JP2024102549A - Game system, management device and replay control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system in which a game parlor can properly allow a member to replay a saved gaming medium.

SOLUTION: In a game system, saved ball replay is allowed on condition that a prescribed game is performed. To put it concretely, when a card is inserted into a stand card processing machine 10 (S1), saved ball replay is prohibited. When the game is performed after inserting cash, and the out number reaches a prescribed value or higher (S2), the saved ball replay is allowed.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming system, management device, and replay control method that enable gaming establishments to properly permit members to replay saved gaming media.

Conventionally, gaming establishments such as pachinko parlors provide a service of saving balls and medals (hereinafter collectively referred to as "saved gaming media") to members who are registered with the establishment. A player deposits the number of gaming media he or she has won through playing at the establishment as saved gaming media, and when the player visits the establishment at a later date, the player can withdraw the saved gaming media and play again.

However, in order to provide a replay service for saved gaming media, gaming establishments need to have the number of saved gaming media properly managed by a third-party institution. For this reason, there is a need to reduce the burden on saved gaming media services at gaming establishments.

For this reason, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, prior to replaying the game storage medium, only normal play is permitted using a specified amount of cash (charge balance), and the game storage medium is permitted to be replayed only when the specified amount has been confirmed to have been used.

Patent No. 7178031

However, because a variety of members visit gaming establishments, it is not reasonable to require all members who replay a gaming medium to make a uniform cash investment before replaying. This is because members who visit gaming establishments frequently often contribute more to the gaming establishment's sales than other members and should be given preferential treatment.

When an amusement establishment holds an event, if it requires all members to invest cash before replaying, this could reduce the event's effectiveness in attracting customers. Also, if a large number of players play at the establishment and the establishment's sales are increasing, it is not necessary to require all members to invest cash before replaying. For this reason, an important issue is when an amusement establishment should allow its members to replay their saved gaming media.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the conventional technology described above, and aims to provide a gaming system, management device, and replay control method that enable gaming establishments to properly permit members to replay saved gaming media.

To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming system having each machine device attached to a gaming machine and a management device that manages the number of gaming media acquired by members registered with the gaming establishment as the number of saved gaming media, the management device being characterized in that it has a storage means for storing replay permission conditions that allow the member to replay the number of saved gaming media, and a control means for controlling each machine device to allow the payout of a predetermined number of saved gaming media from the saved gaming media when a replay request for the number of saved gaming media is received from each machine device, provided that the replay permission conditions stored in the storage means are satisfied.

In the above invention, the replay permission condition is that each of the machines detects a predetermined number of outs when the member's member storage medium is accepted.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the replay permission condition is that each of the machines accepts a predetermined amount of prepaid value when it has accepted the member's member storage medium.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the condition for allowing replay is that the number of visits by the member during a specified period, the playing time, the number of game rotations, the number of special prizes won, the number of game media acquired, or the number of balls saved meets a specified condition.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the replay permission condition is to replay the number of saved gaming media of the first rental unit price as the number of saved gaming media of the second rental unit price.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the condition for allowing replay is that the biometric authentication information of the member is registered.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the replay permission condition is during a set time period that is preset by the gaming establishment.

In the above invention, the replay permission condition is that the gaming establishment's sales in a specified period are equal to or greater than a specified amount.

The present invention also provides a management device that is capable of communicating with each machine device attached to a gaming machine and that manages the number of gaming media acquired by members registered with the gaming establishment as the number of saved gaming media, and is characterized by having a storage means for storing replay permission conditions that allow the member to replay the number of saved gaming media, and a control means that, when a replay request for the number of saved gaming media is received from each machine device, controls each machine device to enable the payout of a predetermined number of saved gaming media from the saved gaming media, provided that the replay permission conditions stored in the storage means are satisfied.

The present invention also provides a replay control method for a gaming system having each machine device attached to a gaming machine and a management device that manages the number of gaming media acquired by members registered with the gaming facility as the number of saved gaming media, the method comprising: a storage step in which the management device stores in a storage unit a replay permission condition that allows the member to replay the number of saved gaming media; and a control step in which, when the management device receives a replay request for the number of saved gaming media from each machine device, the management device controls each machine device to allow the payout of a predetermined number of saved gaming media from the saved gaming media, provided that the replay permission condition stored in the storage unit is satisfied.

According to the present invention, gaming establishments can properly permit members to replay their saved gaming media.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of a gaming system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the gaming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the inter-machine card processor and the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the player's device status data, card data, replay setting data, and game performance data shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the management device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the card management data, the device management data, and the member management data shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the replay setting data and the game performance data shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the inter-machine card processing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an inter-machine card processing machine according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the replay setting data and the game performance data shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a management device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the replay setting data and the common replay setting data shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the gaming performance data and sales data shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an inter-machine card processing machine according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the fee setting data and the fee data shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a case in which the prepaid balance and the fee balance are separately managed according to the fourth embodiment.

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, the gaming system, management device, and replay control method according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In this specification, "held balls" refers to data indicating game media acquired by a player in a game, which can only be used again on the same day (before the closing time of the game establishment). "Number of held balls" refers to the number of game media acquired by a player in a game. "Saved balls" refers to data indicating game media deposited by a player in a game establishment, which can also be used again on the following day (after the closing time of the game establishment). "Saved balls" refers to the number of game media deposited by a player in a game establishment. Both general and member players can use held balls, and are used when a game machine is moved, etc. In principle, only member players can use saved balls, and are used when acquired game media are used to play a game machine on the following day or later. "Number of game balls" refers to the number of playable balls that a player can use in a game.

Overview of the gaming system according to the first embodiment
First, an overview of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 1 will be described below. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the overview of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 1.

In the gaming system according to the first embodiment, replay of the saved balls is permitted on the condition that a specified game has been played. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, replay of the saved balls is prohibited when a card is inserted into the machine-to-machine card processing device 10 (S1).

After inserting cash, the player plays the game, and if the number of outs reaches a predetermined value or more (S2), the player is allowed to replay the saved balls.

In this way, the gaming system according to this embodiment 1 is configured to permit replay of saved balls on the condition that a predetermined number of outs has been detected, so gaming establishments can properly permit members to replay saved gaming media.

<System configuration of the gaming system according to the first embodiment>
Next, the system configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 2, a gaming establishment is equipped with a plurality of gaming machines 20 and an inter-machine card processor 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20. The inter-machine card processor 10 is connected to a communication line, which is a network within the establishment, via an island controller 30. The island controller 30, a management device 50, a prize management device 60, and a settlement machine 70 are connected to the communication line.

The gaming machine 20 is a device that plays games by shooting gaming balls enclosed inside the device onto the gaming board. The gaming balls are physical "balls" used in the game, and are different from the "game balls" that the gaming machine 20 treats as data. The gaming board of the gaming machine 20 is provided with a number of winning areas (winning holes), and a predetermined number of gaming balls are awarded as prize balls based on the passing of the winning area. The gaming board is also provided with a predetermined number of starting areas (starting holes), and a predetermined lottery is held based on the passing of the starting area. If the lottery results in a jackpot, a predetermined movable member or the like is operated to increase the probability of the gaming ball passing through the winning area or another starting area, thereby providing an advantage in the game. An area may serve as both a starting area and a winning area.

