JP2019017740A - Game system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game system capable of supporting a business form limited to members.SOLUTION: A game system 1 includes: payment receiving means provided in correspondence with each of game machines 21 and receiving payment by a player; lending processing means which is provided in correspondence with each of the game machines 21 and performs lending processing for lending game value within a range of payment amount received by the payment receiving means; payment balance processing means which can receive a membership card 101 or a general card 102 and performs payment balance processing for associating the membership card 101 or the general card 102 being received with the payment balance as a player performs return operation; and mode setting means setting either a first mode permitting both the membership card 101 and general card 102 as an object with which the payment balance is associated or a second mode permitting the membership card 101 only as an object with which the payment balance is associated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming system.

  In conventional game halls, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 below, it is issued to general recording media issued to an unspecified number of players and to players who have performed membership registration procedures. A gaming apparatus that can use both membership recording media is generally used. Specifically, for example, a player who wants to use a service for a member such as a storage ball receives a member recording medium after issuing a membership registration and uses the member recording medium on a game device, while a service for a member is used. Unwanted players often use general recording media.

JP2015-1000045A

  However, there is a problem that, depending on the amusement hall, there is a problem that it is not possible to meet a demand for adopting a sales form in which only a registered player can play a game for the purpose of securing fixed customers.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a gaming system that is compatible with member-limited sales forms.

  The game system according to the present invention includes a lending processing unit that lends a game value within a range of a deposit amount by a player, and a deposit balance processing unit that associates a deposit balance with a member recording medium or a general recording medium. In this gaming system, the first mode in which both the member recording medium and the general recording medium are allowed and the second mode in which only the member recording medium is allowed can be selectively set as objects to be associated with the deposit balance. . When the second mode is set, the deposit balance processing is executed only when a member recording medium is accepted.

  In the gaming system of the present invention, when the second mode is set, it is necessary for the player to perform a member registration procedure in order to take out the deposit balance, so that it is possible to realize a sales form substantially limited to members only. In this gaming system, even when the second mode is set, since it is not necessary to be a member at the time of depositing, even a non-member can start a game, and the operating rate of the gaming machine is greatly reduced. There is no fear.

  As described above, the gaming system of the present invention is an excellent characteristic system that can realize a business form that is substantially limited to members without significantly reducing the operating rate of gaming machines.

The system diagram which shows the structure of the system for games. The front view which shows the combination of a game machine and a count rental unit. The block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a count rental unit. The perspective view which shows a card registration machine. The block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a card registration machine. The block diagram which shows the electrical structure of a tablet terminal. The figure which illustrates member registration data which a management device manages. The figure which illustrates the member registration total data which a management apparatus totals.

The embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the following examples.
Example 1
This example is an example related to the gaming system 1 that is compatible with a member-only sales form that is a player who has performed a membership registration procedure for a game hall in which a plurality of gaming machines 21 are installed. The contents will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The game hall in FIG. 1 is an example of a game hall in which a game system 1 is introduced. This game hall issues a membership card 101 which is an example of a membership recording medium that proves membership to a player who has performed a predetermined membership registration procedure. In the amusement hall, a counting lending unit 3 and the like are installed as a gaming device that provides a predetermined member service to a player on condition that the membership card 101 is used.

  In the amusement hall, for the gaming machines 21 such as pachinko machines and slot machines, the counting and lending unit 3 that executes the counting and lending of game values such as balls and medals, the game information display device 23 that has the function of a calling lamp, etc. Are installed separately. In addition, a relay device 29 that relays transmission / reception of game signals and game data is provided for each of the two gaming machines 21. The game information display device 23 is a device that is individually attached above each gaming machine 21 and that can display game information indicating the operating status of the corresponding gaming machine 21. The game information display device 23 includes a liquid crystal display unit composed of a large liquid crystal display, a call button for calling an employee, a lamp unit that emits light in response to an operation of the call button, and the like.

  In the prize exchange counter (not shown) in the amusement hall, in addition to the prize exchange terminal 27 for exchanging the coins for prizes, a card registration machine 5 for registering the membership card 101 is installed. A management device 20 for centrally managing the operation status of various devices in the hall is installed. On the island edge of the gaming island where the gaming machines 21 are arranged, a settlement machine 25 is installed to settle the deposit balance of the gaming card 10 such as the membership card 101 into cash. In addition, for example, an employee at a floor in a game hall carries a tablet terminal 4 for performing temporary member registration (temporary registration).

  In the amusement hall, a network 200 such as a wired LAN to which the management device 20 is communicably connected is constructed. The gaming machine 21 is connected to the on-site network 200 via the relay device 29 together with the corresponding game information display device 23 and the counting lending unit 3. The relay device 29 realizes data communication between the counting / lending unit 3 and the gaming machine 21 and performs various data communications between the gaming machine 21 side including the counting / lending unit 3 and the management device 20. Realize. In addition, devices such as the gift exchange terminal 27, the payment machine 25, the card registration machine 5 and the like are connected to the on-site network 200 so as to communicate with each other. The tablet terminal 4 can be wirelessly connected to the on-site network 200 via an access point (AP) 201 of a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi installed on the on-site network 200.

