JP2021142445A - Game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game apparatus allowing a player to smoothly perform prize exchange by using a terminal machine.SOLUTION: Out of game values, game values immediately usable for a game is defined as the number of usable values, and game values exceeding the number of usable values are defined as the number of use waiting values. When a prize is selected by using a card unit 20, the card unit 20 allows prize exchange from the number of use waiting values out of the game values and, when exchanging for the prize, if there is no use waiting values, allows the prize exchange from the number of usable values.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention includes a gaming machine that plays a game using a gaming medium and a terminal that is attached to the gaming machine to input various information, and the number of gaming media owned by the player is the gaming value. It is related to a game device that can be managed as a prize and the game value can be exchanged for a prize.

Conventionally, in a game store such as a pachinko hall, a clerk patrols the inside of the game store and orders from the player during the game by exchanging a prize such as a drink or a cigarette for a game medium (game ball or medal) owned by the player. In response to this, a prize service is provided to deliver the ordered prize to the player who is playing the game. In general, this prize service is provided by handing the game balls stored in the lower plate or ball box to the clerk if it is a pachinko machine, but the pachinko machine is enclosed in the machine without paying out the actual game balls. An enclosed game machine that circulates and uses the played ball is known.

With respect to such an enclosed gaming machine, as a conventional technique for implementing the above-mentioned prize service, the gaming value possessed by the player is set to other than the first gaming value for executing the game and the first gaming value. A game store system has already been proposed in which prizes can be exchanged based on the second game value, which is stored separately from the second game value (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Here, the first game value corresponds to the number of game balls stored in the upper plate of the conventional game machine and guided to the launch position, and the second game value corresponds to the game ball of the lower plate or the ball box.

Japanese Patent No. 4288366

In the conventional game store system described above, when a player exchanges prizes during a game, the prizes are exchanged based on the second game value, so that the prizes can be exchanged without affecting the first game value. However, prizes cannot be exchanged based on the first game value. Therefore, there is a problem that the prize service cannot be received in the same sense as a general gaming machine other than the enclosed gaming machine.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming device capable of smoothly exchanging prizes by a terminal.

The gist of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object lies in the following invention.
It is equipped with a terminal (30) attached to a gaming machine (11) that plays a game using a gaming medium to input various information, manages the quantity of the gaming medium owned by the player as a gaming value, and plays a game. In the gaming device (10) where the value can be exchanged for a free gift
Of the game value, the amount that can be used immediately for the game is defined as the usable number, and the portion that exceeds the usable number is defined as the waiting number.
When a prize is selected on the terminal (30), the terminal (30) can be exchanged for a prize from the number of waiting for use among the game values, and if there is no number of waiting for use at the time of exchanging the prize, the terminal can be used. A gaming device (10) characterized in that prizes can be exchanged from the number.

It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the whole game store system including the game apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the gaming machine and the card unit which constitute the gaming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view and the perspective view which shows the card unit which comprises the gaming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the control system of the gaming machine and the card unit which constitute the gaming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the movement of information in the prize service processing of the amusement shop system. It is a screen transition diagram for demonstrating the change of the display in the display unit included in the card unit. It is a screen transition diagram for demonstrating the change of the display which is the continuation of FIG. It is a screen transition diagram for demonstrating the change of the display which is the continuation of FIG. It is a screen transition diagram for demonstrating the change of the display which is the continuation of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process which becomes the main flow of the card unit and the gaming machine. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the card processing and the deposit processing by the said card unit. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the ball lending process by the card unit and the gaming machine. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the holding ball movement processing by the card unit and the gaming machine. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the game ball processing by the said game machine. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the excess ball processing by the card unit and the gaming machine. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the game end processing by the card unit and the game machine. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the prize service processing by the card unit, the gaming machine, the portable information terminal, and the management server. It is a flowchart which is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. It is a screen transition diagram for demonstrating the change of the display in the display unit provided in the card unit of the gaming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a screen transition diagram for demonstrating the change of the display which is the continuation of FIG. It is a screen transition diagram for demonstrating the change of the display which is the continuation of FIG. It is a screen transition diagram for demonstrating the change of the display which is the continuation of FIG.

Hereinafter, various embodiments representing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 to 18 show a first embodiment of the present invention.
The gaming device 10 according to the present embodiment is a gaming machine 11 for playing a game using a gaming medium, and a display unit 30 corresponding to a "terminal machine" attached to the gaming machine 11 for inputting various information. The number of game media owned by the player is managed as a game value, and the game value can be exchanged for a prize. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, a case where the gaming machine is applied to a pachinko machine will be described as an example.

First, based on FIG. 1, the game store system 1 of the game store in which the game device 10 is installed will be described. The game store system 1 can communicate with the card unit 20 to be described later, which is installed for each game machine 11, and can communicate with the management server 40 that manages the game value owned by the player and the card unit 20, and the store clerk. The mobile information terminal 50 used when exchanging prizes is provided. As will be described later, the display unit 30 is incorporated in the card unit 20.

Further, the game store system 1 includes a prize monitor device 60 for displaying information on the prize selected by the mobile information terminal 50 (a prize name, a prize code, etc. for identifying the prize), and a prize mainly after the game is completed. It has a prize POS terminal 70 that performs exchange processing, and a settlement machine 80 that setstles and pays out the unused amount of money inserted into the card unit 20 as described later.

In the game store system 1, each card unit 20, the management server 40, the prize monitor device 60, the prize POS terminal 70, the payment machine 80, and the like are LAN-connected to each other via the hub 2 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Further, the mobile information terminal 50 can wirelessly communicate with the card unit 20 and the management server 40. A wireless communication unit is provided in the card unit 20 and the management server 40.

Next, the gaming device 10 which is the basis of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming device 10 includes a gaming machine 11 and a card unit 20 arranged adjacent to the gaming machine 11. The card unit 20 is provided with a display unit 30 as a "terminal" for the player to input various information. In the present embodiment, the game machine 11 is a pachinko machine that shoots a game ball into a game area 13 formed on the front side of the game board 12 to play a game, but collects the game ball fired into the game area 13. However, it is an enclosed gaming machine that is circulated and used in a state where it is enclosed in the machine without being paid out to the outside.

Further, the game machine 11 inputs information (for example, amount information) indicating the game value generated by inserting cash into the card unit 20, and the amount information is information indicating the game value and is immediately in the game. It is converted into the number of launchable balls, which is the "usable number" indicating the number of usable game balls, and the game balls can be launched into the game area 13 corresponding to the number of launchable balls. In the game machine 11, when the number of launchable balls is 0 or more, the game ball can be launched, and each time one game ball is launched (used), 1 is subtracted from the number of launchable balls and the game ball is released. When a prize is won, the number of prize balls generated by this prize is set to be added to the number of balls that can be fired.

Here, an upper limit value is set for the number of launchable balls, and if the number of launchable balls exceeds the upper limit value (for example, 250) due to the addition of the number of prize balls, the upper limit value of the number of launchable balls is set. The amount exceeding the above is defined as the "number of balls held", which is the number of waiting balls to be used, and the number of balls held is added to the existing number of balls held to set the number of balls that can be fired to the upper limit. As described above, in the gaming machine 11 according to the present embodiment, the number of balls that can be fired (usable number) out of the game value is stored up to a predetermined upper limit value, and the number of balls exceeding the upper limit value ( It is set to be stored separately as the number of waits for use).

In addition, as will be described later, the number of game balls can be moved from the number of balls held in the number of balls possessed information to the number of balls that can be fired in the number of balls that can be fired by the operation of the player, and the number of balls that can be fired is reduced. In case of loss or loss, the number of game balls can be moved from the number of balls held to the number of balls that can be fired to reduce the number of balls held and increase the number of balls that can be fired within the upper limit. It is possible.

In the game machine 11, the game balls launched based on the number of balls that can be fired reach the game area 13, and a part of them wins in various winning openings and are guided to the back side of the game board 12 and collected as safe balls. NS. Game balls that do not win in any of the winning openings are collected as out balls. These recovered game balls are circulated and used repeatedly so as to be re-launched through the circulation flow path in the aircraft.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of decorative lamps 14, speakers 15, and the like are provided on the upper portion of the game board 12. Further, in the lower center of the game board 12, a display unit 16 for displaying the number of balls that can be fired is provided. Further, a handle 17 is provided on the right side portion of the display unit 16 so that the player can launch the game ball. The handle 17 is provided with a touch sensor 142 (see FIG. 4) that detects that the player's hand is touching, and the player launches the game ball by touching the touch sensor 142, and the player handles the handle. The firing force of the game ball can be adjusted by rotating the 17.

Further, a launching device for launching a game ball is provided on the front side of the lower portion of the game board 12, although not shown, and the launching device launches the game ball toward the game area 13. The launching device includes a launching motor 141 (see FIG. 4) that serves as a driving source for launching a game ball. In addition, an enclosed path unit 18 (see FIG. 4) is provided in the gaming machine 11 to collect the gaming balls launched toward the gaming area 13 and guide them to the launching device again.

The enclosed path unit 18 shown in FIG. 4 has a collection port for collecting the game balls launched in the game area 13, a circulation flow path for guiding the game balls from the collection port to the launching device, and an upstream side of the circulation flow path. As a part, a recovery ball flow path that allows the game ball to flow down from the collection port to the standby flow path described later, an incoming ball detection sensor 18a that detects the game ball flowing down the recovery ball flow path, and a downstream side of the circulation flow path. A standby flow path that makes the game ball stand by before being sent to the launch position, a ball amount detection sensor 18b that detects the amount of the game ball waiting in the standby flow path, and a downstream end of the standby flow path. The launching device is provided with a ball feeding device (not shown) that sequentially feeds the gaming balls one by one according to the timing of launching the gaming balls.

Further, the enclosed path unit 18 has a foul ball collection port (not shown) that collects a foul ball that has returned toward the launcher side even though it has been launched toward the game area 13 by the launcher. A foul ball detection sensor 18c for detecting the collected foul ball and a foul ball flow path (not shown) for causing the foul ball collected from the foul ball collection port to flow down to the standby flow path are provided.

Further, the enclosed path unit 18 stores a replenishment game ball in addition to the game ball normally circulated inside the enclosed path unit 18, and the ball amount detection sensor 18b indicates that the amount of the game ball circulated during the game has decreased. It is equipped with a ball replenishing device (not shown) that replenishes the stored game balls to the standby flow path when detected based on a signal from. The ball replenishment device is provided with a ball amount adjusting solenoid 18d that switches the storage portion of the game ball between a state in which the game ball is stored and a state in which the game ball is replenished.

The ball feed device is provided with a ball feed solenoid 143 for driving the ball feed device and a launch ball detection sensor 18e for detecting a game ball to be launched. When the launch ball detection sensor 18e detects a game ball to be launched, the number of launchable balls is set to be subtracted by 1. When the return ball detection sensor detects a game ball that has become a foul ball, it is set to add 1 to the number of balls that can be fired.

Further, although not shown in the game area 13, a normal figure start gate that gives a start condition of a normal symbol variation display game, and a normal figure change display game that the game ball passes through the normal figure start gate is not processed. A normal fluctuation display that displays the number of unprocessed times, a normal fluctuation display that displays the normal fluctuation display game, a normal fluctuation prize device that gives a start condition for the special symbol fluctuation display game, and this normal fluctuation. The special figure start memory display that displays the unprocessed number of times that the game ball has won a prize in the winning device and the special figure variation display game has not been processed, the variation display device 131 that displays the special figure variation display game, etc. (Fig. 4), a special variable winning device, various winning openings, an out opening for collecting game balls that did not win in any of the winning openings as out balls, and the like.

The ordinary variable winning device includes a pair of left and right opening / closing members and a normal electric solenoid 126 (see FIG. 4) that operates them, and the opening / closing members are always spaced so that one game ball can flow in. When the closed state is held, but the result of the normal map fluctuation display game of the normal map fluctuation display is a special stop display mode (for example, a state in which "7" is stopped and displayed as identification information). In addition, it opens and the game ball is in a state where it is easy to flow in. This ordinary variable winning device also serves as a starting winning opening for special figures. That is, when the game ball is detected by the start port sensor 121 (see FIG. 4) provided inside the normal variation winning device, the start condition is satisfied and the special figure variation display game starts.

Further, a gate sensor 122 (see FIG. 4) for detecting a passing game ball is provided in the normal drawing start gate. When the game ball launched into the game area 13 passes through the normal map start gate and is detected by the gate sensor 122, the normal map variation display game is played on the normal map variation display. Here, the normal symbol variation display is configured by, for example, an LED, and in a variable display game of a normal symbol (for example, identification information such as a number, a symbol, a character symbol, etc.), a normal symbol is specified by the normal symbol variation display. It is performed by displaying the time fluctuation and then stopping the display.

As a result of this fluctuation display game of the normal map, if the stop display on the fluctuation display of the normal map becomes the special stop display mode (result mode) as described above, it will be a hit of the fluctuation display game of the normal map and a normal fluctuation prize will be awarded. The opening / closing member of the device is opened as described above for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). As a result, the game ball can be easily won in the normal variable winning device, and the special figure variable display game can be easily started.

