JP2732105B2 - Game management equipment - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a game management equipment device, and more particularly to a game machine provided in a game arcade and including a game machine capable of playing a game using a predetermined game medium. The present invention also relates to a game management facility device which enables a game using a game medium by the gaming machine using the value specified by information recorded on a recording medium on which information capable of specifying a value is recorded.

[Prior Art] In order for a player to play a game in a game arcade in which a gaming machine represented by a pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, a slot machine, or the like is installed, first, a bill made of bills and coins is drawn into a ball lending machine. It is common to insert a game medium lending device such as a coin lending machine or the like, rent a predetermined game medium, and play a game using the game medium. However, in such a conventional game arcade, a player has to carry money including coins and the like in order to borrow game media, which is complicated. In addition, even in the amusement arcade, collection of money including coins,
There was a drawback that complicated work such as settlement was forced, and it was not possible to achieve efficient accounting.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Therefore, it is possible to lend a game medium using a recording medium on which information capable of specifying a value such as a money equivalent value is recorded, such as a telephone card. It is conceivable that the inconvenience associated with the use of the above will be solved.

However, when lending game media using such a recording medium, since the recording medium has valuable value, there is a possibility that the recording medium may be falsified due to falsification or the like. In order to prevent the problem, a security system is required which reads recorded information on a recording medium and determines whether the recording medium is appropriate based on the read information. However, the larger the security system that reliably prevents the recording medium from being tampered with, the longer it takes to determine the suitability of the recording medium, and the longer it takes to lend game media using the recording medium. The disadvantage is that it takes time and the customer feels frustrated. In particular, when the determination of the suitability of the recording medium is concentrated at one time, the processing capacity of the system cannot keep up, and the inconvenience that the determination of the suitability of the recording medium takes an even longer time occurs.

On the other hand, in a game arcade, it generally takes a certain amount of time from when the customer enters the game arc until the game media is actually borrowed.

That is, when the above-described security system is adopted, there is an inconvenience that a certain amount of time is required from a point in time when a customer enters a game hall to a state in which a game using a gaming medium by the gaming machine becomes possible. there were.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game management facility device capable of enabling a game using a game medium by a game machine to be in a state capable of being early. .

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention includes a game machine provided in a game arcade, which includes a gaming machine capable of playing using a predetermined game medium, and a recording medium on which information capable of specifying a value is recorded. A game management facility device that enables a game using a game medium by the gaming machine using the value specified by record information, the game control facility device being provided at a predetermined place in a game hall, and First recording medium reading means for reading recorded information; second recording medium reading means provided in the game arcade for reading recorded information on the recording medium; and based on the recorded information on the recording medium. A propriety judging unit for judging whether or not the recording information is proper; and a propriety judgment about the read recording medium in response to reading of the recording medium by the first recording medium reading unit. Compliance by means Processing start means for starting a process for setting, and the second recording medium read based on the recording information of the recording medium read by the second recording medium reading means after being read by the first recording medium reading means. And a determination result deriving unit that derives a determination result of the suitability determining unit for the recording medium read by the recording medium reading unit.

[Operation] According to the present invention, it is necessary to cause at least the second recording medium reading means to read the recording information of the recording medium before the customer can play a game using the gaming medium with the gaming machine. Further, the function of the propriety judging means judges whether or not the record information is proper based on the record information of the recording medium. Then, prior to reading by the second recording medium reading means, if the recording medium is read by the first recording medium reading means provided at a predetermined place in the game arcade, the first recording medium is read. From the point of time of reading by the reading means, processing for judging suitability of the recording medium by the suitability judging means is started. And then
At the stage where the recording medium is read by the second recording medium reading means, the processing for judging suitability by the suitability judging means has already been started. Significant delay in the state in which the used game becomes possible can be prevented as much as possible, and the function of the determination result deriving means derives the determination result by the suitability determining means relatively early.

That is, in addition to the second recording medium reading means, since the first recording medium reading means is provided at a predetermined place in the game arcade,
By causing the first recording medium reading means to read the recording information of the recording medium, it becomes possible to perform the processing for determining the suitability of the recording medium in advance, and the game using the game medium by the gaming machine can be performed. In doing so, the waiting time of the customer associated with the determination of the suitability of the recording medium is shortened accordingly.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic block diagram of a game central management equipment device according to the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 73 denotes a card sales company that sells a magnetic card as an example of a recording medium, and has a centralized management computer 74 including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. On the other hand, a centralized management center 71 in the district is provided for each of the predetermined districts (for example, the districts A, B, and C). The centralized management center in the district has a centralized hall management center including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. Computer 72 is installed. The centralized hall management computer 72 mainly has a function of generally managing the game hall 1 in the district (for example, the district A) to which it belongs. On the other hand, the game hall 1 has a hall management computer 70 including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, etc., for managing information in the game hall.
Are installed, and a card ball lending machine 5 and a card vending machine 7 which are examples of the game medium lending device are arranged.
In the figure, reference numeral 75 denotes a retail store for selling cards, on which a card vending machine 7 is installed.

The centralized management computer 74, the centralized hall management computer 72, and the hall management computer 70
Are connected by communication lines as shown by solid-line arrows, and are in a state where information can be transmitted.

In such a configuration, first, the card sales company 73 sells a card to each of the retail stores 75 and each of the game arcades 1 (see the arrow indicated by the two-dot chain line in the figure). In exchange for this, the price is paid from each of the retail stores 75 and the amusement arcades 1 to the card sales company 73 (see the arrow indicated by the broken line in the figure). Then, a user such as a player pays for the card using the card vending machine 7 of the retail store 75 or the card vending machine 7 installed in the game arcade, purchases the card, and rents the card. To the machine 5. If the inserted card is an appropriate card, a desired number of game media such as pachinko balls are lent. The player can play a game with the gaming machine using the rented game medium. Then, the usable amount of the card is subtracted and updated by the amount corresponding to the pachinko ball lent by the card ball lending machine 5,
The price associated with the card usage is paid from the card sales company 73 to each of the game arcades 1.

 FIG. 2 is an overall schematic plan view of the game hall 1.

In the figure, reference numeral 202 denotes an entrance to the game hall 1, and a door 204 which automatically opens and closes is provided. At a position where the door 204 is inserted, a card reader 208 as an example of a first recording medium reading unit is provided.
Is provided. This card reader 208 has a gate 214
The gate is usually closed and the passage is closed, so that the player cannot pass through. In the figure, reference numeral 206 denotes a side wall. This card reader 208 is provided with a card insertion slot 210 and a card ejection slot 212, respectively, and the gate 214 can be opened when a player inserts his / her card into the card insertion slot 210. . The inserted card is discharged from the card discharge port 212 to the player. The card reader 208 is connected to the hall management computer 70 by wiring. Further, a card reader 208 is also provided in the game hall 1. 216 in the figure
Denotes an entrance of the game hall 1, and an automatic door 218 is provided.

A plurality of gaming machines such as a pachinko gaming machine or an arranged ball-type pachinko gaming machine 3 and a plurality of gaming machines such as a coin gaming machine 4 such as a slot machine are arranged on each of the gaming machine installation islands 2 provided in the amusement arcade. Has been established. Furthermore, a card ball lending machine 5 and a coin lending machine 6 as examples of a game medium lending device are provided.
A card vending machine 7 is provided at one end of the predetermined gaming machine installation island 2. The card vending machine 7, the card lending machine 5, the card coin lending machine 6, and the game machine are connected to the hall management computer 70 by wiring, so that information can be transmitted and received between them. On the other hand, as described above, this hall management computer 70
Is connected to the centralized hall management computer 72 and the integrated centralized management computer 74 via a communication line. Note that a card payment machine that can settle the amount of money used for the card may be installed in the game hall 1. In the figure, reference numeral 8 denotes a prize ball counter or a coin counter, which counts the number of prize balls obtained by the ball game machine 3 and the number of coins obtained by the coin game machine 4, and calculates the counted value. The information is transmitted to the hall management computer and used as business information.