  The game card 10 handled by the game system 1 is issued to a general card 102 which is a general recording medium issued to an unspecified number of players and a player who has performed a predetermined member registration procedure. There is a membership card 101 which is a membership recording medium.

In addition to the card ID that is the card identification information, the general card 102 records the deposit balance and the number of balls that are the number of game values (balls) that the player has acquired on the day as card record information. While the deposit balance recorded on the general card 102 can be used after the next day, the number of possessions is valid only on that day.
In addition to the card ID, which is card identification information, the deposit balance is recorded on the member card 101, while the number of possessed balls is not recorded. In addition to the number of possessed balls, the number of stored balls, which is the quantity of game value deposited by the member before the day, is stored and managed by the management device 20 without being recorded on the member card 101. The deposit balance recorded on the membership card 101, the number of stored balls managed by the management device 20, and the like can be used from the next day. In addition, the number of balls that have not been settled at the end of the business day of the day is automatically accumulated and added to the number of accumulated balls.

  The registration status of the membership card 101 in the management device 20 includes a main registration status (main registration), a registered status, a temporary registration status before the main registration, and an unregistered status. The unregistered member card is prepared in a free gift exchange counter in which the card registration machine 5 is installed, and is possessed by an employee carrying a tablet terminal 4 capable of temporarily registering a member. An unregistered membership card cannot be used, and at least provisional registration is required to use the membership card 101.

  Next, the management device 20, the counting / lending unit 3, the gift exchange terminal 27, the card registration machine 5, the checkout machine 25, and the tablet terminal 4, which are examples of devices constituting the gaming system 1, will be described. In the gaming system 1 of the present example, devices such as the counting / lending unit 3, the gift exchange terminal 27, and the checkout machine 25 provide an example of a gaming device that provides member services for members on the condition that the membership card 101 is used. There is no.

(Management device)
As described above, the management device 20 (FIG. 1) is a device for centrally managing the operating status of various devices in the game arcade. The management device 20 has a function as a member data server that stores member information including personal information of a player who has registered as a member in the game hall.

  The management device 20 includes an output unit including a PC monitor 20M such as a liquid crystal display and a printer (not shown), an apparatus main body that executes various arithmetic processes, and an input unit including a keyboard and a mouse (not shown). The apparatus main body has a control function centered on a CPU that executes arithmetic processing, a storage function that uses a hard disk drive, ROM / RAM, and the like, and a communication function that transmits and receives various signals or information.

The management apparatus 20 has functions as the following means, for example, when a CPU executes a software program read from a hard disk drive.
(1) Member registration data storage means: means for storing information relating to members registered (including provisional registration) in the game hall. Member registration data storage means includes member information including personal information such as name and date of birth, information indicating that provisional registration has been completed (temporary registration information), and information indicating that registration has been completed (main registration information) ) And the card ID (identification information) of the member card 101, which is an example of the member recording medium, is stored in association with (string) as member registration data (member registration information). The contents of the member registration data will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
(2) Member registration data totaling means: means for totalizing member registration data and generating member registration total data representing the membership registration status of the game hall. The contents of the member registration total data will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
(3) Member registration total data storage means: means for storing member registration total data.
(4) Card management information storage means: means for storing card management information such as a card type, a deposit balance and the number of balls to be described later in association with a card ID which is identification information of the member card 101 or the general card 102.
(5) Card authentication means: means for authenticating the game card 10 received by the game device such as the counting / lending unit 3. The card authentication means collates the card record information read from the game card 10 by the gaming device such as the counting / lending unit 3 with the card management information stored in the card management information storage means. When the card authentication information can be compared with the card management information, the card authentication means returns card permission information indicating permission to use the game card 10 to the sender of the card recording information. This card permission information includes card management information such as a card type, a deposit balance, and the number of possessions.
(6) Mode setting means: The normal mode (first mode) that allows both the member card 101 (member recording medium) and the general card 102 (general recording medium), and only the member card 101 as objects to be associated with the deposit balance. Means for setting one of the member-restricted modes (second mode) to be allowed. The management device 20 can designate a machine number of a specific gaming machine 21 by a predetermined setting switching operation on a mode setting screen (not shown) displayed on the PC monitor 20M, and the count lending unit 3 attached to the gaming machine 21 can be designated. It is possible to set a normal mode or a member-only mode for.