The variable display device 131 of the special figure includes, for example, a liquid crystal display and has a display screen whose display contents can be changed. The display content on the display screen is controlled by the effect control device 130 (see FIG. 4) having a function as a display control means. When the game ball launched in the game area 13 enters the normal variable winning device that also serves as the start port of the special figure and is detected by the start port sensor 121 and the start condition is satisfied, as a plurality of types of special figures on the display screen. It is possible to execute a special figure variable display game in which the identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character symbols, etc.) is displayed in a variable manner.

As a result of this special figure variation display game, when the display mode of the display screen corresponds to a special stop display (for example, any of the doublet numbers such as "7, 7, 7" as the result mode). , It becomes a big hit and becomes a special game state (so-called big hit state). The special variable winning device is provided with a large winning opening that is opened and closed by an attacker-type opening / closing door, and during the special game state, the large winning opening is changed from a closed state to an open state to enter the large winning opening. Rounds that facilitate the inflow of game balls are performed up to a predetermined number of times. Here, the opening / closing door is driven by the large winning opening solenoid 125 (see FIG. 4).

A count sensor 124 (see FIG. 4) for detecting a game ball is arranged inside the large winning opening. Further, inside each general winning opening, a general winning sensor 123 (see FIG. 4) for detecting a game ball entering each winning opening is arranged. A lamp / LED 132 for directing the game with light is provided around the game board 12 and the variation display device 131.

When a game ball driven into the game area 13 wins a prize in any of a winning opening such as a general winning opening, a normal variable winning device, or a large winning opening of a special variable winning device, the winning game ball is placed in each winning opening. A predetermined number of prize balls detected by the sensor and set corresponding to each winning opening is added to the above-mentioned number of launchable balls based on the detection. If the number of balls that can be fired exceeds the upper limit due to the addition of the number of prize balls, the amount that exceeds the upper limit is added to the number of balls possessed as described above, and the number of balls that can be fired does not exceed the upper limit. It is the upper limit.

Next, the control system of the gaming machine 11 as described above will be described with reference to the control block diagram of FIG. As the control system of the game machine 11, the game control device 120 that controls the progress of the game, the effect control device 130 that controls various effects under the control of the game control device 120, and the launch of the game ball are controlled. It includes a launch control device 140. Further, the main body control device 100 is provided, which controls the above-mentioned encapsulation path unit 18 and the launch control device 140, and also performs the above-mentioned process of managing the number of launchable balls.

Further, a power supply device 150 for supplying electric power to the game control device 120, the effect control device 130, the launch control device 140, and the main body control device 100 is provided. The power supply device 150 is provided with a backup power supply 151 for enabling power supply even when the power supply from the outside is interrupted at the time of a power failure or the like, and is stored in the volatile memory of each control device at the time of a power failure or the like. It is designed to prevent the loss of various data.

The game control device 120 is well known in pachinko machines having a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and as game control, in addition to detecting the occurrence of a prize in a game and controlling the operation of each variable winning device, etc. It also generates various random value values related to the variable display game of special figures and general figures. For example, various random numbers include a random value for jackpot determination in a special figure variation display game, a random value for hit determination in a normal figure variation display game, and the like, and the game control device 120 uses the special figure based on the random value. The result of the game, such as hitting or hitting the variable display game of the game or the game, is determined.

Further, the start port sensor 121, the gate sensor 122, the general winning sensor 123, and the count sensor 124 are connected to the game control device 120 via the input / output interface, and the detection signal of the game ball from these sensors is input. It has become like. Then, a prize ball is generated based on the input from various prize openings such as the general prize sensor 123, the start port sensor 121, and the count sensor 124, and the sensors provided in the prize device.

The game control device 120 generates and outputs information about a prize ball indicating a numerical value (number of prize balls) preset for each sensor based on the detection signal of the game ball of the sensor provided in each winning area. .. In the game machine 11, in pachinko machines other than the enclosed ball type, information on the prize ball is output to the main body control device 100 instead of the discharge control device that controls the payout of the game ball as the prize ball. There is. In the main body control device 100, a process of adding the number of prize balls to the number of launchable balls is performed based on the information about the prize balls as described later.

Further, in the game control device 120, the progress (start) of the variable display game of the special figure and the normal figure is controlled as described above based on the signals input from the start port sensor 121 and the gate sensor 122. Further, the game control device 120 is controlled by connecting a large winning opening solenoid 125 and a normal electric solenoid 126 via I / O, and can be used as a result of a special figure or a variable display game of a normal figure. Based on this, as described above, the opening and closing of the special variable winning device and the normal variable winning device is controlled. The general electric solenoid 126 opens and closes the normal variable winning device, and the large winning opening solenoid 125 opens and closes the special variable winning device.

Further, the game control device 120 is connected to the main body control device 100 and the effect control device 130 via I / O, and transmits various data described later to the main body control device 100 and the effect control device 130 as game machine information. .. For example, the game control device 120 uses the prize ball number command indicating the number of prize balls as one of the game machine information when there is a prize ball based on the winning of the game ball as the data related to the above-mentioned prize ball, and the main body control device 100 Output to.

Further, the game control device 120 increases the probability of winning the jackpot after the special game state as a jackpot based on the control such as the start and stop of the variable display game of the special figure based on the start prize of the special figure and the determination of the jackpot loss. Start of special game state with probability fluctuation state (start of big hit with probability change), start of special game state without probability fluctuation state (start of big hit with non-probability change), other change display Game stop symbol and change display Data related to the effect of the variable display game including time and the like is transmitted to the effect control device 130.

Further, the game control device 120 corresponds to the start winning prize (detection signal input from the start port sensor 121 and the gate sensor 122) of the special figure and the normal figure within the upper limit value (for example, 4) of the special figure and the normal figure. The number of times the start condition for starting the variable display game in the figure is satisfied is counted as the number of start memory (holding number) in the special figure and the normal figure. Then, the game control device 120 increases the start memory number of the special figure or the normal figure by 1 within the range of the upper limit value every time there is a start prize of the special figure or the normal figure, and plays a variable display game of the special figure or the normal figure. The control is performed to reduce the start memory number of the special figure or the normal figure by 1 each time the start is started, and the data regarding the start memory number is transmitted to the effect control device 130.

The effect control device 130 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, and also includes various ICs for controlling video output, which are well known in pachinko machines, and controls the progress of a special figure variation display game in the game control device 120. Based on the above, the display control of the variation display game of the special figure in the variation display device 131, and the effect control by the light emission of the lamp / LED 132 in the decorative substrate having the lamp / LED 132 provided in the game board 12 or the like are performed. Further, the effect control device 130 is provided with various ICs for controlling the sound output, and for example, controls the effect by the sound output from the speaker 15.

The main body control device 100 includes, for example, a main control unit 110 composed of a microcomputer chip, and the main control unit 110 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, and the like. The CPU 111 includes a control unit and a calculation unit to perform various calculations and controls, and controls the enclosed path unit 18 and the launch control device 140, manages the number of launchable balls, and controls communication with the card unit 20. conduct. The ROM 112 stores programs and data related to control of the enclosed path unit 18 and the launch control device 140, communication control, and processing of the number of launchable balls.

The RAM 113 includes a work area of the CPU 111 including storage areas such as various flags, various timers, and various counters. Further, the RAM 113 stores the number of launchable balls information indicating the number of launchable balls, and the number of launchable balls is updated and stored by the processing of the CPU 111 as described later. Here, the RAM 113 corresponds to a "memory means" for storing information on the number of launchable balls among the game values possessed by the player.

Further, in the main body control device 100, the ball entry detection sensor 18a, the ball amount detection sensor 18b, the return ball detection sensor 18c, the ball amount adjustment solenoid 18d, and the launch ball detection sensor 18e of the enclosed path unit 18 are connected to the main body control device 100 via I / O. Is connected. When the main body control device 100 detects that the number of game balls waiting in the enclosed path unit 18 is insufficient based on the signal from the ball amount detection sensor 18b, the main body control device 100 operates the ball amount adjustment solenoid 18d. , The game ball stored in the enclosed path unit 18 without being circulated is changed from the stored state to the supply state, and the circulation path of the enclosed path unit 18 is replenished with the game ball.

Further, the main body control device 100 is connected to the launch control device 140 via the I / O, and if the number of launchable balls is larger than 0, the launch device allows the launch device to launch the game ball via the launch control device 140. When the number of balls that can be fired becomes 0, the firing of game balls is prohibited. Further, the main body control device 100 subtracts 1 from the number of launchable balls when the detection signal of the game ball from the launch ball detection sensor 18e is input as described above, and detects the game ball from the return ball detection sensor 18c. When a signal is input, the number of balls that can be fired is added by 1. Further, when the prize ball number command indicating the number of prize balls is input from the game control device 120, the main body control device 100 adds the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball number command to the number of launchable balls. Here, the main body control device 100 realizes the function of "calculation means" that calculates the number of balls that can be fired and updates and stores the current value in real time.

Further, the main body control device 100 can transmit the various information described above to the management server 40 (see FIG. 1) as external information via the card unit 20, and for example, the variation of the special figure input from the game control device 120. A signal indicating the execution (for example, start) of the display game, a signal indicating the execution (start) of the special game state with a probability fluctuation state in which the winning probability of the jackpot is increased after the special game state as a jackpot, and no probability fluctuation state A signal indicating the execution (start) of the special game state, a ball entry signal based on the signal input from the ball entry detection sensor 18a described above, a ball exit signal based on the signal input from the launch ball detection sensor 18e, and a return ball detection sensor. A return ball signal based on the signal input from 18c is transmitted.

As a result, on the management server 40 side, the number of times the variable display game of each gaming machine 11 is executed, the number of jackpots (occurrence of a special gaming state) in the non-probability variation, the number of jackpots (occurrence of the special gaming state) in the probabilistic variation, and the number of balls entered. , The number of balls released, the number of returned balls, and the number of difference balls obtained by subtracting the number of balls released from the number of balls entered can be managed. As will be described later, the number of balls that can be fired is also sent from the main body control device 100 to the management server 40 via the card unit 20. Then, each of the above-mentioned information can be managed by the management server 40, for example, for each gaming machine and each member player, and each information can be backed up in the management server 40.

The launch control device 140 includes a microcomputer chip having a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like, and also includes a driver circuit for the launch motor 141 of the launch device, and this driver circuit is connected to the launch motor 141. Further, the touch sensor 142 of the handle 17 is connected to the launch control device 140. Further, the launch control device 140 is connected to a ball feed solenoid 143 provided in the enclosed path unit 18 for sending the enclosed game ball to the launch position.

When the launch control device 140 detects the player's hand by the touch sensor 142 in a state where the launch permission control signal from the main body control device 100 is received based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) ( When a signal is input from the touch sensor 142), the firing motor 141 is controlled to sequentially launch the game balls at predetermined time intervals. Further, the launch control device 140 operates the ball feed solenoid 143 in accordance with the timing of launching the game ball by the launch device to control the supply of the game ball from the enclosed path unit 18 to the launch position of the launch device.

Next, the card unit 20 (including the display unit 30) constituting the gaming device 10 together with the gaming machine 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. The card unit 20 is arranged adjacent to one of the left and right sides of the gaming machine 11 and is a device capable of reading an ID as data stored from an IC card as a storage medium. As shown in FIG. 2, a card insertion slot 21 and a bill insertion slot 22 are provided on the front portion of the card unit 20. The card unit 20 according to the present embodiment also has a function as a ball lending machine as will be described later.

As the IC card, an ID as information for identifying a player can be read from a member card of a member player or a guest card of a player other than the member. In the case of a membership card, the player can be identified at any time by storing the player information and the ID registered in advance in association with each other on the management server 40, but in the case of the guest card, the player can be identified. , The ID of the guest card is specified as that of a player who is not a member. For example, when the guest card is inserted into the card insertion slot 21 and the player as a guest is playing, the player and the guest card The IDs are associated with each other so that the player can be identified.

As shown in FIG. 4, the card unit 20 includes an IC card reader / writer 23 capable of reading data from the IC card and writing data to the IC card, and a banknote acceptor 24 into which banknotes are inserted as ball lenders. The display unit 30 having a function as a "terminal" for the player to input various information and a "display means" capable of displaying various information, and each device provided in the card unit 20 are controlled. It includes a card unit control device 200, a power supply device 220 that supplies power to the card unit control device 200 and the like, and a mobile information terminal transmission / reception unit 230 that enables wireless communication with the mobile information terminal 50 (see FIG. 1).

The IC card reader / writer 23 is a well-known one, and reads the data of the IC card inserted from the card insertion slot 21 and outputs the data to the card unit control device 200, and the card is controlled by the card unit control device 200. The data input from the unit control device 200 can be written to the IC card. Further, the information input / output to / from the IC card is transmitted from the card unit control device 200 to the management server 40 (see FIG. 1).

