JP2022048553A - Device for game and method for being temporarily away from seat - Google Patents

Abstract

To preliminarily prevent troubles possibly occurring when a new game customer starts a game with cancellation of a state of temporary away from the seat.SOLUTION: When a game player is temporarily away from the seat, if he/she selects a menu of "temporarily away from seat" on a menu screen of an interspace card processing machine (S1), the interspace card processing machine forbids reception of an operation such as insertion of currency and displays that the player is temporarily away from the seat, on a display part (S2). The interspace card processing machine specifies a lapse time from a time instant when operating to select the menu of temporarily away from seat and, when the lapse time exceeds a preliminarily-set setup time (for example, 10 minutes) (S3), changes processing thereafter according to whether or not game balls remain in the game machine. When game balls remain in the game machine, the intermediate processing machine notifies thereof to an employee (S4). On the other hand, when no game balls remain in the game machine, the intermediate card processing machine automatically cancels the state of temporarily away from the seat (S4').SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming device and a temporary leaving method that can prevent troubles that occur when a new player starts a game due to the release of the temporary leaving state.

Conventionally, in a game store such as a pachinko parlor, a stand-to-stand card processing machine is arranged so as to be able to communicate with the game machine. This inter-unit card processor may be provided with a temporary leave function. This is to allow the pachinko player to temporarily leave the pachinko machine for toilets, smoking, telephone calls, and the like. For example, when a player temporarily leaves the pachinko machine, "temporary leave" is selected on the menu screen of the pachinko / pachislot machine.

If the player does not return to the gaming machine until a certain period of time elapses, the temporary absence state is canceled by an employee operation or automatic operation, and another player can play the game. However, if money is accepted by another player while the number of balls remaining in the gaming machine is accepted, the number of balls held by the previous player and the number of balls held by the new player will be added up. , Causes trouble. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for prohibiting the acceptance of money deposits when a predetermined operation is accepted by the inter-unit card processing machine.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-077443

However, since the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is not intended for an enclosed game machine that does not throw the game medium out of the machine, even if the player performs a card return operation before the temporary leaving operation. , There is a possibility that the number of playable games that the player can use for the game (hereinafter referred to as "the number of game balls") remains in the game machine.

As a result, the temporary absence state is released with the number of game balls of the previous player remaining, the next player accepts the insertion of money, and the game ball of the previous player and the new player The number of game balls may be added up, causing a problem that causes new troubles.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems (problems) of the prior art, and causes troubles that occur when a new player starts a game due to the release of the temporary absence state. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming device and a temporary leaving method that can be prevented.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a gaming device that is communicably connected to an enclosed gaming machine that provides a game based on the number of gaming media stored in a predetermined storage unit. The acquisition means for acquiring the number of gaming media, the reception means for accepting at least a predetermined temporary leave operation, and if the temporary leave operation is accepted by the reception means, the function including the insertion of money is restricted. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the means and the temporary leave operation were received, and the number of gaming media acquired by the acquisition means is less than the predetermined number, the restriction on the function by the temporary leave means is released. It is characterized by being equipped with a means for temporarily releasing the seat.

Further, in the above invention, in the above invention, when a predetermined time has elapsed from receiving the temporary leaving operation and the number of gaming media acquired by the acquisition means is a predetermined number or more, the present invention notifies that fact. It is characterized in that it is further provided with a notification means.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the predetermined time is a time during which a preset player can temporarily leave the seat.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, if the temporary leave release means receives the temporary leave release operation by the reception means before a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the temporary leave operation. For example, it is characterized in that the restriction on the function by the temporary leaving means is released.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the receiving means receives any one of the authentication information input by the player, the authentication information stored in the storage medium, and the authentication information stored in the mobile terminal device. And.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the setting acquisition means for acquiring the setting information including the predetermined time and the predetermined number is further provided.

Further, the present invention is a method for temporarily leaving a seat in a gaming device communicably connected to an enclosed gaming machine that provides a game based on the number of gaming media stored in a predetermined storage unit. An acquisition step in which the device acquires the number of game media of the game machine, a reception step in which the game device accepts at least a predetermined temporary leave operation, and a temporary leave operation in which the game device receives at least a predetermined temporary leave operation. If a predetermined time has passed since the game device received the temporary leave operation, the temporary leave step that limits the function including the insertion of money, and the acquisition step. When the number of game media is less than a predetermined number, it is characterized by including a temporary leave release step of releasing the restriction of the function by the temporary leave step.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent troubles that occur when a new player starts a game due to the release of the temporary absence state.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the gaming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the gaming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine and the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the inter-unit card processor shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of own device state data, card data, game ball number data, set time data, time exceeded setting data, minimum return number data, and absentee start method data shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the game type setting data, the card management data, the device management data, and the member management data shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the set time data, the time-exceeded setting data, and the minimum return quantity data shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation pattern when the temporary leave time is exceeded according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the inter-unit card processing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an outline of the gaming system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen display pattern of the inter-table card processing machine at the time of temporary leaving the seat according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an outline of the gaming system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an operation when the break time is exceeded according to the third embodiment.

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, the gaming device and the temporary leaving method according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

In the present specification, the "mochidama" is data indicating a game medium acquired by a player in a game, and may be re-used for the game only during the day (time before the closing time of the game store). It means what you can do. The "number of balls" means the number of game media acquired by the player through the game. Further, the "reservoir" is data indicating a game medium deposited by a player in a game store, and means that the data can be used again for the game from the next day onward (time after the closing time of the game store). The "number of stored balls" means the number of game media deposited by the player at the game store. The pachinko ball can be used by both general pachinko and member pachinko players, and is used when the pachinko machine is moved. As a general rule, the ball storage can be used only by member pachinko players, and is used when the acquired gaming medium is used for gaming of a gaming machine from the next day onward. Further, the "number of game balls" means the number of playable games that the player can use for the game.

<Outline of the game system according to the first embodiment>
First, an outline of the gaming system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the gaming system according to the first embodiment. The inter-unit card processing machine of the first embodiment is provided with a temporary leave function. This is to allow the pachinko player to temporarily leave the pachinko machine for toilets, smoking, telephone calls, and the like.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, when the player temporarily leaves the gaming machine, if "temporarily leaving" is selected on the menu screen of the pachinko / pachislot card processing machine (S1). ), The pachinko card processing machine prohibits the acceptance of operations such as depositing money, and displays on the display unit that the player is temporarily absent (S2).

The inter-unit card processor identifies the elapsed time from the time of the temporary leave selection operation, and if this elapsed time exceeds the preset time (for example, 10 minutes) (S3), it is stored in the game machine. Subsequent processing is changed depending on whether or not the game ball remains.

If a game ball remains in the game machine, the employee is notified (S4). This is to clear the game balls remaining in the game machine by the operation of the employee and prevent the generation of new game balls due to the reception of money by the next player. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of troubles associated with the summing of the game balls of different players.

