JP2021037103A - Game device, game system, and recording medium management method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game device, a game system, and a recording medium management method that have enhanced security against theft of a recording medium.SOLUTION: When a game player playing a game (S1) leaves a game machine, card return prohibition processing is executed by an inter-game-machine card processor (S2). When the game player returns to the game machine, and resumes a game, a card return prohibition cancellation confirmation screen is displayed in a display operation part (S3). When the game player depresses "Yes" on a display screen, a card return prohibition state is cancelled (S4). Then, when the game player depresses a card return button, a card is discharged and returned to the game player (S5).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a game device, a game system, and a recording medium management method installed in a game store.

Conventionally, in a game store that provides games using a game machine, valuable value such as money is acquired by the game for a medium such as a card possessed by the player (hereinafter, also referred to as a "recording medium"). In addition to associating the game media that have been played, the game may be provided by moving between a plurality of game machines, and prizes may be provided as a result of the game.

Here, since such recording media may be associated with valuable value or game media, it is important to take measures against theft of the recording media. For example, in Patent Document 1, when a value item selected by a player has a value, the return is restricted by requiring the authentication information arbitrarily set by the player when returning the recording medium. The technology is disclosed.

JP-A-2010-005207

However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when restricting the return, an arbitrary operation of the player is always required, which is not sufficient as security against theft of the recording medium.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game device, a game system, and a recording medium management method with enhanced security against theft of a recording medium. And.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a gaming device provided corresponding to a game machine, which is received by a recording medium receiving means for receiving a recording medium and the recording medium receiving means. Based on the game value specifying means for specifying the game value associated with the recording medium, the game value storing means for storing the game value specified by the game value specifying means, and the game information related to the game on the corresponding game machine. Then, based on the game pause determination means for determining the establishment of the game pause condition, the game value stored in the game value storage means, and the determination result by the game pause determination means, the recording medium reception means has received the acceptance. When the return of the recording medium is restricted by the recording medium return restricting means for restricting the return of the recording medium and the recording medium return restricting means, the game restart condition is based on the game information related to the game on the corresponding game machine. Based on the fact that the game resumption determination means for determining the establishment of the above and the game resumption determination means determine the establishment of the game resumption condition and the player performs a predetermined first operation, the recording medium return restriction means is used. It is characterized by being provided with a recording medium return restriction releasing means for releasing the restriction on the return of the recording medium.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the first operation is an operation that is possible when the game restart condition is determined by the game restart determination means.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the restriction on the return of the recording medium is lifted by the means for releasing the restriction on the return of the recording medium, and the player performs a predetermined second operation, so that the recording medium is returned. It is characterized by being provided with a medium return control means.

Further, in the above invention, in the above invention, the first operation includes a recording medium return request operation, and the recording medium is returned when the return of the recording medium is canceled by the recording medium return restriction releasing means. It is characterized by being provided with a medium return control means.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the second operation includes a return request operation of a recording medium, and the first operation is an operation different from the second operation.

Further, in the present invention, the recording medium return restriction releasing means releases the restriction on returning the recording medium when the game value stored in the game value storage means is less than a predetermined value. It is a feature.

Further, the present invention is a gaming system installed in a game store, which is provided for a game machine and is provided with a recording medium receiving means for receiving a recording medium and a recording medium received by the recording medium receiving means. A game value specifying means for specifying the associated game value, a game value storing means for storing the game value specified by the game value specifying means, and game information related to a game on a game machine corresponding to the recording medium receiving means. Based on the game pause determination means for determining the establishment of the game pause condition, the game value stored in the game value storage means, and the determination result by the game pause determination means, the recording medium receiving means accepts the information. When the return of the recording medium is restricted by the recording medium return restricting means for restricting the return of the recording medium and the recording medium return restricting means, a game related to a game on a game machine corresponding to the recording medium receiving means. Based on the information, the game resumption determination means for determining the establishment of the game resumption condition and the game resumption determination means determine the establishment of the game resumption condition, and the player performs a predetermined operation. It is characterized by being provided with a recording medium return restriction releasing means for releasing the restriction on the return of the recording medium by the recording medium return restricting means.

Further, the present invention is a recording medium management method in a game system installed in a game store, which includes a recording medium reception process for receiving a recording medium in a game device provided corresponding to the game machine, and the recording medium. Corresponding to the game value specifying process for specifying the game value associated with the recording medium received in the receiving process, the game value storage process for storing the game value specified by the game value specifying process, and the game device. Based on the game pause determination step of determining the establishment of the game pause condition based on the game information related to the game on the game machine, the game value stored in the game value storage step, and the determination result by the game pause determination step. , When the return of the recording medium is restricted by the recording medium return restriction step of restricting the return of the recording medium received in the recording medium reception step and the recording medium return restriction step, the game on the corresponding gaming machine. Based on the game resumption determination step of determining the establishment of the game resumption condition and the game resumption determination step of determining the establishment of the game resumption condition based on the game information related to the above, and performing a predetermined operation by the player. It is characterized by including a recording medium return restriction release step for releasing the restriction on the return of the recording medium by the recording medium return restriction step.

According to the present invention, it is possible to enhance security against theft of a recording medium.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the gaming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a game store. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the inter-unit card processing machine. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-unit card processor. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display in a card return prohibited state. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the inter-unit card processor. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the card management device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a table of game condition setting data. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the card management device. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the member management device shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the standby state of the inter-unit card processing machine. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the case where the card is prohibited from being returned. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a modification 1 of the flowchart showing the processing procedure in the card return prohibited state. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a modification 2 of the flowchart showing the processing procedure in the card return prohibited state. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a modification 3 of the flowchart showing the processing procedure in the card return prohibited state.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the gaming device, the gaming system, and the recording medium management method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the present specification, the possession ball is data indicating the game medium acquired by the player in the game or the number of the game media, and may be re-used for the game only during the day (time before the store closes). Say what you can do. The stored balls are data indicating the game media acquired by the player in the game or the number of the game media, and can be used again for the game from the next day onward (time after the store is closed). The possession ball can be used by both general players and member players, and is used when the game machine used for the game is changed (so-called table movement). The ball storage is usually available only to member players, and is used when the acquired game medium is used for games on the next day or later. A predetermined fee may be charged for the use of the stored balls.

First, the concept of the game system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the gaming system according to the present embodiment. The gaming system shown in FIG. 1 performs a card return prohibition process in the gaming machine when the player leaves the gaming machine during the game (S1) (S2). After that, when the player returns to his / her seat and resumes the game, the card return prohibition cancellation confirmation screen is displayed (S3). When the player presses the Yes button displayed on the screen, the card return prohibition state is released (S4), and when the card return button is pressed, the card is returned (S5).

When the inter-unit card processing machine 10 receives a deposit from a player, the inter-unit card processor 10 associates a prepaid value corresponding to the amount of the deposit with the identification information (card ID) of the card stored inside the own device. This prepaid value can be used for lending game balls. Further, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 can accept the insertion of a card associated with a prepaid value, a possession ball, a ball storage, and the like. Then, at the end of the game, the card associated with the prepaid value, the possessed ball, the stored ball, etc. is discharged and returned to the player.

