JP2019198571A - Each-machine unit and processing method of storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve convenience of a player when using an enclosed type game machine.SOLUTION: When a game is to be started, an inter-machine card processor 10 notifies a game machine 20 of a card ID and the game machine 20 performs management by associating a possible number of games with the notified card ID (a). When receiving a hall staff card during a game, the inter-machine card processor 10 performs processing related to the hall staff card without notifying the game machine 20 of the card ID of the hall staff card (b). Therefore, when using an enclosed type game machine, it is possible to improve convenience of a player by coping with the decrease in convenience caused by associating the possible number of games with a specific storage medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a stand device that is installed in association with a gaming machine that plays a game using a game medium enclosed therein, and performs processing related to the game medium, and a storage medium processing method using each stand device.

  Conventionally, in game stores such as pachinko parlors, the number of game media acquired by a player through a game is managed in association with a storage medium (for example, a card) as the number of game media. For this reason, even if the player does not carry the actual game medium (game balls or medals), the number of game media associated with the storage medium can be used again for the game or used for exchanging prizes.

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

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

  Furthermore, in the enclosed game machine, the number of games that can be played is made to correspond to a specific storage medium from the viewpoint of preventing fraud. That is, each device notifies the identification information of the storage medium at the start of the game, the gaming machine associates the notified identification information with the number of games, and the storage medium unless the number of games can be reduced to zero by a counting operation or the like The change of identification information is prohibited.

JP 2002-233635 A

  However, when a sealed game machine is used, there is a problem that the convenience of the player is lowered. In an open-type gaming machine in which a player inserts a physical gaming ball into the gaming machine and pays out the actual gaming ball from the gaming machine at the time of winning a prize, another storage medium is inserted into each device during the game, Processing related to the storage medium can be performed. For example, when a game clerk goes around the store with prizes such as beverages and cigarettes and receives a wagon exchange service for exchanging the desired prizes and the corresponding number of game media, each clerk card is Insert into the device and subtract the game media. However, in each stand device attached to an enclosed game machine, when accepting a clerk card for a wagon exchange service, if the number of games that can be played is set to zero by counting operation etc., the game is interrupted. Therefore, convenience is reduced.

  As described above, in the case of using an enclosed game machine, it is important to improve the convenience of the player in response to a decrease in convenience by associating the number of games that can be played with a specific storage medium. It was. Such a problem occurs not only when accepting a clerk card for exchanging wagons, but also when a plurality of storage media are used during a game.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to improve the convenience of the player when using an enclosed game machine.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is installed in association with a gaming machine that plays a game using a game medium enclosed therein, and each device that performs processing related to the game medium When the first storage medium is received, notification means for notifying the first identification information, which is identification information of the first storage medium, as identification information associated with the number of game media managed by the gaming machine And when the second storage medium is received in a state where the first identification information is notified by the notification means, the second identification information that is the identification information of the second storage medium is notified to the gaming machine. And storage medium processing means for performing processing relating to the second storage medium.

  Also, in the present invention according to the above invention, the storage medium processing means accepts a storage medium for a store clerk used by a game store clerk as the second storage medium, and the game medium associated with the first storage medium A predetermined number is subtracted from the number and added to the second storage medium.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the storage medium processing means uses the number of game media set for a prize to be given to a player as the predetermined number.

  Also, in the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, the storage medium processing means acquires the second identification information from a portable terminal device carried by a player and sets the number of game media associated with the second identification information. Such processing is performed.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the storage medium processing means subtracts the number of game media associated with the second identification information and enables the game machine to use the game. At least one of the processing of subtracting the number of game media associated with the identification information and adding the number to the number of game media associated with the second identification information is performed.

  In addition, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the storage medium processing unit shifts the value associated with the second storage medium to the value associated with the first storage medium, and the second storage medium. It is characterized by carrying out a process of discharging.

  Further, in the present invention according to the above-described invention, the storage medium processing unit discharges the storage medium when a storage medium usable as the first storage medium is received as the second storage medium. It is characterized by performing.

  In addition, the present invention is a storage medium processing method by each device that is installed in association with a gaming machine that performs a game using a game medium enclosed therein and performs processing related to the game medium. A notification step of notifying the first identification information, which is identification information of the first storage medium, as identification information associated with the number of game media managed by the gaming machine when the storage medium is received, and the notification step A second storage medium accepting step for accepting the second storage medium in a state in which the first identification information is notified, and the second storage medium accepting step when the second storage medium is accepted, And a storage medium processing step for performing processing related to the second storage medium without notifying the gaming machine of second identification information that is identification information of the storage medium.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the convenience of the player in the case of using an enclosed game machine can be improved.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of each stand apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the amusement store. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the inter-card card processing machine and the gaming machine. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing configurations of the inter-card card processing machine and the gaming machine. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the inter-card card processor. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to processing of an additional card. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the wagon replacement process shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a replay is performed using a portable terminal while playing with a general card. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram when a general card or a membership card is accepted as an additional card. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram in the case where the insertion of an additional card is accepted and the holding ball division is performed. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the card processing in the ball splitting into additional cards. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram in the case of performing a ball split using a mobile terminal while playing with a general card. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to splitting the ball.

