JP2021142137A - Game device, game system, and game management method - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress deterioration in an operation rate while improving convenience for a player in restricting wrongful return of recording media.SOLUTION: When a player leaves his or her seat temporarily to buy a drink or the like, the player executes an anti-theft lock operation (S1) including input of a code number or a touch of an authentication card, and an anti-theft lock state is created (S2). In the anti-theft lock state, even if a card return operation is received (S3), the card is not returned except when input of a code number or a touch of the authentication card is made (S4). When "the number of BETs is 2 or less," and "a predetermine time (e.g., 15 minutes) elapses in the anti-theft lock state (S5), the anti-theft lock state is automatically released (S6).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

Conventionally, in a game store such as a pachinko parlor, a recording medium (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “card”) such as a card used for playing a game on a gaming machine is lent to a player. If the player inserts money into the recording medium processing device provided so as to be able to communicate with the gaming machine and performs a lending operation, the recording medium processing device is a game medium within the range of the prepaid value corresponding to the money. Lending process. If the player performs the card return operation, the card associated with the number of game media acquired by the player is returned.

Here, if the player temporarily leaves the seat without taking any measures, a malicious third party may perform a card return operation to steal the card. Therefore, a technique for preventing theft by such a third party is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a player inputs a password to enter a locked state when the game is interrupted, and when the player resumes the game, the player inputs the above-mentioned password to release the locked state. Is disclosed. With such a technique, a third party who does not know the PIN cannot return the card associated with the number of game media, and the card cannot be stolen illegally.

JP-A-2010-005207

However, for example, if the player A enters the password to lock the machine and then leaves the store with a small number of gaming media left in the gaming machine, the other player B may use this. Since the gaming machine is in the locked state, the game cannot be played unless the clerk is called and the clerk unlocks the game. Therefore, the player B has to wait until the game is started, and as a result, there arises a problem that the operating rate of the game machine is lowered.

For example, if the management slot machine that does not pay out the actual medals to the outside of the device is a three-card betting machine and there are only two betting medals (BET number), the player A operates the start lever. Even if it does, the drum does not rotate and the game cannot be played. Therefore, the player A may forget to release the locked state and leave the store with two betting medals (BET number) left.

Further, in such a management slot machine, if the number of medals is less than a predetermined number (for example, 5), there is a game store that adopts a specification that the number of medals cannot be returned in association with the card. This is because even if a small number of medals are associated with the card and returned, this card may be discarded by the player A. In such a case, the player A may forget to release the locked state and leave the store with less than a predetermined number of medals (for example, 4 medals) left.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operating rate while improving the convenience of the player in the case of restricting the illegal return of the recording medium. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game device, a game system, and a game management method.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention stores the number of game media used for the game in the game medium number storage unit, and sets a predetermined number of the game media numbers as the number of betting game media. Then, the unit game can be started on condition that the number of the betting game media is set, and a predetermined number of game media can be stored in the game medium number storage unit according to the result of the unit game. A game device provided corresponding to the game machine to be added, which is a game medium number storage means for storing the number of game media that can be transferred to the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage unit, and the game. Based on the acquisition means for acquiring the number of game media and the number of betting media stored in the number of media storage unit from the game machine and the predetermined anti-theft operation, the predetermined recording medium in which the number of possessed game media is associated. An anti-theft processing means that performs anti-theft processing to prevent discharge to the outside of the device, the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means, the number of game media acquired by the acquisition means, and / or A low-value state determining means for determining whether or not the game value specified by the number of betting media is a low-value state less than a predetermined number, and a non-game state in which the game is not played on the game machine. A predetermined period of time is that the non-gaming state determining means determines whether or not there is a non-gaming state, and the low-value state determining means determines that the non-gaming state is in the non-gaming state. It is characterized by having an anti-theft automatic release processing means that automatically releases the anti-theft process by the anti-theft processing means when it is continuously determined.

Further, in the present invention, the anti-theft processing means is associated with the number of game media, provided that the anti-theft processing means accepts the input of the personal identification number or the operation by the predetermined medium at the time of the predetermined anti-theft operation. The predetermined recording associated with the number of game media, provided that the recording medium is prevented from being discharged to the outside of the device and the password is input or the operation by the predetermined medium is accepted at the time of the predetermined theft release operation. It is characterized in that the medium is allowed to be discharged to the outside of the device.

Further, in the above invention, the present invention further includes a time measuring means for measuring the elapsed time from the start time of the anti-theft processing by the anti-theft processing means, and the anti-theft automatic release processing means is the low value state determining means. When the non-gaming state determining means determines that the game is in a non-gaming state and the timekeeping means determines that the predetermined period has elapsed, the anti-theft process is performed. It is characterized by automatically canceling the anti-theft process by means.

Further, in the present invention, the low value state determining means is in the low value state when the number of gambling media acquired by the acquisition means is less than the first value. It is characterized in that it is determined to be present.

Further, in the present invention, in the low value state determining means, the sum of the number of gambling media acquired by the acquisition means and the number of game media acquired by the acquisition means is the first. When the value is less than the value, it is determined that the game value is in the low value state.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, when the number of possessed game media stored in the possessed game medium number storage means is less than the second value, the low value state determining means has the game value. It is characterized in that it is determined to be in a low value state.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the low value state determination means includes the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means, the number of game media acquired by the acquisition means, and the number of gambling media acquired by the acquisition means. When the sum with the number of game media acquired by the acquisition means is less than the second value, it is determined that the game value is in the low value state.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the first setting means for setting the first value and / or the length of the predetermined period is further provided.

Further, the present invention is further provided with an information output means for outputting predetermined information when the anti-theft automatic release processing is performed by the anti-theft automatic release processing means.

