according to the present invention may be input to the gaming machine 3 from each of the display devices 4, the server device 2, and the like.

  Moreover, although the function for performing a game is illustrated as a predetermined function which the gaming machine according to the present invention is effective, the predetermined function is not limited to the function for performing a game. The predetermined function enabled by the gaming machine according to the present invention may be, for example, a function for renting game media.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, when the card lock is performed, the consumption amount and the remaining amount are displayed without requiring the player's operation regarding the consumption amount display. The structure which requires an operator's operation may be sufficient.
In the fourth embodiment, when the card lock is performed, the consumption amount and the remaining amount are always displayed until the card return process is performed, but (even if the card return process is not performed). The configuration may be such that it is not displayed by a player's operation.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a so-called enclosed gaming machine. Hereinafter, the configuration of the enclosed game machine 3 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship among the enclosed game machine 3, the game medium handling device 1, and the server device 2, and the configuration of the game machine 3 and the like is simplified as necessary.

  The enclosed game machine 3 includes various processing units in a space closed from the outside. The enclosed game machine 3 has a configuration in which a player can play a game without actually touching the game medium (a configuration in which a game is played using a game medium enclosed in the game machine 3).

  In the enclosed game machine 3, a game bet and a payout based on a game result are performed using game medium data without an entity. Further, the management of the number of loans that increase / decrease in accordance with the number of bets and the number of payouts of the technical media data and the acceptance of the bets are performed by the game media handling device 1 isolated from the enclosed game machine 3. Thereby, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts on the enclosed game machine 3 rather than the gaming system in which the management of the number of loans and the acceptance of bets are performed in the gaming machine 3 as in the past.

  In the gaming system, data communication between the enclosed game machine 3 and the game medium handling device 1 is realized by the optical fiber 931. More specifically, the enclosed gaming machine 3 includes a gaming machine side connection terminal plate 351 that is connected to the bet processing unit and the payout processing unit in the main board and transmits and receives data as an optical signal. In addition, the game medium handling device 1 includes a handling device side connection terminal plate 151 that is connected to the lending processing unit and transmits and receives data as an optical signal. The gaming machine side connection terminal plate 351 and the handling device side connection terminal plate 151 are connected by an optical fiber 931 so that game related data and signals composed of various data can be transmitted and received.

  Further, in the gaming system, a relay connection terminal plate 152 is disposed between the encapsulated gaming machine 3 and the server device 2, and each communication path is configured by optical fibers 932 and 933. That is, the external concentration terminal plate 352 of the gaming machine 3 is connected to the relay connection terminal plate 152 of the game medium handling device 1 via the optical fiber 932 so that data communication is possible in one direction. The relay connection terminal board 152 is connected to the server apparatus 2 via the optical fiber 933 and can transmit data from the external concentration terminal board 352 to the external server apparatus 2 in one direction. As a result, the enclosed game machine 3 transmits data from the external concentrated terminal board 352 to the server apparatus 2 via the relay connection terminal board 152 of the game medium handling apparatus 1.

  According to the above configuration, the gaming system manages various data transmitted from the game processing unit of the main board in the enclosed game machine 3 via the external concentration terminal board 352 for managing the bets in the game medium handling apparatus 1. It can be used.

  Even in such a configuration, for example, the enclosed game machine 3 has a predetermined function (a function for performing a game) by a predetermined signal (for example, CR connection signal) received by data communication via the optical fiber 931. By adopting a valid configuration, the gaming machine 3 can be used as a gaming machine according to the present invention. The enclosed game machine 3 as described above is an embodiment of a so-called enclosed game machine. That is, as the gaming machine according to the present invention, various types of enclosed gaming machines can be used.

Although communication is performed via an optical fiber as a communication path, the communication path is not limited to this, and various communication paths such as serial communication, parallel communication, and wireless communication can be employed. In addition, the player performs the card lock operation to perform the card lock. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the card lock may be performed on condition that the card is inserted or the identification information is received.
By controlling in this way, when an IC card is received, the card is not erroneously inserted. However, in the case of a gaming device capable of receiving a plurality of identification information, the card is received when the IC card is received. There is no need to lock. In this case, it is possible to perform control so that the card is locked according to the card insertion or card lock operation as usual.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the display relating to the consumption amount is performed in the gaming device including the gaming medium handling device 1, the server device 2, and the display units 4, but other than that, each of the gaming media handling device 1 is displayed. Peripheral devices that have independent functions, specifically peripheral devices such as sand, CR units, replay machines, counters for each unit, and hall computers can also be handled as gaming devices. The display relating to the amount of consumption may be executed in the gaming apparatus. Further, in these gaming devices, the following functions may be executed.

