JP2890297B2 - Game equipment - 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 machine using a game machine such as a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball, a slot machine, etc., and more particularly to a game which can be played with a storage medium such as a prepaid card in which amount information is stored. It relates to technology that is effective for use in equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a card-type pachinko game system in which a game is played using a card-shaped storage medium as a medium has been proposed. The card method has the advantage that the player only needs to carry the card, which is a storage medium, and can reduce the burden of carrying a large number of pachinko balls that are easy to fall. Conventionally proposed card-type pachinko gaming systems are roughly divided into the following two types.

[0003] In the first method, when a card is issued, the number of possessed balls corresponding to the purchase amount is stored in the card, a pachinko game is played within the range of the number of possessed balls, and the number of possessed balls increased or decreased in the game process. The data is stored on a card (see Japanese Patent Publication No. 47-22727).

[0004] In the second type of card system, when a card is purchased, a card in which only a code number is recorded is issued, the number of balls held is stored in a central control device, and the card is inserted into a card reader of a pachinko machine. By doing so, the stored number of balls can be called to play the game. In that case, when the card is issued, all the purchase amount is converted to possessed ball,
The number of balls held is stored in the management device (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Sho 61-32709, Japanese Patent Publication No. Sho 51-17106).
No.).

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A card-type gaming system
Information storage unit of the card (for example, a magnetic surface)
Value information such as ball count data and amount data
If you remember, the card will be copied or played
The information has been tampered with and the forged card has been used illegally
There was a problem that it could be done.

[0006]

In order to solve such a problem, a car
Do not store value information in the information storage unit of
Record only the identification code in the information storage unit, and
Value information corresponding to the identification code of the card
The management device reads the identification code and checks
Check that the card is a legitimate card.
To derive a value bound report based on the judgment result.
Are also considered. In addition, play with the identification code
It is also considered that a technician-specific code is given.
You.

However, even in such a case, the regular play
The identification code recorded on the card held by the technician,
If the code is copied illegally, the legitimate player
Regardless of the technique, value information stored in the management device
Could be incorrectly debited.

[0009] The value information held by the card
Data is managed only by the management device,
Low, for example, accidents in the data storage of the management device,
Measures have been taken against data tampering due to store fraud
Could be a problem.

[0010] Further, the card is stored only by the management device of the game store.
When managing valuable information held by
Lack of general versatility of cards
There was also a problem such as .

[0011] The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.
It was created, and fraudulent by copying the game storage medium
To prevent the disadvantage of amusement arcades,
To improve the reliability of valuable information held by technical storage media
Aiming to provide a game equipment device
Target.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention reads out information on a storage medium, and
Storage media processing device (for example,
Value information and identification information
(For example, a card storage number)
Provided for a game based on being inserted into the storage medium processing device.
Game device that is configured to be able to convert
For example, the pachinko machine 100 and the control unit 160)
At least the communication device is configured to be able to communicate with the storage medium processing device.
A management device (40) for managing information related to a game storage medium.
0), the game equipment device comprising:
The storage medium has at least the lending as the value information.
Storing the money amount information related to the conversion into a ball;
Corresponds to the game storage medium identification information.
Storage means for storing the amount information held by the storage medium
For example, a main storage device M-MEM) is provided,
In connection with the conversion from lending to ball, the storage medium processing device,
The amount information stored in the storage medium for gaming
While updating according to the number of conversions, the management device
In the storage means corresponding to the identification information of the game storage medium
Update the stored amount information in accordance with the number of conversions to the ball lending
It was to so. Further, the management device is provided in the gaming device.
Stored in the storage means in connection with the end of the game in
The amount information is updated, and the storage medium processing device performs the management.
Upon receiving the update completion signal from the device, the game storage medium
The amount information stored in the body is updated and the inserted play
The technical storage medium may be discharged to the outside.

[0013]

According to the present invention, value information is stored in a game storage medium.
Information is stored as information and stored in the storage device of the management device.
The game storage medium also corresponds to the identification information of the game storage medium.
Information on the amount of money held by the medium is stored. And in the game
At the time, the amount information held by the gaming storage
In connection with the exchange, the storage medium processing device
Amount information stored in the storage medium for
The storage device for the game
Price information stored in the storage means corresponding to the body identification information
Is updated according to the number of conversions to lending.

[0014]

FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a system (network) to which a game facility apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

That is, this system divides the whole country into a plurality of blocks, and for each block, a district management center B as a relay station that manages all amusement shops HALL in the district.
MCs are installed respectively, and the district management center BMC is connected to each of the amusement stores HALL under the umbrella by a public telephone line or a dedicated line.
C is connected to a central management center CNT of a card issuing entity (for example, a card management company) as a (game) storage medium.

The data processing device 470 of each district management center BMC is connected to a management device in each amusement shop HALL or a control device of a card issuing machine, and each card issuing machine issues (purchases) a card. And the number and amount of the issued card are sent to the central management center CNT together with the date of issuance.
Send to Of course, each game shop HALL and the central management center CNT may be directly connected via transmission means.

