JP3044589U - Prepaid card usage management device for pachinko machines or rotating-type game machines - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] (Correction) [Problem] To improve the reliability against unauthorized use of prepaid cards, inquire about the contents of the card by the local computer at the store where the card is used, and collect sales by each store. to enable. SOLUTION: With the purchase of a prepaid card, a family register such as a unique card number given to each card is given to a local computer 17 installed in a store, and the selling amount is recorded. Similar data is recorded in the host computer of the center via the communication line 19. On the other hand, if the card is used at a card store or chain store, it is determined whether or not the card can be used by inquiring the card number to the local computer, and if possible, the card is used by the local computer. Perform balance management. Also, depending on the host computer,
Summarize the sales results of each card store.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

 INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can improve the reliability against unauthorized use of a prepaid card that has been altered or tampered with, and at the same time, can analyze the sales of prepaid cards at each pachinko game machine or spinning drum type. The present invention relates to a prepaid card use management device for amusement machines and the like.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 It is well known that a sales system that uses prepaid card with prepaid payment is adopted in a wide range of fields such as telephone business and transportation business, and in recent years, for example, at amusement facilities such as pachinko parlors. However, such a sales system has been adopted. For example, in the pachinko amusement park mentioned above, a ball lending machine with a prepaid card is installed next to each pachinko machine, and a prepaid card is inserted into the prepaid card insertion slot of this ball lending machine and button operation is performed. By this, the rental balls are provided to the upper plate of the pachinko machine in a predetermined amount of money. Similarly, at a pachinko amusement park, a multi-digit numerical value (or a pattern, etc.) rotates mechanically or electronically, and these rotating multiple digits are manually stopped to make each digit a predetermined combination. In the event that the number of medals invested has risen, a rotating body type amusement machine will be installed that will provide a predetermined number of medals as a prize. In this spinning drum type amusement machine as well, a medal lending machine using a prepaid card is installed next to the spinning drum type amusement machine, and the prepaid card is inserted into the prepaid card insertion slot of this medal lending machine and the button is pressed. By operating the system, the medals are lent in units of a predetermined amount.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-115612 discloses a card management system that can be used in the above-mentioned play facilities. This card management system records the card's original amount (the amount when the card was purchased), the available balance of the card, and the punch holes for the card. The computer (the control unit 510 in the publication) arranged in the store of the amusement facility reads the three pieces of information and executes the calculation of (1) original amount of money ≥ card balance (2) card balance> punch hole information There is. Therefore, the card is determined to be normal (not a modified card) only when the two calculation results are correct.

However, in the above-mentioned condition judgment, there is room for fraud, and for this reason, alteration, forgery and falsification of the prepaid card are endless. To prevent this, fraudulent use can be prevented by confirming the true balance of the prepaid card. In other words, the prepaid card has a family register, and this family register is formed by selectively using numbers, codes, symbols, etc., and when registering the card, the content of the family register is registered with the host computer of the center. It is necessary to inquire about the family register content from the host computer each time the card is used.

[0005]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 By the way, according to the above-mentioned configuration, each time each store uses a prepaid card, an inquiry is made to the host computer of the center as to whether the card can be used. That is, not only does the frequency of use of the line network become enormous, but also the host computer in the center becomes a huge amount of data processing, and the response to the automatic lending machine (ball lending machine or medal lending machine) by the prepaid card of each store The response is long, and there is a problem that it hinders quick sales.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the conventional ones, and can cope with illegal use of a card in an automatic lending machine by a prepaid card and can respond to a response to a vending machine. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a prepaid card usage management device for a pachinko game machine or a rotating drum type game machine, etc., in which the sales amount of each prepaid card can be properly calculated. It is a sipping thing.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 A prepaid card use management device for a pachinko game machine or a spinning machine according to the present invention, which has been made to achieve the above-mentioned object, at least for each prepaid card when selling the prepaid card. A first recording means for giving a family register represented by a given unique card number, code, symbol, etc., and recording the sales amount of the card to a local computer at the store that sold the prepaid card. With the sale of the prepaid card, at least the second recording means for recording the issuer code of the issuer of the prepaid card and the sales amount of the card to the host computer of the center through the communication line, and the prepaid card. The prepaid card is used at the retail store where it was sold or at its chain store. In this case, the local computer is inquired about the card number and the available balance of the card to permit the use of the prepaid card within the range of the available balance, and the available card remaining amount corresponding to the card number is updated. And a third recording means for writing to the local computer.

