JP2899889B2 - Gaming system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] In the present invention, a storage medium issuing device, a gaming device, and a management device capable of communicating with the storage medium issuing device and the gaming device are installed in a game arcade. In addition, the present invention relates to a gaming system in which management devices of a plurality of amusement arcades where these devices are installed are configured to be able to communicate with a central management device other than the amusement arcade.

[Related Art] In recent years, a card-type pachinko gaming system has been proposed in which a game is played using a card-shaped storage medium as a medium. 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.

In the first method, when issuing a card, the number of balls held corresponding to the purchase amount is stored in the card, a pachinko game is performed within the range of the number of balls held, and the number of balls held is increased or decreased in the game process. (See JP-B-47-42227).

The second method of the card method is to issue a card in which only the code number is recorded at the time of card purchase, store the number of balls held in a central management device, and insert the card into a card reader of a pachinko machine. The stored number of balls is called so that a game can be played. In such a case, when the card is issued, all the purchase amount is converted to possessed balls, and the number of possessed balls is stored in the management device side (Japanese Utility Model 61-61).
No. 32709, JP-B-51-17106).

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, regardless of the type of the conventional card-type gaming system, the game using the card is enabled only in the gaming store that issued the card, and in other gaming stores. The issued card was not able to play games. Also, the issued card was valid only on the day of issuance.

In addition, the game at each gaming machine can be converted into ball lending in units of 200 yen, etc., but the card issuance amount also matches the minimum unit of such a game (ex. 200 yen) Attempting to do so increases the number and type of cards issued. For this reason, conventional prepaid cards are issued in units of 1,000 yen or more.

As a result, in the conventional card type gaming system,
If the game is stopped while the unused money (the amount of the ball not converted) remains on the card, the unused money must be settled. After leaving a game store with a card that has money left, if an emergency occurs and it is not possible to return to the game store on that day, the purchased card may be invalidated and disadvantaged.

It should be noted that since pachinko amusement arcades have different management entities, unlike the telecommunications business and the transportation business, it is necessary to settle cards between amusement arcades when trying to use a common card, which is very troublesome.

Further, when trying to use a common card, there is a possibility that once the card is taken out of the pachinko game store, the card is falsified or forged, and the card is used at another game store.

The present invention has been made under the above-described background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a system in which a game can be played by using a card (storage medium), in which a single card can be used at any game store. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game system which can play a game based on valuable information held by the company and can prevent damages to tampering or forgery of a card.

[Means for Solving the Invention]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a storage medium issuing device (eg, a card issuing machine 200) for issuing a storage medium storing at least identification information (eg, a card number).
And a storage device that has a storage medium processing device (for example, a control unit 160) and enables a game based on value information (for example, money amount information) held by a storage medium inserted into the storage medium processing device. (For example, pachinko machine 100),
A management unit configured to be communicable with the storage medium issuing device and the gaming device, and including a storage unit (for example, a main storage device M-MEM) that stores value information held by a storage medium corresponding to the identification information. The device (400) is installed in each of a plurality of game stores, and the management device of each game store and a central management device other than the game store (for example, a central management center CNT) can communicate with each other. In a gaming system, a storage medium issued by a storage medium issuing device of another amusement store is brought into one of the amusement stores, and a game can be performed based on value information held by the storage medium. In this case, the communication between the management device of the game store where the storage medium is brought in and the central management device confirms the correctness of the information on the storage medium, and the management of the game store where the storage medium is brought in. The value information held by the storage medium in the storage means in the device memory to allow the game in the game arcade (for example, step S42 to S44) was set to be.

[Action]

According to the above means, when a storage medium issued by another game store is brought in and a game is enabled based on the value information held by the storage medium, the game store to which the storage medium is brought Management devices communicate with the central management device,
In order to check the information related to the card as the storage medium and enable the player to play at the game store where the storage medium was brought in, the player can play the game at any game store using the value information held by the card. As well as prevent fraudulent acts on the card.

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

In other words, this gaming system divides the whole country into a plurality of blocks, and for each block,
Each of the district management centers BMC is set up as a relay station that manages the district management center BMC, and the district management center BMC and each of the amusement shops HALL under the umbrella are connected by a public telephone line or a dedicated line. The storage medium is connected to a central management center CNT of a card issuer (for example, a card management company).