(Counter lending unit)
As shown in FIG. 1, the counting lending unit 3 is installed in a space between the adjacent gaming machines 21 so as to individually correspond to the gaming machines 21. The counting / lending unit 3 shown in FIG. 1 for a pachinko machine has a function of paying out balls for gaming, a function of counting balls acquired by the player, a function of accepting gaming cards 10 and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, on the front surface of the counting lending unit 3, on the front surface of the counting lending unit 3, a bill insertion slot 32 into which a bill to be paid is paid, a touch panel display 33 for displaying the deposit balance, the number of held balls, etc. A payout button 34 for paying back the balls from the holding balls or storage balls, a payout nozzle 35 for supplying the balls to the upper plate 210 of the gaming machine 21, and a card insertion slot 36 for inserting the game card 10 are provided. In addition, the deposit balance used as a consideration for the balls to be lent (the balls to be rented) is the remaining amount of money that is not consumed as money for the balls out of the bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 32. This is the number of balls acquired and counted on the day.

  A counting unit 37 for counting balls is provided at the lowermost part of the counting lending unit 3. A hollow duct 371 extends from the counting portion 37, and a counting tray 372 for receiving the balls that have flowed down from the lower tray 212 of the gaming machine 21 is attached to the distal end side of the hollow duct 371. When the slide lever of the lower plate 212 is operated, balls flow from the lower plate 212 to the counting tray 372 and are supplied to the counting unit 37 via the hollow duct 371.

  A game card 10 such as a membership card 101 or a general card 102 can be inserted into the card insertion slot 36. As described above, the member card 101 is a game card issued to a player who has registered as a member (including provisional registration). The general card 102 is a game card issued when a deposit balance or a possession ball remains at the end of the game.

  In addition, as an operation button for causing the counting lending unit 3 to execute a predetermined operation, there is an operation button installed in the corresponding gaming machine 21. The lending button 214 for paying out the balls from the payout mechanism of the gaming machine 21 and the return button 215 for returning or issuing the gaming card 10 to the counting lending unit 3 are the outer peripheral edge of the upper plate 210 of the gaming machine 21 It is arrange | positioned on the upper surface of.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the counting / lending unit 3 is electrically configured around a control unit 30 including a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an I / O 304, and the like. In addition to the above-described configuration, the control unit 30 includes an I / F unit 38 that interfaces with an external device, a bill processing unit 321 that detects the type of inserted bills, and a liquid crystal display unit 331 that configures a touch panel display 33. And a touch screen sheet 332, a card reader / writer 362 for reading and writing the gaming card 10 inserted into the card insertion slot 36, a card stock section 363 for stocking up to 10 general cards 102 for new issuance, and payout for lending balls etc. A part 341, a counting part 37 for counting counting balls, and the like are electrically connected.

The card reader / writer 362 realizes a function as card ID reading means for reading a card ID (identification information) recorded on the game card 10.
When the general card 102 in the card stock unit 363 is exhausted, the counting / lending unit 3 is in an error state, and this is displayed on the state display unit 31. After that, when the general card 102 is replenished by the employee and the count lending unit 3 returns to the normal state, the error display by the state display unit 31 ends.

  The counting lending unit 3 is connected to the corresponding gaming machine 21 and the gaming information display device 23 via the relay device 29 so as to be communicable. Further, the counting / lending unit 3 can exchange various information with the management device 20 via the relay device 29 connected to the on-site network 200.

The counting lending unit 3 has functions as the following means.
(1) Deposit means: Means provided corresponding to each gaming machine 2 and accepting a deposit by the player.
(2) Lending processing means: means for executing lending processing for lending a ball, which is an example of game value, within the range of the deposit amount received by the depositing means, provided corresponding to each gaming machine 2.
(3) Deposit balance processing means: The member card 101 (member recording medium) and the general card 102 (general recording medium) can be received, and the balance of the deposit amount with respect to the member card 101 or the general card 102 being received is received. Means for executing a deposit balance process for associating a deposit balance to be shown.
(4) Mode setting means: The normal mode (first mode) that allows both the member card 101 (member recording medium) and the general card 102 (general recording medium), and only the member card 101 as objects to be associated with the deposit balance. Means for setting one of the member-restricted modes (second mode) to be allowed. In addition, in the count lending unit 3, when a predetermined maintenance code is input on the touch panel display 33, a mode setting screen (not shown) can be displayed on the touch panel display 33, and it is usually performed by a predetermined setting switching operation on the mode setting screen. Either mode or member-only mode can be set.
(5) Card accepting means: means for executing accepting processing for the game card 10 inserted into the card insertion slot 36. The card receiving means transmits card record information such as a card ID and a deposit balance recorded on the game card 10 to the management device 20 via the relay device 29. Upon receiving the card permission information from the management device 20 side, the card receiving means receives the game card 10 so that it can be used.
(6) Card processing means: means for executing a lending process for lending balls using the game card 10 or a payout process for paying back balls. The lending process by the card processing means is a process of lending balls within the range of the deposit balance recorded on the game card 10. The payout process by the card processing means is a process of paying out balls within the range of the number of possessed balls recorded in the game card 10 or the number of possessed balls or the number of stored balls included in the card permission information received from the management device 20.

