JP2023171581A - Game management system - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress a burden of a game parlor and cope with a cashless settlement.SOLUTION: After adding a prepaid value by a first settlement, it is so set as to limit addition of a prepaid value by a different type of settlement. Although additional payment by cash can be performed when a first payment is a cash settlement by throwing cash, but a setting for prohibiting an additional payment by a cashless settlement is performed. Similarly, although an additional payment by a cashless settlement can be performed by using a cashless settlement for the first payment, an additional payment by throwing cash is prohibited. An inter-machine processor 10 performs operation, such as notification that return of thrown cash and a cashless settlement cannot be performed, when receiving operation corresponding to a prohibited payment, and prohibits addition of a prepaid value by a different method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a game management system having each device that is attached to a game machine that plays a game using game media and performs processing related to the game medium.

Conventionally, game parlors have provided games using game media. For example, in a pachinko game, game balls are used as game media, and the game is played by hitting the game balls onto a game board surface. A plurality of winning areas (winning holes) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prizes based on the game balls passing through the winning areas. In this way, the number of game media increases or decreases depending on the result of the game, and the player can exchange the acquired game media for prizes.

It is common for each gaming machine to have a device attached to it. Each device accepts deposits and performs processing for lending game media. In addition, each device manages the number of game media acquired through games as the number of game media held, and performs a replay process in which the number of game media held is subtracted and the game media are paid out (for example, see Patent Document 1). ).

Further, when the player operates a return button provided on the gaming machine when finishing the game, each machine associates the number of game media managed by the machine with the card and then discharges the card. By presenting this card at the prize counter, the player can exchange it for a prize corresponding to the associated number of gaming media he/she owns. Further, the card is also associated with a value that can be used for loaning game media. The balance of value remaining at the end of the game can be settled using the settlement machine.

It is also being considered to provide not only cash but also various cashless payments with valuable value that can be used to lend game media.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-131037

However, in the conventional technology, the problem was how to manage the value given by cash payment and the value given by cashless payment. For example, in cashless payments, benefits such as points are sometimes provided, and if the value added by cash and the value added by cashless payments were managed inseparably, it would be difficult to manage the benefits. Become. In addition, unused portions of value granted through cash payments can be returned in cash upon settlement, but if value granted through cashless payments is also allowed to be settled, there is a risk that benefits may be used to fraudulently obtain benefits. .

On the other hand, if the value given by cash payments and the value given by cashless payments are managed separately, the burden on the gaming parlor increases and the convenience for players decreases. Furthermore, since there are many types of cashless payments, it is impractical to manage them all individually.

For these reasons, an important issue has been how to realize a gaming management system that can support cashless payments while reducing the burden on gaming parlors.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game management system that can support cashless payments while suppressing the burden on game parlors.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objects, the present invention provides a game management system that is attached to a game machine that plays games using game media, and that has each device that performs processing related to the game media. , a value imparting means capable of imparting value regarding the game medium through a plurality of purchase methods; and after imparting value based on the first purchase method, a second purchase different from the first purchase method; a prohibition setting means for prohibiting the provision of value based on the method; an operation control means for controlling the operation of each device according to the setting by the prohibition setting means; and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the second purchasing method. The present invention is characterized by comprising a prohibition canceling means for canceling the prohibition on the provision of value based on.

Further, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined condition is either a value given based on at least the first purchasing method or a case where the game media acquired through the game are used up. do.

According to the present invention, it is possible to support cashless payments while suppressing the burden on game parlors.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of the gaming management system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the game parlor. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage section of the inter-machine card processing machine. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the card management device shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the card management device. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of setting items related to provision of prepaid value. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the card management device regarding the provision of prepaid value. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of assigning prepaid value. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram when the inter-machine card processing machine determines the type of deposit. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of details of cashless payment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of cashless payment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the game management system according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this specification, the term "balls held" refers to game media acquired by a player in a game, or data indicating the number of such game media, which can only be used again during the same day (before the store closes). Say what you can. Accumulated balls are data indicating the game media or the number of game media acquired by a player in a game, and can be used again in the game from the next day onwards (time after closing). The balls can be used by both general players and member players, and are used when changing the gaming machine used for a game (so-called machine movement). Normally, the ball reserve can be used only by member players, and is used when the acquired game media are used for games on the next day or later. A predetermined fee may be charged for the use of stored balls.

First, the concept of the gaming management system according to this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of the gaming management system according to this embodiment. A plurality of gaming machines 20 are installed in the gaming parlor, and each gaming machine 20 is provided with an inter-machine card processing machine 10, which is a device for each machine.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 processes game balls, such as loaning out game balls, replaying owned and stored balls, and counting acquired game balls and adding them to the owned balls, based on the player's operations. Performs various processing related to. Further, when the player operates a return button provided on the gaming machine when finishing the game, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 associates the number of balls managed by the machine with the card and then discharges the card.

A card management device 40, which will be described later, is capable of communicating with a plurality of inter-machine card processing machines 10 in the game parlor, and manages cards in association with their own balls, prepaid value, and the like. The prepaid value is a value that can be used for renting game balls, and is added by depositing money and subtracted by renting out balls.

Specifically, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a banknote, it transmits payment notification data including the amount of the banknote to the card management device 40, and adds the amount to the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Have them add the appropriate number. When a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, a ball lending request is sent to the card management device 40, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is subtracted, and the number of games corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value is played. Process the payout of balls.

Furthermore, in the game management system according to the present embodiment, prepaid value can be provided by cashless payment. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives an operation requesting payment by cashless payment, it generates payment data, encodes it into a two-dimensional code, and displays it. The terminal device 110 carried by the player can image the two-dimensional code displayed by the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with a camera, decode and read the two-dimensional code, read the payment data, and make the payment. . Although details will be described later, completion of the payment by the terminal device 110 is notified to the card management device 40, and the payment amount is added to the prepaid value.

In this way, cash payments and cashless payments can be used to add prepaid value. However, if it becomes impossible to distinguish between the prepaid value added by cash payment and the prepaid value added by cashless payment, problems will arise in managing the benefits of cashless payment.

