JP2021137410A - Game medium management system, game medium management device, and game medium management method - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve the convenience of players when general game machines and under-management game machines are installed together.SOLUTION: Under-management holding balls that can be reused in an under-management card unit 10 installed beside an under-management Pachinko machine 20 and general holding balls that can be reused in a general card unit 30 installed beside a general Pachinko machine 40 are managed as card data by associating them with a card ID. Further, whether or not the under-management holding balls can be reused in the general card unit 30 is set in a mutual usage setting table and a control is performed so that the under-management holding balls can be reused in the general card unit 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a game medium management system, a game medium management device, and a game medium management method for managing the number of game media acquired by a player through a game.

Conventionally, in a game store such as a pachinko store, a gaming machine of a machine counting method that counts a game medium consisting of balls or medals acquired by a player in a game on the game machine (referred to as a "general game machine" in the present specification). )It has been known. Further, such a game store rents a game medium to a player at a plurality of lending rates and provides games at each lending rate. For example, there is a case where a corner consisting of a lending rate of 1 yen per ball and a 4 yen corner consisting of a lending rate of 4 yen per ball are provided, and boarding replay across the lending rate is possible. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2017-086733

By the way, in recent years, a technique related to a managed gaming machine in which a gaming medium of a ball or a medal is enclosed in the machine is being developed. For this reason, in future game stores, a situation may occur in which a general gaming machine and a managed gaming machine are installed side by side, but since the system of the general gaming machine and the system of the managed gaming machine are separate, between the two. Gaming media cannot be used in common. For this reason, the player cannot use the number of balls held by the general gaming machine in the managed gaming machine, and cannot use the number of balls held by the managed gaming machine in the general gaming machine, which is convenient. The problem of lack of sex arises.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and is a gaming medium management system capable of improving convenience for a player when a general gaming machine and a managed gaming machine are installed side by side. , A game medium management device and a game medium management method.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a game medium management system that manages the number of game media acquired by a player through a game, and identifies the game medium uniquely identifying the game medium. In association with the information, the number of first gaming media that can be reused in the first inter-machine device attached to the first gaming machine of the first gaming medium handling type, and the second gaming medium handling type. A management means for managing the number of reusable second game media in the second machine-mounted device attached to the second game machine, and a re-use of the second game medium number in the first machine-to-machine device. It is characterized by having a control means for controlling the utilization and the reuse of the number of the first gaming media in the second inter-vehicle device.

Further, in the above invention, the present invention determines whether or not the number of the second game medium in the first inter-vehicle device can be reused and the number of the first game medium in the second inter-vehicle device can be reused. The control means further includes setting means for setting, and the control means reuses the number of game media in the first inter-vehicle device and in the second inter-vehicle device based on the setting contents by the setting means. It is characterized in that the reuse of the first number of game media is controlled.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the control means is set by the setting means when the number of game media does not exist in the first inter-vehicle device or the second inter-vehicle device to be reused. Based on the content, it is characterized in that the reuse of the number of the second game medium in the first inter-vehicle device and the reuse of the number of the first game medium in the second inter-vehicle device are controlled. ..

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the control means is set so that the number of the second gaming medium in the first inter-vehicle device can be reused in the setting contents by the setting means. In the case, if the number of game media exists in the first inter-unit device, the number of the second game media is added to the number of game media, and the second inter-unit is set in the setting contents by the setting means. If the number of game media is set to be reusable in the device and the number of game media is present in the second inter-vehicle device, the number of game media is included in the number of game media. It is characterized in that the number of game media is controlled to be added up.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the management means is associated with the game medium identification information to be associated with the first game medium management means for managing the number of the first game media, and the game medium identification. It is characterized by having a second game medium management means for managing the number of the second game media in association with the information.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the first gaming machine is a gaming machine capable of paying out the actual gaming medium, and the second gaming machine is a gaming machine in which the actual gaming medium cannot be paid out. It is characterized by being a machine.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the first gaming machine is a gaming machine in which a game using a ball as a gaming medium is provided, and the second gaming machine receives a medal as a gaming medium. It is characterized in that it is a gaming machine to which the game used is provided.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the first gaming machine is a gaming machine in which a game using a ball as a gaming medium is provided, and the second gaming machine is the first gaming machine. It is characterized in that it is a gaming machine that provides a game using balls with a lending rate different from that of the above.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the first gaming machine is a gaming machine in which a game using a medal as a gaming medium is provided, and the second gaming machine is the first gaming machine. It is a gaming machine that is provided with a game using medals with a lending rate different from that of the above.

Further, in the present invention, when the number of the second game medium is reused in the first inter-vehicle device, the rental rate information of the number of the first game medium and the second game medium are described. When the number of the second game media is converted based on the number of rental rate information and the number of the first game media is reused in the second inter-vehicle device, the number of the first game media is rented. It is characterized by further including a conversion means for converting the number of the first game media based on the rate information and the rental rate information of the number of the second game media.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, when the control means is set so that the number of the second gaming medium in the first inter-vehicle device cannot be reused due to the setting contents by the setting means. The first inter-vehicle device controls to prohibit the reuse of the second number of game media while accepting the game media associated with the second number of game media, and is set by the setting means. Depending on the content, when the number of the first game media in the second inter-vehicle device is set to be non-reusable, the second inter-vehicle device is associated with the number of the first game media. It is characterized in that it controls so as to prohibit the reuse of the first number of game media while accepting the game media.

Further, the present invention is a game medium management device that manages the number of game media acquired by a player through a game, and is a first game medium in association with game medium identification information that uniquely identifies the game medium. The number of first gaming media that can be reused in the first inter-machine device attached to the first gaming machine of the handling type, and the second gaming medium attached to the second gaming machine of the second gaming medium handling type. The management means for managing the number of reusable second gaming media in the inter-vehicle device, the reuse of the second number of gaming media in the first inter-vehicle device, and the above-mentioned in the second inter-vehicle device. It is characterized by having a control means for controlling the reuse of the first number of gaming media.

Further, the present invention is a game medium management method in a game medium management system that manages the number of game media acquired by a player through a game, and is associated with game medium identification information that uniquely identifies the game medium. For the number of first game media that can be reused in the first inter-machine device attached to the first game machine of the first game medium handling type and the second game machine of the second game medium handling type. A management process for managing the number of reusable second gaming media in the attached second inter-vehicle device, reuse of the second number of gaming media in the first inter-vehicle device, and the second It is characterized by including a control step of controlling the reuse of the first number of gaming media in the inter-table device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of a player when a general gaming machine and a managed gaming machine are installed side by side.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the game medium management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the game medium management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the management card unit and the management P unit shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration of the management card unit shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of own device status data, card data, priority data, and mutual use setting data for a management card unit shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the general card unit and the general P unit shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configurations of the general card unit and the general P unit shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of own device state data, card data, priority data, and mutual use setting data for a general card unit shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration of the card management device shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the game type setting data and the device management data shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the card management data shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the mutual use setting table shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting the mutual use setting data. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the general card unit accepts a card. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the game medium management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration of the general card unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the total number of balls held. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the general card unit accepts a card.

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, the game medium management system, the game medium management device, and the game medium management method according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

<Explanation of terms>
In the present specification, the managed pachinko machine that encloses the pachinko balls is referred to as "management P machine", and the pachinko machine of each machine counting method that discharges the actual pachinko balls to the outside of the device is referred to as "general P machine". Further, a management slot machine that does not use the actual medal is referred to as a "management S machine", and a slot machine that plays a game using the actual medal is referred to as a "general S machine". In addition, the medals acquired on the management P unit are referred to as "managed balls", the medals acquired on the general P unit are described as "general medals", and the medals acquired on the management S unit are referred to as "general medals". It is described as "management medal", and the medals obtained in the general S unit are described as "general medals".

<Outline of the game medium management system according to the first embodiment>
In recent game stores, instead of counting the balls that the player has acquired through the game with the island counters installed at Shimabata, etc., the balls that the player has acquired through the game are counted by each machine and held. Each machine counting type gaming machine (general P machine) is becoming widespread. Further, not only pachinko machines but also slot machines are adopting the counting method for each machine.