On the other hand, if the game ball does not remain in the game machine, the inter-table card processing machine automatically cancels the temporary absence state (S4'). By automatically canceling, it is possible to reduce the time required for busy employees to deal with the gaming machine and increase the operating rate of the gaming machine.

<System configuration>
Next, the system configuration of the gaming system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the gaming system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of gaming machines 20 and a platform card processing machine 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20 are installed in the gaming store. The inter-unit card processor 10 is connected to a communication line, which is a network in the store, via the island controller 30. The island controller 30, the management device 50, the prize management device 60, and the checkout machine 70 are connected to the communication line.

The gaming machine 20 is a device for playing a game by driving a gaming ball enclosed inside the apparatus into a gaming board surface. It should be noted that this game ball is a physical "ball" used for the game, and is different from the "game ball" handled by the game machine 20 as data. A plurality of winning areas (winning openings) are provided on the gaming board surface of the gaming machine 20, and a predetermined number of gaming balls are awarded as prize balls based on the passage of the gaming balls through the winning areas. It has become. Further, a predetermined number of starting areas (starting openings) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is performed based on the passage of the game balls through the starting areas. If the lottery is a big hit, the operation of a predetermined movable member or the like is performed to perform an operation that is advantageous in terms of the game, such as improving the probability of passing the game ball to the above-mentioned winning area or another starting area. In addition, there may be a region that serves as both a starting region and a winning region.

In the above winning area, a winning sensor is provided to detect the passage of the game ball to the winning area, and the passing (winning) of the game ball driven into the winning area by the winning sensor is detected. ing. Further, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize ball memory for storing how many game balls are given as prize balls for each winning area, and a gameable number memory indicating the number of game balls. Further, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 periodically transmits the number of gaming balls to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

When the inter-unit card processing machine 10 receives a deposit from a player, the prepaid value corresponding to the deposit amount is associated with the identification information (card ID) of the card stored inside the own device. This prepaid value can be used for lending game balls. Further, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 can accept the insertion of a card associated with a prepaid value, a possession ball, a ball storage, and the like. Then, at the end of the game, the card associated with the prepaid value, the possessed ball, the stored ball, etc. is discharged and returned to the player. Further, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 transmits the history of operations such as deposit, card insertion, and card ejection to the management device 50.

When a predetermined number of game balls are launched on the surface of the game board, the game machine 20 transmits out data to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10. Further, the gaming machine 20 transmits safe data to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 when the gaming balls pass through the winning area (so-called winning) and a predetermined number of winning balls are added to the gaming balls. Further, when a special state such as a big hit occurs due to the game, special prize data indicating the occurrence of such a state is transmitted to the inter-unit card processing machine 10.

The out data corresponds to the number of balls hit, which is the number of balls hit by the player on the surface of the game board. Safe data corresponds to the number of winning balls obtained by winning. Further, the special prize data shows the state of the gaming machine 20 such as a big hit. Each data is transmitted to the management device 50 via the inter-unit card processing machine 10, and the management device 50 can obtain a history of the operation of the gaming machine 20 by accumulating out data, safe data, and special prize data. can.

The inter-unit card processing machine 10 accepts deposits, rents out gaming balls, communicates with the management device 50, and communicates with the gaming machine 20. When the inter-unit card processing machine 10 receives the bills inserted by the player, the management device 50 manages the prepaid value equivalent to the deposit amount by transmitting a deposit notification including the deposit amount to the management device 50. Add to the value. Then, when the predetermined ball lending operation is performed, the ball lending request is transmitted to the management device 50, the prepaid value managed by the management device 50 is subtracted, and the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value is calculated by the gaming machine 20. Is notified to and added to the number of game balls.

When the inter-unit card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of the card, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 transmits a card insertion notification to the management device 50. Further, when the inter-unit card processing machine 10 receives the prepaid value, the balance of the possessed balls or the stored balls from the management device 50, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 stores the balance. Then, when the balance of the balls held is received and stored, the balance of the balls managed by the management device 50 (the number of balls held) is reduced to zero by transmitting the ball holding subtraction request to the management device 50. clear.

When the inter-unit card processing machine 10 receives the ball holding replay operation, it subtracts a predetermined number of balls held by its own device, notifies the game machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted number of balls, and plays a game ball. Add to the number. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the ball storage replay operation, the table-to-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a ball storage replay request to the management device 50 to subtract and subtract a predetermined number of balls stored by the management device 50. The number corresponding to the number of stored balls is notified to the game machine 20, and the number is added to the number of game balls.

When the inter-unit card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, it sends a ball holding ball addition request including the number of balls held to the management device 50, causes the management device 50 to add the number of balls held, and then notifies the card ejection. Is transmitted to the management device 50 to control the ejection of the card. If the counting operation is received from the gaming machine 20 before the card returning operation, the number of gaming balls is added to the number of balls.

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

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 performs various display controls based on the state of the gaming machine 20, and transmits the state of the gaming machine 20 to the management device 50.

The inter-unit card processor 10 stores each data when the set time, the time-exceeded setting, and the minimum number of returned items are received from the management device 50.

The inter-vehicle card processor 10 receives a temporary leave selection operation, a card return operation, a password input, a touch operation of a transportation IC card, and the like, and then shifts to the temporary leave state. The inter-vehicle card processing machine 10 cancels the temporary leave state when the temporary leave release operation is accepted in the temporary leave state. For example, if the input of the password is accepted at the start of temporary leaving, the input of the same password is the cancellation operation. Further, if a touch operation of the transportation IC card or the like is accepted at the start of temporary leaving, the touch operation of the same transportation IC card or the like is the release operation.

In the inter-unit card processing machine 10, when the temporary absence state exceeds the set time, if the preset time excess setting is "automatic cancellation", the number of game balls in the game machine is less than the minimum number of returned balls. On condition that it is, the temporary absence state is canceled. Even if the time-exceeded setting is "automatic cancellation", if there are more game balls than the minimum number of returned games in the game machine, the automatic cancellation is not performed and the notification to the employee is notified to the management device 50. Notify to. This is to clear the number of game balls by the operation of employees.

When the temporary absence state exceeds the set time, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 is irrespective of the number of game balls in the game machine if the preset time excess setting is "employee notification". Instead, the management device 50 is notified of the notification to the employee.

The island controller 30 is a device that bundles a group of gaming machines 20 and an inter-unit card processing machine 10 provided on a gaming island and relays various information to a management device 50.

When the management device 50 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the management device 50 manages the inserted card identification information (hereinafter referred to as "card ID") in association with the inter-unit card processing machine 10. Then, the prepaid value associated with the card ID and the balance of the balls held are transmitted to the inter-unit card processing machine 10. Further, when the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of the membership card, the stored ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-unit card processing machine 10.

Further, when the management device 50 receives the ball holding ball subtraction request from the table-to-table card processing machine 10, the management device 50 clears the balance of the holding ball to zero, and receives the holding ball addition request from the table-to-table card processing machine 10. Is to add the number of balls indicated in the ball addition request to the balance of balls.

