JP2792847B2 - Game device and device assembly having game media management function - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game device having a function of managing the handling of game media, and more particularly to renting of game media, supply to a game machine, settlement of the number of game media at the end of a game, and the like. The present invention relates to a game device having a game media handling management function that can be executed on a game device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a game arcade, one or more kinds of game machines and a certain number of game media used in the game machines, for example, metal balls, medals, etc., are lent out in a game medium delivery device (game medium). A rental machine) and a game medium counter that counts the number of game media obtained or possessed by the player at the end of the game and collects the game media.

As a game machine, for example, a game medium is inserted into the game machine, the game is played, and when a specific condition is satisfied during the game, a predetermined number of game media is provided from the game machine as a prize. Is used. For example, there are a slot machine and a pachinko game machine.

[0004] As a game media lending machine, a banknote, a coin or the like is inserted, and an amount to be paid, that is, an amount corresponding to the number to be lent is selected and inputted by a switch or the like. Some are released.
In addition, instead of banknotes and coins, information indicating the amount is stored, and a predetermined number of storage media having a value corresponding to the amount indicated by the information to the game device, for example, a prepaid card, are used. Release the game media,
There are things to lend.

In a game arcade equipped with such equipment,
Conventionally, when a player plays a game, the following is performed. That is, first, the player inserts a prepaid card for storing the amount of money into the slot of the game medium lending machine, and borrows the game medium by operating the lending switch.
Next, the game is played by putting the game medium into the game medium holding tray of the game machine. In the course of the game, when a specific condition is satisfied, for example, a game medium inserted into the game machine enters a specific hole provided in the game machine, a prize is accordingly given as a prize. , A predetermined number of game media are provided. At the end of the game, the obtained game media is put into a counter, and the number is counted. The player receives a receipt on which the counted number is recorded from the counter. The receipts are taken to a prize exchange and exchanged for prizes.

[0006]

However, in such a conventional technique, there are various problems in handling game media from the start of the game to the exchange of premiums.

That is, at the start of the game and when replenishing the game media, it is necessary to receive the game media from the game media lending machine and transfer it to the game media holding tray of the game machine. Normally, a certain amount of game media is discharged from the game media lending machine at a time, so the discharged game media is received by the player's own hand, etc., and is transferred to the game media holding tray. Move. This operation is not always easy if you are not used to it. Therefore, there is a problem that it is easy to spill a game medium.

When the game is over, it is necessary to carry the game media on hand to the counter. It is necessary to transfer the game medium in the game medium holding tray to a portable container, carry it to a counter, and put the medium into the counter. In this case, too, the game media can be transferred to a container,
Upon transfer from the container, spilling of the game media can occur. Moreover, since the counter is usually not arranged near the game machine, a large amount of game media becomes very heavy when there is a large amount, so that it is easy to carry it to the place where the counter is. Not.

As described above, in the conventional apparatus, it is necessary for the player to handle the game medium from the start to the end of the game. For this reason, the player is required to take extra time, which is not preferable. Further, there is a problem that the game media is spilled and the number of game media is reduced, thereby causing damage to the player. Furthermore, when game media is spilled,
The game board will be scattered on the floor, which is not preferable in managing the game media.

[0010] Further, since the game machine and the game medium lending machine discharge the game medium, it is necessary to store a certain amount of the game medium in excess. Moreover, it is not enough, and it is necessary to replenish them with game media. For this reason, it is necessary to convey the game media collected by the counter to a place such as a game machine.

[0011] However, there is a drawback in that a transport facility for that purpose is required, which makes the facility complicated and expensive.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. During the period from the start to the end of the game, the player can transfer or carry the game media. , Eliminating the hassle of handling game media,
In addition, by eliminating spills of the game media caused by handling the game media, the resulting damage to the player,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a game device capable of suppressing occurrence of a problem in management of game media.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus which can prevent a shortage of game media and does not require a large-scale game medium transport facility or the like.

[0014]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game execution unit for playing a game using a game medium, and a game for temporarily holding a game medium used for the game. A game processing device having a medium holding unit, a reception processing unit for receiving an input operation performed by a player to receive a rental of a game medium, and outputting information indicating the number of game media to be lent, a request from the player; A processing unit for performing a process of supplying game media to the game medium holding unit, and outputting information indicating the number of game media to be supplied, and a game medium given to a player as a prize during execution of the game. A prize output unit for outputting information indicating the number of game media, information indicating the number of lent game media, information indicating the number of replenished game media, and game media given to the player as a prize In the game device, a number management unit that manages the number of game media owned by the player, and a payment instruction are received and managed by the number management unit. A payment processing unit that fetches information indicating the number of game media pertaining to the player, records the information indicating the number in a storage medium, and outputs the information, and the replenishment processing unit is managed by the number management unit A game device having a management function of a game medium, characterized by having a control function of performing replenishment within a range of the number of game media owned by the player.