In addition, the prepaid card use management device in the pachinko game machine or the spinning drum type game machine according to the present invention is a unique card given to at least each prepaid card when selling the prepaid card. A first recording means for recording the sales amount of the card together with a number, a code, a symbol, etc. to a local computer in a store that sells the prepaid card, and at least issuing the prepaid card with the sale of the prepaid card. The second recording means for recording the issuing code of the store and the sales amount of the card to the host computer of the center through the communication line, and the prepaid card is used in the store that sold the prepaid card or in the chain store thereof. The local computer The card number and available balance of the card are inquired with to permit the use of the prepaid card within the range of the available balance, and the updated available card balance corresponding to the card number is sent to the local computer. A third recording means for writing to the host computer and an aggregation function for aggregating the card sales amount for each issuing store code recorded in the host computer by the second recording means are provided.

Further, the prepaid card use management device in the pachinko game machine according to the present invention is such that when the prepaid card is used, the prepaid card held by the customer is sold by the store itself or sold by another store. If the card accepting machine that verifies that the prepaid card is sold by its own store is inspected by the card accepting machine, the usable balance of the prepaid card is inquired. To inquire about the available balance of the prepaid card when the prepaid card is determined to be sold by another store by the local computer installed in the store and the card reception machine Host computer installed in the center of When the available balance inquired by the computer does not match, and when the available balance inquired by the host computer does not match, the prepaid card is configured to refuse to use the ball lending machine.

In this case, the ball lending machine is provided with a card insertion / return port, reads the data of the prepaid card inserted in the card insertion / return port, and inquires to the local computer, and the prepaid card is sold by the store. If it is determined that the prepaid card was sold on the same day as the prepaid card, the prepaid card is recorded on the local computer without the prepaid card being verified by the card receiving machine. It is configured to allow the ball lending machine to operate within the balance of the prepaid card.

Further, in this case, when it is determined that the prepaid card verified by the card accepting machine is sold by the store, and the available balances ascertained by the local computer match, , The data allowing the use of the ball lending machine at the store on the day is written to the prepaid card, and the operation of the ball lending machine is allowed within the range of the balance of the prepaid card recorded in the local computer. Is composed of.

Further, in this case, when it is determined that the prepaid card verified by the card acceptance machine is sold by another store, the available balance is transferred to the host computer installed in the center. If the inquiries show that the available balances match, the prepaid card recorded on the host computer is written with the data authorizing the use of the ball lending machine at the store on the day on the prepaid card. It is configured to allow the operation of the ball lending machine within the balance of the balance.

In this prepaid card use management device for the pachinko game machine, the host computer installed in the center further includes the available balance of each prepaid card issued and managed by the card issuing company. A computer in which data is stored is connected, and the host computer installed in the center is used as a slave terminal to inquire the available balance of each prepaid card to the computer managed by the card issuing company.

Furthermore, the prepaid card use management device in the spinning machine according to the present invention is such that, when the prepaid card is used, whether the prepaid card held by the customer is sold by the store or other Inquires about the available balance of the prepaid card when the card acceptance machine that verifies whether the prepaid card is sold by the store and when the prepaid card is determined to be sold by the store by the card acceptance machine To inquire about the available balance of the prepaid card when the prepaid card is determined to be sold by another store by the local computer installed in the store and the card accepting machine. Host computer installed in the center of the When the usable balance inquired by the computer does not match, or when the usable balance inquired by the host computer does not match, use of the medal lending machine or the like by the prepaid card is refused.

In this case, the medal lending machine is provided with a card insertion / return slot, and the data of the prepaid card inserted in the card insertion / return slot is read out to refer to the local computer, and the prepaid card is sold at the store. If the prepaid card is sold on the same day as the prepaid card, the prepaid card is recorded on the local computer without the prepaid card being verified by the card accepting machine. It is configured to allow the operation of the medal lending machine within the remaining amount of the prepaid card.