Data processing device 4 of central control center CNT
50 receives the "card issuance", searches the issued card file and checks the card number with the game store number and then updates the file. When there is a sales request, the issued card file is searched and the amount in the file is determined. The usage fee is determined by comparing the sales amount of the requested card with the sales amount of the requested card, and a usage fee file is created for each hall. If the card has a balance, the card file is updated.

The method of operating a card in the system according to this embodiment is as follows. First, the central management center CNT sets a fixed amount of money (for example, 1000 yen, 5000 yen, 10000 yen).
Yen), each game store collectively purchases cards from the central management center CNT, replenishes the card to each issuing machine arranged in its own store, and when the card is actually purchased, the central Report to the management center CNT. Then, each game store calculates the amount issued by the card issuing machine and the sales amount of all the game machines every day or month and reports the calculated amount to the center. Then, the central management center CNT determines the payment amount according to the sales, and transfers or withdraws to the designated account via the network of the financial institution based on the usage fee file, thereby adjusting the sales between the amusement stores. I am trying to do it.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a configuration of a game facility device in each game store when the prepaid card system is adopted.

The game equipment of this embodiment includes a game machine.
A pachinko machine 100 to be configured , a card issuing machine 200 for printing and issuing an issue date on a card CD purchased from the central management center CNT, a card adjusting machine 300 for adjusting a prize ball obtained as a result of a game, A management device 400 for centrally managing and controlling the various terminals, and a data transmission line 50 for organically connecting the management device 400 and each terminal.
0, and these constitute an organic conjugate. In this gaming facility apparatus, intervention can be performed only by the card CD, and operation of the card CD and conversion of valuable data thereof can be performed only by devices connected to each other. Therefore, the pachinko machine 100, the card issuing machine 200, the card settlement machine 300, and the management device 400, which are the respective components of the game facility device, each have a card reader (in this specification, a device that writes data on a magnetic surface of a card is also used). A card reader is provided, and information of the card CD and information of each terminal are stored in a storage device of the management device 400 in the form of a file. In this embodiment, the transmission path 500
Although it is not connected to the management device 400 via a game device, a card collection machine is provided as a component of the game facility device.

Next, a card used in the game equipment of the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the card CD used in the game equipment of this embodiment includes a purchase amount AM,
A print display section PRT is provided along the card insertion direction (longitudinal direction of the card) on which information necessary for the player such as DATE (effective date) and the card number n as identification information are printed. Have been. For the card CD, a plurality of types of cards pre-printed in the central management Yanta CNT are prepared, and when issued, the date of issue is printed and ejected.

Immediately above the print display section PRT, there is provided a punch hole forming section PH for displaying the used amount of the card CD with the punch holes and the scale. On the other hand, at a position slightly below the center of the card, a magnetic recording section MG coated with a band-shaped magnetic material from the front end to the vicinity of the center is provided. The magnetic recording unit MG records a card number, an unused amount (which matches the purchase amount when issued), a security code, and the like.

Further, in the card CD of this embodiment, a belt-like roller running area RRA slightly wider than the transport roller in the card reader is provided between the print display section PRT and the magnetic recording section MG, that is, in the center of the card CD. Are provided along the longitudinal direction of the card, and the magnetic recording unit MG and the print display unit PRT, which have important information used for determining the card, are damaged by the contact with the transport roller. And that information can be prevented from becoming unreadable.

The pachinko machines constituting the above-mentioned game equipment are of a sealed ball circulation type.
0 is disposed on an island facility or the like above the game machine main body in a one-to-one correspondence with the pachinko machine, and as shown in FIG.
Yu responsible for the collection of D of reading and operation data of the gaming machine 100
A control unit 160 is provided as a storage medium processing device constituting the technical device .

At the lower part of each pachinko machine 100, there is provided a hitting ball firing device for firing one ball at a time into the game area and its operation dial 104. Above the operation dial 104, the card CD is provided. An operation provided with an amount display 111, a number-of-balls display 112, a purchase switch 113 as a conversion means, an interruption switch 114, an end switch 115, a game state display 116, etc. for enabling a game start procedure using A panel 110 is provided. The configuration of the game area on the front of the pachinko game board is the same as the conventional one. The purchase switch 113 is connected to the control unit 1
Assuming that the card CD is inserted into the card reader built in 60, within the range of the amount of the card CD, 200
This is an instruction switch for converting this into a game ball in a unit such as a circle, and the converted game ball becomes the number of balls. The remaining amount of the card CD is displayed on the amount display 111 in a unit of 100 yen as one unit, the converted number of balls is displayed on the number-of-balls display 112, and one ball is played by the hitting ball firing device. Each time one shot is fired, the number of possessed balls is decremented by one, and when a winning ball is generated, the number of prize balls is added and displayed.

