JP2020025611A - Each-machine device, game system, and game management method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an each-machine device and a game system that reduce a work load and prevent human error when changing gaming performance in a game machine.SOLUTION: A card management device 40 accepts a game setting of a game machine 20 on a next day (s1), selects a setting change target machine by comparing with the game setting of the day (s2), and transmits setting data indicating the game setting of the next day to an inter-machine card processor 10 provided together with the setting change target machine (s3). Upon receiving the setting data, the inter-machine card processor 10 enters a standby state, and makes a notification that the standby state has been entered (s4). When the inter-machine card processor 10 receives a start operation (s5), the inter-machine card processor 10 displays the setting data received from the card management device 40 on a display operation unit 13 (s6), and makes a notification that the display state has been entered (s7). When a staff member of a game hall performs an end operation (s8), the inter-machine card processor 10 returns to a normal state, and makes a notification of the effect (s9).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine for playing a game using a game medium, and to a gaming machine having the gaming machine and a gaming management method including the gaming machines.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, game stores provide games with game media interposed. For example, in a pachinko game, a game ball is used as a game medium, and a game ball is driven into a game board to play a game. A plurality of prize areas (prize ports) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined number of game balls are provided as prize balls based on the passing of the game balls in the prize area. In this way, the number of game media increases or decreases depending on the result of the game, and the player can exchange the acquired game media for a prize.

  It is common that a gaming machine is provided with each unit. Each of the devices accepts the payment and performs a game medium lending process. In addition, each device manages the number of game media obtained by the game as the number of game media and performs a replay process of paying out game media by subtracting the number of game media (for example, see Patent Document 1). .).

  Also, when the player operates the return button provided on the gaming machine when finishing the game, each of the devices discharges the number of game media managed by the own device in association with the card. By presenting the card at the prize counter, the player can exchange the prize according to the number of associated game media. The card is also associated with a value that can be used for lending game media. The balance of the valuable value remaining at the end of the game can be settled by a checkout machine.

  A player plays a game with the goal of acquiring more game media, but the gaming machine may have a function of adjusting the ease of acquiring game media, that is, the game performance. For example, in a slot game using medals as a game medium, six levels of settings are possible, and changing these settings changes the game performance even for the same gaming machine. Therefore, the player selects the gaming machine while estimating the setting of the gaming machine. Such a change in the game performance is also applicable to the pachinko game.

JP 2011-131037 A

  However, in the conventional technique, there is a problem that a change in game performance imposes a large work load. A number of gaming machines are installed at the amusement store, but consider the next day's gaming settings for each gaming machine, write down the gaming settings for each gaming machine on paper, carry it around, and check the paper medium each time. A game setting change operation has been performed on the gaming machine.

  In addition, when the change operation is performed manually via the paper medium, there is a problem that a setting machine is not changed due to a human error.

  For these reasons, when changing the gaming performance of the gaming machine, it has been important to reduce the work load and prevent human error.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and has an object to reduce a work load and prevent human error when changing game performance in a gaming machine.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a game machine that performs a game using a game medium and is a stand-by device that performs a process related to the game medium. It is characterized by comprising setting information obtaining means for obtaining setting information indicating settings to be applied, and display control means for controlling display of the setting information on a display unit.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the setting information obtaining means obtains, as the setting information, information specifying a gaming performance of the gaming machine on the next day.

  Also, in the present invention according to the above invention, the display control means can switch between a standby state in which the display of the setting information is waited, a display state in which the setting information is displayed, and a state in which the display is ended. The information processing apparatus further includes a state notifying unit that notifies the state, the display state, and the state in which the display is completed so as to be identifiable.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the display control means starts the standby state when the setting information obtaining means receives the setting information from a higher-level device.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the display control means starts the display state when an operation indicating a start of setting or an instruction from a higher-level device is received in the standby state.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the display control means shifts to a state in which the display is terminated when an operation indicating an end of the setting is received in the display state.

  Further, the present invention, in the above invention, further comprises a gaming machine state obtaining means for obtaining the state of the gaming machine, the display control means, based on the state of the gaming machine, the state related to the display of the setting information Switching is characterized.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the display control means shifts to a state in which display is terminated when a setting in the gaming machine matches the setting information in the display state.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the display control means controls display of a code uniquely indicating the setting information on the display unit.

  In addition, the present invention provides a gaming system having a gaming machine for playing a game using a gaming medium, a plurality of devices installed along with the gaming machine for performing processing related to the gaming medium, and a management device for managing the gaming. Wherein the management device is provided along with a setting information management unit that manages setting information indicating a setting to be applied to the gaming machine, and a gaming machine that requires a change in the setting based on the setting information. Setting information transmitting means for transmitting the setting information to each of the devices, wherein each of the device is configured to obtain the setting information by receiving the setting information transmitted from the management device. And display control means for controlling the display of the setting information on a display unit.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the display control means of each of the devices notifies the management device when the display of the setting information is completed, and the management device transmits the setting information from each of the devices. When the notification indicating that the display of the display has been completed is received, the display of the setting information is performed on each of the devices located near the respective devices and attached to the gaming machine requiring the setting change. It is characterized by instructing.

  In addition, the present invention is a game management method in each of the devices that is provided with a gaming machine that performs a game using a gaming medium and performs a process related to the gaming medium, the setting indicating a setting to be applied to the gaming machine. The method includes a setting information obtaining step of obtaining information, and a display control step of performing control of displaying the setting information on a display unit.

  In addition, the present invention provides a gaming system having a gaming machine for playing a game using a gaming medium, a plurality of devices installed along with the gaming machine for performing processing related to the gaming medium, and a management device for managing the gaming. A game management method, wherein the management device manages setting information indicating settings to be applied to the gaming machine, and the management device changes the settings based on the setting information. A setting information transmitting step of transmitting the setting information to the respective devices provided in parallel with the required gaming machine, and each of the devices receives the setting information transmitted from the management device, thereby setting the setting information. And a display control step in which each of the devices controls the display of the setting information on a display unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when changing the gaming performance in a game machine, it is possible to reduce the work load and prevent human error.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a change in game performance according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the game store. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of the inter-card processing machine. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-card processor shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the inter-card processing machine. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a state transition related to display of setting data. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of the card management device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit of the card management device. (Part 1) FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit of the card management device. (Part 2) FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to a change in game settings in the card management device. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to a change of a game setting in the inter-card processing machine. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of the setting of the gaming machine. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a sealed gaming machine and a stand-to-stand card processing machine. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing the configurations of the inter-card processing machine and the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of switching of a state using information acquired from a gaming machine.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of each stand device, a game system, and a game management method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the present specification, the possessed ball is a game medium acquired by the player in the game or data indicating the number of the game medium, and can be provided to the game again only during the day (time before closing). Say what you can do. The coins are data indicating the game media or the number of the game media acquired by the player in the game, and can be used again for the game after the next day (time after closing the store). The possessed ball can be used by both the general player and the member player, and is used when the gaming machine used for the game is changed (so-called table movement). Normally, only the member gaming customers can use the savings, and they are used when the acquired game medium is used for a game on and after the next day. A predetermined fee may be imposed on the use of the coins.

  First, the change of the game performance according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a change in game performance according to the first embodiment. A plurality of gaming machines 20 are installed in the amusement store, and each gaming machine 20 is provided with a stand-to-stand card processing machine 10 which is a stand apparatus.

  Based on the operation of the player, the inter-card processing machine 10 performs a game ball such as a lending process of a game ball, a replay process of a possessed ball or a stored ball, a counting process of counting acquired game balls and adding them to the possessed balls. Various processes related to are performed. Further, when the player operates the return button provided on the gaming machine at the time of ending the game, the inter-card processing machine 10 discharges the number of possessed balls managed by the own device in association with the card.

  The card management device 40 can communicate with a plurality of inter-card processing machines 10 in a game arcade, and manages cards by associating possessed balls, prepaid value, and the like. The prepaid value is a valuable value that can be used for renting a game ball, and is added by deposit and subtracted by ball lending.

  Further, the card management device 40 manages a game setting which is a setting for designating the gaming performance of the gaming machine 20. Specifically, the card management device 40 holds game settings for a plurality of gaming machines 20 in association with dates.

  If the card management device 40 receives the game setting of the game machine 20 on the next day (s1), the card management device 40 holds the game setting in association with the date of the next day and compares the game setting with the game setting of the day, and the game setting is changed. A required gaming machine 20 is selected as a setting change target table (s2).

  After that, when the business hours of the day end and the game settings of the gaming machine 20 can be changed, the card management device 40 transmits the setting data to the inter-card processing machine 10 attached to the setting change target table. (S3). The setting data is data indicating a game setting of the gaming machine 20 corresponding to the inter-card processing machine 10 on the next day.

  When the setting data is received, the inter-card processing machine 10 enters a standby state, and notifies the standby state (s4). This notification may be performed by turning on the status display section 11 of the below-described inter-card processing machine 10 in a predetermined color (for example, pink).