As described above, in the gaming system shown in FIG. 1, when the player who is playing the game leaves the game machine, the inter-table card processing machine 10 prohibits the return of the card. Therefore, no special operation is required to prohibit the return of the card, and the security against theft of the card can be improved. In addition, when the player returns to his / her seat and resumes the game, the card return prohibition release screen is displayed, the card return prohibition is released by pressing "Yes", and the card is returned by pressing the return button again. To do. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the theft of the card and manage it more safely by adding time and effort to the return of the card when leaving the seat.

Next, the system configuration of the game store shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a game store. As shown in FIG. 2, in the game store, a plurality of game machines 20 and an inter-table card processing machine 10 provided corresponding to each game machine 20 are installed. The inter-unit card processor 10 connects to a communication line, which is a network in the store, via an island controller 30. The island controller 30, the card management device 40, the member management device 50, the prize management device 60, and the payment machine 80 are connected to the communication line. The game machine 20 is connected to the hall computer 90 by a communication line. Further, the hall computer 90 is communicably connected to the member management device 50. The hall computer 90 and the card management device 40 may be connected in a communicable manner.

The game machine 20 is a device for driving a game ball into a game board surface to play a game. A plurality of prize areas (winning openings) are provided on the game board surface of the game machine 20, and a predetermined number of game balls are given as prize balls based on the fact that the game balls have passed through the prize areas. It has become. Further, a predetermined number of starting areas (starting openings) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is performed based on the passing of the game balls through the starting areas. If the lottery is a big hit, the operation of a predetermined movable member or the like will perform an operation that is advantageous in terms of the game, such as improving the probability of passing the game ball to the above-mentioned winning area or another starting area. The result of the lottery due to the passage of the ball to the starting port is displayed on the special symbol display device that displays the result of the lottery. The lottery result of this special symbol display device is displayed in a mode in which a final display is performed after a variable display for a predetermined time. Further, a decorative symbol display device for variably displaying decorative symbols such as predetermined numbers based on the result of the lottery is provided on the game board surface, and when the result of the lottery is a big hit, for example, (7, 7). , 7), etc. are displayed to notify the user. It is also possible to provide an area that serves as both a starting area and a winning area.

In the above-mentioned winning area, a winning sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball to the winning area is provided, and the passing (winning) of the game ball driven into the winning area by this winning sensor is detected. It has become. Further, the control unit of the game machine 20 has a prize ball memory for storing the number of game balls to be given as prize balls for each prize area.

Therefore, when the winning sensor detects that the driven game ball has passed through the specific winning area, the game machine 20 should give the game ball based on the stored contents of the prize ball memory and the number of game balls that have passed through the winning area. The number of prize balls can be determined, and the determined number of prize balls can be paid out. In addition, 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 it has passed through 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.

Further, the game machine 20 includes an external output unit that outputs a signal for managing the operating state of the game machine 20 to the hall computer 90 or the like. From the external output unit, a safe pulse is transmitted to the hall computer 90 each time a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. Further, when a special state such as a big hit occurs due to the game in the game machine 20, a special prize pulse indicating the occurrence of such a state is transmitted from the external output unit to the hall computer 90. Further, when the variable display of the special symbol display device is started based on the result of the lottery due to the passage of the ball to the starting port in the game machine 20, a start pulse indicating the start of the variable display is sent from the external output unit to the hall computer. It is transmitted to 90. Further, the out-ball detection device transmits an out-pulse indicating the number of balls driven into the game machine 20 (the number of balls ejected from the game board surface) to the hall computer 90.

The inter-unit card processing machine 10 accepts payments, lends game balls, communicates with the card management device 40, and the like. When the inter-unit card processing machine 10 receives the bills inserted by the player, it transmits the payment notification data including the amount of the bills to the card management device 40, and the amount is set to the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Add the numbers according to. Then, when the predetermined ball lending operation is performed, the 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 played. Performs ball payout processing.

Further, when the inter-unit card processing machine 10 accepts the card insertion, the card insertion notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40. Further, when the inter-unit card processing machine 10 receives data including the prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of stored balls from the card management device 40, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 stores the received prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of stored balls. Then, when the number of balls held is stored, the inter-unit card processor 10 transmits the ball holding request data to the card management device 40 to reduce the number of balls held by the card management device 40 to zero. clear.

Further, when the platform card processor 10 accepts the ball holding replay operation, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls stored in its own device, and pays out the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of balls. Do. Further, when the inter-unit card processor 10 receives the ball storage replay operation, the table-to-vehicle card processing machine 10 transmits the ball storage replay request data to the card management device 40 to subtract a predetermined number from the number of balls stored managed by the member management device 50. Then, the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of stored balls is paid out.

Further, when the inter-unit card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 transmits the ball holding ball addition request data including the number of balls held by the own device to the card management device 40, and the card management device 40 holds the balls. After adding the numbers, the card ejection notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40 to control the ejection of the cards.

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

The card management device 40 is a device that manages the prepaid value of a card, the number of balls held, and the like as card data. When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 manages the card ID of the inserted card in association with the device ID of the inter-unit card processing machine 10, and manages the card ID. The prepaid value and the number of balls held in association with the above are transmitted to the inter-unit card processing machine 10. When the card ID shown in the card insertion notification data is the card ID of the membership card, the card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data to the member management device 50 and receives it from the member management device 50. The stored ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-unit card processor 10.

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball holding ball subtraction request data from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 clears the number of balls held to zero. When the card management device 40 receives the ball addition request data from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 sets the number of balls included in the ball addition request data to the number of balls managed by the card management device 40. to add.

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball lending request data from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID and converts the ball lending permission data into the inter-unit card processing machine 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, and when the member management device 50 outputs the ball storage replay data, the ball storage replay data is transferred to the machine. It is transmitted to the card processor 10.

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

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification data, the card management device 40 identifies the game machine ID of the game machine 20 corresponding to the inter-unit card processing machine 10 of the transmission source, and assigns the game machine ID and the card ID. Correspondingly, the member management device 50 is notified of the card insertion. Similarly, when the inter-unit card processor 10 ejects a card, the game machine ID of the game machine 20 corresponding to the source inter-unit card processor 10 is specified, and the game machine ID and the card ID correspond to each other. Attach and notify the member management device 50 of the card ejection.

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the payment notification data, the card management device 40 identifies the game machine ID of the game machine 20 corresponding to the inter-unit card processing machine 10 of the transmission source, and corresponds the game machine ID and the card ID. Attach and notify the member management device 50 of the payment.

Notification of card insertion from the card management device 40 to the member management device 50, notification of card ejection, notification of payment, and the like are output to the hall computer 90 as a history of operations of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 as described later. When the card management device 40 and the hall computer 90 can communicate with each other, the card management device 40 may be configured to directly notify the hall computer 90 of card insertion, card ejection, deposit, and the like.

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

When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 uses the stored ball replay data including the number of stored balls and the password associated with the card ID shown in the card insertion notification data. It is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10. Further, when the member management device 50 receives the ball storage replay request data from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number from the number of stored balls associated with the card ID shown in the ball storage replay request data. The stored ball replay data including the number of stored balls after the subtraction is transmitted to the inter-unit card processor 10. The communication between the inter-unit card processor 10 and the member management device 50 is performed via the card management device 40.