The winning areas are provided with winning sensors to detect the passage of game balls into the winning areas, and the winning sensors detect the passage (winning) of game balls shot into the winning areas. The control unit of the gaming machine 20 also has a prize ball memory that stores the number of game balls to be awarded as prize balls for each winning area, and a playable number memory that indicates the number of game balls. The control unit of the gaming machine 20 also periodically transmits the number of game balls to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a deposit from a player, it associates a prepaid value corresponding to the amount of the deposit with the identification information (card ID) of the card stored inside the machine. This prepaid value can be used to lend out game balls. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 can also accept the insertion of a card associated with a prepaid value, held balls, saved balls, etc. Then, at the end of a game, it ejects the card associated with the prepaid value, held balls, saved balls, etc. and returns it to the player. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 also transmits a history of operations such as deposits, card insertion, and card ejection to the management device 50.

When a predetermined number of game balls are shot onto the game board, the gaming machine 20 transmits out data to the inter-machine card processor 10. In addition, when a game ball passes through a winning area (a so-called winning) and a predetermined number of prize balls are added to the game balls, the gaming machine 20 transmits safe data to the inter-machine card processor 10. Furthermore, when a special state such as a jackpot occurs during play, special prize data indicating the occurrence of such state is transmitted to the inter-machine card processor 10.

The out data corresponds to the number of balls that the player has shot onto the game board. The safe data corresponds to the number of balls won as a result of winning. The special prize data indicates the status of the gaming machine 20, such as a jackpot. Each piece of data is transmitted to the management device 50 via the machine-to-machine card processing device 10, and the management device 50 can obtain the operation history of the gaming machine 20 by accumulating the out data, safe data, and special prize data.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts deposits, lends game balls, and communicates with the management device 50 and the gaming machines 20. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts bills inserted by a player, it sends a deposit notification including the amount of the deposit to the management device 50, thereby adding the prepaid value equivalent to the amount of the deposit to the prepaid value managed by the management device 50. Then, when a specified ball lending operation is performed, it sends a ball lending request to the management device 50, subtracts the prepaid value managed by the management device 50, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value, which is added to the number of game balls.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a card, it sends a card insertion notification to the management device 50. In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the prepaid value, the balance of held balls, or the balance of saved balls from the management device 50, it stores the balance. Then, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives and stores the balance of held balls, it sends a request to subtract held balls to the management device 50, thereby clearing the balance of held balls (number of held balls) managed by the management device 50 to zero.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a held ball replay operation, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of held balls managed by its own device, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted number of held balls, and adds it to the number of game balls. In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a saved ball replay operation, it sends a saved ball replay request to the management device 50, thereby subtracting a predetermined number from the number of saved balls managed by the management device 50, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted number of saved balls, and adds it to the number of game balls.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a card return operation, it sends a ball addition request including the number of held balls to the management device 50, and after having the management device 50 add the number of held balls, it sends a card ejection notification to the management device 50 and controls the ejection of the card. Note that if a counting operation is accepted from the gaming machine 20 before the card return operation, the number of game balls is added to the number of held balls.

The inter-machine card processing device 10 has a function of acquiring a gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 and authenticating the gaming machine 20 using the acquired gaming machine ID and an authentication key received from the management device 50. This authentication is performed during the opening process, etc., and the gaming machine 20 becomes available for play if the authentication is successful.

When the inter-machine card processor 10 receives replay setting data and game performance data from the management device 50, it stores the received data. When the inter-machine card processor 10 receives out data from the gaming machine 20, it adds a numerical value corresponding to the out data to the game performance data to update it.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 also allows the replay of the saved balls if the number of outs stored in the game performance data is equal to or greater than the number of outs set in the replay setting data. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a card return operation, it transmits the game performance data to the management device 50.

The island controller 30 is a device that manages a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10 installed on the gaming island, and relays various information to the management device 50.

When the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it manages the identification information of the inserted card (hereinafter referred to as the "card ID") in association with the inter-machine card processing device 10, and transmits the prepaid value and ball balance associated with the card ID to the inter-machine card processing device 10. In addition, if the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of a membership card, it transmits stored ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

In addition, when the management device 50 receives a request to subtract balls from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the balance of held balls to zero, and when it receives a request to add balls from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it adds the number of held balls indicated in the request to add balls to the balance of held balls.

When the management device 50 receives a ball lending request from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID and transmits ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing device 10. When the management device 50 receives a saved ball replay request, it transmits saved ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

In addition, when the management device 50 receives a card ID from the prize management device 60, it notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls held that is associated with this card ID.

The management device 50 also obtains gaming machine IDs from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and manages the gaming machines 20 installed in its own arcade. It also obtains authentication keys for authenticating the gaming machines 20 set up in its own arcade from an authentication key management center (not shown) outside the arcade, and distributes them to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The management device 50 also manages the member management data of members who are registered with the gaming establishment. Specifically, it manages the number of balls, points, PIN number, name, etc., in association with the member card ID issued to the member.

When the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it transmits stored ball replay data including the remaining ball balance and PIN number corresponding to the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In addition, when the management device 50 receives a stored ball replay request from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it subtracts a predetermined number from the remaining ball balance associated with the card ID indicated in the stored ball replay request, and transmits stored ball replay data including the remaining ball balance after subtraction to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

In addition, when the management device 50 receives an inquiry about the number of saved balls from the prize management device 60, it notifies the prize management device 60 of the remaining balance of saved balls corresponding to the specified card ID.

In addition, when the management device 50 receives the set number of outs, it stores this set number of outs in the replay setting data and transmits it to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

In addition, when the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it extracts the game performance data corresponding to the card ID included in this card insertion notification and transmits it to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. When the management device 50 receives game performance data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it stores this game performance data.

The prize management device 60 is a terminal device for prize exchange that is attached to the prize exchange counter in the gaming facility, and performs the prize exchange process for acquired balls, saved balls, and held balls. This prize management device 60 is connected to a card reader/writer that reads the card ID of the card, and a prize payout device that pays out prizes.

When a card associated with a prepaid value is inserted, the settlement machine 70 transmits the card ID of the card to the management device 50, obtains the prepaid value associated with the card, and dispenses cash equivalent to the obtained prepaid value.

Next, the ball lending process in the gaming system according to the first embodiment will be described. When a player performs a ball lending operation on the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and a ball lending request.

When the management device 50 receives a message including a ball lending request, it updates the card management data by subtracting a predetermined value (e.g., 500 points, which indicates 500 yen when 1 point is 1 yen) from the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the message, and transmits ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that sent the message. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission transmits an addition signal to the gaming machine 20 requesting the addition of a number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value (e.g., "125") to the number of playing balls.

The gaming machine 20 that receives the addition signal adds up the number of gaming balls and transmits the added number of gaming balls to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 compares the sum of the number of gaming balls before the addition and the number of balls lent with the number of gaming balls after the addition to determine whether the addition of the number of gaming balls was performed appropriately.

Next, the ball replay process in the gaming system according to this embodiment 1 will be described. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a general card or a membership card, it sends a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

When the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it notifies the inter-machine card processing device 10 of the balance of the balls held at the rate specified by the message, among the balls held associated with the card ID in the message.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the balance of held balls received from the management device 50. It then transmits a message to the management device 50, including information identifying the card ID and rate, and a request to subtract held balls. When the management device 50 receives a request to subtract held balls, it clears the balance of held balls identified by the card ID and rate to zero. In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a request to replay held balls, it subtracts a fixed number from the balance of held balls, 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 a management transfer request from the gaming machine 20 to transfer management by making the number of gaming balls of the gaming machine 20 the balls held by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 adds the number of gaming balls indicated in the management transfer request to the balls held by the gaming machine 20. After that, when the card return operation is accepted, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a message including a request to add balls to the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card to be discharged, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that sent the message, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the balance of balls held, and a request to add balls held.