The end switch 115 is used when the player wants to end the game (including when the player wants to change the gaming table).
By turning this on at any time, the card C in use
D can be discharged from the control unit 160.
At that time, the control unit 160 records the remaining amount of money and the number of balls possessed (sum of purchased balls and acquired balls) at that time in the magnetic recording unit MG of the card CD, and then ejects the card CD. The interrupt switch 114 is a switch used by the player to temporarily stop the game for a break, although the player does not intend to stop the game at the game machine currently playing. When this switch is operated, The control unit 160 temporarily ejects the card CD and waits until the same card CD is inserted again, during which the control unit 160 does not accept another card. At this time, the remaining amount and the number of balls are recorded on the card CD and discharged. The purchase switch 113 among the above-mentioned switches is of a built-in lamp type, and the lamp in the purchase switch 113 blinks when the number of balls held becomes “0”.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the card issuing machine 200.
An example of the configuration will be described.

The card issuing machine 200 of this embodiment includes a bill identifying device 210 for identifying bills for purchasing a card,
An issuer 700 that selects a card of an amount corresponding to the inserted bill, prints and issues an issue date on the card, a bill dispenser 230 for dispensing bills as change, various indicators 221 to 225, and a card It is composed of a unit control device 280 and the like for performing data communication with the control and management device 400 of the entire issuing machine 200.

A bill insertion slot 211, a purchase selection switch group 212 and a price indicator 213 are provided on the front panel 201 which can be freely opened and closed, corresponding to the bill discriminating apparatus 210. Therefore, when the player first inserts a bill through the bill insertion slot 211, the inserted amount is displayed on the amount display 213. Then, by pressing a switch corresponding to a desired purchase amount from the purchase selection switch group 212, a card corresponding to the desired purchase amount is issued to the issuing device 7.
The card is issued from the card ejection port 202 of 00. Each of the purchase selection switch groups 212 is constituted by a switch with a built-in lamp, and when a bill is inserted, the switch can be selected within a range of the inserted amount (three for 3,000 yen, three for 5,000 yen). (5) built-in lamps are turned on.

When a bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 211 of the card issuing machine 200, the purchase amount is determined by the purchase selection switch 212, and a balance is generated, the bill dispensing device 230 for repaying the balance is used to store the bill. The bill storage tank is provided so as to discharge bills corresponding to the balance from a bill payout port 232 provided on the front panel 201.

On the front panel 201 of the card issuing machine 200, an in-progress lamp 221 indicating that the card can be issued, an issue stop lamp 222 indicating that the card cannot be issued, and a bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 211. A bill insertion display 223 for indicating whether or not the card is accepted, a card issuance display 224 for notifying the card issuance state, and a bill dispensing display 225 for notifying the state of disbursement of the balance.

Further, the card issuing machine 200 of this embodiment
In order to distinguish each of a plurality of (several tens) issuing machines installed in a game arcade and to allow the management apparatus 400 to identify the issuing machine that has issued a specific card, the machine number setting device 205 is internally provided. The serial number set by the setting unit 205 is sent to the management device 400, and is used for generating a transmission address in data communication and creating a data file for each issuing machine.

On the other hand, the issuing device 700 selects cards that are stocked for each amount in a plurality of card tanks 701, takes out the cards one by one, prints the issue date on a printing device, and prints the date on the front panel 201. Card issuing slot 2 provided
Discharge from 02. Information on the issued card is recorded in a file in the management device 400.

FIG. 7 shows a card settlement machine 30 as a settlement apparatus.
0 shows a configuration example.

The card settlement machine 300 of this embodiment includes a card reader for reading the card number, the amount, the number of balls, and the like recorded in the magnetic recording portion MG of the inserted card CD, and the number of balls obtained by the game. Printer that issues a receipt printed with, and various indicators 303, 304, and 34
1, 342 and a unit control device for controlling the entire card settlement machine 300.

The card settlement machine 300 includes a top panel 30
1 is configured to be rotatable up and down, and the card settlement machine 3
Corresponding to 00 , a card insertion slot 302 is provided at the front end of the upper panel 301, and a ball number display 303 and a prize ball are displayed on the upper surface of the upper panel 301 to display the number of obtained prize balls (number of possessed balls). Amount indicator 3 displaying the amount of money to be converted
04 is provided. Moreover, the card settlement machine 300 of this embodiment has a flat upper surface so as to constitute a counter installed in a pachinko parlor, and is provided with two sets of a ball number display 303 and a money amount display 304. One is inclined forward to make it easier for a player to read, and the other is inclined backward to make it easier for a staff member inside the counter to read.

Further, a display reset switch 305 for clearing the display on the display to "0" is provided on the rear side of the upper surface of the upper panel 301. When a player first inserts a card through the card insertion slot 302, a card reader in the card settlement machine 300 reads a card number, an amount, and the number of balls recorded on the magnetic surface of the card CD,
The number of obtained balls is displayed on the ball number display 303, the card number is sent to the management device, the file is confirmed, and then a receipt on which the unused amount, the obtained number of balls, the history data and the like are printed is issued by the printer. If the balance of the card after the settlement is zero, it will be confiscated in the internal card collection tank.

The card settlement machine 300 of this embodiment
Incorporates a bill dispenser that dispenses bills and a coin dispenser that dispenses 100-yen coins so that prize balls can be redeemed or the unused amount can be settled. Is provided with a bill outlet 322 and a coin outlet 326 corresponding to the coin dispenser.

Further, on the upper surface of the upper panel 301 of the card settlement machine 300, there are provided a settlement lamp 341 indicating that the card is being settled and a settlement stop lamp 342 indicating that the card cannot be settled.