(Premium exchange terminal)
The prize exchange terminal 27 (FIG. 1) executes a prize exchange process based on the number of possessed balls recorded on the general card 102 or the number of possessed balls / the number of stored balls managed by the management apparatus 20 corresponding to the member card 101. Terminal. The prize exchange terminal 27 of this example is externally attached with a card unit 275 that can read and write the game card 10 and can input numbers using a numeric keypad.

  The prize exchange terminal 27 transmits the card record information recorded on the game card 10 to the management device 20 via the relay device 29 as with the counting / lending unit 3. When the card authorization information can be received from the management device 20 side, the game card 10 is accepted to be usable, and the number of possessions recorded in the game card 10 or the possession balls included in the card authorization information received from the management device 20 The prize exchange by the number and the number of stored balls etc. is enabled.

  In the case of the registered membership card 101 that can use the savings service, if there is the number of savings managed by the management device 20, the prize exchange using the number of savings is possible on condition that the PIN number is input. become. This storage service is a member service limited to the registered member card 101 and cannot be used with the member card 101 that is only temporarily registered. Such a registered member-only service is a motivation for full registration.

(Card registration machine)
4 and 5 is an apparatus that reads the unregistered or provisionally registered member card 101 and executes the main registration process. The card registration machine 5 performs a process for main registration of the member card 101 when a predetermined main registration transfer operation is performed in a state where the card ID (identification information) is read from the temporarily registered or unregistered member card 101. Run.

  A plurality of card registration machines 5 are installed on a prize counter or the like in the game hall so that a player who wishes to register as a member can use it. As shown in FIG. 4, on the front side of the front side of the casing that is long in the depth direction, a status lamp portion 51 for displaying a card acceptance status and a card insertion slot 53 are arranged vertically. On the back side of the upper surface, a touch panel display 55 capable of color display is disposed so as to be inclined obliquely upward.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the card registration device 5 is electrically configured around a control unit 52 including a CPU 521, ROM 522, RAM 523, I / O 524, and the like. For the control unit 52, an I / F unit 531, a card reader / writer (card RW) 533 for reading and writing the membership card 101 inserted from the card insertion port 53, a liquid crystal display unit 551, a touch screen sheet 552, a status lamp unit 51 etc. are electrically connected. The card registration machine 5 of this example is connected to the management apparatus 20 through the I / F unit 531 in a communicable state.

(Adjustment machine)
The checkout machine 25 (FIG. 1) is a device for paying back to the player cash equivalent to the deposit balance recorded on the game card 10 such as the general card 102 or the membership card 101. The checkout machine 25 is installed facing a passage in the game hall such as an island edge of the game island. On the front face of the settlement machine 25, a touch panel display capable of touch operation, an operation panel provided with a numeric keypad, a card insertion slot, a bill payout outlet, a coin payout outlet, and the like are arranged. When paying out the deposit balance, the management device 20 authenticates the game card 10 and checks the deposit balance recorded on the game card 10 as in the case of the counting / lending unit 3 and the prize exchange terminal 27. If there is no problem, cash will be refunded.

(Tablet terminal)
The tablet terminal 4 of FIG. 1 is a communication terminal carried by an employee to temporarily register and issue an unregistered member card in response to input of temporary registration information necessary for temporary registration of members. The tablet terminal 4 includes a touch panel display 45 that can perform a touch operation, and also has a Wi-Fi communication function, and can perform wireless data communication with the management apparatus 20 via the access point 201.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the tablet terminal 4 is electrically configured around a control unit 42 including a CPU 421, a ROM 422, a RAM 423, an I / O 424, and the like. For the control unit 42, the wireless communication unit 431 that enables data communication with the management device 20, the liquid crystal display unit 451 and the touch screen sheet 452 that constitute the touch panel display 45, and the data recorded on the membership card 101 are read. A non-contact IC reader 460 or the like is connected. A card reading surface (not shown) by the non-contact IC reader 460 is provided on the back surface of the tablet terminal 4.

The tablet terminal 4 has functions as the following means.
(1) Member information input means: means for inputting member information necessary for temporary registration. The member information input means displays a member information input screen (not shown) on the touch panel display 45 together with the screen keyboard, and enables input by a touch operation with a fingertip or the like.
(2) Temporary registration information transmitting means: means for transmitting temporary registration information necessary for temporary registration of members to the management apparatus 20. The temporary registration information transmission means transmits the member information input using the above-mentioned member information input screen together with the card ID (identification information) read from the unregistered member card as temporary registration information.
(3) Member recording medium issuing means: means capable of issuing the member card 101 (member recording medium) after executing member registration processing for associating predetermined member information with an unregistered member card (member recording medium). After the provisional registration information is transmitted by the provisional registration information transmitting means, the provisionally registered member card 101 can be issued.

  Next, the operation content of the gaming system 1 configured as described above will be described. First, (A) management data of the management apparatus 20 which is data managed by the management apparatus 20 regarding member registration will be described, and then (B) operation of the counting lending unit 3 and (C) membership registration procedure will be described. To do.

