JP2021090506A - Game system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game system that can further increase convenience.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a game system that enables a game by using a player's mobile communication terminal, and includes first conversion means for converting a player's currency into a first frequency that can be used in the game of the game machine, and second conversion means for converting player's electronic money into a second frequency that can be used in the game by using the player's mobile communication terminal. The game machine further includes a game device that is provided correspondingly to the game machine and configured to impart the first frequency and the second frequency to the player.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming system.

In a game hall where a game machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine is installed, it is possible to play a game using electronic money charged in a mobile terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4550606

In the amusement park, as described above, electronic money can be converted into frequencies using a mobile terminal, which enhances convenience. However, further improvement in convenience is required.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system capable of further improving convenience.

The present invention is a gaming system that enables a game using a player's mobile communication terminal, and is a first for converting a player's money into a first frequency that can be used in a game of a gaming machine. It is provided with a conversion means and a second conversion means for converting the player's electronic money into a second frequency that can be used in the game by using the player's mobile communication terminal, and is compatible with the game machine. It is provided with a gaming device which is configured to give the first frequency and the second frequency.

A management device for separately managing the first frequency and the second frequency is provided.

The first frequency can be reconverted into money and electronic money, and the second frequency can be reconverted only into electronic money.

After executing the granting of the first frequency, the granting of the second frequency is controlled so as not possible until all of the first frequency is used for the game.

After executing the granting of the second frequency, the granting of the first frequency is controlled so as not possible until all of the second frequency is used for the game.

When the first frequency is given and the second frequency is given, one of the first frequency and the second frequency is controlled so as to be preferentially used for the game. To do,

The management device can communicate with the game device, and when the game device performs a conversion operation for converting the electronic money into the second frequency in the second conversion means, the management device can communicate with the game device. The mobile communication terminal includes a display unit that displays a two-dimensional code, and the mobile communication terminal transmits a code reading unit that reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit and information based on the two-dimensional code read by the code reading unit. The management device is made to give the second frequency based on the electronic money based on the information transmitted by the communication unit.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming system that can further improve convenience.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the game system 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the platform machine 3 in the game system 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the smartphone 26 in the game system 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the management device 5 in the game system 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a table stored in the management device 5 in the game system 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the prize management machine 16 in the game system 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 shows the frequency (second frequency) in which the player's electronic money is used in the game of the gaming machines (pachinko machine 2, slot machine 7) by using the player's smartphone 26 in the game system 10 according to the embodiment. It is a flow diagram which shows the outline of the operation at the time of conversion to). FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the management device 5 in the game system 10 according to the modified example 9 of the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[A] Game system 10
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the game system 10 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 10 includes a plurality of pachinko machines 2 (game machines), a plurality of slot machines 7 (game machines), a plurality of machine-to-machine machines 3 (game devices), and a plurality of machine-to-machine machines. 8 (game device), a plurality of data display 9, a network 20, and an island computer 25 are provided.

In the game system 10, the plurality of inter-machine machines 3 are gaming devices provided corresponding to the plurality of pachinko machines 2, and are connected to the plurality of pachinko machines 2. On the other hand, the plurality of inter-machine machines 8 are gaming devices provided corresponding to the plurality of slot machines 7. The banknote identification device (bilver burr) and the like are mounted on the machine 3 and the machine 8.

The plurality of data display machines 9 are connected to the plurality of pachinko machines 2 and the plurality of slot machines 7, respectively. The data display 9 displays information such as a slump graph, the number of starts, and the number of jackpots for the pachinko machine 2, for example.

The network 20 is constructed by using communication devices such as a hub and a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) access point.

The island computer 25 is located between devices such as a plurality of pachinko machines 2, a plurality of slot machines 7, a plurality of machine-to-machine machines 3, a plurality of machine-to-machine machines 8, and a plurality of data display machines 9 and a network 20. Intervening.

In the following description, the case of the pachinko machine 2 will be described as an example, except that the pachinko machine 2 and the slot machine 7, both of which are gaming machines, need to be described individually.

In addition to the devices described above, the game system 10 is provided with various peripheral devices. Here, as peripheral devices, a management device 5, a personal computer 5a, a prize payer 11, a payment machine 12, a counter 14, a ticket issuing machine 15, a prize management machine 16, a data disclosure machine 17, a protocol converter 21, a modem 22, and a card. The game system 10 includes a center 23, a replay reception machine 24, and the like. Each of the above devices is connected to the network 20.

Among the above-mentioned devices, the prize management machine 16 is a prize exchange device (POS), and a prize payout machine 11 is attached thereto. The prize management machine 16 may be configured to be operated by an employee at the time of prize exchange, or may be configured to be operated by the player himself / herself at the time of prize exchange.

The management device 5 is configured as an information collecting device such as a hall computer, a prize management device, and a member management device. The management device 5 is connected to the personal computer 5a, which includes a function of referring to the information of the management device 5.

The above peripheral devices can communicate with the pachinko machine 2 and the slot machine 7 (game machine). The information output from the pachinko machine 2, the slot machine 7, and each peripheral device is output to the management device 5 via the network 20 and then further transmitted to the card center 23 via the protocol converter 21 and the modem 22. To. Information is communicated from the modem 22 to the card center 23 via a general communication line.

In the game system 10, the player uses money (banknotes, coins), a member card (game recording medium) 27, a non-member card (game recording medium) 28, a smartphone 26 (mobile communication terminal), and the like. , The game can be played with a gaming machine (pachinko machine 2, slot machine 7).