Further, the present invention is further characterized in that, in the above invention, a second setting means for setting the validity / invalidity of the anti-theft automatic release processing means by the anti-theft automatic release processing means is further provided.

Further, in the present invention, the number of game media used for the game is stored in the game medium number storage unit, a predetermined number of the game media is set as the number of betting media, and the number of betting media is set. It is possible to start a unit game on the condition that the unit game is performed, and a game machine that adds a predetermined number of game media to the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage unit according to the result of the unit game, and the game machine are supported. A game system including a game device provided in the above, wherein the game device stores the number of game media that can be transferred to the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage unit. The number of game media is associated with the storage means, the acquisition means for acquiring the number of game media and the number of betting media stored in the game medium number storage unit from the game machine, and the number of game media possessed based on a predetermined anti-theft operation. It is provided with an anti-theft processing means for performing an anti-theft process for preventing the predetermined recording medium from being discharged to the outside of the device, and the number of possessed game media stored in the game medium number storage means acquired by the acquisition means. The low value state determining means for determining whether or not the game value specified by the number of game media and / or the number of betting media is a low value state less than a predetermined number, and the game on the game machine. The non-gaming state determining means for determining whether or not the non-gaming state has not been performed, and the non-gaming state determining means determines that the low value state is determined by the low value state determining means. It is characterized by having an anti-theft automatic release processing means that automatically releases the anti-theft process by the anti-theft processing means when it is continuously determined that the game is in a gaming state for a predetermined period of time. do.

Further, in the present invention, the number of game media used for the game is stored in the game medium number storage unit, a predetermined number of the game media is set as the number of betting media, and the number of betting media is set. A game provided corresponding to a game machine in which a unit game can be started on condition that the unit game is performed, and a predetermined number of game media are added to the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage unit according to the result of the unit game. A game management method in a device for storing the number of game media that can be transferred to the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage unit in the game medium number storage unit, and the game medium number storage unit. Based on the acquisition step of acquiring the number of game media and the number of betting media stored in the game machine from the game machine and the predetermined anti-theft operation, the number of the game media possessed is associated with the number of the game media to the outside of the device. An anti-theft process that performs anti-theft processing to prevent discharge, the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage unit, the number of game media acquired by the acquisition process, and / or the game medium. A low-value state determination step for determining whether or not the game value specified by the number is less than a predetermined number, and whether or not the game is in a non-game state in which the game is not played. In the non-game state determination step and the low value state determination step, it is determined by the non-game state determination step that the non-game state is continuously determined for a predetermined period. When this is done, it is characterized by including an automatic anti-theft release processing step of performing an automatic anti-theft release process for automatically canceling the anti-theft process by the anti-theft process.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operating rate while improving the convenience of the player in the case of restricting the illegal return of the recording medium.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the gaming system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the gaming system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the management slot machine and the management medal unit shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the management medal unit. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the valuable value data shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the card management device shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the card management data shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the device management data shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the management medal unit shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the game device, the game system, and the game management method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a rotating drum type gaming machine (hereinafter, referred to as “management slot machine”) in which the actual medal is not discharged to the outside of the device will be shown. A management medal unit is attached to the management slot machine, and this management medal unit corresponds to a gaming device within the scope of claims.

<Explanation of management slot machine and management medal unit>
First, the management slot machine and the management medal unit according to the present embodiment will be described. The management slot machine 20 shown in FIG. 1 is an enclosed type rotating game machine in which medals are not paid out to the outside of the device. When money is inserted into the management medal unit 10, the prepaid value of the amount of money is managed by the card management device 40 in association with the card ID.

If the player performs a medal lending operation in the management medal unit 10, a predetermined number (for example, 1000 yen) is subtracted from the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40, and then the management medal unit 10 manages the medal. An instruction to add game medals is given to the slot machine 20, and the number of game medals is stored in the storage unit of the management slot machine 20.

The player will play a game using this number of game medals. Specifically, if a button called a max BET button is pressed, three medals are subtracted from the number of game medals, and the number of bets (the number of BETs) is set. If the player operates the start lever in this state, the three drums, that is, the drums are rotated, and if the stop button provided corresponding to each drum is pressed, the drums are sequentially stopped. When a predetermined symbol combination is stopped on the rotating cylinder, the number of prize medals corresponding to this symbol combination is added to the number of game medals. In the present embodiment, in the case where the number of BETs is one bet and the number of BETs is two, the drum does not rotate even if the start lever is operated.

In this way, the player can play the pachislot game using the management slot machine 20, but if a predetermined counting operation is performed, the number of game medals stored in the management slot machine 20 will be increased. The number of medals stored in the management medal unit 10 is transferred. If the replay operation of the possessed medals is performed on the managed medal unit 10, a predetermined number of the possessed medals stored in the managed medal unit 10 becomes the number of game medals stored in the managed slot machine 20. Will be migrated.

Then, if the player performs the card return operation in this state, the card ID of the general card (hereinafter, simply referred to as "card") stored in the management medal unit 10 is associated with the number of medals possessed. The card is returned after being stored in the management device 40. At this time, if the card is returned while the number of game medals stored in the management slot machine 20 exists, the number of game medals stored in the management slot machine 20 is left as it is, and the number of medals held is used as the card ID. The card is returned after being stored in the card management device 40 in association with.

However, if the number of medals stored in the management medal unit 10 is less than a predetermined number (for example, less than 5), the number of medals held is managed in association with the card ID even if the card return operation is performed. It is not stored in the device 40 and the card is not returned. This is because if a card whose value is less than the price of the card issued by the game store is returned, the player discards the card and causes the loss of the game store.