Further, when the management device 50 receives the ball lending request from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID and transmits the ball lending permission to the inter-unit card processing machine 10. do. Then, when the ball storage replay request is received, the ball storage replay data is transmitted to the inter-unit card processing machine 10.

Further, when the management device 50 receives the card ID from the prize management device 60, the management device 50 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls held associated with the card ID. Further, when the card ID is received from the payment machine 70, the prepaid value associated with the card ID is notified to the payment machine 70.

Further, the management device 50 acquires the gaming machine ID from the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 and manages the gaming machine 20 installed in its own store. Then, an authentication key for authenticating the gaming machine 20 set in the own store is acquired from an authentication key management center (not shown) outside the gaming store, and distributed to the inter-unit card processing machine 10.

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

When the management device 50 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the inter-unit card replay data including the balance of the stored balls corresponding to the card ID shown in the card insertion notification and the personal identification number. It is transmitted to the processing machine 10. Further, when the management device 50 receives the ball storage replay request from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number of the balance of the stored balls associated with the card ID indicated in the ball storage replay request, and after the subtraction. The ball storage replay data including the balance of the stored balls is transmitted to the inter-unit card processing machine 10.

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

The management device 50 receives and stores the set time of the temporary leave state with respect to the temporary leave function of the stand-to-table card processor 10, and notifies the stand-to-stand card processor 10 of the setting.

Further, the management device 50 receives and stores the setting of whether to automatically cancel the temporary absence state or notify the employee when the set time of the temporary absence state is exceeded, and stores the setting in the inter-unit card processing machine. Notify 10.

Further, the management device 50 receives and stores the minimum number of returned game balls, and notifies the inter-unit card processing machine 10 of the setting.

Further, when the management device 50 receives the "employee notification" from the table-to-table card processing machine 10, the management device 50 notifies the employee that the set time of the temporary absence state related to the table-to-table card processing machine 10 has been exceeded. do.

The prize management device 60 is a terminal device for exchanging prizes attached to a prize exchange counter in the game store, and performs prize exchange processing of acquired balls, stored balls, and possessed balls. The prize management device 60 is connected to a card reader that reads the card ID of the card and a prize payout device that pays out the prize. When the prize management device 60 reads the card ID from the general card or the membership card (or when the identification information corresponding to the card ID is read from the mobile terminal or the like), the prize management device 60 transmits the card ID to the management device 50. , Request the balance of the ball of the card ID. Further, when exchanging prizes for the stored balls, the management device 50 is requested to have the balance of the stored balls.

When the card with which the prepaid value is associated is inserted, the settlement machine 70 transmits the card ID of this card to the management device 50, acquires the prepaid value associated with the card, and corresponds to the acquired prepaid value. Make a cash withdrawal.

Next, the ball lending process in the game system according to the first embodiment will be described. When the player performs a ball lending operation on the table-to-table card processing machine 10, the table-to-table card processing machine 10 transmits a telegram addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This telegram includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the address that identifies the inter-unit card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source, or arbitrary identification information, and the ball lending request.

When the management device 50 receives the telegram including the ball lending request, the management device 50 updates the card management data by subtracting the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the telegram by a predetermined value, and issues the ball lending permission to the sender. It is transmitted to the card processing machine 10. Upon receiving the ball lending permission, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 transmits a addition signal requesting addition to the number of gaming balls of the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value (for example, “125”) to the gaming machine 20.

Upon receiving the addition signal, the gaming machine 20 adds the number of gaming balls and transmits the added number of gaming balls to the inter-unit card processing machine 10. The inter-unit card processing machine 10 compares the sum of the number of game balls before addition and the number of ball lenders with the number of game balls after addition, and determines whether or not the number of game balls has been added appropriately. judge.

Next, the ball replay process in the gaming system according to the first embodiment will be described. When the inter-unit card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a general card or a membership card, it transmits a telegram addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This telegram includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the address that identifies the inter-unit card processing machine 10 as the sender, or arbitrary identification information, and the rate of the inter-unit card processing machine 10. Includes information to identify the card and a card insertion notification.

When the management device 50 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-unit card processor 10, the management device 50 sets the balance of the balls at the rate specified by the telegram among the balls associated with the card ID in the telegram. Notify the card processor 10.

The inter-unit card processing machine 10 stores the balance of the balls received from the management device 50. Then, a telegram including the information for specifying the card ID and the rate and the ball subtraction request is transmitted to the management device 50. When the management device 50 receives the ball holding request, the management device 50 clears the holding ball balance specified by the card ID and the rate to zero. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the ball holding replay operation, the balance of the holding balls is subtracted by a fixed number, the corresponding number is notified to the game machine 20, and the ball is added to the number of playing balls.

If the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 receives a management transition request from the gaming machine 20 to shift the management by using the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20 as the possession ball of the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10, the management transition request The number of game balls shown in is added to the number of balls held by the player. After that, when the card return operation is accepted, a telegram including a ball addition request is transmitted to the management device 50. This telegram has the card ID of the card to be ejected, the address for specifying the inter-unit card processing machine 10 as the sender, or arbitrary identification information, and the information for specifying the rate of the inter-unit card processing machine 10. Includes the balance of balls and the request to add balls.

When the management device 50 receives the ball addition request, the management device 50 receives the balance (number of balls) of the balls at the rate specified by the telegram among the balls associated with the card ID in the telegram. Update to value. After that, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 transmits a card ejection notification to the management device 50 to control the ejection of the cards.

Next, the ball storage replay process in the gaming system according to the first embodiment will be described. When the inter-unit card processing machine 10 accepts a membership card or reads identification information corresponding to a card ID from a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 sends a telegram addressed to the local address of the management device 50. Send. This message includes the card ID (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal) of the card inserted in the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 and the address that identifies the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source. Alternatively, it includes arbitrary identification information, information for specifying the rate of the inter-unit card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

The management device 50 transmits the stored ball replay data including the password associated with the card ID in the telegram and the balance of the stored balls at the rate specified by the telegram among the stored balls to the inter-unit card processor 10. do.

The inter-unit card processor 10 stores the received ball storage replay data, and the balance of the stored balls shown in the stored ball replay data is the number of game ball payout units in the stored ball replay (number of stored ball replay units, for example, "125". If it is more than "ball"), the ball storage replay operation can be accepted.

When the inter-unit card processing machine 10 first accepts the ball storage replay operation after storing the ball storage replay data, the player is requested to input a password, and the entered password is the ball storage replay data. Check if it matches the PIN code shown in.

When the passwords match, the inter-unit card processor 10 transmits a telegram addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This telegram includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the address that identifies the inter-unit card processing machine 10 as the sender, or arbitrary identification information, and the rate of the inter-unit card processing machine 10. Includes information to identify and a request to replay the ball.

The management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of the stored balls at the rate specified by the telegram among the stored balls associated with the card ID in the telegram, and uses the ball storage replay data including the subtracted balance as the inter-unit card. It is transmitted to the processing machine 10.