That is, when the IC card is inserted into the card unit 20, the ID is read, the ID is transmitted to the management server 40, and the information transmitted from the card unit 20 to the management server 40 until the IC card is ejected thereafter. (Including the information transmitted via the card unit 20 transmitted from the game machine 11) is stored in the management server 40 in association with the ID.

The bill identification machine 24 is a well-known one provided in the ball lending machine, identifies the amount of bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 22, outputs the amount to the card unit control device 200, and holds the inserted bills. do. As a result, the card unit 20 is configured to function as a ball lending machine. A ball lending machine may be installed separately from the card unit 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 30 has a vertically long rectangular plate shape in appearance, and is provided on the front portion of the card unit 20 so as to partition the display unit 30 from the adjacent gaming machine 11. Here, the display unit 30 is provided so as to be retractable at a protruding position drawn forward from the front portion of the card unit 20 and a storage position immersed inside from the front portion of the card unit 20. Such a display unit 30 also has a function as a partition for partitioning the neighbors and a smoke separation plate.

The display unit 30 is composed of a well-known touch panel display unit, and is a display unit that displays various information related to the corresponding gaming machine 11 (the gaming machine 11 located on the right side), as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 to 9. , The deposit amount display unit 31, the number of balls held display unit 33, the prize service display unit 34, and the machine information display unit 35 are provided. Each of these display units 31 to 35 is partitioned as a part of the display area on the screen of the display unit 30. Since the configuration of the touch panel display unit itself is general, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The deposit amount display unit 31 is for inserting a bill into the bill insertion slot 22 and displaying the amount identified by the bill identification machine 24, that is, the amount paid by the player. When a predetermined amount is subtracted from the game value indicating the amount of money by the operation of the ball lending operation unit 46 described later, the deposit amount display unit 31 is set to display the remaining amount at any time. For example, when a 10,000-yen note is inserted and the deposit amount is 10,000 and 1000 as the amount information is converted to 250 as the game ball number information, the deposit amount display unit 31 displays 10000. Only 1000 is subtracted to obtain 9000.

The number of possessed balls display unit 33 displays the remaining number of possessed balls excluding the number of launchable balls in the game ball number information (not including the amount information) which is the game value owned by the player.
The prize service display unit 34 provides information on the prize, such as the "prize name" of each prize in which the player can exchange the number of balls that can be fired (and the number of balls held), and the "prize exchange" required for the prize exchange for each prize. It displays the number of balls (corresponding to the number of prizes exchanged).

The machine information display unit 35 displays various information such as the number of jackpots related to the gaming machine 11, and is temporarily displayed on the screen when the machine information A operation unit 41 or the machine information B operation unit 42, which will be described later, is touched. Is displayed in. The table information display unit 35 touches the number of jackpots (see FIG. 6A), which is the table information A displayed when the table information A operation unit 41 is touched, and the table information B operation unit 42. Other information (not shown) is set to be selectively displayed as the table information B displayed in the case.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the display unit 30 is replaced with a fireable ball number display unit 36, a replaceable ball number display unit 37, a total prize exchange ball number display unit 38, and the like. A time "total" prize exchange ball number display unit 39 (see FIG. 8 (e)) is provided. Each of these display units 36 to 39 is related to the display forming the basis of the present invention, and is partitioned as a part of the display area on the screen of the display unit 30 in the same manner as the above-mentioned display units 31 to 35. ing.

The launchable ball number display unit 36 displays the number of launchable balls that can be immediately used for the game in the game ball number information (not including the amount information), which is the game value owned by the player. Here, the number of balls that can be fired is added by the operation of the ball lending operation unit 46, which will be described later, and is decremented by 1 each time the game ball is launched by the launching device described above. Numbers are added at any time. In addition, the number of prize exchange balls, which is the game value used for the prize exchange, is subtracted by the operation of the prize service operation unit 48, which will be described later.

The number of launchable balls displayed on the launchable ball number display unit 36 is calculated by the main body control device 100, which is the calculation means, and is updated and stored in the RAM 113, which is the storage means, and is the latest current value in real time. Is set to be displayed in a variable manner (updated display). The number of launchable balls is displayed on the launchable ball number display unit 36, and is also separately displayed on the display unit 16 of the game machine 11 described above.

The number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange display unit 37 is the total number of exchanged balls (selection) before the prize exchange is executed, that is, after the operation of the prize service operation unit 48 described later and before the operation of the prize confirmation operation unit 48d. It displays the "number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange" (corresponding to the "number of balls that can be used at the time of exchange"), which is the value obtained by subtracting the total value of all the prizes that have been made from the number of balls that can be fired. Here, the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange is calculated at any time by the card unit control device 200 that forms a calculation means together with the main body control device 100 as the number of balls that can be fired fluctuates, and is updated and stored in the RAM 213 in real time. The latest current value is set to be displayed in a variable manner (updated display).

The total prize exchange ball number display unit 38 displays all the prizes selected by the player after the start of the prize exchange by the operation of the prize service operation unit 48, which will be described later, and before the completion of the prize exchange by the operation of the prize confirmation operation unit 48d. It displays the "total number of prize exchange balls", which is the number of prize exchange balls required for exchange (listed on the prize service display unit 34). The total number of prize exchange balls displayed on the total prize exchange ball number display unit 38 is a value at which there is room for fluctuation due to the player canceling the selection of the prize before the completion of the prize exchange.

As described above, as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the display unit 30 has the current values of the number of balls that can be fired and the number of balls that can be fired at the time of replacement even during the operation related to the prize exchange. Is updated and displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 8E, when the operation related to the prize exchange is completed, the total number of prize exchange balls and the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange are fixed values of the display unit 30. In addition to the continuous display, the total number of exchanged prizes exchanged balls (corresponding to the "total usable number at the time of exchange"), which is the sum of the total number of exchanged balls and the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange, is also continuously displayed as a fixed value. NS.

The total number of exchanged prizes exchanged balls is displayed on the total number of exchanged prizes exchanged balls 39 (see FIG. 8E) that appears when the prize confirmation operation unit 48d, which will be described later, is touched. ing. The number of launchable balls is continuously varied and displayed on the launchable ball number display unit 36. Further, after the operation related to the prize exchange is completed, the display unit 30 is notified of "order completion" (see FIG. 8 (e)) and that the actual prize is "delivered" to the player. (See FIG. 8 (f)), and information on "delivery completion" notification (see FIG. 9 (g)) indicating that the prize has actually been delivered to the player and the prize exchange has been completed is also updated and displayed. Is set to.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, the display unit 30 has a touch panel type operation button, the table information A operation unit 41, the table information B operation unit 42, the member information operation unit 43, and the game end. An operation unit 44, a break operation unit 45, a ball lending operation unit 46, a ball holding operation unit 47, and a prize service operation unit 48 are provided. Further, when the prize service operation unit 48 is touched, as shown in FIGS. 6 (b) and 7 (c), the vertical movement operation unit 48a, the prize selection operation unit 48b, the cancel operation unit 48c, and the prize confirmation operation unit 48d , Each is temporarily displayed on the screen.

As described above, the table information A operation unit 41 and the table information B operation unit 42 cause the table information display unit 35 to display various information such as the number of jackpots related to the gaming machine 11.
The member information operation unit 43 is a switch for displaying various information read from the IC card inserted into the card unit 20 on the screen of the display unit 30 when the player starts the game.
The game end operation unit 44 is a switch for the player to end the game and start the process of ejecting the IC card from the card unit 20.

By touching the game end operation unit 44, for example, the number of balls that can be fired may be added to the number of balls in the game value of the player managed by the management server 40 corresponding to the ID. Further, the total number of game balls may be converted into the number of prize exchange balls as the number of game balls for prize exchange. Further, the number of balls that can be fired and the number of balls that can be held may be managed separately.

The break operation unit 45 is used when the player leaves his / her seat for a break or the like. When the break operation unit 45 is touched, for example, an IC card is ejected from the card insertion slot 21 of the card unit 20, and an IC card (IC card with a different ID) other than the ejected IC card is ejected within a predetermined period thereafter. It is set to eject the IC card when it is inserted, and even though the game has not been performed for a predetermined period, the game is played by the player who holds the IC card inserted when the break operation unit 45 is operated. It is designed to occupy the machine.

The ball lending operation unit 46 converts the amount information based on the above-mentioned deposit into the information on the number of launchable balls, which is the information on the number of game balls. By operating the ball lending operation unit 46, a predetermined amount is subtracted from the deposited amount information, and a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the predetermined amount is added to the number of balls that can be fired. .. The balance of the deposit amount may be displayed on the deposit amount display unit 31 at any time.

The holding ball movement operation unit 47 is for moving a predetermined number of holding balls out of the number of holding balls owned by the player to the number of launchable balls. That is, when the holding ball movement operation unit 47 is touched, a predetermined number is subtracted from the number of holding balls and the predetermined number is added to the number of launchable balls. The calculation of the number of balls held and the number of balls that can be fired based on the operation of the ball holding movement operation unit 47 is executed by the main body control device 100.

That is, the main body control device 100 has a predetermined number of balls within the range of the number of balls held by the operation of the holding ball moving operation unit 47 when the number of balls that can be fired stored in the RAM 113 is less than the upper limit value. When instructed to move the game value to the number of balls that can be fired, a predetermined number is subtracted from the number of balls possessed, and the subtracted predetermined number is added to the number of balls that can be fired, and the number of balls possessed and the number of balls fired. The current value of the number of possible balls is updated and stored. If the upper limit is exceeded when the predetermined number is added to the number of launchable balls, the value obtained by subtracting the current number of launchable balls from the upper limit of the number of launchable balls is subtracted from the number of balls. , The upper limit is the number of balls that can be fired.

The prize service operation unit 48 starts the prize exchange when it is touched, and is for performing an operation of exchanging the game ball number information, which is the game value owned by the player, with the prize. Here, the game ball number information used for the prize exchange corresponds to the number of balls that can be fired in principle, but if the number of balls is present, the ball is held without the operation of the ball moving operation unit 47. You may be able to exchange prizes from the total number of balls that can be fired. This will be described later as a modified example of the first embodiment.

When the prize service operation unit 48 is touched, the vertical movement operation unit that moves the cursor (not shown) for selecting the desired prize from the prizes displayed on the prize service display unit 34 up and down. 48a appears (see FIG. 6B). By touching the vertical movement operation unit 48a to move the cursor position onto the desired prize and then touching the prize selection operation unit 48b, the player determines the desired prize to be exchanged. However, the selection of the determined prize can be canceled by touching the cancel operation unit 48c. Then, when the prize is confirmed, the operation related to the prize exchange by the player is completed by touching the prize confirmation operation unit 48d.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the card unit control device 200 of the card unit 20 includes a main control unit 210 having a CPU 211, a RAM 213, a ROM 212, and the like, and the display unit 30 is provided in the main control unit 210 via I / O. Is connected, and further, an IC card reader / writer 23 and a banknote acceptor 24 are connected. Then, the ID is input to the card unit control device 200 when the IC card is inserted from the IC card reader / writer 23, and the amount information is input when the bill is inserted from the bill identification machine 24.

In the card unit control device 200, a process of inputting an ID as information for identifying a player from the IC card reader / writer 23, a process of adding the amount indicated in the deposit amount information input from the banknote acceptor 24 to the amount information, A process of displaying the deposit amount information on the deposit amount display unit 31, a process of converting the amount information into launchable ball number information based on an operation signal from the ball lending operation unit 46, and a process of transmitting the possessed ball number information to the game machine 11. , Processing related to prize exchange, processing for displaying the number of balls held on the ball number display unit 33, and the like.

The RAM 213 corresponds to a "memory means" for storing information on the number of balls held among the game values possessed by the player. That is, the "storage means" of the present invention corresponds to the RAM 113 and the RAM 213. Further, the RAM 213 stores the above-mentioned deposit amount information, amount information, and number of balls held information, updates and stores them by each of the above-mentioned processes, and outputs them for display and the like. Each of the above-mentioned data stored in the RAM 213 is output to the management server 40, and is also stored in the management server 40 corresponding to the above-mentioned ID. A part of the processing function of the main body control device 100 may be executed by the card unit control device 200.

The power supply device 220 supplies electric power to each device of the card unit 20 and includes a backup power supply 221. When the power from the outside is cut off by the backup power supply 221 such as during a power failure, power is supplied to the card unit control device 200 to prevent the above-mentioned data stored in the RAM 213 from being lost. ..

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the prize POS terminal 70 includes, for example, an IC card reader / writer and a barcode reader, and as will be described later, the management server 40 corresponds to the ID stored in the IC card which is a storage medium. It is possible to extract the information on the number of prize exchange media stored in the above, and it is also possible to extract the prize data (including the number of prize exchanges) corresponding to the barcode attached to the prize. Then, the prize POS terminal 70 receives and stores various data when the player exchanges the prize by the display unit 30, and manages the prize (inventory management, etc.).