In this way, when a pachislot game is played on the management slot machine 20, there are valuable values such as a prepaid value (A), the number of medals held (B), the number of game medals (C), and the number of BETs (D). become. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the prepaid value (A) is assumed to be “0”.

<Explanation of theft lock according to this embodiment>
Next, the theft lock according to the present embodiment will be described. When the player wants to temporarily leave his / her seat to purchase a beverage or the like, the player locks the management medal unit 10 to prohibit the card from being ejected (hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 1). "Theft lock operation") is performed (S1). When the player performs the theft lock operation, he / she inputs a password or touches a predetermined card. As a result, the management medal unit 10 is in the stolen lock state (S2). The predetermined card is not a card for associating the number of game media to be returned by the management medal unit 10, but a card capable of non-contact communication to which, for example, electronic money is associated. In the present embodiment, such a predetermined card is referred to as an authentication card.

Even if the card return operation is accepted in this theft lock state (S3), the management medal unit 10 does not return the card unless the password is input or the authentication card is touched (S4). On the other hand, if the PIN is entered or the authentication card is touched, the card associated with the number of medals held will be returned.

In this theft lock state, if "the number of BETs is 2 or less" and "a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes) has elapsed" (S5), the theft lock state is automatically released (S6). This is because it is highly possible that the player cannot play the pachislot game with only two BETs and has finished the game.

Conventionally, in such a case, the next player calls a clerk to release the theft lock state by operating the clerk, but if the clerk is called each time, the burden on the clerk is heavy. On the other hand, other players expect that the previous player will continue to play if the theft is locked with two BETs remaining, and the pachislot machine in this management slot machine 20. There is a high possibility of avoiding the game. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the theft lock is automatically released when the player detects a situation in which the pachislot game in the management slot machine 20 is likely to be completed. In the case of the conventional medal unit of each counting type, since the number of BETs cannot be obtained from the slot machine, this kind of automatic cancellation cannot be performed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the theft lock is automatically released on the condition that the number of BETs is 2 or less and the non-gaming state continues for a predetermined time. It is possible to suppress a decrease in the operating rate while improving convenience.

Here, it is a condition that the number of BETs is 2 or less and the non-game state continues for a predetermined time, but the sum of the number of BETs and the number of game medals stored in the management slot machine 20 is 2 or less. It can also be a condition that the non-gaming state continues for a predetermined time. In this case as well, it is highly possible that the player cannot play the pachislot game and has finished the game.

Further, the theft lock can be automatically released provided that the number of medals stored in the management medal unit 10 is less than a predetermined number (for example, 5) and the non-gaming state continues for a predetermined time. .. This is because if the number of medals held is less than a predetermined number (for example, 5), the card cannot be returned even if the PIN is entered.

Further, the sum of the number of medals held in the management medal unit 10, the number of game medals stored in the management slot machine 20, and the number of BETs is less than a predetermined number (for example, 5), and the non-game state is predetermined. The theft lock can be automatically released provided that the time has continued. This is because even if the number of game medals and the number of BETs are transferred to the number of medals, the number of medals that can be returned is not reached.

In addition, the above "2 cards", "5 cards", and "predetermined time" can be collectively set for all the management medal units 10 from the card management device 40, and can be individually set for each management medal unit 10 by the clerk. You can also. Further, it is also possible to set whether to enable or disable the automatic release of the theft lock from the card management device 40 to the management medal unit 10. Further, when the theft lock is automatically released, it is possible to notify the income of the clerk to that effect.

<System configuration>
Next, the system configuration of the game system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a game system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of management slot machines 20 and management medal units 10 provided corresponding to each management slot machine 20 are installed in the game store. The management medal unit 10 is connected to a communication line, which is a network in the store, via the island controller 30. The island controller 30, the card management device 40, the member management device 50, the prize management device 60, and the payment machine 70 are connected to the communication line.

The management slot machine 20 is an enclosed game machine that provides pachislot games based on the number of game medals stored in the storage unit, does not accept actual medals from outside the device, and does not pay out actual medals to the outside of the device. The management slot machine 20 is provided with a max BET button, and if the max BET button is pressed, three medals are subtracted from the number of game medals to set the number of BETs. If the player operates the start lever in this state, the three drums rotate, and if the stop button is pressed, the drums stop in sequence. When a predetermined symbol combination is stopped on the rotating cylinder, the number of prize medals corresponding to this symbol combination is added to the number of game medals.

The management slot machine 20 notifies the management medal unit 10 of the number of game medals and the number of BETs. Further, the management slot machine 20 notifies the management medal unit 10 of safe data, out data, special prize data, and the like. Safe data is data that is output when a predetermined number of prize medals are generated. The out data is data that is output each time the number of BETs used in the game reaches a predetermined number. The special prize data is data that is output when a big hit occurs. These safe data, out data, special prize data, and the like are transmitted from the management medal unit 10 to a hall computer (not shown).

The management medal unit 10 accepts payments, lends out the number of game medals, and communicates with the card management device 40. When the management medal unit 10 receives the bill inserted by the player, it transmits the payment notification data including the amount of the bill to the card management device 40, and the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is adjusted according to the amount. Add the numbers. Then, when a predetermined medal lending operation is performed, a medal lending request is transmitted to the card management device 40, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is subtracted, and a number of games corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value are played. Instruct the management slot machine 20 to add the number of medals.

Further, when the management medal unit 10 accepts the insertion of the card, the management medal unit 10 transmits the card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. Further, when the management medal unit 10 receives data including the prepaid value and the number of medals held from the card management device 40, the management medal unit 10 stores the received prepaid value and the number of balls held. Then, when the number of medals held is stored, the management medal unit 10 clears the number of medals managed by the card management device 40 to zero by transmitting the holding medal subtraction request data to the card management device 40. ..