When the management device 50 receives a request to add balls in hand, it updates the balance (number of balls in hand) of the balls in hand associated with the card ID in the message, at the rate specified by the message, to the received value. After that, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a card ejection notification to the management device 50 and controls the ejection of the card.

Next, the stored ball replay processing in the gaming system according to the first embodiment will be described. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a membership card, it sends a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

The management device 50 transmits stored ball replay data, including the PIN number associated with the card ID in the message and the remaining balance of stored balls at the rate specified by the message, to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

The inter-machine card processing device 10 stores the received saved ball replay data, and if the balance of saved balls indicated in the saved ball replay data is equal to or greater than the number of payout units of game balls in saved ball replay (number of saved ball replay units, for example "125 balls"), it is able to accept a saved ball replay operation.

When the inter-machine card processing device 10 receives the first saved ball replay operation after storing the saved ball replay data, it asks the player to input a PIN number and checks whether the input PIN number matches the PIN number shown in the saved ball replay data.

If the PIN numbers match, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a request to replay the saved balls.

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

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the stored ball replay data, updates the stored ball balance, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units to add it to the number of game balls. It also determines whether the updated stored ball balance is less than the number of stored ball replay units. If the updated balance of the stored ball data is equal to or greater than the number of stored ball replay units, it is possible to accept a stored ball replay operation again, and if a stored ball replay operation is accepted, a stored ball replay request is sent. For the second or subsequent stored ball replay operations, there is no need to confirm the PIN number. If the updated balance of the stored ball data is less than the number of stored ball replay units, it is not possible to accept a stored ball replay operation.

Next, we will explain the transition from held balls to saved balls during the store closing process. The management device 50 checks the balance of held balls in the card management data during the store closing process, and if there are held balls whose balance is greater than "0", it adds the balance of the held balls to the balance of saved balls to update it. The management device 50 then clears the balance of the held balls to zero.

<External configuration of the inter-machine card processing device 10 and the 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. 2. In the figure, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that accepts only paper money is shown, but a unit that can accept electronic money can also be provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is provided with a status display unit 11 that displays the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by turning on or blinking lamps of a predetermined color, a bill insertion slot 12a that accepts various types of bills, a display operation unit 13 such as a touch panel display, a card insertion slot 14a that accepts cards with associated card IDs, and a holding unit 14b that accepts mobile terminals held by players to associate the unique ID. The holding unit 14b also accepts the mobile terminal associated with the unique ID and reads the unique ID.

The gaming machine 20 is provided with a gaming board, a handle 21 used to release enclosed gaming balls onto the gaming board, and a counting button 22.

The count button 22 is an operation button for performing a management transfer, which transfers management of the number of balls that can be dispensed from the gaming machine 20 to the inter-machine card processor 10 by subtracting the number of gaming balls in the gaming machine 20 and adding the corresponding number to the balls held by the inter-machine card processor 10. In an open gaming machine 20 where actual gaming balls are dispensed upon winning, this management transfer corresponds to a counting process in which the inter-machine card processor 10 counts the dispensed gaming balls and adds them to the balls held.

<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 functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a bill transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader/writer 14, a communication unit 15, a memory unit 16, a control unit 17, and a game management unit 18.

The banknote transport unit 12 is a transport unit that transports the banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion port 12a to a banknote storage unit (not shown) while determining the denomination and authenticity of the banknotes. 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 operations.

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

The memory unit 16 is a storage device consisting of a hard disk drive, non-volatile memory, etc. The memory unit 16 stores the player's own device status data 16a, card data 16b, replay setting data 16c, and game performance data 16d.

The machine status data 16a is data indicating the status of the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10. The machine status data 16a includes the machine-to-machine card processing machine ID, the game machine ID, the game type, etc. The machine-to-machine card processing machine ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 within the gaming establishment. The game type is data indicating the rate set in the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10. When game balls of multiple rates are handled within the gaming establishment, game type names are set and managed for each rate, such as "Ball 1" for game balls with a 4 yen rate, "Ball 2" for game balls with a 2 yen rate, and "Ball 3" for game balls with a 1 yen rate. The machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 selects a rate to be used for a game from these game types and stores it as the game type. The game type may be a fixed game type for each section in which the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 is installed, or may be changeable by the player's operation.

Card data 16b is data related to the card being used by the player. Card data 16b includes card ID, PIN, prepaid value, held balls, saved balls, etc. Card ID is the card ID read by reader/writer 14. When a card is transported from a card storage section (not shown) to card insertion port 14a and then ejected, card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by reader/writer 14 during this transport. Also, when a card is transported from card insertion port 14a to a card storage section (not shown), card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by reader/writer 14 during this transport. Prepaid value indicates the balance of prepaid value that can be used for ball lending, and held balls and saved balls indicate their respective balances.

The replay setting data 16c is data indicating the replay conditions for permitting the replay of saved balls. The game performance data 16d is data indicating the game performance related to the replay conditions.

The gaming management unit 18 is a processing unit that performs processing related to authentication and communication with the gaming machine 20. It is preferable that the gaming management unit 18 is formed on a different board from the control unit 17. The gaming management unit 18 has an authentication processing unit 18a, an authentication key management unit 18b, and a gaming machine status management unit 18c. In practice, these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed, causing the authentication processing unit 18a, the authentication key management unit 18b, and the gaming machine status management unit 18c to execute processes corresponding to each of them.

The authentication processing unit 18a uses the authentication key received from the management device 50 to authenticate the gaming machine 20. If the authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 18a transmits an operation permission to the gaming machine 20. If the authentication is unsuccessful, the authentication processing unit 18a prohibits the use of the gaming machine 20. Note that even if the authentication fails, the authentication processing unit 18a may be configured to transmit an operation permission to the gaming machine 20 if it is within a predetermined period of time since the last successful authentication, and not transmit an operation permission to the gaming machine 20 after the predetermined period of time has elapsed since the last successful authentication, and to prohibit the use of the gaming machine 20.

The authentication key management unit 18b is a processing unit that manages the authentication key. A usage time is set for the authentication key, and when the cumulative operating time of the gaming machine 20 reaches the usage time of the authentication key, the authentication key becomes unusable. Specifically, the authentication key management unit 18b uses 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 to manage the usage time of the authentication key. When the authentication key becomes unusable, the authentication key management unit 18b obtains a new authentication key from an authentication key management center outside the store via the management device 50, and updates the authentication key.

The gaming machine status management unit 18c is a processing unit that communicates with the gaming machine 20 and manages the status of the gaming machine 20. Specifically, the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, transmits a request to add to the number of gaming balls by ball lending, transmits a request to switch management from held balls to the number of gaming balls by replaying held balls, transmits a request to add to the number of gaming balls by replaying saved balls, receives game results such as the number of balls inserted and the number of winning balls in the gaming machine 20, and receives a request to switch management from the number of gaming balls to held balls by counting. The communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 is encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

The gaming machine status management unit 18c also acquires the status set for the game, such as the current number of gaming balls in the gaming machine 20, start, jackpot, jackpot type, and number of lottery draws. It is desirable to set the time interval at which the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the status of the gaming machine 20 shorter than the interval at which gaming balls are shot (used) in the gaming machine 20. Furthermore, once the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the number of gaming balls from the gaming machine 20, it passes the number of gaming balls to the control unit 17.