[0015] The reception processing unit has, for example, information indicating the amount of money input from the outside and, at least to the game device, information indicating the amount of money from a valuable medium having a value corresponding to the amount of money indicated by the information. Amount reading means to be read, a reading amount storage means for temporarily storing the read amount, and a lending switch for receiving designation of a lending amount of game media and outputting accepted information indicating the number of lending game media. , The amount stored in the read amount storage unit, and information indicating the number of game media lent, and calculating the difference between the amount stored in the read amount storage unit and the amount corresponding to the rented number. Money amount calculating means.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration of a first embodiment of the game apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an external configuration of the present embodiment. FIG. 8 shows an example of a layout of a game arcade in which the game device of the present embodiment is arranged. FIG. 7 shows an example of the hardware system configuration of the present embodiment.

The game apparatus according to the present embodiment is installed in a game arcade as shown in FIG. 8, for example. The playground shown in FIG.
An aggregate 10 in which a plurality of game devices 10 are arranged in two rows
A plurality of storage media vending machines 50 and a plurality of premium card readers 60 are arranged. The storage medium vending machine 50 sells storage media serving as an amount storage medium and a number storage medium. The premium card reader 60,
The storage contents of a storage medium described later, which is a medium for exchanging for prizes, are read.

The game device 10 of this embodiment includes a game execution unit 70 for playing a game using a game medium, a game machine main unit 30 having a game medium holding unit 32 for temporarily holding a game medium used for the game, and , A game media lending machine section 20 functioning as a game media lending machine. The game machine main body 30 and the game media lending machine 20 are housed in different housings 30b and 20b, respectively, and are arranged adjacent to each other. Of course, the portion of the game medium lending machine 20 and the portion of the game machine main body 30 may be housed in the same housing. These do not necessarily have to be clearly separated and accommodated. That is, the game media lending machine section 20
May be built in the game machine main body 30.

If the game machine main unit 30 and the game medium lending machine unit 20 are provided so as to be separable, there is an advantage that, if the respective configurations are changed, only a part of them needs to be replaced.

The game machine main unit 30 is configured to send and receive signals to and from the game medium lending machine unit 20 to rent / pay a game medium. In addition, the game execution unit 70 of the game machine main unit 30 plays a game using the game medium in the rental medium holding unit 32, and when a specific condition is satisfied, a prize is won. The information (or signal) for providing a predetermined number of game media to the player is output.

The game machine main unit 30 has a front surface 30a, a board surface 31 forming a game area, a rental medium holding unit 32 for temporarily holding a game medium used for a game, and a game medium in the rental medium holding unit 32. And a handle 33 for performing an operation of projecting the light onto the board surface 31. The board surface 31 allows the user to see the state of the game using the game medium.

The game machine main unit 30 has a number display unit 3 indicating the number of game media owned by the player currently playing the game on the game device 10 (hereinafter, simply referred to as possessed number).
4, a supply switch operation unit 35 a, a settlement switch operation unit 36 a, and a stop indication lamp 37 for notifying the end of the operation of the game apparatus 10. The number display unit 34 displays the number of rented game media and the number of game media supplied to the
It can also be used to display the number of overflows and the like. The supply switch operation unit 35a is for the player to operate an operation switch 35 described later. When the number of game media is displayed, but there is no more game media in the lending medium holding unit 32, by operating the supply switch operation unit 35a, the lending medium holding unit 32 can be refilled within the number display. The stop display lamp 37 lights or flashes to notify that the operation has ended.

The game device 30 of the present embodiment has, for example, a pachinko game machine, a slot machine and the like as the game execution section 70. The board face 31 and the handle 33, which are described in the drawings, are a part of the components of the game execution section 70.

The game media rental unit 20 and the game machine main unit 3
In the case of a pachinko game machine, the game medium used as 0 is a metal ball called a game medium. In the case of a slot machine, medals are used.

Generally, in a game arcade, when playing a game, it is necessary to borrow a game medium. To get a loan, you must pay for it in some way.
In the present invention, a valuable medium, that is, a medium having information indicating the amount of money and having a value corresponding to the amount of money indicated by the above-mentioned information is used for at least the game device in order to pay the rental fee. Examples of the valuable medium include a medium for storing the amount in the form of code information in an electronic form and a medium for displaying the amount in the form of image information.
An example of the former is an amount storage medium as described later. Examples of the latter include bills, bills on which the amount of money is printed, and the like.

In this embodiment, when lending game media, FIG.
A storage medium 141 (hereinafter, referred to as an amount storage medium) for storing an amount of money as shown in FIG. Money storage medium 141
Has, for example, a card-shaped substrate 145 and a money amount storage unit 142 provided in a band shape on one surface 141a. The amount storage unit 142 is a magnetic recording band on which data can be recorded magnetically. A typical example of this type of money storage medium is a prepaid card.