The settlement machine 80 reads the ID from the IC card, reads the amount information stored in the management server 40 corresponding to the ID, and when there is unused amount information without being converted into the number of game balls, The amount information is settled by paying out the money corresponding to the amount information. When the amount information corresponding to the ID is settled by the settlement machine 80, the amount information corresponding to the ID is set to 0 on the management server 40.

The mobile information terminal 50 stores various data related to the prize exchange transmitted from the mobile information terminal transmission / reception unit 230 of the card unit 20, and the clerk of the game store confirms the prize exchange by the display unit 30. It has a control unit (not shown) provided with a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and a communication unit (not shown) for wirelessly communicating data with the card unit 20.

Further, in the mobile information terminal 50, it is input that the clerk who has received the completion of the operation related to the prize exchange has confirmed that fact, or that the prize exchange is completed when the actual prize is handed to the player. An operation unit (not shown) is provided. Based on the signals from these operation units, the display unit 30 is notified that the above-mentioned prize is being delivered to the player (see FIG. 8 (f)) and delivers the prize to the player to exchange the prize. It is set so that a notification of completion (see FIG. 9 (g)) is displayed.

Furthermore, the mobile information terminal 50 also displays the prize service operation unit 48, the vertical movement operation unit 48a, the prize selection operation unit 48b, the cancel operation unit 48c, and the prize confirmation operation unit 48d in the display unit 30. A clerk may be configured to perform a prize exchange operation on behalf of the player based on the instructions of the player.

Next, the flow of the main information in the prize service processing related to the prize exchange in the game store system 1 according to the present embodiment will be schematically described with reference to FIG. First, in the card unit 20, an operation related to prize exchange is performed based on a touch operation on the display unit 30 by the player. When this series of operations is completed, the card unit 20 sends the management server 40 the "table information" for identifying the gaming machine 11 as the prize service information, as well as the "prize information" for specifying the type of the prize selected by the player. , And the "number of prize exchange balls" required for prize exchange are transmitted (circle 1).

In the management server 40, the prize information is transmitted to the prize monitor device 60 and the prize POS terminal 70, and the prize is displayed on the prize monitor device 60, so that the player wants the clerk at the installation location of the prize monitor device 60 to exchange the prize. Inform the prize to be given. Further, the prize POS terminal 70 updates data such as the stock of the prize based on the transmitted prize information.

Further, in the management server 40, after receiving the prize service information, as status information, "order completion" indicating that the operation related to the prize exchange by the player has been accepted, and the clerk delivers the actual prize to the player. Information indicating "delivery" indicating that the information is being delivered is transmitted to the card unit 20 (circle 2). Further, the management server 40 transmits the "unit information", the "prize information", and the "prize exchange ball number" received from the card unit 20 to the mobile information terminal 50 (circle 3). The mobile information terminal 50 that has received such a prize service information transmits a prize service information request to the card unit 20 (circle 4).

Upon receiving the prize service information request, the card unit 20 transmits "unit information", "prize information", and "number of prize exchange balls" as prize service information to the mobile information terminal 50 (circle 5). The clerk who receives the prize service information on the mobile information terminal 50 hands the actual prize to the player who plays the game on the game machine 11 corresponding to the card unit 20 (circle 6).

At that time, the clerk operates the mobile information terminal 50 to transmit the prize delivery information from the mobile information terminal 50 to the card unit 20 (circle 7). The card unit 20 that has received the prize delivery information transmits the prize exchange completion information indicating that the prize exchange has been completed to the mobile information terminal 50 (circle 8), and subsequently, the prize exchange completion information is also sent to the management server 40. Is transmitted (circle 9). As a result, a series of prize service processing is completed. The details of the series of prize service processing will be described later based on FIGS. 17 and 18.

Next, the prize service processing will be described focusing on the transition of the screen display on the display unit 30 of the card unit 20 and the display unit 16 of the gaming machine 11 based on FIGS. 6 to 9. First, in a normal state in which the player does not perform an operation related to prize exchange, as shown in FIG. 6A, the number of launchable balls displayed on the display unit 16 does not decrease due to the prize exchange process. , It decreases by one by the launch of the game ball, and increases by the number of prize balls for each prize of the game ball.

Further, the table information display unit 35 is displayed large on the screen of the display unit 30. When the player touches the table information A operation unit 41, the table information display unit 35 displays the number of jackpots, which is the table information A. Further, when the player touches the table information B operation unit 42, other information (not shown) is displayed as the table information B.

The player can perform operations related to prize exchange on the screen of the display unit 30. As shown in FIG. 6B, when the prize service operation unit 48 is touched, the prize service display unit 34 appears in place of the stand information display unit 35, and the player exchanges the prize service display unit 34. The "prize name" of each possible prize, the "number of prize exchange balls" required for prize exchange, etc. are displayed for each prize.

In addition, a vertical movement operation unit 48a for moving a cursor (not shown) for the player to select a desired prize from the prizes displayed on the prize service display unit 34 appears. Regarding the exchange of prizes during the game, it may be possible to exchange only drinks, cigarettes, etc. that the player is likely to exchange during the game, instead of all the prizes.

The player determines the prize by touching the up / down movement operation unit 48a to move the cursor position onto the desired prize and then touching the prize selection operation unit 48b. Then, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), the selected and determined "prize name" and the "prize exchange ball number" are displayed on the prize service display unit 34, and the total prize exchange ball number display unit 38 displays. , The "total number of prize exchange balls" required for exchanging all the selected prizes is displayed. Here, the total number of prize exchange balls is a value that can still be changed by touching the cancel operation unit 48c.

Similarly, the number of fireable balls displayed on the screen of the display unit 30 is subtracted by 1 each time the game ball is fired, and the number of prize balls is added at any time each time a prize is won. It is displayed in a variable manner (updated display) in real time. In addition, the "number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange" is displayed on the display unit 37 of the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange, which is a value obtained by subtracting the total number of balls that can be exchanged for prizes from the number of balls that can be fired. As shown in FIG. 7D, the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange is also calculated at any time as the number of balls that can be fired fluctuates, and the latest current value is fluctuated (updated) in real time.

In this way, in the display unit 30, when the player exchanges the prize, the game value required for the prize exchange (total number of prize exchange balls) and the remaining amount that can be immediately used for the game even after the prize exchange is executed. The game value (the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange) and the total game value (the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange) are fluctuated (updated) in real time. With reference to these values, the player can play the game while deciding whether to actually exchange the prize.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8E, when the prize confirmation operation unit 48d is touched, the operation related to the prize exchange by the player is completed. After the completion of such an operation, a notification of "order completion" indicating that the operation related to the prize exchange is completed is displayed on the screen of the display unit 30. Further, the number of launchable balls is continuously displayed (updated) in real time on the launchable ball number display unit 36, but the total prize exchange ball number on the total prize exchange ball number display unit 38 is a fixed value. Fixed display.

Further, the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange on the display unit 37 for the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange is also fixedly displayed as a value at that time. Further, the newly appearing "total" prize exchange ball number display unit 39 displays the total number of exchangeable prize exchange balls, which is the sum of the total number of exchangeable balls and the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange, as a fixed value. NS. In this way, by fixedly displaying a value other than the number of launchable balls that fluctuates in real time, the player can check the current situation when the operation related to the prize exchange is completed, so that the prize exchange can be performed with confidence. be able to.

After that, as shown in FIG. 8 (f), a "delivery" notification indicating that the actual prize is being delivered is displayed on the screen of the display unit 30. Finally, as shown in FIG. 9 (g), a notification of "delivery completed" indicating that the prize has actually been delivered to the player and the prize exchange has been completed is displayed on the screen of the display unit 30. .. In this way, the information regarding the notification of the progress leading to the end of the prize exchange when the prize actually reaches the player is updated and displayed.

This makes it possible for the clerk to confirm the player who ordered the prize. In addition, the player can compare and confirm the content of the actual prize service provided by the clerk and the content related to the displayed prize exchange. Furthermore, both the clerk and the player can confirm that the prize service has definitely been completed. After the prize is delivered, the character color such as the prize name displayed on the prize service display unit 34 and the background color thereof may be changed.

As described above, the display unit 30 which is the display means as described above includes a touch panel display unit, and also serves as a terminal as a touch panel. As a result, even if the screen of the display unit 30 is set large so that it can be easily seen, the operability is improved by also serving as a terminal, and it is possible to respond to a request for space saving. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, by providing the display unit 30 on the front portion of the card unit 20 so as to partition the card unit 20 from the adjacent gaming machine 11, it is possible to function as a partition or a smoke separation plate. Further, since the display unit 30 can appear and disappear, there is no possibility that it will be an obstacle by storing it when not in use.

Hereinafter, processing of the game value possessed by the player in the game store system 1 including the game device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 18. The processes described below are mainly controls of the main body control device 100 (including the calculation means) of the gaming machine 11, the card unit control device 200 (including the calculation means) of the card unit 20, and the mobile information terminal 50 (not shown). Performed by the department.

First, in FIG. 10, a flowchart (FIG. 4 (A)) which is the main flow of processing in the card unit control device 200 of the card unit 20 and a flowchart (FIG. 4) which is the main flow of processing in the main body control device 100 of the gaming machine 11. 4 (B)) will be described side by side, and the processing related to the game value performed in the card unit 20 and the game machine 11 in relation to each other will be described.

In the card unit control device 200, an initial setting process is performed in which various settings are set to predetermined initial states when the power is turned on (step S101). Further, also in the gaming machine 11, the initial setting process (step S201) is performed when the power is turned on.
Next, in the card unit control device 200, when the player starts the game, a card process that is a process when an IC card as a membership card or a guest card is inserted into the card unit 20 is performed (step S102). ..

The gaming machine 11 according to the present embodiment inserts an IC card as a storage medium for storing an ID into a card unit 20 provided adjacent thereto (there is a gaming value corresponding to the ID, and further. At least a part of the game value is the number of balls that can be fired). Therefore, when the IC card is inserted into the IC card reader / writer 23 of the card unit 20, the game machine 11 is basically occupied by the player who owns the IC card, and the game machine 11 is in the game. ..

Then, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11A, in the card processing, the IC card is set, that is, the IC card is already inserted into the card unit 20, and the card processing for the inserted IC card is completed. It is determined whether or not it is (step S111). Here, when the IC card is set (step S111; Y), it means that the card processing has been completed for the IC card of the player playing the game on the current gaming machine 11, and the card processing is completed. And return to the main flow.

On the other hand, when the card is not set (step S111; N), it is determined whether or not the IC card is inserted (step S112), and when the IC card is not inserted (step S112; N). , Finish the process and return to the main flow.
When the IC card is inserted (step S112; Y), the ID stored in the IC card is read by the IC card reader / writer 23 (step S113) and transmitted to the management server 40.

The management server 40 searches the received ID from the database in which the ID of the issued IC card is registered (for example, the one stored in the storage device of the management server 40), and determines whether or not the ID exists in the database. Alternatively, the authenticity of the ID can be confirmed by a well-known ID (key code) confirmation method such as whether or not the ID corresponds to a preset ID generation method (method used when generating an IC card ID). judge.

In the data communication between the card unit 20 and the management server 40, it is assumed that each card unit 20 (the gaming machine 11 corresponding to the card unit 20 on a one-to-one basis) contains information that can individually identify the management server. In 40, the received ID and the information for identifying the card unit 20 to which this ID has been transmitted are associated with each other.

Then, the management server 40 transmits the authenticity determination result of the ID to the card unit 20, and the card unit 20 confirms the authenticity of the IC card corresponding to the received authenticity determination result (step S114). .. That is, when the received determination result is true, the inserted IC card is determined to be true, and when the received determination result is false, the inserted IC card is determined to be false. Then, it is determined whether or not the confirmed determination result is true (step S115), and if it is not true and false (step S115; N), the IC card is ejected from the card insertion slot 21 (step S116).

On the other hand, when the IC card is determined to be true (step S115; Y), the amount information and the number of balls held information stored from the management server 40 corresponding to the ID of the IC card (here, for example, the end of the game). Sometimes, the number of balls held plus the number of balls that can be fired) is read out and stored in RAM 213, and the value of the stored amount information is displayed on the deposit amount display unit 31, and the number of stored balls is stored. The number of balls held in the information is displayed on the number of balls display unit 33 (step S117).

Then, when the card processing is completed in the card unit 20, the deposit processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11B is performed next (step S103). In this deposit processing, first, it is determined whether or not the IC card is inserted into the card insertion slot 21 of the card unit 20 and the above-mentioned card processing is completed, that is, whether or not the IC card is set (step S121). ..

Here, if the IC card is not set (step S121; N), the process ends and the process returns to the main flow of FIG.
That is, if the IC card is not set in the card unit 20, the insertion of the bill into the bill insertion slot 22 is not accepted, and the game without the IC card is not accepted.

On the other hand, when the IC card is set (step S121; Y), it is determined whether or not the bill has been inserted (inserted) into the bill insertion slot 22 (step S122).
Here, if no banknotes have been inserted (step S122; N), the process ends and the process returns to the main flow.