FIG. 3A is an illustrative view showing recording information recorded on a magnetic card 20 as an example of a recording medium, and FIG. 3B is a front view showing the magnetic card 20.

The magnetic card 20 is formed of a synthetic resin material such as plastic in a plate shape, and a magnetic stripe 21
Are formed. Also, one of the corners of the magnetic card 20 is cut off.
Is configured to be able to detect the direction of insertion into the machine. Further, the magnetic card 20 is provided with a number for indicating a usable amount that decreases as the card is used, and a punch hole or the like is formed on the number corresponding to the current usable amount. To be recognized by the card user.

On the magnetic stripe 21, information shown in FIG. 3A is recorded. In other words, card number, store (vending machine)
Information such as code, card amount, usable amount, and use code. The card amount is the amount of the magnetic card at the time when the magnetic card 20 is sold, in other words, the usable amount when the magnetic card 20 is not used at all. The usage code is used to determine whether or not the card has been used before.
The use code is "0" at the unused stage, and is rewritten to "1" if it is used even once. Then, each time it is used, the usable amount is subtracted by the used amount and rewritten to a new amount. The store (vending machine) code is equivalent to the number of the card vending machine where the card was sold. The code number of the store is recorded. This store (vending machine) code is stored in the integrated central management computer only when the card is used for the first time. Then, one line of card information shown in FIG. 3A is recorded on one magnetic card. In addition, as shown in FIG.
The card numbers up to 5025 are missing, because the usable amount of the card has become "0" and has been discarded as a used card. As described later, the magnetic card 20 may be deleted from the storage of the centralized management computer 74 when the usable amount of the magnetic card 20 becomes, for example, 1000 yen or less. Further, as necessary, the expiration date information of the card can be considered as the information stored in the magnetic card 20.

The magnetic stripe 21 of the magnetic card 20 shown in FIG.
For example, when recording information, the magnetic head
The information is recorded by being moved in zigzag on the magnetic stripe 21 so that the recorded information recorded on the magnetic stripe 21 cannot be easily falsified. Furthermore, the security of the card is checked by checking whether or not the position of the punch hole drilled for displaying the usable amount matches the usable amount recorded on the magnetic stripe 21. Configure so that it can be improved. Further, recording means other than magnetic recording (for example, printing by a thermal printer)
The card is subjected to printing other than magnetic recording by using the card, the card usable amount of the recording part other than magnetic recording is also updated with the use of the card, and both the magnetic stripe 21 and the recording part other than magnetic recording are used when using the card. It is conceivable to check whether or not the available money amounts match to improve the security of the card. In addition, this magnetic card
Reference numeral 20 denotes a plate having a substantially rectangular flat plate shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may have a rod shape or the like. Various types of cards are conceivable, such as a card using an IC card or an optical disk memory, a barcode printed or a punched hole formed.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the card reader shown in FIG.

The control circuit is included in the control unit 402, and the control unit 402 includes a CP
U, RAM, ROM, etc. are included. The control section 402 receives a detection signal from the card insertion detection switch 404 and a read information signal from the card data read / write element 408.
Also, the control unit 402 sends the card data read / write element 4
08, a write control signal is output, and a card transport control signal is output to the card transport mechanism 406.
A gate opening / closing control signal is output to the gate opening / closing solenoid 412 via the solenoid driver 410, and a gate lock control signal is output to the gate locking solenoid 416 via the solenoid driver 414. The gate opening / closing solenoid 412 is a solenoid for driving the gate 214 shown in FIG. 2 to open and close, and the gate lock solenoid 416 is a solenoid for locking and locking the gate 214 in a closed position. is there.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

First, in step S300, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the insertion detection switch.
By inserting a card into 0 (see FIG. 2), a detection output is input from the card insertion detection switch 404 (see FIG. 4) to the control unit 402, and YES is determined in step S300, and the process proceeds to step S301. . In step S301, the transport mechanism is moved to take in and transport the card. Next step
Proceeding to S302, card information is read using the card data read / write element 408 (see FIG. 4). Steps
Proceed to S304. In step S304, transmits the card information and the card reader ID to the hall for the management computer, the timer T ₁ is set by the step S306. The timer T ₁ is for measuring a short time of about one second, for example. Next, in step S308, makes a determination of whether there is a reply from the management computer for holes, when there is no reply proceeds to step S312, the determination of whether or not the timer T ₁ is finished is made, yet If not, a loop is formed that returns to step S308. In the hall management computer or the like, it is determined whether the inserted card is an appropriate card based on the information transmitted in step S304 as described below,
If the result of the determination is returned from the hall management computer, a determination of YES is made in step S308, and the flow advances to step S310 to determine whether or not the response is a proper information card. If it is a reply indicating that the card is an aptitude information card, a YES determination is made in step S310, and the process proceeds to step S316.If the card is not an aptitude information card, the process proceeds to step S314. And return to step S300. The processing at the time of occurrence of the abnormality itself may include sounding an alarm or turning on or blinking an alarm lamp. Also, if the timer T ₁ is terminated while there is no response from the management computer for holes, and a determination of YES is made in step S312 advances to step S316.

In step S316, a process of recording today's read information on the card is performed. Today's read information includes, for example, today's date, card reader number, and game hall number. By recording this read information on the card, it is determined that the card has already been read today by the card reader of this playground. Next, proceeding to step S318, the card is inserted into the card ejection port 212 (second
(See FIG. 2) and the gate 214 (see FIG. 2) is opened. Next, the process proceeds to step S319, where it is determined whether or not the customer has passed through the gate, and waits for the customer to pass.

FIG. 6A is an overall front view showing an example of a card vending machine used in the present invention. FIG. 6B is a rear view showing a partial internal structure of the card vending machine. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the card vending machine. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the card vending machine 8 is provided with a coin slot 39 and a bill slot 40 on its front face.
It is configured so that a customer can insert coins and bills. Then, the inserted money amount is displayed on the inserted amount indicator 38. In the figure, reference numeral 48 denotes a sales card amount selection button, which is a button for selecting the amount of the card to be purchased. 47 is a card number selection button for selecting the number of cards to be purchased. When the card purchaser selects and presses the sales card selection button 48, the selected amount is displayed on the amount display 43, and by pressing the number-of-cards selection button 47, the amount is selected by the number display 44. The number of sheets is displayed. By pressing the sell button 49, the selected amount of cards is paid out from the card payout opening 45 by the selected number of cards. Note that a predetermined type of card may be unconditionally paid out with the inserted money. On the other hand, if a card is selected incorrectly, the operation of the selection button can be canceled and a new selection can be made by pressing the cancel button 50. If there is change after the card is paid out, the change is paid out from the change payout port 41 for paying out coins and the change payout port 46 for paying out bills. In the drawing, reference numeral 42a denotes a suspension indicator for displaying that card sales are currently suspended. Reference numeral 42b denotes an on-sale display, which indicates that a card is currently being sold.

In FIG. 6B, reference numeral 52 denotes a coin sorting machine for sorting coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 39 by the amount of money. 51
Is a bill sorting machine for sorting inserted bills according to the amount of money. Numerals 54 and 55 are change holding / return mechanisms for temporarily holding input coins and bills and returning and paying the change when change is required.
Reference numeral 56 denotes a control unit for controlling the card vending machine.

Next, a control circuit of the card vending machine will be described with reference to FIG.

The control circuits are roughly classified into a cash mechanism 76, a display mechanism 7
7, Selection instruction mechanism 79, card issuing mechanism 80, and control mechanism 7
Consists of eight.

First, the money mechanism 76 will be described. The money mechanism 76 includes a coin slot 39, and coins inserted from the coin slot 39 are sorted by the coin sorter 52, and further, a money counter 57.
Is counted. On the other hand, the bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 40 are sorted by a bill sorter 51, and a bill counter
Counted at 57. Then, the count signal counted by the money counter 57 is sent to the control unit 56 of the control mechanism 78. On the other hand, the money that has passed through the coin sorter 52 and the bill sorter 51 is partially held by the change holding and returning mechanisms 54 and 55, and is returned from the change return ports 41 and 46 when change is required. The money counted by the money counter 57 is finally stored in the safe 58.