The amount storage medium 141 is sold, for example, from a storage medium vending machine 50 shown in FIG. The storage medium vending machine 50 has a cash slot 51 on the front,
It has a selection button switch 52, a storage medium outlet 53, and a change outlet 54. When the user inserts a bill into the cash slot 51 and presses the selection button switch 52 to select the amount of the storage medium 141 to be purchased, the storage medium exit 5
3, the amount storage medium 141 is discharged, and the change exit 54
The change is discharged from.

The game medium lending machine section 20 sends and receives signals to and from the game machine main body section 30, and performs a game medium lending reception process and a settlement process. This game media lending machine section 20
Is a front lamp 20a, a pilot lamp 21, an input port 22 for an amount storage medium 141, an outlet 26 for a number storage medium 143, a lending switch operation section 23a, and a cash display section 2.
4 and an adjustment switch operation unit 25a.

The input port 22 is a port into which the amount storage medium 141 is input. This is the amount storage medium 141 described later.
Is provided corresponding to the amount storage medium insertion unit 41 for reading / writing the amount. On the other hand, the outlet 26 is provided in the number storage medium issuing unit 43 for issuing the number storage medium 143, which will be described later, and functions as an outlet for discharging the issued number storage medium 143.

The lending switch operation section 23a is for externally operating the selection switch 23 for sending information (or signal) indicating the number of game media to be lent to the game machine main body 30. In this embodiment, three push buttons are provided corresponding to the amount of money. In the present embodiment, the three push buttons correspond to, for example, three types of amounts for one hundred yen, five hundred yen, and one thousand yen.

In the present invention, as will be described later, a certain number of game media to be lent out are supplied directly to the game media holding unit 32 by the replenishing means 73 in the game apparatus 10 in response to a request from the player. It is configured to be replenished.

Further, according to the present invention, the game medium obtained by the game is not given to the player, but the medium recording the number of the obtained game media is delivered to the player. I have. In this embodiment, a storage medium for recording the number of game media obtained by a game is used.

In this embodiment, for example, a number storage medium 143 as shown in FIG. 5 is used as this storage medium. The number storage medium 143 includes a rectangular substrate 145, like the amount storage medium 141, and a number storage unit 144 for recording the number of game media. Number storage unit 1
44 is formed as a magnetic recording band on one surface 141a of the substrate 145. That is, the number storage medium 143
Functions as a magnetic card. In addition to the number, the number storage unit 144 can store a date, a game hall name, and the like.

Next, the functional configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The game device 10 of the present embodiment receives an input operation performed by a player to borrow a game medium, and outputs an information indicating the number of game media to be rented. In response to a request, a process for replenishing game media to the game medium holding unit 32 is performed, and a replenishment processing unit 12 for outputting information indicating the number of game media replenished is provided to the player as a prize during execution of the game. Award output unit 71 that outputs information indicating the number of game media to be played
And information indicating the number of game media to be lent, information indicating the number of game media supplied, and information indicating the number of game media to be given to the player as a prize. The number management unit 13 that manages the number of players owned, and a payment instruction is received, and information indicating the number of game media pertaining to the possession of the player managed by the number management unit 13 is fetched and stored in the storage medium. A settlement processing unit 14 for recording and outputting the information indicating the number.

The reception processing section 11 reads out information indicating the amount of money from a valuable medium input from the outside.
Reading amount storage means 65 for temporarily storing the read amount, a lending switch 23 for receiving the designation of the lending amount of the game media, and outputting the received information indicating the number of the lending game media, The amount of money stored in the read amount storage means 65 and information indicating the number of game media lent are taken in, and the difference between the amount stored in the read amount storage means 65 and the amount corresponding to the rented number is calculated. And an amount calculating means 66. Further, in the present embodiment, the money amount difference calculated by the money amount calculating means 66 is stored in the money amount storage medium 1.
There is further provided an amount difference writing unit 62 for writing the amount difference into the amount storage unit 142 of the number 41.

In this embodiment, as described above, the amount storage medium 141 which is a storage medium having an amount storage unit for physically storing the amount in the form of code information is used as a valuable medium. For this reason, a storage medium insertion unit 41 for taking in / discharging the amount storage medium 141 input from outside is further provided. The storage medium input unit 41 stores the amount storage medium 1
It has a guide mechanism, a positioning mechanism, a driving device, etc., though not shown, for taking in / discharging 41. When the amount storage medium 141 takes in the amount storage medium 141, the amount storage medium 141 is relatively moved at a constant speed with respect to the head of the amount reading unit 61 described later.

The money amount reading means 61 is provided in the money amount storage unit 1 of the money amount storage medium 141 inserted into the storage medium insertion unit 41.
It has a function of reading the stored money amount from. Specifically, it has a reading magnetic head and its drive circuit, etc., and reads the amount stored in the amount storage unit 142 by magnetic recording in the form of digital information. The read amount storage unit 65 is a memory, and stores the read amount.