FIG. 8 shows a specific configuration of the management device 400, and FIG. 9 shows a system configuration of the management device 400.

The management device 400 is a storage device comprising a central processing unit CPU of a mini-con class and a semiconductor memory (RAM).
Main storage device M-MEM and transmission control device SC as means
C and the like, and a floppy disk storage device (auxiliary storage device 2) 40 as an auxiliary storage device provided above the master control device 401.
2. Hard disk storage device (auxiliary storage device 1) 403
And a personal computer 410. The personal computer 410 has a CRT display device 411 for displaying messages and collected data, a console 412 for the operator to give commands and setting data, has a built-in CPU and timer TMR (including a calendar), and has a master. The control unit 401 includes a local processing unit 413 connected to a central processing unit in the control unit 401 via a communication line and an interrupt line, and a printer 414 for printing collected data and the like.

The local processing unit 413 and the central processing unit C
The serial communication controller 406 for coupling with the PU
a and 406b are provided in the master control device 401. Among them, the communication control device 406a performs normal communication,
The communication control device 406b is used for emergency interrupt communication.

The printer 414 includes a buffer 414a for temporarily storing data to be printed in order to improve the throughput of the management device 400.

Further, the management device 400 includes a card issuing device 70 for issuing a test card capable of starting a pachinko machine while being disconnected from the system.
A box 420 containing an auxiliary printer 408 for printing in real time emergency information generated by the system, such as a "stop" generated by a pachinko machine or the like, and an auxiliary power supply 40
9 are provided adjacent to the master control device 401. The card issuing device 700 and the auxiliary printer 408
Are connected to the central processing unit CPU via the communication control devices 406c and 406d, respectively. Further, the card issuing device 700 has the same configuration as the card issuing device 700 in the card issuing machine 200. 20
2 is the card issuing port.

The auxiliary power supply 409 transfers the operation data of all terminals volatilely held in the main storage M-MEM and the data of all issued cards to the hard disk storage 403 when a power failure occurs, and protects the data. In order to be able to do so, backup is performed so that the management device 400 can be operated for at least about 10 minutes.

In FIG. 9, reference symbol SCC1 enables data transmission between the terminals via the network 500, and SCC2 enables data transmission between the central processing center and the data processing device via a public telephone line or the like. Is a transmission control device.

In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 100, the card issuing machine 200, and the card settlement machine 30 are mainly used.
0 and the management device 400 will be described, but the in-store broadcasting device, prize exchange device, vending machine, and the like can also be extended to a game equipment device that is controlled by the management device 400. . In particular, there is a possibility that the prize exchange apparatus can easily realize a system in which a prize can be directly exchanged for a prize without passing through the settlement machine 300 using a card.

Further, the console 412 constituting the management device 400 also has a unique key configuration most suitable for the pachinko game equipment of this embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the configuration of the console 412. FIG. 2B shows the upper surface of the console 412, that is, the panel surface, and FIG.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 421 denotes a store opening switch for instructing start of business with respect to each terminal of the game equipment, and reference numeral 422 denotes a store close switch for similarly instructing the end of business. After the store open switch 421 is turned on, the store is closed. Until the switch 422 is turned on, the operation of the card in each terminal is enabled. In addition, 423 stores the operation data of all the terminals after the business closes in the floppy disk storage device 40.
2 is a system end switch for instructing the management device 400 to stop control.

The store opening switch 421, the store closing switch 422, and the system end switch 423 are particularly important switches for the present game equipment. (Upward in FIG. 3), and is linked with the key switch 420 provided at the upper position. The switches 421 to 424 cannot be turned on unless the key switch 420 is turned on. 425,42
Reference numerals 6,427 denote ten keys, a return key, and a delete key, which are the same as those provided on a console of an ordinary personal computer or the like.

On the other hand, reference numeral 428 denotes a display menu switch for giving an instruction to display data on the card, operation data of each terminal, etc. on the screen of the CRT display device 411.
Is a CRT clear switch for requesting erasure of data displayed on the CRT display device 411. Reference numeral 430 denotes data related to the card, operation data of each terminal, and the like.
A print menu switch 14 gives a print command. Reference numeral 432 denotes a setting switch for requesting setting of the number of hits and the hitting mode in the pachinko machine, and 433.
A hit release switch 434 for giving a command to release the hit state of the pachinko machine in which the prize balls of the set hit number have been paid out and hit, that is, the pachinko machine cannot be continued.
May be forcibly terminated at the end of business hours, forcibly terminated all terminals if normal control or data collection becomes impossible due to communication network abnormalities, etc. A forced termination switch 435 for forcibly stopping a specific terminal when it is found is a termination release switch for releasing the stop of the forcibly terminated terminal, and a time setting switch 439 is provided. Also,
The console 412 of the embodiment is provided with a buzzer 440 that generates a sound that prompts the operator to wake up in the event of an emergency such as a pachinko machine hit, and a buzzer stop switch 436 that instructs to stop sounding. I have. 431
Reference numerals a and 431b denote spare switches prepared in anticipation that the functions of the management device 400 will be expanded in the future, and can be used as switches for instructing interruption of printing by the printer 414, for example.