Therefore, in the game management system according to the present embodiment, after the prepaid value is added by the first payment, settings can be made to limit the addition of the prepaid value by a different type of payment.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, if the first deposit is a cash payment, additional deposits in cash are possible, but additional deposits through cashless payments are prohibited. . Similarly, if cashless payment is used for the initial deposit, additional deposits by cashless payment are possible, but additional deposits by inserting cash are prohibited.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives an operation corresponding to a prohibited deposit, it performs operations such as refunding the deposited cash or notifying that cashless payment cannot be performed, and returns the prepaid value using a different method. This prevents addition of .

In this way, when it is possible to assign prepaid value using multiple purchase methods such as cash payment and cashless payment, after assigning value based on the first purchase method, The operation of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is controlled by making it possible to set whether or not to permit the provision of value based on a second purchasing method different from the above. This makes it possible to support cashless payments while reducing the burden on game parlors.

Next, the system configuration of the game parlor will be explained. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the game parlor. 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 to a communication line, which is an in-store network, via an island controller 30. An island controller 30, a card management device 40, a member management device 50, a prize management device 60, and a payment machine 80 are connected to the communication line.

The gaming machine 20 is a device that plays games by hitting game balls onto a gaming board surface. A plurality of winning areas (winning holes) are provided on the game board surface of this gaming machine 20, and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prizes based on the game balls passing through the winning areas. It has become. Further, a predetermined number of starting areas (starting ports) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is to be performed based on the passage of game balls through the starting areas. If the lottery results in a jackpot, a predetermined movable member or the like is operated to perform an operation that is advantageous in terms of gaming, such as improving the probability of passage of game balls to the above-mentioned winning area or other starting area. The result of the lottery based on the ball passing through the starting hole is displayed on a special symbol display device that displays the result of the lottery. The lottery result on this special symbol display device is displayed in such a manner that after a predetermined period of variable display, a final display is performed. In addition, the game board surface is provided with a decorative pattern display device that variably displays decorative patterns such as predetermined numbers based on the lottery results, and when the lottery result is a jackpot, for example (7, 7 , 7), etc. are displayed to notify the user. Note that it is also possible to provide an area that serves as both a starting area and a winning area.

The above-mentioned winning area is provided with a winning sensor for detecting the passage of a game ball into the winning area, and this winning sensor detects the passage (winning) of a game ball hit into the winning area. It has become. Further, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize memory that stores the number of game balls to be given as prizes for each winning area.

Therefore, when the winning sensor detects that the driven game ball has passed through a specific winning area, the gaming machine 20 determines which game balls should be awarded based on the memory contents of the winning ball memory and the number of gaming balls that have passed through the winning area. It is possible to determine the number of prize balls and perform payout processing for the determined number of prize balls. In addition, the driven game balls are eventually discharged from the back side of the game board to the outside of the game machine, regardless of whether they pass through the winning area or not. The game balls ejected to the outside of the gaming machine are detected by an out ball detection device attached to each gaming machine.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts deposits, lends game balls, and communicates with the card management device 40. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the banknotes inserted by the player, it transmits payment notification data including the amount of the banknotes to the card management device 40, and adds the amount to the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Have them add the appropriate number. When a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, a ball lending request is sent to the card management device 40, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is subtracted, and the number of games corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value is played. Process the payout of balls.

Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the insertion of a card, it transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. Furthermore, upon receiving data including the prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of stored balls from the card management device 40, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the received prepaid value, number of balls held, and number of stored balls. Once the number of balls held is memorized, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends the number of balls managed by the card management device 40 to zero by transmitting data for requesting a subtraction of balls held to the card management device 40. clear.

In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives an operation to replay the balls it has, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls it has stored in its own device, and performs a payout process for the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of balls it has. conduct. In addition, upon receiving the stored ball replay operation, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 subtracts a predetermined number from the number of stored balls managed by the member management device 50 by transmitting stored ball replay request data to the card management device 40. and performs a payout process of a number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of stored balls.

In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the card return operation, it transmits the number of balls to be added to the card management device 40, including the number of balls it owns, to the card management device 40. After adding up the numbers, card ejection notification data is sent to the card management device 40 to control card ejection.

The island controller 30 is a relay device that bundles together a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10 provided on the gaming island.

The card management device 40 is a device that manages the prepaid value of the card, the number of balls held, etc. as card data. Upon receiving the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 manages the card ID of the inserted card in association with the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and manages the card ID of the inserted card in association with the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The prepaid value and number of balls associated with this are transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Further, when the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data is the card ID of a membership card, the card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data to the membership management device 50 and receives the card insertion notification data from the membership management device 50. The stored ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

In addition, when the card management device 40 receives the ball possession subtraction request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the number of balls held to zero. Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball possession addition request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 converts the number of balls included in the ball possession addition request data into the number of balls managed by the card management device 40. to add.

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball lending request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it subtracts a prepaid value associated with the card ID by a predetermined value, and transfers the ball lending permission data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Send to. When the stored ball replay request data is received, the stored ball replay request data is transmitted to the member management device 50, and when the member management device 50 outputs the stored ball replay data, the stored ball replay data is transmitted between the machines. It is transmitted to the card processing machine 10.

Further, upon receiving the card ID from the prize management device 60, the card management device 40 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls associated with this card ID. Further, upon receiving the card ID from the payment machine 80, the prepaid value associated with this card ID is notified to the payment machine 80.

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

When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 displays stored ball replay data including the number of stored balls and a password associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data. The data is then sent to the card processing machine 10. Further, upon receiving the stored ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number from the number of stored balls associated with the card ID indicated in the stored ball replay request data, The stored ball replay data including the number of stored balls after the subtraction is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Note that communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the member management device 50 is performed via the card management device 40.

Further, upon receiving an inquiry about the number of stored balls from the prize management device 60, the member management device 50 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of stored balls corresponding to the designated card ID.

The prize management device 60 is a terminal device for prize exchange that is attached to a prize exchange counter in a game store, and performs a prize exchange process in which acquired balls, the number of stored balls, and the number of balls held are exchanged for prizes. A card reader for reading a card ID from a card and a prize dispensing device for dispensing prizes are connected to the prize management device 60. When the prize management device 60 reads a card ID from a general card or a membership card (or when it reads identification data corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal, etc.), it transmits the card ID to the card management device 40. Then, the number of balls held by the card ID is requested. Moreover, when exchanging the number of stored balls for a prize, a request for the number of stored balls is requested from the member management device 50.