When a bill is inserted (step S122; Y), the amount of the inserted bill is identified by the bill identification machine 24, and the identified amount is transmitted to the management server 40 as deposit amount information. In this process, the deposit amount information is actually set in the memory (RAM 213 or the like) as transmission data (step S123), and the deposit amount information is the management server in the management server transmission process of step S109 of the main flow shown in FIG. It is transmitted to 40. The above-mentioned information such as ID is also actually transmitted in the transmission process.

Further, even when the bill identification machine 24 cannot identify the bill (step S122; N), the inserted bill is discharged and the process is terminated.
When the management server 40 receives the deposit amount information, the deposit amount information is stored in association with the ID, and the amount indicated in the deposit amount information is converted into the amount of the amount information corresponding to the ID. Add and update and store the amount information.

The amount information may be managed on the card unit 20 side while the IC card is inserted in the card unit 20. That is, the amount information corresponding to the ID is read from the management server 40 into the card unit 20 at the time of card processing, and the card unit 20 performs arithmetic processing of addition and subtraction of the amount of money information by inserting bills and ball lending processing described later. When the IC card is ejected in the game end processing described later, the amount information that is the calculation processing result is transmitted to the management server 40, and the amount information received by the management server 40 is updated and stored as the amount information corresponding to the ID. May be.

In the present embodiment, basically all the information related to the game value is stored in the management server 40, and the deposit amount information, the amount information, and the number of balls held in the game value information are stored in the card unit 20 (card unit control). The device 200) manages and stores the information on the number of launchable balls in the game value information, and the game machine 11 (main body control device 100) manages and stores the information. Here, when the number of launchable balls is added, the main body control device 100 transmits information to the card unit 20 that exceeds the upper limit of the number of launchable balls and exceeds the upper limit value when the number of launchable balls is the upper limit value. Then, the number of balls that can be fired is managed as the upper limit.

Next, in the card unit 20, the amount indicated by the identified deposit amount information is displayed on the deposit amount display unit 31, and in the management server 40 or the card unit 20, the deposit amount information is added to the amount of the amount information corresponding to the ID. The result of adding the amounts is used as new amount information, and this amount information is displayed on the deposit amount display unit 31 (step S124). Then, the deposit process is completed and the process returns to the main flow of FIG.

Next, the ball lending process (step S104, step S202) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is performed between the card unit 20 and the gaming machine 11. First, the processing of the card unit 20 shown in FIG. 12A will be described. In the display unit 30 of the card unit 20, it is determined whether or not the ball lending operation unit 46 is touched and the operation signal by the operation signal is input to the card unit control device 200 (step S131). If the ball lending operation unit 46 is not touched (step S131; N), the process ends and the process returns to the main flow of FIG. As described above, the ball lending operation unit 46 is a touch panel type operation switch, and while it is touched, an ON signal is continuously output to the card unit control device 200.

Then, when the ball lending operation unit 46 is touched (step S131; Y), whether or not the ON signal from the ball lending operation unit 46 is continuously input for a predetermined time or longer. That is, it is determined whether or not the ON signal is interrupted within a predetermined time (step S132). In the present embodiment, the number of game balls held by the player as the game value is divided into the number of launchable balls managed by the game machine 11 and the number of balls held by the card unit 20. In the process, when the amount information is converted into the number of game balls, the player can select whether the number of rented balls as the converted number of game balls is the number of balls that can be fired or the number of balls that can be held.

Then, when the ball lending operation unit 46 is pressed and held (step S132; Y), the number of balls to be rented is added to the number of balls held, but the ball lending operation unit 46 is not pressed and held (step S132; N). ), If you touch for a short time as a normal operation, the number of rented balls will be added to the number of balls that can be fired. In this way, in principle, the number of balls rented is set to be added to the number of balls that can be fired. There is an upper limit to the number of balls that can be fired, and when the number of rented balls is added to the number of balls that can be fired, if the number of balls that can be fired exceeds the upper limit, the player adds to the number of balls that can be fired. Even if selected, the number of game balls exceeding the upper limit is added to the number of possessed balls as the number of excess balls.

Specifically, if it is not a long press as a normal operation (step S132; N), 500 is subtracted from the amount of the amount information, and the number of loaned balls 125 is transmitted to the gaming machine 11 (step S133). Here, it is assumed that one game ball is 4 yen. The conversion rate of the game ball is not limited to 4 yen, and can be arbitrarily set within a predetermined range. Further, since the communication between the card unit 20 and the gaming machine 11 is performed by the wiring connected one-to-one, the transmission data is created instead of being transmitted by the transmission process after the transmission data is set once. At that time, it is transmitted from the card unit control device 200 to the game machine 11.

Further, in the present embodiment, the deposit is made by banknotes and the minimum unit is 1000 yen, but the conversion from the amount information in the ball lending process to the number of balls to be lent is in units of 500 yen. Therefore, in the ball lending process, the amount information does not have a fraction smaller than 500. If the amount shown in the amount information stored when the ball lending operation unit 46 is touched is 0, the ball lending process is terminated and the process returns to the main flow of FIG.

Next, the subtracted amount information is updated and stored, and is displayed on the amount display unit (step S134). Further, the subtracted amount information is set to be transmitted to the management server 40 (step S135), and is transmitted by the management server transmission process.
On the other hand, when the ball lending operation unit 46 is touched and it is pressed and held (step S132; Y), the above-mentioned 125 lending balls are added to the number of balls held in the ball lending number information. (Step S136). Here, the above-mentioned subtraction of the amount information is also performed.

Then, the added number of balls held is updated and stored as ball number information, and the updated number of balls held is displayed on the ball number display unit 33 (step S137).
Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S134, the subtracted amount information is displayed as described above (step S134), a process for transmitting the subtracted amount information to the management server 40 is performed (step S135), and the ball The lending process is completed and the process returns to the main flow of FIG.

Next, the ball lending process of the main body control device 100 of the gaming machine 11 shown in FIG. 12B will be described. In step S133 of the card unit 20 described above, the number of rented balls is transmitted, and it is determined whether or not the number of rented balls has been received (step S211). Then, when the number of loaned balls has not been received (step S211; N), the process is terminated and the process returns to the main flow of FIG.
When the number of rented balls is received (step S211; Y), 125 is added as a predetermined number of rented balls to the number of leasable balls in the stored number of launchable balls information (step S212).

Then, it is determined whether or not the addition result of adding the number of rented balls to the number of launchable balls exceeds 250 as the preset upper limit value of the number of launchable balls (step S213).
Here, if the number of launchable balls after addition does not exceed the upper limit value (step S213; N), the number of launchable balls is determined, and the launchable ball number information indicating the number of launchable balls after addition is updated. The stored and updated number of launchable balls is displayed on the launchable ball number display unit 36 of the display unit 30 (step S214), the ball lending process is completed, and the process returns to the main flow. The updated number of launchable balls is also displayed on the display unit 16 of the gaming machine 11.

On the other hand, when the number of launchable balls exceeds the upper limit value (step S213; Y), the number of launchable balls shall be determined by the excess ball process described later, and the excess ball flag for starting the excess ball process. Is set (step S215), the ball lending process in the gaming machine 11 is completed, and the process returns to the main flow of FIG. 10 with the number of balls that can be fired undecided.

Next, in the card unit 20 and the gaming machine 11, a holding ball moving process is performed in which a predetermined number of the holding balls of the card unit 20 is moved to the number of launchable balls of the gaming machine 11 (step S105, step S203). ..
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13A, in the card unit 20, it is first determined whether or not the holding ball moving operation unit 47 is touched as the holding ball moving process (step S141).

When the ball holding movement operation unit 47 is not touched (step S141; N), the current number of balls held is displayed on the ball number display unit 33 in step S14B described later, and transmitted to the management server 40 in step S14C. After setting the number of balls to be held and completing the ball holding process, the process returns to the main flow of FIG. In the present embodiment, the movement between the number of balls held and the number of balls that can be fired is not one direction from the number of balls held to the number of balls that can be fired, but bidirectionally, and the player can use the number of balls held. It is possible to select whether to move the number of game balls to the number of balls that can be fired, or to move the number of game balls from the number of balls that can be fired to the number of balls possessed.

The ball holding operation unit 47 is a touch panel type operation switch similar to the ball lending operation unit 46, and a long press can be determined by the same control as the ball lending operation unit 46. Then, when the holding ball moving operation unit 47 is touched (step S141; Y), whether or not to press and hold which direction the game ball number is moved between the number of launchable balls and the number of holding balls. It is possible to select with, and it is determined whether or not the holding ball movement operation unit 47 has been pressed and held (step S142).

If the touch of the holding ball movement operation unit 47 is not a long press but a short touch (step S142; N), the number of game balls is moved from the number of holding balls to the number of balls that can be fired, and the number of holding balls is increased. It is determined whether or not the number is, for example, 250 or more, which is a predetermined number as a fixed number set when the ball is moved to the number of launchable balls (step S143). Then, when the number of possessed balls is equal to or more than a predetermined number (step S143; Y), the predetermined number of the possessed balls is transmitted to the game machine 11 (step S144), and the stored number of possessed balls information indicates. A predetermined number of balls is subtracted from the number of balls held, and the subtraction result is updated and stored as new information on the number of balls held (step S145).

If the number of balls held in the stored ball number information is smaller than the predetermined number (step S143; N), the current number of balls held is transmitted to the game machine 11 instead of the predetermined number. (Step S146), assuming that all the number of possessed balls has been moved to the game machine 11, new information on the number of possessed balls with the number of possessed balls set to 0 is updated and stored (step S147).

On the other hand, in the ball holding movement process (step S203) of the gaming machine 11 (main body control device 100) in which the current number of balls held is the predetermined number or less than the predetermined number, the number of balls held is first determined in FIG. 13B. Whether or not it has been received is determined (step S221). If the number of possessed balls is not received (step S221; N), the process proceeds to step S226 and subsequent steps for moving the number of game balls from the number of launchable balls to the number of possessed balls, which will be described later.

Then, when the number of balls held is received (step S221; Y), the number of balls held is added to the number of balls that can be fired indicated by the number of balls that can be fired stored in the gaming machine 11 (RAM 113). (Step S222). Therefore, the card unit control device 200 has a function of transmitting a predetermined number of game values (number of game balls) out of the number of balls stored in the RAM 213 to the game machine 11 as the number of launchable balls by a predetermined operation. .. Further, the main body control device 100 of the game machine 11 has a function of receiving the game value (number of balls held) transmitted from the card unit 20 and adding the received number of balls to the number of balls that can be fired as a calculation means. It has.

Next, it is determined whether or not the number of launchable balls to which the number of possessed balls is added is larger than the upper limit value (step S223). Here, when the number of launchable balls is equal to or less than the upper limit value (step S223; N), the number of launchable balls to which the number of possessed balls is added is determined, and a new launchable number indicating the added number of launchable balls is possible. The number of balls information is updated and stored, and the updated number of launchable balls is displayed on the display unit 16 (further, the number of launchable balls display unit 36) (step S224), and the number of game balls from the number of launchable balls to the number of possessed balls. The process proceeds to step S226, which is the process of moving the above.

When the number of balls that can be fired is larger than the upper limit (step S223; Y), the excess ball flag is set (step S225) without determining the number of balls that can be fired, and the number of balls that can be fired by the excess ball processing described later. To determine. Further, after setting the excess ball flag, the process proceeds to step S226, which is a process of moving the number of game balls from the number of launchable balls to the number of possessed balls.

On the other hand, in the processing of the card unit 20, if it is determined in step S142 that the holding ball movement operation unit 47 is long-pressed (step S142; Y), the number of game balls from the number of shootable balls to the number of holding balls The movement of the number of balls that can be fired is transmitted from the card unit 20 (card unit control device 200) to the game machine 11 (main body control device 100) (step S148).
In the game machine 11, it is determined whether or not a request for movement of the number of launchable balls from the card unit 20 has been received as a process of moving the number of game balls from the number of launchable balls to the number of possessed balls (step S226).

Then, when the request for moving the number of launchable balls is not received (step S226; N), the holding ball moving process is ended, and the process returns to the main flow of FIG.
When the fireable ball number movement request is received (step S226; Y), the fireable ball number of the current fireable ball number information is transmitted to the card unit 20 (step S227). Further, assuming that all the current number of launchable balls has been moved to the card unit 20, the number of launchable balls is set to 0, and the number of launchable balls that has become 0 is displayed in the display unit 16 (the number of launchable balls display unit 36). Is displayed (step S228).

In the present embodiment, the current number of launchable balls is set so as to be able to move to the number of possessed balls, but when the number of launchable balls is a predetermined number (for example, 100) or more, a predetermined number is used. It may be set so that only the card unit 20 can be moved. When the number of launchable balls is 0, a signal indicating that the number of launchable balls is 0 is output.