The data processing device 470 of each district management center BMC is connected to the management device in each amusement store HALL or the control device of the card issuing machine, and issuance when a card is issued (purchased) by each card issuing machine. The card number and the amount of the card received are transmitted to the central management center CNT together with the date of issuance, and when there is a sales request from each of the amusement stores after one business day, it is transmitted to the central management center CNT.

Upon receiving the "card issue", the data processing device 450 of the central management center CNT searches the issued card file, checks the card number with the game store number and updates the file. Is searched and the amount of money in the file is compared with the amount of sales of the charged card to determine a use price, and a use price file is created for each hall. If the card has a balance, the card file is updated.

The operation method of the card in the system of this embodiment is as follows.
First, the central management center CNT issues a card with a fixed amount of money (for example, 1000 yen, 5000 yen, 10000 yen, etc.), each game store collectively purchases cards from the central management center, and is placed in its own store. Replenish the card to each issuing machine and report to the Central Management Center when the card is actually purchased. 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, transfers money to the designated account via the network of financial institutions based on the usage fee file, and adjusts the sales between the amusement stores by making a withdrawal. I am trying to do it.

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

The game equipment of this embodiment includes a pachinko machine 100 as a game device and a card CD purchased from a central management center CNT.
A card issuing machine 200 as a storage medium issuing device that prints and issues an issuance date on a card, a card settlement machine 300 for clearing a prize ball obtained as a result of a game, and the above various terminals are centrally managed. , The management device 400 to control, and this management device 400
And a data transmission line 500 for organically connecting each terminal, and these constitute an organic combined body. In this gaming system, intervention is possible only by the card CD, and operation of the card and conversion of valuable data thereof are possible only by a system connected to each other. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 as each component of the system
0, card issuing machine 200, card settlement machine 300 and management device 4
00 is provided with a card reader (in this specification, a card reader that writes data on a magnetic surface of a card is also referred to as a card reader), and information of the card and information of each terminal are stored in the management device 400. Is stored in the form of a file in the storage device. Further, in this embodiment, although not connected to the management device 400 via the transmission path 500, a card collection machine is provided as a component of the game facility device.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the card CD used in the system of the present embodiment includes information necessary for the player such as a purchase amount AM, an issue date (= valid date) DATE, and a card number n. And the like are provided along the card insertion direction (the longitudinal direction of the card). A plurality of types of cards, which are printed in advance at the central management center CNT, are prepared, and when issued, the date of issue is printed and discharged.

Immediately above the print display unit PRT, there is provided a punch hole forming unit PH for displaying the used amount of the card 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 as identification information, an unused amount (coincides with a purchase amount when issued), a security code, and the like.

Further, in the card 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, in the longitudinal direction of the card. Is provided along, to prevent the surface of the card, especially the magnetic recording portion MG having important information used for the determination of the card by contact with the transport roller, to prevent damage to the print display portion PRT, The information can be prevented from becoming unreadable.

The pachinko machines constituting the above system are of a sealed ball circulation type, and each pachinko machine 100 is arranged on an island facility or the like above the game machine main body in a one-to-one correspondence with the pachinko machine. As shown in FIG. 4, a control unit 160 is provided as a storage medium processing device for reading cards and collecting operation data of the gaming machine.

At the bottom of each pachinko machine 100, a ball launching device that launches one enclosed ball into the game area one by one and its operation dial 104
Is provided above the operation dial 104, a money amount display 111, a ball number display 112, and a purchase switch for enabling a procedure for starting a game using the card.
An operation panel 110 including a 113, an interruption switch 114, an end switch 115, a game state indicator 116, and the like 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 an instruction switch for converting this into a game ball in units of 200 yen or the like within a range of the amount of the card assuming insertion of the card into the card reader built in the control unit 160, The converted game balls are the number of possessed balls. The remaining amount of the card is displayed on the amount display 111 in units of 100 yen as one unit, and 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 the ball 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 turned on at any time when the player wants to end the game (including when the player wants to change the game console), so that the control unit 160 can eject the card in use. At that time, the control unit 160 records the remaining amount of money and the number of possessed balls (sum of purchased balls and acquired balls) of the player at that time in the magnetic recording unit MG of the card, and then ejects the card. Also, suspend switch 114
Is a switch that the player does not intend to stop playing at the game machine currently playing, but is used to temporarily stop the game for a break, and when this switch is operated, the control unit 160 Once the card is ejected, the system enters a standby state until the same card is inserted again, during which no other cards are accepted. At this time, the remaining amount and the number of balls are recorded on the card and discharged. The purchase switch 113 among the above 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”.