As described above, the lending switch 23 has the operation section 25a, and although not shown, as an internal function, information indicating the number of game media to be lent out corresponding to the selected amount of money, is transmitted to the amount calculating means. 66 and a number storage unit 74 of the number management unit 13 to be described later. The number of loans is usually
Since the number is a fixed number, the information indicating the rented number may be a signal indicating the number itself or a corresponding code. In addition, the lending switch 23 takes in the amount signal from the amount storage means 66 in order to rent out the game medium within the range of the amount stored in the inserted amount storage medium 141, and outputs the range of the amount. Only within
You can choose.

When the information indicating the number of loans is sent from the lending switch 23, the amount calculating means 66 converts the information into an amount. Then, the amount is read from the read amount storage means 65, and the difference between the amount and the amount corresponding to the number of loans is calculated.

The amount difference writing means 62 writes this calculation result in the amount storage unit 142 of the amount storage medium 141 inserted in the amount storage medium input unit 41 to update the amount of storage. For this reason, the money amount difference writing means 62
Although not shown, has a write magnetic head and a drive circuit for converting money data into a signal suitable for magnetic storage and magnetically recording.

Reading amount storage means 65, amount calculation means 6
6. Amount difference writing means 62 and lending switch 23
Can realize all or a part of the functions by computer functions to be described later.

The reception processing section 11 described above
Is provided in the game medium rental machine unit 20 in the present embodiment.

The replenishment processing unit 12 has a control function of performing replenishment within the range of the number owned by the player, managed by the number management unit 13. Supply processing unit 12
Is a replenishing means 73 for replenishing the game medium with the game medium holding unit 32, receives a replenishment request from the outside, outputs a replenishment command instructing replenishment of a predetermined number of game media, and sets the replenishment number. When a resupply command is received from the replenishment switch 35 that outputs the indicated information and the replenishment switch 35,
A lending control unit 76 that controls the replenishing means so that replenishment is performed within a range of the player's possession number managed by the number management unit 13.

The supply switch 35 has the operation section 35a as described above. The supply switch 35 is operated by the operation unit 35a.
When the supply request signal is received, the information indicating the predetermined lending number is sent to the lending control unit 76 and the number calculation unit 75 of the number management unit 13. Information (or a signal) indicating the number itself is used as the information indicating the number of supplies. Since this information is usually set to a fixed number of rentals,
A corresponding code signal may be used.

When the information indicating the number of supplies is sent from the supply switch 35, the lending control unit 76 fetches the result of calculation relating to the number of supplies by the number calculation means 75 described later, that is, the number related to the possession of the player. , To see if it is negative. If the number is negative, the lending is performed in excess of the number pertaining to the possession of the player, so the supply is stopped. If the lending number is set so as to be a fraction of the replenishment number, it is possible to prevent the replenishment number from being fractional.

The replenishing means 73 is, as shown in FIG.
A storage unit 73a for storing game media, and a fixed-rate sending unit 73b for sending a fixed number of game media to the game medium holding unit 32 under the control of the lending control unit 76.
A game medium collection and return unit 73 that collects the game media input to the game execution unit 70 and returns the game media to the storage unit 73a.
c. The game medium collection and return unit 73c can be provided for each individual game device, but here, it is assumed to be performed for each device assembly 100 shown in FIG.

The game media supplied to the game medium holding unit 32 is sent to the game execution unit 70. What is left at the end of the game is sent to the game medium collection and return unit 73c via the game medium collection counter 73d. The counting result of the game medium collection counter 73d is sent to the number adding means 78 of the number management unit 13.

The number management unit 13 stores a number of the players in the game device.
And a number updating unit 79a for updating the stored number of game media.

In this embodiment, the number storage section 74 stores the number of rentals and the number of game media related to the possession of the player.
Note that the lending number is updated every time lending is performed.
The number of game media pertaining to the possession of the player is updated by the number updating unit 79a.

The number updating section 79a fetches information indicating the number of game media lent, information indicating the number of game media supplied, and information indicating the number of game media given to the player as a prize. With respect to the number stored in the number storage unit, arithmetic means for performing addition of the number of lent, addition of the number of game media given to the player as a prize, and subtraction of the number of supplies, based on the results of these calculations, Number rewriting means for rewriting the number stored in the number storage unit 74 is provided.

The calculating means includes a number calculating means 75 for adding the number of game media lent to the number of holdings and subtracting the number of supplies from the number of holdings, and the number of game media given as a prize from the prize output unit 71. There is a number adding means 78 for adding the number. The number adding means 78 also performs an operation of adding the counting result of the game medium collection counter 73d to the possessed number at the time of settlement. Note that the number adding means 78 may be omitted, and the number calculating means 75 may execute the calculation.

As the number rewriting means, the number calculating means 75
And a number difference rewriting means 77 for writing the result of calculation of the number adding means 78 to the number storage means 74. In addition,
Only one of the number difference rewriting means 77 and the number difference rewriting means 77 may be provided to realize the functions of both.

The number management section 13 has the number display section 34 for displaying the number of game media stored in the number storage section 74 as described above. In the present embodiment, the number display unit 34 displays the number when the new lending number information is input from the lending switch 23 to the number storage unit 74, and displays the number when the number updating unit 79a updates the number. ,
The number of holdings is displayed. In addition, you may make it always display the holding number. Also, depending on your choice,
The required number may be displayed.