  Exemplary embodiments of each apparatus and storage medium processing method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In this specification, “mochitama” refers to data indicating the number of game media acquired by the player in the game or the number of the game media, and is used for prize exchange and games only during that day (time before closing). Say what you can do. The stored money is data indicating the game media acquired by the player in the game or the number of the game media, and can be used for prize exchange or game after the next day (time after closing). Mochidama can be used by both general players and member players, and is used when a gaming machine used for gaming is changed (so-called table movement). Usually, only the member player can use the stored ball, and it is used when the acquired game medium is used for the game after the next day. A predetermined fee may be imposed on the use of the stored ball.

  First, the concept of each stand apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of each stand apparatus according to the present embodiment. A plurality of gaming machines 20 are installed in the game store, and each gaming machine 20 is provided with an inter-card card processing machine 10 which is each unit device.

  The gaming machine 20 is an enclosed gaming machine that has a structure in which a player does not touch a game ball that is a game medium, and manages the number of game balls that can be fired as the number of games that can be played. A large number of obstacle nails are planted on the game board surface of the gaming machine 20, and the game balls fired on the game board surface by the handle operation fall between the obstacle nails and win the prize opening and the start opening. Or, it is discharged out of the game board surface from the out port of the game board surface without winning a prize. The game balls discharged from the game board surface are transported inside the game machine 20 and used again for launching.

  The inter-card card processing machine 10 is a stand device that executes processing such as receipt of payment and lending of game balls. Lending game balls is not performed by paying out game balls in kind, but by adding the number of game machines 20 that can be played. Further, the inter-card card processing machine 10 can count the number of game balls by shifting the possible number of games managed by the game machine 20 to the possession balls managed by the own device.

  Here, the inter-card card processor 10 notifies the gaming machine 20 of the card ID at the start of the game, and the gaming machine 20 manages the notified card ID in association with the number of games that can be played. Changing the card ID is prohibited unless it becomes zero.

  For example, when a player inserts an associated card such as a ball into the inter-card card processing machine 10 and starts a game, the inter-card card processing machine 10 uses the card ID of the inserted card as the gaming machine 20. This card ID is maintained until the game is over. Further, when the player starts the game by depositing and lending, the inter-card processing machine 10 reads the card ID from the card stocked in its own device and notifies the gaming machine 20 of it. The card ID is maintained until the game is over.

  In FIG. 1A, the player starts the game by inserting a card with the card ID “1001”, and the inter-card processing machine 10 notifies the gaming machine 20 of the card ID “1001”. Therefore, the inter-card processing machine 10 manages the card ID “1001” in association with the holding ball “875”, and the gaming machine 20 manages the card ID “1001” in association with the possible number of games “125”. It is in a state.

  When a wagon is exchanged after the game starts, the game clerk inserts a clerk card as shown in FIG. The inter-card processing machine 10 notifies the gaming machine 20 of the card ID “1901” of the clerk card if a clerk card is inserted in a state where the gaming machine 20 is in the game state (the card ID is notified to the gaming machine 20). The processing related to the clerk card is executed without doing this.

  Specifically, the inter-card card processing machine 10 performs a process of withdrawing the number of prize exchange balls set for the prize that the player desires to exchange from the possession of the card ID “1001”. This deduction is performed by subtracting the number of prize exchange balls from the possession of the card ID “1001” and adding the number of prize exchange balls to the possession of the card ID “1901”, so that the possession balls for the wagon prize are used as a clerk's card. It is realized by shifting to.

  After the number of prize exchange balls has been deducted, the inter-card processing machine 10 controls the discharge of the clerk card to return it to the game clerk, and the game clerk hands over the prize that the player wants to exchange to the player to exchange the wagon. Complete. The gaming machine 20 does not receive the card ID notification even if the wagon is exchanged, and the card ID “1001” is maintained as the card ID associated with the number of games that can be played. Therefore, the player can exchange the wagon without interrupting the game.

  As described above, when the inter-card card processing machine 10 starts the game, the card ID of the card inserted from the player or the card ID read from the stocked card is used as the first identification information that associates the card ID with the number of games that can be played. When the gaming machine 20 is notified and the clerk card is received in the state of the first identification information, the processing related to the clerk card is performed without notifying the gaming machine 20 of the card ID of the clerk card. For this reason, when using an enclosed game machine, it is possible to cope with a decrease in convenience by associating the number of games that can be played with a specific storage medium, and to improve the convenience of the player.

  Next, the system configuration of the amusement store will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the amusement store. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of gaming machines 20 and an inter-card card processing machine 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20 are installed in the gaming store. The inter-card processing machine 10 is connected to a communication line, which is an in-store network, via the island controller 30. The island controller 30, the card management device 40, the member management device 50, the prize management device 60, and the checkout machine 80 are connected to the communication line.