5 and 6 show examples of the structure of the card issuing machine 200.

The card issuing machine 200 of this embodiment includes a bill identifying device 210 for identifying bills for card purchase, and an issuing device 700 for selecting a card having an amount corresponding to the inserted bill, printing the issue date on the card, and issuing the card. And a bill dispensing device 230 for dispensing bills as change, and a unit control device 280 for performing data communication between the various indicators 221 to 225 and the control and management device 400 of the entire card issuing machine 200. Have been.

Corresponding to the bill identification device 210, a bill insertion slot 211, a purchase selection switch group 212 and a price display amount 213 are provided on a front panel 201 which can be freely opened and closed. When more bills are inserted, the inserted amount is displayed on the amount indicator 213. Then, by pressing a switch corresponding to a desired purchase price from the purchase selection switch group 212, a card corresponding to the desired purchase price is issued from the card ejection port 202 of the issuing device 700. Each of the purchase selection switch groups 212 is constituted by a switch with a built-in lamp, and when a bill is inserted, switches that can be selected within the 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 refunding the balance stores the bill. It has a bill tank, and is configured to discharge bills corresponding to the balance from a bill payout port 232 provided on the front panel 201.

A front panel 201 of the card issuing machine 200 has an issuing lamp 22 indicating that the card is ready to be issued.
1, an issuance stop lamp 222 indicating a card issue disabled state, a bill insertion indicator 2 indicating whether or not a bill can be accepted into the bill insertion slot 211
23, card issuance display to notify card issuance status 22
4. A bill dispensing indicator 225 is provided to inform the dispensing state of the balance.

Further, the card issuing machine 200 according to the present embodiment distinguishes each of a plurality of (several tens) issuing machines installed in a game arcade, so that the managing device 400 can identify the issuing machine that has issued a specific card. The setting unit 205 is provided internally, and the unit number set by the setting unit 205 is sent to the management device 400 to generate a transmission address at the time of data communication and for each issuing machine. Used to create data files.

On the other hand, the issuance device 700 is provided on the front panel 201 by selecting cards that are stocked for each amount in a plurality of card tanks 701, taking out the cards one by one, printing the issue date on a printing device, and providing the issue date. It is discharged from the card issuing port 202. Information on the issued card is recorded in a file in the management device 400.

 FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the card settlement machine 300.

The card settlement machine 300 of the present embodiment has the inserted card C
A card reader for reading the card number and the amount of money recorded in the magnetic recording unit of D, the number of balls, etc., a printer for issuing a receipt printed with the number of balls held by the game, various displays 303, 304, 341, 342 and a card settlement machine 300
It is composed of a unit control device and the like for performing overall control.

The card settlement machine 300 is configured such that the upper panel 301 can be turned up and down, and corresponding to the card settlement device 310,
A card insertion slot 302 is provided at the front end of the upper surface panel 301, and a ball number display 303 for displaying the number of obtained prize balls (number of possessed balls) and an amount for redeeming a prize ball are provided on the upper surface of the upper panel 301. An amount indicator 304 for displaying is provided. Moreover, the card settlement machine 300 of this embodiment has a flat top 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, of which 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. Also,
A display reset switch 305 for clearing the display on the display to “0” is provided near the rear of the upper surface of the upper panel 301. When a player first inserts a card through the card insertion slot 302, the card reader in the card settlement machine 300 reads the card number, the amount, and the number of balls recorded on the magnetic surface of the card CD, and displays the number of balls indicator 303. And the card number is sent to the management device to confirm the file, and then the printer issues a receipt on which the unused amount, the number of acquired balls, the history data and the like are printed. If the balance of the card after the settlement is zero, it will be confiscated in the internal card collection tank.

Further, the card settlement machine 300 of this embodiment incorporates a bill dispenser for dispensing bills and a coin dispenser for dispensing 100 yen coins so that prize balls can be redeemed or an unused amount can be settled. The front panel 306 has a bill outlet 322 corresponding to the dispenser, and a coin outlet 3 corresponding to the coin dispenser.
26 are provided.

Further, on the upper surface of the upper panel 301 of the card settlement machine 300, a settlement in progress lamp 34 indicating that the card settlement is being performed.
1. A payment stop lamp 342 is provided to indicate a card payment disabled state.