Further, in this case, when it is determined that the prepaid card verified by the card accepting machine is sold by the store, and the usable balances that are looked up by the local computer match, , The data allowing the use of the medal lending machine at the store on that day is written to the prepaid card, and the operation of the medal lending machine is allowed within the range of the balance of the prepaid card recorded on the local computer. Is composed of.

Further, in this case, when it is determined that the prepaid card verified by the card acceptance machine is sold by another store, the usable balance is transferred to the host computer installed in the center. If the inquiries show that the available balances match, the prepaid card recorded on the host computer is written with the data authorizing the use of the ball lending machine at the store on the day on the prepaid card. It is configured to allow the operation of the medal lending machine within the range of the remaining amount of money.

Then, in the prepaid card use management device in the spinning-type game machine, the host computer installed in the center further manages the usable balance of each issued prepaid card managed by the card issuing company. A computer in which the data including the data is stored is connected, and the host computer installed in the center is used as a slave terminal to inquire the available balance of each prepaid card to the computer managed by the card issuing company.

According to the prepaid card use management device in the above-mentioned pachinko game machine or spinning drum type game machine, when the prepaid card is sold, each prepaid card has a card-specific family register such as a store. And ask the host computer whether it can be used only when a card issued by another store is used. If the store and the amusement park used are the same, it can be used, and the record of prepaid card sales to local computers managed by the prepaid card store or its chain store unit. The local computer also sends the same data to the host computer in the center via the communication line, and the sales record is also registered in the host computer. Then, in the local computer managed in each store, it is determined whether or not the prepaid card can be used at the store by inquiring about the family register of the card, and if it is determined that the prepaid card can be used, the local computer It acts to allow the operation of the ball lending machine or the medal lending machine within the range of the card available balance corresponding to the stored card number.

Further, according to the above-described prepaid card use management device, when using the prepaid card, the prepaid card held by the customer is operated by the card acceptance machine connected to the local computer managed by the prepaid card store. It is verified whether the product was sold by itself or by another store. If it is determined by the inquiry to the local computer that the prepaid card is sold by the store, the local computer is further inquired about the available balance of the prepaid card, and the use of the card is used. If the available balances do not match, the use of the prepaid card is refused. Also, if it is determined by inquiry to the local computer that the prepaid card is sold by another store, the prepaid card can be used for the host computer installed in the center via the communication line. When the balance is inquired and the usable balance of the card does not match, it acts to refuse the use of the ball lending machine or the medal lending machine by the prepaid card.

In this case, when it is determined that the prepaid card inserted in the card insertion / return port provided in the ball lending machine or the medal lending machine is sold at the shop on the day, the card reception It operates to allow the operation of the ball lending machine or the medal lending machine within the range of the balance of the prepaid card recorded on the local computer without the verification of the prepaid card by the machine.

In addition, when it is verified by the card accepting machine that the prepaid card is sold by the store and used on the day other than the same day, when the usable balances inquired by the local computer match, , Act to allow the operation of the ball lending machine or the medal lending machine within the range of the balance of the prepaid card recorded on the local computer.

Further, in this case, when it is verified by the card accepting machine that the prepaid card is sold by another store, when the available balance inquired by the host computer is the same, , Acts to allow the operation of the ball lending machine or the medal lending machine within the range of the balance of the prepaid card recorded in the host computer.

As another embodiment, a computer managed by the card issuing company is further connected to the host computer installed in the center, and the host computer installed in the center is used as a slave terminal by the card issuing company. Acts to inquire the available balance of the card to the managing computer.

Therefore, the unauthorized use of most of the prepaid cards can be dealt with by the local computer managed by the card store or the chain store unit. Then, only when it is determined that the card was sold at another store, the host computer installed in the center or the computer managed by the card issuing company is used as a slave terminal for the prepaid card. Try to deal with unauthorized use of the card. In this way, if it is determined that the card is sold by the store, the available balance of the card should be checked on the local computer managed by the store where the card is sold. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of inquiries to the center's host computer. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the line from being complicated to the host computer of the center, as compared to the case where the balance host inquires about the host computer in all, and the automatic lending machine (ball lending machine or medal lending machine) of each store is prevented. The response response to the machine can be achieved well. In addition, the sales performance of prepaid cards at each store can be properly aggregated by the host computer installed in the center.