Next, the selection instruction mechanism 79 will be described. When the sale card amount selection button 48 is pressed, an operation signal is given to the control unit 56 via the signal acquisition circuit 61. When the sales card number selection button 47 is pressed, an operation signal is provided to the control unit 56 via the signal acquisition circuit 61. When the selling button 49 is pressed, an operation signal is given to the control unit 56 via the signal acquisition circuit 61. When the cancel button 50 is operated, the operation signal is provided to the control unit 56 via the signal acquisition circuit 61.

Next, the display mechanism 77 will be described. A control signal from the control unit 56 is given to each display via a display driver 60. As a result, the input amount indicator 38, the sale indicator 42b,
The stop display 42a, the sales card amount display 43, and the sales card number display 44 are lit on.

Next, the card issuing mechanism 80 will be described. Card issuance mechanism 80
Is supplied with a control signal from the control unit 56, the card is conveyed from the card paper stock unit 62 to the data writing unit 63, and the store (vending machine) code data is written into the magnetic stripe 21 and the data is written. The necessary data is conveyed to the printing unit 64 and the necessary data is printed on the card surface. Then, the card passes through the ticket issuing unit 53 and is paid out from the card payout port 45.

Note that, without providing the data printing unit 64, necessary data may be written in the card in advance.

Next, the control mechanism 78 will be described. The control mechanism 78 includes a control unit
56, an input amount storage unit, and a change storage unit 59. Control unit 56
Includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The control program shown in FIG. 8 is incorporated in the ROM. In the drawing, reference numeral 10 denotes a power supply circuit for supplying a necessary current to the various devices and control circuit portions.

Next, the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the card vending machine is available for sale. If it is determined that the card vending machine is not available for sale, the process proceeds to step S2, and a stop display is displayed on the stop display 42a. When the card vending machine is ready for sale (that is, a condition in which the conditions such as a certain amount of cards and change are met), a determination of YES is made in step S1 and the process proceeds to step S3. A display indicating that the coin is being sold is made according to 42b, and the process proceeds to step S4, where it is determined whether or not coins or bills have been inserted. Then, if the person who wants to purchase the card inserts a coin or a bill from the coin insertion slot 39 or the bill insertion slot 40, a determination of YES is made in step S4 and the process proceeds to step S5, and whether or not the coin or the bill is genuine Is determined, and if it is determined to be invalid, the step
Proceeding to S6, the inserted money is returned, and the process returns to step S4 again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the inserted coin or bill is genuine, the process proceeds to step S7, the amount of the inserted coin is counted and stored, and the process proceeds to step S8, where the inserted amount is displayed by the inserted amount display 38. Is displayed and the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, it is determined whether or not the selection button for the sales card amount has been operated, and the process waits until the selection button is operated. If the customer selects and operates the sales card amount selection button 48, a determination of YES is made in step S9 and the process proceeds to step S10.
The selected amount is displayed on the amount indicator 43, and the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, it is determined whether or not the cancel button has been operated. If the cancel button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S10, where the displays on the indicators 43 and 44 are turned off, and the process proceeds to step S9.

On the other hand, if the cancel button 50 is not pressed,
A NO determination is made in step S11 and step S13
It is determined whether or not the number selection button has been operated, and the process waits until the number selection button is operated. When the customer selects and operates the card number selection button 47, the step
A determination of YES is made in S13 and the process proceeds to step S14, where the selected number is displayed on the number display 44, and
Go to S15. In step S15, it is determined whether or not the cancel button has been operated. If not, the process proceeds to step S16, and it is determined whether or not the sell button has been operated.
Is formed. When the customer presses the cancel button 50 in the course of this loop, YES is determined in step S15 and step S1 is performed.
Proceeding to 7, the display of the indicators 43 and 44 is turned off, and the process returns to step S9 again. On the other hand, during the patrol of the loop, the customer presses the sale button 49 to perform step S16.
Makes a determination of YES, proceeds to step S18, records the vending machine number on all the selected cards, and proceeds to step S18.
Proceed to S19. In step S19, the card information of the selected card is transmitted to the hall management computer,
Proceed to S20. In step S20, it is determined whether or not there is a change.If it is determined that there is a change based on the storage of the change storage unit 59, the process proceeds to step S21.After the change is paid out, the process returns to step S1. Return. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no change, the process directly returns to step S1 without paying out the change. Note that, instead of the cancel button 50, together with the cancel button 50, a return button for the inserted money may be provided, and the inserted money may be returned by pressing the return button. The sales card number display 44 displays the number “1” when any of the sales card amount selection buttons 48 is pressed, and thereafter, when any of the sales card number selection buttons 47 is pressed. Alternatively, the display of the number may be changed. Further, instead of providing the card number selection button 47, the number of sales cards may be detected and displayed in response to the number of times the sales card amount selection button 48 is pressed.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing the gaming machine 3 and the card ball rental machine 5 arranged on the gaming machine installation island.

A pachinko gaming machine 3 which is an example of a gaming machine has a game area 12 formed by a game board, and a player puts a pachinko ball which is an example of a game medium into a prize ball storage plate 13 and a hitting operation handle. By manipulating 14, the pachinko ball becomes 1
It is configured to be driven into the game area 12 one by one. Then, when the pachinko balls that have been driven win a predetermined winning opening, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out into the prize ball storage plate 13.

5 is a card ball lending machine which is an example of a game medium lending machine. Hereinafter, a card ball lending machine will be described as a representative of the game medium lending machine, and other types of card coin lending machines such as card coin lending machines will be described. The description of the game media lending machine is omitted. It should be noted that the card ball lending machine may have a function of not only lending balls with cards but also lending balls by directly inserting money. The card lending machine 5 is provided with a card insertion slot 16 which is an example of a recording medium insertion slot. The available amount of money of the card inserted into the card insertion slot 16 is displayed on the amount indicator 17. Then, the player selects and operates the lending signal command button 18 to borrow a pachinko ball within the range of the amount displayed by the amount display 17. Then, the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the amount selected by the player is the ball lending outlet 19.
Released from The number of balls to be paid may be a predetermined number paid out each time the card is inserted. In the drawing, reference numeral 15 denotes a lending indicator for displaying to the player that pachinko balls are being lent.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an internal structure of the card ball lending machine.

When the magnetic card 20 on which the magnetic stripe 21 is formed is inserted from the card insertion slot 16, the magnetic card insertion detection switch 22 detects the inserted magnetic card. And
While the card is transported by the card transport mechanism 24,
Card information recorded on the magnetic stripe 21 is read by a card data read / write element 23 which is an example of a second recording medium reading means. Card data read / write element 23
The available amount of money of the card is displayed on the amount display 17 based on the card information read by the player, and the player operates the ball lending signal command button 18 based on the display. Then, the ball processing solenoid 32 is controlled to be excited, and the partition member 29 is rotated around the rotation fulcrum 27 via the transmission link 31 and the locking portion 28, so that the pachinko ball located above the partition member 29 does not flow down. And open the release valve 33 to remove the pachinko balls stored in the ball storage pipe 30 to the ball storage section.
Release into 34. Then, when the player pushes up the ball lending outlet 19 upward, the pachinko balls stored in the ball lending storage section 34 are discharged from the ball lending outlet 19 to the player side. As described above, the partition member 29 is connected to the ball rental solenoid.
By controlling the number at 32, the amount of pachinko balls released to the ball storage unit 34 can be controlled. In the drawing, reference numeral 26 denotes a pachinko ball deficiency detector.When the upper surface of the pachinko ball in the pachinko ball supply pipe 25 falls below the pachinko ball deficiency detector 26, the pachinko ball deficiency detector 26 It is configured to operate to derive a detection signal. Ball lending is stopped based on the detection signal from the pachinko ball deficiency detector 26.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for controlling the card ball rental machine 5.