In this embodiment, the number storage unit 74 stores
Although a storage area for the number of rentals is provided, this may not be provided. In this case, as in the second and fourth embodiments, the rented number is input to the number adding means 75, added to the held number, and the result is stored in the number storing means 74.

The replenishment processing unit 12 and the number management unit 13 are provided in the game machine main unit 30 in this embodiment. The lending control unit 76, the number storage unit 74, and the number updating unit 79a can be realized by, for example, a computer described later.

The payment processing unit 14 receives payment requests from outside and outputs payment commands.
6, the number-of-payments storage means 67 for storing the number of game media to be settled, and the number of possessions managed by the number management section 13 received from the number management section 13 in response to the settlement instruction. Settlement number transmission means 72 to be sent to 67
And a number writing means 63 for writing the number of game media stored in the adjustment number storage means 67 to the number storage section 144 of the storage medium 143 issued by the number storage medium issuing section 43.

The settlement switches 25 and 36 output a settlement instruction to the settlement number transmitting means 72, and also output a game medium collection counter 73d shown in FIG.

When receiving the settlement instruction, the settlement number transmission means 72 reads the number of possessions from the number storage unit 74. Then, the stored number is transferred to the settlement number storage means 67. At the time of transfer, when serial transfer is performed, the number data is converted into serial data. If the game medium collection counter 73d is provided, the reading of the possession number from the number storage unit 74 is waited until the collection operation is completed.

The settlement number storage means 67 is a memory for temporarily storing the settlement number of the game media sent from the settlement number transmission means 72. In this embodiment, for example, a serial-in / serial-out register is used.

Although not shown, the number writing means 63 converts the stored settlement number into the number storage medium 143, and converts the number data into a signal suitable for magnetic storage. And a drive circuit for performing magnetic recording.

In this embodiment, the settlement processing means 14 includes a settlement switch 25, a settlement number storage means 67, and a number writing means 63 provided in the game medium lending machine section 20. On the other hand, the settlement switch 36 and the settlement number transmission means 72
It is provided in the game machine main body 30. In addition, the settlement number transmission unit 72 can be realized, for example, by using a computer function described below in part of its function.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an example of the configuration of a hardware system which constitutes a portion for processing information in each section of the present embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the game medium lending machine section 20 and the game machine main body section 30 are constituted by computer systems having different hardware. Of course, the configuration may be such that information processing for both is executed by one computer system.

The computer system of the game media lending machine 20 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 201, a memory 202, and an interface 203. The computer system includes a lending switch circuit 204 and a checkout switch circuit 20 via an interface 203.
5, card reader / writer 206, card issuing machine 2
07 and the cash display unit 24 are connected. Further, a communication port 208 is provided, and is connected to a communication port 308 of the game machine main unit 30 via a transmission line 400.

The rental switch circuit 204 and the settlement switch circuit 205 are the internal circuits of the rental switch 23 and the internal circuit of the settlement switch 25, respectively. Also,
The card reader / writer 206 includes a money storage medium input unit 4
1. It functions as the amount reading means 61 and the amount difference writing means 62. The card issuing machine 207 functions as the number storage medium issuing unit 43 and the number writing unit 63. The cash display unit 24 displays the balance of the inserted amount storage medium 141.

The computer system of the game machine main unit 30 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 301 and a memory 3.
02 and an interface 303. This computer system has an interface 303
Replenishment switch circuit 304 and settlement switch circuit 305
And the above-described number display section 34 and the above-described replenishing means 73 are connected. Further, a communication port 308 is provided.

The supply switch circuit 304 and the settlement switch circuit 305 are internal circuits of the supply switch 35 and the settlement switch 36, respectively.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

First, the storage medium vending machine 50 shown in FIG.
The amount storage medium 141 according to the operation and payment of the player
Issue The storage medium vending machine 50 writes information indicating the amount into the amount storage unit 142 of the amount storage medium 141 and discharges the information.

Next, in the game medium lending machine section 20, when the player inserts the amount storage medium 141 into the slot 22, the card reader / writer 207 reads and writes data from and to the amount storage section 142. That is, the money amount storage medium 141 is
The content stored in the amount storage unit 142 is read while being taken into the inside and moving relative to the magnetic head of the amount reading unit 61. The information indicating the read amount is converted into a digital data format and stored in the read amount storage unit 65. The read amount is displayed on the cash display unit 24. The amount information stored in the read amount storage means 65 is also sent to the lending switch 23.

In the lending switch 23, an operation unit 23 corresponding to the above amount is operated by a switch circuit 204 inside the lending switch 23.
Control is performed so that only a can be operated.

Here, when the player operates the operation section 23a of the lending switch, the lending switch 23 sends information indicating the lending number corresponding to the operation content to the amount calculating means 66 and the number storage means 74.