  A game clerk performing a game setting change operation checks the display color of the status display section 11 to identify a setting change target stand, and performs a start operation on the stand-to-stand card processing machine 10. This start operation may be performed by, for example, a clerk terminal carried by the game.

  When receiving the start operation (s5), the inter-card processing machine 10 displays the setting data received from the card management device 40 on the display operation unit 13 (s6), and notifies that the display state has been entered. (S7). This notification may be performed by lighting the state display section 11 in a predetermined color (for example, orange). The game clerk can change the game settings of the gaming machine 20 with reference to the setting data displayed by the inter-card processing machine 10.

  When the game store clerk who has finished changing the game settings performs an end operation (s8), the inter-card processing machine 10 returns to the normal state and notifies the effect (s9). This notification may be performed by lighting the state display unit 11 in a predetermined color (for example, green).

  As described above, the inter-card processing machine 10 acquires from the card management device 40 the setting data indicating the setting to be applied to the gaming machine 20 attached thereto, and controls the display operation unit 13 to display the setting data. Can be. Further, control is performed so that the display colors of the status display unit 11 are changed before, during, and after the change operation. For this reason, the gaming clerk can identify the gaming machine 20 that needs to be changed and perform the operation while referring to the setting to be applied, so that when changing the gaming performance of the gaming machine, the work load is reduced. In addition, human error can be prevented.

  Next, the system configuration of the game store will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the game store. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of gaming machines 20 and an inter-card processing machine 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20 are installed in the gaming shop. 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 hitting a game ball on a game board surface. A plurality of prize areas (prize ports) are provided on the game board surface of the gaming machine 20, and a predetermined number of game balls are provided as prize balls based on the passing of the game balls in the prize area. Has become. Also, a predetermined number of starting areas (starting ports) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is performed based on a game ball passing through the starting area. If the lottery becomes a big hit, the operation of the predetermined movable member or the like will perform an operation that is advantageous in the game, such as improving the probability of the game ball passing to the above-mentioned winning area or another starting area. The result of the lottery by passing the ball to the starting port is displayed on a special symbol display device that displays the result of the lottery. The display of the result of the lottery by the special symbol display device is performed in such a manner that the variable display is performed for a predetermined time and then the final display is performed. Further, a decorative symbol display device for variably displaying a decorative symbol such as a predetermined number based on the result of the lottery is provided on the game board, and when the result of the lottery is a big hit, for example, (7,7) , 7), etc., to display a symbol. Note that an area that also serves as a start area and a winning area may be provided.

  The prize area is provided with a prize sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball to the prize area. The prize sensor detects the passage (prize) of the game ball driven into the prize area. Has become. In addition, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize ball memory for storing the number of game balls to be provided as prize balls for each prize area.

  Therefore, when the passing of the driven game ball to the specific prize area is detected by the prize sensor, the gaming machine 20 should award the game ball based on the stored contents of the prize ball memory and the number of the game balls passing through the prize area. The prize ball number is determined, and the payout process of the determined prize ball number can be performed. The driven game ball is finally discharged from the back side of the game board to the outside of the game machine regardless of whether or not the game ball has passed the winning area. The game balls discharged to the outside of the game machine are detected by an out ball detection device attached to each game machine.

  The stand-to-stand card processor 10 accepts a deposit, lends a game ball, and communicates with the card management device 40. When accepting the bill inserted by the player, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits the payment notification data including the amount of the bill to the card management device 40, and the amount of money is added to the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. The number corresponding to is added. When 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 is reduced. The payout processing of the ball is performed.

  Further, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits the card insertion notification data to the card management device 40 when the card insertion is accepted. In addition, if the inter-card processing machine 10 receives data including the prepaid value, the number of held balls, and the number of stored balls from the card management device 40, the inter-card card processor 10 stores the received prepaid value, the number of held balls, and the number of stored balls. Then, if the number of possessed balls is stored, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits the possessed ball subtraction request data to the card management device 40 to reduce the number of possessed balls managed by the card management device 40 to zero. clear.

  In addition, when accepting the ball replay operation, the inter-card processing machine 10 subtracts a predetermined number from the ball number stored in its own device, and performs a payout process of a game ball of a number corresponding to the subtracted ball number. Do. In addition, when accepting the ball storage replay operation, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits the ball storage replay request data to the card management device 40, thereby subtracting a predetermined number from the ball storage number managed by the member management device 50. Then, the payout process of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of stored balls is performed.

  In addition, when accepting the card return operation, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits the ball holding request data including the ball holding number managed by the own device to the card management device 40, and the card management device 40 After the number is added, card ejection notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40, and ejection of the card is controlled.

  The island controller 30 is a relay device that bundles a group of gaming machines 20 and a stand-to-stand card processor 10 provided on a gaming island.

  The card management device 40 is a device that manages the prepaid value of the card, the number of balls, and the like as card data. Upon receiving the card insertion notification data from the inter-card processor 10, the card management device 40 manages the card ID of the inserted card in association with the device ID of the inter-card processor 10, and manages the card ID. Is transmitted to the inter-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 the card insertion notification data from the member management device 50. The stored ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10.

  In addition, when the card management device 40 receives the ball holding subtraction request data from the inter-card processor 10, the card management device 40 clears the ball holding number to zero. When the card management device 40 receives the ball-addition request data from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 changes the ball number included in the ball-addition request data to the ball number managed by the card management device 40. to add.

  When the card management device 40 receives the ball lending request data from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID, and transfers the ball lending permission data to the inter-card processing device 10. Send to Then, when the ball storage replay request data is received, the ball storage replay request data is transmitted to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 outputs the ball storage replay data, the ball storage replay data is It is transmitted to the card processor 10.

  When receiving 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 held associated with the card ID. Further, when the card ID is received from the payment machine 80, the prepaid value associated with this card ID is notified to the payment machine 80.

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

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

  In addition, when the member management device 50 receives the inquiry about the number of stored coins from the prize management device 60, the member management device 50 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of stored coins corresponding to the designated card ID.

  The prize management device 60 is a prize exchange terminal device attached to a prize exchange counter in the game store, and performs a prize exchange process of exchanging the obtained balls, the number of stored balls and the number of possessed balls into prizes. The prize management device 60 is connected to a card reader that reads a card ID from a card and a prize payout device that pays out a prize. 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 member card (or when the identification data corresponding to the card ID is read from a portable terminal or the like). Then, the number of balls possessed by the card ID is requested. When exchanging the number of coins to be awarded, the member management device 50 is requested to exchange the number of coins.

  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. Then, pay out money according to the acquired prepaid value.

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

  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 processing machine 10 of the transmission source. The inter-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 a held ball replay process in the case where the held ball is replayed in the gaming system shown in FIG. When receiving the insertion of a general card or a membership card, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. The card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-card processor 10, an address for specifying the inter-card processor 10 as a transmission source, or arbitrary identification data, And data for specifying 10 rates.

  When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-card processing device 10, the card management device 40 notifies the inter-card processing device 10 of 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, the card ID, the data for specifying the rate, and the ball holding subtraction request data indicating that the ball holding number is cleared to zero are transmitted to the card management device 40. If the card management device 40 receives the ball-count subtraction request data, the card management device 40 clears the ball-count of each rate specified by the card ID to zero. In the case of accepting a ball-replay operation and performing ball replay, the inter-card processing machine 10 subtracts a predetermined number from the stored ball number and pays out the corresponding game ball number. . When the payout process is performed, the payout process is performed by transmitting a payout instruction to the gaming machine with respect to a multiple of units (for example, 25 balls) that can be paid out by the gaming machine, and the remaining (for example, less than 25 balls) of the own machine is performed. The payout process is performed by paying out from the nozzle unit 18a.

  When receiving the card return operation, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits the ball-addition request data to the card management device 40. The ball-addition request data includes the card ID of the card to be returned, an address specifying the inter-card processing machine 10 that is the sender, or arbitrary identification data, and the number of balls at each rate. .

  Upon receiving the ball-addition request data, the card management device 40 adds the ball-number included in the ball-addition request data to the ball-number at each rate associated with the card ID. Thereafter, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits card ejection notification data to the card management device 40 and controls ejection of the card.

  Next, a description will be given of a stored ball replay process in the gaming system shown in FIG. When reading the card ID from the membership card or a portable terminal usable as a membership card, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits the card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. The card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-card processor 10, an address for specifying the inter-card processor 10 as a transmission source, or arbitrary identification data, And data for specifying 10 rates.