Specifically, in the game system 10, the game hall (game hall) is determined by the frequency (second valuable value) that can be specified by coins, the member card 27, the non-member card 28, and the smartphone 26 (mobile communication terminal). Gaming media such as pachinko balls and medals (coins) are lent and borrowed with players (member players, non-member players). Then, the player uses the borrowed game medium such as a pachinko ball or a medal in the game machine (pachinko machine 2, slot machine 7) to play a game.

Here, the "frequency" is a conversion (frequencyization) of the deposited amount into a numerical value consumed by the game, and for example, when 10,000 yen is converted into a frequency, it becomes 100 frequencies. In addition, the "member player" is a player who has a member card 27, and has an address, a name, an age, a gender, a favorite machine (a game machine of a favorite type), a contact information, a personal identification number, and the like. The attribute information is a player who is registered in the management device 5 in association with a member number (member ID) that can individually identify the player of the member. On the other hand, the "non-member player" is a general player whose information is not registered as a member player. Further, a member number (member ID) may be associated with the smartphone 26 to substitute for the member card 27.

The member card 27 and the non-member card 28 are non-contact type recording media having an IC chip and an antenna, and have a card shape or a coin shape. The non-member card 28 is distinguished from the member card 27 by, for example, being shorter in length and width and thinner than the member card 27. A card ID (recording medium specific information) is stored in the member card 27, and various information of the player who is a member is associated with the card ID. The linked information (see FIG. 5) includes, for example, a game ID (identification information for collection), a membership number, a frequency balance, an out (launched ball), and a safe (supplied ball to a game machine, that is, a game upper plate). Information such as the balls supplied to the player: the balls acquired by the player) and the amount of money used.

In addition to this, information such as the number of balls stored (in the case of slots, medals saved), points, wins and losses (safe minus outs), number of balls rented (in the case of slots, medals rented), game console type, etc. Information such as history information, daily information, weekly information, address, name, age, gender, favorite platform, contact information, and PIN may be linked. Further, during the game, for example, the number of the game table on which the player is playing or the number of the inter-machine machine 3 can be temporarily associated. Information that is financially valuable, such as the frequency balance, ball lending, and ball storage described above, is called "value information". In addition, the time during which the game was played, the number of jackpots that occurred, and the like may be aggregated and linked.

The above "out" is sometimes called "in" in the slot. Here, even if it is a slot, it is referred to as "out" like pachinko. Similarly, the above "safe" is sometimes referred to as "out" in slots. Here, even if it is a slot, it is referred to as "safe" like pachinko. "Points" include visit points (points given when a member card 27 is inserted into the machine 3 and machine 8), ball rental points (points given according to the number of balls rented), and victory or defeat. There are points (points given to losing customers according to the difference between the number of outs and the number of safes), operating points (points given according to the number of outs), and the like. This information is managed by the management device 5. "Management" is to update, delete, or retain this information. The information is not limited to the above, and any information necessary for managing the game is appropriately linked (associated).

A card ID (recording medium specific information) is also stored in the non-member card 28, and various information of the non-member player is associated with this card ID. In detail, information such as game ID, frequency, ball lending, and deposit, and these information are linked only for a predetermined period. However, this information is not limited to these, and any information necessary for performing game management is appropriately linked. The associated information is managed by the management device 5 in the same manner as the information associated with the member card 27. Information such as membership numbers and points is not associated with the non-membership card 28. However, the management device 5 can retain such information so that it can be linked at any time.

Of the above information, the game ID is, for example, an ID given when money is inserted into the machine 3 or the machine 8, and subsequent game information is managed in association with this game ID. To. For example, when a player who does not own the member card 27 and the non-member card 28 starts the game with money, a game ID is first issued, and the game information is associated with the game ID and managed. After that, for example, when the non-member card 28 is issued, the card ID stored in the non-member card 28 is additionally associated with the game ID and managed. In addition, a player who owns a member card 27 may insert the member card 27 into the machine 3 or the machine 8 without inserting money to start the game. In this case, the game ID may be issued when the member card 27 is accepted.

Although details will be described later, in the gaming system 10 of the present embodiment, in addition to the above, the player's smartphone 26 (mobile communication terminal) is used to play the player's electronic money (first valuable value). Is configured to be convertible into a frequency (second valuable value) that can be used in a game on a gaming machine (pachinko machine 2, slot machine 7).

[B] Detailed Configuration The main parts of the game system 10 of the present embodiment and the player's smartphone 26 (mobile communication terminal) will be described in detail below.

[B-1] Platform machine 3
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the platform machine 3 in the game system 10 according to the embodiment.

The platform machine 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The machine-to-machine medal lending machine, the machine-to-machine machine 8, has a function corresponding to that of the machine-to-machine machine 3. Therefore, here, the platform machine 3 will be mainly described, and the detailed description of the platform machine 8 will be omitted.

The platform machine 3 is mainly a device for supplying pachinko balls to the upper plate of the pachinko machine 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the machine 3 includes a control unit 30 (granting means), a card receiving unit 31, a card processing unit 32, a money receiving unit 33 (first conversion means), and an operation unit 34. (Second conversion means), a display unit 35, a lamp unit 36, and a communication unit 37 are provided. The pachinko machine 3 may include a counting unit capable of counting the pachinko balls acquired by the corresponding pachinko machine 2 and a payout unit (paining means) for paying out the pachinko balls.

The control unit 30 is configured to comprehensively control each unit constituting the platform machine 3. The control unit 30 includes electronic components such as an arithmetic unit and a memory, and the arithmetic unit performs arithmetic processing using programs and data stored in the memory to perform control.

A member card 27 or a non-member card 28 is inserted into the card reception unit 31. Further, as described above, when the smartphone 26 is used instead of the member card 27, communication is performed between the smartphone 26 and the machine 3 by bringing the smartphone 26 closer to the smartphone reception unit provided in the machine 3, and the member ID is used. Etc. are read and processing is performed in the card processing unit 32 in the same manner as follows.