The timing when the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires a new gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 is not limited to before the store opens. The gaming machine status management unit 18c can acquire a gaming machine ID or determine whether to replace the gaming machine 20 when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is turned on or off, during regular communication, when processing related to the number of gaming balls (ball lending, replay, counting, etc.) is performed, when returning from an offline state, etc. Also, a combination of these timings may be used.

The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-machine card processing machine 10, and has a data management unit 17a, a setting management unit 17b, a game results management unit 17c, and a replay determination unit 17d. In reality, these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, causing the data management unit 17a, the setting management unit 17b, the game results management unit 17c, and the replay determination unit 17d to execute processes corresponding to each of them.

When a card is inserted, the data management unit 17a sends a card insertion notification including the card ID and the machine-to-machine card processor ID to the management device 50. When the data management unit 17a receives data including a value (at least one of prepaid value, held balls, and saved balls) from the management device 50, it stores the received value in the card data 16b.

When a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a sends a deposit notification to the management device 50, which includes the amount of the inserted bill, the card ID, and the machine-to-machine card processing machine ID.

When a ball lending operation is performed by a player, the data management unit 17a sends a ball lending request including the card ID and the machine-to-machine card processor ID to the management device 50. If permission to lend balls is received in response to this ball lending request, the data management unit 17a instructs the gaming management unit 18 to subtract the prepaid value of the card data 16b and add a predetermined number of balls to the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20.

In addition, when the data management unit 17a receives a held ball replay operation, it instructs the game management unit 18 to subtract and update the held balls in the card data 16b and add the corresponding number of balls to the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20.

When the balance of the balls shown in the card data 16b is equal to or greater than the number of ball replay units, the data management unit 17a displays a ball replay button on the display operation unit 13 and allows the ball replay operation to be accepted if a replay permission notice is received from the replay judgment unit 17d. When a ball replay operation is performed by a player, the data management unit 17a transmits a ball replay request including a card ID and a machine-to-machine card processing machine ID to the management device 50. When ball replay data is received in response to the ball replay request, the game management unit 18 updates the ball balance in the card data 16b and instructs the game management unit 18 to add the number of balls corresponding to the number of ball replay units to the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20. When the ball replay operation is performed for the first time, the input of a PIN is requested, and the condition for transmitting a ball replay request is that the PIN matches the PIN shown in the card data 16b.

In addition, when the game management unit 18 receives a request to transfer game balls from the gaming machine 20, the data management unit 17a adds the number of balls instructed by the game management unit 18 to the held balls in the card data 16b to update it.

When the data management unit 17a receives a card return operation, it sends a ball addition request including the card ID, the inter-machine card processing machine ID, and the remaining balls to the management device 50. Then, after clearing the card data 16b, it sends a card ejection notification to the management device 50 and ejects the card.

The setting management unit 17b is a processing unit that manages the replay setting data 16c. When the setting management unit 17b receives replay setting data from the management device 50, it stores the received data in the replay setting data 16c.

The gaming performance management unit 17c is a processing unit that manages the gaming performance data 16d. When the gaming performance management unit 17c receives gaming performance data from the management device 50, it stores the received data in the gaming performance data 16d.

When the gaming record management unit 17c receives out data from the gaming machine 20, it adds a numerical value corresponding to the out data to the gaming record data 16d to update it. When the gaming record management unit 17c receives a card return operation, it transmits the gaming record data 16d to the management device 50.

The replay determination unit 17d is a processing unit that determines whether or not the saved balls can be replayed. When the game performance data 16d is updated, the replay determination unit 17d compares the number of outs in the game performance data 16d with the number of outs set in the replay setting data 16c, and if the number of outs is equal to or greater than the number of outs set, passes a replay permission notification to the data management unit 17a.

Next, a specific example of data stored in the memory unit 16 of the machine-to-machine card processing device 10 shown in Figure 4 will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the machine status data 16a, card data 16b, replay setting data 16c, and game performance data 16d shown in Figure 4.

The own device status data 16a shown in FIG. 5(a) indicates that 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 "Ball 1" is set as the game type of the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the machine-to-machine card processing device 10 is "2005." Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, with a card whose first digit is "1" being a general card and a card whose first digit is "2" being a membership card. Additionally, the card data 16b indicates that the PIN code for replaying saved balls is "1234" and the prepaid value is "3000" points.

Card data 16b also shows that the balance of held balls for ball 1 is "1150" balls, the balance of held balls for ball 2 is "0" balls, and the balance of held balls for ball 3 is "0" balls. It also shows that the balance of saved balls for ball 1 is "4000" balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 2 is "0" balls, and the balance of saved balls for ball 3 is "0" balls.

The replay setting data 16c shown in FIG. 5(c) indicates a state in which the set number of outs is "500" balls. The game performance data 16d shown in FIG. 5(d) indicates a state in which the number of outs is "600" 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 functional block diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 6, the gaming machine 20 has a communication control unit 23, a performance control unit 24, a game control unit 25, and a game ball control unit 26. The communication control unit 23 is a control unit for controlling data communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 uses encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

When the gaming machine 20 is started, the communication control unit 23 reads the identification information from the control CPU provided in the gaming control unit 25 and/or gaming ball control unit 26, checks whether the identification information is appropriate, and if it is appropriate, establishes communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and goes into standby mode. In the standby mode, if operation permission is received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it starts the performance control unit 24, gaming control unit 25, and gaming ball control unit 26, making the machine ready for play.

The game control unit 25 is a control unit that controls the game played by the gaming machine 20. In practice, a program corresponding to the game control unit 25 is loaded into the CPU and executed to execute the process.

Specifically, the game control unit 25 controls the launch of game balls onto the game board by detecting handle operation, detects game balls that have entered the winning hole on the game board, obtains random numbers (random numbers from 0 to 65535, with numbers assigned to big wins, small wins, and losses within a predetermined range) using game balls that have entered the starting hole and draws lots (special and normal symbols), controls movable members (tulips, etc.) on the game board, controls the display of a special symbol display device on the game board, detects abnormalities that may be fraudulent (front frame open, vibration detected, etc.) and notifies the host device, etc.

A large number of obstacle pins are set on the game board, and game balls that are launched onto the game board by operating the handle fall between the obstacle pins and either enter a prize hole or a starting hole, or are ejected from the game board through an outlet hole on the game board without entering a prize. When a game ball enters a starting hole, a lottery is held, and if a jackpot is awarded, a jackpot game is played in which a specific prize hole on the game board is controlled to be open multiple times, and by making it easier for game balls to enter these prize holes, prize balls are awarded to the player.

In addition, there is a special jackpot game that gives the player a special bonus game after the jackpot game ends. The special jackpot game includes a probability-varying jackpot and a time-saving jackpot. The probability-varying jackpot and the time-saving jackpot give the probability-varying game and the time-saving game as bonus games after the jackpot, respectively. The time-saving game is a bonus game that increases the number of lotteries per unit time by shortening the fluctuation time (the time from the start of the lottery process to the display of the result) of the normal pattern lottery (the lottery for opening and closing the movable member described above) and/or the special pattern lottery (the lottery for the jackpot lottery by the winning game ball described above), thereby increasing the probability of winning the jackpot per unit time. This bonus game may include a normal pattern probability fluctuation that increases the probability of winning the normal pattern. The time-saving game due to the time-saving jackpot ends when the number of lotteries for the special pattern lottery has been performed a predetermined number of times after the jackpot. We'll discuss probability-varying games later.