Further, a technique relating to a managed gaming machine in which a gaming medium of a ball or a medal is enclosed in the machine is being developed, and there is a possibility that such a managed gaming machine (management P machine) is arranged in a game store. For this reason, in future game stores, a situation may occur in which a general P unit and a management P unit are installed side by side, but the game medium cannot be commonly used between the general P unit and the management P unit. Therefore, the player cannot use the general possession ball acquired in the general P unit in the management P unit, and cannot use the management possession ball acquired in the management P unit in the general P unit, which is convenient. The problem of lack of sex can arise.

Therefore, in the game medium management system according to the first embodiment, in order to improve the convenience of the player when the general game machine and the management game machine are installed side by side, the general pachinko balls acquired by the general P machines are managed. Whether or not the management P machine can be reused, and whether or not the management balls acquired by the management P machine can be reused by the general P machine are set in the mutual use setting table of the card management device.

The setting contents of this mutual use setting table are transmitted from the card management device to the general card unit (card unit 30 that can communicate with the general P unit 40) 30 as the mutual use setting data for the general card unit, and the general card unit 30 It is memorized in. The general card unit 30 determines whether or not the managed ball can be reused by referring to the mutual use setting data for the general card unit.

The setting contents of the mutual use setting table are transmitted from the card management device to the management card unit (card unit attached so as to be able to communicate with the management P unit) 10 as mutual use setting data for the management card unit, and are stored in the management card unit. Is remembered in. The management card unit 10 determines whether or not the general possession ball can be reused by referring to the mutual use setting data for the management card unit.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the game medium management system according to the first embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the fact that the managed ball can be used as a general ball is registered in the mutual use setting data for the general card unit. Further, here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that only the managed ball "200 balls" having a lending rate of 4 yen per ball (ball 1) is associated with the card C. Further, the general card unit 30 is a device for renting a game ball at a lending rate of 4 yen (ball) per ball, and until the card C is inserted into the general card unit 30, the general card unit 30 has a general possession ball. It is assumed that it is not remembered.

As shown in FIG. 1, there is no ball in the general card unit 30 until the card C is inserted into the general card unit 30. Here, if the card C is inserted into the general card unit 30, the general card unit 30 determines that the managed ball can be reused by referring to the mutual use setting data for the general card unit. Since the card C has a managed ball (ball 1) "200 balls", the general card unit 30 can be reused as a general ball (ball 1) "200 balls".

Then, if "100 balls" out of the general possession balls (ball 1) and "200 balls" are paid out by the reuse operation (holding ball replay operation) by the player, they are stored in the general card unit 30. The general possession ball (ball 1) is "100 balls". After that, if the player acquires a game ball by the game and counts the game ball "500 balls" by the counting operation, the general possession ball (ball 1) stored in the general card unit 30 is "600 balls (= 100 balls)". Ball + 500 coins) ”.

Here, if the card return operation is performed, the general possession ball (ball 1) "600 balls" stored in the general card unit 30 is returned in association with the card C, and the general possession ball (ball 1) stored in the general card unit 30 is returned. Ball 1) is cleared.

In this way, the general card unit 30 can reuse the managed ball associated with the card C as the general card while referring to the mutual use setting data for the general card unit. Similarly, the management card unit can reuse the general possession ball associated with the card C as the management possession ball while referring to the mutual use setting data for the management card unit.

<System configuration of the game medium management system according to the first embodiment>
Next, the system configuration of the game medium management system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the game medium management system according to the first embodiment. The amusement store is provided with a management pachinko machine (hereinafter referred to as "management P machine") corner and a general pachinko machine (hereinafter referred to as "general P machine") corner. Although not shown here for convenience of explanation, a management slot machine (hereinafter referred to as "management S machine") corner and a general slot machine (hereinafter referred to as "general S machine") corner are also provided. And. Further, in the present specification, the medals acquired by the management P unit 20 are referred to as "managed medals", the medals acquired by the general P unit 40 are referred to as "general medals", and are acquired by the management S unit. The held medals will be referred to as "management medals", and the held medals obtained on the general S stand will be referred to as "general medals".

In the management P unit corner, the management P unit 20 and the management card unit 10 are installed so as to be able to communicate with each other, and in the general P unit corner, the general P unit 40 and the general card unit 30 are installed so as to be able to communicate with each other. There is. The management card unit 10 and the general card unit 30 are connected to the card management device 50 and the member management device 60 via a communication line.

The management P stand 20 is a device for playing a game by driving a game ball enclosed inside the device into the game board surface. It should be noted that this game ball is a physical "ball" used for the game, and is different from the "game ball" handled as data by the management P stand 20. A plurality of winning areas (winning openings) are provided on the game board surface of the management P stand 20, and a predetermined number of game balls are used as prize balls based on the fact that the game balls have passed through the winning areas. Is added to the number of playable games that can be used for the game (hereinafter referred to as "the number of game balls"). 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. There may be an area that serves as both a starting area and a winning area.

A winning sensor is provided in the winning area to detect the passage of the game ball into the winning area, and the passing (winning) of the game ball driven into the winning area by the winning sensor is detected. Further, the control unit of the management P stand 20 has a prize ball memory for storing how many game balls are given as prize balls for each winning area, and a gameable number memory for storing the number of game balls. ..

When the management card unit 10 receives a deposit from a player, the management card unit 10 associates a prepaid value corresponding to the deposit amount with the identification information (card ID) of the card stored inside the own device. This prepaid value can be used to add the number of game balls. Further, the management card unit 10 can accept the insertion of a card associated with the card data. This card data includes prepaid value, managed balls, general medals, managed medals and general medals. It should be noted that although the card data can include stored balls and the like, the description of the stored balls will be omitted here for convenience of explanation. Then, at the end of the game, the card associated with the card data is ejected and returned to the player.

The management card unit 10 accepts payment, gives an instruction to add the number of game balls, and communicates with the management P unit 20. When the management card unit 10 receives the bills inserted by the player, the management card unit 10 sends a payment notification including the deposit amount to the card management device 50, so that the prepaid value equivalent to the deposit amount is managed by the card management device 50. Add to value. Then, when the predetermined ball lending operation is performed, the ball lending request is transmitted to the card management device 50, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 50 is subtracted, and the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value is managed. Notify the P machine and add it to the number of game balls.

When the management card unit 10 accepts the insertion of the card, the management card unit 10 transmits a card insertion notification to the card management device 50. Further, when the management card unit 10 receives the card data from the card management device 50, the management card unit 10 stores the card data. Then, when the balances of the managed balls, general balls, management medals, and general medals included in the card data are received and stored, the card management device 50 is sent a subtraction request to the card management device 50. Clear the balance (number of balls) of managed balls, general medals, managed medals, and general medals managed by.

When the management card unit 10 receives the ball holding replay operation, the management card unit 10 subtracts a predetermined number of managed balls managed by its own device, notifies the management P unit 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted managed ball number, and plays a game. Add to the number of balls.

When the management card unit 10 accepts the card return operation, the management card unit 10 transmits a request for addition of the management ball, general ball, management medal, and general medal included in the card data to the card management device 50, and the card management device 50 After updating the card data, a card ejection notification is transmitted to the card management device 50 to control ejection of the card. If the counting operation is received from the management P stand 20 before the card return operation, the number of game balls is added to the number of managed balls.

The management card unit 10 has a function of acquiring a game machine ID from the management P unit 20 and authenticating the management P unit 20 by using the acquired game machine ID and an authentication key received from the card management device 50. This authentication is performed at the time of opening the store, and the management P stand 20 can be played on condition that the authentication is successful.

The management card unit 10 stores the mutual use setting data for the management card unit received from the card management device 50. This mutual use setting data for the management card unit is whether or not the management ball can be reused in the own device, whether or not the management medal can be reused, whether or not the general ball can be reused, and general. This is setting data that sets whether or not medals can be reused.

When the management card unit 10 receives the card C, the management card unit 10 has a management ball, a management medal, a general ball, and a general medal included in the card data associated with the card C based on the mutual use setting data for the management card unit. Determines if is reusable. For example, when the own device has a lending rate of ball 1 (1 ball 4 yen), only the management ball 1 of the ball 1 is not 0 on the card C, and the mutual use setting data for the management card unit is the reuse of the management ball. If the use is permitted, the managed ball of ball 1 can be reused.

