JP2022138250A - Prize exchange system and method of prize exchange - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow a player to efficiently exchange the number of game media acquired from games to prizes.SOLUTION: When a card is held over a self-prize management device 60 (S1), the self-prize management device 60 obtains from a management device 50 a holding-ball balance and a stored-ball balance associated with the card, and a player selects general prizes within a range of the holding-ball balance and the stored-ball balance (S2). The self-prize management device 60 records prize codes and the number pieces of the selected prizes in the card (S3) and makes a notification to a management device 50 (S4). Next, when the card is held over a general-prize payout device 90 (S5), the general-prize payout device 90 payouts general prizes recorded in the card (S6) and notifies the management device 50 of the prize codes and the number of pieces of the prizes that have been paid out (S7).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a prize exchange system and a prize exchange method that enable a player to efficiently exchange the number of game media acquired through games for prizes.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in amusement parlors such as pachinko parlors, the number of game media acquired by a player is associated with a recording medium such as a card, and the recording medium is brought to the prize counter. When the player hands over to the employee at the prize counter, the number of game media associated with the recording medium is exchanged for the prize by the employee's operation.

In this way, in the past, employees exchanged prizes, but recently, the operation of exchanging the number of game media for prizes by the player himself (hereinafter referred to as "self-operation") has been carried out. ing. In this self-operation, the player himself/herself performs a series of processes of reading the recording medium, selecting the prize, and receiving the prize. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the employees and efficiently exchange prizes. For example, in Patent Document 1, a prize management device issues a receipt on which information specifying a prize selected by a player is printed, and when the receipt is held up to a prize dispensing device, the corresponding prize is dispensed. is disclosed.

JP 2021-016479 A

However, the above Patent Document 1 has a problem that a printer, ink and paper medium for printing are required in order to print the information about the prize on the receipt of the paper medium. In addition, the employee has to dispose of the used receipt, which is a burden on the employee.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and provides a prize exchange system and prize exchange method that enable a player to efficiently exchange the number of game media acquired through games for prizes. intended to

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a management device for managing the number of game media acquired by a player in association with identification information of recording media, and a prize for the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording media. The prize exchange system includes a prize exchange device for exchange processing in a prize storage device including a plurality of storage units for storing prizes, wherein the prize exchange device includes reception means for receiving the recording medium, and the reception prize specifying means for specifying a prize to be exchanged for a prize within the range of the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium received by said means; and the management device has a subtracting means for subtracting the number of game media corresponding to the prize specified by the prize specifying means from the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium. Then, when the prize storage device receives the recording medium, the prize storage device includes reading means for reading the information on the prize from the recording medium, and based on the information on the prize, the prize storage device extracts the prize from a predetermined prize storage unit. It is characterized by having a control means for controlling removability.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, when a prize to be exchanged for a prize is specified by the prize exchange device, the management device associates information on waiting for prize exchange with the recording medium and manages it, When the prize is taken out from the prize storage device, the information on waiting for prize exchange is deleted.

Further, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the information related to the prize includes identification information of the prize storage section in the prize storage device or prize identification information that uniquely identifies the prize.

Further, the present invention provides a management device for managing the number of game media acquired by a player in association with identification information of recording media, and a prize for exchanging the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium for a prize. A prize exchange system comprising an exchange device, comprising a prize storage device including a plurality of storage units for storing prizes, wherein the prize exchange device includes reception means for receiving the recording medium, and a prize stored in the prize storage device. and a recording medium control means for controlling to return the recording medium associated with the number of game media required for the prize exchange of the prize selected by the selection means, When the recording medium is received, the prize storage device includes selection operation receiving means for receiving a selection operation of a prize, and instructs the management device to subtract the number of game media corresponding to the prize received by the selection operation receiving means. subtraction instructing means for instructing subtraction; and control means for controlling such that the prize can be taken out from a predetermined prize storage unit when a subtraction completion notification is received from the management device in response to the subtraction instruction by the subtraction instructing means. characterized by having

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the number of game media is the number of stored game media deposited by the player at the gaming parlor and/or the number of game media possessed by the player acquired by playing games in the gaming machine. characterized by

Further, the present invention provides a management device for managing the number of game media acquired by a player in association with identification information of recording media, and a prize for exchanging the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium for a prize. a prize exchange method in a prize exchange system having an exchange device, wherein the prize exchange device accepts the recording medium; a prize specifying step of specifying a prize to be exchanged for a prize within the range of the corresponding number of game media; a writing step of writing information on the prize identified in the prize identifying step to the recording medium; and a prize storage device including a plurality of storage units for storing the prizes. a reading step of reading information relating to the prize from the recording medium when the recording medium is received; and a control step for releasably controlling.

Further, the present invention provides a management device for managing the number of game media acquired by a player in association with identification information of recording media, and a prize for exchanging the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium for a prize. a prize exchange method in a prize exchange system having an exchange device, wherein the prize exchange device receives the recording medium; and the prize exchange device is stored in a prize storage device including a plurality of storage units A selection step of selecting a prize exchange for a prize; and a recording medium control step of controlling the prize exchange device to return a recording medium associated with the number of game media required for prize exchange of the prize selected in the selection step. a selection operation receiving step of receiving a selection operation of a prize when the prize storage device receives the recording medium; and a number of game media corresponding to the prize received by the prize storage device in the selection operation receiving step. a subtraction instruction step for instructing the management device to subtract a predetermined prize if the prize storage device receives a notification of completion of subtraction from the management device in response to the subtraction instruction by the subtraction instruction step; and a control step of controlling the prize so that it can be taken out from the storage unit.

According to the present invention, the number of game media acquired by a player through a game can be efficiently exchanged for prizes.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine and the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the device state data and card data shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management device shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of card management data, device management data, and member management data shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of prize inventory data and selected prize data shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the self-prize management device shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the prize master, holding value data, and prize inventory data shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the general prize payout device shown in FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the prize inventory data shown in FIG. 12. FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the self prize management device. 15 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure of the self-prize management device according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of a prize exchange system according to a modification. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of the self-prize management device shown in FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of the general prize payout device shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the prize inventory data shown in FIG. 18. FIG. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 22 is a flowchart (Part 1) showing the procedure of the prize exchange process according to the third embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the process procedure of the prize exchange process according to the third embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the process procedure of the prize exchange process according to the third embodiment. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the selected prize data shown in FIG. 25. FIG. FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment.

[Embodiment 1]
The prize exchange system and prize exchange method according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below.

In this specification, "balls in possession" are data indicating the game media acquired by the player in the game, and can be used again in the game only during the day (the time before the closing time of the game parlor). Say what you can. It should be noted that the “number of balls” means the number of game media acquired by the player through the game. "Accumulated balls" is data indicating the game media deposited by the player at the game parlor, and is data that can be used again for games on the next day or later (time after the amusement shop closes). Note that the “stored number of balls” refers to the number of game media deposited by the player at the game parlor. Possessed balls can be used by both general players and member players, and are used when the game machine is moved. In principle, the accumulated balls can be used only by member players, and are used when the obtained game media are used in the game of the gaming machine from the next day onwards. Also, "the number of game balls" means the number of playable balls that a player can use in a game.

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 1>
First, an overview of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment, when a card is held up to the self-prize management device 60 (S1), the self-prize management device 60 associates the card with the card from the management device 50. The player obtains the balance of owned balls and accumulated balls, and the player selects a general prize within the range of the balance of owned balls and accumulated balls (S2). For example, choose 1 cup of tea and 1 cup of milk.

The self prize management device 60 records the prize code and number of the selected prize on the card (S3) and notifies the management device 50 (S4).

Next, when a card is held up to the general prize payout device 90 (S5), the general prize payout device 90 pays out the general prize recorded on this card (S6) and the prize paid out to the management device 50. (S7).

As described above, the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment can efficiently exchange prizes for game media acquired by players through games.

<System configuration>
Next, the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2 , a plurality of gaming machines 20 and an inter-machine card processing machine 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20 are installed in the gaming parlor. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 is connected via an island controller 30 to a communication line, which is a network within the store. The island controller 30, the management device 50, the self prize management device 60 and the general prize dispensing device 90 are connected to the communication line. Also, the self-prize management device 60 is communicably connected to the special prize dispensing device 80 .

The gaming machine 20 is a device for playing a game by hitting game balls enclosed inside the device onto a game board surface. The game balls are physical "balls" used in games, and are different from "game balls" handled as data by the gaming machine 20. FIG. A plurality of winning areas (award winning openings) are provided on the game board surface of the gaming machine 20, and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls based on the game balls passing through the winning areas. It's becoming A predetermined number of starting areas (starting openings) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is conducted based on the passage of game balls through the starting areas. If the lottery results in a big hit, an operation that is advantageous in terms of the game is performed by operating a predetermined movable member, etc., such as improving the probability of the game ball passing through the winning area or another starting area. It should be noted that there may be an area that serves as both the starting area and the winning area.

The winning area is provided with a winning sensor for detecting the passage of game balls into the winning area, and the winning sensor detects the passage (winning) of the game balls hit into the winning area. ing. Further, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize memory for storing how many game balls are given as prize balls for each winning area, and a playable number memory for indicating the number of game balls. Also, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 periodically transmits the number of game balls to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 .

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts payment from a player, it associates a prepaid value corresponding to the amount of payment with the identification information (card ID) of the card housed inside itself. This prepaid value can be used for lending game balls. In addition, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can accept insertion of a card associated with a prepaid value, owned balls, accumulated balls, and the like. Then, at the end of the game, the card associated with the prepaid value, owned balls, stored balls, etc. is ejected and returned to the player. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 also transmits to the management device 50 a history of operations such as deposit, card insertion, and card ejection.