After transmitting the launchable ball number movement request, the card unit 20 determines whether or not the launchable ball number has been received (step S149), and if not received (step S149; N), repeats this determination. As a result, it is in a state of waiting for the reception of the number of balls that can be fired. Then, when the number of launchable balls is received (step S149; Y), the received number of launchable balls is added to the number of possessed balls in the currently stored number of possessed balls information, and this addition result is newly added. It is updated and stored as information on the number of balls held (step S14A).

Then, the number of possessed balls determined by the above processing of the possessed ball movement process is displayed on the ball number display unit 33 (step S14B). This new ball number information is set to be transmitted to the management server 40 (step S14C), and is transmitted to the management server 40 in the management server transmission process. The management server 40 updates and stores new ball number information as ball number information. The card unit 20 ends the ball holding process and returns to the main flow of FIG.

Next, the gaming machine 11 performs the gaming process (step S204) shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this game process, it is determined whether or not the game ball can be launched (step S231). Here, the state in which the card can be fired means that the IC card is set in the card unit 20, the number of balls that can be fired is 1 or more, the touch sensor 142 of the handle 17 is touched by the player's hand, and the like. The conditions necessary for launching the game ball of. If it is not possible to fire (step S231; N), the process proceeds to step S23B described later, and information such as the current number of fireable balls is transmitted to the card unit 20.

If it can be launched (step S231; Y), it is determined whether or not a launch ball has been generated (step S232). Here, when the detection signal of the game ball from the launch ball detection sensor 18e is input, it is determined that the launch ball is generated (game ball launch). Then, only when a launch ball is generated (step S232; Y), the number of launchable balls in the stored launchable ball number information is subtracted by 1 (step S233).

Next, it is determined whether or not a foul ball is generated (step S234). Here, when a game ball detection signal is input from the return ball detection sensor 18c, it is determined that a foul ball has been generated. Then, only when a foul ball is generated (step S234; Y), the number of launchable balls is added by 1 (step S235).

Further, it is determined whether or not a prize ball is generated (step S236). Here, in the game machine 11, when a prize ball command indicating the number of prize balls is won from the game control device 120 to the main body control device 100, it is determined that a prize ball is generated. Then, only when a prize ball is generated (step S236; Y), the number of prize balls indicated in the prize ball command is added to the number of launchable balls (step S237). In the above processing, the number of launchable balls is not determined even if the number of launchable balls is added or subtracted.

Next, it is determined whether or not the number of launchable balls exceeds the upper limit of 250 (step S238), and only when the number of launchable balls is 250 or less (step S238; N), the number of launchable balls is determined. It is confirmed, updated and stored as information on the number of launchable balls, and the determined number of launchable balls is displayed on the display unit 16 (the number of launchable balls display unit 36) (step S239). On the other hand, when the number of launchable balls exceeds 250 (step S238; Y), the excess ball flag is set (step S23A), and the number of launchable balls is determined by the excess ball process described later.

Subsequently, the number of balls that can be fired, error information when an error occurs, and other information are transmitted to the card unit 20 (step S23B), and the information is transmitted to the management server 40 via the card unit 20. Then, the game process is completed and the process returns to the main flow of FIG. The main body control device 100 that performs the above game processing subtracts the game value amount (number of fired balls) used for the game from the number of fireable balls, and the game value (number of prize balls) corresponding to the winning number of the fireable balls. Functions as an arithmetic means for adding.

Next, in the card unit 20 and the gaming machine 11, the excess ball processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15 is performed (step S106, step S205). In the excess ball processing of the gaming machine 11 shown in FIG. 15B, there is the above-mentioned excess ball flag set when the number of launchable balls exceeds the upper limit value by adding the number of game balls to the number of launchable balls. Whether or not it is determined (step S241). If there is no excess ball flag (step S241; N), the excess ball process is terminated and the process returns to the main flow of FIG.

If there is an excess ball flag (step S241; Y), the excess ball flag is cleared (step S242), and after the numerical value is added as described above, it is larger than 250 as the upper limit value, so that it is in an undetermined state. The upper limit value of 250 is subtracted from the number of launchable balls (step S243) to calculate the number of excess balls as a portion exceeding the upper limit of the number of launchable balls. Then, the calculated number of excess balls is transmitted to the card unit 20 as information on the number of excess balls (step S244).

On the other hand, in the card unit 20 shown in FIG. 15 (A), it is determined whether or not the excess ball number information is received (step S151), and if the excess ball number information is not received (step S151; N), the excess is exceeded. End the ball processing. When the excess ball number information is received (step S151; Y), the excess ball number of the received excess ball number information is added to the number of balls held in the possession number information stored in the card unit 20, and the addition result is obtained. The ball number information is updated and stored as the ball number information (step S152), and the updated ball number information is displayed on the ball number display unit 33 (step S153).

Further, the updated number of balls held and the number of balls that can be fired are set in the management server 40 (step S154), and are transmitted by the management server transmission process. Since it is determined that the number of launchable balls at this time is the upper limit of the number of launchable balls excluding the excess number of balls, it is not necessary to transmit the number of launchable balls from the gaming machine 11. , The number of balls that can be fired may be transmitted as the upper limit.

By the above excess ball processing, the main body control device 100 of the gaming machine 11 determines the upper limit value of the calculation result when the calculation result (the result of adding the number of game balls to the number of launchable balls) exceeds the upper limit value. It has a function of transmitting the game value of the portion exceeding the above to the card unit 20 as the excess game value (excess number of balls). Further, the card unit control device 200 of the card unit 20 adds the function of receiving the excess game value transmitted by the main body control device 100, the received excess game value, and the number of balls held in the RAM 213. It has a function to do.

Next, the game end processing (step S107, step S206) in the card unit 20 and the game machine 11 shown in FIG. 16 will be described. In this game end processing, when the game end operation unit 44 of the display unit 30 of the card unit 20 is touched, the number of fireable balls is added to the number of balls, the number of fireable balls is set to 0, and the card unit 20 is set. This is a process in which the IC card is ejected from the machine to prohibit the game on the game machine 11.

In FIG. 16A, the card unit 20 first determines whether or not there is a prize service flag described later (step S161). Here, when the prize service flag is set (step S161; Y), the calculation processing of the number of balls held in the card unit 20 is prohibited, so that the game end processing cannot be performed. The game end processing is completed, and the process returns to the main flow of FIG. Therefore, in the prize exchange process during the game, the game end operation unit 44 is invalid, and even if the player touches the game end operation unit 44, the game end process is not started and the game ends. Can't.

When the prize service flag is not set (step S161; N), whether or not the game end operation unit 44 is touched, that is, the operation signal from the game end operation unit 44 is received by the card unit control device 200. It is determined whether or not the game has been completed (step S162), and if it has not been received (step S162; N), the game end process is terminated, and the process returns to the main flow of FIG. When the operation signal is received from the game end operation unit 44 (step S162; Y), the game end request is transmitted to the game machine 11 (step S163).

As shown in FIG. 16B, in the game end process, the game machine 11 determines whether or not the game end request from the card unit 20 has been received (step S251), and if the game end request is not received, the game end request is not received. (Step S251; N), the game end process is completed, and the process returns to the main flow of FIG. On the other hand, when the game end request is received (step S251; Y), it is determined whether or not the game operation is completed (step S252).

Here, the player who touches the game end operation unit 44 is basically in a state of releasing the hand from the handle 17 and quitting the game, and the launch control device 140 is released from the touch sensor 142 provided on the handle 17. The signal to is off (signal state indicating that it is not touched). As a result, the launch motor 141 of the launch device is stopped by the control of the launch control device 140.

For example, the main body control device 100 determines the end of the game operation based on the fact that the signal from the launch control device 140 or the launch ball detection sensor 18e does not output the detection signal of the game ball for a predetermined time or longer. Further, as a determination of the end of the game operation, the number of floating balls (game balls from being launched into the game area 13 to being collected) that have not been collected after being launched is monitored, and the number of floating balls becomes 0. In this case, it may be determined that the game operation is completed.

The number of floating balls is monitored by the number of launched balls (the number of launched game balls) counted by the detection signal from the launch ball detection sensor 18e and the ball entry detection sensor 18a from the start of the game by inserting the IC card described above. And the difference from the number of collected balls (the number of collected game balls) counted by the detection signal from the return ball detection sensor 18c is calculated and used as the number of floating balls, and it is monitored that the number of floating balls becomes 0.

Further, when the player is operating the launching of the game ball without releasing the handle 17 even though the player touches the game end operation unit 44, the game operation does not end and the game operation ends. Will be in a state of waiting. As an actual process, here, once the game end process is ended, the game returns to the main flow of FIG. 10, the game process (step S204) is made possible again, and the game end process is again performed in the main flow. It is preferable that when the game operation is started, it is determined again whether or not the game operation is completed, and if the game operation is completed, the process proceeds to the next process.

Then, when the game operation is completed (step S252; Y), the end of the game operation is transmitted (step S253), and the current number of balls that can be fired is transmitted to the card unit 20 (step S254). Further, the number of launchable balls stored as the number of launchable balls information is updated and stored as 0, and the updated number of launchable balls, that is, 0 is displayed on the launchable ball number display unit 36 and the display unit 16 (step). S255).

As a result, when the game operation is completed, the number of balls that can be fired becomes 0, and when the player holds the handle 17 again, even if a signal indicating a touch is input from the touch sensor 142 to the fire control device 140, the ball is fired. The control device 140 is controlled by the main body control device 100 so as to prohibit firing because the number of launchable balls is 0, and the game operation (launching of game balls) is not restarted. Then, the game end processing in the game machine 11 is completed, and the process returns to the main flow of FIG.

In FIG. 16A, the card unit 20 that has transmitted the game end request then determines whether or not the above-mentioned game operation end information has been received from the game machine 11 (step S164). When the game operation end information is not received (step S164; N), the state waits for the reception of the game operation end information. Here, as in the case of the gaming machine 11 side for determining the end of the game operation, if the game operation end information cannot be received, the game end process is temporarily terminated, and the game operation end information is used in the next and subsequent game end processes. When it can be received, it shifts to the next process, and if it cannot be received, the game operation process may be terminated.

Then, when the game operation end information is received (step S164; Y), it is determined whether or not the fireable ball number information has been received (step S165), and the state of waiting for the reception of the fireable ball number information is received. It becomes. Then, when the number of launchable balls is received (step S165; Y), the number of launchable balls in the received launchable ball number information is added to the current number of possessed balls stored as the possession number information, and the addition is added. The result is updated and stored as the number of balls information (step S166), and the updated number of balls held is displayed on the number of balls display unit 33 (step S167).

Further, the updated ball number information is set to be transmitted to the management server 40, and is transmitted by the management server transmission process (step S168). At this time, information indicating that the number of launchable balls is 0 is also transmitted, but this information is, for example, if the number of launchable balls is always 0 at the end of the game, the game ends. It may be information indicating.

In addition, the amount information is also transmitted to the management server 40 and managed. The management server 40 manages the updated ball number information and amount information, and when the ID data is read from the IC card by the prize POS terminal 70, the number of balls held corresponding to the ball number information after the game. The prize can be exchanged within the range, and the number of game balls exchanged for the prize is subtracted from the number of balls held in the ball number information, and the subtraction result is updated and stored.

Regarding the amount information, when the ID data is read from the IC card in the settlement machine 80, the management server 40 transmits the amount information corresponding to the ID to the settlement machine 80, and the amount of unused amount in the settlement machine 80. The information is paid out as money, and at the end of settlement, the management server 40 updates and stores the amount information as 0.

Next, the IC card reader / writer 23 of the card unit 20 writes data to the IC card (step S169). The writing here is, for example, information indicating the end of the game, and may include, for example, a game machine number (unit number) indicating the game machine 11 that has been played, a game end time, and the like. Further, the information on the number of balls held and the amount of money may be written on the IC card.

In addition, when the game value information such as the number of balls held and the amount of money information is written on the IC card, when the game value information is used, the game value information written on the IC card and the management server 40 are used as IDs. When the game value information stored in association with each other is different from the game value information stored in the management server 40, the game value information stored in the management server 40 is used. As described above, when the game value information is different, the use of the game value information may be temporarily prohibited. Then, the IC card on which the data has been written is ejected (step S16A), the game end process is completed, and the process returns to the main flow.

Next, the prize service processing shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 will be described. The player can exchange prizes while playing on the screen of the display unit 30 with the IC card inserted in the card unit 20. The operation of the display unit 30 on the screen has been described above, but will be described here as needed. In the prize service process shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, first, it is determined whether or not the card unit 20 shown in FIG. 17 (A) has the prize service flag (step S171).

When the prize service flag is set (step S171; Y), it is determined whether or not the prize service operation unit 48 is touched (step S172), and if the prize service operation unit 48 is not touched (step S172). S172; N), the prize service processing in the card unit 20 is completed, and the process returns to the main flow of FIG. Further, even when the prize service flag is not set (step S171; N), the prize service process is terminated and the process returns to the main flow of FIG.