The control circuit includes a control unit 35, which includes a CPU,
RAM, ROM, etc. are included. And in this control unit 35,
Detection signal from card insertion detection switch 22, read information signal from card data read / write element 23, ball shortage detector 26
, And a selection operation signal from the lending signal command button 18 are input. In addition, a writing control signal is output from the control unit 35 to the card data reading and writing device 23, and a control signal is given to the ball lending processing solenoid 32 via a solenoid driver 36. driver
Display control signals are supplied to the money amount display 17 and the ball lending display 15 via 37. The control unit 35 and the hall management computer are connected by wiring.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 13A and 13B are flowcharts showing another embodiment for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

In step S25, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the insertion switch, and the process waits until there is an input. Then, when the player inserts a card from the card insertion slot 16, a detection signal from the magnetic card insertion detection switch 22 is input to the control unit 35, a YES determination is made in step S25, the process proceeds to step S26, and The mechanism 24 is moved to take in the card, and the flow advances to step S27 to read the card information by the card data read / write element 23. Next step
Proceeding to S330, it is determined whether there is a record of today's read information. If there is, proceed to step S28. If not, proceed to step S44 to release the card and return to step S25. The "today's read information" is recorded on the card in step S316, and the fact that the read information is not recorded means that the card has not yet been read by the card reader 208 today. That is, such a card is controlled not to be accepted.
Next, in step S28, the read information read in step S27, that is, the card information and the ball lending machine number in which the card is inserted are transmitted to the hall management computer,
The process proceeds to step S29, and waits for a response from the hall management computer. From the hall management computer, a reply indicating that an abnormal situation has occurred is made in step S94 described later, and a reply indicating that the card is a proper information card is made in steps S100 and S116. And
If there is a reply from the hall management computer, a determination of YES is made in step S29, and the flow advances to step S30 to determine whether or not the reply is a proper information card. If it is not a reply indicating that it is a proper information card, it is a reply that an abnormal situation has occurred, and the process proceeds to step S31, after performing the processing at the time of occurrence of the abnormal situation, the card is collected or returned to the cabin by step S32 and returned again It returns to step S25.
Note that, in the processing at the time of occurrence of an abnormal situation in the step S31, it is conceivable to sound an alarm or to light or blink an abnormal situation occurrence lamp.

On the other hand, if a reply indicating that the card is an appropriate information card is made from the hall management computer based on steps S100 and S116 described below, a determination of YES is made in step S30 and the process proceeds to step S33, and the amount data is displayed. The display is performed by the device 17 to make the player recognize, and it is determined in step S34 whether or not the selection button has been operated, and the process waits until the selection button is operated. Then, if the player selects and operates the ball lending signal command button 18, step S34
Is made, the process proceeds to step S35, where "selection amount ≦ remaining amount" is determined, and the selection amount by the player's ball lending signal command button is larger than the remaining amount, that is, the usable amount of the inserted card. In this case, NO is determined in step S35, and the process proceeds to step S36. After error processing is performed, the process returns to step S34 again. This is because the player's selection amount exceeds the usable amount of the inserted card, so that the inserted card cannot rent a pachinko ball corresponding to the selection amount. It is. On the other hand, if the selected amount is equal to or less than the remaining amount, a determination of YES is made in step S35, and the process proceeds to step S37, in which the solenoid driver is controlled in accordance with the selected amount, and a number corresponding to the selected amount is determined. Is paid out, the process proceeds to step S38, the usable amount of the card after paying out the pachinko ball, that is, the remaining amount is displayed, and the process proceeds to step S39.

In step S39, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount, that is, the usable amount of the inserted card is still remaining. If there is, the process proceeds to step S40, and the usable amount data of the card is transferred to the new usable amount. It rewrites to the amount, proceeds to step S41, transmits the card information of the new usable amount to the hall management computer, and returns to step S25 again. The reusable amount may be rewritten by the hall management computer. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S39 that there is no remaining balance, the process proceeds to step S42, and after the card is collected in the aircraft, the process proceeds to step S43. Is transmitted to the hall management computer, and the process returns to step S25. Note that step S
According to 42, the card may be released to the player side instead of collecting the card into the aircraft.

Next, another example of the control circuit shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 13B.

Further, the cards may be collected at one place.

At the same time as executing the processing of steps S50 to S72 shown in FIG. 13A, the interrupt program shown in FIG. 13B is executed once every predetermined time (4 msec). therefore,
In order to execute the program shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the control unit 35 of the card lending machine provides the control unit 35 with a pulse divider circuit for dividing the clock signal and periodically providing the MPU with an interrupt pulse. It is necessary to provide an interrupt pulse generation circuit).

First, an interrupt program will be described. In step S80, it is determined whether or not a reply has been received from the hall management computer. If not, the interrupt program ends as it is. On the other hand, if there is a reply from the hall management computer, the process proceeds to step S81, where it is determined whether or not the reply is that an abnormal situation has occurred. If the reply is not a reply that an abnormal situation has occurred (from steps S100 and S116). Is a reply indicating that the card is an appropriate information card,
Proceeding to step S82, the control unit 3 indicates that the card is a proper information card.
Then, the interrupt program ends. On the other hand, when the reply from the hall management computer is a reply indicating that an abnormal situation has occurred (in the case of the reply in step S94), the process proceeds to step S83, and the occurrence of the abnormal situation and the card number of the abnormal information card are changed. The interrupt program is stored in the storage section of the control section and the interrupt program ends.

Next, the program shown in FIG. 13A will be described. Step S
According to 50, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the insertion switch, and the process stands by until there is an input. Then, when the player inserts the card from the card insertion slot 16, the detection output from the magnetic card insertion detection switch 22 is given to the control unit 35, YES is determined in step S50, and the process proceeds to step S51, The card is read by moving the transport mechanism, and the flow advances to step S52 to read the card information by the card data read / write element 23. Next, the process proceeds to step S331, where it is determined whether or not there is a record of today's read information. If there is a record, the process proceeds to step S53. Refused to accept the card because the reading by
The card is released by 3 and the process returns to step S50. Next, in step S53, the card information and the ball lending machine number are transmitted to the hall management computer to determine whether the card information is appropriate. However, the process immediately proceeds to step S54 without waiting for the return of the result of the determination of the suitability of the card, the amount of the card is displayed on the amount display 17, and the process proceeds to step S55 to determine whether or not the selection button is operated. Perform and wait until there is an operation. Then, if the player selects and operates the ball lending signal command button 18, a YES determination is made in step S55, and the process proceeds to step S56, in which a determination of "selected amount ≦ remaining amount" is made. If the selected amount, that is, the amount selected by the player operating the ball lending signal instruction button 18 is larger than the remaining amount, that is, the usable amount of the inserted card, the process proceeds to step S57, and after the error processing is performed, the process proceeds to step S57. Return to S55 again. On the other hand, if the selected amount is smaller than or equal to the remaining amount, step S58
Then, it is determined whether or not there is a memory of occurrence of an abnormal situation. If there is a memory of an abnormal situation at step S83, a determination of YES is made at step S58 and a determination is made at step S5
Proceed to step 9 and perform the processing when an abnormal situation occurs.
To clear the storage of the occurrence of the abnormal situation and the storage of the card number of the abnormal information card, and return to step S50. As the processing at the time of occurrence of an abnormal situation in step S59, various kinds of processing such as sounding an alarm sound or turning on or blinking an abnormal situation display lamp can be considered.