[0026]

[Embodiment of the invention]

 Hereinafter, a prepaid card use management device for a pachinko game machine, a spinning drum game machine, or the like according to the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. First, FIG. 1A shows a first example of a prepaid card used in the present invention. The prepaid card 1 is provided with a printing column 1a for the sales amount of the card on its surface, and a unique card number given to each prepaid card, the issuing store code of the prepaid card, and the issuing date. The print column 1b and the like are provided. Further, on the upper surface of the card 1, there is provided a usage history and a balance display column 1c capable of displaying the approximate available balance of the card. Further, FIG. 1B shows a second example of the prepaid card used in the present invention. In FIG. 1B, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1A indicate the corresponding portions, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the prepaid card 1 shown in FIG. 1B, as a printing ink on the card 1, a card having a reflection characteristic of near infrared rays is used, and each pattern can be read by an image reader which senses near infrared rays. Be composed. In the prepaid card use management device described below, each of the prepaid cards shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B is appropriately used.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of a vending machine for prepaid cards installed in various places in the pachinko playground. The card vending machine 10 includes a cash processing unit 11 having a cash slot 11a and a change return slot 11b, an operation unit 12 for specifying a purchase amount of a prepaid card, and an amount inserted into the cash slot 11a. And a display unit 13 for displaying the change amount and the like are connected in parallel with the control unit 14, and the control unit 14 is configured to supply a control signal to the card processing unit 15. ing. The card processing unit 15 stores a predetermined number of prepaid cards 1, receives a control signal from the control unit 14, and prints the sales amount in the sales amount printing column 1a of each prepaid card 1 to be sold. The card is configured so that it can be ejected to the tray 15a after recording the unique card number given to each prepaid card in the print field 1b, the issuing store code, and the issue date. ing. The control unit 14 is connected to a local computer 17 installed in the playground via an in-house line 16 laid in the pachinko playground, and the local computer 17 further includes a modem 18 and a line network which is a communication line. The host computer 20 is configured to be connectable via 19 to the host computer 20 installed in the center.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a configuration of an automatic lending machine (ball lending machine) using a prepaid card which is arranged, for example, on the left side of each pachinko machine (not shown). This ball lending machine 30 is a card data processing unit 31 having a prepaid card insertion / return port 31a and a button operation to supply a rental ball in a predetermined amount unit (for example, a unit of 500 yen). And an operation unit 32 for activating the prepaid card 1 and a display unit for displaying the available remaining amount when the prepaid card 1 is inserted into the card insertion / return opening 31a and displaying the purchase amount or the available remaining amount after the purchase. 33 and 33 are connected in parallel to the control unit 34. Then, the control unit 34 controls the gate unit 38 having a counter arranged between the pachinko ball carrier pipe 35 and the supply pipe 37 for providing the balls to the upper plate 36 of each pachinko machine. A signal is provided. The control unit 34 is connected to the local computer 17 in the playground through the premises line 16 laid in the pachinko playground, like the control unit 14 in the prepaid card vending machine 10 shown in FIG. There is.

FIG. 4 shows an example of management items of each prepaid card in the local computer 17 described above. Although the operation of the local computer 17 will be described later, the local computer 17 is configured to store the data at the time of selling the prepaid card 1 and the data after the use of the prepaid card 1. That is, as the data at the time of selling the prepaid card 1, the card issuing store code is stored in the first item 41, the card issuing date is given in the second item 42, and the individual item is given to the individual prepaid card in the third item 43. The unique card number to be provided and the card purchase amount are stored as the fourth item 44.

The card issuing store code of the first item 41 is not necessarily required when a local computer is provided in an independent pachinko playground, but some chain stores may be used. If the prepaid card can be used in common between chain stores, the total sales of the cards at each chain store and the settlement between chain stores when the card is used at other stores in the chain store It can be used for etc. The data after using the prepaid card 1 is stored in the fifth item 45 as a purchaseable balance. In the case of this example, the purchaseable balance of the fifth item 45 is rewritten each time the card is used, but the sixth and subsequent items may be further provided to store the history of card use. .