The money amount calculating means 66 is provided with the read money amount storing means 6
The difference between the amount stored in No. 5 and the amount corresponding to the information indicating the number of loans from the lending switch 23 is determined. this is,
It is executed as one function of the CPU 201. The amount difference writing means 62 writes the amount difference in the amount storage unit 142 of the amount storage medium 141, and rewrites the amount stored therein to the amount of the difference. Thereby, the amount storage medium 14
At 1, the amount is managed.

After writing the amount difference, the amount reading unit 61 reads the contents of the amount storage unit 142 of the amount storage medium 141 and reads the contents.
May be stored. The writing of the money amount difference may not be performed each time, but may be performed collectively when the settlement switch 25 or 36 is operated and the settlement is performed.

On the other hand, in the game machine main unit 30, the number storage means 74 stores the number of game media according to the information transmitted from the lending switch 23 and indicating the number of game media lent. In this case, if the information indicating the rented number is data directly indicating the number, it is stored as it is. However, in the case of data such as a code or the like without directly indicating the number of the number, this is converted into the number. This conversion can be performed by, for example, providing a comparison table of codes and numbers and referring to the table. This, in other parts,
This is common to other embodiments described later.

In the rented number storage area of the number storage means 74,
When the new lending number is stored, the number display unit 34
Show it. Further, the number calculation means 75 adds the new lending number and the owned number. Then, the result is stored in the number storage means 74. When the rented number is the initial setting, or when the held number is 0, the lent number is stored as the held number.

Next, the player operates the operation section 35 of the supply switch.
Is operated, the replenishment switch 35 uses the switch circuit 205 to output information indicating the replenishment number to the number calculation unit 7.
5 and the lending control unit 73.

The number calculating means 75 obtains the difference between the number held and the number supplied. This difference is written into the number storage unit 74 by the number difference rewriting unit 77, and the number held is updated. The number of game media stored in the number storage means 74 is displayed on the number display section 34.

The lending control unit 76 performs the lending control of the game media within the range of the holding number stored in the number storage unit 74. Whether or not the number is within the possession number is determined by using the calculation result of the number calculation means 75 as described above. Replenishment means 7
3 supplies the game media under the control of the lending control unit 76. That is, the designated number of game media is paid out to the game medium holding unit 32.

This eliminates the need for the player to receive the game media from the game media lending unit 20 and transfer the game media to the lending medium holding unit 32 of the game machine main unit 30, which has conventionally been performed by the player.

In the game machine main body 30, a game can be played on the board surface 31 by operating the handle 33. In the game machine main unit 30, information indicating the number of game media is output as a prize from the prize output unit 71 in accordance with a winning of the game. The number adding means 78 adds the number stored in the number storing means 74 and the number corresponding to the information output as the prize. The addition number rewriting means 79 rewrites the number stored in the number storage means 74 to the new possession number obtained by the number addition means 78.

As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, when renting a game medium, the player does not pay out the game medium directly to the player. Supply switch 3
When the instruction of 5 is given, only the number corresponding to the instruction is supplied to the game medium holding unit 32. Also, when a prize is won during the game, a signal indicating the prize is simply output, and the number corresponding to the signal is simply added to the possessed number.

When ending the game, the settlement switch 2
According to the operation of 5 or 36, the retained number stored in the number storage means 74 from the settlement number transmission means 72 is sent to the settlement number storage means 67 as the settlement number, where it is temporarily stored. The number of payments to be stored is the card issuer 2
07, the number storage unit 14 of the number storage medium 143 issued
4 is written. That is, the number writing unit 63 writes the settlement number stored in the settlement number storage unit 67 to the number storage medium issued by the number storage medium issuing unit 43.

Thus, the number of game media held in the number storage medium 143 is managed, and it is not necessary to transfer the game media obtained as a prize from the game medium holding unit 32 to the counter. If this number storage medium is taken to a prize exchange, it can be exchanged for a prize according to the number of prizes.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the number storage medium 143 is set on the prize card reader 60 of the prize exchange,
If there is a number of game media, the number is displayed and a prize payout process is performed (steps 81, 82, 8).
3, 84).

It is to be noted that the exchange for the prize of the possession number stored in the number storage medium 143 must be performed on the day of playing the game. , Restrictions may be provided. Also,
The number storage medium may be unique to the game hall, and may not be used in other game halls.

If there is a surplus after the exchange for a prize, a fraction may be accumulated (saving). In this case, it is conceivable to pay out the membership card in which the fraction is entered and hand it to the player (steps 85 and 8).
6, 87, 88). When the fraction is not to be saved, when the fraction is exchanged for a prize, the fraction prize is delivered. When the fraction is not exchanged, an import process is performed (steps 89, 90, 90).
91).

When there is no remaining number, after the prize payout process, when there is no remaining number, after the membership card is discharged, or after the fractional prize is handed over, the number storage medium 143 is taken in (step 92). ).

As described above, in this embodiment, the gaming medium lending machine section 20 can manage the amount of money by the amount storage medium 141, and can manage the number of pieces by the number storage medium 143.