The game machine 20 transmits out data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 when a predetermined number of game balls are hit on the game board surface. Also, the gaming machine 20 transmits safe data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 when the game balls pass through the prize winning area (so-called winning) and a predetermined number of prize balls are added to the game balls. Furthermore, when a special state such as a big win occurs in the game, special prize data indicating the occurrence of such state is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加

The out data corresponds to the number of balls hit by the player on the game board surface. The safe data corresponds to the number of winning balls obtained by winning. Also, the special prize data indicates the state of the gaming machine 20 such as a big hit. Each data is transmitted to the management device 50 via the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the management device 50 accumulates the out data, the safe data and the special prize data as operation information to obtain the operation history of the gaming machine 20. Obtainable.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts payment, lends out game balls, communicates with the management device 50 and the gaming machine 20 . When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts banknotes inserted by a player, it transmits a payment notification including the payment amount to the management device 50, whereby the prepaid value corresponding to the payment amount is managed by the management device 50. add to the value. When a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, a ball lending request is transmitted to the management device 50, the prepaid value managed by the management device 50 is subtracted, and a number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value is added to the gaming machine 20. to be added to the number of game balls.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a card insertion notification to the management device 50 when the insertion of the card is accepted. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the balance of the prepaid value, the balls owned or the accumulated balls from the management device 50, it stores the balance. Then, when the balance of the balls on hand is received and stored, the balance of the balls on hand (the number of balls on hand) managed by the management device 50 is set to zero by transmitting a ball subtraction request to the management device 50. clear.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a ball replay operation, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls managed by itself, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the number of balls that has been subtracted. add to the number. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a stored ball replay operation, it transmits a stored ball replay request to the management device 50, thereby causing the number of stored balls managed by the management device 50 to be subtracted by a predetermined number. The game machine 20 is notified of the number corresponding to the accumulated number of balls, and is added to the number of game balls.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the card return operation, it transmits a request to add the number of balls held to the management device 50, and after having the management device 50 add the number of balls held, the card discharge notification is made. is sent to the management device 50 to control card ejection. Incidentally, when a counting operation is received from the gaming machine 20 before the card return operation, the number of game balls is added to the number of possessed 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 the authentication key received from the management device 50 . This authentication is performed at the time of the opening process or the like, and the gaming machine 20 is allowed to play 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-machine card processing machine 10 stores the number of game balls notified from the gaming machine 20, and periodically notifies the management device 50 of the number of game balls and the number of possessed balls.

The island controller 30 is a device for bundling a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10 provided on a game island and relaying various information to the management device 50 .

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

Further, when receiving a ball-in-hand subtraction request from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the management device 50 clears the balance of the ball-in-hand to zero, and when receiving a ball-in-hand addition request from the card processing machine 10 between machines. , the number of balls indicated in the ball addition request is added to the balance of the balls.

Further, when receiving a ball lending request from the inter-machine card processor 10, the management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID, and transmits ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processor 10. do. Then, when the accumulated ball replay request is received, the accumulated ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加

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

In addition, the management device 50 manages member management data of members who are registered as members of the amusement arcade. 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.

Further, when the management device 50 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the management device 50 receives the accumulated ball replay data including the balance of the accumulated balls and the personal identification number corresponding to the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification. It is transmitted to the interim card processing machine 10 . Further, when receiving the accumulated balls replay request from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number from the balance of the accumulated balls associated with the card ID indicated in the accumulated balls replay request. The accumulated ball replay data including the balance of the accumulated balls is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. - 特許庁

Further, when receiving the card ID from the self-prize management device 60, the management device 50 notifies the self-prize management device 60 of the number of owned balls, the number of accumulated balls and the prepaid value associated with the card ID.

Further, when receiving a prize inventory data request from the self-prize management device 60, the management device 50 notifies the self-prize management device 60 of the prize inventory data.

Also, when the management device 50 receives a registration request containing the card ID, the prize code of the selected prize, and the quantity from the self-prize management device 60, the management device 50 associates the selected prize with the card ID, and if the selected prize is a special prize, the status is regarded as the completion of the exchange, and if the selected prize is a general prize, the status is set as waiting for exchange and registered in the selected prize data.

In addition, when the management device 50 receives a registration request including the card ID, the prize code and the quantity of the selected prize from the general prize dispensing device 90, the received card ID, prize code and quantity are included in the selected prize data. Update the status of the data to be exchanged as complete.

The self-prize management device 60 is a prize exchange terminal installed at a prize exchange counter in the amusement arcade, and has a self-service function in which the player himself/herself selects a prize, and performs a prize exchange process for his/her own balls and stored balls. I do. When the self prize management device 60 reads the card ID from the general card or the membership card (or reads the identification information corresponding to the card ID from the portable terminal or the like), the self prize management device 60 transmits the card ID to the management device 50. to request the balance of balls, stored balls, and prepaid value of the card ID.

Also, when the self-prize management device 60 reads the card ID from the card, it requests the management device 50 for the valuable value associated with the card ID and the ball balance. When the self-prize managing device 60 receives the value associated with the card ID from the managing device 50, it stores this value in the possessed value data.

In addition, the self-prize management device 60 accepts selection of special prizes and general prizes within the range of the balance of balls and accumulated balls stored in the owned value data, and registers the card ID, the prize code of the selected prize, and the number of prizes. Notifies the management device 50 of the request.

If a special prize is selected, the self-prize managing device 60 notifies the special prize dispensing device 80 of a payout instruction including the prize code and number of the selected prize. Record the prize code and the number of prizes on the card.

The special prize payout device 80 is a device capable of storing and paying out special prizes. When the special prize payout device 80 receives a special prize payout instruction from the self-prize management device 60, it pays out the corresponding special prize.

The general prize payout device 90 is a device capable of storing and paying out general prizes. When the card is accepted, the general prize putting-out device 90 puts out the general prize based on the prize code and the number of prizes read from the card, and transmits the card ID, the prize code and the number to the management device 50.例文帳に追加

Next, ball lending processing in the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. When a player performs a ball lending operation to the inter-machine card processor 10, the inter-machine card processor 10 transmits a telegram addressed to the local address of the management device 50. - 特許庁This electronic message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, an address or arbitrary identification information specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and a ball lending request.

When the management device 50 receives a telegram containing a ball lending request, the management device 50 sets the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the telegram to a predetermined value (for example, 5 indicating 500 yen when one frequency is 100 yen). frequency) is decremented to update the card management data, and permission for ball lending is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the transmission source. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission transmits to the gaming machine 20 an addition signal requesting addition of the number (for example, "125") corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value to the number of game balls.

The gaming machine 20 that has received the addition signal adds the number of game balls and transmits the number of game balls after the addition to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . The inter-machine card processing machine 10 compares the sum of the number of game balls before addition and the number of balls lent out with the number of game balls after addition, and determines whether the addition of the number of game balls has been properly performed. judge.

Next, the ball replay process in the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50 when the insertion of a general card or a membership card is accepted. This electronic message contains the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification information specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the rate of the inter-machine card processor 10. and a card insertion notification.

When the management device 50 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the balance of the balls at the rate specified by the electronic message among the balls associated with the card ID in the electronic message is calculated. The interim card processing machine 10 is notified.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the balance of balls in hand received from the management device 50 . Then, it transmits to the management device 50 a telegram containing information specifying the card ID and rate, and a request for subtraction of balls on hand. When receiving the ball-on-hand subtraction request, the management device 50 clears the balance of the ball-on-hand specified by the card ID and the rate to zero. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a ball replay operation, it subtracts a fixed number from the balance of the balls in hand, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the corresponding number, and adds it to the number of game balls.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives from the gaming machine 20 a management transfer request for transferring the management by changing the number of game balls of the game machine 20 to the possession balls of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the management transfer request. Adds the number of game balls shown in . After that, when the card return operation is accepted, a telegram including a request for adding balls to possession is transmitted to the management device 50 . This telegram includes the card ID of the card to be ejected, the address or arbitrary identification information specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, the information for specifying the rate of the inter-machine card processor 10, and the It includes the balance of balls and the request for addition of balls.

When receiving the ball addition request, the management device 50 receives the balance (number of balls) of the balls at the rate specified by the electronic message among the balls associated with the card ID in the electronic message. value. Thereafter, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a card discharge notification to the management device 50 and controls card discharge.

Next, the accumulated ball replay processing in the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a membership card or reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card, it sends a telegram addressed to the local address of the management device 50. Send. This electronic message contains the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10 (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal) and an address specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender. Alternatively, it includes arbitrary identification information, information for specifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and card insertion notification.

The management device 50 transmits to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 the accumulated ball replay data including the personal identification number associated with the card ID in the electronic message and the balance of the accumulated balls at the rate specified by the electronic message. do.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the received ball replay data, and the balance of the accumulated balls indicated in the accumulated ball replay data is the payout unit number of game balls (the accumulated ball replay unit number. For example, "125"). ball") or more, it is possible to accept the stored ball replay operation.

After storing the accumulated ball replay data, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 requests the player to enter a personal identification number when receiving the accumulated ball replay operation for the first time. Confirm that it matches the PIN number shown in .

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a telegram addressed to the local address of the management device 50 when the personal identification numbers match. This electronic message contains the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification information specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the rate of the inter-machine card processor 10. and a request to replay the accumulated balls.

The management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of the accumulated balls at the rate specified by the electronic message among the accumulated balls associated with the card ID in the electronic message, and transmits the accumulated ball replay data including the balance after the subtraction to the inter-machine card. Send to processor 10 .

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the accumulated ball replay data, updates the balance of the accumulated balls, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the unit number of accumulated ball replays, and adds it to the number of game balls. Also, it is determined whether or not the updated balance of accumulated balls has become less than the number of replay units for accumulated balls. If the updated balance of accumulated ball data is equal to or greater than the number of units for replaying accumulated balls, it is possible to accept a replay operation for replaying accumulated balls. It is not necessary to confirm the personal identification number in the second and subsequent stored ball replay operations. If the updated balance of the accumulated ball data becomes less than the number of units for replaying the accumulated balls, the operation for replaying the accumulated balls cannot be accepted.