  The card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data received from the inter-card processing machine 10 to the member management device 50. Upon receiving the card insertion notification data, the member management device 50 determines the password associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data and the number of coins stored at the rate specified by the card insertion notification data among the coins stored. And the ball storage replay data including the possible number of ball storage replays is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10. The possible number of ball savings replays indicates the number of balls that can be replayed. The possible number of ball replays is a multiple of the payout unit number of game balls in the ball replay. If an upper limit is set for the ball storage replay, the maximum value within the range of the number of stored balls and the upper limit is the possible number of ball storage replays. It should be noted that the number of times the ball can be replayed may be used as the number of times the ball can be replayed instead of the possible number of ball replays. The accumulated ball replay frequency is a quotient obtained by dividing the accumulated ball number by the payout unit number of the game ball in the accumulated ball replay. However, when an upper limit is set for the ball storage replay, the upper limit restricts the ball storage replay frequency.

  The inter-stands card processor 10 stores the received ball replay data, and when the possible number of ball replays indicated in the ball replay data is one or more, enables the ball replay operation.

  After storing the ball replay data, the inter-card processing machine 10 prompts the player to enter a password when the ball replay operation is first received, and the entered password is stored in the ball replay data. It is determined whether or not the password matches the personal identification number indicated in (1).

  When the personal identification numbers match, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits the stored ball replay request data to the card management device 40. This ball storage replay request data includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-card processing machine 10, an address for specifying the inter-card processing machine 10 which is the transmission source, or arbitrary identification data, and the inter-card processing. And data for specifying the rate of the device 10.

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

  The inter-card processing machine 10 updates the stored number of stored balls and performs payout processing of the number of game balls corresponding to the payout unit of the stored ball replay. Further, it is determined whether or not the possible number of replays after the update is one or more. If the possible number of accumulated ball replays is 0, it is determined that the accumulated ball replay operation cannot be accepted. If the possible number of the accumulated ball replays after the update is 1 or more, the accumulated ball replay operation can be accepted again. It is not necessary to confirm the password in the second and subsequent ball replays. The confirmation of the personal identification number may be performed every time. In addition, here, the case where the inter-card processing machine 10 performs the payout processing of the game ball after the member management device 50 subtracts the balance of the game ball is described, but the payout processing of the game ball is performed based on the ballpark replay request. After performing, the balance of the savings may be subtracted. This is because the possible number of ball-ball replays is indicated in the ball-ball replay data before the ball-ball replay request, and the shortage of the balance is not determined after the ball-ball replay request is accepted.

  Next, a description will be given of a shift from a held ball to a stored ball in the store closing process. The card management device 40 checks the number of balls held in the card management data at the time of the store closing process, and if there is a record associated with the number of balls held larger than zero, the number of balls held in the record together with the card ID and the rate. Notify the member management device 50. The member management device 50 adds the number of balls held notified from the card management device 40 to the number of balls to be stored specified by the card ID and the rate. After that, the card management device 40 clears the number of possessed balls to zero.

  Next, the appearance of the inter-card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the inter-card processing machine 10. FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the inter-card processing machine 10 connected to the gaming machine 20 as the inter-card processing machine 10. Also, the gaming machine 20 to be installed is shown by a broken line. Although FIG. 3 shows the inter-card processing machine 10 that accepts only bills, a unit having a function of accepting electronic money and coins associated with a portable terminal or a card may be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-card processing machine 10 includes a status display unit 11, a bill insertion slot 12a, a display operation unit 13, a card insertion slot 14a, a holding unit 14b, a nozzle unit 18a, and a counting unit 18b.

  The status display unit 11 is configured by, for example, a multicolor LED, and displays the status of the device of the inter-card processing machine 10 by lighting or blinking in a predetermined color. The bill insertion slot 12a is an insertion slot for various bills required for lending game balls. The display operation unit 13 is a device that includes, for example, a full-color touch panel liquid crystal display or the like, and that displays an operation button and receives an input operation by the operation button. Although the detailed illustration is omitted in FIG. 3, the display operation unit 13 has a flat plate shape in which the corresponding long side of the gaming machine 20 is attached to and supported by the inter-card processing machine 10. The angle between the front panel of the stand-to-stand card processor 10 and the display surface of the display operation unit 13 can be changed.

  The card insertion slot 14a is an insertion slot for a card possessed by the player. The holding section 14b is a section for holding the mobile terminal used for member registration. When the mobile terminal is held over the holding section 14b, data such as a unique ID (for example, IDm) of the mobile terminal is read from the mobile terminal. The nozzle unit 18a is a mechanism for ejecting game balls to the game machine 20. The nozzle unit 18a is composed of a cylindrical nozzle rotatably provided in the front direction of the inter-card processing machine 10 so that the tip of the nozzle can be located in the storage section of the gaming machine. I have. Game media are supplied to the nozzles from a ball supply device in the stand-to-card processing machine, which receives supply of game media from a replenishing mechanism in the island where the stand-to-stand card processing machine 10 is installed. The counting unit 18b is a mechanism for counting game balls dropped from the lower plate of the gaming machine 20. The counting unit 18b includes a receiving portion for receiving game balls, a counting portion provided at a lower portion in the inter-card processing machine 10 for counting game balls with a counting sensor, and a counting device for passing game media from the receiving portion to the counting portion. And a passage. The tray portion and the counting passage portion can be integrally removed from the inter-card processing machine 10 based on a predetermined operation (for example, remote control operation by an employee). The counting unit has a unit structure, and by removing the counting unit, the tray unit, and the counting passage unit, the inter-card processing machine 10 can be operated without a counting function.

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

  The bill transport unit 12 is a transport unit that determines the denomination and authenticity of a bill inserted from the bill insertion slot 12a and transports the bill to a bill storage unit (not shown). The display operation unit 13 displays a function for specifying and displaying various information such as a prepaid value, a number of balls, and a number of balls that can be used for lending from a card or the like, and displays information not related to other cards or the like. It is an input / output device such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display having a function and a function of receiving various operations such as a ball lending operation. In addition to the above-described display, the display operation unit 13 also has a function of displaying an excess or deficiency regarding the number of stored cards and a display of a communication state (online / offline, etc.) with a higher-level device.

  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 unit (not shown) via 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 mobile terminal by short-range wireless communication when the mobile terminal or the like is held over. In addition, the reader / writer 14 associates the card stored in the card storage unit with value data such as possessed balls and prepaid value indicated in the card data 16b and issues the card as a new card in response to a return operation of the player. Also have. However, if the prepaid value indicated in the card data 16b is 0 and the number of balls held is less than a certain number (minimum holding number), control is performed so that the card is not returned even if there is a return operation. This is a control for suppressing the loss of a game store caused by discarding a card associated with a small number of balls, and is not limited to cards stored in advance inside, but also received from outside. The same applies to credit cards (excluding membership cards). As a certain number, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the number of possessed balls by the lending unit price per ball can be set so as to be the value of the card or the lowest-priced prize in the amusement store. Can be set freely according to store policy. Also, in the case of controlling not to return the card even if there is a return operation, it is possible to pay out the stored ball, but it is possible to display that the card cannot be returned and / or replay the ball. A prompt may be displayed.

  The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication between the gaming machine 20 and the island controller 30. The nozzle unit 18a is used for paying out some or all of the game balls when paying out game balls by lending or replaying balls. The counting unit 18b is a unit for counting game balls.

  The storage unit 16 is a storage device including a hard disk device and a nonvolatile memory. The storage unit 16 stores its own device status data 16a, card data 16b, and setting data 16c.

  The own device status data 16a is data indicating the status of the inter-card card processor 10. The own device status data 16a includes the device ID of the inter-card processing machine and the game type setting. The device ID of the inter-card processing machine is identification data for uniquely identifying the inter-card processing machine 10 in a game arcade. The game type setting is data indicating a game type and the like set in the inter-card processing machine 10. When dealing with a plurality of rates of game balls in a game store, "ball 1" for 4-yen game balls, "ball 2" for 2-yen game balls, and "ball 3" for 1-yen game balls Thus, the game type name is set and managed for each rate. The inter-card processing machine 10 selects a rate to be used for a game from these game types and stores the selected rate as a game type setting.

  The card data 16b is data relating to the card being used by the player. The card data 16b includes a card ID, a prepaid value, a possessed ball, a stored ball, a possible number of stored ball replays, and the like. With respect to possessed balls and accumulated coins, data exists for each game type (rate). The card ID is a card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is conveyed from a card storage unit (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and the card is ejected, the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the conveyance. 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 setting data 16c is data indicating the gaming performance of the gaming machine 20 attached. The setting data 16c is received from the card management device 40 and held until the setting of the gaming machine 20 is changed.

  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 count processing unit 17b, a setting data acquisition unit 17c, a display control unit 17d, and a state notification unit 17e.

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

  Further, when a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits payment notification data including the amount of the inserted bill, the card ID, and the inter-card processing machine ID to the card management device 40.

  Further, the data management unit 17a transmits ball lending request data including the card ID and the device ID to the card management device 40 when a ball lending operation is performed by the player. If ball lending permission data is received as a response to the ball lending request data, the data management unit 17a performs payout processing of a predetermined number of game balls.