The game control unit 25 has a probability fluctuation function. The probability fluctuation function is a function that controls the change of the random number range of the jackpot used in the next lottery (generally to about 10 times) when the lottery result is a jackpot that falls within a specially determined random number range. The probability fluctuation game is a game in which a special symbol is drawn using the changed probability. The probability fluctuation game continues until the next jackpot is won. In addition, the probability fluctuation game and the time-saving game may be granted at the same time. However, in order to prevent unexpected losses to the gaming facility, if a player acquires a certain number of game media after the probability fluctuation game or the time-saving game has started, a process of stopping the game (removing the card once and requesting a prize exchange or a machine move) may be performed. In this case, the number of game media after the probability fluctuation game state is entered is counted by the gaming machine 20, and when this count value reaches a predetermined value, game stop control such as stopping the release of game balls is performed.

The effect control unit 24 is a control unit that controls the effects during play, and has an effect pattern selection unit 24a and an effect selection unit 24b. In practice, these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, causing the effect pattern selection unit 24a and the effect selection unit 24b to execute processes corresponding to each of them.

The effect symbol selection unit 24a selects effect symbols (symbols to be displayed on effect symbol display devices such as display devices on the game board) based on the special symbol selection by the game control unit 25 (specifically, whether or not the display should ultimately stop at 7, 7, 7, etc.).

The effect selection unit 24b selects the type of effect to be performed before the result of the selection based on the effect pattern is displayed (such as a character appearing to perform a reach effect). Such effects are set so that the effect selected differs depending on the main selection result.

The performance control unit 24 stores performance data for each performance. Furthermore, the performance control unit 24 controls the display of the performance pattern display device, and when a performance is executed, the performance data is superimposed on the background pattern data to display the performance. Furthermore, when the probability fluctuates, background color data different from the normal state is set.

The game ball control unit 26 is a control unit that controls the number of game balls. In practice, a program corresponding to the game ball control unit 26 is loaded into the CPU and executed to execute the process. The playable number management unit 26a is a management unit that manages the playable number, i.e., the number of game balls.

Specifically, the game ball control unit 26 stores the number of game balls in a playable number memory, subtracts "1" from the number of game balls each time a game ball is released, and adds the number of prize balls acquired by winning to the number of game balls. Furthermore, when the number of balls is notified by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it adds the notified number of balls to the number of game balls and sends a confirmation signal to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 indicating that the number of game balls has been added. The game ball control unit 26 can also perform cleaning control of the game balls (circulating balls) enclosed in the game machine 20.

The game ball control unit 26 also periodically transmits the number of game balls stored in the playable number memory to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10. In this case, the game ball control unit 26 continues to update the number of game balls depending on the game status without clearing the contents of the playable number memory to zero, and transmits the number of game balls at the time of data acquisition to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

The gaming 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 gaming ball control unit 26. The gaming ball control unit 26 detects the pressing of the counting button 22, and if the detection signal is less than a certain time from rising to falling, it transmits a management transfer request to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 along with data on the number of gaming balls by a certain number (for example, 100 balls per operation). Then, it subtracts (invalidates) the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 from the number of gaming balls. Also, if it detects the pressing of the counting button 22 and the detection signal is not detected to fall for a predetermined time or more after rising, it transmits a management transfer request to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 along with data on the number of gaming balls by a certain number (for example, 200 balls per 5 seconds) each time the detection signal rises for a certain time. Then, it subtracts (invalidates) the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 from the number of gaming balls. When subtracting from the number of game balls, possible methods include decrementing the value to be subtracted from the value of 1 stored in memory, or updating the value stored in memory with the value after the subtraction and deleting or logically deleting the value before the subtraction to invalidate it, but there are no particular limitations as long as the value after the subtraction is identifiable.

The game control unit 25 and the game ball control unit 26 are each configured on a separate board. 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 their own unique ID. The gaming machine 20 combines the ID of the game control board and the ID of the game ball control board and uses this as the gaming machine ID.

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

The display unit 51 is a display device such as an LCD panel or a display device. The input unit 52 is an input device such as a keyboard or a 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 prize management device 60, and the settlement machine 70 via a communication line within the gaming facility.

The memory unit 55 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, replay setting data 55d, and game performance data 55e.

Card management data 55a is data that associates a card ID with the remaining prepaid value and the remaining balls held. Machine management data 55b is data related to the machine-to-machine card processing device 10 and the gaming machines 20 installed in the gaming facility. Member management data 55c is data that associates the card ID of the membership card issued to the member with the member's name, balls held information, etc.

The replay setting data 55d is data indicating the replay conditions for permitting the replay of saved balls. The game performance data 55e is data indicating the game performance related to the replay conditions.

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 setting management unit 56d, and a playing record management unit 56e. In practice, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the processes corresponding to the card management unit 56a, the device management unit 56b, the member management unit 56c, the setting management unit 56d, and the playing record management unit 56e are 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 processing device 10 and the prize management device 60 to update the prepaid value and the ball balance associated with the card ID.

When the card management unit 56a receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it notifies the prepaid value and remaining balls associated with the card. When the card management unit 56a receives a request for the value associated with the card from the prize management device 60, it notifies the remaining balls associated with the card.

The device management unit 56b is a processing unit that manages the device management data 55b. The device management unit 56b stores the inter-machine card processing machine ID, installation location, and gaming machine ID obtained from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 in the device management data 55b.

The member management unit 56c is a processing unit that manages the member management data 55c. The member management unit 56c communicates with the machine-to-machine card processing device 10 and the prize management device 60 to update the balance of the balls associated with the card ID.

Here, the stored ball replay processing by the member management unit 56c will be explained. When the member management unit 56c receives stored ball replay request data from the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10, it deducts the remaining number of stored balls at the payout rate from among the stored balls associated with the card ID in the stored ball replay request data by the payout unit number, and recalculates the number of stored balls that can be replayed. It then transmits stored ball replay data including the remaining balance after the deduction and the number of stored balls that can be replayed to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

The setting management unit 56d is a processing unit that manages the replay setting data 55d. When the setting management unit 56d receives the set number of outs from the input unit 52, it stores this set number of outs in the replay setting data 55d and transmits it to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

The gaming record management unit 56e is a processing unit that manages the gaming record data 55e. When the gaming record management unit 56e receives a card insertion notification from the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10, it extracts the gaming record data corresponding to the card ID included in the card insertion notification from the gaming record data 55e and transmits it to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

In addition, when the gaming performance management unit 56e receives gaming performance data from the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10, it stores this gaming performance data in the gaming performance data 55e.

Next, an example of data stored in the memory unit 55 of the management device 50 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing examples of the card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, replay setting data 55d, and game performance data 55e shown in FIG. 7.

In the card management data 55a shown in FIG. 8(a), the card ID "1001" is associated with a state in which the prepaid value is "0" points, the balance of held balls for each rate is "0" balls, and the destination ID is "A101". In other words, the card with card ID "1001" is inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with device ID "A101", and management of the held balls has been transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. As a result, the balance of held balls for each rate is zero.

In addition, in the card management data 55a, the card ID "2001" is associated with a state in which the prepaid value is "3000" points. In addition, the states in which the balance of balls held for ball 1 is "100", the balance of balls held for ball 2 is "50", and the balance of balls held for ball 3 is "80" are associated with the card management data 55a. However, there is no association with the destination ID. In other words, the card with the card ID "2001" is not inserted into the inter-machine card processing device 10, and the management of the balls held is performed by the management device 50.