Of the above switches, the switches 421 to 424 and 432 to 436 indicated by double frames in the drawing are:
These switches are built-in lamps, and when these switches are turned on, the built-in lamps are turned on during execution of the corresponding processing or while the state is continued. However, the buzzer stop switch 43
The lamp in 6 is linked with the buzzer, is turned on while the buzzer is sounding, and turned off when the stop switch 436 is pressed.

Further, the console 412 of this embodiment has a test card switch 439 for giving a test card issuance command on the back of the console 412, an exchange rate of purchased balls at the time of system introduction, a store code, the total number of terminals, and a prize. A built-in switch 438 for setting a set value such as the number of prize balls per ball and changing the set value is provided. Unlike other switches, these switches 437 and 438 are switches that are usually hardly used, and are switches that only need to know the existence of a specific person (such as a manager of an amusement store).
It is provided on the back of.

In the game equipment of this embodiment, although not particularly limited, the pachinko machine 100, the card issuing machine 200,
The card settlement machines 300 are all under the control of the management device 400, and unless the management device 400 is activated, they cannot operate independently in principle. Therefore, at the time of system startup, the management apparatus 400 gives setting values to all terminals and initializes them. In addition, prior to the initialization, the terminal numbers are collected from each terminal to enable data transmission, and each transmission address is formed. During the operation of the system, the operation data of all the terminals is collected in real time, and the main storage device M-ME is collected.
M.

That is, since the number of terminals under the control of the management device 400 is large, all control is performed by the management device 400.
If you do this, the response will be slow, so some of the processing will adopt a distributed processing method entrusted to the unit control device of the terminal, collect data of all terminals by regular data collection, and monitor the operation status I have.

When the regular data is collected, the amount of data handled by the management device 400 becomes enormous. Therefore, in this embodiment, these data are organized by file management to facilitate handling.

Of the files in the main storage device M-MEM, the file FL1 excluding the transmission address file FL6
FL5 are saved in the hard disk storage device HDD (auxiliary) storage device 403 at the time of power failure. Further, a data file relating to the terminal, that is, a pachinko machine file (hereinafter referred to as a P machine file) FL2, an issuing machine file FL3
And the settlement machine file FL4 is stored as a daily report file at the end of business hours on a floppy disk FDD (auxiliary storage device 4).
02) and provided for monthly operation data tallying and the like.

Further, the set value file FL5 and the transmission address file FL6 are loaded from the hard disk storage device HDD into the main storage device M-MEM when the system starts up.
Saved to.

The set value file is stored in the main storage M-
The data is loaded into a common data area provided in the MEM. This common data area is the central processing unit CPU
In this area, a system mode, a power failure flag, and the like are stored in addition to the setting file FL5.

FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of the data processing device 450 of the central management center CNT, and FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of the data processing device 470 of the district management center BMC.

Data processing device 4 of central control center CNT
50 is a master control device 401 of the management device 400 of the game store.
And the configuration is almost the same. That is, a central processing unit CPU such as a microcomputer, a main storage unit 451 which stores various data files which are successively updated during operation of the system and provides a work area, and a floppy disk unit. A first auxiliary storage device 452 for storing and storing sales and the like at each game store every day, and a hard disk drive for storing programs and important data for managing the system and totalizing data. Second auxiliary storage device 45
3 for communicating data with the communication controllers 454 and 455 as interfaces for connecting the console 461 or printer 462 such as a keyboard to the central processing unit CPU, and the data processing unit 470 of the district management center BMC. And a transmission control device 456.

The hardware configuration of the data processing device 470 of the district management center BMC shown in FIG. 12 is almost the same as that of the data processing device 460 of the central management center CNT. The difference is that, in addition to the transmission control device 476 for performing data communication with the data processing device 460 of the central management center CNT, the transmission for performing data communication with the management device 400 of the amusement store under its own control. The only difference is that a transmission control device 478 for performing data communication between the control device 477 and a data processing device of another district management center BMC is provided.

Next, the management device 40 relating to the card operation by the game shop HALL, the district management center BMC and the central management center CNT constituting the network shown in FIG.
0 and the processing contents in each of the data processing devices 450 and 470 will be described.

FIG. 13 shows a processing procedure in the case where the management apparatus 400 of the game store receives a “card purchase” packet from the card issuing machine 200.

When the amount is specified by the selection switch after inserting the bill, the card issuing machine 200 takes out the card of the corresponding amount from the tank 701, reads the card number with a card reader, confirms the amount, and then checks the card number. Management card 400 with a "card purchase" packet containing the amount
Send it to When the management device 400 receives this packet, it searches a card file as a storage medium game information management means set in the main storage device in advance, and confirms that the card is a legitimate card set in the issuing machine ( Step S1).

Next, the management device 400 is connected to the central management center C
The card is notified to the NT data processing device 450.
At this time, the number and the amount of the card to be issued are also transmitted (step S2). Then, the central management center CNT
Checks the received card number and amount against the data in the issued card file, and returns a response ACK indicating permission or a response NAK indicating rejection.