  The gaming machine 20 is a device that plays a game by driving a game ball enclosed in the device into a game board surface. The gaming board surface of the gaming machine 20 is provided with a plurality of winning areas (winning openings), and a predetermined number of gaming balls are given as prize balls based on the passing of the gaming balls through the winning area. It has become. In addition, a predetermined number of start areas (start ports) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is performed based on the game balls passing through the start areas. If the lottery is a big win, an operation that is advantageous in terms of game is performed, for example, by increasing the probability of passing the game ball to the winning area or other starting area by operating a predetermined movable member or the like. An area that serves as both a start area and a winning area may be provided.

  The winning area is provided with a winning sensor for detecting the passing of a game ball to the winning area, and the winning sensor detects the passing (winning) of the game ball that has been driven into the winning area. It has become. In addition, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize ball memory that stores the number of game balls to be given as a prize ball for each winning area, and a gameable number memory that indicates the number of balls that a player can throw out. Yes.

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

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

  The inter-card processing machine 10 receives payment, rents out game balls, communicates with the card management device 40, and communicates with the gaming machine 20. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts a bill inserted by the player, the inter-card processing device 10 transmits deposit notification data including the amount of the bill to the card management device 40, and the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. The number corresponding to is added. If a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, a ball lending request is transmitted to the card management device 40, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is subtracted, and the number of games corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value Perform the ball payout process.

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

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

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

  In addition, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits to the card management device 40 the possession ball addition request data including the number of possession balls managed by the own device, and After the number is added, the card discharge notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40 to control the card discharge. In addition, it is desirable that the card discharge control is performed on the condition that the number of game machines 20 that can be played is zero.

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

  The island controller 30 is a relay device that bundles a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-card card processing machines 10 provided on the gaming island.

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

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

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

  Further, when the card management device 40 receives the card ID from the prize management device 60, the card management device 40 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls associated with the card ID. Further, when the card ID is received from the settlement machine 80, the prepaid value associated with the card ID is notified to the settlement machine 80.

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

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

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

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

  The prize management device 60 is a prize exchange terminal device provided in the prize exchange counter in the amusement store, and performs prize exchange processing for exchanging the acquired balls, the number of stored balls, and the number of held balls for prizes. The prize management device 60 is connected to a card reader that reads a card ID from a card and a prize dispensing device that dispenses prizes. The prize management device 60 transmits the card ID to the card management device 40 when the card ID is read from the general card or the membership card (or when the identification data corresponding to the card ID is read from the mobile terminal or the like). Requesting the number of balls with the card ID. When exchanging prizes for the number of stored balls, the member management device 50 is requested for the number of stored balls.

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

  Next, the ball lending process of the gaming system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When the player performs a ball lending operation on the inter-card card processing machine 10, the inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits the ball lending request data to the card management device 40. The ball lending request data includes a card ID of a card inserted in the inter-card card processing machine 10 and an address or arbitrary identification data for specifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is a transmission source.

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

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

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

  The inter-card processing machine 10 stores the number of balls received from the card management device 40. Then, data for specifying the card ID, rate, and holding ball subtraction request data indicating that the number of holding balls is cleared to zero are transmitted to the card management device 40. When the card management device 40 receives the ball subtraction request data, the card management device 40 clears the number of balls in each rate specified by the card ID to zero. Further, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts a holding ball replay operation and performs a holding ball replay, the predetermined number is subtracted from the stored number of holding balls, and a payout process for the corresponding number of gaming balls is performed. . Here, the inter-card card processing machine 10 is a case where there is a number of balls other than the rate of the player's own machine, and the ball replay using the number of balls other than the rate of the player's own machine is permitted. In the case where the setting is made, the number of balls other than the own player's rate can be converted into the number of held balls at the own player's rate in accordance with the player's operation, and the player can play again. Here, assuming that the unit price A per game medium at another rate and the unit price of the rate of the player's own machine are B, X × (A / B) payout processing is performed by subtracting X balls with other rates. It can be performed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the storage card replay data is stored for the first time after the storage ball replay data is stored, the inter-card processing machine 10 requests the player to input a password, and the input password is the stored ball replay data. It is determined whether or not it matches the password shown in FIG.

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

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

  The inter-card processing machine 10 updates the number of stored balls to be stored, and performs a payout process for the number of game balls corresponding to the number of payout units for storing replay. Here, the inter-card card processing machine 10 is set in such a case that there is a number of stored balls other than the rate of the player's own device, and the storage card replay using the number of stored balls other than the rate of the own device is permitted. In the same way as in the case of holding ball replay, depending on the player's operation, the number of stored balls other than the own player's rate can be converted into the number of stored balls at the own player's rate and the stored ball replay can be performed. it can. In addition, the inter-card card processing machine 10 determines whether the number of possible replays of the renewed storage ball after the payout process is 1 or more. If the possible number of pool replays is 0, the storage ball replay operation cannot be accepted. If the number of possible replays of stored balls after renewal is 1 or more, the replay operation of stored balls can be accepted again. In the second and subsequent replays, it is not necessary to confirm the password. Note that the password may be confirmed every time. Moreover, although the case where the member management device 50 subtracts the balance of the stored ball and then the inter-card card processing machine 10 performs the game ball payout process is illustrated here, the game ball payout process is performed based on the stored ball replay request. After doing so, the balance of the stored ball may be subtracted. This is because the storage ball replay data before the storage ball replay request indicates the possible number of storage ball replays, and it does not become a situation where the balance shortage is found after receiving the storage ball replay request.