Although not shown, the card processing unit 32 includes a reader / writer unit, a card storage unit, and a card issuing unit.

The reader / writer unit reads the card ID from the member card 27 or the non-member card 28 received by the card reception unit 31. Further, when the member card 27 or the non-member card 28 stores information such as the frequency, the reader / writer unit reads this information in addition to the card ID. The reader / writer unit outputs the read information to the control unit 30, and writes the frequency controlled and updated by the control unit 30.

The card storage unit stores the non-member card 28 collected when the value information such as the frequency becomes "0".

The card issuing unit takes out the non-member card 28 from the card storage unit, newly stores the card ID, the latest value information, and the like, and issues the card from the card receiving unit 31. The "latest value information (remaining amount information)" is, for example, information indicating the frequency remaining without being consumed during the game. Further, when the platform machine 3 is provided with a counting unit, information on the number of pachinko balls counted (acquired game medium) is also included.

When a new non-member card 28 is issued, the card processing unit 32 is controlled by the control unit 30 and transmits to the management device 5 that the non-member card 28 has been issued as issuance information. The issuance information includes, for example, information indicating that the non-member card 28 has been issued, a card ID recorded on the new non-member card 28, and the latest value stored in the non-member card 28. Information and is included.

The money receiving unit 33 is connected to, for example, a bill identification device, and can recognize that money has been inserted into the bill identification device and the amount of money. The recognized amount of money is converted into a frequency (first frequency) that can be used in the game of the pachinko machine 2.

The operation unit 34 includes operation buttons such as a ball lending button, a replay ball lending button, and a return button. The ball rental button is a button that is pressed when the player requests the rental of pachinko balls. For example, when the ball lending button is pressed once, 500 yen worth of pachinko balls are lent out based on the frequency, and the pachinko balls are paid out from the inside of the pachinko machine 2. The replay ball lending button is a button pressed when the player requests replay (repayment of stored balls). The replay is not paid out from the pachinko machine 2, but the pachinko balls may be paid out from the payout unit provided in the platform machine 3. The return button is a button pressed when the player requests the issuance or return of the member card 26 or the non-member card 27. In addition, the operation unit 34 has an input interface such as a touch panel and a keypad.

The display unit 35 has a display device for displaying various types of information.

The lamp unit 36 is configured to turn on and off the lamp.

The communication unit 37 is configured to perform information communication with an external device.

In the platform machine 3 of the present embodiment, in addition to the above, the operation unit 34 performs a conversion operation for converting the player's electronic money into a frequency (second frequency) that can be used in the game of the pachinko machine 2. Includes the conversion operation unit of. Then, for example, when an instruction is input in the operation unit 34 for the player to operate the conversion operation unit to perform a conversion operation for converting the player's electronic money into frequencies, the display unit 35 displays the two-dimensional code. To do. Here, the two-dimensional code is time information (for example, information on the time when the conversion operation is executed), playground information (for example, an identification number that can identify the own playground among the playgrounds nationwide), and the game. It includes machine information (for example, an identification number that can identify the platform machine 3 for which the conversion operation has been performed in the game machine installed in the game hall). Further, in the conversion operation, when the amount or frequency desired to be converted is input, information indicating the amount or frequency may be included.

The details will be described later, but after that, in the machine 3, the frequency converted from the electronic money is given based on the information of the two-dimensional code read by the smartphone 26. That is, the platform machine 3 gives the player's money converted frequency (first frequency) and also converts the player's electronic money using the player's smartphone 26 (second frequency). ) Is given.

[B-2] Smartphone 26
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the smartphone 26 in the game system 10 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the smartphone 26 is an example of a mobile communication terminal, and is an example of a control unit 60, a voice input unit 61, a voice output unit 62, a display unit 63, an operation unit 64, and an imaging unit 65. A code reading unit 67, a communication unit 68, and a storage unit 69.

In the smartphone 26, the control unit 60 is configured to comprehensively control each unit constituting the smartphone 26. The control unit 60 includes electronic components such as an arithmetic unit and a memory, and the arithmetic unit performs arithmetic processing using programs and data stored in the memory to perform control.

The voice input unit 61 has a microphone and is configured to convert voice into a voice signal which is an electric signal and output the voice.

The voice output unit 62 has a speaker and is configured to convert a voice signal input as an electric signal into voice and output the voice signal.

The display unit 63 has a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel, and is configured to display an image signal input as an electric signal as an image on a display screen.

The operation unit 64 has an input interface such as a touch panel, and is configured to output the input operation content as an operation signal which is an electric signal.

The image pickup unit 65 has an image pickup element and is configured to convert an image into an image signal which is an electric signal.

The code reading unit 67 is provided to convert the player's electronic money into frequencies. In the present embodiment, for example, the smartphone 26 has an application for code payment of at least one of the prepaid method and the postpaid method installed, and the code reading unit 67 executes the application for the code payment. It is configured to read the information of the two-dimensional code when it is.

The communication unit 68 is provided for communicating with other devices. The storage unit 69 stores various information. For example, the amount of electronic money associated with the smartphone 26, the information for identifying the electronic money usage history and displaying it on the display unit 63, the identification information that can identify the smartphone 26, and the like are stored. The storage unit 69 includes an IC chip or the like in which the identification information of the smartphone 26 is stored.

Although the details will be described later, in the smartphone 26, an application for code payment is used when converting the player's electronic money into a frequency that can be used in the game. Here, for the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit 35 of the machine 3 when converting the player's electronic money into frequencies, the image pickup unit of the smartphone 26 is executed in a state where the application for code payment is executed. Image is taken using 65. When the imaging of the two-dimensional code is completed, the code reading unit 67, which is a function of the application for code settlement, reads the information of the two-dimensional code by performing image analysis on the captured two-dimensional code. Then, the information of the two-dimensional code read by the code reading unit 67 is transmitted to the management device 5 via the network 20 or the Internet line. That is, the code payment application installed on the smartphone 26 communicates with the management device 5 and the device of the payment institution through the communication network.