On the other hand, if, at the time of the determination in step S58, the response of the propriety of the inserted card from the hall management computer has not yet been made, a NO determination is made in step S58. Steps
Proceeding to S60, the solenoid driver is controlled according to the selected amount, and the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the selected amount is paid out. That is, the pachinko ball is paid out without waiting for the determination result of the propriety from the hall management computer. In this case, instead of paying out pachinko balls in a number corresponding to the selected amount, control may be performed so as to pay out pachinko balls in a minimum unit. It should be noted that the payout of the pachinko balls may be performed after waiting for the determination result of the suitability. Next, the process proceeds to step S61, in which the balance is displayed, and proceeds to step S62 to determine whether there is a balance. If there is a balance, the process proceeds to step S63, where the card data read / write element 23
The usable amount data of the card is rewritten with new data, and the process proceeds to step S66. In step S66, it is determined whether or not there is a memory of occurrence of an abnormal situation. If not, the process proceeds to step S67, and it is determined whether or not there is a memory indicating that the card is a normal information card. Is formed with a loop returning to step S66. If there is a reply from the hall computer in the course of this loop, and if the reply content indicates that an abnormal situation has occurred, a determination of YES is made in step S66 and the process proceeds to step S59. On the other hand, if the reply is that the card is a proper information card, a YES determination is made in step S67, and the flow advances to step S65 to release the inserted card. The information is transmitted to the hall management computer, the process proceeds to step S75, and the process returns to step S50 after clearing the storage of the proper information card. Step S63 and step S63
A step for determining whether or not there is a memory of the occurrence of an abnormal situation is inserted between S66 and the card is immediately released when it is determined that there is no memory of the occurrence of the abnormal situation. It may be controlled. In this case, after the card is released, when the memory of the occurrence of the abnormal situation in step S83 occurs, based on the storage of the card number of the abnormal information card, control of the accident card registration application in step S112 described below. Is preferably performed automatically.

In addition, during the circulation of the loop including the steps S66 and S67, since the determination in the step S50 is not performed, even if the card is inserted into the card insertion slot 16, the card is taken in the step S51. Absent. Therefore, even in the middle of the loop including the steps S66 and S67, control may be performed so as to take in the next inserted card, and the previous card after the taking in is the abnormality information card. If it is determined that the abnormality information card is determined, the abnormality information card may be specified based on the storage of the card number of the abnormality information card.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are flowcharts showing the programs incorporated in, for example, the hall management computer 70 in the area A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

First, in step S85, it is determined whether or not there is a reception from the card vending machine.
Proceeding to 40, it is determined whether there is a reception from the card reader, and if not, proceeding to step S86, it is determined whether there is a reception from the ball rental machine, and if there is no reception, The process proceeds to step S87, where it is determined whether there is an application for registration of the accident card.If there is no application for registration, the process proceeds to step S88, where it is determined whether there is a reception from the central hall management computer. , If there is no reception,
Proceeding to step S89, a determination is made as to whether or not the opening of the hall for one day has ended. If not, a loop is formed which returns to step S85 again. If the card information is transmitted from the card vending machine in step S19 during the loop of this loop,
If YES is determined in S85, the process proceeds to step S90, where the vending machine number and the card amount of the sales card are stored and the
Return to S85. If there is a transmission from the card reader in step S300, YE is executed in step S340.
After the determination of S, the process proceeds to step S341, and the subsequent process of determining the suitability of the card is performed. By this step S340, processing start means for starting a process for judging suitability of the read recording medium by the suitability judging means in response to reading of the recording medium by the first recording medium reading means is constituted. Have been. In step S341, the timer T ₁ is set. The timer T _1, the step S3
Controlled 06 of the timer T ₁ at the same time to be set, it is configured to count for the same time as step S306.
As a result, steps S306 and both the termination timer T ₁ of the step S341 are carried out simultaneously. Next, the process proceeds to step S342, in which the storage of the accident card is compared with the received card information to determine whether the received card information is an accident card. If the received card information is an accident card, the process proceeds to step S355. The accident card is a stolen card, a lost card, or the like, and accident card information is registered based on an accident card registration application from a game hall described later.

Next, in Step S355, determining whether or not the timer T ₁ is completed is made. The timer T ₁ is the step S3
If it is set by 41 and it has not been completed at this point, the process proceeds to step S357, and a response to the effect that the card is an abnormal information card is returned to the card reader. As a result, a determination of NO is made in step S310. Next, the process proceeds to step S358, and after performing the process at the time of abnormality, returns to step S85. This abnormal processing is performed by, for example, displaying on the display of the hall management computer that the abnormal situation has occurred, the card reader number where the abnormal situation occurred, the installation position of the card reader, and the card number of the abnormal information card. It can be displayed. On the other hand, already it proceeds to step S356 if the timer T ₁ is is determined to be finished in the step S355, the flow returns to step S85 to store the card information of the abnormality information card.

Next, the process proceeds to step S343, where the authenticity of the card information is checked. Checking the authenticity of this card information
As described above, the consistency between the usable amount of the card recorded on the magnetic stripe 21 and the position of the punch hole is checked, and the recorded information of the time stripe 21 is recorded in a zigzag according to the standard. It is determined whether or not there is, or if a recording unit other than the magnetic recording unit is provided, whether or not the recorded content matches the recorded content in the magnetic stripe 21. That is, this step S343
Is a check for judging only from the information recorded on the card. Then, the process proceeds to step S344, and as a result of the authenticity check, it is determined whether or not the card is an abnormal information card. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S345, and it is determined whether the card amount is 1000 yen or less. If it is determined that the card amount is less than 1000 yen, the process directly returns to step S85. That is, when a card with a card amount of 1000 yen or less is inserted into the card reader, the propriety determination based on only the card information in step S343 is performed, and the matching check of the usable amount of the card is not performed. Note that, in the determination in step S345,
The card amount is not limited to “1000 yen”, but may be 2000 yen, 3000 yen, or the like, and may be any low and low card amount. Further, in the determination in step S345, it may be determined whether or not the usable amount of the card is high, instead of determining whether or not the card amount is high. That is, if the usable amount of the card is already less than 1000 yen as a result of the card being used, the determination of YES is made in step S345 and the process returns to step S85, and the usable amount of the card is still 1000 yen or more. In the case where there remains, a determination of NO may be made in step S345, and the control may proceed to step S346.

Next, when a negative determination is made in step S345, the process proceeds to step S346, and it is determined whether there is a record of the read information today. If the same card is read by the card reader twice or more in one day, YES is determined in step S346 from the second time onward, and the process proceeds to step S347. If the card is read by the
Is determined, and the process proceeds to step S349. In step S347, the card information is compared with the information stored in the hall management computer to check whether the card information is appropriate. That is, if the card inserted in the card reader has already been read by the card reader in this hole today, the steps described later will be performed.
Since the card information has already been stored in the hall management computer by S381, the stored information (verification information) of the hall management computer is collated with the sent card information to immediately determine the suitability. You can.
The “stored information” in step S347 is, for example,
The contents are as shown in Fig. 15. That is, the card number and the card amount and usable amount corresponding to the card number. The usable store code number may be recorded. For example, the code 100 can be used in any playground, while the code 20 can be used only in a limited playground. Further, for example, when a card sold at a card vending machine installed in the district B or C is used in a game arcade in the district A, card information of the district B or C is also stored ( In Figure 15, the card number is 12
044,83259 Information on both lines). Further, the storage of the verification information shown in FIG. 15 is continuously recorded not only for one day but also for the next day. May be controlled. Next, the process proceeds to step S348, and as a result of the check in step S347, if it is determined that the card is an abnormal information card, the process proceeds to step S355. If it is determined that the card is not an abnormal information card, the process proceeds to step S359. In step S359, the timer T ₁
It is determined whether or not the process has been completed.If the process has been completed, the process returns to step S85.If the process has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S360. After that, the process returns to step S85. In step S310, based on the reply in step S360, YE
The judgment of S will be made.

If NO is determined in step S346, the process proceeds to step S349, in which it is determined whether the card has been used in any of the holes in the past, and if the card has not been used even once. Is determined to be NO, the process proceeds to step S352, the necessary card information is transmitted to the integrated central management computer, and the process returns to step S85. On the other hand, if the card has been used at least once in the past, YES is determined in step S349 and the process proceeds to step S350, where the district to which the card belongs is determined based on the vending machine number in the card information, Proceeding to step S351, the necessary card information is transmitted to the centralized hall management computer in that area, and the process returns to step S85. That is, if the card has been used at least once in the past, the card information is recorded on the centralized hall management computer in the district to which the card belongs, so the card information must be transmitted to the centralized hole management computer. This makes it possible to determine the suitability of the card. On the other hand, if the card has not been used even once, the card information is stored only in the centralized management computer. In that case, the card information is transmitted to the centralized management computer to determine whether the card is appropriate. It is.