(A) Management Data of Management Device 20 The management device 20 stores and manages the member registration data (FIG. 7) of each member, and totals the member registration total data (FIG. 8) representing the trend of member registration. Are managed.
In the member registration data illustrated in FIG. 7, the card ID of the member card 101 is a member number identifying the member. It is treated as. Each member stores and manages the provisional registration flag and the flag data of the main registration flag in addition to the items to be entered in the application form such as a personal identification number, date of birth and name.

  The temporary registration flag is a flag representing the history of temporary registration. The main registration flag is a flag representing a history of main registration. The management device 20 stores the temporary registration flag (F) when temporarily registered, and stores the main registration flag (F) when the main registration is performed. According to the member registration data illustrated in FIG. It can be seen that the member of (card ID) “00000001” has made a temporary registration and has shifted to the main registration. Also, for example, the member No. As for the member of “00000002”, it can be seen that the provisional registration has not been performed yet and the real registration has not been performed yet. For this member who has not registered yet, data such as name is not registered. Furthermore, for example, member No. It can be seen that the member “00000003” is directly registered by new registration at the card registration machine 5 without going through temporary registration.

  Further, the management device 20 collects and manages the member registration total data illustrated in FIG. By referring to this member registration total data, it is possible to grasp the trend of member registration, such as the utilization rate of temporary registration using the tablet terminal 4, with high accuracy. The total items of this member registration total data are as follows.

Total number of registrations = the number of members in which at least one of the temporary registration flag and the main registration flag is stored.
-Temporary registration number = number of members in which the temporary registration flag is stored.
・ The number of main registrations = the number of members in which the main registration flag is stored.
-Number of untransferred cases = number of members for which the temporary registration flag is stored but the main registration flag is not stored.
Number of direct registrations = the number of members in which the temporary registration flag is not stored but only the main registration flag is stored.
・ Temporary registration rate = Temporary registration number / Total registration number ・ Main registration transfer rate = (Temporary registration number-Number of untransferred) / Temporary registration number ・ Direct registration rate = Direct registration number / Total registration number

  Next, (B) the operation of the counting / lending unit 3 in the gaming system 1 and (C) the member registration procedure will be described. (B) The operation of the counting lending unit 3 will be described by dividing into (B1) basic operation under the normal mode and (B2) operation under the member-limited mode. (C) Member registration procedures will be described separately in (C1) member registration via provisional registration and (C2) member registration by new registration in the card registration machine 5.

(B) Operation of Count Lending Unit 3 The operation of the count lending unit 3 regarding the handling of the game card 10 differs depending on whether the operation mode is the normal mode or the member limited mode. Hereinafter, after explaining the basic operation of the counting lending unit 3 in the normal mode, the handling of the game card 10 in the member-limited mode will be explained.

(B1) Basic operation in normal mode When the bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 32, the counting lending unit 3 stores the deposit amount as a deposit balance and displays the number of loans that can be lent (number of times: 125 balls) as a touch panel. The state is displayed on the display 33, and a state in which the payout of the ball is possible is set.

  When the game card 10 is inserted into the card insertion slot 36, the counting / lending unit 3 reads out card record information such as a card ID, transmits it to the management device 20 via the relay device 29, and waits for a reply of the card permission information. . Then, the count lending unit 3 accepts the game card 10 in response to the reception of the card permission information.

  As described above, the card permission information returned by the management device 20 includes card types such as “general card”, “mainly registered member card”, and “temporarily registered member card”, deposit balance, number of possessions, etc. Contains card management information. The counting / lending unit 3 displays the deposit balance corresponding to the game card 10, the number of possession balls, etc. on the touch panel display 33, and enables payout of balls by lending or payout. In the case of the registered membership card 101 that can use the savings service, the number of savings is also displayed on condition that the password is entered.

  During the insertion of the game card 10, the type and registration status of the game card 10 are displayed on the status display unit 31. Specifically, the status display unit 31 displays which of the general card 102, the provisionally registered member card 101, and the main registered member card 101 is. Further, when the inserted membership card 101 is in a temporarily registered state, a message that recommends regular registration is displayed on the touch panel display 33.

  When the lending button 214 provided on the gaming machine 21 side is operated in a state in which the lending available level corresponding to the deposit balance is displayed, the counting lending unit 3 seems to pay out 125 balls at a time. The payout mechanism included in the gaming machine 21 is controlled. When the balls are paid out, the price is deducted from the deposit balance, and the remaining lentable frequency display on the touch panel display 33 is updated.

  In the state where the number of possessed balls or the number of stored balls is displayed, the balls can be paid out from the retained balls or the stored balls according to the operation of the payout button 34. 125 balls can be paid out in response to one operation of the payout button 34, and the number of held balls or the number of stored balls displayed on the touch panel display 33 is subtracted and updated in accordance with the payout. In addition, in the state where both the number of balls and the number of balls are displayed, the balls are paid out preferentially.