[B-3] Management device 5
FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the management device 5 in the game system 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a table stored in the management device 5 in the game system 10 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the management device 5 includes a control unit 50, a timer unit 51, an information aggregation unit 52, a status monitoring unit 53, a database unit 54, a communication unit 55, and an ID management unit 56. Have. Each part constituting the management device 5 is composed of, for example, an electronic element such as an IC chip, an electric circuit, an external type device (external device), and various programs for operating these.

The control unit 50 is configured to comprehensively control each unit constituting the management device 5. The control unit 50 includes electronic components such as an arithmetic unit and a memory, and the arithmetic unit performs arithmetic processing using programs and data stored in the memory to perform control.

The timer unit 51 has a timer and measures the time. The timer unit 51 starts the timekeeping operation by being controlled by the control unit 50, the information aggregation unit 52, the state monitoring unit 53, and the like. Then, the timer unit 51 clocks a predetermined time, and when the time is up, notifies the control unit 50, the information aggregation unit 52, the state monitoring unit 53, and the like that the time has been up. The timer unit 51 is reset after the time-up notification.

The information aggregation unit 52 is configured to aggregate information transmitted from each unit. Game data to the database unit 54 based on various information transmitted from devices such as the island computer 25, the inter-unit machine 3, the inter-unit machine 8, the pachinko machine 2, and the slot machine 7 controlled by the control unit 50. Registration and tabulation, etc. (see Fig. 5). The game data includes, for example, "operation (during the game) / non-operation (end of the game or temporary interruption of the game)", "ball increase information" indicating an increase in the number of acquired balls, and insertion of a card for members / non-members. "Card information" indicating the situation, "frequency balance" indicating the frequency possessed by the player, "usage amount" indicating the amount used by the player on the day, "number of stored balls" indicating the number of stored balls possessed by the player, etc. Is. The "frequency balance" is registered separately for the first frequency and the second frequency. Further, although not shown, the "number of acquired game media" indicating the number of acquired game media possessed by the player is also stored.

In addition to this, the information aggregation unit 52 aggregates and manages information such as the number of starts and the number of jackpots, for example. Further, the information aggregation unit 52 can also manage information such as whether or not the jackpot is being hit, whether or not the probability is changing, and the last update time of the table. Management of these game information is performed from, for example, a jackpot signal, a start signal, a winning signal, a probability variation signal, an out signal, a safe signal, a signal related to the number of pachinko balls to be discharged, and a pachinko machine 3 output from the pachinko machine 2. It is performed based on the output deposit signal, ball lending signal, replay ball lending signal, and the like.

These game information are stored as a table in the database unit 54, and this table is managed by the state monitoring unit 53 under the control of the control unit 50 in addition to being managed by the information aggregation unit 52. When there are a plurality of tables, as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to manage them in association with each other by associating each table-specific identifier such as a data number. These game data can also be managed as history information, daily information, weekly information, and the like in the information aggregation unit 52. For example, the information aggregation unit 52 manages the aggregated data for each of various types of information, such as aggregating game data for each jackpot type.

The state monitoring unit 53 is controlled by the control unit 50 and is managed by the information aggregation unit 52 based on the above-mentioned game data (for example, the above-mentioned operating / non-operating status), and each pachinko machine 2 and each slot machine 7 The "empty stand state" indicating that the player does not occupy the gaming machine, the "gaming state" indicating that the game is in progress, and the "monitoring state" which is an intermediate state between the empty stand state and the gaming state. It is divided into three states.

The database unit 54 includes various storage devices such as a hard disk drive and a solid state drive. The above-mentioned information is stored as a table in the database unit 54. This information is read and written as needed.

The communication unit 55 includes a communication interface. The communication unit 55 is provided for transmitting and receiving information (signals) via the network 20 and with peripheral devices such as the pachinko machine 2 and the inter-unit machine 3. In addition, it is possible to communicate with an external management device of a payment institution through an internet line or the like.

Although not shown, the ID management unit 56 includes an ID search unit, an ID issuing unit, and an ID registration unit. The ID search unit searches for a predetermined game ID from the table stored in the database unit 54. As a search result, the ID search unit notifies the control unit 50 of the presence or absence of the game ID and when the game ID is searched, the searched game ID is notified to the control unit 50. The ID issuing unit issues a new game ID. The ID registration unit stores the game ID issued by the ID issuing unit in the database unit 54. Further, the ID registration unit registers the card ID included in the issuance information in the database unit 54 in association with the game ID.

Although the details will be described later, in the present embodiment, when the information of the two-dimensional code read by the code reading unit 67 of the smartphone 26 is transmitted from the communication unit 68 of the smartphone 26 to the management device 5, the management device 5 Based on the information of the two-dimensional code read by the code reading unit 67, the machine 3 executes the addition of the frequency converted from the electronic money.

[B-4] Prize management machine 16
FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the prize management machine 16 in the game system 10 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the prize management machine 16 includes a control unit 70, a card processing unit 71, a display unit 72, an operation unit 74, and a communication unit 75.

The prize management machine 16 is, for example, a prize exchange machine installed at a prize counter in a hall of a game hall, and is used when a player exchanges a game medium (ball, medal) acquired in a game for a prize. The prize management machine 16 may be configured to be operated by an employee at the time of prize exchange, or may be configured to be operated by the player himself / herself.