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

The management device 400 includes a master control device 401 storing a main storage device M-MEM, a transmission control device SCC, and the like as storage means including a central processing unit CPU and a semiconductor memory (RAM) of a minicomputer class; It comprises a floppy disk storage device (auxiliary storage device 2) 402 as an auxiliary storage device provided above the 401, a hard disk storage device (auxiliary storage device 1) 403, and a personal computer 410. Also, the personal computer 410
A CRT display device 411 for displaying messages and collected data,
It has a console 412 for the operator to give commands and setting data, has a built-in CPU and timer TMR (including a calendar), and is connected to the central processing unit in the master controller 401 via communication lines and interrupt lines. Local processing unit 41
3 and a printer 414 for printing collected data and the like.

To couple the local processing device 413 and the central processing unit CPU, serial communication control devices 406a and 406b are provided in the master control device 401. Among them, the communication control device 406
a is used for normal communication, and 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 is generated by a card issuing device 700 or a pachinko machine that issues a test card capable of starting the pachinko machine in a state separated from the system, which is unique to the pachinko gaming system. Box 420 with built-in auxiliary printer 408 that prints in real time emergency information generated by the system such as "stop"
And an auxiliary power supply device 409 are provided adjacent to the master control device 401. The auxiliary printers 408 of the card issuing device 700 are connected to the central processing unit CPU via the communication control devices 406c and 406d, respectively. The card issuing device 700 uses the same configuration as the card issuing device 700 in the card issuing machine 200. 202 is the card issuing port.

The auxiliary power supply 409 is provided when the power failure occurs.
Operating data of all terminals volatilely stored in
In order to transfer all issued card data to the hard disk storage device 403 for protection, at least 10
Backup for about a minute so that the management device can operate.

In FIG. 9, the symbol SCC1 is the network 500
SCC2 is a transmission control device for enabling data transmission to and from each terminal via a public telephone line or the like and a data processing device of a central management center via a public telephone line or the like.

In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 100 is mainly used.
And card issuing machine 200, card settlement machine 300 and management device 40
Although a system consisting of zeros will be described, the in-store broadcasting device, prize exchange device, vending machine, and the like can also be extended to a system in which the management device 400 is controlled. In particular, there is a possibility that the prize exchange device can easily realize a system in which a prize can be exchanged directly without using the card and passing through the checkout machine 300.

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

FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of the console 412. FIG. 1B shows the upper surface of the console, that is, the panel surface, and FIG. 1A shows the rear surface of the console.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 421 denotes a store opening switch for instructing the start of business for each terminal of the system, and reference numeral 422 denotes a store close switch for instructing the end of business.
After the 421 is turned on, the card can be operated in each terminal until the store closing switch 422 is turned on. Reference numeral 423 denotes a system end switch for storing the operation data of all terminals in the floppy disk storage device 402 after the business is closed and instructing the management device to stop the control.

The store opening switch 421, store closing switch 422, and system end switch 423 are particularly important switches for the present system, and are provided behind (upward in the figure) in order to prevent easy operation during system operation. Key switch 420 is linked to the key switch 420
Each switch 421 to 424 must be turned on by turning 20
Can not be turned on by operating.

Reference numerals 425, 426, and 427 denote ten keys, a return key, and a delete key similar to those provided on a console of a normal personal computer or the like.

On the other hand, reference numeral 428 denotes a display menu switch for giving an instruction to display data related to the card and operation data of each terminal on the screen of the CRT display device 411, and reference numeral 429 denotes a CRT clear switch for requesting deletion of data displayed on the CRT display device. It is. Reference numeral 430 denotes a print menu switch for giving a command to cause the printer 414 to print data on the card, operation data of each terminal, and the like. 432 is a setting switch for requesting the setting of the number of hits or the hitting mode in the pachinko machine, and 433 is hitting, that is, the game cannot be continued because the prize balls of the set hitting number are paid out. A stop release switch 434 for giving a command to release the stop state of pachinko machines that have been shut down, forcibly shuts down terminals by type at the end of business, normal control and data collection due to communication network abnormalities, etc. Forced termination switch for forcibly terminating all terminals if disabled, or forcibly stopping a specific terminal if a player is found to be fraudulent, 43
Reference numeral 5 denotes an end release switch for releasing the forcibly stopped terminal, and reference numeral 439 denotes a date and time setting switch. Further, the console 412 of the embodiment includes a buzzer 440 that generates a sound urging 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. Is provided. 431a and 431
b is a spare switch prepared in anticipation that the function of the management device 400 will be expanded in the future, and can be used as a switch 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 figure are switches with built-in lamps. Lights up. However, the lamp in the buzzer stop switch 436 is linked with the buzzer, lights up while the buzzer is sounding, and the stop switch 43
Turns off when 6 is pressed.