The management apparatus 400 of the amusement shop waits for a response from the central management center CNT, calculates the sales amount (accumulates the amount of the issued card) if there is an ACK, and stores the sales file as storage medium amount information management means. Update (steps S3 to S5). Then, after changing the card status of the card in the card file to issued, the issuing machine file (number of issued cards, amount of money, etc.) storing the operation data of the card issuing machine is updated, and ACK is sent to the card issuing machine 200. The packet is transmitted (steps S6 to S8). Then, the card issuing machine 200 discharges the card removed from the tank 701 from the issuing port 202.

On the other hand, in step S2, the central management center CN
T is notified of the card issuance, and when a NAK is returned as a response, a NAK packet is transmitted to the card issuing machine 200 to stop ejection of the card (step S).
9, S10).

However, from the game store to the central management center CNT
In order to prevent the concentration of card issue transmissions to the central office, when a system for periodically notifying the issuance of a plurality of cards is adopted, the system does not wait for a response from the central management center CNT as indicated by a broken line A. First, the file is updated and an ACK packet is returned to the card issuing machine, and when the NAK is returned from the management center CNT, the fact is displayed on the screen of the CRT display together with an invalid card number. It may be.

FIG. 14 shows a processing procedure in the case where the management apparatus 400 of the game arcade receives a “card payment” packet from the card payment machine 300.

The card settlement machine 300 is provided with the card insertion slot 30.
When the card is inserted into the card 2, the card number and unused money recorded on the card are read by an internal card reader, and a “card settlement” packet is sent to the management device 400.

When the management device 400 receives this packet, it searches for a card file in the main storage device using the card number and checks whether the file of the card exists.
If there is no file, a NAK packet is transmitted to card settlement machine 300 (steps S21, S22, S29).
Then, the settlement machine 300 returns the card taken into the internal card reader to the card insertion slot 302 as it is, and refuses the settlement. This is to refuse to settle a card that has not been issued or a prize ball obtained at another game store.

On the other hand, if the file of the card is found, the process proceeds from step S21 to S23, where the data of the card file is read, and it is checked whether or not it matches the issue date of the card received from the card settlement machine 300 (step S21). S24). Next, it is checked whether or not the read card file matches the amount read from the card with the number of balls (step S25). If not, the process jumps to step S29 and returns a NAK packet to the card settlement machine 300. In the gaming machine apparatus of this embodiment, all the pachinko machines 100 are connected to the management apparatus 400, and when the game is ended or interrupted, the data of the card is sent from the gaming machine 100 to the management apparatus 400 and stored in the card file. Therefore, although the check in step S25 is performed, the pachinko machine 100
In the gaming facility apparatus in which such data is not sent to 0, the process may proceed to the next step S26 without checking step S25 as indicated by the broken line B.

In the next step S26, the status of the card in the card file is changed to "paid", the number of balls is rewritten to zero, and the data (payment card number, number of sheets, total amount of payment, etc.) in the card file are rewritten. Checkout machine 300
ACK packet (steps S27, S2)
8). Then, the card settlement machine 300 issues a receipt on which the number of prize balls and the like are printed, and the adjusted card is placed in the card insertion slot 3.
Return to 02.

At this time, the card may be confiscated inside if the unused amount of the settled card is zero. In the case where the management apparatus 400 has configured a game facility apparatus that does not collect data related to cards from the pachinko machine 100, in step S26, the unused amount of the cards received from the card settlement machine 300 is stored in a card file. You may write it.

FIG. 15 shows a management device 400 when a card is inserted into the control unit 160 of the pachinko machine 100.
The following shows the processing procedure.

When the card is inserted into the pachinko machine 100, the control device of the pachinko machine 100 sends a “card-in” packet containing the card number and the amount to the management device 400. Upon receiving this packet, the management device 400 searches for a card file using the received card number, and if a file for the card is not found, creates a new file for the card and stores the file of the received card in the file. Write the unused amount (steps S41 to S4
4). This is to enable a game with a card issued at another game store. If necessary, the card number may be sent to the central management center CNT to confirm the amount.

[0080] On the other hand, the card and the transition to step S51 when the card file is found in step S42
NAK corresponding to read the data of the card file, to the pachinko machine 100 when the amount of money and the number of balls is zero together
The packet is sent (steps S52 to S54). If the amount is not zero, the process proceeds to step S45, in which the card state in the card file is rewritten during the game, the data (operating state, card number, etc.) in the pachinko machine file is rewritten, and then the ACK packet is transmitted to the pachinko machine 100. Send (steps S46, S47).

When the pachinko machine 100 receives the ACK packet, it starts the game. When the NAK packet is received, the pachinko machine 100 ejects the card from the card reader in the control unit 160 and refuses to start the game.

FIG. 16 shows the management device 40 when the interruption switch 114 or the end switch 115 is turned on in the pachinko machine 100 in which the game has been started as described above.
0 shows the processing procedure.

When the interruption switch 114 or the end switch 115 is turned on, the pachinko machine 100 stores a packet containing the number of the card being played and the unused amount in the management device 400.
Send to When the management device 400 receives this packet,
The card file is searched using the card number in the packet, and the data of the card is read (step S61,
S62).