Further, FIG. 5 shows an example of management items of each prepaid card 1 in the host computer 20 installed in the above-mentioned center. Although the operation of the host computer 20 will be described later, in the host computer 20, the data when the prepaid card 1 is sold at each store and the purchaseable balance of each card are uploaded via each local computer 17. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the card issuer code is stored in the first item 51, the card issue date is stored in the second item 52, the card number is stored in the third item 53, and the fourth item 54 is stored in the fourth item 54. The card purchase amount is stored. Furthermore, the purchaseable balance is stored in the fifth item 55.

The operation of each unit in the above configuration will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. 6 and 7 show the operations performed when selling the prepaid card, which will be described with reference to the configuration of the vending machine 10 for the prepaid card shown in FIG. First, the cash processing unit 11 of the card vending machine 10 monitors whether or not cash has been inserted into the cash inlet 11a (step S1). When it is determined that cash has been inserted into the cash slot 11a, the money processing unit 11 determines the amount of money inserted, sends amount data to the control unit 14, and the control unit 14 displays the amount of money on the display unit 13. Is supplied. As a result, the display unit displays the amount of money inserted into the cash slot 11a (step S2) and also displays a message for inputting the purchase amount of the card through the operation unit 12.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 receives the data on the purchase amount of the card input by the operation unit 12, and executes the calculation of “(payment amount) − (card purchase amount)” (step S3). Then, it is judged whether or not the calculation result of "(payment amount)-(card purchase amount)" in step S3 is "0" or more (step S4). If "No", card purchase amount It means that the amount of money input is small and the desired amount of cards cannot be issued. Therefore, the number of times of "No" is incremented (step S5), and it is judged whether or not the number of times reaches a predetermined number "n" (step S6). If the number of times "n" has not been reached the predetermined number of times, the routine returns to the step S3 again. If it is determined in step S6 that the predetermined number of times "n" has been reached, the cash inserted into the cash insertion port 11a is returned to the change return port 11b. On the other hand, if "Yes" is determined in step S4, the control unit 14 calculates the change amount and supplies the command signal to the display unit 13 to display the change amount. Thus, the change amount is displayed on the display unit 13 (step S8). Then, the money processing unit 11 discharges the change to the change return port 11b (step S9).

Subsequently, in FIG. 7, the control unit 14 sends a command signal to the card processing unit 15 to print the sales amount in the sales amount printing column 1a on the front surface of the prepaid card 1 to be sold, and at the same time to print the printing column. The issuing store code, the card issuing date, and the card number are printed on 1b (step S10). Then, the card 1 processed in step S10 is discharged from the card processing section 15 to the card tray 15a (step S11). At the same time, the control unit 14 sends the above-mentioned predetermined card issuance information to the local computer 17 through the private line 16, and the local computer 17 receives the information and manages the management items as shown in FIG. And write the information. In this case, the card purchase amount is directly written in the purchaseable balance, which is the fifth item 45 (step S12). Subsequently, the local computer 17 calls the host computer 20 installed in the center via the modem 18 and the network 19, and sends predetermined card issuing information to the host computer 20 (step S13). Upon receiving the card issuing information, the host computer 20 writes the information in the management items as shown in FIG. 5 (step S14), and ends the series of operations. In the host computer 20, as shown in FIG. 5, the card issue date and the card purchase amount are registered in correspondence with the card issuer code. Therefore, using these data, for example, they are aggregated for each card issuer. Therefore, it is possible to collect the sales record of each prepaid card retailer for each period.

Next, FIG. 8 shows the operation performed when the rental ball is supplied from the ball lending machine using the prepaid card. The automatic lending machine using the prepaid card shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to the configuration of the (lens lending machine) 30. First, it is monitored whether or not a card has been inserted into the card insertion / return port 31a in the card data processing unit 31, and if it is determined that a card has been inserted into the card insertion / return port 31a (step S21), the card data The processing unit 31 reads the inserted card number from the print field 1b. The read card number is sent to the control unit 34, and the control unit 34 makes an inquiry to the local computer 17 via the private line 16 (step S22).