Gaming devices (especially CR units) are storage media used for non-members (visitor card, mobile link, etc.) and storage media used for members (member card, mobile link, etc.) As for the processing based on the above condition, the processing may be executable even when any storage medium is accepted (used as a condition).
When a non-member storage medium is received, age authentication may be performed, and then control may be performed to display the consumption amount and output the game history. At that time, by using an application common to other stores (such as an application that can be used in common at a game hall managed by the same company), the player can refer to the consumption amount and game history on the mobile phone. It is also possible to control it.
In addition, not only the player but also an administrator who manages the game hall (the administrator may be assigned the authority of data that can be referred to for each administrator) can use the store common application to store the game history. You may enable output and browsing.
When the member's storage medium is received, control may be performed so as to start displaying the consumption amount or outputting the game history by self-declaration (operation on the game device, report to the store clerk, etc.). The consumption amount and game history may be viewable using a store common application.
The above-described consumption amount display and game history output processing may be executed in response to card lock.
It is also possible to control so that the player can set a value to be the upper limit amount.

In addition, the gaming device has the following five functions in order to cope with a problem related to the dependence of the player on the game.
(1) Consumption amount management The gaming device displays the player's consumption amount as in the above-described embodiment, thereby suppressing the player's consumption amount and reducing gambling.

(2) Management of Game Time The gaming device manages the game time of the player, thereby suppressing the player's consumption amount and gambling.
When managing the game time, the game time is estimated based on the number of balls the player has struck (number of medals used, number of balls, number of game media converted into electronic data, etc.) A warning or notification that is output on the condition that the consumption amount consumed by the player when the management has been performed reaches the upper limit amount is executed according to the game time.
The content of the warning or notification is not particularly limited as long as it promotes suppression of the player's consumption amount and suppression of gambling. This can be executed even if the game hall manager issues a warning to the player, so the game hall manager may prompt the warning or notification to be issued. It may be included in the warning or notification.
Note that the number of outs and the number of uses in the pachinko gaming machine may be output from the gaming machine or counted by an outbox.
The number of INs and the number of uses in the pachislot and slot game machines may be output from the game machine or may be the number of medals supplied.
The number of game media used for calculating the game time is not limited to the IN number and the out number, and may be calculated using various values such as the number of payouts and the number of counts. In addition, a unit, server, or other device may be provided with a time measuring means such as a total of a series of game time from the time of card lock execution to the time of card return, or until the game is stopped for a predetermined time, and may be calculated by measuring time. .
In addition, the upper limit game time of a player who is targeted for the player himself or his / her family may be set in the unit, by the Internet, oral declaration, setting on the server, or the like. In that case, when the game time calculated by the above-mentioned means reaches the upper limit game time, an alert is output, the game is disabled, or the game hall manager is notified of the fact that the upper limit has been reached. You may do it.
It is also possible to control so that the player can set a value that is the upper limit of the game time.

(3) Store Visit Management The gaming device controls the player's consumption and gambling by managing the player visit count.
The player's number of visits to the store is calculated from the amount of money used by the player at the game hall (date consumed, time consumed, etc.). In addition, it is possible to manage the visit of the player by facial authentication, it may be calculated from the use of the visitor card, the use of the membership card, use of the application function and location information (use of the navigation system, etc.) It may be the number of times in the store by calculating the number of store visits by short-range wireless communication.
In addition, the upper limit number of visits of a player who is targeted for the player himself or his / her family may be performed in the unit, by the Internet, oral declaration, setting on the server, or the like. In that case, when the number of visits calculated by the above means reaches the maximum number of visits, an alert is output, the game is disabled, entry is restricted, or the game hall manager is notified, etc. You may make it notify that it did.
It is also possible to control so that the player can set a value that is the upper limit of the number of visits to the store.

(4) Automatic detection of problem gaming conditions A gaming machine gives a player a game machine by using the amount of money, game time, and number of visits in addition to the number of payouts, number of outs, and number of INs By controlling the gambling characteristics or by digitizing the degree of dependence of the player and setting various conditions, control is performed so that the problematic gaming machine and the player can be identified.

(5) Notification to third-party organizations, etc. The gaming device is a gaming machine and / or game that meets the conditions set from the above-mentioned various elements (consumption amount, game time, number of visits, problem game conditions, etc.). To notify the third party to the third party.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game media handling apparatus 2 Server apparatus 3 Game machine 3a Pachinko machine 3b Pachislot machine 104 Card reader / writer 301b Main control part 305 Discharge control part 100 Control part

Claims (2)

A gaming device connected to a gaming machine that activates a predetermined function upon receiving a predetermined signal,
Transmitting means for transmitting the predetermined signal;
A storage medium receiving means capable of receiving a storage medium;
Discharging means for discharging the storage medium received by the storage medium receiving means;
Limiting means for limiting discharge of the storage medium by the discharging means;
With
A game device characterized in that when the storage means limits the discharge of the storage medium, it is possible to display the amount of consumption and transmit the predetermined signal. An input means for inputting authentication information;
The predetermined signal is a signal for enabling a function related to game progress of the gaming machine,
The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting unit restricts discharge of the storage medium when the authentication information is input by the input unit.

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