Further, when only the general possession ball of the ball 1 associated with the card C is not 0 and the mutual use setting data for the management card unit permits the reuse of the general possession ball, the general possession ball of the ball 1 is allowed. Can be reused. Further, if only the management medal of the medal 1 (20 yen per card) associated with the card C is not 0, and the mutual use setting data for the management card unit permits the reuse of the management medal, the medal 1 Management medals can be reused. Further, if only the general medal of the medal 1 associated with the card C is not 0 and the mutual use setting data for the management card unit permits the reuse of the general medal, the general medal of the medal 1 is reused. It will be possible.

If a plurality of managed balls, general medals, managed medals, and general medals are associated with card C, the managed balls, general medals, and managed medals are arranged in a predetermined priority order. , General medals can be reused in order of priority. For example, the priority order is managed balls, general medals, managed medals, and general medals.

Although the detailed description is omitted here for convenience of explanation, reuse across rates is also possible. For example, if the managed ball of ball 1 does not exist and the managed ball of ball 2 exists, the managed ball of ball 2 is rate-converted so that it can be reused, and then the general ball is reused. It can be possible.

Next, the general P stand 40 and the general card unit 30 will be described. Similar to the management P stand 20, the general P stand 40 is a device for driving a game ball into the game board surface to play a game. The difference between the general P stand 40 and the management P stand 20 is that the actual game balls are paid out to the outside of the device and each machine is provided with a counter. The number of game balls counted by each of the counters can be stored in the device as a general possession ball and can be reused.

The general card unit 30 accepts payments, lends game balls, and communicates with the card management device 50. When the general card unit 30 receives the banknotes inserted by the player, the general card unit 30 transmits a payment notification including the deposit amount to the card management device 50 to add the prepaid value to the prepaid value managed by the card management device 50. .. Then, when the predetermined ball lending operation is performed, the ball lending request is transmitted to the card management device 50, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 50 is subtracted, and the number of games corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value is played. Performs ball payout processing.

Further, when the general card unit 30 accepts the card insertion, the general card unit 30 transmits a card insertion notification to the card management device 50. Further, when the general card unit 30 receives the card data from the card management device 50, the general card unit 30 stores the card data. Then, when the managed ball, the general ball, the management medal, and the general medal included in the card data are received and stored, the management ball, the general ball, the management medal, and the general medal are sent to the card management device 50. By transmitting the subtraction request of, the balance of the managed ball, the general ball, the management medal, and the general medal managed by the card management device 50 is cleared to zero.

When the general card unit 30 receives the ball replay operation, the general card unit 30 subtracts a predetermined number of managed balls, general balls, managed medals, or general medals managed by its own device, and a number of games corresponding to the subtracted numbers. Performs ball payout processing.

Further, when the general card unit 30 accepts the card return operation, the general card unit 30 transmits a request for addition of the managed ball, the general ball, the management medal, and the general medal to the card management device 50, and sends the management ball to the card management device 50. After updating the general possession ball, the management medal, and the general medal, a card ejection notification is transmitted to the card management device 50 to control the ejection of the card.

The general card unit 30 stores the mutual use setting data for the general card unit received from the card management device 50. The mutual use setting data for the general card unit is whether or not the management ball can be reused in the own device, whether or not the management medal can be reused, whether or not the general ball can be reused, and general. This is setting data that sets whether or not medals can be reused.

When the general card unit 30 accepts the card C, can the managed balls, general balls, management medals, and general medals associated with the card C be reused based on the mutual use setting data for the general card unit? Judge whether or not. For example, when the own device has the lending rate of the ball 1, only the managed ball of the ball 1 associated with the card C is not 0, and the mutual use setting data for the general card unit permits the reuse of the managed ball. If so, the managed ball of ball 1 can be reused.

Further, when only the general possession ball of the ball 1 associated with the card C is not 0 and the mutual use setting data for the general card unit permits the reuse of the general possession ball, the general possession ball of the ball 1 is allowed. Can be reused. Further, if only the management medal of the medal 1 associated with the card C is not 0 and the mutual use setting data for the general card unit permits the reuse of the management medal, the management medal of the medal 1 is reused. It will be possible. Further, if only the general medal of the medal 1 associated with the card C is not 0 and the mutual use setting data for the general card unit permits the reuse of the general medal, the general medal of the medal 1 is reused. It will be possible.

If a plurality of managed balls, general medals, managed medals, and general medals are associated with card C, the managed balls, general medals, and managed medals are arranged in a predetermined priority order. , Any of the general medals can be reused. For example, this priority order is the order of general possession balls, management possession balls, general medals, and management medals.

Although the detailed description is omitted here for convenience of explanation, reuse across rates is also possible. For example, when the general possession ball of the ball 1 does not exist and the general possession ball of the ball 2 exists, the general possession ball of the ball 2 is rate-converted so that it can be reused, and then the management possession ball is reused. It can be possible.

Next, the card management device 50 will be described. When the card management device 50 receives the card insertion notification from the management card unit 10, the general card unit 30, the management medal unit or the general medal unit (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "between units"), the card management device 50 of the inserted card The ID and the inter-unit unit are managed in association with each other, and the card data associated with the card ID is transmitted to the inter-unit unit. The card insertion notification is transmitted to the member management device 60, and the stored ball replay data and the like received from the member management device 60 are transmitted to the unit between units.

Further, when the card management device 50 receives the subtraction request from the inter-unit unit, the card management device 50 clears the balance of the managed ball, the general possession ball, the management medal or the general medal to zero, and receives the addition request from the inter-unit. If so, the number indicated in the addition request is added to the balance of managed balls, general medals, managed medals or general medals.

Further, when the card management device 50 receives the lending request from the inter-unit unit, the card management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID and transmits the lending permission to the inter-unit unit. Further, when the card management device 50 receives the card ID from the prize management device, the card management device 50 notifies the prize management device that has received the card ID of the card data associated with the card ID. Further, when the card ID is received from the checkout machine, the prepaid value associated with the card ID is notified to the checkout machine.

The member management device 60 is a management device that manages member management data of members registered as members in a game store. Specifically, the number of stored balls, points, PIN, name, etc. are managed in association with the membership card ID issued to the member.

When the member management device 60 receives the card insertion notification from the unit, the member management device 60 includes the management ball, general storage, management storage medal, balance and PIN of the management storage ball, general storage ball, management storage medal, and general storage medal corresponding to the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification. Replay data including is transmitted to the unit between units. Further, when the member management device 60 receives the ball storage / storage medal replay request from the platform device, the member management device 60 manages the ball storage / general ball storage and the management storage associated with the card ID indicated in the ball storage / storage medal replay request. The balance of medals or general savings medals is subtracted by a predetermined number, and the saved ball / saved medal replay data including the balance of managed balls, general saved balls, managed saved medals or general saved medals after subtraction is transmitted to the unit. Communication between the management card unit 10, the general card unit 30, the management medal unit, the general medal unit, and the member management device 60 is performed via the card management device 50.

Further, when the member management device 60 receives an inquiry about the number of stored balls from the prize management device, the member management device 60 uses the balance of managed balls, general stored balls, managed stored medals, or general stored medals corresponding to the designated card ID as the prize management device. Notify against.

<Appearance configuration of management card unit and management P unit>
Next, the appearance configuration of the management card unit 10 and the management P stand 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the management card unit 10 and the management P stand 20 shown in FIG. Although the management card unit 10 that accepts only banknotes is shown in the figure, a unit that can accept electronic money can also be provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the management card unit 10 includes a status display unit 11 that displays the state of the device of the management card unit 10 by lighting or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color, a bill insertion slot 12a that accepts various bills, and a touch panel display. A card insertion slot 14a for receiving a card associated with a display operation unit 13 such as a card ID and a card ID is provided.

The management P stand 20 is provided with a game board surface, a handle 21 used for throwing the enclosed game ball onto the game board surface, and a counting button 22.

The counting button 22 manages the management of the number of balls that can be thrown from the management P stand 20 by subtracting the number of game balls of the management P stand 20 and adding the corresponding number to the managed balls of the management card unit 10. This is an operation button for performing a management shift to shift to the card unit 10. This management shift corresponds to a counting process in which the general card unit 30 counts the paid out game balls and adds them to the general possession balls in the open type general P stand 40 in which the actual game balls are paid out by winning a prize.