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

  Next, the external appearance of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20. Moreover, in FIG. 3, although the inter-card processing machine 10 which receives only a banknote was illustrated, the unit for coin reception can also be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-card card processing machine 10 includes a state display unit 11, a bill insertion slot 12a, a display operation unit 13, a display operation unit 22, a card insertion port 14a, and a holding unit 14b.

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

  The card insertion slot 14a is an insertion slot for cards possessed by the player. The holding part 14b is a part that holds the portable terminal used for member registration. When the portable terminal is held over the holding part 14b, data such as a unique ID (for example, IDm) of the portable terminal is read from the portable terminal.

  The display operation unit 22 is a display device such as a touch panel display, and is positioned in front of the gaming machine 20, but its input / output is controlled by the inter-card card processing machine 10. The display operation unit 22 is an input / output device such as a touch panel display that displays various types of information such as the balance of the holding ball and receives various types of operations such as a display switching operation.

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

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

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

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

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

  The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication with the island controller 30 and the like.

  The storage unit 16 is a storage device including a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory, and the like. The storage unit 16 stores its own device state data 16a and card data 16b.

  The own device status data 16a is data indicating the status of the inter-card card processing machine 10. The own device status data 16a includes the device ID of the inter-card processing machine and the game settings. The device ID of the inter-card card processing machine is identification data for uniquely identifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 within the amusement store. The game setting is data indicating a game type or the like set in the inter-card card processing machine 10. When handling multiple rate game balls in a game store, “ball 1” for 4 yen game balls, “ball 2” for 2 yen game balls, “ball 3” for 1 yen rate game balls The game type name is set and managed for each rate, such as “ball 4” for a game ball of 0.5 yen rate. The inter-card processing machine 10 selects a rate used for the game from these game types and stores it as a game setting.

  The card data 16b is data relating to a card that is being used by a player. The card data 16b includes a card ID, a prepaid value, a holding ball, a stored ball, a possible number of stored ball replays and the like. The card ID is a card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is transported from a card storage section (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and the card is ejected, the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transport. Also, when a card is transported from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transport.

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

  The authentication processing unit 18a performs authentication of the gaming machine 20 using the authentication key received from the card management device 40. If the authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 18a transmits an operation permission to the gaming machine 20. Even if authentication fails, the authentication processing unit 18a transmits an operation permission to the gaming machine 20 within a predetermined period from the last successful authentication, but after a predetermined period has elapsed since the last successful authentication. Does not transmit the operation permission to the gaming machine 20 and prohibits the use of the gaming machine 20. The authentication processing unit 18 a transmits the result of authentication such as success or failure of authentication to the card management device 40 and controls display on the display operation unit 13 as appropriate.

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

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

  The gaming machine state management unit 18c may further acquire the current number of games that can be played by the gaming machine 20, a state set to a game such as “big hit”, and an operation state of the handle 21. The time interval at which the gaming machine state management unit 18c acquires the state of the gaming machine 20 is desirably set to be shorter than the interval at which gaming balls are launched (used) in the gaming machine 20.

  The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-card processing machine 10, and includes a data management unit 17a, a game setting processing unit 17b, a card data notification unit 17c, and an additional card processing unit 17d.

  When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits card insertion notification data including the device ID of the device status data 16a and the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40. Further, when the data management unit 17a receives data including a valuable value (at least one of prepaid value, number of possessions, and number of balls) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 17a updates the card data 16b with the received valuable value. . The data management unit 17a appropriately controls the display operation unit 13 to display the prepaid value, the number of possessed balls, and the number of stored balls indicated in the card data 16b.

  Moreover, if a banknote is inserted in the banknote insertion slot 12a, the data management part 17a will transmit the payment notification data containing the money amount of inserted banknote, card ID, and inter-card processing machine ID to the card management apparatus 40. FIG.

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

  The data management unit 17a also subtracts a predetermined number from the number of possessed balls indicated in the card data 16b when the player performs a possession replay operation, and the corresponding number of balls is played by the game machine 20 The payout process is performed by instructing the game management unit 18 to add to the possible number.

  In addition, when the possible number of reclaimed balls indicated in the card data 16b is 1 or more, the data management unit 17a displays a replay button for reclaimed balls on the display operation unit 13 and can accept a replay operation for reclaimed balls. And The data management unit 17a transmits the stored ball replay request data including the card ID and the inter-card card processing machine ID to the member management device 50 when the stored ball replay operation is performed by the player. If the stored ball replay data is received in response to the stored ball replay request data, the number of stored balls in the card data 16b is updated, and the number of payout units of the stored ball replay is added to the number of games that can be played by the gaming machine 20. The payout process is performed by instructing the management unit 18. At the time of the first re-playing operation of the stored ball replay, the user is requested to input a password, and the stored ball re-play request data is transmitted on condition that the password matches the password shown in the card data 16b.