  The counting lending unit 3 can count the balls acquired by the player. When the slide lever of the lower tray 212 of the gaming machine 21 is operated and the balls of the lower tray 212 are caused to flow down to the counting tray 372 and supplied to the counting section 37, the counting lending unit 3 detects the supplied balls and starts counting. To do. The counted number of balls is added to the number of balls, and the display of the number of balls on the touch panel display 33 is updated.

  After the game is finished, when the return button 215 provided in the gaming machine 21 is operated, the counting and lending unit 3 returns or newly issues the game card 10. In the case of a game using the game card 10, in response to the operation of the return button 215, the game card 10 in which the deposit balance at that time is recorded is returned. On the other hand, in the case of a game in which the game card 10 is not inserted, the general card 102 is paid out from the card stock unit 363 according to the operation of the return button 215, and the deposit balance and the number of balls are newly issued. When the game card 10 is returned or issued, card record information such as the deposit balance and the number of balls is transmitted to the management device 20 together with the card ID. Note that the number of balls stored when the return button 215 is operated is not recorded in the game card 10 but managed on the management device 20 side in association with the card ID.

(B2) Operation under the member-limited mode The operation mode of the count lending unit 3 is changed from the normal mode to the member-limited mode by the setting switching operation in the management device 20 or the count lending unit 3 having the function as the mode setting means. Can be switched to. The management device 20 can switch the operation mode of the corresponding counting lending unit 3 by designating the machine number of the gaming machine 21 to be switched on the mode setting screen. Moreover, in the counting lending unit 3, as described above, the operation mode can be switched using the mode setting screen on which the maintenance code can be input and displayed.

  When operating in the member-limited mode, that is, when the member-limited mode (second mode) is set by the mode setting means, the counting / lending unit 3 as the deposit balance processing means uses the general card 102. Only when it is prohibited and the membership card 101 is received, the deposit balance processing is executed.

  In the member-limited mode, when the return button 215 (FIG. 2) is operated, if the registered card or the temporarily registered member card 101 has been inserted (accepted), the counting lending unit 3 receives the payment at that time. The balance is recorded on the membership card 101 and returned. Note that the return processing of the member card 101 in response to the operation of the return button 215 is the same as in the case of the basic operation under the above-described (B1) normal mode.

  In the count lending unit 3 of this example, even in the member-limited mode, it is possible to insert a banknote into the banknote slot 32 and receive a loan of cash as cash for the start of a game. Therefore, when the return button 215 is operated, a situation where the gaming card 10 is not accepted may occur. When the membership card 101 is not accepted, the deposit balance processing is not performed even if the return button 215 is operated, and the general card 102 is not newly issued. The touch panel display 33 displays that it is necessary to insert the membership card 101 in order to take out the deposit balance and the coins.

  When it is displayed that it is necessary to insert the membership card 101, the deposit balance processing is executed in response to the insertion of the registered or provisionally registered membership card 101, and the membership card 101 in which the deposit balance is recorded is returned. Can receive. When a general card 102 or an unregistered member card is inserted, the counting lending unit 3 does not execute the reception process and is immediately discharged. With respect to an unregistered member card, it is possible to execute the deposit balance processing by inserting it again after executing temporary registration with the tablet terminal 4 carried by the employee.

(C) Member Registration Procedure Member registration procedures include (C1) member registration via provisional registration and (C2) member registration by new registration with the card registration machine 5.

(C1) Member Registration via Temporary Registration Temporary registration is a registration process using the tablet terminal 4 carried by an employee. A player who desires temporary registration may request the following temporary registration processing from a floor staff who carries the tablet terminal 4 and possesses an unregistered membership card.

  When an unregistered member card comes close to a card reading surface (not shown), the tablet terminal 4 reads the card ID of the member card and switches the display on the touch panel display 45 to a member information input screen (not shown). The member information input screen is an input screen for provisional registration items (password, date of birth, gender, telephone number, etc.).

  Here, among the necessary items for provisional registration, for the date of birth, gender, telephone number, etc., the employee may input information obtained from the player. On the other hand, as for the personal identification number, for example, a personal identification number input screen (not shown) on which a numeric keypad or the like is arranged is displayed on the tablet terminal 4 and a number or the like may be input by the player's own touch operation. When the employee performs a predetermined registration operation on the tablet terminal 4 after inputting the necessary information, the tablet terminal 4 sends the necessary information (member information) for temporary registration to the management apparatus 20 together with the card ID of the member card 101 to be temporarily registered. Send. The management device 20 associates the card ID (with a string) and completes the temporary registration (member registration process) by storing the received member information (password, date of birth, gender, etc.), and temporarily registers A completion notification is returned to the tablet terminal 4.

  After confirming the completion of provisional registration by the provisional registration completion notification, the employee may hand the provisionally registered member card 101 to the player. At that time, it is recommended to notify the player that a predetermined application form is required for the main registration and that the application form can be submitted at the prize exchange counter in the game hall, thereby prompting the main registration at an early stage.