When the prize service operation unit 48 is touched (step S172; Y), the prize exchange in the display unit 30 of the card unit 20 is started, and as shown in FIG. 6B, the prize service on the screen of the display unit 30 is started. On the display unit 34, the prize name that specifies the type of prize for each prize and the number of prize exchange balls required for prize exchange are displayed (step S173). Here, the information for each prize may be stored in advance in the ROM 212 of the main control unit 210, or the data stored in the management server 40 may be received and stored.

On the screen shown in FIG. 6B, the player touches the vertical movement operation unit 48a to move the cursor (not shown) for selecting a prize up and down to align the cursor position with the desired prize. After that, the prize is selected by touching the prize selection operation unit 48b (step S174). Then, a request for the number of balls that can be fired is transmitted from the card unit 20 (card unit control device 200) to the game machine 11 (main body control device 100) (step S175).

As shown in FIG. 17B, in the gaming machine 11, it is determined whether or not the request for the number of launchable balls from the card unit 20 has been received as the prize service process (step S261). Here, if the request for the number of launchable balls is not received (step S261; N), the prize service process is terminated and the process returns to the main flow of FIG. On the other hand, when the request for the number of launchable balls is received (step S261; Y), the number of launchable balls of the current number of launchable balls information is transmitted to the card unit 20 (step S262). Further, the current number of launchable balls is displayed on the launchable ball number display unit 36 and the display unit 16 (step S263).

After transmitting the request for the number of launchable balls, the card unit 20 determines whether or not the number of launchable balls has been received (step S176), and if not (step S176; N), repeats this determination. By doing so, it becomes a state of waiting for the reception of the number of balls that can be fired. Then, when the number of launchable balls is received (step S176; Y), it is a value obtained by subtracting the number of prize exchange balls of the selected prize from the received number of launchable balls. "Number" is calculated (step S177).

Here, when there are a plurality of the selected prizes, the number of prize exchange balls of all the selected prizes is added, and the addition result is updated and stored as the total number of prize exchange balls information (step S178). The player can cancel the selected prize by touching the cancel operation unit 48c. Then, by touching the prize confirmation operation unit 48d (step S179; Y), a series of operations related to the prize exchange by the player is completed, and unless the prize confirmation operation unit 48d is touched (step S179; N), the above-mentioned The process from the selection of the prize (step S174) is repeated.

In this way, in the game device 10, prizes can be exchanged based on the number of balls that can be fired. Here, the number of balls that can be fired corresponds to the game balls stored in the upper plate of the conventional game machine. Therefore, the player can receive the prize service with respect to the enclosed gaming machine in the same sense as other general gaming machines. Moreover, before the prize exchange is executed, the current values of the number of fireable balls, the total number of prize exchange balls, and the number of fireable balls at the time of exchange are updated and displayed at any time on the screen of the display unit 30. Will be done.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 7 (c) and 7 (d), the number of launchable balls is the latest current value in real time on the display unit 30 and the display unit 30 for the number of launchable balls. Variable display (update display). In addition, the latest current value of the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange is displayed (updated) in real time on the display unit 37 of the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange of the display unit 30 in real time as the number of balls that can be fired changes. NS. Further, the total number of exchanged balls for prizes is also displayed on the total number of exchanged balls for prizes display unit 38 of the display unit 30, and may be changed by the operation of the cancel operation unit 48c.

With such a display by the display means 30, when the player exchanges the prize, the game value required for the prize exchange (total number of prize exchange balls) and the remaining game that can be immediately used for the game even after the prize exchange is executed. It is possible to grasp the value (the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange) and the total game value (the number of balls that can be fired) in real time, and it is possible to play the game while deciding whether to actually exchange the prize. ..

In particular, these displays are updated and displayed (added by the prize ball, subtracted by the launch) in real time each time the game ball is launched, even during the series of operations related to the prize exchange described above (steps S174 to S179). NS. Therefore, the player can check the number of balls that can be fired at the present time and the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange, which is the number of balls that can be fired after exchanging the prize, which can be useful for determining whether or not to exchange the prize. can.

If the number of balls that can be fired is less than the number of prize exchange balls in step S177 described above, for example, a display indicating that the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange is negative is displayed, and the player is asked to reselect the prize. If the number of balls held is more than a predetermined number, the number of game balls is moved from the number of balls held to the number of balls that can be fired by the above-mentioned movement process of held balls, or the prize service process is set to end. You may. Further, at the stage of step S173 described above, the prize service display unit 34 may be set to display exchangeable prize information within the range of the number of launchable balls owned by the player.

Returning to FIG. 17A, when the prize confirmation operation unit 48d is touched (step S179; Y), the total number of cards from the card unit 20 (card unit control device 200) to the gaming machine 11 (main body control device 100) is reached. A request for the number of prize exchange balls is transmitted (step S180).
In the gaming machine 11, it is determined whether or not the request for the total number of prize exchange balls from the card unit 20 has been received (step S264). Here, if the request for the total number of prize exchange balls is not received (step S264; N), the determination is repeated to wait for the reception of the total number of prize exchange balls.

Then, when the total number of prize exchange balls is received (step S264; Y), the received total number of prize exchange balls is subtracted from the number of fireable balls, and the latest number of fireable balls after the prize exchange is performed. Is calculated (step S265). Such calculation is executed by the main body control device 100 (calculation means) of the gaming machine 11. Further, the latest number of launchable balls is updated and displayed on the launchable ball number display unit 36 and the display unit 16 (step S266). As a result, the series of prize service processing in the gaming machine 11 is completed, and the process returns to the main flow of FIG.

Again, the card unit 20 transmits the prize service information to the management server 40 and the mobile information terminal 50 after transmitting the total number of prize exchange balls (step S181). Here, the prize service information includes "table information" for specifying the gaming machine 11 as described above, "prize information" for specifying the type of prize selected by the player, and "prize information" necessary for exchanging prizes. "Number of prize exchange balls" is applicable.

As shown in FIG. 17D, the management server 40 determines whether or not the prize service information from the card unit 20 has been received as the prize service process (step S411). Here, if the prize service information is not received (step S411; N), the prize service process is terminated and the process returns to the main flow of FIG.

On the other hand, when the prize service information is received (step S411; Y), the prize service information is registered in association with the ID corresponding to the member player (step S412). Subsequently, the management server 40 transmits the state information to the card unit 20 (card unit control device 200) (step S413). Here, the status information means "order completed" indicating that the operation related to the prize exchange by the player has been accepted as described above, and "delivering" indicating that the clerk is delivering the actual prize to the player. Is applicable.

Again, after transmitting the prize service information, the card unit 20 determines whether or not the status information from the management server 40 has been received (step S182), and if not (step S182; N). By repeating this determination, it becomes a state of waiting for the reception of the state information. Then, when the state information is received (step S182; Y), as shown in FIG. 8 (e), "order completion" is displayed on the screen of the display unit 30 (step S183). Further, as shown in FIG. 8 (f), "delivery in progress" is displayed on the screen of the display unit 30 (step S184). After that, the prize service flag is set (step S185).

Further, as described above, after the prize confirmation operation unit 48d is touched, the total number of prize exchange balls is fixedly displayed on the screen of the display unit 30 as a fixed value on the total prize exchange ball number display unit 38. The number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange is also fixedly displayed on the display unit 37 of the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange. Further, the total number of exchanged balls for exchange is displayed as a fixed value on the total number of exchanged balls for exchange 38, which is the sum of the total number of exchanged balls for exchange and the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange. With these displays, the player can confirm in advance the current situation when the operation related to the prize exchange is completed.

Further, after transmitting the state information, the management server 40 transmits the prize service information received from the card unit 20 (card unit control device 200) to the mobile information terminal 50 (step S414). Then, it is registered that the prize service information has been transmitted (step S415).

As shown in FIG. 17C, in the mobile information terminal 50, as a prize service process, it is first determined whether or not the prize service information from the management server 40 has been received (step S311). Here, if the prize service information is not received (step S311; N), the prize service process is terminated and the process returns to the main flow of FIG. On the other hand, when the prize service information is received (step S311; Y), the prize service information is registered (step S312), and the prize service information is displayed on the display unit included in the mobile information terminal 50 (step S313). ..

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 18C, in the mobile information terminal 50, it is determined whether or not the prize exchange button has been pressed down by the clerk (step S314). Here, if the push-down operation is not performed (step S314; N), the prize service process is terminated. When the push-down operation is performed (step S314; Y), the prize service information request is transmitted to the card unit 20 (card unit control device 200) (step S315).

As shown in FIG. 18A, the card unit 20 determines whether or not the prize service information request from the mobile information terminal 50 has been received (step S186). Here, if the prize service information request is not received (step S186; N), the prize service process is terminated and the process returns to the main flow of FIG. On the other hand, when the prize service information request is received (step S186; Y), the prize service information is transmitted to the mobile information terminal 50 (step S187).

The mobile information terminal 50 determines whether or not the prize service information from the card unit 20 has been received (step S316). Here, when the prize service information is not received (step S316; N), by repeating this determination, the state of waiting for the reception of the prize service information is set. On the other hand, when the prize service information is received (step S316; Y), the authenticity of the prize service information is confirmed (step S317).

If the prize service information is false (step S318; N), the prize service process is terminated and the process returns to the main flow of FIG. On the other hand, if the prize service information is true (step S318; Y), it is determined whether or not the prize delivery button has been pressed down by the clerk (step S319). Here, if the push-down operation is not performed (step S319; N), by repeating this determination, the push-down operation of the prize delivery button is put on standby. On the other hand, when the push-down operation is performed (step S319; Y), the prize delivery information is transmitted to the card unit 20 (card unit control device 200) (step S320).

Then, the card unit 20 determines whether or not the prize delivery information from the mobile information terminal 50 has been received (step S188). Here, if the prize delivery information is not received (step S188; N), by repeating this determination, the state of waiting for the receipt of the prize delivery information is set. On the other hand, when the prize delivery information is received (step S188; Y), the prize exchange completion information is transmitted to the mobile information terminal 50 (step S189). Subsequently, the prize exchange completion information is also transmitted to the management server 40 (step S190).

The mobile information terminal 50 determines whether or not the prize exchange completion information from the card unit 20 has been received (step S321). Here, if the prize exchange completion information is not received (step S321; N), by repeating this determination, the state of waiting for the reception of the prize exchange completion information is set. On the other hand, when the prize exchange completion information is received (step S321; Y), the prize exchange completion information is recorded (step S322), "delivery completed" is displayed on the display unit (step S323), and then this The display of "delivery completed" is cleared (step S324). As a result, the prize service processing on the mobile information terminal 50 is completed.

Further, the management server 40 also determines whether or not the prize exchange completion information from the card unit 20 has been received (step S416). Here, if the prize exchange completion information is not received (step S416; N), the prize service process is terminated. On the other hand, when the prize exchange completion information is received (step S416; Y), the prize exchange completion information is recorded (step S417), "delivery completed" is displayed on the display unit (step S418), and then this The display of "delivery completed" is cleared (step S419). As a result, the prize service processing on the management server 40 is completed.

Then, in the card unit 20, after transmitting the prize exchange completion information, the prize exchange completion information is recorded (step S191), and as shown in FIG. 9 (g), “delivery completed” is displayed on the screen of the display unit 30. Is displayed (step S192), and then the display of "delivery completed" is cleared (step S193). Then, the prize service flag is cleared (step S194). As a result, the prize service processing in the card unit 20 is completed.

In such a prize service process, as described above, after the operation related to the prize exchange by the player is completed, that is, after the prize confirmation operation unit 48d is touched, the display unit 30 is as shown in FIG. 8 (e). "Order completed" is displayed on the screen. Further, during the delivery of the prize by the clerk, "delivering" is displayed as shown in FIG. 8 (f), and when the prize is handed over from the clerk to the player, as shown in FIG. 9 (g). "Delivery completed" is displayed.

In the game store system 1 as described above, the RAM 113, which is the storage means, stores the number of balls that can be fired (usable number) among the game values up to a predetermined upper limit value, and stores the amount exceeding the upper limit value. It is stored separately as the number of balls held (waiting for use), and prizes can be exchanged from only the number of balls that can be fired. However, as a modification of the present embodiment, it may be configured as follows.

That is, when the prize exchange is executed based on the operation of the display unit 30 (terminal unit), the main body control device 100 (calculation means) of the game machine 11 can be fired stored in the RAM 113 (storage means). Of the number of balls (usable number) or the number of balls held (waiting for use) stored in the RAM 213 (storage means), the number of balls held is preferentially subtracted from the number of balls held, and the number of balls held is said to be the number of balls held. If there is no such item, the number of balls that can be fired may be set to be subtracted from the number of prize exchanges.

In this way, when there is a number of balls, by giving priority to the number of balls that can be fired and providing the prize service, even if the number of balls is reduced due to the exchange of prizes, it is used directly for the game. It does not affect the number of balls that can be fired. In addition, by displaying a message such as "The number of balls held" is displayed when exchanging prizes, the player can be informed of the game value (number of balls held) of the person to whom the number of balls exchanged for prizes is subtracted. Therefore, the player can exchange the prize with confidence while checking the game value used for the prize exchange.