Next, a description will be given of the transition from ball possession to ball storage in the closing process. The management device 50 checks the balance of balls in the card management data at the time of closing processing, and if there is a ball whose balance is greater than "0", adds the balance of the balls to the balance of stored balls. to update. After that, the management device 50 clears the balance of the balls to zero.

<External configuration of inter-machine card processing machine 10 and gaming machine 20>
Next, the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. Although the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that accepts only bills is illustrated in the figure, a unit that can accept electronic money can also be provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-stand card processing machine 10 includes a status display unit 11 for displaying the device status of the inter-stand card processing machine 10 by lighting or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color, and a banknote insertion slot for receiving various banknotes. 12a, a display operation unit 13 such as a touch panel display, and a card slot 14a for receiving a card associated with a card ID are provided.

The game machine 20 is provided with a game board surface, a handle 21 and a counting button 22 used when the enclosed game balls are thrown onto the game board surface.

The counting button 22 subtracts the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20 and adds the corresponding number to the balls possessed by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, thereby managing the number of balls that can be thrown out from the gaming machine 20 to the machine. This is an operation button for performing management transfer to transfer to the card processing machine 10 . This management shift corresponds to a counting process in which the inter-machine card processing machine 10 counts the put-out game balls and adds them to the balls held in the open-type game machine 20 in which the actual game balls are put out by winning a prize.

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

The banknote transport unit 12 is a transport unit that determines the denomination and authenticity of a banknote inserted from the banknote insertion slot 12a and transports the banknote to a banknote storage unit (not shown). The display operation unit 13 is an input/output device such as a touch panel display that displays various information such as 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 into the card slot 14a. A card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a passes through the reader/writer 14 and is stored in a card storage section (not shown). 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 such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 16 stores self-device status data 16a and card data 16b.

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

The card data 16b is data relating to the card being used by the player. The card data 16b includes a card ID, a personal identification number, a prepaid value, owned balls, accumulated balls, and the like. The card ID is the 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 ejected, the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during transport. Also, when the card is conveyed from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage section (not shown), the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during this conveyance. The prepaid value indicates the balance of the prepaid value that can be used for ball lending, and the owned balls and stored balls indicate their respective balances.

The game management unit 18 is a processing unit that performs processing related to authentication and communication with the gaming machine 20 . It is desirable that the game management unit 18 be formed on a substrate different from that of the control unit 17 . The game management unit 18 has an authentication processing unit 18a, an authentication key management unit 18b, and a gaming machine state management unit 18c. In practice, by loading these programs into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executing them, the authentication processing unit 18a, the authentication key management unit 18b, and the gaming machine state management unit 18c are caused to execute their corresponding processes. Become.

The authentication processing unit 18 a authenticates the gaming machine 20 using the authentication key received from the management device 50 . The authentication processing unit 18a transmits operation permission to the gaming machine 20 when the authentication is successful. The authentication processing unit 18a prohibits the use of the gaming machine 20 when the authentication fails. Even if the authentication fails, if it is within a predetermined period from the last successful authentication, the operation permission is transmitted to the game machine 20, and after the predetermined period has passed since the last successful authentication, the game machine 20 may be configured to prohibit the use of the game machine 20 without transmitting the operation permission.

The authentication key management unit 18b is a processing unit that manages authentication keys. A usage time is set for the authentication key, and the authentication key becomes unusable when the cumulative operation time of the gaming machine 20 reaches the usage time of the authentication key. Specifically, the authentication key management unit 18b manages the usage time of the authentication key by using the power-on time of the board on which the game management unit 18 is formed as the operating time of the gaming 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 18 c is a processing unit that communicates with the gaming machine 20 and manages the state of the gaming machine 20 . Specifically, the gaming machine state management unit 18c acquires the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, transmits a request for addition to the number of game balls by lending balls, and increases the number of game balls from the balls to the number of games by replaying the balls. Transmission of management transfer request, transmission of addition request to the number of game balls by replaying accumulated balls, reception of game results such as the number of hit balls and the number of winning balls in the gaming machine 20, conversion from the number of game balls to the number of balls by counting Receives a management transfer request. The communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the game machine 20 uses encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

In addition, the gaming machine status management unit 18c further acquires the status set for the game such as the current number of game balls of the gaming machine 20, the start, the big win, the big win type, and the number of lotteries. The time interval at which the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the status of the gaming machine 20 is preferably set shorter than the interval at which the gaming machine 20 shoots (uses) game balls. Further, when the gaming machine state management unit 18 c acquires the number of game balls from the gaming machine 20 , it transfers the number of game balls to the control unit 17 .

The timing at which the gaming machine state management unit 18c acquires a new gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 is not limited to before opening the store. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is turned on or off, during regular communication, when processing related to the number of game balls (ball lending, replay, counting, etc.), when returning from an offline state, etc. Acquisition of the game machine ID and determination of replacement of the game machine 20 can be performed immediately. Also, these timings may be used in combination.

The control unit 17 is a control unit that performs overall control of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . In practice, a process is executed by loading a program corresponding to the control unit 17 into the CPU and executing it. The data management unit 17a is a processing unit that manages the card data 16b.

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

Further, when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits a deposit notification including the amount of the inserted banknote, the card ID, and the inter-machine 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-machine card processing machine ID to the management device 50 when the player performs the ball lending operation. When ball lending permission is received as a response to this ball lending request, the data management unit 17a subtracts the prepaid value of the card data 16b and adds a predetermined number of balls to the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20. The game management section 18 is instructed.

Further, the data management unit 17a updates the card data 16b by subtracting the number of balls held in the card data 16b when the operation to replay the balls held is received, and manages the game so as to add the corresponding number of balls to the number of balls played in the gaming machine 20. instruct the unit 18.

Further, when the balance of accumulated balls indicated in the card data 16b is equal to or greater than the number of units for replaying accumulated balls, the data management unit 17a displays a replay button for accumulated balls on the display operation unit 13, and accepts an operation for replaying accumulated balls. make it possible. The data management unit 17a transmits a stored-balls replay request including the card ID and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the management device 50 when the player performs the stored-balls replay operation. When the accumulated ball replay data is received as a response to the accumulated ball replay request, the balance of the accumulated balls in the card data 16b is updated, and the number of balls corresponding to the unit number of the accumulated ball replays is added to the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20. The game management unit 18 is instructed to let it run. At the time of the first ball-pool replay operation, the input of the personal identification number is requested, and matching with the personal identification number indicated in the card data 16b is set as a condition for transmitting the ball-pool replay request.

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

Further, when the data management unit 17a receives the card return operation, the data management unit 17a transmits to the management device 50 a ball-in-hand addition request including the card ID, the inter-machine card processor ID, and the balance in the ball-in-hand. After clearing the card data 16b, a card ejection notification is transmitted to the management device 50, and the card is ejected.

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

5(a), the ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "A101", the gaming machine ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201", and the inter-machine card processing machine 16a shown in FIG. This shows a state in which "ball 1" is set as one of ten game types.

The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "2001". Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, a card with the first digit "1" is a general card, and a card with the first digit "2" is a membership card. Also, the card data 16b indicates a state where the personal identification number for replaying the stored balls is "1234" and the prepaid value is "3000" points. Here, one degree of the prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen.

Further, the card data 16b indicates that the balance of balls held by ball 1 is "1500", the balance of balls held by ball 2 is "2500", and the balance of balls held by ball 3 is "0". , and indicates a state in which the stored ball balance of ball 1 is "500" balls, the stored ball balance of ball 2 is "0" balls, and the stored ball balance of ball 3 is "0" balls.

<Configuration 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 section 23 , an effect control section 24 , a game control section 25 and a game ball control section 26 . The communication control unit 23 is a control unit for controlling data communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . Communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 uses encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

When the game machine 20 is activated, 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, checks whether the identification information is appropriate, and if appropriate, , establish communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and enter a standby state. In the standby state, if an operation permission is received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the effect control section 24, the game control section 25 and the game ball control section 26 are activated to make the game ready.

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

Specifically, the game control unit 25 controls the shooting of game balls to the game board surface by detecting the handle operation, detects game balls that have entered the winning opening on the game board surface, and random numbers (from 0 to Acquisition and lottery (special symbols and normal symbols) of the random numbers of 65535, which are assigned big hits, small hits, and losing numbers for each predetermined range, movable members provided on the game board (tulips, etc.) ), display control of the special symbol display device provided on the game board surface, detection of abnormalities that may be fraudulent (front frame is open, detection of vibration, etc.) and notification to the host device.

A large number of obstacle nails are planted on the game board surface, and a game ball launched onto the game board surface by operating the handle falls between the obstacle nails and enters the winning opening and the starting opening or does not win. It is discharged out of the game board surface from the out port of the game board surface. A lottery is performed when a game ball enters a starting hole, and when a big win is achieved, a big win game is performed in which a predetermined winning hole on the game board surface is controlled to be opened multiple times, and the game balls enter the winning hole. prize balls are given to the players by facilitating the

Also, the big win includes a big win game with a privilege in which a predetermined privilege game is given to the player after the big win game is finished. The bonus jackpot game includes a probability variable jackpot and a time-saving jackpot. The probability variation jackpot and the time reduction jackpot are respectively provided with the probability variation game and the time reduction game as privilege games after the jackpot. The time-saving game is the fluctuation time of the normal pattern lottery (opening and closing lottery of the movable members described above) and / or the special pattern lottery (big hit lottery by winning the game ball described above) (from the start of the lottery process to the display of the results Time) is shortened to increase the number of lotteries per unit time, thereby increasing the probability of winning a jackpot per unit time. This privilege game may include a normal symbol probability variation that increases the probability of winning a normal symbol. The time-saving game by the time-saving jackpot is terminated when the special pattern lottery is performed a predetermined number of times after the jackpot. The probability variation game will be described later.