When a card associated with a prepaid value is inserted, the payment machine 80 transmits the card ID of this card to the card management device 40, and acquires the prepaid value associated with the card by receiving the response data. Then, money is paid out according to the acquired prepaid value.

Next, the ball lending process of the gaming system shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. When a player performs a ball lending operation on the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits ball lending request data to the card management device 40. This ball lending request data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and an address or arbitrary identification data that specifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender.

When receiving the ball lending request data, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID of the ball lending request data. Then, the card management device 40 transmits the ball lending permission data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission data performs a payout process for the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

Next, a description will be given of the ball replay process when replaying the balls held in the gaming system shown in FIG. 2. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the insertion of a general card or a membership card, it transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. This card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or arbitrary identification data that specifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and the inter-machine card processing machine 10. 10 rates.

When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 informs the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the number of balls of each rate associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data. Notice.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the number of balls received from the card management device 40. Then, the card ID, data specifying the rate, and ball possession subtraction request data indicating that the number of balls held is to be cleared to zero are transmitted to the card management device 40. Upon receiving the ball possession subtraction request data, the card management device 40 clears the number of balls at each rate specified by the card ID to zero. In addition, when accepting an operation to replay the balls held and replay the balls held, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 subtracts a predetermined number from the stored number of balls held, and performs a payout process for the corresponding number of game balls. . When performing payout processing, the payout process is performed by sending a payout instruction to the gaming machine for multiples of the units that the gaming machine can pay out (for example, 25 balls), and for the remainder (for example, less than 25 balls), the unit is The dispensing process is performed by dispensing from the nozzle unit 18a.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the card return operation, it transmits ball possession addition request data to the card management device 40. This ball possession addition request data includes the card ID of the card to be returned, an address or arbitrary identification data that specifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and the number of balls at each rate. .

Upon receiving the ball possession addition request data, the card management device 40 adds the number of balls included in the ball possession addition request data to the number of balls of each rate associated with the card ID. Thereafter, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits card ejection notification data to the card management device 40 to control card ejection.

Next, the ball storage replay process in the gaming system shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. When the inter-stand card processing machine 10 reads a card ID from a membership card or a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card, it transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. This card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or arbitrary identification data that specifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and the inter-machine card processing machine 10. 10 rates.

The card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data, the member management device 50 stores the password associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data and the number of stored balls at the rate specified by the card insertion notification data. Then, stored ball replay data including the possible number of stored ball replays is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The number of balls that can be stored and replayed indicates the number of balls that can be stored and replayed. The possible number of stored balls to be replayed is a multiple of the number of payout units of game balls in the stored ball replay. If an upper limit is set for the replay of stored balls, the maximum value within the range of the number of stored balls and the upper limit becomes the possible number of stored balls for replay. Note that instead of the possible number of stored balls to be replayed, the number of times that balls can be stored and replayed may be used as the stored ball replay frequency. The number of stored ball replays corresponds to the quotient obtained by dividing the number of stored balls by the number of payout units of game balls in the stored ball replay. However, if an upper limit is set for ball storage and replay, the number of ball storage and replay is limited by this upper limit.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the received ball storage replay data, and can accept a ball storage replay operation when the possible number of ball storage replays indicated in the ball storage replay data is one or more.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a stored ball replay operation for the first time after storing the stored ball replay data, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 prompts the player to input a PIN number, and the input PIN is used as the stored ball replay data. Determine whether the password matches the password shown in .

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits ball storage replay request data to the card management device 40 when the passwords match. This ball storage replay request data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or arbitrary identification data that specifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and the inter-machine card processing machine 10. data for specifying the rate of the machine 10.

The card management device 40 transmits stored ball replay request data to the member management device 50. Upon receiving the accumulated ball replay request data, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of accumulated balls at the rate specified by the message among the accumulated balls associated with the card ID in the accumulated ball replay request data. Then, recalculate the possible number of stored balls and replays. Then, the stored ball replay data including the balance after the subtraction and the possible number of stored ball replays is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 updates the number of stored balls to be stored and performs a payout process for the number of game balls corresponding to the number of payout units for stored ball replay. Further, it is determined whether the number of balls that can be replayed after the update is one or more. If the possible number of stored ball replays is 0, no stored ball replay operation will be accepted. If the number of balls that can be replayed after the update is 1 or more, it is possible to accept the ball storage replay operation again. There is no need to confirm the password when replaying the stored balls from the second time onwards. Note that the password may be confirmed every time. In addition, although the case where the inter-machine card processing machine 10 performs the payout process of game balls after the member management device 50 subtracts the balance of the stored balls is illustrated here, the payout process of the game balls is performed based on the stored ball replay request. After doing so, you may subtract the balance of your accumulated balls. This is because the possible number of balls to be replayed is shown in the stored balls replay data before the stored balls replay request, and there is no possibility that the balance becomes insufficient after accepting the stored balls replay request.

Next, the transition from holding balls to storing balls in the closing process will be explained. The card management device 40 checks the number of balls in the card management data at the time of closing processing, and if there is a record associated with a number of balls greater than zero, the card management device 40 adds the number of balls in the record along with the card ID and rate. The member management device 50 is notified. The member management device 50 adds the number of held balls notified from the card management device 40 to the number of stored balls specified by the card ID and rate. Thereafter, the card management device 40 clears the number of balls to zero.

Next, the appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In addition, in FIG. 3, the external appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 connected to the gaming machine 20 is shown as the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Further, the gaming machines 20 provided in parallel are shown in broken lines. Further, although FIG. 3 shows the inter-stand card processing machine 10 that only accepts banknotes, a unit having a function of accepting electronic money or coins associated with a mobile terminal or card may also be provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-stand card processing machine 10 includes a status display section 11, a bill insertion slot 12a, a display operation section 13, a card insertion slot 14a, a holding section 14b, a nozzle unit 18a, and a counting unit 18b.