In the number storage medium 143, only the number held is stored in the storage unit 44, and can be handled separately from the amount storage medium 141 and used for exchange for premiums. Therefore, the amount storage medium 141 is an existing one and can be used as it is without changing the format at all.

[0093] In addition to the prepaid card, a home card can be used as the amount storage medium.

Note that, in the game machine, the game medium lending machine may be attached to an upper portion or a lower portion in addition to the side surface of the game machine main body.

According to the game device of the present invention, the amount of money is managed in the amount of money storage medium, and the supply of game media can be performed.
Since the number of pieces can be exchanged for prizes by managing the number of pieces in the number storage medium, it is not necessary to transfer game media such as game media, and it is possible to spill game media during that time and reduce the amount of loss. Can not be.

Since the game medium is not discharged out of the game apparatus 10, the amount of the game medium does not change.
Therefore, the amount of the game medium in the game device itself or the device assembly including the same does not change. For this reason, it is not necessary to adjust the holding amount of the game medium between another game device or another device assembly.

These effects are not limited to the present embodiment, but also apply to other embodiments described later.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that these embodiments have the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, and thus the following description will focus on the differences.

First, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, an amount display medium having a display unit for physically displaying an amount in the form of image information is used as a valuable medium. As an amount display medium, for example,
There are banknotes.

In the present embodiment, a display medium input unit 42 for taking in at least an amount display medium input from the outside.
Having. Further, the reception processing unit 11 includes a money amount reading unit 61a having a configuration different from that of the first embodiment. The amount reading means 61a has a function of reading the displayed amount from the display unit of the amount display medium inserted into the display medium input unit 41. Here, reading the displayed amount of money is not limited to directly reading the number or the like indicating the amount of money, but also includes recognizing the amount of money by identifying a unique pattern of the image. It is a thing. For example, in the case of a bill, its amount can be recognized from its unique print pattern. The processing after reading the amount is the same as in the first embodiment.

Further, as a configuration different from the first embodiment, a storage medium issuing unit 43a is provided. This is different from the number recording medium issuing unit 43 of the first embodiment in that change can be written by the amount difference writing unit 62. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, a storage medium in which two magnetic recording bands are provided on a substrate 145 can be used. One of the two magnetic recording bands is used as the number storage unit 144, and the other is used as the amount storage unit 1
46. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which two types of information are written in one magnetic recording band by using a common write head. In this case, the one shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 described above can be used.

Here, the storage medium issuing section 43a is configured to stock the storage medium itself and discharge it. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which a storage medium is inserted from the outside.

In the present embodiment, the number storage 74a
However, it does not remember the number of loans. Number calculation means 75
Is stored in the number storage unit 74a.

FIG. 12 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment has a storage medium insertion unit 40 for inserting a storage medium for writing the adjusted number. In connection with this, in the settlement processing unit 14, the number reading means 64 for reading the number information stored in the storage medium, the read number storage means 68 for temporarily storing the reading result, A number adding means 69 for adding the number of payments stored in the same number of payments storing means 67 and the number indicated by the number information stored in the number-of-reads storage means 68, and storing the addition result in the number of storage media. And update it.

In this embodiment, a storage medium purchased at the storage medium vending machine 50 is used.

The other points are the same as in the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the lending amount is determined from the storage medium inserted into the storage medium input unit 40. This point is common to the case of using the amount storage medium of the first embodiment. The other configuration is the same as that of the third embodiment.

In this embodiment, a storage medium purchased at the storage medium vending machine 50 is used.

Here, prize exchange in the case of using a storage medium having an amount storage unit and a number storage unit will be described with reference to FIG.

That is, as shown in FIG. 14, when the storage medium 140 is set on the prize card reader 60 of the prize exchange, and the number of game media is recorded in the number storage section of the storage medium, that is, the player possesses If there is a number of media being carried (number of possessions), the number of media is displayed and prize payout processing is performed in the same manner as described above (steps 81 and 8)
2, 83, 84). Similarly, after exchange for a prize, if there is a surplus in the number of pieces, a fraction can be saved (savings), in this case, create a membership card, fill in the fraction, and sign the membership card Can be discharged (steps 85, 8).
6, 87, 88). If the fraction is not to be saved, the fractional prize is handed over when exchanging for a fractional prize, and if not, a prize payout process is performed (steps 89 and 9).
0).

When there is no remaining number, after the prize payout process, when there is no possession, after discharging the membership card, or after passing the fractional prize, it is determined whether there is a balance in the storage medium 40. In some cases, the balance is displayed on the balance display unit 24 to clear the number in possession and discharge the storage medium 40 (steps 91, 92, 93, 94). When there is no remaining money, the storage medium 140 is taken in (step 95).