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

In the system of this embodiment, although not particularly limited, the pachinko machine 100, the card issuing machine 200, and the card settlement machine 300 are all under the control of the management device 400. Can not work with Therefore, when the system is started up, the management apparatus 400 gives setting values to all terminals and initializes them.
In addition, prior to this initialization, the terminal number is collected from each terminal to enable data transmission, and one by one.
Form two transmission addresses. During the operation of the system, operation data of all terminals is collected in real time and stored in the main memory M ^ MEM.

In other words, since the number of terminals under the control of the management device 400 is large, the response becomes slow if all control is performed by the management device.Therefore, a distributed processing method in which some processing is entrusted to the unit control device of the terminal is performed. It employs a regular data collection to collect data for all terminals and monitor the operating status.

Further, 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 files FL1 to FL5 except for the transmission address file FL6 are saved in the hard disk HDD (auxiliary) storage device 403 at the time of power failure. Further, data files relating to the terminals, ie, pachinko machine files (hereinafter referred to as P machine files) FL2, issuing machine files FL3, and settlement machine files FL4 are stored in the floppy disk FDD (auxiliary storage device 402) at the end of business hours as daily report files. The data is then provided for monthly operation data tallying.

Further, the set value file FL5 and the transmission address file FL6 are stored in the hard disk storage device H when the system starts up.
From the HD, it is loaded into the main memory M-MEM, and if there is a change, it is saved in the hard disk storage HHD.

The setting value file is loaded into a common data area provided in the main storage device M-MEM. The common data area is an area serving as a working area of the central processing unit CPU, and stores a system mode, a power failure flag, and the like 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.

The data processing device 450 of the central management center CNT has substantially the same configuration as the master control device 401 of the management device 400 of the game arcade. That is, it comprises 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, which comprises a semiconductor storage 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 compiling data for managing the system. Data communication between the second auxiliary storage device 453, the communication control devices 454 and 455 as interfaces for connecting the console 461 or printer 462 such as a keyboard and the central processing unit CPU, and the data processing device 470 of the district management center BMC. And a transmission control device 456 for performing the transmission.

Data processing device 470 of district management center BMC shown in FIG.
The hardware configuration is almost the same as 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 affiliation. Transmission control device 47 for performing data communication between control device 477 and data processing devices of other district management centers.
8 only.

Next, the gaming arcade HA configuring the network shown in FIG.
The processing contents of the management device 400 and the data processing devices 450 and 470 relating to card operation by the LL, the district management center BMC, and the central management center CNT will be described.

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

When the amount is specified by the selection switch after the bill is inserted into the card issuing machine 200, the card of the corresponding amount is stored in the tank 70.
After taking out the card from number 1 and reading the card number with a card reader to check the amount, a "card purchase" packet containing the card number and the amount is sent to the management device 400.
When the management device 400 receives this packet, it searches for a card file preset in the main storage device and confirms that the card is a legitimate card set in the issuing machine (switch S1).

Next, the management device 400 notifies the data processing device 450 of the central management center CNT of the card issuance. At this time, the number and amount of the card to be issued are also transmitted (switch S
2). Then, the central management center 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 store waits for a response from the central management center, and if there is an ACK, calculates the sales amount (accumulates the amount of the issued card) and updates the sales file (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.) for storing the operation data of the card issuing machine
Is updated, and an ACK packet is transmitted to the card issuing machine 200 (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, the card issuance is notified to the central management center CNT in step S2, and when the NAK is returned as a response, the NAK packet is transmitted to the card issuing machine 200 to stop the ejection of the card (steps S9 and S10).

However, in order to prevent the concentration of card issuance from the amusement store to the central management center CNT, if a method of periodically notifying the issuance of a plurality of cards is adopted, as shown by a broken line A, An ACK packet is returned to the card issuing machine to update the file for the time being without waiting for a response from the management center, and when the NAK is returned from the management center, the fact is indicated along with the invalid card number on the CRT display screen. You may make it display above.