  In addition, when the ball replay operation is performed by the player, the data management unit 17a subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls held in the card data 16b, and performs payout processing of the corresponding number of game balls. Do.

  In addition, when the possible number of ball storage replays indicated in the card data 16b is one or more, the data management unit 17a displays a ball storage replay button on the display operation unit 13 and can accept a ball storage replay operation. And The data management unit 17a transmits ball storage replay request data including the card ID and the inter-card processing machine ID to the member management device 50 when the player performs a ball storage replay operation. When the ball storage replay data is received as a response to the ball storage replay request data, the number of balls stored in the card data 16b is updated, and the payout processing of the game balls of the payout unit number of the ball storage replay is performed. At the time of the first ball storage replay operation, input of a password is requested, and ball storage replay request data is transmitted on condition that the password matches the password shown in the card data 16b.

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

  In addition, if the player performs a ball saving operation in a state where the membership card is inserted, the data management unit 17a subtracts the number of balls held in the card data 16b, and the member management via the card management device 40. By transmitting the accumulated ball addition request data to the management device 50, the possessed ball is shifted to accumulated coins. In addition, it is also possible to use a mobile terminal instead of a membership card to make a shift to savings. Specifically, if the number of balls held is equal to or greater than a predetermined number and the mobile terminal is held over the holding unit 14b after a predetermined operation is performed, the data management unit 17a sets the holding ball indicated in the card data 16b. The number is subtracted, and the ball holding is transferred to the ball storage by transmitting the ball storage addition request data including IDm read by the holding portion 14b.

  In addition, the data management unit 17a can perform processing related to the wagon service. The wagon service is a service in which a game store clerk puts drinks, cigarettes, and other products into a wagon, travels around the game store, and sells the game to a gaming player. In such a wagon service, in addition to payment by cash or the like, settlement by ball holding or ball storage is possible. When performing the settlement of the wagon service with the possessed ball or the accumulated ball, the game clerk gives an instruction to the inter-card processing machine 10 through a clerk terminal (for example, a remote control terminal) so that the inter-card processing machine 10 can settle the wagon service. State. Then, information that can specify the number of balls and coins to be subtracted as consideration is input to the inter-card processing machine 10. This input processing is performed by inputting a numerical value through the display operation unit 13 of the inter-card processing machine or the operation unit of the terminal for a clerk. When receiving the input, the inter-card processing machine 10 waits for an employee recording medium (for example, a wagon card) to be used for the wagon service. Then, when the wagon card is received, the data management unit 17a subtracts the number of balls and coins stored for the input quantity from the number indicated by the card data 16b, and discharges them in association with the employee recording medium. In addition, if the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the recording medium for the employee without accepting the input of the information that can specify the number of the ball to be deducted and the number of the coins to be deducted as the price, the payment between the wagon service is performed. A process for returning the employee's recording medium without performing the process is performed. In addition, during the settlement of the wagon service, when receiving the input of information that can specify the number of diving balls and coins to be deducted as a consideration, replay operation of diving balls and coins and return operation of recording medium are accepted In this case, the replay operation / return operation is restricted by rejecting it, or the settlement of the wagon service is canceled to prevent the two processes from competing.

  When a game ball is inserted into the counting unit 18b, the counting processing unit 17b causes the counting unit 18b to count the game balls, and performs a process of adding the counting result to the number of balls held in the card data 16b.

  The setting data obtaining unit 17c performs processing of obtaining setting data indicating settings to be applied to the attached gaming machine 20 by receiving the setting data from the card management device 40, and storing the setting data 16c in the storage unit 16.

  The display control unit 17d performs control for displaying the setting data 16c on the display operation unit 13 and switching of a state related to the display of the setting data 16c. Specifically, the display control unit 17d switches between a normal state, a standby state in which the display of the setting data 16c is displayed, and a display state in which the setting data 16c is displayed. After the end of the display state, the state returns to the normal state. That is, the normal state corresponds to the initial state and the state in which the display of the setting data 16c has been completed.

  The display control unit 17d starts the standby state when the setting data acquisition unit 17c acquires the setting data 16c. Further, in the standby state, the display operation is started when the start operation indicating the start of the setting is received, or when the display instruction is received from the card management device 40 which is the higher-level device, and the setting data 16 c is displayed on the display operation unit 13. I do. Then, when an operation indicating the end of the setting is received in the display state, the display control of the setting data 16c ends, and the display state shifts to the normal state.

  The start operation is performed by, for example, a clerk terminal carried by the game. The reception of the operation indicating the end of the setting is performed by displaying an “end” button and a “next” button on the display operation unit 13 at the start of the display state.

  The operation of the “end” button and the operation of the “next” button are both operations indicating the end of the setting. The operation of the “end” button indicates that the setting change of the attached gaming machine 20 has been completed. The operation of the “next” button indicates that the setting change of the attached gaming machine 20 has been completed and that the setting of the neighboring gaming machine 20 is to be started.

  The operation indicating the end will be specifically described. When the “end” button is operated, the display control unit 17d transmits an end notification to the card management device 40, and operates the “next” button. If the notification has been made, an end notification and an instruction request are transmitted to the card management device 40.

  Although details will be described later, the card management device 40 manages whether the status of the setting change target table is “set” or “not set”. Then, when the end notification is received from the inter-card processing machine 10, the state of the corresponding setting change target table is updated to “set”. Further, when the instruction request is received together with the end notification, the state of the setting change target unit is updated to “set”, and the nearest “unset” setting target unit is selected, and the selected setting is selected. The display instruction is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10 corresponding to the target table.

  As described above, the display control unit 17d starts the display state when receiving the display instruction from the card management device 40 in the standby state. Therefore, if the "next" button is operated on a certain inter-card processing machine 10, the nearest inter-card processing machine 10 shifts to the display state without a start operation from the gaming clerk, and the gaming clerk is efficiently The game setting can be changed at the same time.

  Here, the display mode of the setting data 16c will be described. If the setting data 16c indicating the game performance is directly displayed on the display / operation unit 13, there is a risk that the game performance is known not only to the game clerk who performs the work. Therefore, when the display control unit 17d controls the display of the setting data 16c, the setting is displayed as a code that uniquely indicates the content of the setting data 16c. If the contents of the setting data 16c are converted into codes and displayed as described above and the correspondence is conveyed only to the game clerk in charge of the work, it is possible to prevent a situation where the game performance is known only to the game clerk performing the work. it can.

  The state notification unit 17e is a processing unit that notifies the state by changing the display color of the state display unit 11 according to the state related to the display of the setting data 16c. Specifically, the state notification unit 17e turns on the state display unit 11 in pink in the standby state, orange in the display state, and green in the normal state.

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

  The own device state data 16a shown in FIG. 5A indicates a state where the ID of the inter-card processing machine 10 is “3001” and “ball 1” is set as the game type of the inter-card processing machine 10. ing.

  The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5B shows a state where the ID of the card inserted into the inter-card processor 10 is “1001”. Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, the card with the first digit “1” is a general card, and the card with the first digit “2” is a membership card. Further, the card data 16b indicates a state in which the prepaid value is “2000 degrees”. Here, the frequency of the prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen per frequency. Further, the card data 16b indicates that the number of balls held by the ball 1 is “375 balls”, the number of balls held by the ball 2 is “500 balls”, and the number of balls held by the ball 3 is “2000 balls”. Is shown.

  In addition, the card data 16b can store a password, the number of replayable coins, and the number of coins of each game type as data relating to coins, but FIG. 5B shows a state in which a general card is received. Therefore, these data are indicated by "-" indicating that there is no corresponding data. Although the configuration in which the number of balls that can be replayed is stored as the possible number of replays has been described here, the number of times that replay is possible may be stored as the number of replays. Although not shown, the card management device 40 stores ON / OFF of a "lock" flag indicating validity / invalidity of the card in addition to the ball holdings, the coins, and the prepaid value in association with the card ID. Is turned on by an employee operation when the card is stolen. These data are also included and stored in the card data 16b. Furthermore, this "lock" flag can be set for each function ("use of coins", "entry", etc.). For example, only the "entry" function is subject to "lock" at the request of the player. Alternatively, it can be used to prevent erroneous operations. In this specification, the term “entering” means that the number of game media at a certain rate is converted into the number of game media at another rate based on the unit price ratio of the game media and used. In a specific example, in the inter-card processing machine 10 associated with the 4-yen rate, the number of balls X of 1-yen rate is used, and the number of balls of X × (1/4 yen) = X / 4 is used. The payout process can be exemplified. The function of “entrance” can be switched between valid and invalid by the member management device 50 according to the store operation policy.

  The setting data 16c shown in FIG. 5C shows a state where the game setting is “3”.

  Next, a state transition related to the display of the setting data 16c will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a state transition related to display of setting data. As shown in FIG. 6, in the normal state, the state display section 11 is lit in green.