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

Further, the member management device 50 accumulates a history of operations such as payment, card insertion, and card ejection of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 notified from the card management device 40, and is stored in the hall computer 90 at a predetermined timing such as after the store is closed. Send.

Further, the member management device 50 accumulates a history of operations related to prize exchange by the prize management device 60, settlement by the settlement machine 80, and the like, and transmits the operation history to the hall computer 90 at a predetermined timing such as after the store is closed.

The prize management device 60 is a terminal device for exchanging prizes attached to a prize exchange counter in the game store, and performs a prize exchange process for exchanging acquired balls, the number of stored balls, and the number of balls held for 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 prizes. When the prize management device 60 reads the card ID from the general card or the membership card (or when the identification data corresponding to the card ID is read from the mobile terminal or the like), the prize management device 60 transmits the card ID to the card management device 40. The number of balls possessed by the card ID is requested. When exchanging the number of stored balls for prizes, the member management device 50 is requested to store the number of stored balls.

When the card 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 acquire the prepaid value associated with the card. Then, the money is paid out according to the acquired prepaid value.

The hall computer 90 manages the operation history of the game machine 20 by receiving and accumulating out pulses, safe pulses, and special prize pulses from each game machine 20. The hall computer 90 manages the states of each game machine 20 (“special prize”, “vacant table”, “playing”, etc.), and displays these states of each game machine on a map display screen in the hall. It can also be displayed. In addition, the hall computer 90 receives the operation history of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 and the history of prize exchange and settlement. Then, the game history data and the game data are generated by using the operation history of the game machine 20, the operation history of the inter-unit card processing machine 10, and the history of prize exchange and settlement.

Next, the ball lending process of the game system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When the player performs a ball lending operation on the platform card processor 10, the platform card processor 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 in the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the address that identifies the inter-unit card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source, or arbitrary identification data.

When the card management device 40 receives 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-unit card processing machine 10 of the transmission source. The inter-unit card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission data performs a payout process of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

Next, the ball holding replay process when the holding ball is replayed by the game system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When the inter-unit card processor 10 accepts the insertion of a general card or a membership card, it 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 in the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the address that identifies the inter-unit card processing machine 10 as the sender, or arbitrary identification data, and the inter-unit card processing machine. Includes data for identifying rates of 10.

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

The inter-unit card processor 10 stores the number of balls held from the card management device 40. Then, the card ID, the data for specifying the rate, and the ball subtraction request data indicating that the number of balls held is cleared to zero are transmitted to the card management device 40. When the card management device 40 receives the ball subtraction request data, the card management device 40 clears the number of balls held at each rate specified by the card ID to zero. Further, when the platform card processor 10 accepts the ball holding replay operation and performs the holding ball replay, the platform card processing machine 10 subtracts a predetermined number from the stored number of holding balls and performs a payout process of the corresponding number of game balls. .. When paying out, multiples of units that can be paid out by the game machine (for example, 25 balls) are paid out by sending a payout instruction to the game machine, and the rest is paid out from the nozzle unit 18a of the own machine. By doing so, the payout process is performed.

When the inter-unit card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 transmits the possession 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, the address that identifies the inter-unit card processing machine 10 that is the sender, or arbitrary identification data, and the number of balls held at each rate. ..

When the card management device 40 receives the ball addition request data, the card management device 40 adds the number of balls included in the ball addition request data to the number of balls held at each rate associated with the card ID. After that, the inter-unit card processor 10 transmits the card ejection notification data to the card management device 40 to control the ejection of the card.

Next, the ball storage replay process in the game system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When the inter-unit card processor 10 reads the card ID from the membership card or a mobile terminal that can be used as the membership card, the card insertion notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40. The card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the address that identifies the inter-unit card processing machine 10 as the sender, or arbitrary identification data, and the inter-unit card processing machine. Includes data for identifying rates of 10.

The card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data received from the inter-unit card processor 10 to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data, the member management device 50 has a password associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data and the number of stored balls at the rate specified by the card insertion notification data. Then, the stored ball replay data including the possible number of stored ball replays is transmitted to the inter-unit card processor 10. The number of balls that can be replayed indicates the number of balls that can be replayed. The possible number of ball storage replays is a multiple of the number of game ball payout units in the ball storage 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. In addition, instead of the possible number of ball storage replays, the number of times the ball storage replay is possible may be used as the ball storage replay frequency. The stored ball replay frequency corresponds to the quotient obtained by dividing the stored ball number by the number of game ball payout units in the stored ball replay. However, if an upper limit is set for the ball storage replay, the ball storage replay frequency is limited by this upper limit.

The inter-vehicle card processor 10 stores the received ball storage replay data, and can accept the ball storage replay operation when the number of possible ball storage replays shown in the ball storage replay data is 1 or more.

When the inter-vehicle card processor 10 first accepts the ball storage replay operation after storing the ball storage replay data, the player is requested to input a password, and the entered password is the ball storage replay data. It is determined whether or not it matches the password shown in.

When the passwords match, the inter-vehicle card processor 10 transmits the ball storage replay request data to the card management device 40. The ball storage replay request data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the address that identifies the inter-unit card processing machine 10 that is the source, or arbitrary identification data, and the inter-unit card processing. Includes data for identifying the rate of the machine 10.

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

The inter-vehicle card processing machine 10 updates the number of stored balls to be stored, and performs a processing of paying out the number of game balls corresponding to the number of payout units of the stored ball replay. In addition, it is determined whether or not the number of possible replays of the stored balls after the update is 1 or more. If the number of possible ball storage replays is 0, the ball storage replay operation cannot be accepted. If the number of possible ball storage replays after the update is 1 or more, the ball storage replay operation can be accepted again. It is not necessary to confirm the PIN for the second and subsequent replays of the stored balls. The personal identification number may be confirmed every time. Further, although the case where the member management device 50 subtracts the balance of the stored balls and then the inter-unit card processing machine 10 performs the game ball payout process is illustrated here, the game ball payout process is performed based on the stored ball replay request. After that, the balance of the stored balls may be subtracted. This is because the number of possible ball storage replays is shown in the ball storage replay data before the ball storage replay request, and the balance shortage is not found after the ball storage replay request is accepted.

Next, the transition from holding balls to storing balls in the closing process will be described. The card management device 40 confirms the number of balls held in the card management data at the time of closing the store, and if there is a record associated with the number of balls held larger than zero, the card management device 40 displays 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 from the card management device 40 to the number of stored balls specified by the card ID and the rate. After that, the card management device 40 clears the number of balls held to zero.

Next, the appearance of the stand-to-stand card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the stand-to-stand card processing machine 10. Note that FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the stand-to-stand card processor 10 connected to the game machine 20 as the stand-to-stand card processor 10. Further, the game machine 20 to be attached is shown by a broken line. Further, although FIG. 3 shows the inter-table card processing machine 10 that accepts only banknotes, a unit for accepting coins can also be provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-table 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 portion 14b, a nozzle unit 18a, and a counting unit 18b.

The status display unit 11 displays the status of the device of the inter-unit card processor 10 by lighting or blinking a lamp of 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 accepts the display of operation buttons such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display and the input operation by the operation buttons.