FIG. 14 shows that the management device 400 of the amusement store has the card settlement machine 300
The following shows a processing procedure when a “card settlement” packet is received.

When a card is inserted into the card insertion slot 302, the card settlement machine 300 reads the card number and unused money recorded on the card with an internal card reader, and sends a “card settlement” packet to the management device 400. come.

When the management device 400 receives this packet, it searches the card file in the main storage device using the card number and checks whether the file of the card exists, and if there is no file, sends a NAK packet to the card settlement machine 300 (Steps S21, S22, S29). Then, the checkout machine 300 inserts the card taken into the internal card reader as it is into the card slot 30.
Return to 2 and refuse to settle. 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 to be viewed, 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 S24). . Next, it is checked whether or not the amount read from the card matches the number of balls (step S25).
Jump to and return a NAK packet to the card settlement machine 300.
In the gaming system of this embodiment, all pachinko machines 100
Is connected to the management device 400, and the data of the card when the game is ended or interrupted is sent from the game to the management device and stored in the card file, so the check in step S25 is performed, In a system in which such data is not sent from the pachinko machine to the management device, 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 payment amount, etc.) in the file of the payment machine.
Is rewritten, and an ACK packet is transmitted to the card settlement machine 300 (steps S27 and S28). Then, the card settlement machine 300 issues a receipt on which the number of prize balls and the like are printed, and returns the adjusted card to the card insertion slot 302.

At this time, if the unused amount of the settlement card is zero, the card may be confiscated inside. In the case where the management device 400 is configured to not collect data on the card from the pachinko machine 100, the unused amount of the card received from the card settlement machine 300 is written in the card file in the step S26. It may be.

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

When a card is inserted into the pachinko machine 100, the control device of the pachinko machine sends a "card-in" packet containing the card number and the amount to the management device 400. When receiving this packet, the management device 400 searches for a card file using the received card number, and when the file of the card is not found, a file of the card is newly created and received in the file. The unused amount of the card is written (steps S41 to S44). 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.

On the other hand, when the card file is found in step S42, the process proceeds to step S51 to read the data of the card, and when both the amount and the number of balls are zero, the pachinko machine
A NAK packet is sent to 0 (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 (operation state, card number, etc.) in the pachinko machine file is rewritten, and then an ACK packet is sent to the pachinko machine 100. (Steps S46 and S47).

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

FIG. 16 shows an interruption switch 114 or an end switch 115 in the pachinko machine 100 in which the game has been started as described above.
9 shows a processing procedure of the management device 400 when is turned on.

Pachinko machine 100 is interrupt switch 114 or end switch
When 115 is turned on, a packet containing the number of the playing card and the unused amount is sent to the management device 400. When the management apparatus 400 receives this packet, it searches for a card file using the card number in the packet and reads the data of the card (switches 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 is obtained, added to the data of the sales file, and stored (switches S63, S64). Then, the received number of balls and the amount of money are written in the card file, the card state is changed if necessary, and the data (operating state, etc.) in the pachinko machine file is rewritten, and then an ACK packet is sent to the pachinko machine 100 (step S65). ~ S67). When the control unit 160 of the pachinko machine 100 receives the ACK, the card reader rewrites the unused amount of the card and then ejects the card.

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

When the data processing device 470 receives the data transmission from the management device 400 of the amusement store, the data processing device 470 searches the address file using the hall number given to each of the amusement stores, and confirms that the amusement store is under its own umbrella. Then, the address of the transmission destination (central management center) 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 the game is transmitted from a game store other than its own subsidiary, a NAK (negative response) is returned to the transmission source (step S10).
Five).

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

When a card is issued in the card issuing machine 200 installed in each game store, a message notifying the card issuance is sent from the management device 400 of the game store to the card processing device 450 (see step S52 in FIG. 13). .

When the data processing device 450 receives the above message,
The issued card file in the main storage device 451 is searched using the card number in the message (step S201). This issued card file may be created when the central management center hands over the card to the game store, and may store the card number, the amount, the name of the game store, and the like.

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 (negative response) is returned to the management apparatus 400 of the game shop (step).
S208).

On the other hand, if a file with the same card number is found and the amounts match, the process moves to step S204, where the card status in the card file is changed from unissued to issued, and the name of the gaming store that issued the card is written. Then, the use price file is searched using the hall number indicating the amusement store, the number and the amount of the issued card are written, the accumulated value of the issued amount is obtained up to that time, and it is recorded and stored as a sales amount in the file ( Steps S206 and S207).