Further, when the management medal unit 10 receives the holding medal replay operation, the management medal unit 10 manages to subtract a predetermined number from the number of holding medals stored in the own device and add the number of game medals corresponding to the subtracted number of holding medals. Instruct the slot machine 20.

Further, when the management medal unit 10 accepts the card return operation, the management medal unit 10 transmits the holding medal addition request data including the number of holding medals managed by its own device to the card management device 40, and transfers the number of holding medals to the card management device 40. After the addition, the card ejection notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40 to control the ejection of the card.

Further, the management medal unit 10 is provided with a theft lock function in order to prevent the card from being stolen when the player leaves the seat. If the player accepts a predetermined theft lock operation (including input of a password or touch of an authentication card), the theft lock state is set. Even if a third party performs a card return operation in this theft locked state, the card associated with the possessed medal will not be returned unless the PIN is entered or the authentication card is touched. On the other hand, if the password is entered or the authentication card is touched, the theft lock state is released and the card is returned in response to the card return operation by the player. The theft lock state can also be released by a special operation by the clerk.

Further, the management medal unit 10 controls to automatically release the theft lock state when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the theft lock state. Specifically, if the number of BETs notified from the management slot machine 20 is 2 or less and the non-gaming state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes), the theft lock is automatically released. This is because it is highly possible that the player cannot play the pachislot game with only two BETs and has finished the pachislot game. As a result, the next player can quickly play the pachislot game without calling a clerk to unlock the theft lock.

In this way, the management medal unit 10 acquires the number of game medals and the number of BETs from the management slot machine 20, and in the stolen lock state, the time during which the player is not playing pachislot is a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes). If the number of BETs of the management slot machine 20 is 2 or less, the theft lock state is automatically released.

Not only when "the number of BETs is 2 or less" but also when "the sum of the number of BETs and the number of game medals stored in the management slot machine 20 is 2 or less", "stored in the management medal unit 10". When the number of medals held is less than a predetermined number (for example, 5), the sum of the number of medals stored in the management medal unit 10, the number of game medals stored in the management slot machine 20, and the number of BETs is If the number of medals is less than a predetermined number (for example, 5 medals), it is considered that there is a high possibility that the previous player has completed the pachislot game on the management slot machine 20, and the theft lock state is automatically released. can.

The island controller 30 is a relay device for bundling a group of management slot machines 20 and management medal units 10 provided on the game island.

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

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the possession medal subtraction request data from the management medal unit 10, the card management device 40 clears the number of possessed medals to zero. When the card management device 40 receives the holding medal addition request data from the management medal unit 10, the card management device 40 adds the number of holding medals included in the holding medal addition request data to the number of holding medals managed by the card management device 40. ..

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the medal lending request data from the management medal unit 10, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID and transmits the medal lending permission data to the management medal unit 10. Then, when the saved medal replay request data is received, the saved medal replay request data is transmitted to the member management device 50, and when the member management device 50 outputs the saved medal replay data, the saved medal replay is performed. The data is transmitted to the management medal unit 10.

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the card ID from the prize management device 60, the card management device 40 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of medals associated with the card ID. Further, when the card ID is received from the settlement machine 70, the prepaid value associated with the card ID is notified to the settlement machine 70.

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification data, the card management device 40 identifies the game machine ID of the management slot machine 20 corresponding to the management medal unit 10 of the transmission source, and corresponds the game machine ID and the card ID. Attach and notify the member management device 50 of the card insertion. Similarly, when the management medal unit 10 ejects a card, the game machine ID of the management slot machine 20 corresponding to the transmission source management medal unit 10 is specified, and the game machine ID and the card ID are associated with each other. Notify the member management device 50 of the card ejection.

When the card management device 40 receives the payment notification data, the card management device 40 identifies the game machine ID of the management slot machine 20 corresponding to the management medal unit 10 of the transmission source, and associates the game machine ID with the card ID. Then, the member management device 50 is notified of the payment.

Notification of card insertion from the card management device 40 to the member management device 50, notification of card ejection, notification of payment, and the like are output to a hall computer (not shown) as an operation history of the management medal unit 10.

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

When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data from the management medal unit 10, the member management device 50 manages the stored medal replay data including the number of stored medals and the password associated with the card ID shown in the card insertion notification data. It is transmitted to the medal unit 10. Further, when the member management device 50 receives the stored medal replay request data from the management medal unit 10, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number from the number of stored medals associated with the card ID shown in the stored medal replay request data. , The saved medal replay data including the number of saved medals after subtraction is transmitted to the management medal unit 10. Communication between the management medal unit 10 and the member management device 50 is performed via the card management device 40.

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

Further, the member management device 50 accumulates a history of operations such as payment, card insertion, and card ejection of the management medal unit 10 notified from the card management device 40, and transmits the operation history to the hall computer at a predetermined timing such as after the store is closed. Further, the member management device 50 accumulates a history of operations related to prize exchange by the prize management device 60, settlement by the settlement machine 70, and the like, and transmits the operation history to the hall computer at a predetermined timing such as after the store is closed.

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

When the card with the prepaid value is inserted, the checkout machine 70 transmits the card ID of the card to the card management device 40 and receives the response data to acquire the prepaid value associated with the card. Then, the money is paid out according to the acquired prepaid value.