The card insertion slot 14a is a card insertion slot owned by the player. The holding unit 14b is a portion for holding the mobile terminal used for membership registration, and when the mobile terminal is held over the holding unit 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 throwing a game ball into the game machine 20. The counting unit 18b is a mechanism for counting game balls dropped from the lower plate of the game machine 20.

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

The bill transport unit 12 is a transport unit that transports the bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 12a to a bill storage unit (not shown) while discriminating the denomination and authenticity of the bills. The display operation unit 13 is an input / output device such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display that displays various information such as the prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of stored balls that can be used for ball lending, and accepts various operations such as ball lending operations. Is.

The reader / writer 14 is a device that reads a card ID from a card inserted in 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 reader / writer 14 has a function as a recording medium receiving means for receiving a recording medium. 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. Further, the reader / writer 14 has a function of associating the card stored in the card storage unit with value data such as a possession ball and a prepaid value shown in the card data 16b and issuing the card as a new card according to the return operation of the player. Also has. However, if the prepaid value shown in the card data 16b is 0 and the number of balls held is less than a certain number (minimum number of holdings), control is performed so that the card is not returned even if there is a return operation. This is a control for preventing a game store from losing money due to the discarding of a card associated with a small amount of balls. As a fixed number, for example, the value obtained by multiplying the number of balls held by the lending unit price per ball can be set to be the card price or the lowest price prize in the game store, but the game is not limited to this. It can be set freely according to the store policy. In addition, when controlling so that the card is not returned even if there is a return operation, it is possible to pay out the stored ball, but a display indicating that the card cannot be returned and prompting the player to replay the card is displayed. You may.

The communication I / F unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication between the game machine 20 and the island controller 30. A signal (hereinafter, also referred to as “out pulse”) indicating that an out ball in the game machine has been detected from an out ball detection device attached to each game machine is also input to the communication I / F unit 15. To. Here, a configuration in which the out pulse from the out ball detection device is directly input to the communication I / F unit 15 is shown as an example, but the configuration is not necessarily limited to this configuration, and for example, for each of a plurality of gaming machines 20. A relay device (base unit) for collecting information may be provided, and the out pulse transmitted from the out ball detection device to the relay device may be branched from the relay device and input to the communication I / F unit 15. The nozzle unit 18a is used for paying out a part or all of the game balls when paying out the game balls by lending or replaying. The counting unit 18b is a unit that counts game balls.

The storage unit 16 is a storage device including a hard disk device, a non-volatile memory, and the like. The storage unit 16 stores the own device status data 16a, the card data 16b, the player leaving confirmation data 16c, and the card return prohibition screen display data 16d.

The own device state data 16a is data indicating the state of the inter-unit card processor 10. The own device state data 16a includes the device ID of the inter-unit card processor and the game setting. The device ID of the inter-unit card processing machine is identification data for uniquely identifying the inter-unit card processing machine 10 in the game store. The game setting is data indicating a game type or the like set in the inter-unit card processor 10. When handling multiple rate game balls in a game store, "ball 1" for 4-yen rate game balls, "ball 2" for 2-yen rate game balls, and "ball 3" for 1-yen rate game balls. In this way, the game type name is set and managed for each rate. The inter-vehicle card processor 10 selects a rate to be used for the game from these game types and stores it as a game setting.

The card data 16b is data related to the card being used by the player. When the card is a general card, the card data 16b includes a card ID, a prepaid value, and a ball. When the card is a membership card, in addition to the above-mentioned data, the number of balls stored and the number of balls that can be replayed are included. The prepaid value, the possession ball, and the stored ball are associated with the recording medium and are included in the game value that can be used for the game. There is data for each type of game (rate) for possessed balls and stored balls. The card ID is a card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When the card is a general card, the card is transported from a card storage unit (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a, and when the card is ejected, the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transport is used. The card data 16b is updated. Further, when the card is a general card, even when the card is transported from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), the card data 16b is generated by the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transport. Will be updated. When the card is a membership card, data is read, updated, and the like while the card received from the card insertion slot 14a is held at the position of the reader / writer 14.

The player leaving seat confirmation data 16c is data used in the player determining that the player has left the seat in the player leaving seat confirmation processing unit 17c. The player leaving confirmation data 16c is data based on the game condition setting data 45d described later, and is distributed through the communication I / F unit 15 when communication with the card management device 40 is established. The player leaving confirmation data 16c includes setting data of the leaving condition, and the setting condition in this case is from an out-ball detection device (not shown) installed on the game table in the normal state of the inter-table card processor 10. When the out-ball is not detected continuously for 120 seconds and the out-pulse, which is the number of balls hit into the game machine 20, is not transmitted to the inter-unit card processor 10 through the communication I / F unit 15, it is determined that the player has left the seat. Will be done. The card return prohibition screen display data 16d is screen data to be displayed on the display operation unit 13 when the card return prohibition processing is performed by the card return prohibition control unit 17e, and includes a unit number, a seat leaving condition, a restart condition, and the like. ..

The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-unit card processing machine 10, and includes a data management unit 17a, a counting processing unit 17b, a player leaving confirmation processing unit 17c, a card balance confirmation processing unit 17d, and a card return prohibition. It has a control unit 17e and a card return processing unit 17f.

When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits the 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 the data management unit 17a receives 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 control in which the data management unit 17a receives the value data and updates the card data 16b functions as a game value specifying means for specifying the game value associated with the recording medium and a game value storing means for storing the game value. The data management unit 17a appropriately displays and controls the prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of stored balls shown in the card data 16b on the display operation unit 13.

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

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

Further, when the player performs the ball holding replay operation, the data management unit 17a subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls held in the card data 16b and performs a payout process of the corresponding number of game balls. Do.

Further, when the number of possible ball storage replays shown in the card data 16b is 1 or more, the data management unit 17a can display the ball storage replay button on the display operation unit 13 and accept the ball storage replay operation. And. When the player performs the ball storage replay operation, the data management unit 17a transmits the ball storage replay request data including the card ID and the inter-unit card processing machine ID to the member management device 50. When the stored ball replay data is received as a response to the stored ball replay request data, the number of stored balls in the card data 16b is updated, and the game balls of the number of payout units of the stored ball replay are paid out. At the time of the first ball storage replay operation, the input of the password is requested, and the 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 card ID, the device ID, and the ball addition request data including the number of balls held to the card management device 40, and the card data 16b. After clearing the number of balls held to zero, the card ejection notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is ejected.

Further, when the possession ball and the prepaid value of the general card become 0, the data management unit 17a transmits the general card usage data including the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40.

Further, when the wagon prize is exchanged, the data management unit 17a subtracts the number of balls held corresponding to the prize from the number of balls held shown in the card data 16b. Then, by transmitting the wagon prize exchange data including the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40, it is notified that the wagon prize exchange has been performed. Here, the wagon prize exchange is a service that allows a game clerk to carry prizes such as drinks and cigarettes around the game store and allow the player to exchange prizes and balls while continuing the game.

Further, when the ball holding is divided, the data management unit 17a divides and associates the two cards with the number of balls shown in the card data 16b, and ejects one of the cards. .. Then, by transmitting the possession ball division notification data including the card IDs of the two cards to the card management device 40, it is notified that the possession ball division has been performed.