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.

The sales request message contains the numbers and usage amounts of all the cards used in the game at the amusement store, the usage amount, and the total usage fee, and transmits the message.

When the data processing device 450 receives this message,
The issued card file is searched (step S211), and the number of the card to be charged is compared with the state and the amount of the card. If there is a money used which is larger than the (unused money), a NAK is transmitted to the game store (steps S212 and S221). This can eliminate fraudulent charges.

On the other hand, if all the card numbers pertaining to the bill are present and the card status and the usage amount are normal, the process proceeds to step S213, and 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 process of FIG. 18 is compared with the sales amount in the message (step S214). If so, the process proceeds to step S215, where the usage price, that is, the sum of the usage amount and the sales amount are compared. As a result, when the usage fee is larger, that is, when 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 amusement arcade, the difference is determined and the payment amount is determined and used. Write to the price file (step
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 billed 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).

As a result, the unused amount of all issued cards can be ascertained every day, and when a request is made for the same card from another game store or from the same store at a later date,
It is possible to avoid paying more than the usage fee already settled. 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. It should be noted that the central management center CNT transmits the above usage fee file to the financial institution and transfers the payment amount to the designated account, thereby executing the settlement. This settlement 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.
The report may be sent to the card issuing center at the same time as the request for the usage fee after the business day.

In the above embodiment, the central management center CNT is a card with a fixed amount of money (for example, 1000 yen, 5000 yen, 10000 yen, etc.).
, And each game store purchases cards from the central management center collectively, replenishes the card to each issuing machine located in its own store, and reports to the central management center when the card is actually purchased The central management center manages all card issuing machines installed in each amusement store, and the amusement store manages only the amount spent on pachinko machines. You may make it report to.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the game equipment device in which the unused amount is recorded on the card is described. However, only the identification code is recorded on the card, and the amount and the number of balls are stored and managed in a file of the management device. It can also be applied to systems with

Further, in the above embodiment, the money information and the game information are managed by one management device 400, but two management devices (including the control device) that separately manage the money information and the game information are used. For example, information may be divided into two systems and managed separately.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, when a card as a storage medium issued at another game store is brought in, the management device of the game store communicates with the central management device, In order to check the information related to the card so that it can be used at the game store, the player can play the game at any game store using the value information held by the card, and can prevent fraudulent acts on the card. .

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the operation of pachinko gaming cards, and can be used when it is desired to operate a prepaid card in an arrangement ball, a slot machine, and other game systems.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a card operation system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a card type pachinko gaming system, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a configuration example, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a pachinko machine constituting a card-type gaming system, and FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a card issuing machine also constituting a card-type gaming system. 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 constituting a card-type gaming system, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a management device constituting the card-type gaming system, FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the management device, and FIGS. 10 (A) and (B) are keyboard configurations of the management device. Show an example FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a data processing device of a central management center. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a data processing device of a district management center. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a “card purchase” packet is received by the management apparatus of the amusement store. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a “card settlement” packet is received. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a “card-in” packet. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a "suspend switch" or "end switch" packet is received, and 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 procedure for processing a "card issuance" message in the data processing device of the central management center. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a procedure for processing a “sales request” message in the data processing device of the central management center. 100… Pachinko machine, 113… Purchase switch, 114 …… Stop switch, 115 …… End switch, 160 …… Control unit, 200 …… Card issuing machine, 300 …… Card settlement machine, 400
…… Management device, 450,470 …… Data processing device.

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A storage medium issuing device for issuing at least a storage medium in which identification information is stored, and a storage medium processing device, based on value information held by the storage medium inserted into the storage medium processing device. And a storage device configured to be able to communicate with the storage medium issuing device and the game device, and storing value information held by a storage medium in correspondence with the identification information. A game system in which devices and are installed in a plurality of game stores, respectively, and the management device of each game store and a central management device other than the game store are configured to be communicable. In a store, when a storage medium issued by a storage medium issuing device of another game store is brought in and a game can be performed based on value information held by the storage medium, The communication between the management device of the game store where the medium is brought in and the central management device checks whether the information related to the storage medium is correct, and stores the information in the storage means in the management device of the game store where the storage medium is brought in. A gaming system, characterized in that value information held by a storage medium is stored so as to be playable at the gaming shop.