<Internal configuration of management card unit 10>
Next, the internal configuration of the management card unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the management card unit 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the management card unit 10 includes a bill transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader / writer 14, a communication unit 15, a storage unit 16, a control unit 17, and a game management unit 18.

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 display that displays various information such as card data and accepts various operations such as lending operation.

The reader / writer 14 is a reading unit 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 communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication with the card management device 50 via a communication line.

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 state data 16a, the card data 16b, the priority data 16c, and the mutual use setting data 16d for the management card unit.

The own device state data 16a is data indicating the state of the management card unit 10. The own device state data 16a includes a unit ID, a gaming machine ID, a gaming type, and the like. The unit ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the management card unit 10 in the game store. The game machine ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the management P machine 20 in the game store. The game type is data indicating the rate set in the management card unit 10. When handling multiple rate game balls in a game store, "ball 1" for a 4-yen rate game ball, "ball 2" for a 2-yen rate game ball, and "ball 3" for a 1-yen rate game ball. Like, the game type name is set and managed for each rate. The management card unit 10 selects a rate to be used for the game from these game types and stores it as the game type. As the game type, a game type fixed for each section in which the management card unit 10 is installed may be used, or may be changed by the operation of the player.

The card data 16b is data related to the card being used by the player. The card data 16b includes a card ID, a prepaid value, a managed ball, a general ball, a management medal, and a general medal. The card ID is a card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is conveyed from a card storage unit (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and the card is ejected, the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transfer. Further, even when a card is conveyed from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transfer. The prepaid value indicates the balance of the prepaid value that can be used for ball lending, and the managed ball, the general possession ball, the management medal, and the general medal indicate the respective balances.

The priority data 16c is data indicating the priority of managed balls, general medals, managed medals, and general medals to be reused. For example, priority 1 is set to be "managed ball", priority 2 is set to be "general medal", priority 3 is set to be "managed medal", and priority 4 is set to be "general medal". NS.

The mutual use setting data 16d for the management card unit indicates whether or not the management ball can be reused by the own device, whether or not the general ball can be reused by the own device, and whether or not the management medal can be reused by the own device. Or, it is data indicating whether or not the general medal can be reused by the own device. The mutual use setting data 16d for the management card unit is received from the card management device 50 and stored in the storage unit 16.

The game management unit 18 is a processing unit that performs processing related to authentication communication with the management P unit 20. It is desirable that the game management unit 18 is formed on a substrate different from the control unit 17. The game management unit 18 includes an authentication processing unit 18a, an authentication key management unit 18b, and a game machine state management unit 18c. Actually, by loading and executing these programs on the CPU (Central Processing Unit), the authentication processing unit 18a, the authentication key management unit 18b, and the game machine state management unit 18c are made to execute the corresponding processes, respectively. Become.

The authentication processing unit 18a authenticates the management P unit 20 using the authentication key received from the card management device 50. If the authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 18a transmits an operation permission to the management P unit 20. The authentication processing unit 18a prohibits the use of the management P unit 20 when the authentication fails. Even if the authentication fails, the operation permission is sent to the management P unit 20 within a predetermined period from the last successful authentication, and after the predetermined period elapses from the last successful authentication, the management P unit 20 is transmitted. It may be configured to prohibit the use of the management P stand 20 without transmitting the operation permission to the 20.

The authentication key management unit 18b is a processing unit that manages the authentication key. The usage time is set for the authentication key, and when the cumulative operating time of the management P unit 20 reaches the usage time of the authentication key, the authentication key becomes unusable. Specifically, the authentication key management unit 18b manages the usage time of the authentication key by using the energization time of the substrate on which the game management unit 18 is formed as the operating time of the management P stand 20. When the authentication key becomes unusable, the authentication key management unit 18b acquires a new authentication key from the authentication key management center outside the store via the card management device 50, and updates the authentication key.

The gaming machine state management unit 18c is a processing unit that communicates with the management P machine 20 and manages the state of the management P machine 20. Specifically, the game machine state management unit 18c acquires the game machine ID from the management P stand 20, sends a request for addition to the number of game balls by ball lending, and manages the game ball from the management ball by replaying the game ball. From the transmission of the management transition request to the number, the transmission of the request to add to the number of game balls by replaying the stored balls, the reception of the game results such as the number of hit balls and the number of prize balls in the management P stand 20, and the number of game balls by counting. Receives a management transition request to the management ball. For the communication between the management card unit 10 and the management P unit 20, encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method is used.

In addition, the gaming machine state management unit 18c further acquires the current number of gaming balls, start, jackpot, jackpot type, lottery count, and other states set for the game of the management P machine 20. It is desirable that the time interval for the gaming machine state management unit 18c to acquire the state of the management P stand 20 is set shorter than the interval at which the game balls are fired (used) in the management P stand 20.

The timing at which the gaming machine state management unit 18c newly acquires the gaming machine ID from the management P stand 20 is not limited to before the opening of the store. When the power of the management card unit 10 is turned on or off, when regular communication is performed, when processing related to the number of game balls (ball lending, replay, counting, etc.) is performed, or when returning from the offline state, the game is played. It is possible to acquire the machine ID and determine the replacement of the management P machine 20. Moreover, you may use these timings in combination.

The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the management card unit 10 as a whole, and has a data management unit 17a and a mutual use control unit 17b. Actually, each process is executed by loading and executing the program corresponding to the data management unit 17a and the mutual use control unit 17b into the CPU.

When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits a card insertion notification including the card ID and the unit ID to the card management device 50. Further, when the data management unit 17a receives the card data including the prepaid value, the managed ball, the general ball, the management medal, and the general medal from the card management device 50, the data management unit 17a updates the card data 16b with the received card data. ..

Further, when the bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits a payment notification including the amount of the inserted bill, the card ID and the unit ID to the card management device 50.

Further, the data management unit 17a transmits a ball lending request including the card ID and the unit ID to the card management device 50 when the ball lending operation is performed by the player. When the ball lending permission is received in response to the ball lending request, the data management unit 17a subtracts the prepaid value of the card data 16b and adds a predetermined number of balls to the number of game balls of the management P unit 20. Instruct the game management unit 18.

Further, when the data management unit 17a receives the management ball replay operation, the data management unit 17a subtracts and updates the management ball of the card data 16b, and adds the corresponding number of balls to the number of game balls of the management P stand 20. Instruct the game management unit 18. Further, when the game management unit 18 receives the game ball transfer request from the management P stand 20, the data management unit 17a adds the number of balls instructed to the game management unit 18 to the management balls of the card data 16b. And update.

Further, when the data management unit 17a accepts the card return operation, the data management unit 17a transmits to the card management device 50 a ball holding addition request including the card ID, the inter-unit card processing machine ID, and the balance of the management ball. Then, after clearing the card data 16b, a card ejection notification is transmitted to the card management device 50, and the card is ejected.

The mutual use control unit 17b controls the mutual use of the managed ball, the general ball, the management medal, and the general medal based on the setting contents set in the priority data 16c and the mutual use setting data 16d for the management card unit. It is a control unit.

For example, if the priority 1 in the priority data 16c is the "managed ball" and the "managed ball" is set to be reusable in the mutual use setting data 16d for the management card unit, the managed ball is managed. As long as the ball exists, this managed ball will be reused preferentially. On the other hand, when the managed ball is 0, it can be seen that the priority 2 is the "general ball" by referring to the priority data 16c. When the "general possession ball" is set to be reusable in the mutual use setting data 16d for the management card unit, this general possession ball is preferentially reused as long as the general possession ball exists.

Since the unit price of the management medal for ball 1 (4 yen per ball) and the management medal for medal 1 (20 yen per medal) are different, when reusing the management medal as a management medal, the management medal The number will be converted to the number of managed medals. For example, the number of managed medals may be multiplied by 5 to obtain the number of managed medals.

Next, an example of the data stored in the storage unit 16 of the management card unit 10 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the own device state data 16a and the card data 16b shown in FIG.

In the own device state data 16a shown in FIG. 5A, the ID of the management card unit 10 is "A101", the gaming machine ID of the connected management P machine 20 is "B201", and the game of the management card unit 10. It shows a state in which "ball 1" is set as a seed.

The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5B shows a state in which the ID of the card inserted into the management card unit 10 is "5005" and the prepaid value is "1000" yen.