The inter-unit card processing machine 10 receives the ball storage replay data, updates the balance of the stored balls, notifies the game machine 20 of the number corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units, and adds the number to the number of game balls. In addition, it is determined whether the balance of the stored balls after the update is less than the number of stored ball replay units. If the balance of the updated ball storage data is equal to or greater than the number of ball storage replay units, the ball storage replay operation can be accepted again, and if the ball storage replay operation is accepted, the ball storage replay request is transmitted. It is not necessary to confirm the PIN code in the second and subsequent ball storage replay operations. If the balance of the updated ball storage data is less than the number of ball storage replay units, the ball storage replay operation cannot be accepted.

Next, the transition from holding balls to storing balls in the closing process will be described. The management device 50 confirms the balance of the balls in the card management data at the time of closing the store, and if there is a ball with a ball balance larger than "0", the balance of the balls is added to the balance of the stored balls. And update. After that, the management device 50 clears the balance of the ball to zero.

<Exterior configuration of the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20>
Next, the appearance configurations of the inter-table card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2. Although the table-to-stand card processing machine 10 that accepts only banknotes is shown in the figure, a unit that can accept electronic money can also be provided.

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

The gaming machine 20 is provided with a gaming board surface, a handle 21 used for throwing the enclosed gaming ball onto the gaming board surface, and a counting button 22.

The counting button 22 subtracts the number of gaming balls of the gaming machine 20 and adds the corresponding number to the balls held by the inter-unit card processing machine 10, so that the number of balls that can be thrown is managed from the gaming machine 20 to the inter-unit. It is an operation button for performing a management transition to shift to the card processing machine 10. This management shift corresponds to a counting process in which the payout game ball is counted by the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and added to the possessed ball in the open-type gaming machine 20 in which the actual game ball is paid out by winning a prize.

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

The bill transport unit 12 is a transport unit that transports bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 12a to a bill storage unit (not shown) while discriminating the denomination and authenticity of the bill. The display operation unit 13 is an input / output device such as a touch panel display that displays various information such as valuable value and accepts various operations such as ball lending operation.

The reader / writer 14 is a reading unit that reads a card ID from a card inserted in the card insertion slot 14a. The card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a is stored in a card storage unit (not shown) via the reader / writer 14. The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication with the management device 50 via the island controller 30.

The storage unit 16 is a storage device including a hard disk device, a non-volatile memory, and the like. The storage unit 16 stores the own device state data 16a, the card data 16b, the game ball number data 16c, the set time data 16d, the time exceeded setting data 16e, the minimum return number data 16f, and the leaving seat start method data 16g.

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

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

The game ball number data 16c is data indicating the number of game balls possessed by the game machine 20. The set time data 16d is data in which a time during which the temporary absence state can be continued is set.

The time excess setting data 16e is data set to automatically cancel the temporary absence state or notify the employee when the temporary absence state exceeds the set time data 16d. The minimum number of returned pieces data 16f is data in which the minimum number of pieces to be returned to the player when the game ball remains is set.

The leaving seat start method data 16g is data in which an operation method by the player for shifting / canceling the temporary leaving state is set. The leaving seat start method data 16g includes a card ID, a personal identification number, and an IC touch. The IC touch is an item for reading the ID of the IC card and storing the read ID by holding the IC card over an holding portion (not shown).

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

The authentication processing unit 18a authenticates the gaming machine 20 using the authentication key received from the management device 50. If the authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 18a transmits an operation permission to the gaming machine 20. If the authentication fails, the authentication processing unit 18a prohibits the use of the gaming machine 20. Even if the authentication fails, the operation permission is sent to the gaming machine 20 within a predetermined period from the last successful authentication, and after the predetermined period has elapsed from the last successful authentication, the gaming machine 20 is sent. The operation permission of the gaming machine 20 may not be transmitted, and the use of the gaming machine 20 may be prohibited.

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

The gaming machine state management unit 18c is a processing unit that communicates with the gaming machine 20 and manages the state of the gaming machine 20. Specifically, the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, sends a request for addition to the number of gaming balls by ball lending, and changes the number of playing balls from the possessed ball to the number of gaming balls by replaying the ball. Sending a management transition request, sending a request to add to the number of game balls by replaying the stored balls, receiving game results such as the number of balls hit and the number of prizes paid out in the game machine 20, and counting the number of game balls to the number of balls Receive management transition request. For the communication between the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20, cryptographic communication using a predetermined encryption method is used.

Further, the gaming machine state management unit 18c further acquires the states set for the game such as the current number of gaming balls, the start, the jackpot, the jackpot type, and the number of lottery of the gaming machine 20. It is desirable that the time interval for the gaming machine state management unit 18c to acquire the state of the gaming machine 20 is set shorter than the interval at which the gaming ball is fired (used) in the gaming machine 20. Further, when the gaming machine state management unit 18c acquires the number of gaming balls from the gaming machine 20, the gaming machine state management unit 18c hands over the number of gaming balls to the control unit 17.

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

The control unit 17 is a control unit that performs overall control of the inter-table card processing machine 10, and is a data management unit 17a, a game ball number management unit 17b, a temporary leave setting unit 17c, a temporary leave reception unit 17d, and a time excess determination. It has a unit 17e, a temporary seat separation control unit 17f, and a temporary seat release release unit 17g. Actually, by loading and executing these programs on the CPU, the data management unit 17a, the game ball number management unit 17b, the temporary leave setting unit 17c, the temporary leave reception unit 17d, the time excess determination unit 17e, The process corresponding to the temporary leave control unit 17f and the temporary leave release unit 17g will be executed respectively.

When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits a card insertion notification including the card ID and the inter-unit card processing machine ID to the management device 50. Further, when the data management unit 17a receives data including a valuable value (at least one of a prepaid value, a possession ball and a stored ball) from the management device 50, the data management unit 17a updates the card data 16b with the received valuable value.

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

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

Further, when the data management unit 17a accepts the ball holding replay operation, the data management unit 17a subtracts and updates the holding ball of the card data 16b, and the game management so as to add the corresponding number of balls to the game ball number of the game machine 20. Instruct unit 18.

Further, when the balance of the stored balls shown in the card data 16b is equal to or more than the number of stored ball replay units, the data management unit 17a displays the stored ball replay button on the display operation unit 13 and accepts the stored ball replay operation. Make it possible. When the player performs the ball storage replay operation, the data management unit 17a transmits a ball storage replay request including the card ID and the inter-unit card processing machine ID to the management device 50. When the stored ball replay data is received as a response to this stored ball replay request, the balance of the stored balls in the card data 16b is updated, and the number of balls corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units is added to the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20. Instruct the game management unit 18 to do so. At the time of the first ball storage replay operation, the input of the password is requested, and it is a condition for transmitting the ball storage replay request that the password matches the password shown in the card data 16b.

Further, when the game management unit 18 receives the game ball transfer request from the game machine 20, the data management unit 17a adds the number of balls instructed to the game management unit 18 to the balls held by the card data 16b. Update.