The game control unit 25 has a probability variation function. The probability variation function changes the random number range of the big win to be used for the next lottery when the lottery result falls within a particularly defined random number range among the big wins (generally increases it to about 10 times). It is a function. The probability variation game is to perform a special symbol lottery using the probability after this change. The probability variation game is continued until the next big win is won. Moreover, you may provide a probability variation game and a time-saving game simultaneously. However, in order to prevent unexpected damage to the amusement arcade, if a player acquires a certain amount of game media after the start of a variable probability game or a time-saving game, it will be stopped (the card will be ejected once, and the prize will be exchanged or the machine will be requested to be moved). ) processing. In this case, the game machine 20 counts the number of game media after entering the probability variable game state, and when the count reaches a predetermined value, game stop control such as stopping the shooting of game balls is performed. can be realized by

The performance control unit 24 is a control unit that controls the performance during the game, and has a performance symbol lottery unit 24a and a performance lottery unit 24b. Actually, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the effect symbol lottery section 24a and the effect lottery section 24b are caused to execute corresponding processes.

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

A performance lottery part 24b performs a lottery for the type of performance to be performed before displaying the lottery result of performance symbols (e.g., a ready-to-win performance with a character appearing). Such an effect is set so that the effect selected for the main lottery result is different.

The performance control unit 24 stores performance data for each performance. Furthermore, the effect control unit 24 controls the display of the effect pattern display device, and when the effect is executed, the effect display is performed by superimposing the effect data on the background pattern data. Also, when the probability fluctuates, background color data different from that in the normal state is set.

The game ball control section 26 is a control section that controls the number of game balls. Actually, the process is executed by loading a program corresponding to the game ball control section 26 into the CPU and executing it. The playable number management section 26a is a management section that manages the playable number, that is, the number of game balls.

Specifically, the game ball control unit 26 stores the number of game balls in the playable number memory, subtracts "1" from the number of game balls each time a game ball is shot, and determines the number of winning balls obtained by winning. is added to the number of game balls. Further, when the number of balls is notified from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the notified number of balls is added to the number of game balls, and the fact that the number of game balls has been added to the number of game balls is sent to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. send an acknowledgment signal indicating The game ball control unit 26 can also perform cleaning control of game balls (circulating balls) enclosed in the gaming machine 20 .

In addition, the game ball control unit 26 periodically transmits the number of game balls stored in the playable number memory to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . In this case, the game ball control unit 26 continues to update the number of game balls according to the game state without clearing the contents of the memory for the number of playable games to zero. Send the number of pitches.

The game machine 20 is also provided with a counting button 22 , and a signal indicating that the counting button 22 has been pressed is input to the game ball control section 26 . The game ball control unit 26 detects the pressing operation of the count button 22, and if the detection signal rises and falls for less than a certain period of time, the number of game balls is increased by a certain number (for example, 100 balls per operation). A management transfer request is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 together with the data. Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is subtracted (invalidated) from the number of game balls. Further, when the pressing operation of the count button 22 is detected, and the fall of the detection signal is not detected for a predetermined time or more after the rise of the detection signal, a certain number (for example, every 5 seconds) 200 balls), along with the data of the number of game balls, a management transfer request is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is subtracted (invalidated) from the number of game balls. When subtracting from the number of game balls, the value to be subtracted is decremented from the value of 1 stored in the memory, or the value stored in the memory is updated with the value after subtraction, and the value before subtraction is deleted or logically. A method of deleting and invalidating is conceivable, but there is no particular limitation 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 substrates. The game control board on which the game control unit 25 is configured and the game ball control board on which the game ball control unit 26 is configured each have a unique ID. The game machine 20 combines the ID of the game control board and the ID of the game ball control board and uses it as a game 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. 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7 , the management device 50 is connected to the display section 51 and the input section 52 and has an external network communication section 53 , a store network communication section 54 , a storage section 55 and a control section 56 .

The display unit 51 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or a display device. The input unit 52 is an input device such as a keyboard or mouse. The external network communication unit 53 is an interface unit for data communication with an authentication key management center (not shown) via an external network. The store network communication unit 54 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, the self-service prize management device 60, and the general prize dispensing device 90 via a communication line inside the amusement arcade.

The storage unit 55 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and stores card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, prize inventory data 55d, and selected prize data 55e.

The card management data 55a is data in which the card ID is associated with the balance of prepaid value, the balance of balls, and the like. The device management data 55b is data relating to the devices installed in the amusement arcade. The device management data 55b includes inter-machine card processing machine ID, installation location, gaming machine number, gaming machine ID, model data of the gaming machine 20, and the like. The member management data 55c is data in which the card ID of the member card issued to the member is associated with the name of the member, information on accumulated balls, and the like.

The prize inventory data 55d is data for managing the inventory of all prizes including special prizes and general prizes. The selected prize data 55 e is data for managing prizes selected by the self-prize management device 60 . This selected prize data 55e includes a card ID, information specifying the selected prize, and a status indicating a waiting/exchanged state.

The control unit 56 is a control unit that performs overall control of the management device 50, and has a card management unit 56a, a device management unit 56b, a member management unit 56c, a prize inventory management unit 56d, and a selected prize management unit 56e. Actually, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the processes corresponding to the card management section 56a, the device management section 56b, the member management section 56c, the prize inventory management section 56d, and the selected prize management section 56e are executed. will be executed.

The card management unit 56a is a processing unit that manages the card management data 55a. The card management unit 56a communicates with the inter-machine card processor 10 and the self-service prize management device 60 to update the prepaid value and ball balance associated with the card ID. When the card management unit 56a receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and receives a request for a value associated with the card from the self-prize management device 60, the card management unit 56a receives the value associated with the card. Notify value and ball balance.

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

The member management unit 56c is a processing unit that manages the member management data 55c. The member management unit 56c communicates with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the self-service prize management device 60 to update the balance of accumulated balls associated with the card ID. Further, when receiving a member registration request, the member management unit 56c updates the member management data 55c by adding the member.

Here, the accumulated ball replay processing by the member management unit 56c will be described. Upon receiving the accumulated ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management unit 56c checks the balance of the accumulated balls at the payout destination rate among the accumulated balls associated with the card ID in the accumulated ball replay request data. is withdrawn by the number of payout units, and the number of possible replays of stored balls is recalculated. Then, stored ball replay data including the balance after the subtraction and the possible number of stored ball replays are transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 .

The prize inventory management unit 56d is a processing unit that manages the prize inventory data 55d indicating the inventory of all prizes. Upon receiving a request for prize inventory data from the self-prize management device 60, the prize inventory management unit 56d notifies the prize inventory data 55d. When the prize inventory management unit 56d receives the prize code and the number from the selected prize management unit 56e, it subtracts the number of corresponding prizes from the prize inventory data 55d.

The selected prize management unit 56e is a processing unit that manages the selected prize data 55e that indicates the prize selected by the self-prize management device 60 and its status. When the selected prize management unit 56e receives the registration request including the card ID, the prize code of the selected prize, and the number of the selected prize from the self-prize management device 60, it associates the selected prize with the card ID. is regarded as exchange completion, and if the selected prize is a general prize, the status is registered in the selected prize data 55e as waiting for exchange.

When the selected prize management unit 56e receives a registration request including the card ID, the prize code of the selected prize, and the number from the general prize dispensing device 90, the selected prize management unit 56e stores the received card ID, prize code, and number in the selected prize data 55e. Update the status of the data corresponding to the quantity as exchange complete.

Further, when the selected prize management unit 56e registers/updates the exchange completion in the data status of the selected prize data 55e, it notifies the prize inventory management unit 56d of the prize code and number of this data.

Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 55 of the management device 50 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing an example of the card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, prize inventory data 55d and selected prize data 55e shown in FIG.

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

In the card management data 55a, the card ID "2001" is associated with the prepaid value "3000". In addition, as the balls, the ball 1 has a balance of "1500", the ball 2 has a balance of "2500", and the ball 3 has a balance of "0". However, the user ID is not associated. That is, the card with the card ID “2001” is not inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the management device 50 manages the balls in hand.

The device management data 55b shown in FIG. 8(b) indicates that for the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with the ID "A101", the installation location is "Island 1-1" and the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201". , the gaming machine number is "11", the game type is "ball 1", the model of the gaming machine 20 is "EV01", and the serial number is "a". It also shows that the game machine 20 is in use.

Further, the device management data 55b includes, for the inter-machine card processing machine 10 having the ID "A201", the installation location is "Island 2-1", the ID of the connected game machine 20 is "B506", and the game machine number is "B506". is "21", the game type is "ball 3", the model of the gaming machine 20 is "DX03", and the serial number is "g". It also shows that the game machine 20 is in use.

The member management data 55c shown in FIG. 8(c) indicates the name, accumulated balls, etc. associated with the card ID. Specifically, the member management data 55c includes card ID "2005", name "Taro Tokkyo", ball balance "1500" for "ball 1" and ball balance "200" for "ball 2". It shows a state in which the balance of the stored balls of the ball and "ball 3" is "0".

The prize stock data 55d shown in FIG. 9(a) is data in which the total number of stocks is associated with the prize code, prize name, and group code. The prize inventory data 55d associates the prize code “0001”, the prize name “grand prize”, and the group code “01” with the total number “500” in stock, and associates the prize code “0002”, the prize name “small prize”, the group The code "01" is associated with the total inventory "400".

The prize stock data 55d associates the prize code “0100”, the prize name “tea”, and the group code “02” with the total number of stock “100”, and the prize code “0101”, the prize name “milk”, and the group The code "02" is associated with the total number "100" in stock, the prize code "0600", the prize name "Hatarama candy", and the group code "04" are associated with the total number "700" in stock.

The selected prize data 55e shown in FIG. 9B is data that associates the card ID, the selected prize, and the status. Selected prizes include a prize code, prize name and quantity. The selected prize data 55e associates card ID "1008" with three grand prizes with prize code "0001" and status "exchange complete".

The selected prize data 55e associates the card ID "2015" with five small prizes with the prize code "0002" and the status "exchange completed", and the card ID "2015" with one tea with the prize code "0100" and the status "Waiting for exchange" is associated with the card ID "2015", one bottle of milk with prize code "0101", and the status "Waiting for exchange".