Further, the card data 16b includes a managed ball, a general ball, a managed medal, a flag of the general medal, and a number for each rate. This flag indicates whether or not the managed ball, general ball, management medal, and general medal can be reused by the own device. If the flag is "1", it can be reused and the flag is If it is "0", it cannot be reused. This flag is set based on the mutual use setting data 16d for the management card unit. This is because it is not efficient to refer to the mutual use setting data 16d for the management card unit every time it is reused. Here, the management ball, the general ball, and the management medal are reusable, and the general medal cannot be reused.

The number of managed medals, general medals, managed medals, and general medals are included for each rate. For example, the balance of the managed ball 1, the ball 2 and the ball 3 is "0", the balance of the general ball 1 is "400", and the balance of the general ball 2 and the ball 3 is. It indicates that the balance is a "0" ball.

The priority data 16c shown in FIG. 5C shows the priority of reusing the game medium, where priority 1 is "managed medals" and priority 2 is "general medals". Yes, priority 3 is the "management medal" and priority 4 is the "general medal". Even if the game medium has a high priority, it cannot be reused if it is not reusable in the mutual use setting data 16d for the management card unit.

In the example of the card data 16b shown in FIG. 5B, the "managed ball" of priority 1 can be reused, but since the number of balls is 0, it cannot be reused. Therefore, when referring to the "general possession ball" of priority 2, the flag is "1" which can be reused, and the number of balls of the ball 1 is "400", so that the ball of this general possession ball exists. It will be reused using 1.

The mutual use setting data 16d for the management card unit shown in FIG. 5D shows whether or not the "managed ball" can be reused in the own device, and whether or not the "general ball" can be reused in the own device. It is data set whether or not the "management medal" can be reused by the own device and whether or not the "general medal" can be reused by the own device. Here, the management ball, the general ball, and the management medal are set to be reusable, and the general medal is set to be non-reusable. The flag of the card data 16b is set based on the mutual use setting data 16d for the management card unit.

<Appearance configuration of general card unit and general P unit>
Next, the appearance configuration of the general card unit 30 and the general P stand 40 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the general card unit 30 and the general P stand 40 shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 6 shows the appearance of the general card unit 30 connected to the general P stand 40 as the general card unit 30. Further, the general P stand 40 to be attached is shown by a broken line. Further, although FIG. 6 shows a general card unit 30 that accepts only banknotes, it is also possible to provide a stand-to-stand unit having a function of accepting electronic money and coins associated with a mobile terminal or a card.

As shown in FIG. 6, the general card unit 30 includes a status display unit 31, a bill insertion slot 32a, a display operation unit 33, a card insertion slot 34a, a holding unit 34b, a nozzle unit 38a, and a counting unit 38b.

The status display unit 31 is composed of, for example, multicolor LEDs, and displays the status of the device of the general card unit 30 by lighting or blinking in a predetermined color. The bill insertion slot 32a is an insertion slot for various bills required for lending game balls. The display operation unit 33 is a device composed of, for example, a full-color touch panel type liquid crystal display or the like, and accepts display of operation buttons and input operations by the operation buttons.

The card insertion slot 34a is a card insertion slot owned by the player. The holding unit 34b is a portion for holding the mobile terminal used for membership registration, and when the mobile terminal is held over the holding unit 34b, data such as a unique ID (for example, IDm) of the mobile terminal is read from the mobile terminal. The nozzle unit 38a is a mechanism for ejecting a game ball onto a general P stand 40. The nozzle unit 38a is composed of a cylindrical nozzle provided on the front surface of the general card unit 30 so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction, and the tip of the nozzle can be located in the storage portion of the gaming machine. The game medium is supplied to the nozzle from the ball supply device in the inter-table card processing machine that has received the game medium from the supply mechanism on the island where the general card unit 30 is installed.

The counting unit 38b is a mechanism for counting game balls dropped from the lower plate of the general P stand 40. The counting unit 38b includes a saucer for receiving game balls, a counting unit provided at the lower part of the general card unit 30 for counting game balls with a counting sensor, and a counting passage for passing the game medium from the saucer to the counting unit. It consists of. The saucer portion and the counting passage portion can be integrally removed from the general card unit 30 based on a predetermined operation (for example, an employee's remote control operation). Further, the counting unit has a unit structure, and by removing the counting unit, the saucer unit, and the counting passage unit, the general card unit 30 can be operated without the counting function.

<Internal configuration of general card unit 30>
Next, the internal configuration of the general card unit 30 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the general card unit 30 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the general card unit 30 includes a bill transport unit 32, a display operation unit 33, a reader / writer 34, a holding unit 34b, a communication unit 35, a storage unit 36, a control unit 37, a nozzle unit 38a, and a counting unit 38b. Has.

The banknote transfer unit 32 is a transfer unit that transmits the banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion slot 32a to a banknote storage unit (not shown) while discriminating the denomination and authenticity of the banknotes. The display operation unit 33 has a function of identifying and displaying various information such as prepaid value, managed ball, general ball, management medal, general medal, etc. that can be used for ball lending, and other cards. It is an input / output device such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display having a function of displaying information not related to the above and a function of accepting various operations such as a ball lending operation. In addition to the above-mentioned display, the display operation unit 33 also has a function of displaying excess or deficiency regarding the number of cards that can be stored and displaying the communication status (online / offline, etc.) with the host device.

The reader / writer 34 is a device that reads a card ID from a card inserted in the card insertion slot 34a. The card inserted into the card insertion slot 34a is stored in a card storage unit (not shown) via the reader / writer 34. The holding unit 34b 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.

The communication unit 35 is an interface unit for performing data communication between the general P unit 40 and the card management device 50. The nozzle unit 38a 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 38b is a unit that counts game balls.

The storage unit 36 is a storage device including a hard disk device, a non-volatile memory, and the like. The storage unit 36 stores the own device state data 36a, the card data 36b, the priority data 36c, and the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit.

The own device state data 36a is data indicating the state of the general card unit 30. The own device state data 36a includes a unit ID, a gaming machine ID, and a gaming type. The unit ID is identification data for uniquely identifying the general card unit 30 in the game store. The gaming machine ID is identification data for uniquely identifying the general P machine 40 in the gaming store. The game type is data indicating the game type set in the general card unit 30. When handling multiple rate game balls in a game store, "ball 1" for a 4-yen rate game ball, "ball 2" for a 2-yen rate game ball, and "ball 3" for a 1-yen rate game ball. In this way, the game type name is set and managed for each rate. The general card unit 30 selects and stores the rate used for the game from these game types.

The card data 36b is data related to the card being used by the player. The card data 36b includes a card ID, a prepaid value, a general possession ball, a management possession ball, a general medal, and a management medal. For general medals, managed medals, general medals, and managed medals, a flag indicating whether or not they can be reused is set. It is assumed that the flag "1" is reusable and the flag "0" is not reusable. In addition, for general possession balls, management possession balls, general medals, and management medals, data exists for each game type (rate). The card ID is a card ID read by the reader / writer 34.

The control unit 37 is a control unit that controls the entire general card unit 30, and includes a data management unit 37a, a counting processing unit 37b, and a mutual use control unit 37c.

When the card is inserted, the data management unit 37a transmits the card insertion notification data including the unit ID of the own device status data 36a and the card ID of the card data 36b to the card management device 50. Further, when the data management unit 37a receives the card data from the card management device 50, the data management unit 37a stores the received card data as the card data 36b in the storage unit 36. The data management unit 37a appropriately displays and controls the prepaid value, the general possession ball, the management possession ball, the general medal, and the management medal shown in the card data 36b on the display operation unit 33.

Further, when the bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 32a, the data management unit 37a transmits the payment notification data including the amount of the inserted bill, the card ID and the unit ID to the card management device 50.

Further, the data management unit 37a transmits the ball lending request data including the card ID and the unit ID to the card management device 50 when the ball lending operation is performed by the player. When the permission data is received as a response to the ball lending request data, the data management unit 37a performs a process of paying out a predetermined number of game balls.

In addition, the data management unit 37a subtracts a predetermined number from the general possession ball, the management possession ball, the general medal, or the management medal shown in the card data 36b when the general possession ball replay operation is performed by the player. , Performs the payout process of the corresponding number of game balls.