<Appearance configuration of management slot machine 20 and management medal unit 10>
Next, the appearance configuration of the management slot machine 20 and the management medal unit 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the management slot machine 20 and the management medal unit 10 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, unlike the conventional pachislot machine, the management slot machine 20 is not provided with an upper plate and a lower plate. This is because it is an enclosed gaming machine and medals are not paid out to the outside of the device. Also, unlike conventional pachislot machines, there is no concept of credits for storing 50 cards, and there is no credit display unit. Instead of credits, a display unit is provided that stores an unlimited number of game medals of 50 and displays the number of game medals.

On the surface of the management slot machine 20, drums 21a, 21b, 21c (hereinafter collectively referred to as "drums 21"), a game medal number display unit 22, a max BET button 23, a start lever 24, and a stop button 25a, 25b and 25c (hereinafter collectively referred to as "stop button 25"), a BET number display unit 26, and a counting button 27 are provided. Although not shown here for convenience of explanation, a liquid crystal display unit and a prize medal number display unit for displaying an effect or the like may be provided.

The drum 21 is a rotating cylinder on which a pattern is printed, and is rotated and controlled on condition that the start lever 24 is operated with three BETs bet. Further, the stop control is performed on condition that the stop button 25 is pressed.

The game medal number display unit 22 is a display unit that displays the number of game medals stored inside the management slot machine 20. The max BET button 23 is a button for betting the number of three game medals. When the max BET button 23 is pressed, the number of BETs is displayed on the BET number display unit 26. If the max BET button 23 is pressed while the number of game medals is three or more, "3" is displayed on the BET number display unit 26. If the max BET button 23 is pressed while there are two game medals, "2" is displayed on the BET number display unit 26, and the max BET button 23 is pressed when there is one game medal. If the pressing operation is performed, "1" is displayed on the BET number display unit 26. The BET payout button for canceling the BET is not shown.

The start lever 24 is a lever for controlling the rotation of the drum 21 on condition that three of the number of game medals are BET. Here, it is assumed that the management slot machine 20 is a dedicated machine for betting three cards.

The stop button 25 is a button for stopping the drum 21, and if the stop button 25a is pressed, the drum 21a is stopped and controlled, and if the stop button 25b is pressed, the drum 21b is stopped and controlled. If 25c is pressed, the drum 21c is stopped and controlled.

The counting button 27 is a button for shifting the number of game medals stored in the management slot machine 20 to the number of medals held in the management medal unit 10. When the counting button 27 is pressed and held for a long time, the number of game medals is incremented while the counting button 27 is held down, and the number of game medals specified when the counting button 27 is released is transferred to the number of medals possessed.

Next, the management medal unit 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the surface of the management medal unit 10 is provided with a stand lamp 11, a bill insertion slot 12, a display operation unit 13, and a card insertion slot 14.

The stand lamp 11 is a status display lamp that displays the status of the management slot machine 20 and the status of the management medal unit 10. If the management medal unit 10 is in the stolen lock state, the stand lamp 11 is displayed (for example, blinking in red) to that effect. If the theft lock state is automatically released, a display (for example, blinking yellow) is displayed to that effect. If various errors occur, a display to that effect is displayed.

The bill insertion slot 12 is an insertion slot for inserting bills. The bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 12 are conveyed to a bill processing device called a bill burr and stored. In this embodiment, the description of banknotes will be omitted.

The display operation unit 13 is an input device / display device including a liquid crystal panel or the like for displaying and performing operation input. By operating the display operation unit 13, it is possible to perform a replay operation of the number of medals held to shift from the number of medals held to the number of game medals. Further, the theft lock operation (including the input of the password) is also performed on the display operation unit 13.

The card insertion slot 14 is an insertion slot that accepts the insertion of a general card or a membership card. When the number of medals held is obtained from the game medals lent by inserting banknotes, the number of medals held is associated with the cards stored in the device (not shown) and returned from the card insertion slot 14.

<Structure of management medal unit 10>
Next, the configuration of the management medal unit 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the management medal unit 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the management medal unit 10 includes a display operation unit 13, a reader / writer 14a, a non-contact reader 14b, a communication unit 15, a communication unit 16, a storage unit 17, and a control unit 18. Since the display operation unit 13 has already been described, the description thereof will be omitted here.

The reader / writer 14a is a processing unit that reads the card ID stored in the card inserted from the card insertion slot 14. The prepaid value and the number of medals held can be written on the card in preparation for offline operation, but the data stored in the card management device 40 is positive. The non-contact reader 14b is a reading unit that reads the data in the authentication card by non-contact communication.

The communication unit 15 is a communication interface unit for communicating with the card management device 40 and the like via a communication line. The communication unit 16 is an interface unit for communicating with the management slot machine 20 via a board called an SC board.

The storage unit 17 is a storage device including a non-volatile memory, a hard disk device, or the like, and stores card ID 17a, valuable value data 17b, and password data 17c. The card ID 17a indicates a card ID that uniquely identifies the card.

The valuable value data 17b is data including the prepaid value, the number of medals held, the number of game medals, and the number of BETs. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the prepaid value (A) is "0", the number of medals (B) is "0", the number of game medals (C) is "0", and the number of BETs (D) is "2". Data is included. This valuable value data 17b is updated from time to time. Although the prepaid value (A) is stored as a part of the valuable value data 17b, the prepaid value stored in the management medal unit 10 is not positive. When the card management device 40 stores a positive prepaid value and lends medals using the prepaid value, the number of game medals is stored in the management slot machine 20 after the card management device 40 is inquired and subtracted each time. Notification of addition is made. At this time, the prepaid value (A) stored in the valuable value data 17b is updated. Further, when the number of game medals or the number of BETs is received from the management slot machine 20, the number of game medals (C) and the number of BETs (D) of the valuable value data 17b are updated each time.