Then, in the local computer 17, it is judged whether or not there is a match in the recorded card numbers (step S23), and if “No”, that is, there is no match, it is judged that The local computer 17 transmits the information to the control unit 34. The control unit 34 causes the display unit 33 to display a message indicating that the card cannot be used (step S24). Subsequently, the card processing unit 31 ejects the card to the card insertion / ejection port 31a (step S25), and ends the operation.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S23 that there is a match among the card numbers recorded in the local computer 17, the control unit 34 determines the purchase amount input through the operation unit 32. The received signal is transmitted to the gate unit 38 (step S26). The gate unit 38 receives the command signal and opens the gate, keeps opening the gate until the counter in the gate unit reaches a predetermined number of balls, and closes the gate when the predetermined number of balls is reached. As a result, a predetermined number of rental balls are supplied to the upper plate 36 of the pachinko machine via the supply pipe 38 (step S27).

Following this, the control unit 34 subtracts the purchase amount from the purchaseable balance, and displays a new purchaseable balance on the display unit 33 (step S28). Then, the control unit 34 sends the new purchasable balance for the card number to the local computer 17, and the local computer 17 updates the fifth item 45 for storing the purchasable balance to the new purchasable balance. (Step S29). Then, the process shifts to the routine of step S25 described above, the card processing unit 31 ejects the card to the card insertion / ejection port 31a, and the operation ends. In this way, in the local computer 17, since the purchaseable balance is managed in correspondence with the card number, it is possible to improve the reliability against illegal use of the prepaid card.

Next, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show another embodiment of the prepaid card usage management device in the pachinko game machine according to the present invention. In this example, a card accepting machine is placed at the entrance of a pachinko playground, for example, when a prepaid card that has already been purchased is used again, and when the prepaid card is purchased at a store other than the store where the prepaid card was purchased. When used, the ball lending machine cannot be used unless the prepaid card is inserted into the card reception machine located at the pachinko playground store and the prepaid card is verified. . When it is checked that the prepaid card has not been altered or tampered with, the prepaid card can be used at the pachinko parlor.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration thereof, and FIG. 10 shows management items used by the local computer in the configuration of FIG. In FIG. 9, the same functional portions as those in FIG. 3 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted, and the management items denoted by reference numerals 41 to 45 in FIG. 10 are the same as those in FIG. Since it is the same as that shown, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The card receiving machine 61 arranged at the entrance of the pachinko playground is provided with a card insertion / return opening 61a. The card accepting machine 61 is connected to an exchange 62, which is connected to the local computer 17. Similarly to the example shown in FIG. 2, the local computer 17 is configured to be connectable to the host computer 20 installed in the center via the modem 18 and the line network 19 which is a communication line. In the configuration of FIG. 9, if the prepaid card that the customer intends to use is sold at the store on the day, the ball rental machine 30 directly passes through the card accepting machine 61 without verification. Prepaid cards can be used. In this case, by inserting the prepaid card into the card insertion / return port 31a of the ball lending machine 30, the ball lending machine 30 reads the data on the card, and the prepaid card was sold on the same day at the store. To the local computer 17.

If the result that the prepaid card is sold at the shop on the day is obtained by the inquiry to the local computer 17, the operation unit of the ball lending machine 30 is explained as described in FIG. By operating the button in 32, it is possible to receive the supply of rental balls within the range of the prepaid card purchasable balance managed by the local computer 17. In addition, when the user uses a prepaid card that has already been purchased at a new store or at a store other than the store where the prepaid card was purchased, the prepaid card 1 is used by the card receiving machine 61. Into the card insertion / return slot 61a. When the prepaid card 1 is inserted into the card insertion return slot 61a, the card accepting machine 61 reads the card issuing store code (reference numeral 41 in FIG. 10) of the card 1 and inquires to the local computer 17 via the exchange 62. Then, it is verified whether the card 1 is sold by its own store or by another store.