Next, steps S28, S41, S43 or steps S53, S53
If there is a transmission from the ball lending machine in steps S68 and S72, a determination of YES is made in step S86, and the flow advances to step S91. There are three types of information received from the ball lending machine: card information and ball lending machine number, card information having a new usable amount, and card information having a remaining balance of "0". If it is a ball lending machine number, a YES determination is made in step S91 and the process proceeds to step S361.

In step S361, a process of collating the received card information with the storage of the abnormality information card of the hall management computer is performed. The storage of the abnormality information card is performed based on the step S356. And as a result of the matching,
If it is determined in step S362 that the received card information is present in the storage of the abnormal information card, the storage of the abnormal information card is deleted in step S400, and then the process proceeds to step S363. Reply to the machine,
Step after the abnormal time processing is performed in step S364
Return to S85. A NO determination is made in step S30 based on the reply in step S363, and a YES determination is made in step S81. In addition, the abnormal time processing in step S364 is performed, for example, on the display of the hall management computer, that the abnormal situation has occurred, the ball lending machine number where the abnormal situation has occurred, the ball lending machine installation position, and further abnormal information. It is conceivable to display the card number or the like of the card.

Next, if it is determined in step S362 that the received card information does not exist in the storage of the abnormal information card, the process proceeds to step S365, where the information is compared with the accident card information registered in advance in the hall management computer. A determination is made whether the card is an accident card. If it is determined that the card is an accident card, the process proceeds to step S363,
If it is determined that the card is not an accident card, the process proceeds to step S366, and the card information is checked for authenticity. This authenticity check of the card information is the same as the check described in step S343. Next, proceeding to step S367, it is determined whether or not the result of the authenticity check is an abnormal information card. If it is determined that the card is an abnormal information card, the process proceeds to step S363. If not, the process proceeds to step S368, and it is determined whether the card amount is 1000 yen or less. If it is determined that the card amount is equal to or less than 1000 yen, the process directly returns to step S85. In other words, if a card with a card amount of 1000 yen or less is inserted into the card ball
Only the appropriateness determination in S361, step S365, and step S366 is performed. Note that this step
In the determination in S368, the card amount is not limited to "1000 yen", as described above. Instead of determining whether the card amount is high, the determination may be made based on whether the usable amount of the card is high. In this case, if the usable amount of the card becomes 1,000 yen or less, at that stage, the hall management computer 70, the centralized hall management computer 72, and the general centralized management computer 74
You may delete the card information (verification information) corresponding to the card whose price is less than 1000 yen. In this case, if the usable amount is forged to be higher than 1000 yen by forging a card whose usable amount is once less than 1000 yen, if the forged card is used, it will be stored in the hall management computer 70. Since the information is not already stored, the hall management computer 70 can immediately determine that the card is an abnormal information card.

Next, if a negative determination is made in step S368, the flow advances to step S369 to check whether the card information is appropriate by comparing the card information with information stored in the hall management computer. In other words, the card whose card information is transmitted to the hall management computer as a result of being inserted into the card ball lending machine is a card that has already been read by a card reader in that hall today. Since the card information is already recorded in the management computer, it is possible to immediately judge the suitability by comparing the stored information of the hall management computer with the sent card information. The “storage information” in step S369 has the contents as shown in FIG. Next, the process proceeds to step S370, and if it is determined that the card is an abnormal information card as a result of the check, the process proceeds to step S363. If it is determined that the card is not an abnormal information card, the process proceeds to step S371 to determine that the card is an appropriate information card. After returning to the ball lending machine, the process returns to step S85. Based on the reply in step S371, the step S30
Is determined as YES, and a NO determination is made in step S81.

Next, if the determination in step S91 is NO, the process proceeds to step S105, in which it is determined whether or not the card information having the new amount has been received. If it is determined that the reception has been made, the process proceeds to step S109, the district to which the card belongs is determined based on the vending machine number, and the process proceeds to step S110, where the necessary card information and the usable amount are rewritten. The card is sent to the centralized hall management computer in the district to which the card belongs. The card information derived from the hall management computer is unconditionally sent to the centralized hall management computer at the location of the hall, and transferred therefrom directly or via the integrated centralized management computer to a predetermined centralized hall management computer. You may do so. Next, the process proceeds to step S111, in which the content stored in the available amount column is corrected to a new amount, and the process returns to step S85. The steps S107, S104, and S110 constitute a read information output unit that outputs read information read by the recording medium reading unit. In addition, the read information output from the read information output means is read by a communication line connecting the management computer for each hall and the management computer for central hall 72 or the mutual central management computer 74 with the steps S106, S103, S109 and the respective halls. Information guiding means for guiding to the centralized management center in the district to which the information belongs is configured. This information guiding means not only guides the read information to the centralized management center in the district to which the card sales district belongs, but also guides the information to the centralized management center in the district where the card was used for the first time. There may be.

Next, if the determination in step S105 is NO, it means that the card information with the usable amount of money being "0" has been transmitted, so the process proceeds to step S106, and the vending machine in the card information The district to which the card belongs is determined based on the number, and the process proceeds to step S107, and the necessary card information and the usable amount are set to "0", and the centralized hall management computer of the district to which the card belongs is notified to the computer. Send. Then, the process proceeds to step S108, in which the column of the usable amount in the storage contents of the hall management computer is corrected to “0”, and the process returns to step S85.

Next, if a staff at the game hall applies for registration of an accident card, a YES determination is made in step S87 and a
Proceed to 12. Apply for registration when this accident card is found to be a stolen card or an abnormal information card as a result of being used, and the abnormal information card is removed by a player or lost, etc. . In step S112, a process of transmitting the card information of the accident card to the integrated central management computer is performed, and the process returns to step S85.

Next, in the case where there is a reception from the centralized hall management computer, a determination of YES is made in step S88 and the process proceeds to step S113. As will be described later, the information is transmitted from the centralized hall management computer in steps S140, S139, S147, S149, and S150. If the received content from the centralized hall management computer is information on the suitability of the card information, a determination of YES is made in step S113, and the flow advances to step S115 to determine whether or not the received information is an abnormal information card. Is determined, and if it is determined that the card is an abnormal information card, the process proceeds to step S382. In step S382,
The occurrence of an abnormal situation is returned to the ball lending machine, and the process at the time of abnormality is performed in step S383, and thereafter, the process returns to step S85. Based on the reply in step S382, the step S30
Is determined as NO, and the determination of YES is made in step S81. Next, NO in step S115
When the determination is made, the process proceeds to step S380, a response to the ball lending machine that the card is a proper information card is sent to the ball lending machine, and the card information of the proper information card is stored in step S381.
Return to S85. Based on the reply from step S380,
A determination of YES is made in step S30, and a determination of NO is made in step S81. According to the step S115, based on the read information of the recording medium read by the second recording medium reading means after being read by the first recording medium reading means, the information is read by the second recording medium reading means. And a determination result deriving means for deriving a determination result of the appropriateness determining means for the recording medium. Although the present embodiment has been described in connection with the fact that the suitability judging means actually reaches the conclusion of the suitability judgment in response to the reading of the recording medium by the card reader (first recording medium reading means), the present invention relates to this. Not limited to the first
In response to the reading of the recording medium by the recording medium reading means, the collation information for judging the suitability of the read recording medium is transferred from the centralized central management computer or the centralized hall management computer to the hall management computer. It may be a process that only performs a process of storing data and does not reach a conclusion. When the recording medium is actually read by the second recording medium reading means, the collation information transferred to the hall management computer is compared with the read information transmitted from the second recording medium reading means. To determine the conclusion of the propriety judgment and derive the judgment result. Further, in the present embodiment, the magnetic card which has not been read by the card reader in this hall yet is not accepted by the card lending machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Even a magnetic card that has not been read is accepted by the card lending machine for the time being, the control described in steps S349 to S352 is performed, and the appropriateness is determined by the centralized central management computer or the centralized hall management computer. It may be configured.