<Configuration of self-prize management device 60>
Next, the configuration of the self prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the self prize management device 60 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the self prize management device 60 includes a display operation unit 61, a receipt issuing unit 63, a store clerk tag reader 64a, a card reader/writer 64b, a portable terminal reader 64c, a communication unit 65, a storage unit 66, and a control unit 67. have.

The display operation unit 61 is an input/output device such as a liquid crystal touch panel. The receipt issuing unit 63 is a thermal printer or the like, and issues various receipts such as a receipt printed with information specifying the selected prize.

The clerk tag reader 64a is a reading device that reads the clerk ID from the clerk tag of the game clerk. This tag contains an identification code that uniquely identifies the employee, and the identification code included in the tag read by the store clerk tag reader 64a identifies the employee who operates the self-service prize management device 60. FIG.

The card reader/writer 64b reads the card ID from the player's card and writes the prize code and the number of prizes on the card. The mobile terminal reader 64c reads information corresponding to the card ID from the mobile terminal when a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card is held up.

The communication unit 65 is an interface unit for the self-prize management device 60 to communicate with the management device 50 and the special prize dispensing device 80 via a communication line or the like.

The storage unit 66 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or a non-volatile memory, and stores a prize master 66a, possessed value data 66b, and prize inventory data 66c.

The prize master 66a is data used when game balls are exchanged for prizes, and is received from the management device 50 and stored, for example. The held value data 66b is data indicating the value associated with the card read by the card reader/writer 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c. The prize inventory data 66c is data for managing the prize inventory.

The control unit 67 is a control unit that controls the entire self-prize management device 60, and has a prize management unit 67a, a possessed value management unit 67b, a prize selection control unit 67c, a prize inventory management unit 67d, and a prize association processing unit 67e. . In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed so that the prize management unit 67a and the possessed value management unit 67b, the prize selection control unit 67c, the prize inventory management unit 67d, and the prize association processing unit 67e are caused to execute corresponding processes.

The prize management unit 67a is a management unit that uses the prize master 66a stored in the storage unit 66 to manage the number of exchange balls for special prizes and general prizes to be handled by the self-prize management device 60, and the like. The prize management unit 67a acquires the prize master from the management device 50 and stores it in the storage unit 66 as the prize master 66a.

The owned value management unit 67b is a processing unit that manages the owned value data 66b. When the card ID is read by the card reader/writer 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c, the owned value management unit 67b requests the management device 50 for the valuable value associated with the card ID and the balance of the owned balls. When the owned value management unit 67b receives the value associated with the card ID from the management device 50, it stores this value in the owned value data 66b.

The prize selection control unit 67c is a processing unit that selects a prize to be exchanged for a prize. The prize selection control unit 67c accepts selection of special prizes and general prizes based on the prize master 66a within the range of the balance of balls and accumulated balls.

Specifically, when a special prize is designated by the player's operation, the prize selection control unit 67c obtains a combination of types and numbers of special prizes that can be exchanged within the range of the balance of the balls and the accumulated balls. as a prize of choice. As for general prizes, the prize selection control unit 67c operates the display operation unit 61 when the player designates a prize, and when the prize selection control unit 67c selects the prize according to the balance of the balls held and the accumulated balls. There is.

Also, when a prize is selected, the prize selection control unit 67c notifies the management device 50 of a registration request including the card ID, the prize code of the selected prize, and the number of prizes. If a special prize is selected, the prize selection control unit 67c notifies the special prize payout device 80 of a payout instruction including the prize code and number of the selected prize, and if a general prize is selected, the prize of the selected prize. The code and number are transferred to the prize association processing unit 67e.

The prize inventory management unit 67d is a processing unit that manages the prize inventory data 66c that indicates the inventory of all prizes. When the card ID is read by the card reader/writer 64b or the portable terminal reader 64c, the prize inventory management section 67d requests the management device 50 for prize inventory data. When the prize inventory data is received from the management device 50, the prize inventory management unit 67d stores the received data in the prize inventory data 66c.

The prize association processing unit 67e is a processing unit that records the selected general prize on the card as the selected prize. Upon receiving the prize code and number from the prize selection control section 67c, the prize association processing section 67e records the prize code and number received via the card reader/writer 64b on the card.

Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 66 of the self-prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the prize master 66a, possessed value data 66b, and prize inventory data 66c shown in FIG.

The prize master 66a shown in FIG. 11(a) is data that associates a prize code that uniquely identifies a prize with a prize name, group code, prize value, and the number of redeemable balls. Here, the group code is identification information for classifying and managing prizes. Group code "01" indicates a special prize that can be transferred for a predetermined value through a certain procedure. Group codes from "02" onward are general prizes including daily necessities other than special prizes.

The prize master 66a stores the prize code "0001", the prize name "grand prize", the group code "01", the prize value "1000" balls, the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "250" balls, and the number of exchange balls for ball 2. "500" balls and "1000" balls, the number of exchange balls for ball 3, are associated with each other.

In addition, the prize master 66a stores the prize code "0002", the prize name "small prize", the group code "01", the prize value "100" balls, the number of balls exchanged for ball 1 "25" balls, and the ball 2 exchanged. The number of balls “50” and the exchange number of balls “100” for ball 3 are associated.

Also, the prize master 66a stores the prize code "0100", the prize name "tea", the group code "02", the prize value "400" balls, the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "100" balls, and the exchange ball for ball 2. The number “200” balls and the exchange ball number “400” balls of ball 3 are associated.

Also, the prize master 66a stores the prize code "0101", the prize name "milk", the group code "02", the prize value "420" balls, the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "105", and the exchange balls for ball 2. The number “210” balls and the exchange ball number “420” balls of ball 3 are associated.

In addition, the prize master 66a stores the prize code "0600", the prize name "end ball candy", the group code "04", the prize value "12" balls, the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "3", and the number of balls exchanged for ball 2. The exchange ball number "6" balls and the exchange ball number "12" balls of the ball 3 are associated.

Possessed value data 66b shown in FIG. 11(b) is data indicating owned balls, accumulated balls, prepaid value, etc., which are values associated with the read card. Possessed value data 66b indicates that the balance of balls held by ball 1 is "1500", the balance of balls held by ball 2 is "2500", and the balance of balls held by ball 3 is "0". , as the stored balls, the balance of the stored balls of the ball 1 is "500" balls, the balance of the stored balls of the ball 2 is "0", the balance of the stored balls of the ball 3 is "0", and the prepaid value is "3000" indicates a state.

The prize stock data 66c shown in FIG. 11(c) is data in which the total number of stocks is associated with the prize code, prize name, and group code. The prize inventory data 66c associates the prize code “0001”, the prize name “grand prize”, and the group code “01” with the total number “500” in stock, and associates the prize code “0002”, the prize name “small prize”, the group The code "01" is associated with the total inventory "400".

The prize stock data 66c associates the prize code “0100”, the prize name “tea”, and the group code “02” with the total number of stock “100”, and the prize code “0101”, the prize name “milk”, and the group The code "02" is associated with the total number "100" in stock, the prize code "0600", the prize name "Hatarama candy", and the group code "04" are associated with the total number "700" in stock.

<Structure of General Prize Dispensing Device 90>
Next, the configuration of the general prize payout device 90 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the general prize payout device 90 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12 , the general prize payout device 90 has a display operation section 91 , a storage section 92 , a payout section 93 , a card reader 94 , a communication section 95 , a storage section 96 and a control section 97 .

The display operation unit 91 is an input/output device such as a liquid crystal touch panel. The storage unit 92 is a housing for storing general prizes, and a transparent acrylic plate or the like may be used so that the general prizes can be confirmed from the outside. The payout unit 93 is a mechanism for paying out the selected general prize.

A card reader 94 reads the card ID, prize code and quantity from the player's card. The communication unit 95 is an interface unit for the general prize dispensing device 90 to communicate with the management device 50 via a communication line.

The storage unit 96 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores prize inventory data 96a. The prize inventory data 96 a is data for managing the inventory of prizes stored in the storage unit 92 .

The control unit 97 is a control unit that controls the general prize payout device 90 as a whole, and has an inventory management unit 97a and a payout control unit 97b. In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed so that the inventory management unit 97a and the payout control unit 97b will execute the corresponding process.

The inventory management unit 97 a is a processing unit that manages prize inventory data 96 a that indicates the inventory of prizes stored in the storage unit 92 . When the card reader 94 reads the card ID, prize code and quantity, the inventory management unit 97a notifies the management device 50 of the card ID, prize code and quantity. The inventory management unit 97a passes the read prize code and number to the payout control unit 97b, and subtracts the inventory number of the corresponding prize data in the prize inventory data 96a.

The payout control unit 97b is a processing unit that controls the payout of general prizes. When the payout control unit 97b receives the prize code and the number from the inventory management unit 97a, the payout control unit 97b pays out general prizes corresponding to the prize code and the number.

Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 96 of the general prize dispensing device 90 shown in FIG. 12 will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of prize inventory data 96a shown in FIG. The prize stock data 96a shown in FIG. 13 is data in which the stock quantity is associated with the prize code, prize name, and group code. The prize stock data 96a associates the prize code "0100", the prize name "tea", and the group code "02" with the stock quantity "20", and the prize code "0101", the prize name "milk", and the group code " 02” is associated with the inventory quantity “10”.

<Example of display on self-prize management device 60>
Next, an example of display on the self-prize management device 60 will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of display on the self-prize management device 60. As shown in FIG. In the self-prize management device 60, the special prize is selected first, and then the general prize is selected.

When a special prize is selected, the number of selected special prizes and the number of balls required for selection are displayed as shown in FIG. 14(a). Specifically, it indicates that 4 "exchange prizes" are selected, and the number of balls required for selection is 960.

In addition, options for a method for the player to select the general prize to be selected next and a method for the self-prize management device 60 to automatically select are displayed. Specifically, the method of selection by the player is "specify the odd ball prize", and the method of automatic selection is "entrust the odd ball prize".