The status display unit 11 is composed of, for example, a multicolor LED, and displays the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by lighting or blinking in a predetermined color. The banknote insertion slot 12a is an insertion slot for various banknotes necessary for lending game balls. The display/operation unit 13 is a device that includes, for example, a full-color touch panel liquid crystal display or the like, and displays operation buttons and receives input operations using the operation buttons. Although the display operation unit 13 is not shown in detail in FIG. 3, it has a flat plate shape with its long side on the corresponding gaming machine 20 side being pivotally supported by the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The configuration is such that the angle between the front panel of the inter-stand card processing machine 10 and the display surface of the display operation section 13 can be changed.

The card insertion slot 14a is an insertion slot for a card owned by a player. The holding part 14b is a part for holding up the mobile terminal used for member registration, and when the mobile terminal is held over the holding part 14b, data such as the unique ID (for example, IDm) of the mobile terminal is read from the mobile terminal. The nozzle unit 18a is a mechanism for discharging game balls to the gaming machine 20. The nozzle unit 18a consists of a cylindrical nozzle that is rotatably provided in the horizontal direction on the front surface of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the tip of the nozzle can be positioned in the storage section of the gaming machine. There is. The nozzle is configured to be supplied with game media from a ball supply device in the inter-machine card processing machine, which receives game media from a supply mechanism in the island where the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is installed. The counting unit 18b is a mechanism for counting game balls dropped from the lower tray of the gaming machine 20. The counting unit 18b includes a tray section that receives game balls, a counting section that is provided at the lower part of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and counts the game balls using a counting sensor, and a counter that passes game media from the tray section to the counting section. It consists of a passage section. The tray section and the counting passage section can be removed as one unit from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 based on a predetermined operation (for example, remote control operation by an employee). Further, the counting section has a unit structure, and by removing the counting section, the tray section, and the counting passage section, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can be operated without a counting function.

Next, the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the inter-stand card processing machine 10 includes a banknote conveyance section 12, a display operation section 13, a reader/writer 14, a holding section 14b, a communication section 15, a storage section 16, and a control section 17. , a nozzle unit 18a, and a counting unit 18b.

The banknote transport unit 12 is a transport unit that determines the denomination and authenticity of a banknote inserted through the banknote insertion slot 12a and transports the banknote to a banknote storage unit (not shown). The display operation unit 13 has a function of specifying and displaying various information such as the prepaid value that can be used for ball lending, the number of balls held, and the number of stored balls from the received card, etc., and displays other information not related to the card, etc. It is an input/output device such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display that has functions and functions for accepting various operations such as ball lending operations. In addition to the above-mentioned display, the display operation section 13 also has a function of displaying whether the number of cards accommodated is excessive or insufficient, and the communication status (online/offline, etc.) with the host device.

The reader/writer 14 is a device that reads a card ID from a card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a. Note that the 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 holding unit 14b is an interface unit that reads various information such as a unique ID (for example, IDm) of a mobile terminal by short-range wireless communication when the mobile terminal or the like is held over. In addition, the reader/writer 14 has a function of associating value data such as the number of balls held and prepaid value shown in the card data 16b with the card stored in the card storage section and issuing a new card in response to a return operation by a player. It also has However, if the prepaid value shown in the card data 16b is 0 and the number of balls held is less than a certain number (minimum number held), the card is controlled not to be returned even if a return operation is performed. This is a control to prevent losses to the gaming parlor due to cards associated with a small amount of balls being discarded. The same applies to cards (excluding membership cards). For example, the fixed number can be set such that the value obtained by multiplying the number of balls held by the rental unit price per ball becomes the card value or the lowest price prize in the game store, but this is not limited to this. It can be set freely depending on the store's policy. In addition, when controlling the card so that it is not returned even if there is a return operation, it is possible to pay out the stored balls, but it is possible to display a message that the card cannot be returned and/or to replay the balls. A prompt may be displayed.

The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication between the gaming machine 20 and the island controller 30. The nozzle unit 18a is used for paying out some or all of the game balls when paying out game balls by lending or replaying the balls. The counting unit 18b is a unit that counts game balls.

The storage unit 16 is a storage device consisting of a hard disk device, nonvolatile memory, or the like. The storage unit 16 stores own device status data 16a and card data 16b.

The self-device status data 16a is data indicating the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. This device state data 16a includes the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine and game type settings. The device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine is identification data for uniquely identifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 within the gaming arcade. The game type setting is data indicating the game type etc. set in the inter-machine card processing machine 10. When handling game balls with multiple rates in a game store, game balls with a 4 yen rate are given "ball 1", game balls with a 2 yen rate are given "ball 2", and game balls with a 1 yen rate are given "ball 3". As such, game type names are 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 setting.

The card data 16b is data related to the card being used by the player. The card data 16b includes the card ID, prepaid value, balls held, stored balls, possible number of stored balls that can be replayed, and the like. Regarding balls held and balls stored, data exists for each game type (rate). The card ID is a card ID read by the reader/writer 14. When a card is conveyed from a card storage section (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and then ejected, the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during the conveyance. Furthermore, even when the card is transported from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage section (not shown), the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during this transport.

The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-machine card processing machine 10, and includes a data management unit 17a, a counting processing unit 17b, a cashless payment processing unit 17c, and an additional deposit operation control unit 17d.

When a card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits card insertion notification data including the device ID of the own device status data 16a and the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40. Further, when receiving data including value data (prepaid value, number of balls held, and number of stored balls) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 17a updates the card data 16b with the received value data. . The data management section 17a appropriately controls display of the prepaid value, number of balls held, and number of stored balls shown in the card data 16b on the display operation section 13.

Further, when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits deposit notification data including the amount of the inserted banknote, card ID, and inter-machine card processing machine ID to the card management device 40.

Furthermore, when a player performs a ball lending operation, the data management unit 17a transmits ball lending request data including a card ID and a device ID to the card management device 40. If the ball lending permission data is received as a response to the ball lending request data, the data management unit 17a performs a payout process for a predetermined number of game balls.

Furthermore, when the player performs a replay operation for the game balls he/she has, the data management unit 17a subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls he/she has as shown in the card data 16b, and performs a payout process for the corresponding number of game balls. conduct.