  When the game management unit 18 receives a game ball transfer request from the gaming machine 20, the data management unit 17a adds the number of balls instructed to the game management unit 18 to the possession ball of the card data 16b. Update.

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

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

  The card data notification unit 17c is a processing unit that notifies the gaming machine 20 of the card ID of the card data 16b at the start of the game. The gaming machine 20 manages the notified card ID in association with the number of games that can be played, and prohibits changing the card ID unless the number of games that can be played is zero.

  Therefore, when a player starts a game by inserting a general card or a membership card (that is, a card associated with a possession ball or a prepaid value) into the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card data notification unit 17c The gaming machine 20 is notified as identification information that associates the card ID of the inserted card with the number of games that can be played.

  In addition, when the player starts the game by depositing and ball lending operation, the card data notifying unit 17c identifies the card ID read from the card stocked in the player's own device with the number of games that can be played. The gaming machine 20 is notified as information.

  When the additional card processing unit 17d has received the card ID from the card data notification unit 17c and receives another card as an additional card, the additional card processing unit 17d does not notify the gaming machine 20 of the card ID of the additional card. It is a processing unit that performs such processing.

  Specifically, the additional card processing unit 17d accepts the input of the number of prize exchange balls set for the prize that the player desires to exchange if the store clerk card used for the wagon exchange is inserted as an additional card. Then, a process of pulling out the holding ball of the card data 16b, that is, the holding ball of the original card is performed. The withdrawal is performed by subtracting the number of prize exchange balls from the possession balls of the card data 16b and adding the number of prize exchange balls to the possession balls of the additional card.

  After the prize replacement balls are withdrawn, the additional card processing unit 17d returns the clerk card to the game clerk by performing discharge control. The game clerk picks up the discharged clerk card, hands over the prize that the player wishes to exchange to the player, and completes the wagon exchange.

  On the other hand, the additional card processing unit 17d is configured so that when the general card or the membership card is inserted as an additional card, that is, when the general card or the membership card is already inserted, When a card is further inserted, the general card or membership card inserted as an additional card is discharged.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The effect control unit 25 stores effect data of each effect. Further, the effect control unit 25 controls the display of the effect symbol display device, and at the time of executing the effect, the effect data is superimposed on the background symbol data to display the effect. Further, when the probability changes, background color data different from the normal state is set.

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

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

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

  Further, the game ball control unit 27 stores the card ID notified from the inter-card processing machine 10 in the card ID memory 27b, and manages the card ID and the number of games that can be associated with each other. Specifically, the game ball control unit 27 permits the execution of the process of increasing the game possible number to 1 or more on the condition that the card ID is stored in the card ID memory 27b. Further, when the number of games that can be played is 1 or more, the change of the card ID is prohibited. For this reason, the card ID memory 27b holds the same card ID from the start of the game to the end of the game.

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

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

  The own apparatus state data 16a shown in FIG. 5A indicates that the apparatus ID of the inter-card card processing machine 10 is “3001” and “ball 3” is set as the game type of the inter-card card processing machine 10. Show.

  The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5B shows a state where the ID of the card inserted into the inter-card processor 10 is “1001”. Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, the card with the first digit “1” being a general card, and the card with the first digit “2” being a membership card. The card data 16b indicates a state where the prepaid value is “2000 degrees”. Here, the frequency of prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen per frequency. Further, the card data 16b indicates that the number of balls 1 has "0 balls", the number of balls 2 has "0 balls", the number of balls 3 has "875 balls", and the number of balls 4 has A state of “500 balls” is shown.

  Further, the card data 16b includes a password for replaying the stored ball, the number of possible replays of the stored ball, the number of stored balls of the ball 1, the number of stored balls of the ball 2, the number of stored balls of the ball 2, the number of stored balls of the ball 4. These items are used when the inserted card is a membership card. In FIG. 5B, since the inserted card is a general card, these items are set to “−”.

  Next, a processing procedure related to processing of an additional card will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to processing of an additional card. First, when the data management unit 17a of the inter-card processing machine 10 performs a game start process (step S101), the card data notification unit 17c notifies the gaming machine 20 of the card ID of the card data 16b (step S102). Here, the game start process is a series of processes executed at the start of a game by a player, triggered by insertion of a general card, insertion of a membership card, or payment.

  After step S102, the additional card processing unit 17d determines whether an additional card has been inserted (step S103). If the additional card is inserted (step S103; Yes), the additional card processing unit 17d determines whether or not the additional card is a clerk card (step S104).

  If the additional card is not a clerk card (step S104; No), the additional card processing unit 17d returns the additional card (step S106). On the other hand, if the additional card is a store clerk card (step S104; Yes), the additional card processing unit 17d executes a wagon exchange process (step S105).