Further, when the card return operation is performed by the player, the data management unit 37a outputs the card ID, the unit ID, and the addition request data including the general possession ball, the management possession ball, the general medal, and the management medal to the card management device 50. After clearing the general possession ball, the management possession ball, the general medal, and the management medal of the card data 36b to zero, the card ejection notification data is transmitted to the card management device 50 to eject the card.

When a game ball is thrown into the counting unit 38b, the counting processing unit 37b causes the counting unit 38b to count the game ball, and adds the counting result to the general possession ball of the card data 36b.

The mutual use control unit 37c controls the mutual use of the general possession ball, the management possession ball, the general medal, and the management medal based on the setting contents set in the priority data 36c and the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit. It is a control unit.

For example, when priority 1 in the priority data 36c is "general possession ball" and "general possession ball" is set to be reusable in the mutual use setting data 36d for general card units, general possession As long as the ball exists, this general ball is preferentially reused. On the other hand, when the general number of balls is 0, it can be seen that the priority 2 is the "managed ball" by referring to the priority data 36c. When the "managed ball" is set to be reusable in the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit, the managed ball is preferentially reused as long as the managed ball exists.

Since the rental unit price of the general medal of ball 1 (4 yen per ball) and the management medal of medal 1 (20 yen per medal) are different, when reusing the management medal as a general medal, the management medal The number will be converted to the number of general medals. For example, the value obtained by multiplying the number of managed medals by 5 may be set as the general number of balls.

Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 36 of the general card unit 30 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of own device state data 36a, card data 36b, priority data 36c, and mutual use setting data 36d for a general card unit shown in FIG. 7.

In the own device state data 36a shown in FIG. 8A, the unit ID of the general card unit 30 is “C301”, the gaming machine ID of the general P machine 40 is “D401”, and the gaming type of the general card unit 30. Indicates a state in which "ball 1" is set.

The card data 36b shown in FIG. 8B shows a state in which the ID of the card inserted into the general card unit 30 is "5005" and the prepaid value is "1000" yen.

Further, the card data 36b includes a general possession ball, a management possession ball, a general medal, a flag of the management medal, and a number for each rate. This flag indicates whether or not the general possession ball, the management possession ball, the general medal, and the management medal can be reused in the own device, and when the flag is "1", it can be reused and the flag is If it is "0", it cannot be reused. This flag is set based on the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit. This is because it is not efficient to refer to the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit every time it is reused. Here, a situation is shown in which general medals and managed medals are reusable, and general medals and managed medals are not reusable.

General medals, managed medals, general medals, and managed medals each include a number for each rate. For example, the balance of the general possession ball 1 is "400", the balance of the general possession ball 2 and the ball 3 is "0", and the balance of the management possession ball 1, the ball 2 and the ball 3 It indicates that the balance is a "0" ball.

The priority data 36c shown in FIG. 8C shows the priority of reusing the game medium, where priority 1 is "general medals" and priority 2 is "managed medals". Yes, priority 3 is a "general medal" and priority 4 is a "management medal". Even if the game medium has a high priority, it cannot be reused if it is not reusable in the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit.

In the example of the card data 36b shown in FIG. 8B, since the "general possession ball" of priority 1 can be reused, the number of balls of the ball 1 is "400", and therefore, the general possession ball of this general possession ball It is reused using the ball 1. After that, if the number of balls of ball 1 becomes "0", the "managed ball" of priority 2 is "0" ball, and the flag of the general medal of priority 3 and the management medal of priority 4 Is non-reusable and cannot be reused.

The mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit shown in FIG. 8D shows whether or not the "general possession ball" can be reused by the own device and whether or not the "management possession ball" can be reused by the own device. It is data set whether or not the "general medal" can be reused by the own device and whether or not the "management medal" can be reused by the own device. Here, a situation is shown in which the general possession ball and the management possession ball are set to be reusable, and the general medal and the management medal are set to be non-reusable. The flag of the card data 36b is set based on the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit.

<Internal configuration of card management device 50>

Next, the internal configuration of the card management device 50 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the card management device 50 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the card management device 50 includes a display unit 51, an input unit 52, a communication unit 53, a storage unit 54, and a control unit 55.

The display unit 51 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The input unit 52 is an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. The communication unit 53 is an interface unit for data communication with the management card unit 10, the general card unit 30, the member management device 60, and the like via a communication line in the game store.

The storage unit 54 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and stores game type setting data 54a, device management data 54b, card management data 54c, and mutual use setting table 54d.

The game type setting data 54a is data in which the lending rate and the display name are associated with the game type name. The device management data 54b is data related to the device arranged in the game store. The device management data 54b includes a unit ID, an address, an installation location, a gaming machine ID of an attached gaming machine, a gaming type, a model, and an operating status. The card management data 54c is data in which the prepaid value, the balance of the general possession ball, the general medal, the management possession ball, and the management medal for each rate, and the user device ID are associated with the card ID.

In the mutual use setting table 54d, whether or not managed balls, managed medals, general medals, and general medals can be reused in the management card unit 10, managed medals, managed medals, general medals, and general medals are general. Whether or not the card unit 30 can be reused, whether or not managed balls, managed medals, general medals, and general medals can be reused in the managed medal unit, managed balls, managed medals, and general medals. , Data that sets whether or not general medals can be reused in general medal units.

The control unit 55 is a control unit that controls the entire card management device 50, and includes a game type setting management unit 55a, a device management unit 55b, a card management unit 55c, and a mutual use setting unit 55d. Actually, by storing the programs corresponding to these functional units in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), loading these programs into the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executing them, the game type setting management unit The process corresponding to each of 55a, the device management unit 55b, the card management unit 55c, and the mutual use setting unit 55d will be executed.

The game type setting management unit 55a 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 54a in association with each other.

The device management unit 55b is a processing unit that manages the device management data 54b. The device management unit 55b generates and updates the device management data 54b based on the unit ID acquired from the platform unit, the address of the platform unit, the installation location, and the gaming machine ID.

The card management unit 55c is a processing unit that manages the card management data 54c. Specifically, when the card management unit 55c receives the card insertion notification data from the unit, the card insertion notification data shows the destination device ID of the card ID shown in the card insertion notification data. The device ID is used. In addition, the card data including the prepaid value, the managed ball, the general ball, the management medal, and the balance of the general medal associated with the card ID shown in the card insertion notification data is notified to the unit. When the card management unit 55c receives the subtraction request data from the inter-unit, the card management unit 55c clears the number of balls held at the rate indicated in the subtraction request data to zero.

Further, when the card management unit 55c receives the lending request data including the card ID from the inter-unit, 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 55c subtracts the predetermined value from the prepaid value stored in the card management data 54c, and the lending permission data including the prepaid value updated in the inter-unit unit. To send. On the other hand, when the prepaid value is less than a predetermined value, the card management unit 55c notifies the inter-unit unit of the non-rentable data.

Further, when the card management unit 55c receives the payment notification data including the amount of money inserted into the unit, the card ID and the device ID, the prepaid value associated with the card ID is indicated in the payment notification. Add the prepaid value for the amount.

Further, when the card management unit 55c receives the ball storage replay request data from the inter-unit, the card management unit 55c transfers the ball storage replay request data to the member management device 60. In addition, the response data from the member management device 60 to the ball storage replay request data is also transferred to the unit between units.

When the card management unit 55c receives the addition request data, the card management unit 55c adds the data to the balance of the management ball, the general ball, the management medal, and the general medal. Further, when the card management unit 55c receives the card ejection notification data, the card management unit 55c erases the user device ID of the card ID.

Next, an example of the data stored in the storage unit 54 of the card management device 50 shown in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the game type setting data 54a and the device management data 54b shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the card management data 54c shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the mutual use setting table 54d shown in FIG.

The game type setting data 54a shown in FIG. 10A associates the game type name “ball 1” with the rate “4 yen” and the display name “4 pachinko”. Further, the game type setting data 54a associates the game type name "ball 2" with the rate "2 yen" and the display name "2 pachinko". Further, the game type setting data 54a associates the game type name "ball 3" with the rate "1 yen" and the display name "1 pachinko".

In the device management data 54b shown in FIG. 10B, the address of the inter-unit unit with ID "3001" on the network is "ABCD", and the installation location is "Island 1-1". , The gaming machine ID is "P001", the gaming type is "ball 3", the gaming machine model is "EV01", and the situation where the gaming machine is in use is shown.