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

The device management data 55b also associates the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with ID "A201" with the following states: its installation location is "Island 2-1", the gaming machine number is "21", the connected gaming machine 20 has ID "B506", the game type is "Ball 3", the gaming machine 20 model is "DX03", and the serial number is "g". It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

Member management data 55c shown in FIG. 8(c) indicates the name, saved balls, etc. associated with the card ID. Specifically, member management data 55c associates the card ID "2005" with a state in which the name is "Takken Taro," the saved ball balance for ball 1 is "4000," the saved ball balance for ball 2 is "0," and the saved ball balance for ball 3 is "0."

The replay setting data 55d shown in FIG. 9(a) corresponds to a state in which the set number of outs is "500" balls.

The gaming performance data 55e shown in FIG. 9(b) associates the card ID "2015" with a state in which the number of balls out is "600," and the card ID "2021" with a state in which the number of balls out is "300."

<Processing procedure in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 according to the first embodiment>
Next, a description will be given of the processing procedure in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 according to the present embodiment 1. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 according to the present embodiment 1.

As shown in FIG. 10, when a card is inserted (step S101: Yes), the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives game performance data from the management device 50 (step S102).

If the number of outs included in the game performance data is equal to or greater than the number of outs set in the replay setting data 16c (step S103: Yes), the saved balls are permitted to be replayed (step S106), and the process ends.

If the number of outs included in the game performance data is less than the number of outs set in the replay setting data 16c (step S103: No), replay of the saved balls is prohibited (step S104).

If the number of outs after inserting cash is equal to or greater than the number of outs set in the replay setting data 16c (step S105: Yes), replay of the saved balls is permitted (step S106), and the process ends.

As described above, the gaming system according to this embodiment 1 is configured to permit replay of saved balls on the condition that a predetermined number of outs has been detected, so gaming establishments can properly permit members to replay saved gaming media.

In the above embodiment 1, the association between the member playing the game and the member management data is described as being performed using a member card inserted into the machine-to-machine card processing machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the association can also be performed using biometric authentication using a face image captured by a camera installed in the machine-to-machine card processing machine. The association can also be performed through app linkage using a member app on a smartphone.

[Embodiment 2]
In the above embodiment 1, the configuration was described in which the replay of the saved balls is permitted on the condition that a predetermined number of outs is detected, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to permit the replay of the saved balls when game-related conditions such as game time and number of jackpots are met. In the present embodiment 2, a gaming system is described in which the replay of the saved balls is permitted when game-related conditions such as game time and number of jackpots are met. In the gaming system according to the present embodiment 2, the case where the conditions for permitting the replay of the saved balls are managed by the inter-machine card processing machine and the management device is described.

<Configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 100 according to the second embodiment>
The configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 100 according to the present embodiment 2 will be described. Fig. 11 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 100 according to the present embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 11, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a banknote transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader/writer 14, a communication unit 15, a memory unit 110, a control unit 120, and a game management unit 18. Note that a description of the functional units similar to those of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Fig. 4 will be omitted.

The memory unit 110 is a storage device consisting of a hard disk drive, non-volatile memory, etc. The memory unit 110 stores the player's own device status data 16a, card data 16b, replay setting data 111, and game performance data 112.

The replay setting data 111 is data indicating the replay conditions for permitting the replay of saved balls. The game performance data 112 is data indicating the game performance related to the replay conditions.

The control unit 120 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-machine card processing machine 100, and has a data management unit 17a, a setting management unit 17b, a game results management unit 121, and a replay determination unit 122. In reality, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the processes corresponding to the data management unit 17a, the setting management unit 17b, the game results management unit 121, and the replay determination unit 122 are executed.

The gaming performance management unit 121 is a processing unit that manages the gaming performance data 112. When the gaming performance management unit 121 receives gaming performance data from the management device 200, it stores the received data in the gaming performance data 112.

In addition, when the gaming record management unit 121 receives jackpot data from the gaming machine 20, it updates the number of jackpots in the gaming record data 112 by adding 1. When the gaming record management unit 121 receives rotation data from the gaming machine 20, it updates the total number of rotations in the gaming record data 112 by adding 1. When the gaming record management unit 121 receives safe data from the gaming machine 20, it updates the number of won balls in the gaming record data 112 by adding a number equivalent to the number of balls in the safe data.

When the game performance management unit 121 receives a ball saving operation, it adds the number of balls transferred to the saved balls to the number of saved balls in the game performance data 112 and updates it. When the game performance management unit 121 receives a card return operation, it adds the time that has elapsed since the card insertion to the play time in the game performance data 112 and updates it, and sends the game performance data 112 to the management device 200.

The replay determination unit 122 is a processing unit that determines whether or not the saved balls can be replayed. When the replay determination unit 122 receives a replay permission notification from the management device 200, it passes this replay permission notification to the data management unit 17a.

In addition, when the game performance data 112 is updated, the replay determination unit 122 compares each item of the game performance data 112 with the corresponding item of the replay setting data 111, and performs the following processing.

If the value of any of the items in the game performance data 112, such as the number of visits, playing time, number of jackpots, or total number of spins, is equal to or greater than the value of the item in the replay setting data 111, a replay permission notification is passed to the data management unit 17a.

If the value of either the number of acquired balls or the number of saved balls in the game performance data 112 satisfies the content of the item in the replay setting data 111, a replay permission notification is passed to the data management unit 17a.

For either the replay entry or biometric authentication registration item, if the content of the item in the game performance data 112 is the same as the content of the item in the replay setting data 111, a replay permission notification is passed to the data management unit 17a.

Next, a specific example of data stored in the memory unit 110 of the inter-machine card processing device 100 shown in FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the replay setting data 111 and the game performance data 112 shown in FIG. 11.

The replay setting data 111 shown in FIG. 12(a) indicates that the number of visits is "3", the play time is "1:00", the number of jackpots is "3", the total number of spins is "20", the number of balls won is "500 or more", the number of balls saved is "1000 or more", replay entry is "Yes", and biometric authentication registration is "Yes".

The gaming performance data 112 shown in FIG. 12(b) indicates that the number of visits was "2", the playing time was "3:10", the number of jackpots was "5", the total number of spins was "62", the number of balls won was "2500", the number of balls saved was "800", there was "no" replay, and biometric authentication registration was "yes".

<Configuration of management device 200 according to the second embodiment>
Next, the configuration of the management device 200 according to the present embodiment 2 will be described. Fig. 13 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 200 according to the present embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 13, the management device 200 is connected to a display unit 51 and an input unit 52, and has an external network communication unit 53, a store network communication unit 54, a storage unit 210, and a control unit 220. Note that a description of the same functional units as those of the management device 50 shown in Fig. 7 will be omitted.

The memory unit 210 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, replay setting data 211, replay common setting data 212, game performance data 213, and sales data 214.

The replay setting data 211 is data indicating the replay conditions for the player to allow the replay of saved balls. The replay common setting data 212 is data indicating the replay conditions for the gaming facility to allow the replay of saved balls. The gaming performance data 213 is data indicating the gaming performance related to the replay conditions. The sales data 214 is data indicating the sales amount of the gaming facility on that day.

The control unit 220 is a control unit that performs overall control of the management device 200, and has a card management unit 56a, a device management unit 56b, a member management unit 56c, a setting management unit 221, a game results management unit 222, a sales management unit 223, and a replay determination unit 224. In reality, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the processes corresponding to the card management unit 56a, the device management unit 56b, the member management unit 56c, the setting management unit 221, the game results management unit 222, the sales management unit 223, and the replay determination unit 224 are executed.