  After step S105 or step S106, or when no additional card is inserted (step S103; No), the additional card processing unit 17d determines whether an end condition is satisfied (step S107). As the ending condition, for example, the card return operation is performed after the counting operation, and all the values of the general card (the possession ball, the prepaid value) and the predetermined time elapses in a state where the number of games that can be played are zero can be used.

  If the end condition is not satisfied (step S107; No), the additional card processing unit 17d proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the end condition is satisfied, the data management unit 17a performs a game end process (step S108) and ends the process. For example, when a card return operation is performed after the counting operation, the process of associating and holding a ball or the like with the card is performed as a game end process, and the process ends. A process for clearing the card ID memory 27b of the gaming machine 20 may be included in the game end process.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the wagon replacement process shown in FIG. When the wagon exchange process is started, the additional card processing unit 17d receives an input of the number of prize exchange balls set for the prize that the player desires to exchange (step S201), and exchanges the prize from the possession ball of the card data 16b. The number of balls is subtracted (step S202), and the number of prize exchange balls is added to the possession ball of the clerk card (step S203). Thereafter, the completion of withdrawal is displayed on the display / operation unit 13 (step S204), the clerk card is returned (step S205), and the process returns to the original process.

  In the description so far, the case where the wagon exchange process is performed when a clerk card is received as an additional card has been described as an example. However, the present invention reads a unique ID that can be used as a member ID from a mobile terminal. It is also applicable to cases.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a replay is performed using a portable terminal while playing with a general card. In FIG. 8, the inter-card processing machine 10 manages the card ID “1001” of the general card in association with the holding ball “875”, and the gaming machine 20 corresponds to the card ID “1001” with the possible number of games “125”. It is in a state of being attached and managed.

  Here, if the player deceives the mobile terminal and performs a replay operation of the stored ball, and if the member card ID “2002” is associated with the unique ID read by the inter-card card processor 10 from the mobile terminal (S31). The additional card processing unit 17d of the inter-card card processing machine 10 issues a savings replay request including the card ID “2002” to the member management apparatus 50 without notifying the gaming machine 20 of the card ID “2002”. (S32).

  The member management apparatus 50 subtracts the stored ball of the card ID indicated in the stored ball replay request (S33), and transmits a stored ball replay permission to the inter-card card processing machine 10 (S34). Then, the inter-card card processing machine 10 that has received permission to replay the stored ball adds the number of game machines 20 that can be played. In FIG. 8, the stored ball of the card ID “2002” is subtracted from “2125” to “2000”, and the possible game number of the card ID 1001 is added from “125” to “250”.

  In this way, when playing a stored ball again using a mobile terminal during a game with a general card, the stored ball of the membership card associated with the mobile terminal is subtracted and associated with a general card managed by the gaming machine 20. Since the possible number of games is added, it is possible to replay the stored ball while continuing the game without changing the card ID managed by the gaming machine 20.

  In FIG. 8, the replay of the stored ball is described as an example, but various processes performed by reading the unique ID from the portable terminal, such as a transition to a stored ball, can be executed in the same manner.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram when a general card or a membership card is accepted as an additional card. In FIG. 9A, the player starts the game by inserting the card with the card ID “1001”, and the inter-card processing machine 10 notifies the gaming machine 20 of the card ID “1001”. Therefore, the inter-card processing machine 10 manages the card ID “1001” in association with the holding ball “875”, and the gaming machine 20 manages the card ID “1001” in association with the possible number of games “125”. It is in a state.

  After the game is started, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), when the player inserts a general card or a membership card, the inter-card processing machine 10 sets the inserted card as an additional card and uses the card ID of the additional card as a game. The process related to the additional card is executed without notifying the machine 20.

  Specifically, the additional card processing unit 17d of the inter-card card processing machine 10 performs a process of shifting the value of the additional card (the possessed ball or the prepaid value) to the original card. For example, if the additional card is the card ID “1002” and the holding ball “1500”, the holding ball with the card ID “1002” is subtracted and added to the card ID “1001”, and then the card with the card ID “1002” is added. The emission will be controlled. It is possible to appropriately set whether to transfer all the values of the additional cards or selectively transfer a part of the values. Moreover, the structure which a player designates and transfers value may be sufficient.

  In this way, by transferring the value without notifying the gaming machine 20 of the card ID of the additional card, the gaming machine 20 can maintain the card ID, so that the player can add without interrupting the game. Card value can be used.

  Next, a description will be given of the splitting of the ball that shifts a part of the ball of the original card to the ball of the additional card. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram in the case where the insertion of an additional card is accepted and the holding ball division is performed. In FIG. 10, the player starts the game by inserting the card with the card ID “1001”, and the inter-card processing machine 10 notifies the gaming machine 20 of the card ID “1001”. Therefore, the inter-card processing machine 10 manages the card ID “1001” in association with the holding ball “875”, and the gaming machine 20 manages the card ID “1001” in association with the possible number of games “125”. It is in a state.

  Here, when the player performs the operation of splitting the ball and inserts a general card or a membership card, the inter-card processing machine 10 sets the inserted card as an additional card and sets the card ID of the additional card to the gaming machine 20. Executes the ball splitting to additional cards without notification.