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

The game ball number management unit 17b is a processing unit that manages the game ball number data 16c indicating the number of game balls owned by the game machine 20. The game ball number management unit 17b stores the game ball number received from the game machine 20 in the game ball number data 16c.

When the temporary absence setting unit 17c receives the set time, the time-exceeded setting, and the minimum number of returned items from the management device 50, the temporary leaving setting unit 17c converts each data into the set time data 16d, the time-exceeded setting data 16e, and the minimum number of returned items data 16f. Remember.

When the temporary leave reception unit 17d receives the instruction to start temporary leave and the method for starting temporary leave from the display operation unit 13 or the like, the temporary leave reception unit 17d shifts to the temporary leave state and starts the accepted leave start method. The method data is stored in 16 g, and an instruction to start timing is passed to the time excess determination unit 17e.

When the time excess determination unit 17e receives the instruction to start the timekeeping from the temporary absence reception unit 17d, the timekeeping determination unit 17e starts the timekeeping. When the elapsed time from the start of timekeeping becomes the set time data 16d or more, the time excess determination unit 17e hands over the time excess instruction to the temporary leave control unit 17f.

When the temporary absence control unit 17f receives the time excess instruction from the time excess determination unit 17e, the temporary absence control unit 17f confirms the setting content of the time excess setting data 16e, and if the setting content is "employee notification". , Notify the management device 50 of the notification to the employee.

Further, if the setting content of the time excess setting data 16e is "automatic cancellation", the temporary absence control unit 17f compares the game ball number data 16c with the minimum return number data 16f, and compares the game ball number data 16c with the game ball number data 16c. If the minimum return number data 16f or more is notified to the management device 50, and if the game ball number data 16c is less than the minimum return number data 16f, the temporary leave release unit 17g Hand over the cancellation instruction to.

The temporary leave release unit 17g receives the leave start method stored in the leave start method data 16 g from the display operation unit 13 or the like in the temporary leave state, or issues a release instruction from the temporary leave control unit 17f. If you receive it, cancel the temporary absence.

Next, a specific example of the data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 shows the own device state data 16a, card data 16b, game ball number data 16c, set time data 16d, time exceeded setting data 16e, minimum return number data 16f, and leaving seat start method data 16g shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example.

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

The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5B indicates that the ID of the card inserted in the inter-unit card processing machine 10 is "2001". Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, the card whose first digit is "1" is a general card, and the card whose first digit is "2" is a membership card. Further, the card data 16b shows a state in which the password for replaying the stored balls is "1234" and the prepaid value is "3000" yen.

In the card data 16b, the balance of the ball 1 is "1500", the balance of the ball 2 is "2500", and the balance of the ball 3 is "0". As for the stored balls, the balance of the stored balls of the ball 1 is "500", the balance of the stored balls of the ball 2 is "0", and the balance of the stored balls of the ball 3 is "0".

The game ball number data 16c shown in FIG. 5C shows a state in which the number of game balls is “500”. The set time data 16d shown in FIG. 5D indicates that the set time is set to "10 minutes".

The time-exceeded setting data 16e shown in FIG. 5 (e) indicates that the time-exceeded setting is set to "automatic cancellation". The minimum return quantity data 16f shown in FIG. 5 (f) indicates that the minimum return quantity is set to "5" balls.

In the leave start method data 16g shown in FIG. 5 (g), the card ID is "-", the password is "1234", the IC touch is "-", and the password "1234" is set as the leave start method. It shows that it has been done.

<Structure of gaming machine 20>
Next, the configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the gaming machine 20 has a communication control unit 23, an effect control unit 24, a game control unit 25, and a game ball control unit 26. The communication control unit 23 is a control unit for controlling data communication with the inter-unit card processor 10. For communication with the inter-unit card processor 10, encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method is used.

When the gaming machine 20 is started, the communication control unit 23 reads identification information from the control CPU provided in the game control unit 25 and / or the game ball control unit 26, confirms whether the identification information is appropriate, and if it is appropriate. , Communication with the inter-machine card processor 10 is established and the machine enters a standby state. When the operation permission is received from the machine-to-table card processor 10 in the standby state, the effect control unit 24, the game control unit 25, and the game ball control unit 26 are activated to enable the game.

The game control unit 25 is a control unit that controls the game by the game machine 20. Actually, the process is executed by loading and executing the program corresponding to the game control unit 25 in the CPU.

Specifically, the game control unit 25 controls the launch of the game ball to the game board surface by detecting the handle operation, detects the game ball that has entered the winning opening on the game board surface, and the random number (0 to 0) by the game ball that has entered the starting opening. Among the random number values of 65535, acquisition and lottery (special symbols and ordinary symbols) of acquisition and lottery (special symbols and ordinary symbols) of big hits, small hits, and outliers assigned to each predetermined range, movable members (tulips, etc.) provided on the game board surface ), Display control of the special symbol display device provided on the game board surface, detection of abnormalities that may be fraudulent (the front frame is open, vibration detected, etc.), and notification to the host device.

A large number of obstacle nails are planted on the game board surface, and the game ball fired on the game board surface by operating the handle falls between the obstacle nails and wins a prize at the winning opening and the starting opening, or wins a prize. It is discharged to the outside of the game board surface from the out opening of the game board surface. A lottery is held when a game ball wins a prize in the starting opening, and when a big hit is made, a big hit game is performed in which a predetermined winning opening on the game board is controlled to be open multiple times, and the winning opening is won. By making it easier, a prize ball is given to the player.

Further, the jackpot includes a jackpot game with a privilege that grants a predetermined privilege game to the player after the jackpot game is completed. The jackpot game with benefits includes a probability fluctuation jackpot and a time-saving jackpot. The probability fluctuation jackpot and the time saving jackpot are to give the probability fluctuation game and the time saving game as privilege games after the jackpot, respectively. In the time-saving game, the variable time (from the start of the lottery process to the display of the result) of the normal symbol lottery (the above-mentioned opening / closing lottery of the movable member) and / or the special symbol lottery (the above-mentioned big hit lottery by winning the game ball) By shortening the time), the number of lottery per unit time is increased, and the probability of winning a big hit per unit time is increased. This privilege game may include a normal symbol probability variation that increases the winning probability of the normal symbol. The time-saving game by the time-saving jackpot ends when the number of lottery of the special symbol lottery is performed a predetermined number of times after the jackpot. The probability fluctuation game will be described later.

The game control unit 25 has a probability variation function. The probability fluctuation function controls to change (generally about 10 times) the random number range of the big hit to be used for the next lottery when the lottery result falls within the random number range specified in particular among the big hits. It is a function. In the probability fluctuation game, a special symbol lottery is performed using the changed probability. The probability fluctuation game will continue until the next big hit. Further, the probability fluctuation game and the time saving game may be given at the same time. However, in order to prevent unexpected damage to the game store, if the player acquires a certain game medium after the start of the probability fluctuation game or the time-saving game, it will be stopped (the card will be ejected once and the prize will be exchanged or the table will be moved. It may be a process. In this case, the number of gaming media after the probability fluctuation gaming state is counted by the gaming machine 20, and when the counted value reaches a predetermined value, the gaming stop control such as stopping the firing of the gaming ball is performed. Can be realized with.