Then, by subtracting the received amount from the amount in the card file, the amount (sales) converted into a lending ball by the pachinko machine 100 is obtained, added to the sales file data and stored (step S63, S64).
Then, the received number of balls and the amount of money are written into the card file, the card state is changed if necessary, the data (operation state, etc.) in the pachinko machine file is rewritten, and then an ACK packet is sent to the pachinko machine 100 (step S65). To S67). Control unit 1 of pachinko machine 100
When 60 receives the ACK, the card reader rewrites the unused amount of the card and then discharges the card.

FIG. 17 shows a processing procedure when the data processing device 470 of the district management center BMC receives data transmission from a game arcade.

[0086] When the data processing device 470 receives the data transmission from the amusement store management device 400, the data processing device 470 searches the address file using the hall number given for each amusement store, and is the amusement store under its own umbrella. When it is confirmed, the address of the transmission destination (central management center CNT) is read, added to the received data, and transmitted to the central management center CNT via the communication line (steps S101 to S104).

On the other hand, when there is a transmission from a game store other than its own, a NAK (negative response) is returned to the transmission source (step S105).

FIG. 18 shows a processing procedure when the data processing device 450 of the central management center CNT receives a “card issuance” message from a game store through the district management center BMC. This processing is performed by the district management center BMC.
And only the result may be reported to the central management center CNT.

The card issuing machine 200 installed in each game store
When a card is issued at the game store management device 4
00, a message notifying the card issuance is sent to the data processing device 450 (step S52 in FIG. 13).
reference).

When the data processing device 450 receives the message, it searches for the issued card file in the main storage device 451 using the card number in the message (step S201). This issuance card file is created when the central management center CNT hands over the card to the game store,
What is necessary is just to memorize a card number, a money amount, a game store name, etc.

As a result of searching the issued card file, if there is data of the card, it is checked whether the card amount in the message matches the amount in the file (steps S202, S203). If the card number does not exist or the amounts do not match, it is determined that the card is an unauthorized card, and a NAK is sent to the management device 400 of the game store.
(Negative response) is returned (step S208).

On the other hand, if a file with the same card number is found and the amounts match, the flow shifts to step S204 to change the card status in the card file from unissued to issued, and to write the name of the amusement store that issued the card. . Then, using the hall number indicating the amusement store, search the usage fee file, write the issued card number and amount, obtain the accumulated value of the issued amount up to that time, record and store it as a sales amount in the file. (Steps S206, S20
7).

FIG. 19 shows a processing procedure when the data processing device 450 of the central management center CNT receives a sales request message from the management device 400 of the amusement store.

[0094] The sales request message contains the numbers of all the cards used in the game at the amusement store, the amounts used, and the total usage fee, and is transmitted.

When data processing device 450 receives this message, it searches for the issued card file (step S).
211), comparing the number of the billing card with the card status and the amount of money, and using the card number without the billing card, the card status not issued or the card amount (unused money) If there is a larger amount of money, a NAK is transmitted to the game store (steps S212 and S212).
221). This can eliminate fraudulent charges.

On the other hand, if all the card numbers to be charged exist and both the card status and the usage amount are normal, step S
The process proceeds to 213, where the usage fee file is read from the hole number. Then, the sales amount of the game store already recorded in the file in the processing of FIG. 18 is compared with the sales amount in the message (step S214). When step S2
The process proceeds to step S15, and the usage price, that is, the sum of the usage amount and the sales amount are compared. As a result, if the usage fee is higher, that is, if the sum of the usage amounts of all pachinko machines is larger than the sum of the issuance amounts of the card issuing machines at the game arcade, the difference is determined and the payment amount is determined. Write to a file (steps S216, S217). If the sales amount is larger than the usage price, the calculation of the payment amount is omitted and the usage price is written in the usage price file.

Then, it is checked whether or not the unused money remains for all the requested cards, and if not, the data of the card in the issued card file is deleted (steps S218, S219). In addition, if there is a card with unused funds remaining in the bill, the amount of the card is rewritten (it is always reduced).

[0098] Thus, the unused amount of all issued cards can be ascertained on a daily basis, and when a request is made for the same card from another game store or from the same store at a later date, the usage fee already settled is exceeded. Payments can be avoided. In addition, if there is an inquiry about unused money from a game store during business hours, it is possible to respond to the inquiry, thereby minimizing damage to the game store due to forgery of a card.

[0099] The central management center CNT transmits the usage fee file to the financial institution and transfers the payment amount to the designated account, thereby executing the settlement. This payment is 1
It may be performed every day or every month.

In the above embodiment, the card issuance status is notified to the central management center CNT in real time, but it may be reported to the card issuance center at the same time as the request for the usage fee after one business day. .