In each of the embodiments described above, a plurality of types of storage media are used. However, the storage media may be unified and used, for example, in the format shown in FIG. By doing in this way, as in the above embodiments, even if different types of game devices are mixed in the same game arcade,
It is not necessary to prepare a plurality of types of storage media. Further, even if the game device is changed, the storage medium itself can be used as it is, so that the game medium vending machine does not need to be changed. Furthermore, since the card reader / writer having the same configuration can be used, it is easy to unify the game devices.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a game device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of a storage medium vending machine used in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing an embodiment of an amount storage medium used in the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing another embodiment of the number storage medium used in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of processing of a number storage medium used in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware system configuration of an embodiment of a game medium renting machine and a game machine which constitute a game arcade system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration of an embodiment of a game arcade system according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a supply means used in the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing another embodiment of the storage medium used in the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a third example of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of another process of the number storage medium used in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game apparatus 11 ... Reception processing part 12 ... Replenishment processing part 13 ... Number management part 14 ... Cashing processing part 20 ... Game medium lending machine part 21 ... Pilot lamp 23 ... Selection switch 23a ... Lending switch operation part 24 ... Cash display part 25a: settlement switch operation unit 30: game machine main unit 32: game medium holding unit 34: number display unit 30: operation switch 35: supply switch 35a: supply switch operation unit 36a: operation unit of settlement switch 41: insertion of amount storage medium Unit 43: Number storage medium issuing unit 61: Amount reading unit 62: Amount difference writing unit 63: Number writing unit 65: Read amount storage unit 66: Amount calculation unit 67: Settlement number storage unit 70: Game execution unit 71: Prize Output unit 72: settlement number transmission unit 73: replenishment unit 73a: storage unit 73b: fixed amount transmission unit 73c: game medium collection and return unit 3d ... game medium collecting counter 74 ... number storage means 75 ... number calculating means 76 ... lending controller 77 ... number Sasho exchange means 78 ... number adding means 79 ... adding number rewriting means 79a ... number updating unit

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A possess a game execution section for performing a game using a game medium, and a game media holding unit for temporarily holding the game media to be used in the game, the sequence of along with others of the same type
To form a device assembly, and
Receiving the supply of game media from the
That a game device, with receives an input operation by the player is performed to receive the lending game media, a reception processing unit for outputting information indicating the lending number of game media, in response to a request of the player, game A replenishment processing unit for performing processing for replenishing the medium to the game medium holding unit and outputting information indicating the number of game media to be replenished; and information indicating the number of game media given to the player as a prize during the execution of the game. A prize output unit that outputs the information, the information indicating the number of the game media lent, the information indicating the number of the game media replenished, and the information indicating the number of the game media given to the player as a prize. The game device includes a number management unit that manages the number of game media owned by the player and a number storage unit that records information indicating the number of game media.
A number storage medium issuing unit for issuing a storage medium , receiving a settlement instruction, and taking in information indicating the number of game media pertaining to possession of the player managed by the number management unit; Storage media issued by
A settlement processing unit for writing the information to the number storage unit of the body accepts the payment instruction held in said game media holding unit
Game media while counting the number of
A game medium collection and counting means for sending the game medium to the game medium return unit ;
Storage unit for storing
Number of game media from the storage unit to the game media holding unit.
Out, the game medium collecting counting means, the number and the count result
A game device to be sent to a management unit . 2. The reception processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the reception processing unit has information indicating an amount input from outside, and
Amount reading means for reading information indicating the amount from a valuable medium having a value corresponding to the amount indicated by the information to at least the game device; a reading amount storage means for temporarily storing the read amount; A lending switch for outputting information indicating the number of game media to be lent, the amount of money stored in the read amount storage means, and information indicating the number of game media to be lent. A game device having a game medium management function, comprising: a money amount calculating means for calculating a money amount difference between a money amount stored in the read money amount storing means and a money amount corresponding to the number of rented items. 3. A game in which a game is played using a game medium.
A plurality of game devices each having an execution unit are arranged.
The game media is collected from each of the above game devices and
Game media for supplying the game media to each game device
It has a return unit, and stores the game media supplied from the game medium collection and return unit for each of the game devices.
A storage unit for temporarily storing game media , a storage unit for temporarily storing game media, and a predetermined number of game media in accordance with a supply instruction.
A replenishment processing unit that sends out the storage medium to the game medium holding unit, and receives a settlement instruction and is held by the game medium holding unit.
Game media while counting the number of
And game medium collecting counting means for sending the game medium reduction unit, in the game apparatus, Yu currently performing game
Number management unit that manages the number of game media owned by the technician
And a number storage unit for recording information indicating the number of game media.
A number storage medium issuing unit for issuing a storage medium, and a settlement instruction is received and managed by the number management unit.
Preparative information indicating a game medium number according to holdings that of the player
And the storage medium issued by the number storage medium issuing unit.
A payment processing unit for writing the information to the body number storage unit.
For example, the game medium collecting counting means, the counted game media
Information indicating the number of pieces to be collected is sent to the number management section,
The control department is responsible for the possession of the player currently playing the game.
Perform the process of adding the number of collections to the number of game media
A device assembly characterized by the above.