If it is determined that the prepaid card is sold by the store, the prepaid card can be used (purchased) for the local computer 17 managed by the store. The balance (reference numeral 45 in FIG. 10) is queried, and if the usable balances match, it is determined that the card 1 has not been altered or tampered with, and the card number in the local computer 17 (see FIG. The check date (reference numeral 46 in FIG. 10) of the card is recorded corresponding to the reference numeral 43 of 10 and the check date (update date) is recorded for the prepaid card 1 inserted in the card acceptance machine 61. To do. For this check date, for example, a machine date using a clock signal incorporated in the local computer 17 can be used as it is.

The prepaid card 1 is discharged to the card insertion and return port 61a through the verification process as described above and returned to the customer. When the prepaid card 1 thus verified is inserted into the card insertion / return port 31a of the ball lending machine 30 in the configuration of FIG. 3, the card number of the prepaid card 1 inserted into the card insertion / return port 31a and the above-mentioned The update date written by the card accepting device 61 is read. When the local computer 17 confirms that the update date is the current day, the local computer 17 manages it by operating the button on the operation unit 32 of the ball lending machine 30 as described in FIG. You can receive lending balls within the range of the available balance of the prepaid card. In order to check the update date, as another means, the card number of the prepaid card 1 inserted into the insertion / return port 31a of the prepaid card of the ball lending machine 30 is read, and this card number is read by the card accepting machine 61 on the day. Refer to the check date 46 in the management item shown in FIG. 10 stored in the local computer to determine whether or not the check has been made, and determine whether or not the date written in the check date 46 is the current day. You can also.

In this case, if the check date of the current day is not written in the check date 46 in the management item of the local computer, the operation of the ball lending machine 30 is stopped and, for example, the display unit 33 displays “Card accepting machine Display a message prompting you to use the card after passing it. On the other hand, when the card is verified by the card accepting machine 61, it is determined that the prepaid card has been sold by the store, and the use of the prepaid card in the local computer managed by the store is performed. If the inquiry result with the possible balance (reference numeral 45 in FIG. 10) does not match, it is determined that the card 1 has been altered or falsified, and the card is stored in the card accepting machine 61. Alternatively, it acts so as to generate a warning sound or the like so as to reject the use of the prepaid card.

Further, when the prepaid card 1 verified by the card accepting device 61 is determined to belong to another store, the local computer 17 in FIG. 9 is the modem 18 and the network 19 which is a communication line. Inquiries are made to the host computer 20 of the center via. Items managed in the host computer 20 in this case are the same as those in FIG. That is, using the card number (reference numeral 43 in FIG. 10) as a key, the host computer 20 is queried for the available balance (reference numeral 45 in FIG. 10) of the prepaid card corresponding to the card number, and the available balances match. If so, it is determined that the card 1 has not been altered or tampered with. Then, the check date of the card (reference numeral 46 in FIG. 10) is recorded in association with the card number (reference numeral 43 in FIG. 10) in the host computer 20, and the prepaid card 1 inserted in the card acceptance machine 61 is checked. Record the date (update date).

The prepaid card thus verified can be used in the ball lending machine in the store, and by operating the button in the operation unit 32 of the ball lending machine 30, this time the local computer 17 can be operated. It is possible to receive supply of rental balls within the range of the prepaid card purchasable balance managed by the host computer 20 via. Also, when the card is verified by the card accepting machine 61, it is determined that the prepaid card is sold by another store, and the usable balance of the prepaid card in the host computer 20 (see FIG. If the inquiry result with reference numeral 45) does not match, it is determined that the card 1 has been altered or tampered with, and the card is stored in the card accepting machine 61 or a warning sound or the like is issued. And to refuse the use of the prepaid card. With this construction, in the case of the prepaid card 1 sold in another store, a check function similar to the above is performed in which the host computer 20 is inquired and the card sold by the own store is verified by the local computer. You can have it.

In the configuration described above, when the prepaid card verified by the card accepting unit 61 is recognized as being sold at another store, the host computer at the center is inquired about the data. However, for example, a host computer installed in the center should be connected to a computer that is managed by the card issuing company and that stores the data including the available balance of each issued prepaid card. The stored host computer can be used as a slave terminal for relay, and the computer managed by the card issuing company can be configured to inquire the available balance of each prepaid card.