  When the setting data 16c is received in the normal state, the apparatus enters a standby state, and the state display unit 11 lights in pink. Then, when a start operation is received in the standby state or when a display instruction is received from the card management apparatus 40, the display state is set, and the state display unit 11 lights up in orange. Then, when the “end” button or the “next” button is operated in the display state, the state returns to the normal state, and the state display unit 11 lights up in green.

  Next, the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the card management device 40 includes a display unit 41, an input unit 42, an external network communication unit 43, a store network communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a control unit 46.

  The display unit 41 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The input unit 42 is an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. The external network communication unit 43 is an interface unit for performing data communication via a network outside the game store. The store network communication unit 44 is an interface unit for performing data communication with the island controller 30, the member management device 50, the prize management device 60, and the checkout machine 80 via a communication line in the game store.

  The storage unit 45 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a nonvolatile memory, and stores game type setting data 45a, card management data 45b, device management data 45c, and gaming machine setting data 45d.

  The game type setting data 45a is data in which a lending rate and a display name are associated with a game type. The card management data 45b is data in which the prepaid value, the number of balls held for each game type, and the used device ID indicating the device ID of the inter-card processing machine 10 in which the card is inserted are associated with the card ID. is there. The device management data 45c is data relating to devices arranged in the game arcade. The device management data 45c includes the device ID of the inter-card processing machine, the address of the inter-card processing machine 10, the installation location, the gaming machine ID of the attached gaming machine, and the model data.

  The gaming machine setting data 45d is data in which gaming settings for a plurality of gaming machines 20 are associated with dates.

  The control unit 46 is a control unit that controls the entire card management device 40, and includes a game type setting management unit 46a, a card management unit 46b, a device management unit 46c, a gaming machine setting management unit 46d, and a setting data transmission unit 46e. . Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-illustrated ROM or a non-volatile memory, and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed, whereby a game type setting management unit is executed. 46a, the card management unit 46b, the device management unit 46c, the gaming machine setting management unit 46d, and the setting data transmission unit 46e execute the corresponding processes.

  The game type setting management unit 46a is a processing unit that manages, as game type setting data 45a, a game type used in a game store, a rate, and a display name in association with each other.

  The card management unit 46b is a processing unit that manages the card management data 45b. Specifically, when the card management unit 46 b receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46 b changes the use destination device ID of the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data to the card insertion notification. The device ID shown in the data is used. Further, the prepaid value associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data and the number of possessed balls at each rate are notified to the inter-card processing machine 10 as value data. If the inserted card is a membership card, the card management server transmits card insertion notification data to the member management device. The card management unit 46b clears the number of possessed balls at the rate indicated in the possessed ball subtraction request data to zero when receiving the possessed ball subtraction request data from the inter-card processing machine 10.

  In addition, when receiving the ball lending request data including the card ID from the inter-card processor 10, the card management unit 46b determines whether the prepaid value associated with the card ID is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. . When the prepaid value is equal to or more than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b subtracts the predetermined value from the prepaid value stored in the card management data 45b and includes the updated prepaid value in the inter-card processing machine 10. Send ball lending permission data. On the other hand, when the prepaid value is less than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b notifies the inter-card processing machine 10 of the ball lending impossible data.

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

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

  When the card management unit 46b receives the ball-addition request data, the card management unit 46b adds the ball-number included in the ball-addition request data to the ball-number at the corresponding rate. When receiving the card ejection notification data, the card management unit 46b deletes the use destination device ID of the card ID.

  When receiving the card ID from the prize management device 60, the card management unit 46b notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls held at each rate associated with the card ID. When receiving the card ID from the payment machine 80, the card management unit 46b notifies the payment machine 80 of the prepaid value associated with the card ID.

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

  The gaming machine setting management unit 46d is a processing unit that manages gaming settings applied to the gaming machine 20 and gaming settings to be applied. Specifically, the gaming machine setting management unit 46d accepts an input for the game setting of the gaming machine 20 on the next day, and additionally registers the gaming setting on the next day in the gaming machine setting data 45d. By repeatedly accumulating the additional registration for each day, the game machine setting data 45d stores the history of the game setting up to the current day and the game setting of the next day.

  The setting data transmission unit 46e compares the game setting of the next day and the game setting of the current day and selects a gaming machine 20 having a different game setting as a setting change target table for changing the game setting. In addition, the state of all the setting change target units is set to “not set”. Then, when the business hours of the day end and the game settings of the gaming machine 20 can be changed, the setting data is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10 provided along with the setting change target table. The setting data is data indicating a game setting of the gaming machine 20 corresponding to the inter-card processing machine 10 on the next day.

  Upon receiving the end notification from the inter-card processing machine 10, the setting data transmitting unit 46e updates the state of the corresponding setting change target table to “set”. Further, when the instruction request is received together with the end notification, the state of the setting change target unit is updated to “set”, and the nearest “unset” setting target unit is selected, and the selected setting is selected. The display instruction is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10 corresponding to the target table. Since the installation position of the gaming machine 20 is indicated in the device management data 45c, it is possible to specify the nearest “unset” setting target table by referring to the device management data 45c. In this manner, the update of the state of the setting change target base based on the end notification is repeated, and when the state of all the setting change target bases becomes “set”, the change of the game setting ends.

  Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40 illustrated in FIG. 7 will be described. 8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40.

  The game type setting data 45a shown in FIG. 8A associates the rate "4 yen" and the display name "4 cracks" with the game type name "ball 1". In addition, the game type setting data 45a associates the rate “2 yen” and the display name “2 cracks” with the game type name “ball 2”. In addition, the game type setting data 45a associates the rate “1 yen” and the display name “1 crack” with the game type name “ball 3”.

  In the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 8B, the card ID “1001” has a prepaid value “2500”, the number of balls 1 “1500”, the number of balls 2 “2300”, and the number 3 Is associated with the number of balls "0". That is, the card with the card ID “1001” is not inserted in the inter-card processing machine 10, and the management of the ball is performed by the card management device 40.

  In the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 8B, the card ID "1002" is associated with the prepaid value "500", the number of balls held at each rate "0", and the destination apparatus ID "3004". That is, the card with the card ID “1002” is inserted into the inter-card processing machine 10 with the device ID “3004”, and the number of balls held is transferred to the inter-card processing machine 10. Therefore, the number of balls held at each rate is zero.

  In the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 8B, the card ID "2002" is associated with the prepaid value "2000", the number of balls held at each rate "0", and the destination apparatus ID "3001". That is, the card with the card ID “2002” has been inserted into the inter-card processing machine 10 with the device ID “3001”, and the management of the possessed balls has been transferred to the inter-card processing machine 10. Therefore, the number of balls held at each rate is zero.

  In the device management data 45c shown in FIG. 8C, the address of the inter-card processing machine 10 having the ID "3001" on the network is "AB.CD.EF.GH" and the installation location is "Island 1-1." , The ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is “P001”, the game type is “ball 3”, and the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is “EV01”. It also indicates that the gaming machine 20 is in use.

  The game machine setting data 45d shown in FIG. 9D is data in which the date and the game setting of the game machine 20 are associated with each other. In FIG. 9D, for convenience, the gaming machine 20 provided along with the device ID of the inter-card processing machine 10 is managed.

  In FIG. 9D, for the date “2018/07/06”, the game setting “3” of the device ID “3001”, the game setting “1” of the device ID “3002”, and the game setting of the device ID “3003” "1" is associated with the game setting "2" of the device ID "3004". Also, for the date “2018/07/07”, the game setting “1” of the device ID “3001”, the game setting “2” of the device ID “3002”, the game setting “1” of the device ID “3003”, and the device The game setting “3” with the ID “3004” is associated. Then, for the date “2018/07/08”, the game setting “1” of the device ID “3001”, the game setting “3” of the device ID “3002”, the game setting “2” of the device ID “3003”, and the device The game setting “3” with the ID “3004” is associated.

  Here, if the date “2018/07/07” is the current day and the date “2018/07/08” is the next day, the setting change target tables are the device ID “3002” and the device ID “3003”. The setting change target table manages the game setting of the next day and the setting status in association with each other. In FIG. 9D, the game setting “3” and the setting status “set” are associated with the device ID “3002” on the next day, and the game setting “2” and the setting status “2” on the next day are associated with the device ID “3003”. Not set "is associated.

  Next, a processing procedure related to a change in the game setting will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the card management device 40 relating to the change of the game setting. First, the game type setting management unit 46a receives an input for the game setting of the gaming machine 20 on the next day (step S101), and additionally registers the game setting on the game machine setting data 45d in association with the game setting on the next day (step S102).

  The setting data transmitting unit 46e compares the game setting of the next day with the game setting of the day, selects a gaming machine 20 having a different game setting as a setting change target table having a different game setting, and sets the state of all setting change target tables. Is “unset” (step S103).

  When it becomes possible to change the game settings of the gaming machine 20, the setting data transmitting unit 46e transmits the setting data to the inter-card processing machine 10 attached to the setting change target table (step S104).