Alternatively, when the prize exchange is executed based on the operation of the display unit 30 (terminal unit), the main body control device 100 (calculation means) of the game machine 11 can be fired stored in the RAM 113 (storage means). Of the number of balls (usable number) or the number of balls held (waiting for use) stored in the RAM 213 (storage means), the number of balls held is preferentially subtracted from the number of balls held, and the number of balls held is said to be the number of balls held. If is insufficient on the way, the shortage may be set to be subtracted from the number of balls that can be fired.

In this way, the number of balls that can be fired and the number of balls held can be combined and applied to the number of balls exchanged for prizes. It can be carried out. In such a case, first display "Use the number of balls you have." And when you use the number of balls that can be fired due to insufficient number of balls, "The number of balls you have is insufficient. Number of balls that can be fired. By displaying a message such as "I will use." To inform the player of the game value used for the prize exchange, the player can exchange the prize with confidence while confirming the game value used for the prize exchange. be able to.

Further, in the latter modification, when the number of balls held is insufficient at the time of prize exchange, when both the number of balls used for prize exchange and the number of balls that can be fired are sufficient. It is good to display the number of balls used for the prize exchange. In this way, by displaying the breakdown of which game value was used, the player can confirm the game value used for the prize exchange, and the prize exchange can be performed with peace of mind.

Furthermore, when the number of balls that can be fired becomes a predetermined number (for example, 10) or less, the number of balls that can be fired is automatically changed from the number of balls that can be fired to a predetermined number of game balls without touching the ball holding operation unit 47. It is also possible to configure the number so that it can be moved. In such a case, if the number of game balls is set to be larger than the upper limit of the number of balls that can be fired, the number of game balls that is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the number of balls that can be fired is particularly set to the ball lending operation unit 46 or the holding ball. It is possible to fire without operating the movement operation unit 47, and a player who finds it bothersome to touch the ball lending operation unit 46 and the holding ball movement operation unit 47 relatively frequently can execute the game without being bothered. It will be possible.

19 to 22 show the transition of the screen display on the display unit 30 of the card unit 20 and the display unit 16 of the gaming machine 11 in the gaming device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, among the game values, the number of balls lent out based on the lending operation equivalent to the amount of money input by the player and the number of prize balls paid out based on the winning in the game are stored separately. Is set to. Here, for example, the number of rented balls may be stored in the RAM 213 (storage means) of the card unit 20, and the number of prize balls may be stored in the RAM 113 (storage means) of the game device 10.

Then, the display unit 30 (display means) updates the current values of the number of balls rented, the number of prize balls, and the number of balls held, which is the sum of these and the number of balls that can be fired (usable number). indicate. The display control here may be set to be executed by the main control unit 210 of the card unit 20, similarly to the display control of the display unit 30 in the first embodiment. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, on the screen of the display unit 30, the balance display unit 32a, the ball rental display unit 32b, and the prize ball display unit 32c are displayed as display units different from those of the first embodiment. And are provided. Further, as the display unit similar to the first embodiment, the deposit amount display unit 31, the number of balls held display unit 33, the prize service display unit 34, the table information display unit 35, the number of fireable balls display unit 36, and the time of replacement A launchable ball number display unit 37, a total prize exchange ball number display unit 38, and the like are provided.

First, when an IC card is inserted into the card unit 20 and then a bill (for example, a 10,000 yen bill) is inserted, the deposit amount display unit 31 on the screen of the display unit 30 is inserted as shown in FIG. 19 (a). The amount is displayed. When the player touches the ball lending operation unit 46 in this state, a predetermined amount is subtracted from the game value indicating the deposit amount, and the number of ball lending corresponding to the predetermined amount is additionally displayed on the ball lending display unit 32b. .. Further, the balance display unit 32a is set so that the balance is displayed at any time. Here, the deposit amount displayed on the deposit amount display unit 31 is for indicating the total amount of the amount of money that the player has put into the card unit 20, and is not subtracted even if the amount data is converted into the number of balls to be lent. The state displayed as 10,000 yen continues.

When the player operates the handle 17 to launch a game ball into the game area 13, the number of launchable balls displayed on the display unit 16 on the game machine 11 is subtracted by 1 each time the game ball is fired. At the same time, the subtracted number of launchable balls is updated and displayed in real time. In the example shown in FIG. 19A, the display unit 16 displays 250, which is the upper limit of the number of balls that can be fired. Further, when a game ball is won in the game, the number of prize balls generated by this winning is additionally displayed on the prize ball display unit 32c.

Further, the number of balls held display unit 33 displays the number of balls that can be fired displayed on the display unit 16, the number of balls rented displayed on the ball rental display unit 32b, and the prize ball display unit 32c. The number of balls held, which is the sum of the number of prize balls and the number of prize balls, is displayed. These numbers are updated and displayed in real time. By touching the holding ball movement operation unit 47, the player touches the ball rental number displayed on the ball rental display unit 32b and the prize ball number displayed on the prize ball display unit 32c. The number of game balls corresponding to each game value can be moved to the number of launchable balls displayed on the display unit 16. In the normal game state, the table information display unit 35 appears large on the screen of the display unit 30.

In FIG. 19B, the remaining amount displayed on the balance display unit 32a is already 0, the number of balls lent displayed on the ball rental display unit 32b, and the prize displayed on the prize ball display unit 32c. The number of balls is also 0, respectively. The number of launchable balls displayed on the display unit 16 at this time is 249, and the player can exchange prizes within the range of the number of launchable balls. When the player touches the prize service operation unit 48, the prize service display unit 34 displaying the "prize name", the "number of prize exchange balls", and the like appears in place of the stand information display unit 35.

Touch the up / down movement operation unit 48a to move the cursor position on the desired prize on the prize service display unit 34, and then touch the prize selection operation unit 48b to determine the desired prize. .. Then, as shown in FIG. 20 (c), the selected and determined "prize name" and the "prize exchange ball number" are displayed on the prize service display unit 34, and the total prize exchange ball number display unit 38 displays. , The "total number of prize exchange balls" required for exchanging all the selected prizes is displayed. Here, the total number of prize exchange balls is a value that can still be changed by touching the cancel operation unit 48c.

Similarly, the number of fireable balls displayed on the screen of the display unit 30 is subtracted by 1 each time the game ball is fired, and the number of prize balls is added at any time each time a prize is won. It is displayed in a variable manner (updated display) in real time. In addition, the "number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange" is displayed on the display unit 37 of the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange, which is a value obtained by subtracting the total number of balls that can be exchanged for prizes from the number of balls that can be fired. As shown in FIG. 20D, the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange is also calculated at any time as the number of balls that can be fired fluctuates, and the latest current value is fluctuated (updated) in real time.

In this way, in the display unit 30, when the player exchanges the prize, the game value required for the prize exchange (total number of prize exchange balls) and the remaining amount that can be immediately used for the game even after the prize exchange is executed. The game value (the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange) and the total game value (the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange) are fluctuated (updated) in real time. Similarly, the above-mentioned number of rented balls, the number of prize balls, and the total number of balls held, which is the sum of these, are also variablely displayed (updated) in real time.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 21E, when the prize confirmation operation unit 48d is touched, the operation related to the prize exchange by the player is completed. After the completion of such an operation, a notification of "order completion" indicating that the operation related to the prize exchange is completed is displayed on the screen of the display unit 30. Further, the number of launchable balls is continuously displayed (updated) in real time on the launchable ball number display unit 36, but the total prize exchange ball number on the total prize exchange ball number display unit 38 is a fixed value. Fixed display.

Further, the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange on the display unit 37 for the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange is also fixedly displayed as a value at that time. Further, the newly appearing "total" prize exchange ball number display unit 39 displays the total number of exchangeable prize exchange balls, which is the sum of the total number of exchangeable balls and the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange, as a fixed value. Will be. In addition, the number of rented balls, the number of prize balls, and the total number of balls held, which is the sum of these, are also displayed (updated) in real time as in the case of the number of balls that can be fired.

After that, as shown in FIG. 21 (f), a "delivery" notification indicating that the actual prize is being delivered is displayed on the screen of the display unit 30. Finally, as shown in FIG. 22 (g), on the screen of the display unit 30, a notification of "delivery completed" indicating that the prize has actually been delivered to the player and the prize exchange has been completed is displayed. .. At this point, the remaining amount displayed on the balance display unit 32a is 0.

Further, the number of ball rentals displayed on the ball rental display unit 32b is 0, and the number of prize balls displayed on the prize ball display unit 32c is 4. Further, the number of balls that can be fired at the present time displayed on the display unit 16 has decreased to 145, and the total number of balls held is displayed on the number display unit 33 as 149. There is. The number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange displayed on the display unit 37 of the number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange remains fixedly displayed at 147 at the time when the prize confirmation operation unit 48d is touched.

According to the game device 10 according to the second embodiment, the number of rented balls and the number of prize balls are stored separately among the game values owned by the player. Then, in addition to the number of rented balls and the number of prize balls, the display unit 30 updates and displays the current values of the number of balls held, which is the sum of these and the number of balls that can be fired. As a result, the player can clearly confirm the detailed breakdown of the number of balls held (the number of rented balls and the number of prize balls), and can grasp the types and numbers of all game values in real time. ..

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention may be changed or added without departing from the gist of the present invention. Included in the invention. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the gaming machine is applied to the pachinko machine has been described, but the gaming machine is not limited to the pachinko machine, and for example, a game as data without ejecting a medal which is a gaming medium. It may be a slot machine (pachislot machine) that can be played with value.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the terminal is configured to also serve as a display unit as a display unit 30 provided in the card unit 20, but the terminal can provide information that identifies a player, such as an IC card ID. As input, the information may be transmitted to, for example, the management server 40, and an information input device such as a card reader may be arranged as a separate pair on the outside. Further, the terminal may be built in the gaming machine. That is, the gaming machine and the terminal may be integrated into a gaming device.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the number of balls that can be fired (the number of usable balls) among the game values owned by the player is stored up to a predetermined upper limit value, and the number of balls that exceeds the upper limit value (the number of balls that exceeds the upper limit value). Although it is stored separately as the number of waiting balls to be used), it may be set to store all the game values as the number of balls that can be fired without setting an upper limit value for the number of balls that can be fired.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the calculation means for updating and storing the current value of the number of launchable balls is distributed to the main body control device 100 of the gaming machine 11 and the card unit control device 200 of the card unit 20. However, it may be configured to be collectively set to either one, or it may be configured to be managed by the management server 40.

Further, the storage means for storing the number of fireable balls is RAM 113 in the main body control device 100, and the storage means for storing the number of balls held exceeding the upper limit of the number of fireable balls is RAM 213 in the card unit control device 200. However, the specific locations of these storage means are not limited to the RAM 113 and the RAM 213.

The gaming device according to the present invention can be applied to an enclosed gaming machine in which the gaming balls enclosed in the machine are circulated and used without paying out the actual gaming balls, among the pachinko machines.

1 ... Game store system 2 ... Hub 10 ... Game device 11 ... Game machine 12 ... Game board 13 ... Game area 14 ... Decorative lamp 15 ... Speaker 16 ... Display 17 ... Handle 18 ... Enclosed path unit 20 ... Card unit 21 ... Card Insertion port 22 ... Bill insertion slot 30 ... Display unit 31 ... Deposit amount display 32a ... Balance display 32b ... Ball rental display 32c ... Prize ball display 33 ... Number of balls held 34 ... Free gift service display 35 ... Unit Information display unit 36 ... Number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange 37 ... Number of balls that can be fired at the time of exchange 38 ... Total number of exchangeable balls for prizes 39 ... "Total" number of balls that can be exchanged at the time of exchange 40 ... Management server 41 ... Units Information A operation unit 42 ... Unit information B operation unit 43 ... Member information operation unit 44 ... Game end operation unit 45 ... Break operation unit 46 ... Ball rental operation unit 47 ... Ball rental operation unit 48 ... Free gift service operation unit 48d ... Free gift Confirmation operation unit 50 ... Mobile information terminal 60 ... Prize monitor device 70 ... Prize POS terminal 80 ... Settlement machine 100 ... Main unit control device 110 ... Main control unit 120 ... Game control device 130 ... Production control device 140 ... Launch control device 150 ... Power supply Device 200 ... Card unit control device 210 ... Main control unit

Claims (1)

Equipped with a terminal attached to a game machine that plays games using game media to input various information, the number of game media owned by the player can be managed as a game value, and the game value can be exchanged for a prize. In the gaming device that is
Of the game value, the amount that can be used immediately for the game is defined as the usable number, and the portion that exceeds the usable number is defined as the waiting number.
When a prize is selected on the terminal, the terminal can be exchanged for a prize from the waiting number of the game value, and if there is no waiting number for use at the time of exchanging the prize, the prize can be exchanged from the usable number. A gaming device characterized by being present.

Images