  In FIG. 10, a general card with a card ID “1003” and a holding ball “0” is accepted as an additional card, and 125 cards that are a part of the holding card of the original card with the card ID “1001” are added cards. I am migrating. For this reason, the possession ball of the original card is “750”, and the general card of the possession ball “125” with the card ID “1003” is returned. Note that the number of balls to be transferred to the additional card can be specified in the operation of splitting the balls. It is also possible to transfer all possessions of the original card to additional cards.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the card processing in the ball splitting into additional cards. When the operation of splitting the ball is performed and an additional card with the card ID “1003” is inserted, the inter-card processing machine 10 has the original card with the card ID “1001” as shown in FIG. Is transferred from the card reader 14a to the card storage unit and retracted, and an additional card is received.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11B, the inter-card processing machine 10 conveys the additional card to the car reader 14a, and performs data processing for the additional card, that is, correlates the reading of the card ID with the ball. When the data processing for the additional card is completed, the inter-card card processing machine 10 returns the additional card as shown in FIG. 11C, draws the original card from the card storage unit, and returns it to the card reader 14a.

  In addition, it is also possible to perform the holding ball division using a portable terminal. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram in the case of performing a ball split using a mobile terminal while playing with a general card. In FIG. 12, the inter-card processing machine 10 manages the card ID “1001” of the general card in association with the holding ball “875”, and the gaming machine 20 associates the card ID “1001” with the possible number of games “125”. It is in a state of being attached and managed.

  Here, if the player performs the ball splitting operation and hesitates the portable terminal, and the member card ID “2002” is associated with the unique ID read by the inter-card processing machine 10 from the portable terminal (S41). The additional card processing unit 17d of the inter-card processing machine 10 subtracts the ball of the original card (S42) and issues a card addition request including the number of balls to be added to the card ID “2002” of the additional card. This is performed for the management device 40 (S43).

  The card management device 40 adds the possession balls having the card ID indicated in the possession ball addition request (S44). In FIG. 12, the stored ball with the card ID “1001” is subtracted from “875” to “750”, and the possession ball with the card ID “1002” is added from “0” to “125”. Here, the possession balls of the original card are managed by the inter-card card processing machine 10 as the card data 16b, so that the subtraction of the possession balls of the original data is performed by updating the card data 16b. On the other hand, since the possession balls of the additional card are managed by the card management device 40, it is necessary to add the possession balls of the additional card by the card management device 40.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to splitting the ball. First, the additional card processing unit 17d of the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the operation of splitting the ball (step S301), and determines whether the holding unit 14b has read the unique ID of the portable terminal (step S302).

  If the cover unit 14b does not read the unique ID of the portable terminal (step S302; No), the additional card processing unit 17d determines whether or not an additional card has been inserted into the card insertion slot 14a (step S303). As a result of the determination, if an additional card is not inserted (step S303; No), the process proceeds to step S302.

  On the other hand, if an additional card is inserted (step S303; Yes), the additional card processing unit 17d retracts the original card from the card reader 14a to the card storage unit (step S304), and subtracts the ball in the card data 16b. (Step S305), and added to the possession ball of the additional card (step S306). Thereafter, the additional card is returned (step S307), the original card is drawn out from the card storage unit and returned to the card reader 14a (step S308), and the process is terminated.

  When the cover unit 14b reads the unique ID of the mobile terminal (step S302; Yes), the additional card processing unit 17d subtracts the ball of the card data 16b (step S309), and the ball of the additional card, that is, the unique ID (Step S310), and the process ends.

  As described above, when the ball is divided during the game, the ball of the original card indicated in the card data 16b is subtracted without notifying the gaming machine 20 of the card ID of the additional card, and the additional card Move to Mochitama. Therefore, it is possible to divide the holding ball while continuing the game without changing the card ID managed by the gaming machine 20.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the inter-card card processing machine 10 installed in association with the gaming machine 20 that plays a game using the game balls enclosed therein starts the game when starting the game. The card ID of the card inserted from the customer or the card ID read from the stocked card is notified to the gaming machine 20 as first identification information corresponding to the number of games that can be played, and the additional card or If a second storage medium such as a portable terminal is received, the processing related to the second storage medium is performed without notifying the gaming machine 20 of the second identification information that is the identification information of the second storage medium. For this reason, when using an enclosed game machine, it is possible to cope with a decrease in convenience by associating the number of games that can be played with a specific storage medium, and to improve the convenience of the player.

  Specifically, the inter-card card processing machine 10 accepts a store clerk card used by a game store clerk as the second storage medium, subtracts a predetermined number from the ball associated with the first identification information, 2 can be added to the holding ball of the storage medium, and wagon exchange can be performed using such processing.

  In addition, the inter-card card processing machine 10 can acquire the second identification information from the portable terminal carried by the player, and can perform a process related to the storage ball associated with the second identification information. Specifically, it is possible to perform a process of replaying a stored ball or transferring a holding ball associated with the first identification information to a storage ball associated with the second identification information.