The control unit 70 is configured to comprehensively control each unit constituting the prize management machine 16. The control unit 70 includes electronic components such as an arithmetic unit and a memory, and the arithmetic unit performs arithmetic processing using programs and data stored in the memory to perform control.

The card processing unit 71 includes a reader / writer, and is configured to read the information of the member card 27 or the non-member card 28 and write the information to the member card 27 or the non-member card 28. Here, the card processing unit 71 reads and writes information such as the number of acquired game media, the member ID, and the card ID counted by the counter 14, for example. The card processing unit 71 may be configured to read and write information by, for example, short-range wireless communication. Further, when the smartphone 26 can be used instead of the member card 27 as described above, a reader / writer capable of close communication with the smartphone is provided.

The display unit 72 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel, and is configured to display various images. The display unit 72 displays information related to the prize exchange, such as the number of acquired game media, the type of prize, the number of prizes to be exchanged, the number of game media required for prize exchange, and the like.

The operation unit 74 includes, for example, an input interface such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch panel, and is configured to input operation contents and output the input operation contents. In the operation unit 74, for example, information such as input of start and end of prize exchange, input of desired prize and number, input of password, and the like are input.

The communication unit 75 includes a communication interface. The communication unit 75 is provided for transmitting and receiving information (signals) with each device via the network 20.

Although the details will be described later, the prize management machine 16 (exchange means) of the present embodiment is configured so that the acquired game medium acquired by the player playing the game can be converted into electronic money.

[C] Operation when converting electronic money into frequencies FIG. 7 shows that in the game system 10 according to the embodiment, the player's smartphone 26 is used to convert the player's electronic money into a game machine (pachinko machine 2, slot machine). It is a flow chart which shows the outline of the operation at the time of conversion to the frequency (second frequency) that can be used in the game of 7).

When the player's smartphone 26 is used to convert the player's electronic money that can be identified by the smartphone 26 into the frequency used in the game, as shown in FIG. 7, the conversion operation is first started. The command to be executed is input (ST11).

Here, for example, the player presses a conversion operation button provided on the operation unit 34 of the platform machine 3. As a result, a command for executing the start of the conversion operation is input.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the two-dimensional code is displayed (ST12).

Here, when the conversion operation button of the operation unit 34 of the machine 3 is pressed as described above, the display unit 35 of the machine 3 displays the two-dimensional code. As described above, the two-dimensional code includes time information, game hall information, and game machine information.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the two-dimensional code is read (ST13).

Here, while the application for code payment is being executed on the smartphone 26, the player uses the image pickup unit 65 of the smartphone 26 to capture the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit 35 of the machine 3. To do. The information of the two-dimensional code captured by the imaging unit 65 is read by the code reading unit 66 of the smartphone 26.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the frequency is given (ST14).

Here, the information of the two-dimensional code read by the code reading unit 66 is transmitted from the communication unit 68 of the smartphone 26 to the network 20. In addition to this, after the information of the two-dimensional code is read, the player inputs the amount of electronic money used in the conversion of the frequency or the frequency desired to be converted by using the operation unit 64 of the smartphone 26. The information on the amount of electronic money used for frequency conversion and the desired frequency for conversion includes the information on the two-dimensional code read by the code reader 66 and the electronic money information owned by the player stored in the application for code payment. It is transmitted to the network 20 together with information such as financial institution account information and credit card information.

Each piece of information transmitted to the network 20 is used, for example, in an external payment institution (not shown) to determine payment. The settlement result is transmitted to the management device 5 via the network 20 together with the information of the two-dimensional code and the information of the amount of electronic money used for conversion to the frequency.

When the payment is made, the management device 5 assigns the frequency converted from the electronic money to the machine based on the information of the two-dimensional code and the information of the amount of the electronic money used for the conversion to the frequency. Let 3 do it. It should be noted that the platform machine 3 to which the frequency is assigned is specified by the game machine information included in the information of the two-dimensional code.

When the frequency is given, for example, the given frequency is displayed on the display unit 35 of the stand-in machine 3. Then, information such as the completion of payment is transmitted to the smartphone 26, and is displayed on the display unit 63 of the smartphone 26, for example. Further, for example, the electronic money associated with the smartphone 26 is reduced by the amount converted into frequencies.

[D] Operation when exchanging the acquired game medium for electronic money An operation when the player exchanges the acquired game medium acquired by playing a game for electronic money will be described.

When exchanging the acquired game medium for electronic money, the card processing unit 71 accepts the member card 27, the non-member card 28, or the smartphone 26 to which the acquired game medium is associated, and accepts the acquired game medium. A command to exchange for electronic money is input to, for example, the operation unit 74 of the prize management machine 16. Further, information (such as a telephone number) regarding the player's smartphone 26 is input to, for example, the operation unit 74 of the prize management machine 16. Alternatively, for example, the card processing unit 71 may accept the smartphone 26 and read the identification number of the IC built in the smartphone 26.

Next, the operation unit 74 inputs the amount of electronic money desired to be exchanged. Upon input, information on the amount of electronic money desired to be exchanged from the number of acquired game media and information on the player's smartphone 26 (phone number, IC identification number, etc.) are output from the communication unit 75 of the prize management machine 16 to the network 20. Will be done. The management device 5 receives the information through the network 20 and subtracts the exchanged number of acquired game media stored in the database unit 54. Here, an example of directly exchanging the acquired game medium for electronic money has been shown, but even if the acquired game medium is exchanged for a special prize and then the amount corresponding to the special prize is converted into the amount of electronic money. Good. As described above, the prize management machine 16 may be operated by an employee or may be operated by a player. For example, the exchange for directly converting the acquired game medium into electronic money is also performed by the player. Although it is possible, the exchange operation for exchanging the acquired game medium for a prize may be restricted so that only the employee can operate it. Alternatively, the number of people who can be exchanged may be limited depending on the difference in the exchange target, such as the player can exchange only the inexpensive prizes for which the number of acquired game media to be exchanged is small.