When performing the ball holding division, the data management unit 17a enables the display operation unit 13 to display the holding ball dividing button, and when the holding ball dividing button is operated, a new card is inserted. And accept the input of the number of divided balls. The newly inserted card becomes the split destination card, and the card used up to that point becomes the split source card. The data management unit 17a subtracts the number of split balls from the number of balls held in the card data 16b, which is the number of balls held by the split source card, associates the number of balls held with the split destination card with the number of balls held, and associates the number of balls with the number of split balls with the split destination. Eject the card.

When the possession ball division is performed, it is identified that the division destination card and the division source card are used by the same player. Further, it may be set so that the card of the division destination and the card of the division source are identified as being used by different players.

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

Further, when the counting processing unit 17b adds the possessed balls by counting, the counting processing unit 17b transmits the counting notification data of each unit including the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40, thereby causing the inter-unit card processing machine. Notify that the count at 10 has been performed.

The player leaving seat confirmation processing unit 17c is a processing unit that determines that the player has left the seat based on the data indicated by the player leaving seat confirmation data 16c. Specifically, it is determined that the player has left the seat based on the setting condition indicated by the player leaving confirmation data 16c.

The card balance confirmation processing unit 17d is a processing unit that confirms the balance of the card inserted in the inter-unit card processing machine 10. When the game value of the card is less than the predetermined value, the processing for removing the restriction on the return of the recording medium is performed.

The card return prohibition control unit 17e is a processing unit that performs a card return prohibition process when it is confirmed by the player leave confirmation processing unit 17c that the player has temporarily left the game machine. Further, the card return prohibition control unit 17e is a processing unit that controls the display of the card return confirmation screen on the display operation unit 13 when the player who has temporarily left the seat returns to the game machine and the game restart condition is satisfied. .. For example, the game restart condition is an out ball (not shown) installed on the game table based on the game restart condition setting data distributed through the communication I / F unit 15 from the game condition setting data 45d in the card management device 40 and stored. When the detection device detects the out ball for a predetermined time set in advance, the out pulse, which is the number of balls hit into the game machine 20, is transmitted to the inter-unit card processor 10 through the communication I / F unit 15. Say. Further, the card return prohibition control unit 17e is a processing unit that performs a card return prohibition release process when the player presses "Yes" on the card return confirmation screen. Further, the game restart condition is data included in the game restart confirmation data (not shown), and the game restart confirmation data is data based on the game condition setting data 46d in which the player resumes the game, and the card management device 40 and the card management device 40. It is delivered through the communication I / F unit 15 when the communication is established. In this case, when the card return is prohibited, the out-ball detection device (not shown) installed on the game table continuously detects the out-ball for 30 seconds, and the out-pulse is the communication I / F unit 15. When it is transmitted to the machine-to-machine card processor through, it is determined that the player has resumed the game.

The card return processing unit 17f is a processing unit that ejects the card inserted into the inter-unit card processing machine 10 when the return button 21 is pressed.

Next, an example of the display of the display operation unit 13 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the display operation unit 13, and when the card return prohibition process is executed, a message such as "Do you want to return the card?" Is displayed as shown in FIG. , The operation part of "Yes" and "No" is displayed in the lower part.

Next, an example of the data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-unit card processing machine 10.

The own device state data 16a shown in FIG. 6A shows a state in which the device ID of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 is "3001" and "ball 1" is set as the game setting of the inter-unit card processing machine 10. Shown.

The card data 16b shown in FIG. 6B shows a state in which the ID of the card inserted in the inter-unit card processing machine 10 is "2002". The prepaid value is associated with the number of balls held on the card, and when the prepaid value becomes 0, the card is collected by the inter-unit card processing machine. 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 shows a state in which the number of balls held by ball 1 is "375 balls", the number of balls held by ball 2 is "500 balls", and the number of balls held by ball 3 is "2000 balls". Shown.

Next, the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the 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 data communication via a network outside the amusement store. The store network communication unit 44 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, the member management device 50, the prize management device 60, and the payment 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 non-volatile memory, and stores game type setting data 45a, card management data 45b, device management data 45c, and game condition setting data 45d.

The game type setting data 45a is data in which the lending rate and the display name are associated with the game type. The card management data 45b is data in which the prepaid value, the number of balls held in each game type, and the destination device ID indicating the device ID of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 into which the card is inserted are associated with the card ID. is there. The device management data 45c is data related to the device placed in the game store. The device management data 45c includes the device ID of the inter-unit card processor, the address of the inter-unit card processor 10, the installation location, the game machine ID of the attached game machine, and model data. The game condition setting data 45d is data in which game conditions are set, and includes data on player leaving seat conditions and data on game restart conditions.

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, and a device management unit 46c. Actually, the programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed to execute the game type setting management unit. The corresponding processes are executed by the 46a, the card management unit 46b, and the device management unit 46c, respectively.

The game type setting management unit 46a is a processing unit that manages the game type used in the game store, the rate, and the display name as the game type setting data 45a 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 46b receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b also notifies the card insertion notification of the destination device ID of the card ID shown in the card insertion notification data. The device ID shown in the data. In addition, the prepaid value associated with the card ID shown in the card insertion notification data and the number of balls held at each rate are notified to the inter-unit card processing machine 10 as value data. If the inserted card is a membership card, the card insertion notification data is transmitted to the member management device. When the card management unit 46b receives the ball subtraction request data from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b clears the number of balls held at the rate indicated in the ball subtraction request data to zero.

Further, when the card management unit 46b receives the ball lending request data including the card ID from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, it determines whether or not the prepaid value associated with the card ID is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. .. When the prepaid value is equal to or higher 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 prepaid value updated in the inter-unit card processing machine 10. Send the ball lending permission data. On the other hand, when the prepaid value is less than a predetermined value, the card management unit 46b notifies the inter-unit card processor 10 of the ball lending non-profit data.

Further, 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-unit 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.

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

Further, when the card management unit 46b receives the ball addition request data, the card management unit 46b adds the number of balls included in the ball addition request data to the number of balls held at the corresponding rate. Further, when the card management unit 46b receives the card ejection notification data, the card management unit 46b erases the user device ID of the card ID.

Further, when the card management unit 46b receives 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. Further, when the card management unit 46b receives 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 machine-to-table card processor 10, the address of the machine-to-machine card processor 10, the installation location, and the game machine ID.

When the device management unit 46c receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the device management unit 46c refers to the device management data 45c and has a gaming machine ID corresponding to the source inter-unit card processing machine 10. To identify. Then, the card insertion notification data including the specified game machine ID is transmitted to the member management device 50.

Similarly, when the device management unit 46c receives the card ejection notification data from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the device management unit 46c refers to the device management data 45c and is a gaming machine corresponding to the inter-unit card processing machine 10 of the transmission source. Identify the ID. Then, the card ejection notification data including the specified gaming machine ID is transmitted to the member management device 50.

Further, when the device management unit 46c receives the payment notification data from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the device management unit 46c refers to the device management data 45c and assigns the game machine ID corresponding to the inter-unit card processing machine 10 of the transmission source. Identify. Then, the payment notification data including the specified game machine ID is transmitted to the member management device 50.