Next, when the day is closed at the amusement arcade, YES is determined in step S89 and step S1 is performed.
Proceed to 18 to calculate the daily sales amount for each ball rental machine number, proceed to step S119, calculate the total sales amount of all ball rental machines,
Proceeding to step S120, the usage amount for each card number is totaled. Next, the process proceeds to step S121, where the own store sales card and the other store sales card are classified based on the vending machine number, and the own store sales card,
Calculate the total amount used for each sales card at another store. Next, the process proceeds to step S122, in which the number of sales for each denomination of the sales card is totaled, and the process proceeds to step S123, where the total sales amount of all ball rental machines is transmitted to the centralized hall management computer. Next, the process proceeds to step S124, and after the predetermined information is printed, the process proceeds to step S125, in which the card information of the card whose usable amount has become “0” is deleted from the storage content of the hall management computer, and the program ends.

The predetermined information printed in step S124 has, for example, the contents shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B to FIG. FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a list of sales amounts by ball rental machine number. In the figure, P1, P2, etc. are, for example, machine numbers of pachinko gaming machines on the left and right of the first ball lending machine. On the other hand, FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a list showing the sales amount of each coin lending machine. In the figure, C1 and C2 are, for example, coin numbers on the left and right sides of the coin lending machine having the coin lending machine number 186.
_1, C ₂ of the coin gaming machine means that are arranged.

In addition, the predetermined information to be printed may be such that a keyboard corresponding to the hall management computer is provided and only necessary information is printed by a necessary key operation.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a summary list of sales amounts. The contents are the total amount of ball lending machine sales, the total amount of coin lending machine sales, the total amount of use of own store sales cards, the total amount of use of other store sales cards, the sales amount of each card vending machine, the total amount of sales of card vending machines, the sales For example, the number of cards by card type.

FIG. 18 is a diagram in which recorded contents such as accident information are printed. For example, as the content of the accident information, a list of the ball lending machine number, the time when the accident occurred, the card number of the abnormality information card, the number of the vending machine where the card was sold, and the like are displayed. In addition, the total number of prize exchange balls, the total number of prize exchange coins, the actual number of pachinko machine sales, and the number of actual coin machine sales may be calculated and displayed.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are flowcharts showing a program incorporated in the centralized hall management computer 72 shown in FIG.

First, by step S130, it is determined whether or not there is a reception from the hall computer.If there is no reception, the process proceeds to step S131, and it is determined whether or not there is a reception from the comprehensive central management computer. If there is no reception, the process proceeds to step S132, and it is determined whether or not the operation of the halls nationwide has been completed. If not, a loop is formed which returns to step S130 again. If there is a reception from the hall management computer in the course of this loop, YES is determined in step S130 and the process proceeds to step S133. The information is transmitted from the hall management computer in steps S107, S351, S123, and S110. If the content received from the hall management computer is the necessary card information and the information indicating that the usable amount has become “0”, a determination of YES is made in step S133 and the process proceeds to step S134. The column of the available amount in the storage contents in the centralized hall management computer is corrected to “0”. Next, the process proceeds to step S135, in which the card information and the fact that the usable amount has become “0” are transmitted to the integrated central management computer, and the process returns to step S130.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in the step S133, the process proceeds to a step S136 to determine whether or not necessary card information is received. Based on the step S104, the necessary card information is Is transmitted to the management computer, a determination of YES is made in step S136, the process proceeds to step S137, and the card information is compared with the card information stored in the centralized hall management computer to determine whether or not it is appropriate, In step S138, it is determined whether the information is appropriate information. When it is determined that the information is appropriate information, the process proceeds to step S139, and the fact that the information is an appropriate information card is returned to the management computer for hall which is a source of the card information read by the card reader. It returns to step S130. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S138 that the card is not a proper card,
Proceeding to S140, the fact that the card is an abnormal information card is returned to the hall management computer that is the source of the card information read by the card reader, and the process returns to step S130. The steps S139 and S140 are for returning the judgment output from the suitability judging means to be described later to the game arcade which is the transmission source of the read information (recorded recording information of the recording medium) as the judgment target. Reply means is configured.

Next, when the determination of NO is made in step S136, the process proceeds to step S141, and it is determined whether or not the necessary card information and the usable amount have been rewritten are received. If the transmission has been made to the centralized hall management computer, a determination of YES is made in this step S140, and the flow proceeds to step S142. In step S142, the new usable amount rewritten in step S40 or step S63 is
The storage contents in the column of the available amount in the centralized hall management computer are updated. Next, the process proceeds to step S143, where the card information and the usable amount are updated and transmitted to the centralized management computer, and the process returns to step S130.

Next, if a NO determination is made in step S141, the information transmitted from the hall management computer is specified in the total sales amount of all ball rental machines described in step S123. Then, proceed to step S144,
The total sales amount of all ball rental machines and the hall are stored, and the process returns to step S130.

Next, in the case where there is a reception from the integrated central management computer, a determination of YES is made in step S131, and the process proceeds to step S145. From the centralized management computer,
Information is transmitted in steps S236, S237, and S240 described later. And step S1
A determination is made at 45 as to whether or not the received information is card information, and if card information of an appropriate card has been transmitted at step S237, a determination of YES is made and step S146 is performed.
To store the card information in the centralized hall management computer. Next, the process proceeds to step S147, where the card information and the fact that the card is a proper information card are returned to the hall management computer which is the source of the read information, and the process returns to step S130.

On the other hand, if the information transmitted from the integrated central management computer is not card information, the process proceeds to step S145.
If NO is determined, the process proceeds to step S148, and it is determined whether the information is accident card information.If the card information of the accident card is transmitted according to step S240, the determination is YES and the process proceeds to step S149. The card information of the accident card is transmitted to all hall management computers in the district, and the process returns to step S130. Also, the step S1
If NO is determined in step 48, it is specified when the information indicating that the card is an abnormal information card is transmitted according to step S236, and the process proceeds to step S150 to read that the card is an abnormal information card. The process returns to the hall management computer that is the information source and returns to step S130.

Next, if it is determined in step S132 that the operation of the halls throughout the country has been completed, the process proceeds to step S155, where I
By setting the initial value of = 1 and step S156, N = (the total number of holes in the area A) is defined. Next, the process proceeds to step S157, in which the card used at the certain hall (I) in the district A and used amount information for each card sold outside the district A is called from the centralized hall management computer in the card sales district. Then, a process of calculating the total L is performed. Next, the process proceeds to step S158, in which a total sum M of the used amount of all the cards used in the hall (I) in the district A today and sold in the district A is calculated. Next, the flow proceeds to step S159, where K (I) is calculated as K (I), where K (I) is the total sales amount of all ball lending machines per day in hall (I). Next, the process proceeds to step S160, and the storage R (I) of the total sales amount of all the ball rental machines received from the hall (I) is called.
Then, the process proceeds to step S161, where K (I) = R (I) is determined. If it is determined that the value is not equal, the process proceeds to step S162, and the request for the total sales amount of the hall (I) is abnormal. Is printed and the process proceeds to step S164. That is,
The K (I) is a value calculated by the centralized hall management computer on the total sales amount due to the use of the card in the hall (I), while R (I) is the card charged by the hall (I). Is the total amount of sales associated with the use of, and the nature of the two must match. If they do not match, it means that the billing of the total sales amount of the hall (I) is abnormal. On the other hand, if YES is determined in the step S161, the process proceeds to a step S163, where the total sales amount of all the ball lending machines in the hall (I) is printed, and the process proceeds to a step S164. In step S164, I
= N is determined. If it is determined that I = N has not yet been reached, the process proceeds to step S165, where I = N
After the processing of I + 1 is performed, the process returns to step S157. If the processes of steps S157 to S165 are repeated and executed a number of times, and if the processes are repeated a number of times corresponding to the number of all holes in the district A, since I = N, YES is determined in step S164. Then, the process proceeds to step S166, and processing is performed for counting the 0 cards whose usable amount has become “0” in all halls in the district A. Next, proceeding to step S167, the card information of the 0 card is
After the transmission to the centralized management computer, the information of the 0 card is deleted from the stored contents of the hall management computer, and the program ends.