The setting management unit 221 is a processing unit that manages the replay setting data 211 and the replay common setting data 212. When the setting management unit 221 receives replay settings and replay common settings from the input unit 52, it stores these settings in the replay setting data 211 and the replay common setting data 212.

The gaming record management unit 222 is a processing unit that manages the gaming record data 213. When the gaming record management unit 222 receives information on whether or not a member has re-entered play and registered biometric authentication from the input unit 52, it stores the received information in the re-entered play and biometric authentication registration items of the gaming record data 213.

The gaming record management unit 222 also receives the card ID of a visiting customer from a visiting customer management device (not shown), and if the card ID is received for the first time that day, updates the number of visits in the gaming record data 213 corresponding to that card ID by adding 1. The visiting customer management device is a device that manages visiting customers, and takes a facial image of the visiting customer using a camera (not shown), and determines whether the visiting customer is a member or not using the facial image of the visiting customer and the facial image of the playing customer registered when registering as a member, and if determined to be a member, notifies the management device 200 of the card ID of the member.

In addition, when the gaming record management unit 222 receives a card insertion notification from the machine-to-machine card processing machine 100, it extracts the gaming record data corresponding to the card ID included in the card insertion notification from the gaming record data 213 and transmits it to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 100.

In addition, when the gaming results management unit 222 receives gaming results data from the machine-to-machine card processing machine 100, it stores this gaming results data in the gaming results data 213.

The sales management unit 223 is a processing unit that manages the sales data 214. The sales management unit 223 adds the prepaid value subtracted based on the ball lending request received from the inter-machine card processing machine 100 to the sales data 214 to update it.

The replay determination unit 224 is a processing unit that determines whether or not the saved balls can be replayed. If the current time is included in the time period of the replay common setting data 212, the replay determination unit 224 notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 100 of a replay permission notification.

In addition, if the sales amount of the sales data 214 becomes equal to or greater than the sales amount of the replay common setting data 212, the replay determination unit 224 sends a replay permission notification to the inter-machine card processing machine 100.

Next, an example of data stored in the memory unit 210 of the management device 200 shown in FIG. 13 will be described. FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrams showing examples of the replay setting data 211, the replay common setting data 212, the game performance data 213, and the sales data 214 shown in FIG. 13.

The replay setting data 211 shown in FIG. 14(a) indicates that the number of visits is "3", the play time is "1:00", the number of jackpots is "3", the total number of spins is "20", the number of balls won is "500 or more", the number of balls saved is "1000 or more", replay entry is "Yes", and biometric authentication registration is "Yes".

The replay common setting data 212 shown in FIG. 14(b) indicates that the time period is "after 17:00" and the sales amount is "4 million yen."

The gaming performance data 213 shown in FIG. 15(a) associates the following with card ID "2015": number of visits to the store "2", playing time "3:10", number of jackpots "5", total number of spins "62", number of balls won "2500", number of balls saved "800", "no" replay entry, and "yes" biometric authentication registration.

The gaming performance data 213 also associates the card ID "2021" with the following states: number of visits to the store "1", playing time "0:40", number of jackpots "1", total number of spins "15", number of balls won "300", number of balls saved "0", replay entry "Yes", and biometric authentication registration "No".

The sales data 214 shown in FIG. 15(b) indicates that the sales amount is "3.5 million yen."

As described above, the gaming system according to the second embodiment is configured to permit replay of saved balls when certain gaming conditions, such as playing time and number of jackpots, are met, so gaming establishments can appropriately permit members to replay saved gaming media.

In the above embodiment 2, a configuration was described in which the replay of saved balls is permitted when any one of the multiple game-related conditions is satisfied, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to specify multiple conditions or all of the multiple game-related conditions, and to specify that the replay of saved balls is permitted when the specified conditions are satisfied.

[Embodiment 3]
In the above embodiment 1, the configuration was described in which the replay of the saved balls was permitted on the condition that a predetermined number of outs was detected, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to permit the replay of the saved balls on the condition that a predetermined amount of cash or a number of saved balls is collected as a fee. In the embodiment 3, a gaming system is described in which the replay of the saved balls is permitted on the condition that a predetermined amount of cash or a number of saved balls is collected as a fee. In the gaming system according to the embodiment 3, the conditions for permitting the replay of the saved balls are managed by the inter-machine card processing machine and the management device.

<Configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 300 according to the third embodiment>
Next, the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 300 according to the present embodiment 3 will be described. Fig. 16 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 300 according to the present embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 16, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a banknote transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader/writer 14, a communication unit 15, a memory unit 310, a control unit 320, and a game management unit 18. Note that a description of the same functional units as those of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Fig. 4 will be omitted.

The storage unit 310 is a storage device consisting of a hard disk drive, non-volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 310 stores the device status data 16a, the card data 16b, the fee setting data 311, and the fee data 312.

The fee setting data 311 is data indicating the conditions regarding the fee for allowing the replay of saved balls. The fee data 312 is data indicating the fee collected.

The control unit 320 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-machine card processing machine 300, and has a data management unit 17a, a setting management unit 321, and a fee management unit 322. In practice, these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, causing the data management unit 17a, the setting management unit 321, and the fee management unit 322 to execute the processes that correspond to them.

The setting management unit 321 is a processing unit that manages the fee setting data 311. When the setting management unit 321 receives fee setting data from the management device 400, it stores the received data in the fee setting data 311.

The fee management unit 322 is a processing unit that determines whether or not a fee should be collected and whether or not saved balls can be replayed, and also manages the fee data 312. When the fee setting data 311 indicates that a fee is set to "Yes", the fee management unit 322 performs the following processing.

If the return conditions in the fee setting data 311 are met, a replay permission notification is passed to the data management unit 17a. For example, if the return condition is "cash play" and a game using cash has already been played, a replay permission notification is passed to the data management unit 17a.

In addition, if the return conditions in the fee setting data 311 are not met, the fee in the fee category in the fee setting data 311 is collected, a replay permission notice is passed to the data management unit 17a, and the collected fee is stored in the fee data 312. For example, if the fee category is "Saved Balls" and the fee is "200" balls, a saved ball subtraction instruction to subtract 200 balls from the saved ball balance and a replay permission notice are passed to the data management unit 17a. Then, "200" balls are stored in the fee data 312.

In addition, if a value other than "0" is stored in the fee data 312, and the return conditions in the fee setting data 311 are met, the collected fee is returned. For example, if the fee data 312 is "200" balls and the return conditions are "cash play," and a game is played using cash, a ball addition command to add 200 balls to the balance of saved balls is passed to the data management unit 17a. Then, the fee data 312 is cleared to zero and updated.

Next, an example of data stored in the memory unit 310 of the inter-machine card processing machine 300 shown in FIG. 16 will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the fee setting data 311 and fee data 312 shown in FIG. 16.

The fee setting data 311 shown in FIG. 17(a) indicates a state in which the fee setting is "Yes", the return condition is "Cash Play", the fee category is "Saved Balls", and the fee is "200" balls. The fee data 312 shown in FIG. 17(b) indicates a state in which the fee is "200" balls.

As described above, the gaming system according to the third embodiment is configured to permit replay of saved balls on the condition that a certain amount of cash or number of saved balls is collected as a fee, so gaming establishments can properly permit members to replay saved gaming media.