The password data 17c is data indicating a personal identification number (for example, four digits) input in association with the theft lock operation. In the present embodiment, the case where the password is input will be mainly described, but the password may be a combination of alphanumeric characters and the like.

The control unit 18 is a control unit that performs overall control of the management medal unit 10, and is a data management unit 18a, a medal lending processing unit 18b, a medal holding processing unit 18c, a theft lock processing unit 18d, a state determination unit 18e, and a timekeeping unit 18f. It also has a theft lock automatic release processing unit 18 g. Actually, the programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed to execute the data management unit 18a and the medal lending processing unit. The processes corresponding to the 18b, the holding medal processing unit 18c, the theft lock processing unit 18d, the state determination unit 18e, the timing unit 18f, and the theft lock automatic release processing unit 18g are executed.

The data management unit 18a is a management unit that manages the prepaid value, the number of medals held, the number of game medals, the number of BETs, and the like by using the valuable value data 17b stored in the storage unit 17. Here, the description is omitted for convenience of explanation, but in reality, the number of medals held at other lending rates that the management medal unit 10 does not handle is also managed. The data management unit 18a can also manage the data of the balls, the balls, and the medals.

The medal lending processing unit 18b is a processing unit that performs medal lending processing when a new bill is inserted or when a medal lending operation is received from the display operation unit 13 in a state where the prepaid value remains. The medal lending processing unit 18b instructs the management slot machine 20 to add the number of medals equivalent to, for example, 1000 yen to the number of game medals, instead of paying out the actual medals as in the conventional medal lending machine. ..

The holding medal processing unit 18c is a processing unit that performs processing related to holding medals. Specifically, when the payout operation of the possessed medals is received from the display operation unit 13, a predetermined number (for example, 50) of the possessed medals is subtracted, and then 50 game medals are added. Instruct the management slot machine 20.

The theft lock processing unit 18d is a processing unit that controls the management medal unit 10 to be in the theft lock state when the theft lock operation (including the input of the password or the touch of the authentication card) is accepted. In this theft lock state, if the input of the password or the touch of the authentication card is accepted, the theft lock state is released. Also, when a special operation by a clerk is accepted, the theft lock state is released.

Whether the state determination unit 18e is in a low value state in which the game value specified by the number of medals held, the number of game medals and / or the number of BETs included in the valuable value data 17b stored in the storage unit 17 is less than a predetermined number. Judge whether or not. Specifically, whether or not the number of BETs is 2 or less, whether or not the sum of the number of BETs and the number of game medals is 2 or less, whether or not the number of medals possessed is less than 5, and whether or not the number of medals possessed Whether or not the sum of the number, the number of game medals, and the number of BETs is less than 5 is determined.

Further, the state determination unit 18e determines whether or not the management slot machine 20 is in the non-gaming state. Specifically, when the out data is not received from the management slot machine 20, it is determined that the management slot machine 20 is in the non-gaming state.

The timekeeping unit 18f is a processing unit that measures the elapsed time from the timekeeping start time. This timekeeping start time is a time when the pachislot game is no longer performed by the player, for example, a time when out data is no longer received from the management slot machine 20. Although the case where the time is measured by software is shown here, the time can be measured by hardware.

The theft lock automatic release processing unit 18g is determined by the state determination unit 18e that the number of BETs is 2 or less in the theft lock state, and the period during which the management slot machine 20 is in the non-gaming state is a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes) or more, it is a processing unit that automatically releases the theft lock state. In addition, the sum of the number of BETs and the number of game medals is 2 or less and the number of medals held is less than 5, or the sum of the number of medals held, the number of game medals and the number of BETs is less than 5, and the management slot machine 20 is non-game. The theft lock state is automatically released even when the state period is longer than a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes).

<Configuration of card management device 40>
Next, the configuration of the card management device 40 will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the card management device 40 is connected to the display unit 41 and the input unit 42, and has a communication unit 43, a storage unit 44, and a control unit 45.

The display unit 41 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or an organic EL, and the input unit 42 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The communication unit 43 is a communication interface unit for communicating with the management medal unit 10 via a communication line.

The storage unit 44 is a storage device including a non-volatile memory, a hard disk device, or the like, and stores card management data 44a and device management data 44b. The card management data 44a is data including a prepaid value, the number of balls held for each lending rate, the number of medals held for each lending rate, and the destination device ID in association with the card ID. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the card management data 44a shown in FIG. Here, one ball with a lending rate of "4 yen", two balls with a lending rate of "2 yen", three balls with a lending rate of "1 yen", one medal with a lending rate of "20 yen", and a lending rate of "5 yen". The situation in which the medals 2 are associated with each other is shown. The card ID "1001" is used in the management medal unit 10 of "3002", and indicates a situation in which the prepaid value is "2500 yen" and the number of medals possessed by the medal 1 is "1500". Further, the card ID "1002" is used in the management medal unit 10 of "3001", and indicates a situation in which the prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of medals held are all "0".

The device management data 44b is management data for managing the state of the device, and includes a device ID, an address, an installation location, a game machine ID, a game type, a model, and a situation. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the device management data 44b shown in FIG. Here, the device "3001" is played with the medal 1, and the device "3002" is played with the medal 1. Although not shown here, it is also possible to acquire from the gaming machine whether or not the gaming machine is in the theft lock state and whether or not the theft lock state is automatically released, and manage it with the device management data 44b.

The control unit 45 is a control unit that controls the entire card management device 40, and has a card management unit 45a and a device management unit 45b. Actually, the programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed to execute the card management unit 45a and the device management unit 45b. Will execute the corresponding process.

The card management unit 45a manages the prepaid value for each card ID, the number of balls held for each lending rate, the number of medals held for each lending rate, and the user device ID for each card ID using the card management data 44a stored in the storage unit 44. It is a management department.