When selecting general prizes, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the number of prizes to be selected is entered from the prizes displayed for each category of general prizes. Specifically, it shows a situation in which one item of "tea (pet)" displayed in the category of "beverage" is selected.

<Processing procedure of the self prize management device 60 according to the first embodiment>
Next, a processing procedure of the self-prize management device 60 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the self prize management device 60 according to the first embodiment.

If the self-prize management device 60 accepts a card (step S101; Yes), it prompts whether or not to select a special prize. is automatically selected (step S103).

When the general prize is automatically selected (step S104; Yes), the self-prize management device 60 automatically selects (step S105). If a general prize is to be selected manually (step S104; No), the player's operation is accepted to select a prize (step S106).

If a general prize is to be additionally selected (step S107; Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. When the selection of general prizes is finished (step S107; No), the prize code and number of the selected prizes are recorded on the card (step S108).

The management device 50 is notified of the card ID, prize code and quantity of the selected prize (step S109), and if the selected prize includes a special prize (step S110; The prize dispensing device 80 is notified (step S111), and the process ends.

As described above, the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment can efficiently exchange prizes for game media acquired by players through games.

As described above, in the first embodiment, a management device that manages the number of owned balls and the number of stored balls acquired by a player in association with a card ID, and a self-service device that exchanges the number of owned balls and the number of stored balls for prizes. A prize exchange system comprising a prize management device, comprising a special prize dispensing device and a general prize dispensing device, wherein the self-prize management device has a range of the number of balls and the number of stored balls associated with the card ID of the accepted card. select a prize within the general prize, record the prize code and quantity of the selected general prize on the card, and the general prize dispensing device pays out the prize based on the prize code and quantity recorded on the accepted card Therefore, it is possible to efficiently exchange prizes for game media obtained by players through games.

In the above-described first embodiment, the configuration for recording the prize code and the like of the selected general prize on the card has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be configured to convert it into a code such as a code (registered trademark) and print it on a receipt, or to manage it in association with a personal identification number set by a player's operation.

Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the general prize is paid out by holding a card on which the prize code of the selected general prize is recorded over the general prize payout device, but the present invention is limited to this. Instead, it can be configured to prohibit the use of the corresponding card in the inter-machine card processing machine until the general prize payout device pays out the general prize.

[Modification]
By the way, in the first embodiment, the configuration for recording the prize code of the selected general prize on the card has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the value of the selected general prize is recorded on the card. However, it can also be configured to pay out general prizes based on this value.

<Overview of prize exchange system according to modification>
In this modified example, the value of the general prize selected by the self-prize management device 100 is recorded on a card, the card is held up to the general prize payout device 110, and the general prize is paid out within the range of the recorded value. do.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 16, in the prize exchange system according to this modification, when a card is held up to the self-prize management device 100 (S11), the self-prize management device 100 is associated with the card from the management device 50. Then, the player obtains the balance of owned balls and accumulated balls, and the player selects a general prize within the range of the balance of owned balls and accumulated balls (S12). For example, choose 1 cup of tea and 1 cup of milk.
The self prize management device 100 records the value of the selected prize on the card (S13).

Next, when a card is held up to the general prize payout device 110 (S14), the player selects a general prize within the value recorded on the card (S15), and the general prize payout device 110 selects The awarded general prizes are paid out (S16), and the prize code and number of the paid out prizes are notified to the management device 50 (S17).

In this way, the prize exchange system according to this modification can efficiently exchange prizes for game media acquired by players through games.

<Structure of self prize management device 100>
Next, the configuration of the self prize management device 100 shown in FIG. 16 will be described. FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the self-prize management device 100 shown in FIG. Note that description of functional units similar to those of the self-prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 10 will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 17, the self prize management device 100 includes a display operation unit 61, a receipt issuing unit 63, a store clerk tag reader 64a, a card reader/writer 64b, a mobile terminal reader 64c, a communication unit 65, a storage unit 66, and a control unit 101. have.

The control unit 101 is a control unit that controls the entire self-prize management device 100, and controls the prize management unit 67a, the possessed value management unit 67b, the prize selection control unit 67c, the prize inventory management unit 67d, and the prize value write-back processing unit 102. have. In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed so that the prize management unit 67a and the possessed value management unit 67b, the prize selection control unit 67c, the prize inventory management unit 67d, and the prize value write-back processing unit 102 are caused to execute corresponding processes.

The prize value write-back processing unit 102 is a processing unit that records the value of the selected general prize on the card. Upon receiving the prize code and number from the prize selection control section 67c, the prize value write-back processing section 102 records the number of balls corresponding to the prize code and number received via the card reader/writer 64b on the card.

<Configuration of General Prize Dispensing Device 110>
Next, the configuration of the general prize payout device 110 shown in FIG. 16 will be described. FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the general prize payout device 110 shown in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. Note that description of the same functional units as those of the general prize dispensing device 90 shown in FIG. 12 will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 18 , the general prize payout device 110 has a display operation section 91 , a storage section 92 , a payout section 93 , a card reader 94 , a communication section 95 , a storage section 111 and a control section 113 .

The storage unit 111 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores prize inventory data 112 . The prize inventory data 112 is data for managing the inventory of prizes stored in the storage unit 92 .

The control unit 113 is a control unit that controls the general prize payout device 110 as a whole, and has a prize selection control unit 114 , an inventory management unit 115 and a payout control unit 116 . Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed to control the prize selection control unit 114 and the inventory management unit. 115 and the payout control unit 116 are caused to execute corresponding processes.

The prize selection control unit 114 is a processing unit that selects a prize to be exchanged for a prize. When the card ID and value are read by the card reader 94, the prize selection control section 114 accepts the selection of general prizes within the range of this value. The prize selection control unit 114 transfers the prize code and quantity of the selected general prize and the card ID read by the card reader 94 to the stock management unit 115 and the payout control unit 116 .

The inventory management unit 115 is a processing unit that manages the prize inventory data 112 indicating the inventory of prizes stored in the storage unit 92 . The inventory management unit 115 notifies the management device 50 of the card ID, prize code and quantity received from the prize selection control unit 114 and subtracts the inventory quantity of the corresponding prize data in the prize inventory data 112 .

The payout control unit 116 is a processing unit that controls the payout of general prizes. When the payout control unit 116 receives the prize code and the number from the prize selection control unit 114, the payout control unit 116 pays out general prizes corresponding to the prize code and the number.

Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 111 of the general prize payout device 110 shown in FIG. 18 will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of prize inventory data 112 shown in FIG. The prize stock data 112 shown in FIG. 19 is data in which the prize code, prize name, prize value, and group code are associated with the stock quantity. The prize inventory data 112 associates the prize code “0100”, the prize name “tea”, the prize value “400” balls, the group code “02” with the number of stock “20”, and the prize code “0101” and the prize name. "Milk", the prize value "420" balls, and the group code "02" are associated with the inventory quantity "10".

As described above, the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment records the value of the general prize selected by the self-prize management device 100 on the card, holds the card over the general prize dispensing device 110, and checks the recorded value. Since it is configured to pay out general prizes within the range, it is possible to efficiently exchange prizes for game media acquired by players through games.

[Embodiment 2]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, the configuration for recording the prize code, etc. of the selected general prize on the card has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the prize code, etc. of the selected general prize can be encoded. It is also possible to convert the code into a receipt and record it on a receipt, and pay out general prizes based on this code.

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, the prize code and number of general prizes selected by the self-prize management device 200 are coded and recorded on a receipt. A configuration for paying out prizes will be described. Also, in the case of a large prize that cannot be paid out by the general prize payout device 210, a configuration for notifying the employee will be described.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20(a), in the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment, when a card is held up to the self-prize management device 200 (S21), the self-prize management device 200 receives the card from the management device 50. The balance of balls and accumulated balls associated with the card is obtained, and the player selects a general prize within the range of the balance of owned balls and accumulated balls (S22). For example, choose 1 cup of tea and 1 cup of milk.

The self-prize management device 200 encodes the prize code and quantity of the selected prize, records it in a receipt and issues it (S23), and notifies the management device 50 of the prize code and quantity of the selected prize (S24). ).

Next, when the receipt is held up to the general prize payout device 210 (S25), the general prize payout device 210 pays out general prizes based on the prize code and number read from the receipt (S26). The prize code and number of prizes paid out to 50 are notified (S27).

Also, as shown in FIG. 20(b), when a card is held up to the self-prize management device 200 (S28), the self-prize management device 200 receives the balls and accumulated balls associated with the card from the management device 50. , and the player selects a general prize within the range of the balance of the balls and stored balls (S29). For example, one stuffed animal is selected.

If the selected prize is a prize that cannot be paid out by the general prize payout device 210 (for example, if the stuffed animal is too large to be stored in the general prize payout device 210), the self-prize management device 200 will dispose of the selected prize. The employee is notified of the prize code and the device number of the self prize management device 200 (S30), and the prize code and number of the selected prize are notified to the management device 50 (S31).

As described above, the prize exchange system according to this modification is configured to encode the prize code of the selected general prize and record it on the receipt, and pay out the general prize based on this code. It is possible to efficiently exchange prizes for the game media acquired by.

In the above-described second embodiment, a configuration has been described in which an employee is notified in the case of a large-sized prize that cannot be dispensed by a general prize dispensing device. It is also possible to print the code and the number on the receipt, or print the code and print it on the receipt, or receive the PIN number from the player and present the receipt or the PIN number at the manned counter to pay out the selected prize. .

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, a configuration has been described in which an employee is notified in the case of a large-sized prize that cannot be dispensed by a general prize dispensing device. It is also possible to configure the receipt to print the device number of the received inbox.

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, a configuration has been described in which an employee is notified in the case of a large prize that cannot be dispensed by a general prize dispensing device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the self-prize managing device. It can also be configured to take an image of a player with a camera installed in the store and notify the employee of the image taken, the prize code and the number of selected prizes.