An application form for this registration is prepared at a gift exchange counter or the like. The temporary member player may fill out the application form and submit it to the employee of the gift exchange counter together with the provisionally registered member card 101. There are the following items to fill in the application form.
(Items to fill out the application form)
・ PIN code ・ Birth date ・ Gender ・ Name ・ Occupation ・ Address ・ Telephone number ・ Your favorite model

  When the employee of the gift exchange counter receives the completed application form from the player who has completed provisional registration, he / she inserts the provisionally registered member card 101 into the card registration machine 5 and inputs the application form entry items. This registration transfer operation including The card registration machine 5 that has received the main registration transfer operation transmits a main registration request signal to the management apparatus 20 together with input items such as the card ID, name, and address read from the inserted member card 101.

  On the management device 20 side, when the additional storage of the input items such as the name and address is successfully completed for the member registration data corresponding to the received card ID, the registration completion notification is returned. The card registration machine 5 that has received the reply of the main registration completion notification from the management device 20 side displays that the main registration of the inserted membership card 101 is completed and can be delivered to the player. The employee may confirm this display and hand over the registered membership card 101 to the player.

(C2) Member registration by new registration at the card registration machine 5 If you fill in the application form for the main registration and submit it to the employee of the gift exchange counter, you will be able to register the member by new registration without going through temporary registration. Is possible. Employees who have received a completed application form from a player who wishes to register newly insert an unregistered membership card into the card registration machine 5 and then enter the PIN number, date of birth, and gender entered on the application form. Enter your name, address and other details.

  Upon receiving such a new registration operation, the card registration machine 5 transmits a new registration request signal together with the card ID to the management apparatus 20. On the management device 20 side, when items such as name and address can be normally stored as member registration data corresponding to the card ID received together with the new registration request signal, a new registration completion notification is returned. The card registration machine 5 that has received the reply of the new registration completion notification from the management device 20 displays that the new registration of the inserted member card 101 is completed and can be delivered to the player. The employee can confirm this display and hand over the registered membership card 101 to the player.

  As described above, in the gaming system 1, for the counting lending unit 3, the normal mode in which both the membership card 101 and the general card 102 are permitted as the object to be associated with the deposit balance, and the member limitation in which only the membership card 101 is permitted. The mode can be selectively set. When the member limited mode is set, the deposit balance process can be executed only when the member card 101 is received by the counting / lending unit 3.

  In the gaming system 1 of this example, when the member-limited mode is set, it is necessary for the player to be registered as a member in order to take out the deposit balance, so that it is possible to realize a sales form substantially limited to members only. . On the other hand, in this gaming system 1, since it is not necessary to be a member at the time of depositing into the counting lending unit 3 even in the member-limited mode, the game can be started even if it is a non-member, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be increased. There is no risk of significant reduction. For such non-member players, taking out the deposit balance at the end of the game is a motivation for membership registration.

  As described above, the gaming system 1 of this example is a system having excellent characteristics capable of realizing a business form substantially limited to only members without greatly reducing the operating rate of gaming machines.

  The gaming system 1 of this example is a member recording medium issuing means capable of issuing a member card 101 after executing member registration processing for associating member information with an unregistered member card, which is carried by an employee. The tablet terminal 4 is included. If the tablet terminal 4 as a member recording medium issuing means is used, an employee can go to a player who wants to register as a member and perform temporary registration, and the player is temporarily registered while sitting in front of the gaming machine 21. The received membership card 101 can be received. Thus, the member registration can be promoted by reducing the trouble on the player side required at the time of member registration.

Instead of or in addition to the configuration of this example, the following configuration may be employed. Further, the following configurations may be combined as appropriate.
In this example, a member-limited mode is illustrated in which a game can be started by depositing even when the member card 101 is not accepted. Regarding the mode setting means, in addition to the normal mode that is the first mode and the member-limited mode A that is the second mode similar to the illustrated member-limited mode, a third mode that allows deposit only during reception of the member card 101. It is also possible to configure so that the member limited mode B which is a mode can be set. When the member-limited mode B, which is the third mode, is set, the counting / lending unit 3 as the deposit balance processing means may allow the deposit on condition that the member card 101 is accepted. good. In member-only mode B, non-member games are completely prohibited, so it is essential for non-member players to be issued a membership card 101 at the time prior to playing the game. Encourage players to register.

  In this example, as a condition for this registration, the submission of a predetermined application form in which necessary items are entered is set. The conditions for this registration are not limited to this. For example, a terminal may be brought into a game arcade for a player himself to perform the main registration procedure, and the main registration may be performed when necessary items are input at the terminal. A player possessing a provisionally registered member card 101 can shift from provisional registration to main registration by having the above terminal read the card ID of the member card 101 and performing a predetermined procedure.