The above information is transmitted to, for example, an external payment institution (not shown) via the network 20 and used for determining payment.

When the payment is made, the electronic money exchanged from the number of acquired game media is given to the player's smartphone 26. When the electronic money is given, for example, the information of the given electronic money is displayed on the display unit 63 of the smartphone 26 based on the information about the player's smartphone 26 (telephone number, IC identification number, etc.). Is displayed.

[E] Summary As described above, in the game system 10 of the present embodiment, the frequency at which the player's electronic money can be used in the game of the game machine such as the pachinko machine 2 by using the player's smartphone 26 (the first). It is configured to be convertible to a frequency of 2). In the present embodiment, as described above, the machine 3 is provided with an operation unit 34 for performing a conversion operation for converting electronic money into frequencies, and the conversion operation is performed using the operation unit 34. Occasionally, the display unit 35 of the machine 3 displays the two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit 35 of the machine 3 is imaged using the image pickup unit 65 of the smartphone 26. Then, the code reading unit 67 of the smartphone 26 performs image analysis of the captured two-dimensional code to read the information of the two-dimensional code. The information of the two-dimensional code read by the code reading unit 67 is transmitted to the management device 5 by the communication unit 68 of the smartphone 26. Then, the management device 5 causes the machine 3 to execute the addition of the frequency converted from the electronic money based on the information of the two-dimensional code read by the code reading unit 67.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the frequency obtained by converting the player's money (first frequency), the frequency obtained by converting the player's electronic money using the player's smartphone 26 (second frequency). The assignment of frequency) is configured to be executed in the inter-unit machine 3. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the player is given the second frequency by a simple operation, so that the convenience can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the acquired game medium acquired by the player playing the game can be converted into electronic money, and the converted electronic money can be given to the player. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the player can convert the acquired game medium into electronic money by a simple operation, so that the convenience can be improved.

[F] Modification Example The above embodiment is an example, and various modification examples shown below can be adopted.

[F-1] Modification 1
In the above embodiment, when the conversion operation for converting electronic money into frequencies is performed, the player captures the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit 35 of the machine 3 using the image pickup unit 65 of the smartphone 26. The case of the "user scan method" has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a "store scan method". For example, an image pickup unit (not shown) and a code reading unit (not shown) are provided on the platform 3 and the operation unit 64 of the smartphone 26 performs a conversion operation from electronic money to frequency, and as a result, the display unit 63 displays the image. The two-dimensional code may be imaged by the imaging unit (not shown) of the machine 3 and the code reading unit (not shown) of the machine 3 may read the two-dimensional code. In addition, the equipment of the amusement park shown in FIG. 1 other than the platform machine 3 may be configured to read the two-dimensional code in the same manner as described above.

[F-2] Modification 2
The gaming system 10 of the above embodiment may further include a charging device (for example, the ticket issuing machine 15 shown in FIG. 1) for charging the smartphone 26 with electronic money. In the charging device, the electronic money associated with the smartphone 26 is given by depositing money and bringing the smartphone 26 close to the smartphone reception unit. The granting of electronic money to the smartphone 26 is the same as the above description in the case of converting the acquired game medium into electronic money. In addition, in the prepaid electronic money charge, the electronic money may be charged by using an ATM or the like at a convenience store as a charging device.

[F-3] Modification 3
Unlike the case of the above embodiment, when the information of the two-dimensional code is transmitted from the communication unit 68 of the smartphone 26 to the management device 5, the management device 5 returns the authentication code to the communication unit 68 of the smartphone 26. It may be configured. In this case, the operation unit 34 of the machine 3 is subjected to the operation of inputting the authentication code, and the result of collating the input authentication code with the authentication code transmitted by the management device 5 or the machine 3 is the same. When it is done, the frequency is given. For example, a random array of numbers is transmitted as an authentication code, and when an array of numbers that is the same as the array of transmitted numbers is input, a frequency is assigned. As a result, it is possible to further enhance the safety regarding the addition of the frequency. If the result of the collation does not match, the addition of the frequency may be stopped and an error notification may be given to the effect that the frequency does not match. If the number of times does not match, the addition of the frequency may be stopped.

[F-4] Modification 4
In the above-mentioned modification 3, among the plurality of inter-machine machines 3, the inter-unit machine 3 (second game device) different from the inter-machine machine 3 (first game device) on which the conversion operation has been performed is used. , When the operation of inputting the authentication code transmitted by the management device 5 is performed, the management device 5 may be configured to cancel the conversion operation. As a result, it is possible to further enhance the safety regarding the addition of the frequency. The management device 5 includes a platform machine 3 in which a conversion operation that can be identified by the gaming machine information included in the received two-dimensional code information is performed and a platform machine 3 in which an authentication code input operation is performed. It is judged whether or not it is done.

[F-5] Modification 5
Of the plurality of machines 3, the authentication code can be input to another machine 3 (second game device) different from the machine 3 (first game device) on which the conversion operation has been performed. When this is done, the management device 5 is not the platform machine 3 (first gaming device) on which the conversion operation was performed, but another platform machine 3 (second game device) on which the authentication code input operation was performed. It may be configured to give a frequency to the gaming device). In this case, even when the player moves to play another pachinko machine 2, the frequency is given, so that the convenience can be improved.

[F-6] Modification 6
In the above embodiment, when converting electronic money into frequencies, the operation unit 34 of the machine 3 may be configured to select the frequencies desired to be converted and the amount of electronic money. Then, in this case, the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit 35 of the machine 3 may include information on the frequency or the amount of electronic money used in the conversion.