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, a configuration has been described in which an employee is notified in the case of a large prize that cannot be dispensed by a general prize dispensing device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and manned operation is used. The prize code and number of the selected prize and the device number of the self prize management device can be notified to the prize management devices that are not waiting for exchange.

[Embodiment 3]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a prize is paid out by holding a card on which the prize code of the selected general prize is recorded, over the general prize payout device, but the present invention is limited to this. not a thing

When the prize is paid out by holding up the receipt on which the prize code of the selected general prize is coded and recorded to the general prize payout device, there is a possibility that the inventory of the target prize in the general prize payout device will be exhausted.

In order to solve this problem, when the stock of the target prize in the general prize dispensing device is exhausted, another prize is selected in the general prize dispensing device, the employee is notified of the shortage of prizes, or a self-prizing system is provided. It can also be configured to reselect another prize at the management device.

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 3>
In the third embodiment, the prize code and number of general prizes selected by the self-prize management device 300 are coded and recorded on a receipt. When prizes are paid out, if the target prize is out of stock, the general prize payout device 310 selects another prize, the employee is notified of the shortage of prizes, and the self-prize management device 300 selects another prize. A configuration for reselecting a prize will be described.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, in the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment, a receipt in which the prize code and number of general prizes (for example, a cup of tea) selected by the self-prize management device 300 are coded and recorded is When the general prize payout device 310 is held up (S41), the general prize payout device 310 checks the inventory based on the prize code and number read from the receipt. If the general prize payout device 310 does not have the target prize in stock (S42), the prize is paid out by the following three methods.

The first method is to reselect another prize with the general prize payout device 310 . As shown in FIG. 21(a), the general prize dispensing device 310 accepts selection of another prize (for example, a bottle of milk) having the same value as the value recorded on the receipt (S43), and pays the selected prize. Along with paying out (S44), the prize code and number of the paid out prizes are notified to the management device 350 (S45).

The second method is to notify the employee. As shown in FIG. 21(b), the employee is notified of the occurrence of a shortage of items in the general prize dispensing device 310 (S46). The employee replenishes the target prizes (S47), the general prize payout device 310 pays out the target prizes (S48), and notifies the management device 350 of the prize codes and the number of the given prizes (S49).

A third method is to reselect another prize using the self-prize management device 300 . As shown in FIG. 21(c), when the receipt is held up (S50), the self-prize management device 300 accepts selection of a general prize other than the general prize recorded on the receipt (for example, a bottle of milk). (S51), the prize code and quantity of the selected prize are coded, recorded on a receipt and issued (S52).

<Processing procedure of prize exchange process according to the third embodiment>
Next, a processing procedure of prize exchange processing according to the third embodiment will be described. 22 to 24 are flow charts showing the procedure of prize exchange processing according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 shows a method of reselecting another prize with the general prize payout device 310 . When the self-prize management device 300 accepts a card (step S201; Yes), it accepts selection of a general prize (step S202). The prize code and quantity of the selected general prize are notified to the management device 350 (step S203), the prize code and quantity of the selected prize are coded, recorded on a receipt, and issued (step S204).

When receiving the receipt (step S205), the general prize dispensing device 310 checks the stock of the selected prize recorded on the receipt (step S206), and if there is stock (step S206; Yes), step Move to S208. If the selected prize recorded on the receipt is not in stock (step S206; No), re-selection of a prize of the same value as recorded on the receipt is accepted (step S207).

The general prize payout device 310 pays out the selected prize (step S208), notifies the management device 350 of the prize code and number of the given prize (step S209), and ends the process.

FIG. 23 shows a method of informing employees. When the self-prize management device 300 accepts a card (step S301; Yes), it accepts selection of a general prize (step S302). The prize code and quantity of the selected general prize are notified to the management device 350 (step S303), and the prize code and quantity of the selected prize are coded, recorded on a receipt, and issued (step S304).

When the receipt is received (step S305), the general prize dispensing device 310 checks the stock of the selected prize recorded on the receipt (step S306). Go to S310.

If the selected prize recorded on the receipt is not in stock (step S306; No), the employee is notified that the general prize dispensing device 310 is out of stock (step S307). If the selected prize is replenished by the employee (step S308; Yes), the receipt is accepted (step S309).

The general prize payout device 310 pays out the selected prize (step S310), notifies the management device 350 of the prize code and number of the given prize (step S311), and ends the process.

FIG. 24 shows a method of reselecting another prize in the self-prize management device 300. FIG. When the self-prize management device 300 accepts a card (step S401; Yes), it accepts selection of a general prize (step S402). The prize code and quantity of the selected general prize are notified to the management device 350 (step S403), and the prize code and quantity of the selected prize are coded, recorded on a receipt, and issued (step S404).

When the receipt is received (step S405), the general prize dispensing device 310 checks the stock of the selected prize recorded on the receipt (step S406). A receipt is accepted by prize management device 300 (step S409). The self prize management device 300 notifies the management device 350 of the cancellation of the prize code and number of the selected prize recorded on the receipt (step S410), and proceeds to step S402.

Also, in step S406, if the selected prize is in stock (step S406; Yes), the general prize payout device 310 pays out the selected prize (step S407), and manages the prize code and number of the given prize. The device 350 is notified (step S408), and the process ends.

As described above, the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment encodes the prize code and the number of general prizes selected by the self-prize management device 300, records them on a receipt, and holds the receipt over the general prize dispensing device 310. , when the general prize corresponding to the recorded information is paid out, if the target prize is out of stock, the general prize payout device 310 selects another prize, informs the employee of the shortage of the prize, or Since the self-prize management device 300 is configured to reselect another prize, the prize can be efficiently exchanged for the prize for the game medium obtained by the player through the game.

In the above-described third embodiment, the configuration for dealing with the shortage of prizes when performing the payout process with the general prize payout device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. When a prize is selected by the self-prize management device, if a shortage is confirmed based on the prize stock data stored in the management device, the selection of the prize is rejected and the employee is notified of the prize shortage information. It can also be configured as

Further, in the above-described third embodiment, the configuration for checking the stock status of the selected prize after selecting the prize in the self-prize management device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the inter-machine card processing machine , it can be configured to allow selection of prizes and re-selection of other prizes in the event that the prize is out of stock.

[Embodiment 4]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a prize is paid out by holding a card on which the prize code of the selected general prize is recorded, over the general prize payout device, but the present invention is limited to this. Alternatively, the prize code of the selected general prize may be coded and recorded on the receipt, and the management device may manage selection of prizes in the self-prize management device and payout of prizes in the general prize dispensing device. .

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 4>
In the fourth embodiment, when a general prize is selected by the self-prize management device 400, the status of the general prize is set to waiting for exchange, and when the general prize is paid out by the general prize payout device 410, this A configuration in which the management device 450 manages the status of the general prize as exchange completed will be described.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25, in the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment, when a card is held up to the self-prize management device 400 (S61), the self-prize management device 400 associates the card with the card from the management device 450. The player obtains the balance of owned balls and accumulated balls, and the player selects a general prize within the range of the balance of owned balls and accumulated balls (S62). For example, choose 1 cup of tea and 1 cup of milk.

The self-prize management device 400 encodes the prize code and the number of the selected prize, records them on a receipt and issues it (S63), and the QR code ID of the issued receipt, the exchange rate and the number of balls corresponding to the selected prize. is notified to the management device 450 (S64).

The management device 450 associates the QR code ID, the exchange rate, and the number of balls received from the self-prize management device 400, and stores the status as waiting for exchange in the selected prize data (S65).

When the general prize payout device 410 receives a receipt (S66), the general prize payout device 410 pays out prizes based on the prize code and number read from the receipt (S67). The code ID, prize code and number are notified to the management device 450 (S68).

The management device 450 extracts the data corresponding to the QR code ID received from the general prize dispensing device 410 from the selected prize data, sets the status of this data as exchange completed, and updates the selected prize data (S69).

<Example of selected prize data according to the fourth embodiment>
Next, an example of the selected prize data shown in FIG. 25 will be described. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the selected prize data shown in FIG. 25. FIG. FIG. 26(a) shows a state in which a general prize has been selected twice in the self-prize management device 400. FIG.

Specifically, at the date and time "2021/03/01 14:50", the exchange rate "4 pachis" and the number of exchange balls "200 balls" were used for prize selection, and the QR code ID of the issued receipt was "Q1005 ”, indicating that the status is “waiting for exchange” and the exchange prize is “undecided”. In addition, on the date and time "2021/03/01 15:10", the exchange rate "20 slot" and the number of exchange balls "300" were used for prize selection, and the QR code ID of the issued receipt was "Q1006". , the status is "waiting for exchange", and the exchange prize is "undecided". The status "waiting for exchange" and the exchange prize "undecided" indicate that the general prize payout device 410 has not yet completed the payout.

FIG. 26(b) shows a state in which the general prize payout device 410 has paid out a prize once. Specifically, in the prize selection of the QR code ID "Q1005", it indicates that the exchange prize "cup noodles" has been paid out, and the status has been updated to "exchange completed". It should be noted that the prize selection with the QR code ID “Q1006” has the status “waiting for exchange”, indicating that the payout in the general prize payout device 410 has not been completed.

As described above, in the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment, when a general prize is selected by the self-prize management device 400, the status of the general prize is changed to waiting for exchange, and the general prize payout device 410 sets the general prize to a status of waiting for exchange. When the is paid out, the status of the general prize is managed by the management device 450 as the exchange completion, so that the prize can be efficiently exchanged for the game media acquired by the player through the game. .

In the above-described fourth embodiment, the configuration in which the management device manages the selection/payout status of the selected prize has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. By making it possible to grasp the payout status of the selected prize, the selection/payout status of the selected prize can be managed by the self-prize management device.

[Embodiment 5]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a prize is paid out by holding a card on which the prize code of the selected general prize is recorded, over the general prize payout device, but the present invention is limited to this. By linking a personal identification number to the card ID of the card inserted in the payment machine, the personal identification number can be used to exchange prizes.