In the above embodiment, the central management center CN
T is a fixed amount card (for example, 1000 yen, 50 yen
00 yen, 10000 yen, etc.), each amusement store collectively purchases cards from the central management center CNT, replenishes the cards to the issuing machines located in its own store, and the cards are actually purchased. At that point, the central management center CNT reports to the central management center CNT, but all card issuing machines installed in each amusement store are managed by the central management center CNT, and the amusement store manages only the amount used for pachinko machines. The total may be calculated as a billing amount and reported to the management center.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the game facility apparatus in which the unused amount is recorded on the card CD has been described. However, only the identification code is recorded on the card CD, and the amount and the number of balls are stored in a file of the management device 400. The present invention can also be applied to a game facility device that is stored and managed. Further, in the above embodiment, the money amount information and the game information are managed by one management device 400. However, two management devices (including the control device) that separately manage the money amount information and the game information are used. For example, information may be divided into two systems and managed separately.

[0103]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, information on a storage medium is stored.
Readable information and writable information
It has a media processing device and stores value information and identification information.
The stored game storage medium is inserted into the storage medium processing device.
Can be converted to balls for use in games based on
Gaming device and at least the storage medium processing device
Information on the game storage medium configured to be communicable with the
And a management device for managing the game equipment
In the gaming storage medium, as the value information
At least the amount information related to the conversion to the ball lending is stored.
The management device may add the identification information of the game storage medium
Correspondingly stores the amount of money information held by the gaming storage medium
Storage means for converting the money amount information into ball lending
Relatedly, the storage medium processing device is a storage medium for the game.
Update the amount information stored in the body according to the number of balls converted
And the management device stores the game storage medium.
Price information stored in the storage means corresponding to the identification information
Is updated according to the number of conversions to the lending ball.
The amount information held by the game storage medium
Being managed at the location, a copy of the game storage media
Game store (or central management)
Center)), and at the same time
The reliability of valuable information (money information) held by the body
Can be improved. Also, for example, a game storage medium
Not only one game store but also other
Game equipment that is also used in
Both are possible.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the management
The device may be associated with a termination of a game on said gaming device.
The amount information stored in the storage means is updated, and the storage medium is updated.
The body processing device receives the update completion signal from the management device.
Update the money amount information stored in the game storage medium based on the
To eject the inserted game storage medium to the outside.
As a result, game storage media and management devices
Accurately store the amount information stored in each storage means
And it can be updated reliably. In addition, to gaming devices
Money related to the end of the game, not every conversion to ball lending
Since the amount information has been updated, the update process of the amount information and
Communication processing of information related to the update can be reduced.
You. In particular, updating of the storage means in the management device and storage medium processing.
Update of game storage media on multiple devices.
Update processing of money information and communication processing accompanying it are performed
Money information related to the end of the game on the gaming device
If the update is performed, the processing load will be further reduced.
Reduction is effective. Also, the importance of playing equipment
Updating the money information on the higher management device side
The price information on the gaming device after the
Can prevent accidents such as breakdowns during the update.
Reliable gaming facilities are realized.

The present invention is not limited to the pachinko game equipment, but can be used when it is desired to operate a prepaid card in an arrangement ball, a slot machine and other game equipment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a game facility apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a card-type pachinko game facility apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a configuration example of a card used in the gaming facility apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the pachinko machine constituting the game facility apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a card issuing machine which constitutes the gaming facility apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state where a front panel of the card issuing machine is opened.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a card settlement machine which constitutes the gaming facility apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a management device constituting the gaming facility device of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of a management device.

FIG. 10 is a rear view and a plan view showing a configuration example of a keyboard of the management device.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration example of a data processing device of a central management center.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration example of a data processing device of a district management center.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of receiving a “card purchase” packet in the management apparatus of the game store.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when a “card settlement” packet is received.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when a “card-in” packet is received.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a “suspend switch” or “end switch” packet is received.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a data relay processing procedure in the data processing device of the district management center.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a "card issue" message processing procedure in the data processing device of the central management center.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a “sales request” message processing procedure in the data processing device of the central management center.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Pachinko machine 113 Purchase switch (conversion means) 114 Interruption switch 115 Exit switch 160 Control unit 200 Card issuer 300 Card settlement machine (payment device) 400 Management device 450, 470 Data processing device

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A method for reading information from a storage medium and
Has a storage medium processing device that can write
A gaming storage medium in which value information and identification information are stored
Provided for a game based on being inserted into the storage medium processing device.
A gaming device that is configured to convert to
At least the communication device is configured to be able to communicate with the storage medium processing device.
A management device that manages information related to game storage media;
In the game equipment device, the game storage medium has a small amount of value information.
At least the money amount information related to the conversion to the lending ball is stored, and the management device corresponds to the identification information of the gaming storage medium.
And store the amount information held by the gaming storage medium
Storage means , wherein the storage medium is associated with the conversion from the amount information to ball lending.
The body processing device stores the money information stored in the game storage medium.
The information is updated according to the number of balls
The processing device responds to the identification information of the game storage medium
The amount information stored in the storage means is converted into the number of converted balls.
Game equipment characterized by being updated according to
Place. 2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the management device includes:
The amount information stored in the storage means in connection with the end of the game
Update information, The storage medium processing device receives an update completion signal from the management device.
Amount information stored in the game storage medium based on the receipt of the issue number
Is updated and the inserted game storage medium is discharged
2. The play according to claim 1, wherein the play is performed as a special teaching.
Technical equipment.