Similarly, when the device management unit 46c receives the count notification data for each card, the general card usage data, the wagon prize exchange data, and the ball split notification data from the inter-unit card processor 10, the device management unit 46c outputs the device management data 45c. With reference to this, the gaming machine ID corresponding to the transmission source inter-unit card processing machine 10 is specified. Then, each machine count notification data, general card usage data, wagon prize exchange data, and ball split notification data including the specified game machine ID are transmitted to the member management device 50.

Next, an example of a table of game condition setting data 45d stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a table of game condition setting data 45d stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40. As shown in FIG. 8, for the game condition setting data 45d, a table of the corresponding machine number, the leaving condition for determining that the player has left the seat, and the restart condition for determining that the player has resumed the game. including.

Next, an example of the data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram 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. 9A associates the game type name “ball 1” with the rate “4 yen” and the display name “4 pachinko”. Further, the game type setting data 45a associates the game type name "ball 2" with the rate "2 yen" and the display name "2 pachinko". Further, the game type setting data 45a associates the game type name "ball 3" with the rate "1 yen" and the display name "1 pachinko".

In the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 9B, the card ID "1001" has a prepaid value "2500", the number of balls held by ball 1 is "1500", the number of balls held by ball 2 is "2300", and the number of balls 3 is 3. Is associated with the number of balls "0". That is, the card with the card ID "1001" is not inserted into the inter-unit card processing machine 10, and the holding balls are managed by the card management device 40.

Further, in the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 9B, the card ID "1002" is associated with the prepaid value "500", the number of balls held at each rate "0", and the destination device ID "3004". That is, the card with the card ID "1002" is inserted into the inter-unit card processing machine 10 with the device ID "3004", and the number of balls held is transferred to the inter-unit card processing machine 10. Therefore, the number of balls held at each rate is zero.

Further, in the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 9B, the card ID "2002" is associated with the prepaid value "2000", the number of balls held at each rate "0", and the destination device ID "3001". That is, the card with the card ID "2002" is inserted into the inter-unit card processing machine 10 with the device ID "3001", and the management of the jade is transferred to the inter-unit card processing machine 10. Therefore, the number of balls held at each rate is zero.

In the device management data 45c shown in FIG. 9 (c), the address on the network of the inter-unit card processor 10 with the device ID "3001" is "AB.CD.EF.GH", and the installation location is "Island 1-". 1 ”, the ID of the connected game machine 20 is“ P001 ”, the game type is“ ball 3 ”, and the model of the connected game machine 20 is“ EV01 ”. It also shows that the gaming machine 20 is in use.

Next, the internal configuration of the member management device 50 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the member management device 50 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the member management device 50 is connected to the display unit 51 and the input unit 52. The display unit 51 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like, and the input unit 52 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

Further, the member management device 50 includes an external network communication unit 53, a store network communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a control unit 56. The external network communication unit 53 is an interface unit for data communication via a network outside the amusement store. The store network communication unit 54 is an interface unit for data communication with the prize management device 60, the card management device 40, the hall computer 90, and the like via the communication line in the game store.

The storage unit 55 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and includes member management data 55a, game type setting data 55b, prize master 55c, game-related card processing history data 55d, non-game card processing history data 55e, and counting. The settlement processing history data 55f is stored.

The member management data 55a is data in which a name, a stored ball, a mobile IDm, an address, a telephone number, and the like are associated with the card ID of the membership card issued to the member. The game type setting data 55b is data in which a rate and a display name are associated with the game type. The prize master 55c is data used when exchanging game balls for prizes.

The game-related card processing history data 55d indicates a history related to the game, such as card insertion, card ejection, deposit, counting of each card, and general card use-up, among the processing operations by the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Specifically, the game-related card processing history data 55d is updated based on the card insertion notification data, the card ejection notification data, the payment notification data, the counting notification data for each card, and the general card usage data received from the card management device 40. Will be done.

The non-game card processing history data 55e indicates a history of services such as wagon prize exchange and ball splitting among the processing operations by the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Specifically, the non-game card processing history data 55e is updated based on the wagon prize exchange data and the ball split notification data received from the card management device 40.

The counting settlement processing history data 55f shows a history of processing operations performed by other than the inter-unit card processing machine 10, such as prize exchange by the prize management device 60, settlement of the prepaid value by the settlement machine 80, and counting by the Shimabata counting machine. Specifically, the counting settlement processing history data 55f is updated upon receiving an operation notification from the prize management device 60, the settlement machine 80, the Shimabata counter, and the like.

The control unit 56 is a control unit that controls the member management device 50 as a whole, and includes a member management unit 56a, a prize master management unit 56b, a card processing history management unit 56c, and a floating data analysis unit 56d. Actually, the programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed. The prize master management unit 56b, the card processing history management unit 56c, and the floating data analysis unit 56d are made to execute the corresponding processes, respectively.

The member management unit 56a is a processing unit that manages the member management data 55a. The member management unit 56a communicates with the card management device 40 and the prize management device 60 to update the balance of the stored balls associated with the card ID. Further, when the member management unit 56a receives the member registration request, the member management unit 56a updates the member management data 55a by adding a member.

Here, the ball storage replay process by the member management unit 56a will be described. When the member management unit 56a receives the ball storage replay request data from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the member management unit 56a has the balance of the stored balls at the payout destination rate among the stored balls associated with the card ID in the ball storage replay request data. Is deducted by the number of payout units, and the number of possible replays of stored balls is recalculated. Then, the stored ball replay data including the balance after subtraction and the possible number of stored ball replays is transmitted to the inter-unit card processor 10.

The prize master management unit 56b is a processing unit that manages the prize master 55c. When the prize master 55c is updated, the prize master management unit 56b distributes the prize master 55c to the prize management device 60 in the game store.

The card processing history management unit 56c is a process of accumulating the operation history of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 such as deposit, card insertion, and card ejection, and the operation history of the prize management device 60, the settlement machine 80, the island controller 30, and the like. It is a department.

Specifically, when the card processing history management unit 56c receives the card insertion notification data, the card ejection notification data, the payment notification data, the counting notification data for each card, and the general card usage data from the card management device 40, the time is reached. , The game machine ID, the card ID, and the like are associated with the processing contents and added to the game-related card processing history data 55d.

Further, when the card processing history management unit 56c receives the wagon prize exchange data and the ball split notification data from the card management device 40, the card processing history management unit 56c associates the time, the game machine ID, the card ID, and the like with the processing contents to play the game. It is added to the external card processing history data 55e.

Further, when the card processing history management unit 56c receives an operation notification from the prize management device 60, the settlement machine 80, the island controller 30, etc., the time, the device ID, the game machine ID of the last used game machine, and the card The ID and the like are associated with the processing content and added to the counting settlement processing history data 55f.

The card processing history management unit 56c transmits the game-related card processing history data 55d, the non-game card processing history data 55e, and the counting settlement processing history data 55f to the hall computer 90 at a predetermined timing such as after the store is closed. The hall computer 90 generates game history data and game data using these data, and transmits the generated game data to the member management device 50.