[F-7] Modification 7
The management device 5 adds up the frequency of converting the player's money (first frequency) and the frequency of converting the player's electronic money using the player's smartphone 26 (second frequency). Instead, the two may be managed separately. As a result, it is possible to easily manage each of the frequency obtained by converting money (first frequency) and the frequency obtained by converting electronic money (second frequency). In addition, the amount of money lent and used based on the frequency of converting the player's money (first frequency) and the frequency of converting the player's electronic money using the player's smartphone 26 (second frequency). You may manage the two separately without adding up the amount of money used by lending the ball based on the above. Alternatively, apart from the above-mentioned separately managed data, the frequency at which the player's money is converted (first frequency) and the frequency at which the player's electronic money is converted using the player's smartphone 26 (second frequency). It is possible to manage the frequency information and the usage amount of the sum of the frequencies), and manage, for example, how much the player spends the total of both frequencies. Alternatively, in terms of management, the two are distinguished and stored in the management device 5, while the information to be displayed to the player by, for example, the platform machine 3 can be easily displayed by the player by adding up the two. It may be configured so that it can be grasped.

[F-8] Modification 8
The settlement machine 12 in the game system 10 is configured so that the surplus frequency (first frequency, second frequency) can be settled and returned to the player without being used for ball rental. Then, the frequency obtained by converting the player's money (first frequency) can be returned to the player by converting it into either money or electronic money, and the frequency obtained by converting the player's electronic money (the first frequency). The second frequency) may be configured to allow settlement to be returned only to electronic money. Alternatively, the frequency (second frequency) of converting the player's electronic money can also be settled in money and returned, but for example, by collecting a predetermined amount of frequency as a conversion fee, the electronic money can be collected. Payment to money may be given preferential treatment. In addition, if the game ends with the player's currency converted frequency (first frequency) not being used up during the day, the player's electronic money must be settled during the day. Even if the game ends with the converted frequency (second frequency) remaining, the ball can be rented based on the frequency from the next day onward. As a result, by increasing the payment to electronic money, the convenience of using the game again can be improved, and the effect of continuing the game and promoting the return visit can be achieved.

[F-8] Modification 8
After executing the granting of the converted frequency (first frequency) of the player's money, all of the converted frequency (first frequency) of the player's money is used or not settled in the game. Up to this point, it may be configured to prohibit the granting of the converted frequency (second frequency) of the player's electronic money. On the contrary, after the player's electronic money converted frequency (second frequency) is given, all of the player's electronic money converted frequency (second frequency) is used in the game. It may be configured to prohibit the granting of the converted frequency (first frequency) of the player's money until the payment is completed. In addition, when the frequency of converting the player's money (first frequency) remains, the frequency of converting the player's money (first frequency) is given, and the player's electronic It may be possible to give a further player's electronic money-converted frequency (second frequency) when the money-converted frequency (second frequency) remains. As a result, it is possible to easily manage the frequency (first frequency) obtained by converting the player's money and the frequency (second frequency) obtained by converting the player's electronic money.

[F-9] Modification 9
When the player's money is converted into the frequency (first frequency) and the player's electronic money is converted into the frequency (second frequency), and both frequencies are possessed at the same time. May be managed by the management device 5 so that one of the frequencies of both is preferentially used in the game. At this time, the balls are paid out based on the ball lending operation, only the frequency of the one preferentially used for the game is subtracted, and the other frequency is retained. The priority order of the frequencies of both may be set by, for example, the inter-unit machine 3. Thereby, convenience can be improved.

[F-10] Modification 10
In the above embodiment, the case where the acquired game medium is exchanged for electronic money by using the information of the acquired game medium read by the prize management machine 16 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, electronic money may be exchanged based on the number of acquired game media measured by the counter 14 without the intervention of the prize management machine 16.

[F-11] Modification 11
FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the management device 5 in the game system 10 according to the modified example 9 of the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the present modification, unlike the case of the above embodiment (see FIG. 4), the management device 5 has a limit amount setting unit 101 (setting means) and a limit amount determination unit (determination means) 102. And the notification unit 103 may be provided.

The limit amount setting unit 101 is provided to set a limit of the amount of money that the player can use during the game in a preset period. Here, for example, in the operation unit (not shown) of the personal computer 5a connected to the management device 5, the limit of the amount of money that the player can use during the game in one day is input, and the limit is input. The limit setting unit 101 sets the limit based on the information obtained. For example, a daily limit of 50,000 yen is set. The limit may be set by the amount of money or by the frequency. Also, with respect to the total amount of money used for the game as the player's money converted frequency (first frequency) and the amount used for the game as the player's electronic money converted frequency (second frequency). A limit may be set for each of the amount of money used for the game as the frequency of money converted and the amount of money used for the game as the frequency of converting electronic money. In the latter case, for example, the use of electronic money can be promoted by setting the limit of the frequency of converting electronic money higher than the frequency of converting money.

The limit amount determination unit 102 is provided to determine whether or not the amount of money used by the player during the game has reached the limit amount set by the limit amount setting unit 101. Here, the limit amount determination unit 102 makes the above determination based on the information input from each unit such as the machine 3 and the information such as the usage amount stored in the database unit 54. Then, when the limit amount determination unit 102 determines that the limit amount has been reached, the management device 5 controls to prohibit the lending of the game medium used in the game to the player thereafter. For example, when the total amount of money used for the game as the frequency of money conversion and the amount of money used for the game as the frequency of converting electronic money reaches the limit of 50,000 yen, the game medium Prohibit lending. As described above, when the limit is set here for each of the frequency of converting money and the frequency of converting electronic money, a judgment is made for each. When the lending of the game medium is prohibited, for example, the management device 5 gives the inter-unit machine 3 a command to prohibit the lending of balls even when the ball lending button is pressed on the operation unit 34 of the inter-unit machine 3. Output. Further, instead of prohibiting ball lending, for example, even if money is deposited in the machine 3, it may be returned without being accepted, or electronic money may be prohibited from being converted into frequencies. The amount used for the game in the above determination may be the amount used for the game after converting money or electronic money into frequency, or the amount lent based on the converted frequency may be used for the game. It may be the amount of money used, or the amount of money equivalent to the amount fired by the paid out pachinko balls may be used for the game.