In addition, when the possible number of stored ball replays indicated in the card data 16b is 1 or more, the data management section 17a displays a stored ball replay button on the display operation section 13 and can accept the stored ball replay operation. shall be. The data management unit 17a transmits the stored ball replay request data including the card ID and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the member management device 50 when the player performs the stored ball replay operation. When the stored ball replay data is received as a response to the stored ball replay request data, the number of stored balls in the card data 16b is updated, and the game balls corresponding to the number of payout units of the stored ball replay are paid out. In addition, at the time of the first stored ball replay operation, input of a password is requested, and stored ball replay request data is transmitted on the condition that the password matches the password shown in the card data 16b.

Further, when the player performs a card return operation, the data management unit 17a transmits the card ID, the device ID, and the number of balls held to the card management device 40, and sends the card data 16b. After clearing the number of held balls to zero, card ejection notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is ejected.

Furthermore, if the player performs a stored ball transfer operation with the member card inserted, the data management unit 17a subtracts the number of balls shown in the card data 16b and sends the card to the member via the card management device 40. By transmitting ball storage addition request data to the management device 50, the balls held are transferred to the storage ball. Note that it is also possible to transfer accumulated balls using a mobile terminal instead of a membership card. Specifically, if the number of balls held is a predetermined number or more and the mobile terminal is held over the holding part 14b after a predetermined operation is performed, the data management part 17a controls the number of balls shown in the card data 16b. By subtracting the number and transmitting ball storage addition request data including the IDm read by the holding unit 14b, the held balls are transferred to the storage ball.

Further, the data management unit 17a can perform processing related to wagon service. The wagon service is a service in which a game store clerk places products such as drinks and cigarettes in a wagon and goes around the game store to sell it to players while playing. In this wagon service, in addition to payment in cash, it is possible to make payments using balls held or accumulated balls. When paying for the wagon service using the balls you have or the balls you have, the game store clerk instructs the inter-machine card processing machine 10 through a terminal for clerks (for example, a remote control terminal), so that the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can make the payment for the wagon service. state. Then, information that can specify the number of balls held or stored balls to be subtracted as compensation is input into the inter-machine card processing machine 10. This input processing is performed by inputting numerical values on the display/operation section 13 of the inter-machine card processing machine or the operation section of the clerk's terminal. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the input, it waits to receive an employee recording medium (for example, a wagon card) used for wagon service. When the wagon card is accepted, the data management unit 17a subtracts the entered number of balls and accumulated balls from the number indicated by the card data 16b, and discharges the ball in association with the employee recording medium. In addition, if the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts an employee recording medium without accepting input of information that can specify the number of balls or accumulated balls to be deducted as compensation, the card processing machine 10 does not process the payment for the wagon service. Process to return employee recording media without having to do so. In addition, during payment for the wagon service, if we are accepting input of information that can specify the number of balls or accumulated balls that should be subtracted as consideration, we will not accept operations to replay the balls or accumulated balls or return the recording medium. In such a case, the two processes will be prevented from conflicting by restricting the replay operation/return operation by rejecting them, or by canceling the payment for the wagon service.

The counting processing section 17b performs a process of causing the counting unit 18b to count the game balls when game balls are put into the counting unit 18b, and adding the counting result to the number of balls held in the card data 16b.

The cashless payment processing unit 17c performs processing necessary for cashless payment. Specifically, upon receiving an operation requesting a deposit through cashless payment, the cashless payment processing unit 17c generates payment data including a payment ID that uniquely identifies the payment and the payment amount, and stores the payment data and the store. The data and machine data are encoded into a two-dimensional code and displayed on the display operation section 13. Here, the store data is data that identifies a game store, and the machine data is data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10. As the device data, for example, the device ID of the own device state data 16a may be used. The terminal device 110 carried by the player uses a camera to capture an image of the two-dimensional code displayed on the display/operation unit 13, decodes and reads the two-dimensional code, thereby reading the payment data and making the payment.

The additional deposit operation control unit 17d performs an operation according to the contents set in the card management device 40 when making an additional deposit. Additional deposit is the addition of prepaid value while the prepaid value remains. Additional deposits can be made by cash or cashless payment, but are limited by settings in the card management device 40.

Specifically, the additional deposit operation control unit 17d refunds the deposited cash if cash is deposited in a state where additional deposits by cash settlement are prohibited. In addition, if an operation requesting cashless payment is received in a state where additional deposits through cashless payment are prohibited, a notification will be issued to the effect that cashless payment cannot be performed.

Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 will be explained. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The self-device status data 16a shown in FIG. 5(a) shows a state in which the ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "3001" and "ball 1" is set as the game type of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. ing.

The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5(b) shows a state in which the ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "1001". Note that here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, and a card whose first digit is "1" is a general card, and a card whose first digit is "2" is a membership card. Further, the card data 16b indicates that the prepaid value is "2000 degrees". Note that, in this case, the frequency of prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen. In addition, the card data 16b indicates a state in which the number of balls 1 has is "375 balls," the number of balls 2 has is "500 balls," and the number of balls 3 has is "2000 balls." It shows.

In addition, the card data 16b can store a password, the number of balls that can be replayed, and the number of balls that can be stored for each game type as data related to ball storage, but FIG. Therefore, these data are marked with a ``-'' to indicate that they are not applicable. In addition, although the configuration in which the number of balls that can be replayed is stored as the possible number of replays is shown here, the number of times that can be replayed may be stored as the number of replays. Although not shown, the card management device 40 also stores, in association with the card ID, the ON/OFF status of a "lock" flag that indicates the validity/invalidity of the card, in addition to the balls held, stored balls, and prepaid value. , is turned on by an employee operation when it is discovered that the card has been stolen. These data are also included and stored in the card data 16b. Furthermore, this "lock" flag can also be set for each function ("use ball storage", "boarding", etc.). For example, at the request of a player, only the "boarding" function can be "locked." It can also be used to prevent erroneous operations. In this specification, "entering" means converting the number of gaming media at a certain rate into the number of gaming media at another rate based on the ratio of the unit price of the gaming media. In a specific example, in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 associated with the 4 yen rate, using the number of balls at the 1 yen rate, An example of this is processing a payout. This "boarding" function can be enabled/disabled by the member management device 50 depending on the store's management policy.