The play data analysis unit 56d is a processing unit that receives play data from the hall computer 90 and analyzes the usage record for each player, such as how many players have used each game machine. Details of this analysis will be described later. In addition, the floating data and the analysis result can be stored in the storage unit 55, and can also be transmitted to an external server by the external network communication unit 53.

Next, the processing procedure in the case of the standby state of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the standby state of the inter-unit card processing machine 10. As shown in FIG. 11, first, when the player presses the card return button as a normal process during the game (step S101; Yes), the inter-table card processing machine 10 has a residual value when the card has a residual value. The card is ejected and returned to the player (step S110).

When the card return button is in the waiting state (step S101; No), the inter-unit card processing machine 10 is in the normal processing state (step S102; No), and the player temporarily leaves the game machine (step). When the card has a residual value (step S103; Yes) and the card has a residual value (step S103; Yes), the card return prohibition process is performed (step S104), and the process ends. If the card has no residual value (step 103; No), the card return prohibition process is not performed and the process ends. In addition. Although the processing for a general member's card is shown in this embodiment, a member card in which information such as a stored ball and a PIN is associated with the number may be used.

Next, the processing procedure in the case of the card return prohibition processing state shown in step S104 of FIG. 11 will be described. Here, the card return prohibited state means a state in which card return processing is prohibited, but other processing (value reception processing, processing related to game media, etc.) that is possible in the normal state (standby state) is possible. .. Further, in the card return prohibited state, the operation of the card return button is detected, but the corresponding process (return operation) is not performed. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the card return prohibited state shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, after the card return prohibition process is first performed in the inter-machine card processor 10, when the player returns to the game machine and the game restart condition is not satisfied, the card is returned to the normal state and processed. (Step S201; No). When the game restart condition is satisfied (step S201; Yes), the card return confirmation screen is displayed on the display operation unit 13 (step S202).

After that, the inter-vehicle card processor 10 is in a state of waiting for the player to press "Yes" on the card return confirmation screen (step S203; No), until a predetermined predetermined time elapses. When the state is maintained (step S211; No) and a predetermined time has elapsed without pressing "Yes" (step S211; Yes), the card return confirmation screen is erased (step S212), and the process ends. Further, when the player presses "Yes" on the card return confirmation screen (step S203; Yes), the card return prohibition state is released (step S204), and the process ends. After this process is completed and the normal state is restored, the card is returned by pressing the card return button. In the above flow, the operation (first operation) in which the player presses "Yes" on the card return confirmation screen is an operation that is possible when it is determined that the game restart condition is satisfied. It is possible to more reliably confirm the manifestation of intention to resume the game. Further, after the card return prohibition state is released, the card is returned by the same operation of the card return button (second operation) as in the normal state, so that the player does not feel uncomfortable. Further, since the first operation and the second operation are different operations, it is possible to reduce the probability that the second operation is mistakenly and continuously performed after the first operation and returned. As for the method of realizing the card return prohibition, in addition to the method described above, a method of disabling the card return button or a method of physically blocking the transportation for returning the card is performed. It can also be adopted.

In the above embodiment, the flowchart of the processing procedure in the case of the card return prohibition state has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the release pattern shown below may be used alone or with another release pattern. It can be applied in combination.

<Modification example 1>
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modification 1 of the processing procedure in the case where the card is prohibited from being returned. As shown in the figure, when the player returns to the seat and the game restart condition is not satisfied (step S301; No) after the card return prohibition process is performed in the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the normal state is restored. This process ends. When it is determined that the game restart condition is satisfied (step S301; Yes), the state waits for the card return button to be pressed (step S302; No), and when the card return button is pressed (step S302; Yes), the card return confirmation is displayed on the display operation unit 13 (step S303).

After that, the inter-vehicle card processor 10 is in a state of waiting for the player to press "Yes" on the card return confirmation screen (step S304; No) until a predetermined predetermined time elapses. When the state is maintained (step S311; No) and a predetermined time has elapsed without pressing "Yes" (step S311; Yes), the card return confirmation screen is erased (step S312), and the process ends. Further, in step S304, when "Yes" on the card return confirmation screen is pressed (step S304; Yes), the card return prohibition state is released (step S305), and at the same time, the card is ejected and returned to the player. (Step S306).

<Modification 2>
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modification 2 of the processing procedure in the case where the card is prohibited from being returned. As shown in the figure, when the player returns to the seat and the game restart condition is not satisfied (step S401; No) after the card return prohibition process is performed in the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the normal state is restored. And end the process. When it is determined that the game restart condition is satisfied (step S401; Yes), the state waits for the card return button to be pressed (step S402; No), and when the card return button is pressed (step S402; Yes), the card return confirmation screen is displayed on the display operation unit 13 (step S403).

After that, the inter-vehicle card processor 10 is in a state of waiting for the player to press "Yes" on the card return confirmation screen (step S404; No), until a predetermined predetermined time elapses. When the state is maintained (step S411; No) and a predetermined time has elapsed without pressing "Yes" (step S411; Yes), the card return confirmation screen is erased (step S412), and the process ends.

Further, in step S404, when "Yes" on the card return confirmation screen is pressed (step S404; Yes), the card return prohibition state is released (step S405). After that, the inter-unit card processor 10 is in a state of waiting for the card return button to be pressed (step S406; No), and when the card return button is pressed (step S406; Yes), the card is ejected. Return it to the player (step S407).

<Modification example 3>
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modified example 3 of the procedure in the case where the card is prohibited from being returned. As shown in the figure, when the player returns to the seat and the condition for restarting the game is not satisfied (step S501; No) after the card return prohibition process is performed in the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the normal state is restored. And end the process. When it is determined that the game restart condition is satisfied (step S501; Yes), when the card residual value remains (step S502; No), this process is terminated and the card residual value is used up. When (step S502; Yes), the card return prohibition state is released (step S503). Further, in the control of the modified example 3, when the determination in step S502 is No, it is possible to control the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, or control either the modified example 1 or the modified example 2. ..

Further, in the present embodiment, the control for preventing the card from being ejected has been described as an example in the card return prohibited state, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the card ejection is restricted more than in the normal state. Is also included. For example, the processing method may be divided between a general card and a membership card. In the case of a general card, the out ball is detected and the card cannot be taken out at all unless the card return prohibition cancellation process is performed, but in the case of a membership card, the player can take out the card by entering a preset password. It may be possible to set a card return prohibition state so that the card can be returned.

In the above embodiment, the inter-unit card processor 10 is shown as an example of the gaming device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the card is installed corresponding to the gaming machine 20. It is applicable as long as it is a game device that can be handled.

Further, the card return button is not limited to the one installed in the game machine 20, and may be installed in the inter-unit card processing machine 10.

In the above embodiment, as an example of the condition for determining the establishment of the absentee condition, an example is shown in which the detection of the outpulse is not detected for a certain period of time, but the absentee condition in the present invention is It is not necessarily limited to this. For example, an out pulse is sent every time a predetermined number of game media are detected by the out ball detection device. By counting the number of out pulses, "the game medium used for a certain period of time is The condition for leaving the seat may be "less than or equal to a predetermined number", or the condition for leaving the seat may be determined by satisfying both the period condition and the numerical condition. Further, when an imaging device such as a CCD camera or a biological detection means such as a motion sensor is provided in the inter-table card processor, it is determined that the player is away from the desk when the player is no longer detected by these. It may be.