The notification unit 103 notifies when the limit amount determination unit 102 determines that the limit amount has been reached. When performing notification, the notification unit 103 causes, for example, the display unit 35 of the inter-unit machine 3 to display an image or the like indicating that the limit amount has been reached. The notification unit 103 may be configured to perform notification using a device other than the stand-in machine 3. For example, information is transmitted to the display unit 63 of the smartphone 26 owned by the player to display a message that the usage amount has reached the limit amount, or the display unit of the prize management machine 16 is used to notify the employee. Or, a similar message may be displayed on a mobile terminal device possessed by an employee (not shown) together with identifiable information about the player.

If there is electronic money exchanged from the acquired game medium in the above-mentioned preset period, the limit amount determination unit 102 excludes the amount of the game based on the amount of the electronic money from the usage amount. , The above determination may be made. In other words, if the amount of money exchanged from the acquired game medium for electronic money is, for example, 10,000 yen, the amount of 10,000 yen converted into frequencies based on the electronic money is used for the game. If this happens, it will be excluded from the usage amount to be judged. Alternatively, instead of excluding, if there is electronic money exchanged from the acquired game medium, the limit amount may be increased in addition to the limit amount set in the limit amount setting unit 101 for the amount of the electronic money. .. For example, if the amount of money exchanged from the acquired game medium to electronic money is 10,000 yen, 10,000 yen is added to the set limit of 50,000 yen, and the limit is corrected to 60,000 yen. To.

Further, in the limit amount determination unit 102, whether the total amount of money used by the player during the game in a plurality of game fields, not in a single game field, exceeds the limit amount set in the limit amount setting unit 101. It may be configured to determine whether or not. For example, by providing the game hall with payment information obtained by converting the player's electronic money into frequencies at another game hall stored in the above-mentioned payment institution, the player can use the game at a plurality of game halls. You can recognize the amount of money you have paid. Similarly, by providing information that has been converted into frequencies based on money between the game halls, it is possible for the player to recognize the amount of money used for the game in the plurality of game halls. Based on such information, the total amount of money used may be calculated for each player and used for determination.

In addition, in this modification, the case where the management device 5 includes the limit amount setting unit 101, the limit amount determination unit 102, and the notification unit 103 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A device other than the management device 5, such as a stand-in machine 3, may be configured to include the above-mentioned parts, or each part may be separately provided.

<Others>
Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

2: Pachinko machine, 3: Modem machine, 5: Management device, 5a: Personal computer, 7: Slot machine, 8: Modem machine, 9: Data display machine, 10: Game system, 11: Free gift payer, 12 : Settlement machine, 14: Counting machine, 15: Ticket issuing machine, 16: Free gift management machine, 17: Data disclosure machine, 20: Network, 21: Protocol converter, 22: Modem, 23: Card center, 24: Replay reception machine , 25: Island computer, 26: Smartphone, 27: Membership card, 28: Non-membership card, 30: Control unit, 31: Card reception unit, 32: Card processing unit, 33: Money reception unit, 34: Operation unit , 35: Display unit, 36: Lamp unit, 37: Communication unit, 50: Control unit, 51: Timer unit, 52: Information aggregation unit, 53: Status monitoring unit, 54: Database unit, 55: Communication unit, 56: Management unit, 60: Control unit, 61: Audio input unit, 62: Audio output unit, 63: Display unit, 64: Operation unit, 65: Imaging unit, 66: Code reading unit, 68: Communication unit, 70: Control unit , 71: Card processing unit, 72: Display unit, 74: Operation unit, 75: Communication unit, 101: Limit amount setting unit, 102: Limit amount determination unit, 103: Notification unit

Claims (7)

A gaming system that enables games to be played using a player's mobile communication terminal.
A first conversion means for converting a player's money into a first frequency that can be used in a game of a gaming machine, and
A second conversion means for converting the player's electronic money into a second frequency that can be used in the game by using the player's mobile communication terminal is provided.
A gaming device provided corresponding to the gaming machine and configured to impart the first frequency and the second frequency.
Game system. A management device for distinguishing and managing the first frequency and the second frequency is provided.
The gaming system according to claim 1. The first frequency can be reconverted into money and electronic money, and the second frequency can only be reconverted into electronic money.
The gaming system according to claim 1 or 2. After executing the granting of the first frequency, the granting of the second frequency is controlled so as to be impossible until all of the first frequency is used for the game.
The gaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. After executing the granting of the second frequency, the granting of the first frequency is controlled to be impossible until all of the second frequency is used for the game.
The gaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When the first frequency is given and the second frequency is given, one of the first frequency and the second frequency is controlled so as to be preferentially used for the game. To do,
The gaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The management device can communicate with the game device, and the management device can communicate with the game device.
The gaming device is
The second conversion means includes a display unit that displays a two-dimensional code when a conversion operation for converting the electronic money into the second frequency is performed.
The mobile communication terminal is
A code reading unit that reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit,
It is provided with a communication unit that transmits information based on the two-dimensional code read by the code reading unit.
Based on the information transmitted by the communication unit, the management device causes the second frequency based on the electronic money to be given.
The gaming system according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

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