The card management data 54c shown in FIG. 11 has a card ID “1001” with a prepaid value of “2500” yen and a balance of general medals (ball 1 “1500” ball, ball 2 “2300” ball, ball 3 “0” ball. ), The balance of general medals (medals 1 "0", medals 2 "0"), and the balance of managed balls (ball 1 "0", ball 2 "0", ball 3 "0" ), The balance of the management medals (medals 1 "0", medals 2 "0"), and the destination device ID are associated with each other. That is, the card with the card ID "1001" is not inserted into the stand-to-stand unit, and the general possession ball, the general medal, the management possession ball, and the management medal are managed by the card management device 50.

Further, the card management data 54c shown in FIG. 11 has a prepaid value of "500" yen for the card ID "1002", and the balance of each rate of the general possession ball, the general medal, the management possession ball, and the management medal is "0". , The destination device ID "3004" is associated. That is, the card with the card ID "1002" is inserted into the platform unit with the device ID "3004", and the management of the general possession ball, the general medal, the management possession ball, and the management medal is transferred to the platform unit. .. Therefore, the number of balls held at each rate of general balls, general medals, managed balls, and managed medals is zero.

In the mutual use setting table 54d shown in FIG. 12, the management card unit 10 can reuse the management balls, management medals, and general medals, and the management medal unit can reuse the management medals, management medals, and general medals. It is set that the general card unit 30 can reuse the managed balls and the general medals, the general medal unit can reuse the managed medals and the general medals, and other medals cannot be reused. ing.

<Procedure for setting mutual use setting data>
Next, the procedure for setting the mutual use setting data will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting the mutual use setting data. Here, the case where the mutual use setting data is set in the management card unit 10 or the general card unit 30 (here, referred to as “card unit”) will be shown.

If the card management device 50 is in a state of waiting for acceptance of the mutual use setting operation (step S101; No) and accepts the mutual use setting operation by the staff (step S101; Yes), the mutual use setting table 54d can be updated. It becomes a state. Here, if the mutual use setting table 54d is updated (step S102), the mutual use setting data is generated (step S103). Specifically, the management card unit mutual use setting data is generated for the management card unit 10, and the general card unit mutual use setting data is generated for the general card unit 30.

Then, the card management device 50 transmits the mutual use setting data to the card unit (step S104), and if the card unit receives the mutual use setting data (step S105; Yes), the card management device 50 stores the mutual use setting data. Is stored in (step S106). As a result, the management card unit 10 stores the management card unit mutual use setting data 16d, and the general card unit 30 stores the general card unit mutual use setting data 36d.

After that, the card unit sets flags for the management ball, the general ball, the management medal, and the general medal of the card data stored in the storage unit of the own device (step S107), and notifies the card management device 50 of the completion of the setting. (Step S108). When the card management device 50 receives the setting completion from all the card units (step S109: Yes), the card management device 50 ends the process.

<Processing procedure when accepting cards for general card units>
By the way, in the above flowchart, the case where the flag of the card data is set in advance is shown, but the flag of the card data can also be set at the time of receiving the card. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of receiving a card by the general card unit 30. Here, it is assumed that the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit is already stored in the storage unit.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the general card unit 30 receives the card (step S201; Yes), the general card unit 30 acquires the card data from the card management device 50 and stores it in the storage unit (step S202).

After that, the general card unit 30 sets the flags of the general possession ball, the general medal, the management possession ball, and the management medal with reference to the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit. Specifically, in the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit, when the general possession ball is set to be reusable (step S203; Yes), the permission flag "1" is set for the general possession ball. (Step S204). On the other hand, when the general possession ball is set to be non-reusable (step S203; No), the disapproval flag "0" is set for the general possession ball (step S205).

After that, when the general medal is set to be reusable in the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit (step S206; Yes), the permission flag “1” is set for the general medal (step S207). On the other hand, when the general medal is set to be non-reusable (step S206; No), the disapproval flag "0" is set for the general medal (step S208).

After that, in the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit, when the managed ball is set to be reusable (step S209; Yes), the permission flag "1" is set for the managed ball (step S210). ). On the other hand, when the managed ball is set to be non-reusable (step S209; No), the disapproval flag "0" is set for the managed ball (step S211).

After that, when the management medal is set to be reusable in the general card unit mutual use setting data 36d (step S212; Yes), the permission flag "1" is set for the management medal (step S213). On the other hand, when the management medal is set to be non-reusable (step S212; No), the disapproval flag "0" is set for the management medal (step S214).

After that, the general number of balls held is displayed on the display operation unit 33 (step S215), and the process ends. When the general number of balls does not exist and the number of managed balls is reused, the number of managed balls is displayed on the display operation unit 33.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the management ball that can be reused in the management card unit 10 attached to the management P stand 20 and the general one attached to the general P stand 40 in association with the card ID. Since the general card unit 30 manages the reusable general ball as card data and controls the reuse of the general ball in the management card unit 10 and the reuse of the managed ball in the general card unit 30, it is general. It is possible to improve the convenience of the player when the P stand 40 and the management P stand 20 are installed side by side.

Further, the card management device 50 sets the reuse of the general possession ball in the management card unit 10 and the reuse of the management possession ball in the general card unit 30 in the mutual use setting table 54d, and generates the reuse from the mutual use setting table 54d. The mutual use setting data 16d for the management card unit and the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit are transmitted to the management card unit 10 and the general card unit 30, respectively, and the general card unit 10 reuses the general possession ball and the general card unit 30. Since it is configured to control the reuse of the managed ball in the above, the reuse can be controlled efficiently.

[Embodiment 2]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the card is inserted into the platform unit in which various holding balls and medals do not exist is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various holding balls and medals are not limited to this. It can also be applied when inserting a card into a stand-to-stand unit where is present. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case where a card is inserted into a stand-to-stand unit in which various holding balls and holding medals exist will be described.

<Outline of the game medium management system according to the second embodiment>
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the game medium management system according to the second embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the fact that the managed ball can be used as a general ball is registered in the mutual use setting data for the general card unit. Further, here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that only the managed ball "200 balls" having a lending rate of 4 yen per ball (ball 1) is associated with the card C. Further, the general card unit 30 is a device for renting a game ball at a lending rate of 4 yen (ball) per ball, and when the card C is inserted into the general card unit 30, the general card unit 30 has a general ball " It is assumed that "500 balls" are stored.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the card C is inserted into the general card unit 30, the general card unit 30 stores a general coin "500 coins". Here, if the card C is inserted into the general card unit 30, the general card unit 30 determines that the managed ball can be reused by referring to the mutual use setting data for the general card unit. Since the card C has a managed coin (ball 1) "200 coins", the general card unit 30 stores the managed coin (ball 1) "200 coins" in the general card unit 30. Add up with "500" coins. As a result, the general card unit 30 can reuse the general possession balls "700 balls (= 500 balls + 200 balls)".

Then, if "100 balls" out of the general possession balls (ball 1) "700 balls" are paid out by the reuse operation (holding ball replay operation) by the player, they are stored in the general card unit 30. The general possession ball (ball 1) is "600 balls". After that, if the player acquires a game ball by the game and counts the game ball "500 balls" by the counting operation, the general possession ball (ball 1) stored in the general card unit 30 is "1100 balls (= 600 balls)". Ball + 500 coins) ”.

Here, if the card return operation is performed, the general possession ball (ball 1) "1100 ball" stored in the general card unit 30 is returned in association with the card C, and the general possession ball (ball 1) stored in the general card unit 30 is returned. Ball 1) is cleared.

In this way, the general card unit 30 can be reused by adding the management balls associated with the card C to the general cards while referring to the mutual use setting data for the general card unit. Similarly, the management card unit can be reused by adding the general possession balls associated with the card C to the management possession balls while referring to the mutual use setting data for the management card unit.

<Internal configuration of the general card unit 30 according to the second embodiment>
FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration of the general card unit 30 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the total number of balls held. The general card unit 30 shown in FIG. 16 has substantially the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment, except that the mutual use control unit 37c is provided with the “total processing unit 71”.