The effect control unit 24 is a control unit that controls the effect during the game, and has an effect symbol lottery unit 24a and an effect lottery unit 24b. Actually, by loading and executing these programs in the CPU, the process corresponding to each of the effect symbol lottery unit 24a and the effect lottery unit 24b is executed.

The effect symbol lottery unit 24a is a lottery (specifically, the display is finally displayed) of the effect symbols (designs displayed by the effect symbol display device such as the display device on the game board surface) based on the special symbol lottery in the game control unit 25. Whether to stop at 7, 7, 7 etc.).

The effect lottery unit 24b performs a lottery of the type of effect (such as when a character comes out to perform a reach effect) until the lottery result based on the effect symbol is displayed. Such an effect is set so that the effect selected for the main lottery result is different.

The effect control unit 24 stores the effect data of each effect. Further, the effect control unit 24 controls the display of the effect symbol display device, and when the effect is executed, the effect data is superimposed on the background symbol data to display the effect. In addition, when the probability fluctuates, background color data different from the normal state is set.

The game ball control unit 26 is a control unit that controls the number of game balls. Actually, the process is executed by loading and executing the program corresponding to the game ball control unit 26 in the CPU.

Specifically, the game ball control unit 26 stores the number of game balls in the playable number memory, subtracts the number of game balls by "1" each time the game ball is fired, and the number of prizes to be obtained by winning. Is added to the number of game balls. Further, when the number of balls is notified by the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the notified number of balls is added to the number of game balls, and the fact that the number of balls is added to the number of game balls is added to the inter-unit card processing machine 10. Send the confirmation signal to indicate. Further, the gaming ball control unit 26 can also perform cleaning control of the gaming balls (circulating balls) enclosed in the gaming machine 20.

Further, the game ball control unit 26 periodically transmits the number of game balls stored in the gameable number memory to the inter-table card processing machine 10. In this case, the game ball control unit 26 does not clear the contents of the gameable number memory to zero, and while continuing to update the number of game balls depending on the game state, the game at the time of data acquisition to the inter-unit card processing machine 10. Send the number of balls.

Further, the gaming machine 20 is provided with a counting button 22, and a signal indicating that the counting button 22 is pressed is input to the game ball control unit 26. The game ball control unit 26 detects the pressing operation of the counting button 22, and if the period from the rise to the fall of the detection signal is less than a certain time, the number of game balls is determined by a fixed number (for example, 100 balls per operation). Along with the data, a management transition request is transmitted to the inter-unit card processor 10. Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 is subtracted (invalidated) from the number of game balls. Further, when the pressing operation of the counting button 22 is detected and the falling is not detected for a predetermined time or more after the detection signal is raised, a fixed number of the detection signal is raised every time the detection signal is raised for a certain period of time (for example, per 5 seconds). Along with the data on the number of game balls (200 balls), a management transfer request is transmitted to the inter-unit card processor 10. Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 is subtracted (invalidated) from the number of game balls. When subtracting from the number of game balls, the method of decrementing the value to be subtracted from the value of 1 stored in the memory, the value stored in the memory is updated with the value after subtraction, and the value before subtraction is deleted or logical. A method of deleting and invalidating the value can be considered, but the value is not particularly limited as long as the value after subtraction can be specified.

The game control unit 25 and the game ball control unit 26 are configured on separate boards. The game control board in which the game control unit 25 is configured and the game ball control board in which the game ball control unit 26 is configured each have a unique ID. The gaming machine 20 combines the ID of the gaming control board and the ID of the gaming ball control board and uses them as the gaming machine ID.

<Configuration of management device 50>
Next, the configuration of the management device 50 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 50 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the management device 50 is connected to the display unit 51 and the input unit 52, and has an external network communication unit 53, a store network communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a control unit 56.

The display unit 51 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like. The input unit 52 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The external network communication unit 53 is an interface unit for data communication with the authentication key management center via the external network. The store network communication unit 54 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, the prize management device 60, and the checkout machine 70 via a communication line in the game store.

The storage unit 55 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and has game type setting data 55a, card management data 55b, device management data 55c, member management data 55d, set time data 55e, and time overtime setting data 55f. And the minimum return quantity data 55g is stored.

The game type setting data 55a is data in which the lending rate and the display name are associated with the game type. The card management data 55b is data in which the balance of the prepaid value, the balance of the balls, and the like are associated with the card ID.

The device management data 55c is data related to the device installed in the game store. The device management data 55c includes a machine-to-machine card processing machine ID, an installation location, a gaming machine ID, model data of the gaming machine 20, and the like. The member management data 55d is data in which the member's name, ball storage information, and the like are associated with the card ID of the membership card issued to the member.

The set time data 55e is data in which the time during which the temporary absence state can be continued is set. The time excess setting data 55f is data set to automatically cancel the temporary absence state or notify the employee when the temporary absence state exceeds the set time data 55e.
The minimum number of returned pieces data 55g is data in which the minimum number of pieces to be returned to the player when the game ball remains is set.

The control unit 56 is a control unit that controls the entire management device 50, and is a game type setting management unit 56a, a card management unit 56b, a device management unit 56c, a member management unit 56d, a temporary absence management unit 56e, and a notification unit 56f. Have. Actually, by loading and executing these programs on the CPU, the game type setting management unit 56a, the card management unit 56b, the device management unit 56c, the member management unit 56d, the temporary absence management unit 56e, and the notification unit 56f Will execute the corresponding process.

The game type setting management unit 56a is a processing unit that manages the game type used in the game store, the rate, and the display name as the game type setting data 55a in association with each other.

The card management unit 56b is a processing unit that manages the card management data 55b. The card management unit 56b communicates with the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the prize management device 60, and the checkout machine 70 to update the prepaid value and the balance of the balls associated with the card ID. Further, when the card management unit 56b receives the card insertion notification from the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the card management unit 56b notifies the valuable value associated with the card and the balance of the balls held.

The device management unit 56c is a processing unit that manages the device management data 55c. The device management unit 56c generates and updates the device management data 55c based on the machine-to-machine card processing machine ID, the installation location, and the game machine ID acquired from the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

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

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

The temporary absence management unit 56e is a processing unit that manages the set time data 55e, the time-exceeded setting data 55f, and the minimum return quantity data 55g. The temporary absence management unit 56e receives the set time, the time-exceeded setting and the minimum number of returned items from the input unit 52, and stores each data in the set time data 55e, the time-exceeded setting data 55f and the minimum number of returned items data 55g. , Notify the inter-unit card processor 10.

When the notification unit 56f receives the notification instruction to the employee from the table-to-stand card processing machine 10, the notification unit 56f informs the employee terminal or the like that the ID of the table-to-stand card processing machine 10 and the set time for temporary leaving are exceeded. Notify.