  When receiving the end notification from the inter-card card processor 10 (step S105; Yes), the setting data transmitting unit 46e updates the state of the corresponding setting change target table to “set” (step S106).

  After that, it is determined whether or not the setting state of all the setting change target units has become “set” (step S107). If there is any “unset” setting change target unit remaining (step S107; No) ), It is determined whether or not an instruction request has been received (step S108).

  If the instruction request has been received (step S108; Yes), the setting data transmitting unit 46e selects the nearest “unset” setting target table, and processes the inter-card processing corresponding to the selected setting target table. A display instruction is transmitted to the device 10 (step S109).

  After step S109, if the instruction request has not been received (step S108; No) or if the end notification has not been received (step S105; No), the setting data transmitting unit 46e proceeds to step S105.

  Then, when the setting state of all the setting change target units is “set already” (step S107; Yes), the processing is ended.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to a change of the game setting in the between-card processing machine 10. First, the setting data acquisition unit 17c receives the setting data from the card management device 40 (Step S201), and the display control unit 17d starts a standby state (Step S202). The state notification unit 17e turns on the state display unit 11 in a color (pink) indicating the standby state.

  The display control unit 17d determines whether or not a start operation has been received (step S203). If the start operation has not been received (step S203; No), the display control unit 17d has received a display instruction from the card management device 40 which is a higher-level device. It is determined whether or not it is (step S204). As a result, if a display instruction has not been received from the card management device 40 as the upper device (step S204; No), the process proceeds to step S203.

  When a start operation is received (Step S203; Yes) or when a display instruction is received from a higher-level device (Step S204; Yes). The display control unit 17d starts the display state (Step S205), and controls the display operation unit 13 to display the setting data 16c (Step S206). The state notification unit 17e turns on the state display unit 11 in a color (orange) indicating the standby state.

  Thereafter, the display control unit 17d determines whether or not the operation of the “end” button has been received (step S207), and if the operation of the “end” button has not been received (step S207; No), the “next” button It is further determined whether or not the above operation has been received (step S208). As a result, if the operation of the “next” button has not been received (step S208; No), the process proceeds to step S206 and the display of the setting data 16c is continued.

  When the operation of the “end” button is received (Step S207; Yes), the display control unit 17d transmits an end notification to the card management device 40 (Step S209). Further, when the operation of the “next” button is received (step S208; Yes), an end notification and an instruction request are transmitted to the card management device 40 (step S210).

  After step S210 or step S209, the display control unit 17d ends the display of the setting data 16c (step S211), shifts to the normal state (step S212), and ends the processing. By transition to the normal state, the state notification unit 17e turns on the state display unit 11 in a color (green) indicating the normal state.

  Next, a specific example of setting of the gaming machine 20 will be described. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of setting of the gaming machine 20. In FIG. 12, the game clerk P1 and the game clerk P2 share the work and change the gaming machine 20.

  Specifically, the gaming clerk P1 is performing an operation on the gaming machine 20 attached to the inter-card processing machine 10 (display state) with the ID 3013. Similarly, the game clerk P2 is performing an operation on the gaming machine 20 attached to the inter-card processing machine 10 (display state) with the ID 3034.

  Here, the inter-card processing machine 10 of ID 3014 and ID 3016 is in a standby state, and when the gaming shop clerk P1 operates the “next” button on the inter-card processing machine 10 of ID 3013, the inter-card processing of ID 3013 is performed. The processor 10 is in the normal state, and the inter-card card processor 10 having the ID 3014 is in the display state. Thereafter, when the game store clerk P1 operates the “next” button on the inter-card processing machine 10 of ID 3014, the inter-card processing machine 10 of ID 3014 enters a normal state, and the inter-card processing machine 10 of ID 3016 is turned off. The display state is set. When the game store clerk P1 operates the "end" button on the inter-card processing machine 10 having the ID 3016, the inter-card processing machine 10 having the ID 3016 enters a normal state. Is not automatically shifted to the display state.

  Similarly, the inter-card processing machine 10 of ID3036, ID3037, and ID3038 is in a standby state, and when the game shop clerk P2 operates the “next” button for the inter-card processing machine 10 of ID3034, The inter-card processor 10 is in the normal state, and the inter-card processor 10 having the ID 3036 is in the display state. Thereafter, when the gaming clerk P2 operates the “Next” button for the inter-card processing machine 10 with the ID 3036, the inter-card processing machine 10 with the ID 3036 enters the normal state, and the inter-card processing machine 10 with the ID 3037 is turned off. The display state is set. Further, when the gaming clerk P2 operates the “next” button on the inter-card processing machine 10 with the ID 3037, the inter-card processing machine 10 with the ID 3038 enters the normal state, and the inter-card processing machine 10 with the ID 3038 is turned off. The display state is set. Then, when the gaming clerk P2 operates the "end" button on the inter-card processing machine 10 having the ID 3038, the inter-card processing machine 10 having the ID 3038 enters a normal state, but the other inter-card processing machines 10 having the ID 3038 enter the normal state. Is not automatically shifted to the display state.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the inter-card processing machine 10, which is each of the gaming machines, acquires from the card management device 40 the setting data indicating the setting to be applied to the gaming machine 20 attached thereto, and performs the setting. The display of the data can be controlled on the display operation unit 13. Further, control is performed so that the display colors of the status display unit 11 are changed before, during, and after the change operation. For this reason, the gaming clerk can identify the gaming machine 20 that needs to be changed and perform the operation while referring to the setting to be applied, so that when changing the gaming performance of the gaming machine, the work load is reduced. In addition, human error can be prevented.

  The setting to be applied to the gaming machine 20 is, for example, information for specifying the gaming performance of the gaming machine 20 on the next day.

  In addition, the inter-card processing machine 10 starts a standby state when receiving setting data from the card management device 40 which is a receiving device. Then, the display state is started when an operation indicating the start of setting or an instruction from a higher-level device is received in the standby state. Further, when an operation indicating the end of the setting is received in the display state, the state is shifted to the state where the display is ended.

  In addition, when receiving the setting data, the inter-card processing machine 10 controls the display operation unit 13 to display a code uniquely indicating the setting data, so that the gaming performance can be known to anyone other than the gaming clerk performing the work. The situation can be prevented.

  Further, the inter-card processing device 10 notifies the card management device 40 when the display of the setting data is completed, and the card management device 40 notifies the completion of the display of the setting data from the inter-card processing device 10. Receiving the instruction, instruct the display of the setting data to the inter-card processing machine 10 which is located near the inter-card processing machine 10 and which is provided adjacent to the gaming machine 20 which needs to be changed in setting. Can be.

  In a second embodiment, a case will be described in which the present invention is applied to an enclosed game machine using a game ball enclosed in the game machine. In enclosed type gaming machines, the number of game balls that can be thrown out on the game board surface is managed as the number of playable games, and in the case of ball lending or replay, etc., the actual processing of game balls will be paid out Instead, the number of possible games is added.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the appearance of the enclosed gaming machine 120 and the stand-to-stand card processor 110. Although FIG. 13 illustrates the inter-card processing machine 110 that receives only bills, a unit for receiving coins may be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the inter-card processing machine 110 has a status display unit 11, a bill insertion slot 12 a, a display operation unit 13, a card insertion slot 14 a, and a holding unit 14 b, similarly to the first embodiment, and further displays An operation unit 22 is provided.

  The state display unit 11, the bill insertion slot 12a, the display operation unit 13, the card insertion slot 14a, and the holding unit 14b are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted. The display operation unit 22 is a display device such as a touch panel display, and is located on the front of the gaming machine 120, but its input / output is controlled by the inter-card processor 110. The display operation unit 22 is an input / output device such as a touch panel display for displaying various information such as the balance of possessed balls and receiving various operations.

  The gaming machine 120 is provided with a gaming board surface, a handle 21 used when the enclosed game balls are thrown out on the gaming board surface, and a counting button 23.

  The counting button 23 subtracts the number of playable games of the gaming machine 120 and adds the corresponding number to the number of balls of the inter-card processing machine 110, thereby controlling the number of balls that can be thrown out of the gaming machine 120 from the inter-game machine. This is an operation button for performing management transfer to be transferred to the card processor 110. This management shift corresponds to a counting process in which an open-type gaming machine in which a real game ball is paid out by a prize, the paid-out game ball is counted by the stand-to-card card processing machine and added to the possessed ball.

  Next, the configurations of the inter-card processing machine 110 and the gaming machine 120 shown in FIG. 13 will be described. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing the configurations of the inter-card processing machine 110 and the gaming machine 120 shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the inter-card processing machine 110 includes a bill transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader / writer 14, a handover unit 14b, a communication unit 15, a storage unit It has a unit 16 and a control unit 117, and further has a game management unit 118 and a display operation unit 22.

  The bill transport unit 12, the display operation unit 13, the reader / writer 14, the holding unit 14b, and the communication unit 15 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The inter-card processing machine 110 does not include the nozzle unit 18a and the counting unit 18b, unlike the first embodiment.