Next, the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the card management device 40 includes a display section 41, an input section 42, an external network communication section 43, a store network communication section 44, a storage section 45, and a control section 46.

The display unit 41 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The input unit 42 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The external network communication unit 43 is an interface unit for data communication via a network outside the gaming parlor. The store network communication unit 44 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, member management device 50, prize management device 60, and payment machine 80 via communication lines within the game store.

The storage unit 45 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or a nonvolatile memory, and stores game type setting data 45a, card management data 45b, device management data 45c, and value provision setting data 45d.

The game type setting data 45a is data in which rental rates and display names are associated with game types. The card management data 45b is data in which a prepaid value, the number of balls of each game type, and a device ID indicating the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 in which the card is inserted are associated with the card ID. be. The device management data 45c is data regarding devices placed at the game parlor. This device management data 45c includes the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine, the address of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the installation location, the gaming machine ID and model data of the gaming machine installed side by side.

The value assignment setting data 45d is data for managing settings regarding assignment of prepaid value. Specifically, the value provision setting data 45d indicates whether additional cashless deposits can be made after cash deposits, whether cash deposits can be made after cashless deposits, and the like.

The control unit 46 is a control unit that controls the entire card management device 40, and includes a game type setting management unit 46a, a card management unit 46b, a device management unit 46c, a value adding unit 46d, and a setting unit 46e. In reality, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed, thereby controlling the game type setting management unit. 46a, card management section 46b, device management section 46c, value adding section 46d, and setting section 46e, respectively, to execute corresponding processes.

The game type setting management unit 46a is a processing unit that associates game types, rates, and display names used in the game parlor and manages them as game type setting data 45a.

The card management section 46b is a processing section that manages the card management data 45b. Specifically, when the card management unit 46b receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b also sends the used device ID of the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data to the card insertion notification data. This is the device ID shown in the data. Further, the prepaid value associated with the card ID shown in the card insertion notification data and the number of balls held at each rate are notified to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 as value data. Furthermore, if the inserted card is a membership card, card insertion notification data is transmitted to the membership management device. When the card management unit 46b receives the ball possession subtraction request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the number of balls held at the rate indicated by the ball possession subtraction request data to zero.

Further, when receiving ball lending request data including a card ID from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b determines whether the prepaid value associated with the card ID is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. . If the prepaid value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b subtracts the prepaid value from the prepaid value stored in the card management data 45b, and includes the updated prepaid value in the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Send ball lending permission data. On the other hand, if the prepaid value is less than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of ball lending prohibition data.

Further, upon receiving the deposit notification data including the amount of money inserted, the card ID, and the device ID from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b notifies the deposit of the prepaid value associated with the card ID. Add the prepaid value for the amount shown in .

Further, when the card management unit 46b receives the stored ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it transfers the stored ball replay request data to the member management device 50. Further, response data from the membership management device 50 to the stored ball replay request data is also transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

Further, upon receiving the ball possession addition request data, the card management unit 46b adds the number of balls included in the possession ball addition request data to the number of balls of the corresponding rate. Further, upon receiving the card ejection notification data, the card management unit 46b erases the destination device ID of the card ID.

Further, upon receiving the card ID from the prize management device 60, the card management section 46b notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls of each rate associated with this card ID. Further, upon receiving the card ID from the payment machine 80, the card management unit 46b notifies the payment machine 80 of the prepaid value associated with this card ID.

The device management section 46c is a processing section that manages the device management data 45c. The device management unit 46c generates and updates device management data 45c based on the device ID acquired from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the address of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the installation location, and the gaming machine ID.

The value assigning unit 46d is a processing unit that deposits money based on cashless payment and assigns prepaid value. When receiving a payment completion notification from an external device that manages cashless payment, the value adding unit 46d specifies the card to which the payment is to be made from various information shown in the payment completion notification, and adds prepaid value to the card.

The setting unit 46e performs a process of making settings related to the provision of prepaid value and registering the settings in the value provision setting data 45d. The setting unit 46e can set whether or not to permit the provision of prepaid value based on a second purchase method different from the first purchase method after the provision of prepaid value based on the first purchase method. It is. Specifically, the setting unit 46e can set whether or not to deposit money by cashless payment after depositing cash or to deposit cash after depositing by cashless payment. Further, after depositing money through cashless payment, it is also possible to set whether or not to deposit money through a different cashless payment.

Furthermore, the setting unit 46e can be configured to prohibit the provision of value based on the second purchase method on the condition that the value provided based on the first purchase method remains. If such conditions are applied, for example, deposits by cashless payment are prohibited while the prepaid value given by cash deposit remains, but after the prepaid value given by cash deposit is used up, cashless payment is prohibited. Deposits are now possible.

It is also possible to set a setting that prohibits the provision of value based on the second purchase method on the condition that either the value provided based on the first purchase method or the remaining balls remains. When such a condition is applied, for example, even if the prepaid value given by cash deposit is used up, deposits by cashless payment are prohibited while balls remain.

Further, the setting unit 46e can make settings to prohibit settlement of prepaid value given based on cashless settlement. If payment is allowed for the prepaid value granted based on cashless payment, it will be possible to convert the payment amount into cash, and if benefits are given to cashless payments, this may lead to fraudulent acquisition of benefits. It is.

Furthermore, the setting unit 46e notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the setting contents of the value provision setting data 45d as appropriate. For example, the information may be notified to and stored in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 in the gaming parlor when the store opens, or the information may be notified as necessary when a request is made to provide prepaid value.

Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40.

The game type setting data 45a shown in FIG. 7(a) associates the game type name "ball 1" with the rate "4 yen" and the display name "4 pachi". Furthermore, the game type setting data 45a associates the game type name "ball 2" with the rate "2 yen" and the display name "2 pachi". Furthermore, the game type setting data 45a associates the game type name "ball 3" with the rate "1 yen" and the display name "1 pachi".

In the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7(b), the card ID "1001" has a prepaid value "2500", the number of balls 1 has "1500", the number of balls 2 has "2300", and the number of balls 3 It is associated with the number of balls held by "0". That is, the card with the card ID "1001" has not been inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the cards in possession are managed by the card management device 40.