FIG. 20 is an illustrative view showing card information stored in a centralized hall management computer in A district.

The central management computer in the district A stores card information of cards sold in the district A. The stored contents are, for example, a store (vending machine) code number, a card amount, a usable amount, and the like. In addition, you may memorize | store an available store code as needed. In the figure, the card numbers 5024 to 5026 are missing, but this is partly because the card with that card number is a so-called 0 card whose usable amount is "0". As a result, it was erased from memory. In addition, since the use code is “0”, that is, an unused card that has never been used, card information corresponding to the card number is still stored in the central hall management computer in the A district. This is a case where the information is not stored but is stored only in the integrated central management computer.

As another example, when a card sold in the district B or C is used in the district A, the card information of the used card is also stored in the centralized hall management computer in the district A used. The information may be transmitted from the centralized management computer and stored. For example, as shown in the lower half of FIG. 20, the card information of the 12044 card number of the district B, the card information of the 83256 card number of the district C, and the like are stored.

Next, a flowchart showing a program incorporated in the integrated central management computer 74 shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S230, it is determined whether or not card information has been received.
Proceed to 31 to determine whether or not the card information and the usable amount have been updated are received.If not, proceed to step S232 to determine whether the card information of the accident card has been received. Is determined, if there is no reception, the process proceeds to step S233, and it is determined whether or not the card information of the 0 card is received. If there is no reception, a loop is formed which returns to step S230 again. I have. In the course of this loop, if necessary card information is transmitted according to the step S352, the YE
After the determination of S is made, the process proceeds to step S234, and the card information is compared with the card information stored in the unused management file of the centralized management computer to judge the suitability. Then, in step S235, it is determined whether or not the card is an appropriate information card. If it is determined that the card is not an appropriate information card, the process proceeds to step S236, and the centralized hall that has transmitted the card information indicating that the card is an abnormal information card. It returns to the management computer and returns to step S230. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S235 that the information is appropriate information, the process proceeds to step S237, in which the card information of the appropriate card is
A reply is sent to the centralized hall management computer that has transmitted the card information, and the process proceeds to step S238. For example, when a card sold in the district B or the district C is used in a game arcade in the district A, the reply of the card information of the appropriate information card in the step S237 is sent to the computer for central hall management in the district A. May also be controlled to reply. In other words, the fact that the card is used in the district A is likely to be used in the district A in the future, so it is returned to the central hall management computer in the district A to store the card information of the appropriate information card. It is also effective to keep it.
Next, in step S238, the card information of the appropriate card is transferred from the unused file to the used management file,
It returns to step S230. Step S235, Step S92,
Step S93, step S94, and step S137 constitute an adequacy determining unit for determining whether the read information guided by the information guiding unit is appropriate information. Further, the suitability determination means is performed in step S96.
Thus, the accuracy of the determination of suitability differs depending on the value of the monetary equivalent value of the recording medium. Therefore, this propriety judging means makes a more appropriate judging whether the monetary value of the recording medium is large, as compared with the judging judging that the monetary equivalent value of the recording medium is small. It includes a variable determination level type propriety determination means. In the present embodiment, the determination level variable type eligibility determination means makes an adequacy determination only from the read card information when the monetary equivalent value is low, and when the monetary equivalent value is high, the judgment is made from the card. In addition to the suitability determination based on only the read information of the above, so-called card number management of the card of checking whether or not the read card information and the previously stored card information match each other, is configured. The present invention is not limited to this, and so-called uniform number management is performed in both low-cost and high-value cases to vary the level of detail in the uniform number management. It is also possible to determine whether the card information is appropriate or not and to record the card information with different security levels when recording the card information.

Next, according to step S143, when the notification that the card information and the available amount have been updated is transmitted,
At step S231, a determination of YES is made and step S23 is determined.
Proceeding to 9, the stored contents of the usable amount column of the card are updated to the updated new amount, and the process returns to step S230.

Also, if the card information of the accident card is transmitted according to step S112, a determination of YES is made in step S232 and the process proceeds to step S240, in which the card information of the accident card is transmitted to the all centralized hall management computer, and step S230 is performed. Return to

Further, if the card information of the 0 card is transmitted according to step S135, a determination of YES is made in step S233, and the process proceeds to step S241, where the card information of the 0 card is deleted from the storage content of the centralized management computer, and
Return to S230.

FIG. 22 shows card information stored in the integrated central management computer. The specific information contents include district information, card number, store (vending machine) code, card amount, usable amount, and use code. Further, an available store code may be added as needed. Also, for example, a card number of 5024,5025 in district A or 12040,1 in district B
The card numbers 2041 and 12043 are missing, but this is deleted from the storage because the usable amount has become a so-called zero card of “0”.

Note that the recording medium may be configured to be usable in a device other than a game medium lending device, such as a vending machine for canned juice or the like installed in a game arcade.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the stage before the customer causes the second recording medium reading means to read the recording information of the recording medium in order to play a game using the gaming machine and the game medium. It is possible to perform the process for determining the suitability of the game medium in advance, and it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the customer involved in the determination of the suitability of the game medium, and to provide a security system for determining the suitability of the recording medium. It has become possible to provide a game management equipment device that can reduce the frustration of customers caused by waiting time while adopting it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram showing an outline of a gaming central management facility apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the game arcade. FIG. 3A is an illustrative view showing contents of card information as an example of recording information recorded on a recording medium. FIG. 3B is a plan view showing a magnetic card as an example of a recording medium. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the card reader. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 6A is an overall front view of the card vending machine. FIG. 6B is an overall rear view showing a partial internal structure of the card vending machine. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the card vending machine. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a part of a gaming machine installation island provided in a game arcade, showing a pachinko gaming machine as an example of a gaming machine and a card ball lending machine as an example of a gaming medium lending machine. It is. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram for explaining the internal structure of the card ball lending machine. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the card ball lending machine. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing another example of the flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit in FIG. 14A, 14B, and 14C are diagrams showing a flowchart of a program incorporated in the hall management computer. FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing contents of card information stored in the hall management computer; 16A and 16B to 18 are diagrams showing management data of the hall management computer. FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B are flowcharts showing a program incorporated in the centralized hall management computer. FIG. 20 is an illustrative view showing contents of card information stored in a centralized hall management computer in A district. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a program incorporated in the integrated central management computer. FIG. 22 is an illustrative view showing contents of card information stored in the integrated central management computer. In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes a magnetic card as an example of a recording medium, and 23 denotes a second magnetic card.
A card data reading / writing device as an example of a recording medium reading means, 3 is a ball game machine as an example of a game machine, 4 is a coin game machine as an example of a game machine, 71 is a central management center in a district, 72 Is a centralized hall management computer, 73 is a card release company, 74 is a general centralized management computer, 70 is a hall management computer, 5 is a card lending machine, 7 is a card vending machine, and 208 is a first recording medium reading means. It is an example of a card reader.

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An information processing apparatus, comprising: a game machine provided in a game arcade and capable of playing a game using a predetermined game medium; A game management equipment device which enables a game using a game medium by said gaming machine using a value, provided at a predetermined place in a game arcade, for reading recorded information on said recording medium. Recording medium reading means, a second recording medium reading means provided in the game arcade for reading the recording information of the recording medium, and a recording medium having a proper recording information based on the recording information of the recording medium. And a process for judging the suitability of the read recording medium by the suitability judging unit in response to reading of the recording medium by the first recording medium reading unit. Where to start Read by the second recording medium reading means based on the recording information of the recording medium read by the second recording medium reading means after being read by the first recording medium reading means. And a determination result deriving means for deriving a determination result by the suitability determining means for the recording medium.