In the above embodiment 3, a configuration was described in which a specified amount of cash or number of balls is collected as a fee, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the conditions for collecting the fee or the method for returning the collected fee can also be displayed on the card processing machine between machines or on a smartphone app. For example, when the replay button is pressed, a message such as "A fee will be collected if no cash is played" or "No fee will be returned if you play without inserting a membership card" is displayed.

In addition, in the above embodiment 3, a configuration was described in which a specified amount of cash or number of balls saved is collected as a fee, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to collect a fee when conditions set by the store are met, such as when play is only performed on a specific machine.

In addition, in the above embodiment 3, a configuration was described in which the machine-to-machine card processing machine performs the return process of the collected fee when the specified conditions are met, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the settlement machine to perform the return process of the fee when cash is collected as the fee.

In the above embodiment 3, a configuration was described in which a fee is collected when the specified conditions are not met, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the device so that, when a member card is inserted after a cash game with a general card, it is not determined that a cash game is not being played. Specifically, when a general card is inserted, a message can be displayed to warn the player, saying, "If you insert a member card later, the replay permission conditions may not be met. Would you like to continue playing with the general card?" In addition, it is also possible to use the floating data to associate games with general cards and games with member cards. It is also possible to associate member cards with biometric authentication. In addition, it is also possible to configure the device so that, based on inquiries from players, deposits, ball loans, number of balls shot, etc. can be associated with information from a management device or surveillance cameras in the store and managed, and displayed as necessary.

[Embodiment 4]
In the above embodiment 3, a configuration was described in which a fee is collected when a specified condition is not satisfied, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the system so that the balance of cash inserted for gaming and the balance of cash inserted for fees are managed separately. In embodiment 4, a gaming system is described which manages the balance of cash inserted for gaming and the balance of cash inserted for fees separately.

<An example of separate management of prepaid balance and fee balance according to the fourth embodiment>
First, a description will be given of an example of a case where the prepaid balance and the fee balance are managed separately according to the present embodiment 4. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a case where the prepaid balance and the fee balance are managed separately according to the present embodiment 4.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the gaming system according to the fourth embodiment, the balance display, usage period setting, etc. are displayed or managed separately as a prepaid balance and a fee balance. Specifically, in the balance display, the prepaid balance is displayed as "For gaming: 5,000 yen" and the fee balance is displayed as "Replay fee: 1,000 yen."

In addition, when setting the usage period, the prepaid balance is set to "Only for the day" and the fee balance is set to "180 days after payment." When settling the bill, the prepaid balance is set to "Only for the day" and the fee balance is set to "During the usage period."

In addition, for the charge amount, the upper limit of the prepaid balance and the fee balance are managed separately. For example, if the upper limit is set to 10,000 yen, the upper limit of the prepaid balance and the fee balance are each managed separately as 10,000 yen.

As described above, the gaming system of this embodiment 4 is configured to manage the balance of cash inserted for gaming separately from the balance of cash inserted for fees, allowing gaming establishments to properly permit members to replay saved gaming media.

In the above fourth embodiment, a configuration was described in which the balance of cash inserted for gaming and the balance of cash inserted for fees are managed separately, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the machine to be able to specify the amount to be used for gaming or the replay fee when making a deposit at the machine-to-machine card processing machine.

In addition, in the above embodiment 4, a configuration was described in which the balance of cash inserted for gaming and the balance of cash inserted for fees are managed separately, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the device so that when making a settlement, the settlement target can be selected from "only for gaming," "only replay fees," and "all balances."

In addition, the configurations illustrated in the above embodiments are merely functional schematics, and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

The gaming system, management device, and replay control method of the present invention are suitable for gaming establishments that use points as a means of attracting players.

10 Inter-machine card processing device 11 Status display unit 12 Bill transport unit 12a Bill insertion slot 13 Display operation unit 14 Reader/writer 14a Card insertion slot 14b Hold unit 15 Communication unit 16 Memory unit 16a Machine status data 16b Card data 16c Replay setting data 16d Game performance data 17 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Setting management unit 17c Game performance management unit 17d Replay determination unit 18 Game management unit 18a Authentication processing unit 18b Authentication key management unit 18c Gaming machine status management unit 20 Gaming machine 21 Handle 22 Counting button 23 Communication control unit 24 Performance control unit 24a Performance pattern lottery unit 24b Performance lottery unit 25 Game control unit 26 Game ball control unit 26a Playable number 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 Memory unit 55a Card management data 55b Machine management data 55c Member management data 55d Replay setting data 55e Game performance data 56 Control unit 56a Card management unit 56b Machine management unit 56c Member management unit 56d Setting management unit 56e Game performance management unit 60 Prize management device 70 Settlement machine 100 Inter-machine card processing machine 110 Memory unit 111 Replay setting data 112 Game performance data 120 Control unit 121 Game performance management unit 122 Replay judgment unit 200 Management device 210 Memory unit 211 Replay setting data 212 Replay common setting data 213 Game performance data 214 Sales data 220 Control unit 221 Setting management unit 222 Game performance management unit 223 Sales management unit 224 Replay determination unit 300 Inter-machine card processing device 310 Storage unit 311 Fee setting data 312 Fee data 320 Control unit 321 Setting management unit 322 Fee management unit 400 Management device

Claims (10)

A gaming system having each machine device attached to a gaming machine and a management device that manages the number of gaming media acquired by members registered in a gaming facility as the number of saved gaming media,
The management device includes:
a storage means for storing a replay permission condition for allowing the member to replay the number of game media saved;
and a control means for controlling each of the machine devices to enable the payout of a predetermined number of the stored gaming media from the stored gaming media when a replay request for the stored gaming media is received from each of the machine devices, provided that the replay permission conditions stored in the memory means are satisfied. The replay permission condition is:
2. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein each of said machine devices detects a predetermined number of outs when said member's storage medium is received by said member. The replay permission condition is:
2. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein each of said machine devices accepts a predetermined amount of prepaid value in a state in which said machine device has accepted said member's storage medium. The replay permission condition is:
2. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein the number of visits by said member in a specified period, the playing time, the number of game rotations, the number of special prizes, the number of gaming media acquired or the number of balls saved satisfy specified conditions. The replay permission condition is:
2. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein the number of saved gaming media having the first rental unit price is used as the number of saved gaming media having the second rental unit price for replay. The replay permission condition is:
2. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein biometric authentication information of said member is registered. The replay permission condition is:
2. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein the gaming system is during a preset time period set by the gaming establishment. The replay permission condition is:
2. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein the sales of said gaming establishment in a predetermined period of time are equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. A management device is provided to be capable of communicating with each machine device attached to the gaming machine, and manages the number of gaming media acquired by members registered in the gaming facility as the number of saved gaming media,
a storage means for storing a replay permission condition for allowing the member to replay the number of game media saved;
a control means for controlling each of the machine devices to enable the payout of a predetermined number of the stored gaming media from the stored gaming media when a replay request for the stored gaming media is received from each of the machine devices, provided that the replay permission conditions stored in the memory means are satisfied. A replay control method in a gaming system having each machine device attached to a gaming machine and a management device that manages the number of gaming media acquired by members registered in a gaming facility as the number of saved gaming media, comprising:
a storage step of the management device storing in a storage unit a replay permission condition that permits the member to replay the number of saved game media;
a control step of controlling, when the management device receives a replay request for the number of stored gaming media from each of the machine devices, allowing each of the machine devices to pay out a predetermined number of the stored gaming media, provided that the replay permission conditions stored in the memory unit are satisfied.

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