Further, in the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7(b), the card ID "1002" is associated with the prepaid value "0", the number of balls at each rate "0", and the device ID "3004". That is, the card with the card ID "1002" is inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with the device ID "3004", and the management of the number of balls held has been transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Therefore, the number of balls held at each rate is zero.

Further, in the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7(b), the card ID "2002" is associated with the prepaid value "2000", the number of balls held at each rate "0", and the device ID "3001". That is, the card with the card ID "2002" has been inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with the device ID "3001", and the management of the balls has been transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Therefore, the number of balls held at each rate is zero.

Further, in the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7(b), the type of deposit used for imparting prepaid value is associated. Specifically, the deposit type for card ID "1001" is "cash", and the deposit type for card ID "2002" is "cashless". Since the prepaid value of card ID "1002" is "0", the deposit type is "none".

That is, if the deposit type is "none" when a request for deposit is received, it is the first deposit, and the deposit can be made either by cash payment or cashless payment. On the other hand, if the deposit type is "cash" or "cashless", the received deposit request is an additional deposit, and restrictions may be imposed based on the deposit type.

The device management data 45c shown in FIG. 7(c) indicates that the address on the network of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with ID "3001" is "AB.CD.EF.GH", and the installation location is "Island 1-1". ”, the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is “P001”, the game type is “ball 3”, and the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is “EV01”. It also shows that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of setting items related to provision of prepaid value. As shown in Figure 8, the setting items include "cashless additional deposit after cash deposit", "cash additional deposit after cashless deposit", "additional deposit with different cashless payment", and "prepaid value". There are three options: ``Additional deposits when the current situation is still active'', ``Additional deposits when there are enough balls'', and ``Settlement of cashless payments'', and each setting item can be set to either be permitted or prohibited.

Next, the processing procedure of the card management device 40 related to the provision of prepaid value will be explained. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the card management device 40 regarding the provision of prepaid value. First, the setting unit 46e of the card management device 40 performs settings regarding the provision of prepaid value, and registers the settings in the value provision setting data 45d (step S101).

Thereafter, upon receiving a request for provision of prepaid value (step S102), card management device 40 executes provision of prepaid value (step S103), and updates the deposit type in card management data 45b (step S104). Since these steps S102 to S104 are the first deposit, they can be executed regardless of the type of deposit.

After step S104, when a request for prepaid value provision is further received (step S105), the card management device 40 refers to the deposit type in the card management data 45b, and determines whether or not prepaid value is granted by the same deposit type. is determined (step S106).

If the deposit types are the same (step S106; Yes), the card management device 40 assigns a prepaid value (step S107), and ends the process. On the other hand, if the deposit types are not the same (step S106; No), the card management device 40 notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that prepaid value cannot be assigned (step S108), and ends the process.

Note that when the prepaid value becomes "0", the deposit type becomes "none", and if a request for giving a prepaid value is received thereafter, the process from step S102 is repeated. Further, if a request for additional prepaid value is received with prepaid value remaining, the process from step S105 is repeated.

Next, a specific example of assigning prepaid value will be explained. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of assigning prepaid value. As shown in FIG. 10, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a cash deposit operation as the first deposit (s11), it transmits a value assignment request to the card management device 40 (s12). The card management device 40 that has received the value assignment request registers the deposit type (s13) and assigns a prepaid value (s14).

Thereafter, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a deposit operation by cashless payment using the terminal device 110 as an additional deposit (s15), it transmits a value adding request to the card management device 40 (s12). The card management device 40 that has received the value assignment request determines the type of deposit (s17), and if the type of the first deposit and the deposit do not match, it notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that value assignment is not possible. Send (s18). When receiving the notification that value cannot be added, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 notifies the player that prepaid value cannot be added by display output or the like (s19).

Although the explanation so far has been given using an example of a configuration in which the card management device 40 determines the type of deposit, a configuration may also be adopted in which the inter-machine card processing machine 10 determines the type of deposit. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 determines the type of deposit. In FIG. 11, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a cash deposit operation as the first deposit (s21), it registers the deposit type in its own device (s22), and sends a value assignment request to the card management device 40. (s23). The card management device 40 that has received the value assignment request assigns a prepaid value (s24).

Thereafter, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a cashless payment operation using the terminal device 110 as an additional deposit (s25), it determines the type of deposit (s26), and determines whether the type of deposit is the first deposit or the type of deposit. If there is a mismatch, the player is notified by display output or the like that prepaid value cannot be added (s27).

Next, details of cashless payment will be explained. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of details of cashless payment. As shown in FIG. 12, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives an operation requesting payment by cashless payment, it generates payment data including a payment ID and a payment amount. The payment ID is data that uniquely identifies the payment, and may be determined by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, for example. The payment amount indicates the amount of money deposited by cashless payment, and may be determined, for example, by the player's designation. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 encodes the generated payment data, store data, and machine data into a two-dimensional code and displays it (s31). The store data is data that identifies the game store, and the machine data is data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The terminal device 110 carried by the player uses a camera to image the two-dimensional code displayed by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, decodes and reads the two-dimensional code, and acquires payment data, store data, and machine data. (s32).

The terminal device 110 stores payment data, store data, and machine data. The terminal device 110 adds information necessary for the payment, such as the account used for the payment, to the payment data, and performs the payment process by transmitting a payment request including the payment data and store data to the payment device 100 (s33). .

Upon receiving the payment request, the payment device 100 executes the payment by subtracting the payment amount from the account indicated in the payment data of the payment request, and notifies the payment completion. The notification of the completion of the payment is sent to the terminal device 110 that is the request source and the card management device 40 of the game store indicated in the store data of the payment request.

Specifically, the payment device 100 notifies the terminal device 110 of the completion of payment including the payment ID (s34), and notifies the card management device 40 of the completion of payment including the payment ID and the payment amount (s34a). .

Upon receiving the payment completion notification, the terminal device 110 transmits a deposit request to the card management device 40 (s35). The deposit request may be transmitted using, for example, a wireless communication network provided at the gaming parlor. Further, the payment request includes the payment ID and machine data.