  Further, the inter-card card processing machine 10 can accept a general card or a membership card and shift the value associated with these cards to the value associated with the first identification information body.

  Further, as an additional card, only a clerk card can be accepted, and when a general card or a membership card is inserted, the card may be discharged as it is. In addition, when the number of games that can be played is not zero, the reception of all cards may be prohibited, and the store clerk card may be received when a wagon exchange start operation is performed.

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

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

  Here, a spinning cylinder gaming machine which is a slot machine will be described. The spinning-type gaming machine inserts a medal, which is a game medium, into the medal slot, rotates the three reels (rotating drums), and sequentially presses the stop button provided for each reel to display the picture ( Play a game by aligning symbols.

  In the spinning machine, when a medal is inserted into the medal slot and the start lever is operated, a lottery is performed and three reels rotate. When each stop button is pressed, each reel stops. The reels are stopped by reel control based on the lottery result when the start lever is operated. Also, the number of bets is set using the number of medals stored electronically based on medals inserted from the slot, and the start lever is operated to start the rotation of the reels. A game is played. In the game, an effective line corresponding to the set bet number is set for each stop position of each reel.

  Then, if the stop button is pressed and the combination of the symbols of the reels stopped on the set effective line is a specific one, a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the tray of the revolving game machine. The spinning-type game machine stores payout medal number data for each combination of patterns arranged on the effective line, and when paying out, it is performed based on the payout medal number data. In addition, if the pattern on the active line is a re-playing role (replaying role), the bet number used in the previous game will automatically bet again without any new medals or credit consumption. The number is set and the game can be played again.

  In addition, when the combination of the reel symbols stopped on the active line is a combination related to a bonus (big bonus, normal bonus, etc.), from the next game, the lottery result is a combination that involves paying out a predetermined medal. A game (bonus game) with an increased probability of winning is played until the total number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 300). In addition, a game (replay time) in which the probability that the lottery result becomes a re-gamer has increased at a predetermined opportunity such as after the bonus has ended may be performed a predetermined number of times.

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

  As described above, each device and the storage medium processing method according to the present invention are suitable for improving the convenience of a player when using an enclosed game machine.

10 card processor 11 status display unit 12 bill transport unit 12a bill insertion slot 13, 22 display operation unit 14 reader / writer 14a card insertion port 14b holding unit 15 communication unit 16 storage unit 16a own device status data 16b card data 17 control Unit 17a data management unit 17b game setting processing unit 17c card data notification unit 17d additional card processing unit 18 game management unit 18a authentication processing unit 18b authentication key management unit 18c gaming machine state management unit 20 gaming machine 21 handle 23 counting button 24 communication control Unit 25 Production control unit 25a Production symbol lottery unit 25b Production lottery unit 26 Game control unit 27 Game ball control unit 27a Gameable number memory 27b Card ID memory 30 Island controller 40 Card management device 50 Member management device 60 Prize management device 80 Settling machine

Claims (8)

Each device is installed in association with a gaming machine that plays a game using a game medium enclosed therein, and performs processing related to the game medium,
A notification means for notifying first identification information, which is identification information of the first storage medium, as identification information associated with the number of game media managed by the gaming machine when the first storage medium is received;
When the second storage medium is received in a state where the first identification information is notified by the notification means, the second identification information that is the identification information of the second storage medium is not notified to the gaming machine. Storage device processing means for performing processing relating to the second storage medium.   The storage medium processing means accepts a storage medium for a store clerk used by a game store clerk as the second storage medium, and subtracts a predetermined number from the number of game media associated with the first storage medium. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the addition is made to two storage media.   3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the storage medium processing unit uses the number of game media set for a prize to be given to a player as the predetermined number.   The storage medium processing means acquires the second identification information from a portable terminal device carried by a player, and performs a process related to the number of game media associated with the second identification information. Each stand apparatus as described in any one of claim | item 1-3.   The storage medium processing means subtracts the number of game media associated with the second identification information to make it usable for a game by the gaming machine, and the number of game media associated with the first identification information 5. Each device according to claim 4, wherein at least one of a process of subtracting and adding to the number of game media associated with the second identification information is performed.   The storage medium processing means performs a process of transferring the value associated with the second storage medium to the value associated with the first storage medium and discharging the second storage medium. Each stand apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-5.   2. The storage medium processing unit, when a storage medium usable as the first storage medium is received as the second storage medium, performs a process of discharging the storage medium. Each stand apparatus as described in any one of -5. A storage medium processing method by each device that is installed in association with a gaming machine that performs a game using a game medium enclosed therein and performs processing related to the game medium,
A notification step of notifying first identification information, which is identification information of the first storage medium, as identification information associated with the number of game media managed by the gaming machine when receiving the first storage medium;
A second storage medium receiving step for receiving a second storage medium in a state in which the first identification information is notified by the notification step;
When the second storage medium is received in the second storage medium reception step, the second storage is performed without notifying the gaming machine of second identification information that is identification information of the second storage medium. A storage medium processing method comprising: a storage medium processing step for performing processing related to the medium.

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