The device management unit 45b is a management unit that manages the device ID, address, installation location, game machine ID, game type, model, and status using the device management data 44b stored in the storage unit 44. It is also possible to manage whether or not the management slot machine 20 is in the theft lock state and whether or not the theft lock state is automatically released. When managing the theft lock state and the automatic release of the theft lock state, it is possible to notify the income of the clerk to that effect by automatic voice.

<Processing procedure for management medal unit 10>
Next, the processing procedure of the management medal unit 10 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the management medal unit 10 shown in FIG. Here, for convenience of explanation, the theft lock state is automatically set when the total number of medals held, the number of game medals, and the number of BETs is less than 5, or when the total number of medals and the number of BETs is 2 or less. The processing procedure for canceling is shown.

As shown in FIG. 9, if the management medal unit 10 is in a state of waiting for acceptance of the theft lock operation (including input of the password or touch of the authentication card) (step S101; No) and accepts the theft lock operation. If (step S101; Yes), the theft lock process is performed (step S102). When this theft lock process is performed, the card is not returned only by the card return operation.

After that, when the theft lock release operation (including the input of the password or the touch of the authentication card) is accepted (step S103; Yes), the theft lock state is released (step S104), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the theft lock release operation (including the input of the password or the touch of the authentication card) is not accepted (step S103; No), has the non-game period passed a certain period (for example, 15 minutes)? It is determined whether or not (step S105). If the non-gaming period does not elapse for a certain period (step S105; No), the process proceeds to step S102.

If the non-gaming period elapses for a certain period (step S105; Yes), it is determined whether or not the balance of the prepaid value exists (step S106). If there is a balance of prepaid value (step S106; Yes), the process proceeds to step S102. This is because the theft lock state is not automatically released when the balance of the prepaid value exists.

On the other hand, when the balance of the prepaid value does not exist (step S106; No), the total number of medals possessed, the number of game medals and the number of BETs is calculated (step S107), and whether the total number is less than five. Whether or not it is determined (step S108). If the total number of sheets is less than 5 (step S108; Yes), the theft lock state is automatically released (step S111), and the process ends.

When the total number of medals is 5 or more (step S108; No), the total number of game medals and the number of BETs is calculated (step S109), and when the total number is 2 or less (step S110; Yes), the theft lock state is automatically released (step S111), and the process ends. On the other hand, when the total number of sheets exceeds two (step S110; No), the process proceeds to step S102.

Here, for convenience of explanation, the theft locked state when the total number of medals held, the number of game medals, and the number of BETs is less than 5, or when the total number of medals and the number of BETs is 2 or less. Although the processing procedure for automatically canceling the above is shown, the same processing can be performed when the number of BETs is 2 or less.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the number of medals held, the number of game medals, and / Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the game value specified by the number of BETs is less than a predetermined number in the low value state, and the management slot machine 20 is in the non-game state in the state where it is determined to be in the low value state. If it is determined continuously for a predetermined period of time, the theft lock state is automatically released. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of the player and suppress the decrease in the operating rate.

In the above embodiment, the total number of "game medals" and "BET number" is calculated as a condition for automatically releasing the theft lock state, and the value is used as the release condition. (1) "Number of game medals" only, (2) Only "Number of BETs", (3) Total number of "Number of game medals", "Number of BETs" and "Number of medals", (4) "Number of game medals" The total number of medals held and the number of medals held may be set and switchable so as to be an automatic release condition of the stolen lock state.

Further, when the theft lock state is automatically released, the management medal unit 10 notifies the card management device 40 to that effect, and the card management device 40 notifies the clerk's income that the theft lock state has been automatically released. You can also do it.

Further, the settings of "2 cards", "5 cards", and "15 minutes" shown in the present embodiment can be changed at any time by instructing the management medal unit 10 from the card management device 40. Further, it is also possible to enable / disable the automatic release of the theft lock by instructing the management medal unit 10 from the card management device 40.

In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a management slot machine that plays a game with medals is shown, but the present invention can also be applied to a management pachinko machine that plays a game with a game ball.

In addition, each configuration shown in the above embodiment is a schematic function, and does not necessarily have to be physically shown. 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 device, the game system, and the game management method according to the present invention are suitable for improving the convenience of the player in the case of restricting the illegal return of the recording medium and suppressing the decrease in the operating rate. There is.

10 Management medal unit 11 lamps 12 Bill insertion slot 13 Display operation unit 14 Card insertion slot 14a Reader / writer 14b Non-contact reader 15, 16 Communication unit 17 Storage unit 17a Card ID
17b Valuable value data 17c Password data 18 Control unit 18a Data management unit 18b Medal lending processing unit 18c Held medal processing unit 18d Theft lock processing unit 18e Status judgment unit 18f Timing unit 18g Theft lock automatic release processing unit 20 Management slot machines 21, 21a , 21b, 21c Drum 22 Game medal number display 23 Max BET button 24 Start lever 25, 25a, 25b, 25c Stop button 26 BET number display 27 Count button 30 Island controller 40 Card management device 41 Display 42 Input 43 Communication Department 44 Storage unit 44a Card management data 44b Device management data 45 Control unit 45a Card management unit 45b Device management unit 50 Member management device 60 Prize management device 70 Payment machine

Claims (12)