When the card management device 40 receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 100 and a deposit request from the terminal device 110, it performs deposit processing and assigns prepaid value (s36). Specifically, when receiving a payment completion notification and a deposit request having the same payment ID, the card management device 40 identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 based on the machine data of the deposit request, and performs the inter-machine card processing. For the machine 10, a payment process is performed for the payment amount of the payment completion notification, and a prepaid value is given. Thereafter, the card management device 40 notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of completion of deposit and provision of prepaid value (s37).

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of cashless payment. In FIG. 13, when the terminal device 110 carried by the player determines the payment amount based on the player's operation, it generates information necessary for the payment, such as the payment amount and the account used for the payment, as payment data. is encoded into a two-dimensional code and displayed (s41).

When the two-dimensional code displayed by the terminal device 110 is held up to the camera of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 decodes the two-dimensional code and obtains payment data (s42). The inter-machine card processing machine 10 associates the acquired payment data with a device ID that identifies its own device as machine data (s43), and transmits the data to the card management device 40 (s44).

The card management device 40 stores the payment data and machine data received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 (s45), and performs payment processing by transmitting the payment data to the payment device 100 installed outside the game parlor. (s46).

The payment device 100 executes the payment by subtracting the payment amount from the account indicated in the received payment data, and transmits the completion of the payment to the card management device 40 (s47). Upon receiving the payment completion notification, the card management device 40 identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 based on the machine data corresponding to the transmitted payment data, performs the deposit processing for the payment amount on the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and deposits the prepaid amount. A value is assigned (s48), and the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is notified of the completion of deposit and the assignment of prepaid value (s49).

It is also possible to notify the terminal device 110 of the completion of the deposit (s49a). For example, by including the address of the terminal device 110 in the payment data, it is possible to notify the terminal device 110 when the payment device 100 completes the payment. Similarly, it is also possible to read the address of the terminal device 110 included in the payment data by the card management device 40 and notify the address.

As described above, in this example, when prepaid value can be assigned using multiple purchase methods such as cash payment and cashless payment, value is assigned based on the first purchase method. After that, the operation of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is controlled by making it possible to set whether or not to permit the provision of value based on a second purchasing method different from the first purchasing method. This makes it possible to support cashless payments while reducing the burden on game parlors.

Here, one of the first purchasing method and the second purchasing method can be a purchase using cash, and the other can be a purchase using a cashless payment method that does not use cash. Further, the first purchase method and the second purchase method may each be purchase by cashless payment without using cash.

Further, a setting can be made to prohibit the provision of value based on the second purchase method on the condition that the value provided based on the first purchase method remains. Furthermore, the provision of value based on the second purchase method is prohibited on the condition that either the value given based on the first purchase method or the number of game media acquired through the game remains. It is also possible to set

Further, it is also possible to make a setting to prohibit settlement of value given based on cashless settlement that does not use cash.

In this embodiment, the explanation was given using a configuration in which a cashless payment is made with a card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10, but even if a card is not inserted, cash The configuration may be such that payment can be made by wireless payment.

In addition, in this embodiment, we have explained the case where there is no restriction on additional deposits as long as the deposit type is the same, but even if the deposit type is the same, additional deposits are prohibited until the prepaid value is used up. It may be configurable.

Further, in this embodiment, prepaid values purchased with different deposit types can be used in the same way, but it is also possible to use the prepaid value differently depending on the deposit type. For example, a game island may be provided where only prepaid value given through cash payments can be used, or a game island where only prepaid value given through cashless payments can be used.

In addition, if the prepaid value for cash payments and the prepaid value for cashless payments can be combined and used, it is possible to set which of the cash payments or cashless payments should be used with priority. You can also do that. The setting as to which of the cash payment portion and the cashless payment portion should be used preferentially may be performed by the game parlor, or may be permitted to be set by the player. Furthermore, if the store closes with prepaid value purchased through cash and cashless payments remaining, the cashless payment amount may be automatically returned to the player's personal account.

In addition, although this embodiment has been described using a configuration in which information related to cashless payments is exchanged using a two-dimensional code, information related to cashless payments is exchanged using short-range wireless communication, etc. It is also possible to have a configuration that performs the following.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, detailed explanation of the form of the card which is the medium for associating the number of game media is omitted, but such a card includes a magnetic card, an IC card, and the like. Furthermore, for convenience of explanation, the present invention has been explained using a "card" as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to cases where a chip, a stick, a mobile terminal, etc. are used in addition to such a card.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, the case where game balls are used as the game medium has been explained as an example, but it is also applicable to the case where medals for a slot machine are used.

In addition, the illustrated configurations are functionally schematic and do not necessarily necessarily have the illustrated configurations physically. In other words, the form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the diagram, but all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in arbitrary units depending on various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

As described above, the gaming management system according to the present invention is suitable for supporting cashless payments while suppressing the burden on gaming parlors.

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 14b Holding unit 15 Communication unit 16, 45 Storage unit 16a Own device status data 16b Card data 17, 46 Control section 17a Data management section 17b Count processing section 17c Cashless payment section 17d Additional deposit operation control section 18a Nozzle unit 18b Counting unit 20 Gaming machine 30 Island controller 40 Card management device 41 Display section 42 Input section 43 External network communication section 44 Store network communication department 45a Game type setting data 45b Card management data 45c Device management data 45d Value assignment setting data 46a Game type setting management section 46b Card management section 46c Device management section 46d Value assignment section 46e Setting section 50 Membership management device 60 Prize management Device 80 Payment machine 100 Payment device 110 Terminal device

Claims (2)

A game management system that is installed alongside a game machine that plays a game using game media, and has each device that performs processing related to the game medium,
a value imparting means capable of imparting value to the gaming medium through multiple purchasing methods;
After assigning value based on a first purchasing method, prohibition setting means for prohibiting assigning value based on a second purchasing method different from the first purchasing method;
operation control means for controlling the operation of each of the devices according to the setting by the prohibition setting means;
A game management system comprising: a prohibition canceling means for canceling the prohibition on the provision of value based on the second purchasing method when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined conditions are:
2. The game management system according to claim 1, wherein either the value given based on at least the first purchasing method or the game media acquired through the game are used up.

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