Next, a specific example of the data stored in the storage unit 55 of the management device 50 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. 8 and 9 show the game type setting data 55a, the card management data 55b, the device management data 55c, the member management data 55d, the set time data 55e, the time exceeded setting data 55f, and the minimum return number data 55g shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example.

In the game type setting data 55a shown in FIG. 8A, the rate “4 yen” and the display name “4 pachinko” are associated with the game type name “ball 1”. In addition, the rate "2 yen" and the display name "2 pachi" are given to the game type name "Tama 2", and the rate "1 yen" and the display name "1 pachi" are given to the game type name "Tama 3". Associated.

In the card management data 55b shown in FIG. 8 (b), the card ID "1001" is associated with a prepaid value of "0" yen, a balance of balls held at each rate "0", and a destination ID "A101". That is, the card with the card ID "1001" is inserted into the inter-unit card processing machine 10 with the device ID "A101", and the management of the balls is transferred to the inter-unit card processing machine 10. Therefore, the balance of the balls held at each rate is zero.

Further, in the card management data 55b shown in FIG. 8B, the card ID "2001" has a prepaid value of "3000" yen, the balance of the ball 1 has a balance of "1500", and the ball has a ball 2. It is associated with the balance "2500" ball and the balance "0" ball of the ball 3 possession ball, but the usage ID is not associated. That is, the card with the card ID "2001" is not inserted into the inter-unit card processing machine 10, and the ball holding is managed by the management device 50.

In the device management data 55c shown in FIG. 8C, the installation location of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 with the ID “A101” is “Island 1-1”, the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is “B201”, and the gaming type. Is "ball 1", the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is "EV01", and the serial number is "a". It also shows that the gaming machine 20 is in use.

Further, in the device management data 55c, the installation location of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 with the ID "A201" is "island 2-1", the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B506", and the gaming type is "ball 3". , The model of the connected gaming machine 20 is "DX03", and the serial number is "g". It also shows that the gaming machine 20 is in use.

The member management data 55d shown in FIG. 8D shows a name, a ball storage, an e-mail address, and the like associated with the card ID. Specifically, the member management data 55d has the name "Patent Taro", the balance of the stored balls of "Tama 1" "1500", and the balance of the stored balls of "Tama 2" "200" for the card ID "2005". The ball, the balance "0" ball of the stored ball of "ball 3", and the e-mail address "Abc123@△△△.co.jp" are associated with each other.

The set time data 55e shown in FIG. 9A indicates that the set time is set to "10 minutes". The time-exceeded setting data 55f shown in FIG. 9B indicates that the time-exceeded setting is set to "automatic cancellation". The minimum return quantity data 55g shown in FIG. 9 (c) indicates that the minimum return quantity is set to "5" balls.

<Operation pattern when the temporary leave time according to the first embodiment is exceeded>
Next, the operation pattern when the temporary absence time is exceeded according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation pattern when the temporary leave time is exceeded according to the first embodiment. The operation when the temporary leaving time is exceeded is defined by the setting when the time is exceeded, the method of starting leaving the seat, and the presence or absence of the minimum return game ball.

Specifically, if the time-exceeded setting is "automatic cancellation", the leave start method "card return", and the minimum return game ball "yes" (number "1"), the employee is notified. If the setting when the time is exceeded is "automatic cancellation", the method of starting leaving the seat "card return", and the minimum return game ball "none" (number "2"), the automatic cancellation is performed.

In addition, if the time-exceeded setting is "automatic cancellation", the leave start method "password input or IC touch", and the minimum return game ball "Yes" (number "3"), the employee is notified. If the setting when the time is exceeded is "automatic cancellation", the method of starting leaving the seat "password input or IC touch", and the minimum return game ball "none" (number "4"), the automatic cancellation is performed.

If the time-overtime setting is "notify employee", the employee is notified regardless of the method of starting leaving the seat and the presence or absence of the minimum return game ball (numbers "5" to "8").

<Processing procedure of the inter-table card processing machine 10 according to the first embodiment>
Next, the processing procedure of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the inter-unit card processing machine 10 according to the first embodiment.

First, if an instruction to temporarily leave the seat is received (step S101; Yes), the method of starting the leaving seat is accepted and stored in the leaving start method data 16g (step S102), and the state is shifted to the temporary leaving state (step S102). S103), time counting is started with t = 0 (step S104).

When the leaving seat start method set in the seat leaving start method data 16g is accepted (step S105; Yes), the temporary leaving state is canceled (step S110), and the process is terminated as it is.

If the set method for starting leaving the seat is not accepted (step S105; No), t is compared with the set time data 16d (step S106). If t is less than the set time data 16d (step S106; No), the process proceeds to step S105.

If t is the set time data 16d or more (step S106; Yes), the setting of the time excess setting data 16e is confirmed (step S107). If the time-exceeded setting is "employee notification" (step S107; No), the notification to the employee is notified to the management device 50 (step S109), and the process is terminated as it is.

If the time-exceeded setting is "automatic cancellation" (step S107; Yes), the game ball number data 16c and the minimum return number data 16f are compared (step S108). If the game ball number data 16c is equal to or greater than the minimum return number data 16f (step S108; Yes), the management device 50 is notified of the notification to the employee (step S109), and the process ends.

If the game ball number data 16c is less than the minimum return number data 16f (step S108; No), the temporary absence state is released (step S110), and the process ends.

As described above, the game system can improve the security of the value possessed by the player by notifying the employee when the game ball remains when the set time in the temporarily absent state is exceeded.

[Embodiment 2]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, a configuration for notifying an employee when a game ball remains when the set time of a temporarily absentee state is exceeded has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be configured to display that the game ball remains when the temporary absence is set. In the second embodiment, a configuration for displaying that the game ball remains when the temporary absence is set will be described.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the gaming system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in order for the player to temporarily leave the gaming machine, a menu display operation is performed (S11), and if temporary leaving is selected (S12), the gaming ball is ejected when the card is ejected. Is displayed (S13).

Next, the screen display pattern of the inter-table card processing machine 10 at the time of temporary leaving according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen display pattern of the inter-table card processing machine 10 at the time of temporary leaving the seat according to the second embodiment. The screen display at the time of temporary leaving is defined by the card type, the remaining amount or the presence or absence of a ball, the method of starting leaving the seat, and the presence or absence of a game ball.

Specifically, if the card type is "membership card", the balance or possession ball is "yes", the method of starting to leave the seat is "card return" and the game ball is "yes" (number "1"), it means that the game ball is available. Is displayed. If the card type is "membership card", the balance or the ball "Yes", the method of starting to leave the seat "card return" and the game ball "no" (number "2"), no particular display is made.

In addition, if the card type is "membership card", the balance or possession ball "none", the method of starting leaving the seat "card return" and the game ball "yes" (number "3"), the fact that the game ball is present is displayed. .. If the card type is "membership card", the balance or the ball "nothing", the method of starting to leave the seat "card return" and the game ball "nothing" (number "4"), it is not displayed in particular.