  It may be configured such that provisional registration can be executed by the counting and lending unit 3 when an unregistered member card is inserted. For example, when an unregistered member card is inserted, the member information input screen may be switched and displayed on the touch panel display 33, and the input member information may be transmitted to the management device 20 via the relay device 29 together with the card ID. If the process of storing the member information in association with the card ID on the management apparatus 20 side is completed, the count lending unit 3 side can handle the member card 101 that has not been registered at the time of insertion as being provisionally registered. .

  It is desirable to provide a difference in the contents of services that can be enjoyed between provisionally registered members and fully registered members. For example, it may be set so that the registered member can use the stored ball service for refunding the stored ball and using it for replay, while the temporarily registered member cannot use the stored ball service. By performing such settings and operations, the main registration can be motivated, and the transition rate from temporary registration to main registration can be increased.

  It is also possible to configure the tablet terminal 4 so that an employee ID, which is employee identification information, can be read. In this case, member information such as name, address, and gender, information indicating that provisional registration has been completed, information indicating that registration has been completed, and employee ID are associated with the card ID of the member card 101. The management device 20 may be configured so as to store and manage it. By storing and managing the employee ID of the employee who performed the temporary registration in association with the card ID of the membership card 101, it becomes possible to grasp the implementation status of each employee's temporary registration. It can contribute to work evaluation.

In this example, the password, the date of birth, and the sex are illustrated as the types of member information to be input at the time of provisional registration. Although not limited to this combination, at least a personal identification number is required.
Although the structure which records the number of balls in the general card 102 was illustrated, only the card ID which is identification information is recorded in the general card 102, and the number of balls stored in the management device 20 is specified based on the identification information You may make it do.
In addition to the card ID, which is identification information, recorded in the member card 101, the deposit balance is recorded, and the number of possessed balls and the number of stored balls is not recorded. The prizes may be exchanged after collating with the number of possessed balls / stored balls stored on the management device 20 side.

In this example, the member card 101 is exemplified as the form of the recording medium. However, the form is not limited to the card, and any form such as a coin shape may be used.
The deposit balance recorded on the general card 102 is valid after the next day in this example, but it may be valid only on the current day and may not be used after the next day.
In addition, the membership card 101 may have an expiration date.

  As a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine that pays out a ball as a gaming medium according to a game is illustrated. It may be an enclosed game machine that does not pay out balls as game media, adds and stores points as electronic data, and consumes points to fire balls. The gaming machine is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and may be a parrot (registered trademark) or a slot machine, for example. The slot machine may be of a type that is played using medals or coins as game media (game value), but using medals or other points as game value (betting) It may be a so-called complete credit type slot machine that can be played and points are awarded when winning.

  As described above, specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as in the embodiments. However, these specific examples merely disclose an example of the technology included in the scope of claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be construed as limited by the configuration, numerical values, or the like of the specific examples. The scope of the claims includes techniques in which the specific examples are variously modified, changed, or appropriately combined using known techniques and knowledge of those skilled in the art.

1 Game System 10 Game Card 101 Member Card (Member Recording Medium)
102 General card (general recording medium)
20 management device (member registration data storage means, member registration data totaling means, member registration total data storage means, card management information storage means, card authentication means, mode setting means)
201 Access point (AP)
21 Game Machine 23 Game Information Display Device 25 Settlement Machine (Game Device)
27 Premium exchange terminal (game equipment)
29 relay device 3 counting lending unit (game device, depositing means, loan processing means, deposit balance processing means, mode setting means, card receiving means, card processing means, card ID reading means)
4 Tablet terminals (member information input means, provisional registration information transmission means, member recording medium issuing means)
5 Card registration machine

Claims (3)

Multiple gaming machines,
Member recording media issued to players who have performed the prescribed membership registration procedures;
A general recording medium issued to an unspecified number of players;
Deposit means provided for each gaming machine and accepting deposits by players,
Lending processing means provided corresponding to each gaming machine and executing lending processing for lending gaming value within the range of the deposit amount received by the depositing means;
A deposit balance process for receiving the member recording medium and the general recording medium, and executing a deposit balance process for associating the deposit balance indicating the balance of the deposit amount with the member recording medium or the general recording medium being received Means,
Mode setting means for setting one of a first mode that allows both the member recording medium and the general recording medium as a target to be associated with the deposit balance, and a second mode that allows only the member recording medium as the target. And comprising
When the second mode is set by the mode setting means, the deposit balance processing means executes the deposit balance processing only when the member recording medium is received. In addition to the first mode and the second mode, the mode setting means is configured to be able to set a third mode that allows payment only during reception of the member recording medium,
2. The deposit balance processing unit allows depositing on condition that the member recording medium is accepted when the third mode is set by the mode setting unit. The described gaming system.   A member recording medium issuing means capable of issuing a member recording medium after an employee carries it and executes a member registration process for associating predetermined member information with an unregistered member recording medium. Item 3. A game system according to Item 1 or 2.

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