In the above embodiment, as an example of determining the establishment of the game restart condition, an example is shown in which the detection of the outpulse is continuously detected for a certain period of time, but the restart condition in the present invention is It is not necessarily limited to this. For example, an out pulse is sent every time a predetermined number of game media are detected by the out ball detection device. By counting the number of out pulses, "the game medium used for a certain period of time is The restart condition may be "more than a predetermined number", or the restart condition may be determined by satisfying both the period condition and the numerical condition. Further, when an imaging device such as a CCD camera or a biological detection means such as a motion sensor is provided in the inter-table card processing machine, it is determined that the game is restarted when a player is detected by these. There may be.

In the above-described embodiment, the game ball is repelled on the surface of the game board as a game medium, and the repelled game ball passes through a predetermined area to give a game medium as a prize. The pachinko game machine has been described as an example of the game machine 20, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the game machine 20 inserts a predetermined number of game media such as medals as a game medium for betting, and after rotating a plurality of rotating cylinders, the player It can be applied even to a spinning-type gaming machine in which a game to be stopped by an operation is performed and a game medium as a prize is given when a predetermined symbol stops on the rotating body in the game. Further, the above-mentioned bullet game machine and rotating body type game machine are not limited to those that input the game medium as an entity, but consume the game medium as data to play a game, and in a normal state, the game medium of the entity. It may be an enclosed game machine that does not discharge the data to the outside. Further, in the case of a rotating cylinder type game machine, the IN signal detection of the game medium is sent from the game machine instead of the out pulse detection in the seat leaving judgment / restart judgment, so that the detection of the IN signal is released. It is preferable to use it as a condition for seat determination / restart determination.

Further, each configuration shown in each of the above embodiments is a schematic function, and does not necessarily have to be physically illustrated. That is, the form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or part of the device is functionally or physically distributed / integrated in an arbitrary unit according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

The gaming device, the gaming system, and the recording medium management method according to the present invention are suitable for enhancing security against theft of the recording medium.

10 Card processing machine 11 Status display unit 12 Bill carrier 12a Bill insertion slot 13 Display operation unit 14 Reader / writer 14a Card insertion slot 14b Holding section 15, 22 Communication I / F section 16, 45, 55 Storage section 16a Own device Status data 16b Card data 16c Player leaving confirmation data 16d Card return prohibition screen display data 17, 23, 46, 56 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Counting processing unit 17c Player leaving confirmation processing unit 17d Card balance confirmation processing unit 17e Card return prohibition control unit 17f Card return processing unit 18a Nozzle unit 18b Counting unit 20 Game machine 21 Return button 30 Island controller 40 Card management device 41, 51 Display unit 42, 52 Input unit 43, 53 External network communication unit 44, 54 Store network communication department 45a Game type setting data 45b Card management data 45c Device management data 45d Game condition setting data 46a Game type setting management department 46b Card management department 46c Device management department 50 Member management device 55a Member management data 55b Game type setting data 55c Prize master 55d Game-related card processing history data 55e Non-game card processing history data 55f Counting settlement processing history data 56a Member management department 56b Prize master management department 56c Card processing history management department 56d Playing data analysis department 60 Prize management device 80 Payment machine 90 Hall computer

Claims (8)

It is a gaming device provided corresponding to a gaming machine.
Recording medium receiving means for accepting recording media and
A game value specifying means for specifying a game value associated with a recording medium received by the recording medium receiving means, and a game value specifying means.
A game value storage means for storing the game value specified by the game value specifying means, and a game value storage means.
A game pause determination means for determining the establishment of a game pause condition based on game information related to a game on a corresponding game machine, and
Based on the game value stored in the game value storage means and the determination result by the game suspension determination means, the recording medium return limiting means for restricting the return of the recording medium received by the recording medium receiving means, and the recording medium return limiting means.
When the return of the recording medium is restricted by the recording medium return restriction means, the game restart determination means for determining the establishment of the game restart condition based on the game information related to the game on the corresponding game machine, and the game restart determination means.
A recording medium that releases the restriction on the return of the recording medium by the recording medium return restriction means based on the determination that the game restart condition is satisfied by the game restart determination means and the player performing a predetermined first operation. A gaming device equipped with a means for releasing restrictions on returns. The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the first operation is an operation that is possible when the game resumption condition is determined to be satisfied by the game resumption determining means. The recording medium return control means for returning the recording medium is provided by removing the restriction on the return of the recording medium by the recording medium return restriction releasing means and performing a predetermined second operation by the player. The gaming device according to claim 1 or 2. The first operation includes a return request operation of the recording medium.
The gaming device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a recording medium return control means for returning the recording medium when the return of the recording medium is canceled by the recording medium return restriction releasing means. The second operation includes a return request operation of the recording medium.
The gaming device according to claim 3, wherein the first operation is an operation different from the second operation. Any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the recording medium return restriction releasing means releases the restriction on returning the recording medium when the game value stored in the game value storage means is less than a predetermined value. The gaming device described in one. It is a game system installed in a game store,
A recording medium receiving means that is provided corresponding to a game machine and accepts a recording medium,
A game value specifying means for specifying a game value associated with a recording medium received by the recording medium receiving means, and a game value specifying means.
A game value storage means for storing the game value specified by the game value specifying means, and a game value storage means.
A game pause determination means for determining the establishment of a game pause condition based on game information related to a game on a game machine corresponding to the recording medium reception means, and a game pause determination means.
Based on the game value stored in the game value storage means and the determination result by the game suspension determination means, the recording medium return limiting means for restricting the return of the recording medium received by the recording medium receiving means, and the recording medium return limiting means.
When the return of the recording medium is restricted by the recording medium return restriction means, the game restart determination for determining the establishment of the game restart condition based on the game information related to the game on the game machine corresponding to the recording medium reception means. Means and
The recording medium return restriction for releasing the restriction on the return of the recording medium by the recording medium return restriction means based on the determination that the game restart condition is satisfied by the game restart determination means and the predetermined operation performed by the player. A gaming system with a means of unlocking. It is a recording medium management method in a game system installed in a game store.
A recording medium reception process for receiving a recording medium in a game device provided corresponding to a game machine, and a recording medium reception process.
A game value specifying process for specifying the game value associated with the recording medium received in the recording medium receiving process, and a game value specifying process.
A game value storage process for storing the game value specified by the game value specifying process, and a game value storage process.
A game pause determination step for determining the establishment of a game pause condition based on game information related to a game on a game machine corresponding to the game device, and
Based on the game value stored in the game value storage process and the determination result by the game pause determination process, a recording medium return restriction step that restricts the return of the recording medium accepted in the recording medium reception process, and a recording medium return restriction step.
When the return of the recording medium is restricted by the recording medium return restriction step, the game restart determination step of determining the establishment of the game restart condition based on the game information related to the game on the corresponding game machine, and the game restart determination step.
The recording medium return restriction that lifts the restriction on the return of the recording medium by the recording medium return restriction step based on the determination that the game restart condition is satisfied by the game restart determination step and the predetermined operation performed by the player. A recording medium management method including a release process.

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