In addition, if the card type is "general card", the balance or possession ball is "yes", the method of starting to leave the seat is "card return", and the game ball is "yes" (number "5"), the fact that the game ball is available is displayed. .. If the card type is "general card", the balance or the ball is "yes", the method of starting to leave the seat is "card return", and the game ball is "no" (number "6"), it is not displayed in particular.

Also, if the card type is "general card", the balance or possession ball "none", the leave start method "password input or IC touch" and the game ball "yes" (number "7"), it means that the game ball is available. Is displayed. If the card type is "general card", the remaining amount or the ball "none", the method of starting leaving the seat "password input or IC touch" and the game ball "none" (number "8"), no particular display is made.

As described above, the game system according to the second embodiment can improve the security of the value possessed by the player by displaying that the game ball remains at the time of setting the temporary absence.

In the second embodiment described above, the configuration for displaying that the game ball remains when the temporary absence is set has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the fact that the game ball remains is described. After displaying, it can be configured not to shift to the temporary absence state unless the confirmation button is pressed.

Further, in the second embodiment described above, the configuration for displaying that the game ball remains when the card is returned when the temporary absence is set has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the smartphone application or the like is used. It can also be configured to display that the game ball remains when the temporary leave setting is made using.

[Embodiment 3]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, a configuration in which a card is returned, a password is input, or an IC touch is set as a method for starting a temporary leave is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a break or the like is described. It is also possible to configure the registration of the face image as the method of starting leaving the seat at the time of setting. In the third embodiment, a configuration in which registration of a face image is used as a method of starting leaving a seat when setting a break or the like will be described.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the gaming system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, in order for the player to temporarily leave the gaming machine 20, after selecting a break, the face is imaged and the image is registered (S21).

During the break, the display operation unit 13 is displayed with the registered image to the effect that the break is in progress (S22). Alternatively, it is possible to display only that the person is taking a break without displaying the image (S22'). To cancel the break state, after selecting the break cancellation, perform face recognition to cancel (S23).

Next, the operation when the break time is exceeded according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an operation when the break time is exceeded according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, during the break, the registered image is attached to indicate that the person is taking a break (S31), or the image is not displayed and only the fact that the person is taking a break is displayed (S31'). ..

If the set break time is exceeded, the employee is notified to that effect (S32), and the registered player's image is confirmed and the card is ejected by the employee's operation (S33).

When the player inquires at the prize exchange counter to receive the card, the employee confirms the identity of the player using the registered image and returns the card (S34).

As described above, the game system according to the third embodiment can improve the security of the value possessed by the player by using the registration of the face image as the method of starting leaving the seat at the time of setting the break or the like.

In the above-described third embodiment, a configuration in which a break or the like can be set by registering a face image as a method of starting leaving the seat has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the face image is not limited to this, and the face image is used by a predetermined smartphone application or the like. Can also be configured to register and reserve a gaming machine.

Specifically, the face image is registered in a predetermined smartphone application or an internet site, and the gaming machine 20 is reserved. According to the reservation time, the face image of the reserved player and the fact that the reservation is being made are displayed on the display operation unit 13 of the inter-unit card processing machine 10. When a player visits the store, the machine-to-table card processing machine 10 captures the face of the player and performs face recognition, and if the player is authenticated, the reservation state is canceled and the player can play the game. Also, if a certain amount of time has passed from the reserved time, the reserved state is automatically canceled.

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

The gaming device and the temporary leaving method according to the present invention are suitable for preventing troubles that occur when a new player starts a game due to the release of the temporary leaving state.

10 Card processing machine 11 Status display unit 12 Bill transport unit 12a Bill insertion slot 13 Display operation unit 14 Reader / writer 14a Card insertion slot 15 Communication unit 16 Storage unit 16a Own device status data 16b Card data 16c Game ball number data 16d Setting Time data 16e Time excess setting data 16f Minimum return quantity data 16g Seat departure start method data 17 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Game ball number management unit 17c Temporary departure setting unit 17d Temporary departure reception unit 17e Time excess determination unit 17f Temporary leaving control unit 17g Temporary leaving control unit 18 Game management unit 18a Authentication processing unit 18b Authentication key management unit 18c Game machine status management unit 20 Game machine 21 Handle 22 Count button 23 Communication control unit 24 Production control unit 24a Production design lottery Part 24b Production lottery part 25 Game control part 26 Game ball control part 26a Gameable number management part 30 Island controller 50 Management device 51 Display part 52 Input part 53 External network communication part 54 Store network communication part 55 Storage part 55a Game type setting data 55b Card management data 55c Device management data 55d Member management data 55e Setting time data 55f Time exceeded setting data 55g Minimum return quantity data 56 Control unit 56a Game type setting management unit 56b Card management unit 56c Device management unit 56d Member management unit 56e Temporary Away control unit 56f Notification unit 60 Prize management device 70 Settlement machine

Claims (7)

A gaming device that is communicably connected to an enclosed gaming machine that provides games based on the number of gaming media stored in a predetermined storage unit.
An acquisition means for acquiring the number of gaming media of the gaming machine, and
At least a reception means that accepts a predetermined temporary leave operation,
If the temporary leave operation is accepted by the reception means, the temporary leave means for limiting the function including the insertion of money and the temporary leave means.
When a predetermined time has elapsed from receiving the temporary leave operation and the number of game media acquired by the acquisition means is less than the predetermined number, the temporary release from which the restriction on the function by the temporary leave means is released. A gaming device characterized by being equipped with a seat release means. It is characterized by further provided with a notification means for notifying when the number of game media acquired by the acquisition means is equal to or greater than the predetermined number when a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the temporary leave operation. The gaming device according to claim 1. The gaming device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined time is a time during which a player can temporarily leave his / her seat. The temporary leave release means is
If the temporary leave release operation is received by the reception means before a predetermined time has elapsed after the temporary leave operation is received, the function restriction by the temporary leave means is released. The gaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The reception means is
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein any one of the authentication information input by the player, the authentication information stored in the storage medium, and the authentication information stored in the mobile terminal device is accepted. Amusement device. The gaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a setting acquisition means for acquiring setting information including the predetermined time and the predetermined number. A method of temporarily leaving a seat in a gaming device that is communicably connected to an enclosed gaming machine that provides a game based on the number of gaming media stored in a predetermined storage unit.
The acquisition process in which the gaming device acquires the number of gaming media of the gaming machine,
The reception process in which the gaming device accepts at least a predetermined temporary leaving operation, and
If the gaming device accepts the temporary leave operation by the reception step, the temporary leave step that limits the function including the insertion of money and the temporary leave step.
When a predetermined time has elapsed since the gaming device received the temporary leaving operation, and the number of gaming media acquired by the acquisition step is less than the predetermined number, the function of the temporary leaving step is performed. Temporary leave method characterized by including a temporary leave release process for releasing the restriction.

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