The total processing unit 71 is a processing unit that totals the managed balls, the general balls, the management medals, and the general medals based on the priority data 36c and the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit. Specifically, a case where a card is inserted in a situation where a general possession ball 1 "400 balls" exists will be described. Here, when the general possession ball 1 of the card data is "0 ball" and the management possession ball 1 is "500 balls", as shown in FIG. 17A, the general possession of card data The ball 1 of the ball is "400 balls", and the ball 1 of the managed ball is "500 balls".

Here, in the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit, if the management possession ball is set to be reusable, and if priority 1 is the management possession ball in the priority data, FIG. 17 (b) shows. As shown, the ball 1 of the management ball is added to the ball 1 of the general ball, and the ball 1 of the general ball becomes "900 balls".

In this way, according to the priority data 36c, one of the addable balls or medals is added to the general balls. It should be noted that all of the general possession balls, the management possession balls, the general medals, and the management medals that are set to be reusable in the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit can be added to the general possession balls. ..

<Processing procedure when accepting cards for general card units>
Next, the processing procedure when the general card unit 30 receives the card will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the general card unit 30 receives a card.

As shown in FIG. 18, when the general card unit 30 receives the card (step S301; Yes), the card data is acquired from the card management device 50 and stored in the storage unit (step S302). At this time, if there is a general possession ball in the general card unit 30, the general possession ball is added to the card data.

Here, when the managed ball is reusable in the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit (step S303; Yes), the number of managed balls of the own machine rate (for example, ball 1) is set as the general ball. Add up to the number of balls held by ball 1 (step S304). On the other hand, if the managed ball cannot be reused in the mutual use setting data 36d for the general card unit (step S303; No), the process proceeds to step S305. After that, the general number of balls (ball 1) is displayed on the display operation unit 33 (step S305).

As described above, in the second embodiment, even if the general card unit 30 has a general ball, the managed balls can be added up and reused when the card is inserted, so that the player can reuse the ball. It is possible to improve the convenience of the device.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the case where the management card unit 10 and the general card unit 30 are used has been mainly described, but the case where the management medal unit and the general medal unit are used can also be applied.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the case where the mutual use setting is performed for the entire gaming store is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this. Mutual use settings can also be set for each island. In this case, a mutual use setting table may be provided for each gaming machine (unit between machines), each model, and each island.

Further, each configuration shown in the above embodiment 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 game medium management system, the game medium management device, and the game medium management method according to the present invention are suitable for improving the convenience of a player when a general game machine and a managed game machine are installed side by side.

10 Management card unit 11 Status display unit 12 Bill carrier 12a Bill insertion slot 13 Display operation unit 14 Reader / writer 14a Card insertion slot 15 Communication unit 16 Storage unit 16a Own device status data 16b Card data 16c Priority data 16d For management card unit Mutual use setting data 17 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Mutual use control unit 18 Game management unit 18a Authentication processing unit 18b Authentication key management unit 18c Game machine status management unit 20 Management P unit 21 Handle 22 Count button 30 General card unit 32 Bills Transport unit 33 Display operation unit 34 Reader / writer 34b Holding unit 35 Communication unit 36 Storage unit 36a Own device status data 36b Card data 36c Priority data 36d Mutual use setting data for general card units 37 Control unit 37a Data management unit 37b Counting processing unit 37c Mutual use control unit 38a Nozzle unit 38b Counting unit 40 General P unit 50 Card management device 51 Display unit 52 Input unit 53 Communication unit 54 Storage unit 54a Game type setting data 54b Device management data 54c Card management data 54d Mutual use setting table 55 Control unit 55a Game type setting management unit 55b Device management unit 55c Card management unit 55d Mutual use setting unit 60 Member management device 71 Total processing unit

Claims (13)

It is a game medium management system that manages the number of game media acquired by a player through a game.
A first game that can be reused in a first inter-machine device attached to a first game machine of a first game medium handling type in association with game medium identification information that uniquely identifies a game medium. A management means for managing the number of media and the number of second gaming media that can be reused in the second inter-machine device attached to the second gaming machine of the second gaming media handling type.
It is characterized by having a control means for controlling the reuse of the number of the second game medium in the first inter-vehicle device and the reuse of the number of the first game medium in the second inter-vehicle device. Game medium management system. Further provided with setting means for setting whether or not the number of the second game medium in the first inter-vehicle device can be reused and the number of the first game medium in the second inter-vehicle device can be reused.
The control means
Based on the content set by the setting means, the reuse of the number of the second game medium in the first inter-vehicle device and the reuse of the number of the first game medium in the second inter-vehicle device are controlled. The game medium management system according to claim 1. The control means
When the number of game media does not exist in the first inter-unit device or the second inter-unit device to be reused, the first inter-unit device in the first inter-unit device is based on the setting contents by the setting means. The game medium management system according to claim 2, further comprising controlling the reuse of the number of game media of 2 and the reuse of the number of game media of the first in the second inter-vehicle device. The control means
When it is set in the setting contents by the setting means that the number of the second game media in the first inter-vehicle device can be reused, the number of game media is set in the first inter-vehicle device. If it exists, the number of the second game media is added to the number of the game media, and the number of the second game media is added.
When it is set in the setting contents by the setting means that the number of the first game media in the second inter-vehicle device can be reused, the number of game media is set in the second inter-vehicle device. The game medium management system according to claim 2, wherein if it exists, the number of the game media is controlled to be added to the number of the first game media. The management means
A first game medium management means for managing the number of the first game media in association with the game medium identification information, and
The game according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second game medium management means for managing the number of the second game media in association with the game medium identification information. Media management system. The first gaming machine is a gaming machine capable of paying out the actual gaming medium, and the second gaming machine is a gaming machine capable of paying out the actual gaming medium. The game medium management system according to any one of 1 to 5. The first gaming machine is a gaming machine provided with a game using a ball as a gaming medium, and the second gaming machine is a gaming machine provided with a game using a medal as a gaming medium. The gaming medium management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gaming medium management system is provided. The first gaming machine is a gaming machine in which a game using a ball as a gaming medium is provided, and the second gaming machine is a gaming using a ball having a loan rate different from that of the first gaming machine. The gaming medium management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gaming machine is provided. The first gaming machine is a gaming machine in which a game using a medal as a gaming medium is provided, and the second gaming machine is a gaming machine using a medal having a loan rate different from that of the first gaming machine. The gaming medium management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gaming machine is provided. When the second number of game media is reused in the first inter-vehicle device, the first is based on the rental rate information of the first number of game media and the rental rate information of the second number of game media. Convert the number of game media of 2 and
When the number of the first game media is reused in the second inter-vehicle device, the second is based on the loan rate information of the number of the first game media and the loan rate information of the number of the second game media. The game medium management system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a conversion means for converting the number of game media of 1. The control means
When the number of the second game mediums in the first platform device is set to be non-reusable according to the setting contents by the setting means, the first platform device is set to the second game. While accepting game media associated with the number of media, control is performed so as to prohibit reuse of the second number of game media.
When the number of the first game media in the second inter-vehicle device is set so as not to be reused by the setting content by the setting means, the second inter-vehicle device is set to the first game. The game medium management system according to claim 2, wherein the game medium management system according to claim 2 is characterized in that it controls to prohibit the reuse of the first number of game media while accepting the game media associated with the number of media. A game medium management device that manages the number of game media acquired by a player through a game.
A first game that can be reused in a first inter-machine device attached to a first game machine of a first game medium handling type in association with game medium identification information that uniquely identifies a game medium. A management means for managing the number of media and the number of second gaming media that can be reused in the second inter-machine device attached to the second gaming machine of the second gaming media handling type.
It is characterized by having a control means for controlling the reuse of the number of the second game medium in the first inter-vehicle device and the reuse of the number of the first game medium in the second inter-vehicle device. Game medium management device. It is a game medium management method in a game medium management system that manages the number of game media acquired by a player through a game.
A first game that can be reused in a first inter-machine device attached to a first game machine of a first game medium handling type in association with game medium identification information that uniquely identifies a game medium. A management process for managing the number of media and the number of second gaming media that can be reused in the second inter-machine device attached to the second gaming machine of the second gaming media handling type.
It is characterized by including a control step of controlling the reuse of the number of the second game medium in the first inter-vehicle device and the reuse of the number of the first game medium in the second inter-vehicle device. Game medium management method.

Images