  The storage unit 16 is a storage device including a hard disk device and a nonvolatile memory. The storage unit 16 stores the own device status data 16a, the card data 16b, and the setting data 16c as in the first embodiment.

  The game management unit 118 is a processing unit that performs processing related to authentication and communication with the gaming machine 120. This game management section 118 is desirably formed on a different substrate from the control section 17. The game management section 118 has an authentication processing section 118a, an authentication key management section 118b, and a gaming machine state management section 118c.

  The authentication processing unit 118a performs authentication of the gaming machine 120 using an authentication key received from a higher-level device (for example, the card management device 40). If the authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 118a transmits an operation permission to the gaming machine 120. Even if the authentication has failed, the authentication processing unit 118a transmits an operation permission to the gaming machine 120 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 120, and prohibits the use of the gaming machine 120. The authentication processing unit 118a transmits the result of the authentication such as the success or failure of the authentication to the higher-level device, and controls the display operation unit 13 to appropriately display the result.

  The authentication key management unit 118b is a processing unit that manages an authentication key. The use time is set in the authentication key, and when the total operating time of the gaming machine 120 reaches the use time of the authentication key, the authentication key becomes unusable. Specifically, the authentication key management unit 118b manages the usage time of the authentication key by using the energization time of the board on which the game management unit 118 is formed as the operation time of the gaming machine 120. When the authentication key becomes unusable, the authentication key management unit 118b acquires a new authentication key from the authentication key management center via the higher-level device, and updates the authentication key.

  The gaming machine state management unit 118c is a processing unit that communicates with the gaming machine 120 and manages the state of the gaming machine 120. Specifically, the gaming machine state management unit 118c obtains the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 120, transmits an addition request to the number of playable games by lending a ball, and changes the number of balls to the number of playable games by replaying a held ball. Transmission of a management shift request, transmission of a request for addition to the number of playable balls by ball replay, reception of game results such as the number of driven balls and awarded balls in the gaming machine 120, and the transfer of the number of playable balls from the number of playable balls to counting The management shift request is received. The gaming machine state management unit 118c periodically acquires the number of playable games of the gaming machine 120 as a reference value. The number of playable games acquired by the gaming machine state management unit 118c can be displayed and controlled on the display operation unit 13 and the like. Note that communication between the inter-card processing machine 110 and the gaming machine 120 uses encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

  Note that the gaming machine state management unit 118c may further acquire the current playable number of the gaming machines 120 and the state set for the game such as "big hit". The time interval at which the gaming machine state management unit 118c acquires the state of the gaming machine 120 is desirably set shorter than the interval at which gaming balls are fired (used) in the gaming machine 120.

  The control unit 117 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-card processing machine 110, and includes a data management unit 117a, a game type setting processing unit 117b, a setting data acquisition unit 117c, a display control unit 117d, and a state notification unit 117e. .

  When a card is inserted, the data management unit 117a transmits card insertion notification data including the device ID of the own device status data 16a and the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40. Further, when data including a valuable value (at least one of the prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of accumulated balls) is received from the card management device 40, the data management unit 117a updates the card data 16b with the received value. . The data management unit 117a controls the display operation unit 13 to appropriately display the prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of balls stored in the card data 16b.

  Further, when a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 117a transmits payment notification data including the amount of the inserted bill, the card ID, and the inter-card processing machine ID to the card management device 40.

  Further, the data management unit 117a transmits ball lending request data including a card ID and a device ID to the card management device 40 when a ball lending operation is performed by a player. When ball lending permission data is received as a response to the ball lending request data, the data management unit 117a instructs the game management unit 118 to add a predetermined number of balls to the playable number of the gaming machine 120. Perform payout processing.

  Further, when a game player performs a ball-replay operation, the data management unit 117a subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls held in the card data 16b, and determines the corresponding number of balls in the gaming machine 120. The payout process is performed by instructing the game management unit 118 to add to the possible number.

  In addition, when the possible number of ball replays indicated in the card data 16b is 1 or more, the data management unit 117a displays a ball replay button on the display operation unit 13 and can accept the ball replay operation. And The data management unit 117a transmits ball storage replay request data including the card ID and the inter-card processing machine ID to the member management device 50 when the player performs a ball storage replay operation. When the ball replay data is received as a response to the ball replay request data, the number of balls stored in the card data 16b is updated, and the payout unit of the ball replay is added to the playable number of the gaming machine 120. The payout process is performed by instructing the management unit 118. At the time of the first ball storage replay operation, input of a personal identification number is requested, and ball storage replay request data is transmitted on condition that the personal identification number matches the personal identification number indicated in the card data 16b.

  In addition, when the game management unit 118 receives a game ball transfer request from the gaming machine 120, the data management unit 117a adds the number of balls specified by the game management unit 118 to the number of balls in the card data 16b. Update.

  Further, when a card return operation is performed by a player, the data management unit 117a transmits ball holding request data including a card ID, a device ID, and the number of balls to the card management device 40, and sends the card data 16b After clearing the number of balls to zero, the card discharge notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is discharged.

  The game type setting processing unit 117b displays the rate corresponding to the current game type set in the game type setting of the own device state data 16a on the display operation unit 13 or the display operation unit 22, and the rate by the player. When the setting for accepting the selection is made, the 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 type setting processing unit 117b updates the game type setting of the own device status data 16a with the game type corresponding to the selected rate. On the other hand, when the setting for accepting the selection of the rate by the player is not set, the selectable rate is not displayed during the game. In this case, a selectable rate is displayed on condition that the remote control operation or the like by the employee is accepted and authentication is performed. When the employee selects the rate, the game type setting processing unit 117b updates the game type setting of the own device status data 16a with the game type corresponding to the selected rate. Also, in this case, when a signal instructing selection of a game type is received from a higher-level device such as the card management device 40, the own device state data 16a is displayed according to the specified game type without displaying a selectable rate. Update the game type setting for.

  The setting data acquisition unit 117c performs a process related to acquisition of setting data in the same manner as the setting data acquisition unit 17c described in the first embodiment. The display control unit 117d controls the display of the setting data 16c on the display operation unit 13 and switches the state related to the display of the setting data 16c, similarly to the display control unit 117d described in the first embodiment. Then, the state notification unit 117e changes the display color of the state display unit 11 according to the state related to the display of the setting data 16c, similarly to the state notification unit 17e described in the first embodiment.

  Next, an internal configuration of the gaming machine 120 will be described. The gaming machine 120 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 processor 110. Communication with the inter-card processor 110 uses encrypted 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 starting up the gaming machine 120, checks whether the identification information is appropriate, and if it is appropriate, Then, the communication with the inter-card processing machine 110 is established and the apparatus enters a standby state. In the standby state, if an operation permission is received from the inter-card processing machine 110, the effect control unit 25, the game control unit 26, and the game ball control unit 27 are activated, and the game is enabled.

  The game control unit 26 is a control unit that controls a game played by the gaming machine 120. Specifically, the game control unit 26 controls the firing of the game ball to the game board surface by detecting the handle operation, the detection of the game ball entering the winning opening on the game board surface, and the random number (0 to Acquisition and lottery (special symbols and ordinary symbols) of random number values of 65535, which are assigned big hits, small hits, and misses for each predetermined range, and 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 an abnormality (the front frame is opened, vibration is detected, etc.) which may be illegal, and notification to a higher-level device.

  A large number of obstacle nails are planted on the game board surface, and the game balls fired on the game board surface by operating the handle fall between the obstacle nails and win or win the winning opening, starting opening or win. Is discharged out of the game board from the out port of the game board. A lottery is performed when the game ball wins the starting opening, and when a big hit is made, a big hit game is performed in which a predetermined winning opening on the gaming board surface is controlled to be opened plural times, and the game ball wins in this winning opening. , A prize ball is given to the player.

  In addition, the big hit includes a big hit game with a privilege for giving a predetermined privilege game to a player after the big hit game ends. The jackpot game with a privilege includes a probability fluctuation jackpot and a time reduction jackpot. The probability fluctuation jackpot and the time reduction jackpot are to give a probability fluctuation game and a time reduction game as bonus games after the jackpot, respectively. The time-saving game is a variation of the normal symbol lottery (opening and closing lottery of the movable member described above) and / or a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery by winning the above-mentioned game ball) (from when the lottery process is started until the result is displayed). This is a bonus game in which the number of lotteries per unit time is increased by shortening the time, and the probability of winning a big hit per unit time is increased. This bonus 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 big hit ends when the number of times of the special symbol lottery is performed a predetermined number of times after the big hit. The probability variation game will be described later.