The number of game media used for the game is stored in the game medium number storage unit, a predetermined number of the game media is set as the number of gambling media, and the unit is provided that the number of gambling media is set. It is a gaming device provided corresponding to a gaming machine that enables the start of a game and adds a predetermined number of gaming media to the number of gaming media stored in the number storage unit of the gaming media according to the result of a unit game.
A means for storing the number of possessed game media, which stores the number of possessed game media that can be transferred to the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage unit, and a means for storing the number of possessed game media.
An acquisition means for acquiring the number of game media and the number of gambling media stored in the game medium number storage unit from the game machine.
An anti-theft processing means that performs an anti-theft process for preventing the predetermined recording medium associated with the number of game media from being discharged to the outside of the device based on a predetermined anti-theft operation.
A small value in which the number of game media stored in the number storage means, the number of game media acquired by the acquisition means, and / or the game value specified by the number of gambling media is less than a predetermined number. A low-value state determination means for determining whether or not the condition is present,
A non-gaming state determining means for determining whether or not a gaming is not performed on the gaming machine, and a non-gaming state determining means.
The anti-theft processing means when the non-gaming state determining means continuously determines that the non-gaming state is in a non-gaming state for a predetermined period of time while the low value state determining means has determined the low value state. A gaming device characterized by having an automatic anti-theft release processing means for performing an automatic anti-theft release process. The anti-theft processing means
On condition that the input of the password or the operation by the predetermined medium is accepted at the time of the predetermined anti-theft operation, the predetermined recording medium associated with the number of the game media to be carried is prevented from being discharged to the outside of the device.
The feature is that the predetermined recording medium associated with the number of game media is allowed to be discharged to the outside of the device, provided that the password is input or the operation by the predetermined medium is accepted at the time of the predetermined theft release operation. The gaming device according to claim 1. Further provided with a time measuring means for measuring the elapsed time from the start time of the anti-theft processing by the anti-theft processing means.
The anti-theft automatic release processing means
When the non-gaming state determining means determines that the value is low, the timekeeping means determines that the predetermined period has elapsed, and the non-gaming state determining means determines that the state is low. The gaming device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the anti-theft processing by the anti-theft processing means is automatically canceled. The low value state determination means
Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the number of gambling media acquired by the acquisition means is less than the first value, it is determined that the game value is in the low value state. The gaming device described in 1. The low value state determination means
When the sum of the number of gambling media acquired by the acquisition means and the number of game media acquired by the acquisition means is less than the first value, the game value is said to be in the low value state. The gaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination is made. The low value state determination means
Claims 1 to 3 characterized in that when the number of possessed game media stored in the number of possessed game media storage means is less than the second value, it is determined that the game value is in the low value state. The gaming device according to any one of the above. The low value state determination means
The sum of the number of game media stored in the number storage means for the number of game media, the number of gambling media acquired by the acquisition means, and the number of game media acquired by the acquisition means is the second. The gaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the value is less than the value, it is determined that the gaming value is in the low value state. The gaming device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising a first setting means for setting the first value and / or the length of the predetermined period. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an information output means for outputting predetermined information when the anti-theft automatic release processing means performs the anti-theft automatic release processing. Gaming equipment. The game according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a second setting means for setting the validity / invalidity of the anti-theft automatic release processing means by the anti-theft automatic release processing means. Equipment. The number of gaming media used for the game is stored in the number storage unit of the gaming media, a predetermined number of the number of gaming media is set as the number of gaming media, and the unit is provided that the number of gaming media is set. A game machine that enables the start of a game and adds a predetermined number of game media to the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage unit according to the result of a unit game, and a game machine provided corresponding to the game machine. A gaming system that includes a device
The gaming device is
A means for storing the number of possessed game media, which stores the number of possessed game media that can be transferred to the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage unit, and a means for storing the number of possessed game media.
An acquisition means for acquiring the number of game media and the number of gambling media stored in the game medium number storage unit from the game machine.
It is provided with an anti-theft processing means for performing an anti-theft process for preventing the predetermined recording medium associated with the number of game media from being discharged to the outside of the device based on a predetermined anti-theft operation.
A small value in which the number of game media stored in the number storage means, the number of game media acquired by the acquisition means, and / or the game value specified by the number of gambling media is less than a predetermined number. A low-value state determination means for determining whether or not the condition is present,
A non-gaming state determining means for determining whether or not a gaming is not performed on the gaming machine, and a non-gaming state determining means.
The anti-theft processing means when the non-gaming state determining means determines that the non-gaming state is continuously determined for a predetermined period while the low-value state determining means has determined the low-value state. A game system characterized by having an automatic anti-theft release processing means that automatically releases the anti-theft process. The number of game media used for the game is stored in the game medium number storage unit, a predetermined number of the game media is set as the number of gambling media, and the unit is provided that the number of gambling media is set. A game management method in a game device provided corresponding to a game machine that enables the start of a game and adds a predetermined number of game media to the number of game media stored in the number storage unit of the game media according to the result of a unit game. And
A storage step of storing the number of game media that can be transferred to the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage unit in the game medium number storage unit, and
An acquisition step of acquiring the number of game media and the number of gambling media stored in the game medium number storage unit from the game machine, and
An anti-theft processing step of performing an anti-theft process for preventing the predetermined recording medium associated with the number of game media from being discharged to the outside of the device based on a predetermined anti-theft operation.
The number of game media stored in the number storage unit of the game media, the number of game media acquired by the acquisition process, and / or the game value specified by the number of gambling media is a small value less than a predetermined number. A low-value state determination process that determines whether or not the condition is present,
A non-gaming state determination step for determining whether or not a game is not being played on the gaming machine is performed, and a non-gaming state determination step.
The anti-theft processing step when it is determined by the non-gaming state determination step that the non-gaming state is continuously determined for a predetermined period while the low value state is determined by the low value state determination step. A game management method characterized by including an automatic anti-theft release processing process for automatically canceling the anti-theft process.

Images