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 5>
In the fifth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which a card ID of a card inserted in a payment machine 570 is associated with a personal identification number, and prizes are exchanged using this personal identification number.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 27, in the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment, when a card is inserted into the payment machine 570 (S71), the payment machine 570 receives the value associated with the card from the management device 550. The player registers the personal identification number (S72) and settles the prepaid balance (S73). The payment machine 570 notifies the registered personal identification number and the number of balls held to the management device 550 (S74).

When the self-prize management device 500 receives the input of the personal identification number (S75), it acquires the number of balls associated with the personal identification number from the management device 550 (S76). If the player selects a special prize within the range of the acquired value (S77), the special prize payout device 520 is instructed to pay out the selected prize (S78), and the personal identification number and remaining balls are issued. The number is notified to the management device 550 (S79).

When receiving the input of the personal identification number (S80), the general prize dispensing device 510 acquires the number of balls associated with the personal identification number from the management device 550 (S81). If the player selects a general prize within the range of the acquired value (S82), the selected prize is paid out (S83), and the personal identification number and the number of remaining balls are notified to the management device 550 (S84). .

As described above, the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment associates the card ID of the card inserted in the payment machine 570 with the personal identification number, and uses this personal identification number to exchange the prize. To efficiently exchange a prize for a game medium acquired by a player through a game.

In the above-described fifth embodiment, a configuration has been described in which prizes are exchanged using a personal identification number linked to a card ID, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, prizes can be exchanged by holding the membership card over the self prize management device and the general prize dispensing device.

In addition, in the above-described fifth embodiment, the configuration for exchanging prizes using the personal identification number linked to the card ID has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to register the personal identification number at the payment machine. can be selected by the game store and/or the player.

Further, in the above-described fifth embodiment, a configuration for exchanging prizes using a personal identification number linked to a card ID has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and biometric authentication such as a face image or a smartphone application It is also possible to configure so as to exchange prizes by verifying the identity of the user.

[Embodiment 6]
By the way, in the above-described Embodiment 1, a configuration in which a player selects a prize by himself/herself in the self-prize management device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and prize management capable of manned operation/self-operation is described. The device can also be configured to display an employee call button only during self-operation.

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Sixth Embodiment>
In the sixth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which an employee call button is displayed only during self-operation in a prize management device 600 capable of manned operation/self-operation.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 28(a), in the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 6, the employee operates the prize management device 600 in the manned operation mode, so the employee call button is not displayed. For example, on the stored/held ball selection screen for specifying the stored and held balls for prize exchange, the employee inputs the number of stored balls and the number of held balls, but the employee call button is not displayed.

As shown in FIG. 28(b), in the self-operating mode, the player himself/herself operates the prize management device 600, so an employee call button is displayed for troubleshooting. For example, an employee call button is displayed in the upper right portion of the accumulated balls/balls selection screen.

The display/non-display of the employee call button may be set in the management device, or the employee call button may be displayed on the customer side display and/or the payment machine in the manned operation mode. good.

Also, when shifting from the manned operation mode to the self-operation mode, the prize management device 600 may be configured to display/hide the employee call button. At this time, the previous setting contents may be stored so that automatic setting can be performed.

Also, when displaying the employee call button in the manned operation mode, it may be displayed only during the set time period.

In the manned operation mode, the operation of the prize management device 600 may be permitted by holding an IC tag carried by an employee over the clerk tag reader of the prize management device 600 . At this time, only the switching button to the self-operation mode may be operated without holding up the IC tag.

As described above, the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment is configured such that the employee call button is displayed only during self-operation in the prize management device 600 capable of manned operation/self-operation. It is possible to efficiently exchange prizes for the game media acquired by.

It should be noted that each configuration illustrated in each of the above-described embodiments is functionally schematic, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. That is, the form of distribution/integration of each device is not limited to the illustrated one, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed/integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The prize exchange system and prize exchange method according to the present invention are suitable for efficiently exchanging the number of game media acquired by a player through games for prizes.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 inter-machine card processing machine 11 status display unit 12 banknote transport unit 12a banknote insertion slot 13 display operation unit 14 reader/writer 14a card insertion slot 15 communication unit 16 storage unit 16a own device state data 16b card data 17 control unit 17a data management unit 18 game management unit 18a authentication processing unit 18b authentication key management unit 18c gaming machine state management unit 20 game machine 21 steering wheel 22 counting button 23 communication control unit 24 effect control unit 24a effect symbol lottery unit 24b effect lottery unit 25 game control unit 26 game Ball control unit 26a Number of playable games management unit 30 Island controller 50 Management device 51 Display unit 52 Input unit 53 External network communication unit 54 Store network communication unit 55 Storage unit 55a Card management data 55b Device management data 55c Member management data 55d Prize inventory data 55e Selected prize data 56 Control unit 56a Card management unit 56b Device management unit 56c Membership management unit 56d Prize inventory management unit 56e Selected prize management unit 60 Self prize management device 61 Display operation unit 63 Receipt issuing unit 64a Clerk tag reader 64b Card reader/writer 64c Mobile terminal reader 65 Communication unit 66 Storage unit 66a Prize master 66b Retained value data 66c Prize inventory data 67 Control unit 67a Prize management unit 67b Retained value management unit 67c Prize selection control unit 67d Prize inventory management unit 67e Prize association processing unit 80 Special Prize payout device 90 general prize payout device 91 display operation unit 92 storage unit 93 payout unit 94 card reader 95 communication unit 96 storage unit 96a prize inventory data 97 control unit 97a inventory management unit 97b payout control unit 100 self prize management device 101 control unit 102 Prize value book return processing unit 110 General prize payout device 111 Storage unit 112 Prize inventory data 113 Control unit 114 Prize selection control unit 115 Inventory management unit 116 Payout control unit 200 Self prize management device 210 General prize payout device 300 Self prize management device 310 general prize payout device 350 management device 400 self prize management device 410 general prize payout device 450 management device 500 self prize management device 510 general prize payout device 520 special prize payout device 550 management device 570 payment machine 600 prize management device

Claims (7)

A prize having a management device for managing the number of game media acquired by a player in association with identification information of the recording medium, and a prize exchange device for exchanging the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium for a prize. an exchange system,
A prize storage device including a plurality of storage units for storing prizes,
The prize redemption device comprises:
receiving means for receiving the recording medium;
a prize specifying means for specifying a prize to be exchanged for a prize within the range of the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium received by the receiving means;
writing means for writing information on the prize identified by the prize identifying means to the recording medium;
The management device
subtracting means for subtracting the number of game media corresponding to the prize specified by the prize specifying means from the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium;
The prize storage device includes:
reading means for reading information about the prize from the recording medium when the recording medium is received;
A prize exchange system, comprising: control means for controlling the prize so that it can be taken out from a predetermined prize storage unit based on information related to the prize. The management device
When a prize to be exchanged for a prize is specified by the prize exchange device, the information on waiting for prize exchange is managed in association with the recording medium, and when the prize is taken out from the prize storage device, the 2. The prize exchange system according to claim 1, wherein information on standby for prize exchange is deleted. 3. The prize exchange system according to claim 1, wherein the information about the prize includes identification information of the prize storage unit in the prize storage device or prize identification information that uniquely identifies the prize. A prize having a management device for managing the number of game media acquired by a player in association with identification information of the recording medium, and a prize exchange device for exchanging the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium for a prize. an exchange system,
A prize storage device including a plurality of storage units for storing prizes,
The prize redemption device comprises:
receiving means for receiving the recording medium;
a selection means for selecting a prize exchange for the prize stored in the prize storage device;
recording medium control means for controlling to return a recording medium associated with the number of game media required for exchanging the prize selected by the selection means;
The prize storage device includes:
selection operation receiving means for receiving a selection operation of a prize when the recording medium is received;
a subtraction instruction means for instructing the management device to subtract the number of game media corresponding to the prize accepted by the selection operation acceptance means;
and control means for controlling the prize so that it can be taken out from a predetermined prize storage section when a subtraction completion notice is received from the management device in response to the subtraction instruction by the subtraction instruction means. exchange system. The number of game media is the number of stored game media deposited by the player at the gaming parlor and/or the number of owned game media acquired by the player by playing games on the gaming machine. A prize redemption system as described in any one. A prize having a management device for managing the number of game media acquired by a player in association with identification information of the recording medium, and a prize exchange device for exchanging the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium for a prize. A prize exchange method in an exchange system, comprising:
a receiving step in which the prize exchange device receives the recording medium;
a prize identifying step in which the prize exchange device identifies a prize to be exchanged for a prize within the range of the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium received in the receiving step;
a subtraction step in which the management device subtracts the number of game media corresponding to the prize identified in the prize identification step from the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium;
a writing step of writing information related to the prize identified in the prize identifying step to the recording medium;
a reading step of reading, when a prize storage device including a plurality of storage units for storing the prizes, receives the recording medium, reading information related to the prize from the recording medium;
A prize exchange method, comprising: a control step of controlling the prize storage device to be able to take out the prize from a predetermined prize storage unit based on information related to the prize. A prize having a management device for managing the number of game media acquired by a player in association with identification information of the recording medium, and a prize exchange device for exchanging the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium for a prize. A prize exchange method in an exchange system, comprising:
a receiving step in which the prize exchange device receives the recording medium;
a selection step in which the prize redemption device selects a prize redemption of prizes stored in a prize storage device including a plurality of storages;
a recording medium control step of controlling the prize exchange device to return a recording medium associated with the number of game media required for prize exchange of the prize selected in the selection step;
a selection operation receiving step of receiving a prize selection operation when the prize storage device receives the recording medium;
a subtraction instruction step in which the prize storage device instructs the management device to subtract the number of game media corresponding to the prize accepted in the selection operation acceptance step;
and a control step of controlling the prize storage device to be able to take out the prize from a predetermined prize storage unit when the prize storage device receives a subtraction completion notice from the management device in response to the subtraction instruction in the subtraction instruction step. A prize exchange method characterized by:

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