  The game control unit 26 has a probability changing function. The probability variation function performs control of changing the random number range of the jackpot to be used for the next lottery (generally about 10 times) when the lottery result falls within a particularly determined random number range among the jackpots. Function. In the probability changing game, a special symbol lottery is performed using the changed probability. The probability variation game is continued until the next big hit is won. Further, the probability variation game and the time reduction game may be simultaneously provided. However, in order to prevent accidental damage to a game store, if a player obtains a certain game medium after starting a probability-variable game or a time-saving game, the player must stop the game (eject the card once, request a prize exchange or move the platform). Yes) processing. In this case, the game machine 120 counts the number of game media obtained after the probability variation gaming state is reached, and performs game stop control such as stopping emission of game balls when the counted value reaches a predetermined value. This can be achieved by:

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

  The effect lottery unit 25b performs a lottery of the type of effect to be performed until the result of the lottery by the effect symbol is displayed (for example, a character appears and performs a reach effect). This effect is set so that the effect selected for the main lottery result is different.

  The effect control unit 25 stores effect data of each effect. Furthermore, the effect control unit 25 controls the display of the effect symbol display device, and at the time of executing the effect, performs the effect display by superimposing the effect data on the background symbol data. 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 playable games. Specifically, the playable number is stored in the playable number memory 27a, and the number of playable games is reduced by "1" each time a game ball is fired, and the number of prize balls awarded by winning is added to the number of playable games. . When the number of balls is notified from the inter-card processing machine 110, the notified number of balls is added to the number of playable games stored in the playable number memory 27a, and A confirmation signal indicating the addition to the playable number is transmitted. The game ball control unit 27 can also perform cleaning control of game balls (circulation balls) sealed in the game machine 120.

  In addition, the game ball control unit 27 periodically transmits the playable number stored in the playable number memory 27a to the inter-card processing machine 110. In this case, the game ball control unit 27 does not clear the contents of the playable number memory 27a to zero, continues updating the playable number according to the game state, and notifies the inter-card processing machine 110 at the time of data acquisition. The number of possible games is transmitted.

  The gaming machine 120 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 time from the rise to the fall of the detection signal is less than a certain time, the number of playable games by a certain number (for example, 100 balls per one operation). Together with the above data, a management shift request is transmitted to the inter-card processor 110. Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-card processing machine 110 is subtracted (invalidated) from the playable number. In addition, when the pressing operation of the counting button 23 is detected and the falling is not detected for a predetermined time or more after the rising of the detection signal, a certain number (for example, 5 seconds The management transfer request is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10 together with the data of the number of playable games (200 coins). Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-card processing machine 110 is subtracted (invalidated) from the playable number. When subtracting from the playable number, a method of decrementing the value to be subtracted from the value of 1 stored in the memory, updating the value stored in the memory with the value after the subtraction, and deleting or logically deleting the value before the subtraction A method of deleting and invalidating the value is conceivable, but is not particularly limited as long as the value after subtraction can be specified.

  Further, the game ball control unit 27 stores a game setting 27b indicating a game performance. The game setting 27b is rewritten by a setting change operation, and the gaming machine 120 provides a game with the game performance indicated in the game setting 27b. Further, the game ball control section 27 can transmit the game setting 27b to the inter-card processing machine 10.

  The game control unit 26 and the game ball control unit 27 are respectively formed on separate substrates. 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 have unique IDs. The gaming machine 20 combines the ID of the game control board and the ID of the game ball control board and uses them as the gaming machine ID.

  Next, switching of the state in the second embodiment will be described. The display control unit 117d can switch the state related to the display of the setting data 16c under the same conditions as those of the display control unit 17d described in the first embodiment. Further, the display control unit 117d can switch the state using information acquired from the gaming machine 120.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of switching of a state using information acquired from the gaming machine 120. As shown in FIG. 15, when the opening of the door of the gaming machine 120 is detected, the start of the display state and the end of the display state can be performed. When the opening of the door of the gaming machine 120 is detected, whether to start the display state or end the display state can be appropriately set. When the game setting 27b acquired from the gaming machine 120 matches the setting data 16c of the inter-card processing machine 110, the display state can be ended.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the inter-card processing machine 110 acquires the setting data indicating the setting to be applied to the attached gaming machine 120 from the card management device 40 as in the first embodiment. The display of the setting data on the display operation unit 13 can be controlled.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the inter-card processing machine 110 can switch the state related to the display of the setting data based on the state of the gaming machine 120. Specifically, when the opening of the door of the gaming machine 120 is detected, the display state can be started or ended.

  Further, when the setting in the gaming machine 120 matches the setting data of the own device in the display state, it is possible to shift to a state in which the display is ended.

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

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where a game ball is used as a game medium has been described as an example, but the present invention is also applicable to a case where a medal for a slot machine is used.

  Further, each configuration illustrated is a schematic 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 is functionally or physically distributed / integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

  As described above, each stand device, game system, and game management method according to the present invention are suitable for reducing the work load and preventing human error when changing the game performance of a game machine.

10, 110 inter-card processing machine 11 status display section 12 bill transport section 12a bill insertion slot 13 display operation section 14 reader / writer 14a card insertion slot 14b holding section 15 communication section 16, 45 storage section 16a own apparatus state data 16b card data 16c Setting data 17, 46, 117 Control unit 17a, 117a Data management unit 17b Count processing unit 17c, 117c Setting data acquisition unit 17d, 117d Display control unit 17e, 117e Status reporting unit 18a Nozzle unit 18b Counting unit 20, 120 Amusement machine Reference Signs List 21 handle 23 counting button 24 communication control unit 25 effect control unit 25a effect symbol lottery unit 25b effect lottery unit 26 game control unit 27 game ball control unit 27a playable number memory 27b game setting 30 island controller 40 card management device 41 Display unit 42 Input unit 43 External network communication unit 44 Store network communication unit 45a Game type setting data 45b Card management data 45c Device management data 45d Game machine setting data 46a Game type setting management unit 46b Card management unit 46c Device management unit 46d Game machine Setting management unit 46e setting data transmission unit 50 member management device 60 prize management device 80 settlement machine 117b game type setting processing unit 118 game management unit 118a authentication processing unit 118b authentication key management unit 118c gaming machine state management unit

Claims (13)

Each machine is provided in parallel with a gaming machine that performs a game using a game medium, and performs processing related to the game medium,
Setting information obtaining means for obtaining setting information indicating settings to be applied to the gaming machine,
Display control means for controlling the display of the setting information on a display unit.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information obtaining unit obtains, as the setting information, information specifying a gaming performance of the gaming machine on the next day. 3. The display control means can be switched between a standby state in which the display of the setting information is waited, a display state in which the setting information is displayed, and a state in which the display is ended,
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a state notification unit configured to notify the standby state, the display state, and the state in which the display has been completed so as to be identifiable. 4.   4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit starts the standby state when the setting information acquisition unit receives the setting information from a higher-level device. 5.   5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit starts the display state when an operation indicating a start of setting or an instruction from a higher-level device is received in the standby state. 6.   6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit shifts to a state in which the display is ended when an operation indicating an end of the setting is received in the display state. 7. apparatus. Further comprising a gaming machine state acquisition means for acquiring the state of the gaming machine,
The apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the display control unit switches a state related to display of the setting information based on a state of the gaming machine.   8. The stand apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the display control unit shifts to a state in which display is ended when a setting in the gaming machine matches the setting information in the display state. 9.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls display of a code that uniquely indicates the setting information on the display unit. A gaming system comprising: a gaming machine that performs a game using a gaming medium; a plurality of devices that are provided in the gaming machine and perform processing related to the gaming medium; and a management device that manages the game.
The management device,
Setting information management means for managing setting information indicating settings to be applied to the gaming machine,
Based on the setting information, comprising a setting information transmitting means for transmitting the setting information to each of the units installed in the gaming machine required to change the setting,
Each of the above devices,
Setting information obtaining means for obtaining the setting information by receiving the setting information transmitted from the management device,
And a display control means for performing control for displaying the setting information on a display unit. The display control means of each of the devices notifies the management device when the display of the setting information is completed,
The management device, when receiving a notification that the display of the setting information has been completed from each of the devices, is located near the respective devices, and is attached to a gaming machine that requires the setting to be changed. The gaming system according to claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of devices is instructed to display the setting information. A game management method in each device that is provided along with a gaming machine that performs a game using a game medium and performs a process related to the game medium,
Setting information obtaining step of obtaining setting information indicating a setting to be applied to the gaming machine,
A display control step of performing a control of displaying the setting information on a display unit. A game management method in a game system, comprising: a game machine for playing a game using a game medium; a plurality of devices that are provided alongside the game machine and perform processing related to the game medium; and a management device for managing the game. hand,
A setting information management step of managing the setting information indicating a setting to be applied to the gaming machine,
The management device, based on the setting information, setting information transmission step of transmitting the setting information to each of the stand devices that are provided in conjunction with the gaming machine required to change the setting,
A setting information acquiring step of acquiring the setting information by receiving the setting information transmitted from the management device,
A display control step in which each of the units controls the display of the setting information on a display unit.

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