3 to 10 have been described with respect to the prepaid card use management device for the ball lending machine arranged on each pachinko machine, respectively. The prepaid card use management device in the case where a medal lending machine is arranged and a medal to be inserted into a rotating type amusement machine by the prepaid card can be purchased has a configuration similar to that of FIGS. 3 to 10. Can be adopted. That is, in this case, a medal lending machine is arranged in place of the ball lending machines 35 to 38 shown in FIG. Then, the control unit 34 receives the purchase amount input by the operation unit 32 and transmits a command signal to the gate unit 38. Further, the gate unit 38 is configured to open the gate in response to a command signal from the control unit 34, and eject (lend) the number of medals corresponding to the purchase amount. Also in the configuration shown in FIG. 9, similarly, a medal lending machine is arranged in place of the ball lending machines denoted by reference numerals 35 to 38.

In the above description, the use management device of the prepaid card for the pachinko game machine or the rotating drum game machine has been described. However, for various game machines arranged in a game facility such as a game center, However, it is possible to apply this. In this case, a prepaid card is used to purchase a medium for using a predetermined game machine other than the ball lending machine or the medal lending machine.

[0051]

[Effect of the invention]

 As is clear from the above description, according to the prepaid card use management device in the pachinko game machine or the rotating body type game machine according to the present invention, the local computer manages the usable balance of the prepaid card and The host computer is configured to store the sales record of each prepaid card store. Therefore, it is not necessary to check the host computer for each card used, and it is possible to deal with the illegal use of the card in the ball lending machine or the medal lending machine by the prepaid card by checking the local computer. Responses to lending machines, medal lending machines, etc. can be satisfactorily achieved. In addition, it is possible to prevent line complication due to matching with the host computer, and it is also possible to properly collect the sales amount of prepaid cards at each store by the host computer.

Further, according to the device for managing use of prepaid card in a pachinko game machine or a spinning drum type game machine according to the present invention, a card accepting machine is arranged at, for example, an entrance part of the pachinko game machine, and a card is accepted every day. It is configured so that the ball lending machine or medal lending machine cannot be used unless the prepaid card is verified by the reception machine, so it is possible to greatly improve the function of checking the alteration or falsification of the prepaid card. , It is possible to improve the reliability of unauthorized use of prepaid cards. Further, the card accepting machine determines whether the prepaid card held by the customer is sold by the store and its chain store or by another store, and the result of the determination determines whether the prepaid card is sold by the local computer or the center, respectively. Since the data is inquired to the host computer, it is possible to prevent the line complication due to the collation with the host computer as described above.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a prepaid card used in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vending machine for a prepaid card.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an automatic lending machine (ball lending machine) using a prepaid card.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing management items in a local computer.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing management items in a host computer.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation performed when a prepaid card is sold.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation performed when a prepaid card is sold following FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation performed when a rental ball is supplied from a ball lending machine using a prepaid card.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an embodiment in which a card accepting machine is employed.

10 is a configuration diagram showing management items in a local computer and a host computer in the mode shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 prepaid card 10 card vending machine 11 money processing unit 12 operation unit 13 display unit 14 control unit 15 card processing unit 16 premises line 17 local computer 18 modem 19 signal line (line network) 20 host computer 30 automatic lending machine (ball lending) Machine, medal lending machine) 31 card data processing section 32 operation section 33 display section 34 control section 35 carrier tube 36 upper plate 37 supply tube 38 gate section 61 card accepting machine 62 exchange

Claims (12)

[Utility model registration claims] 1. When selling a prepaid card, at least the unique card number, code, symbol, etc. given to each prepaid card, together with the sales amount of the card, are sold in the store where the prepaid card is sold. First recording means for recording to a local computer, and at the time of sales of a prepaid card, at least an issuing store code relating to a store that issues the prepaid card and a sales amount of the card are recorded to a host computer of the center via a communication line. When the prepaid card is used in the second recording means for storing the prepaid card or in the store that sells the prepaid card or its chain store, the local computer is inquired about the card number and the available balance of the card to check the available balance. Use of prepaid cards within range And a third recording means for writing to the local computer the card usable balance updated in correspondence with the card number and the like, and a prepaid device for a pachinko game machine or a rotating type game machine. Card usage management device. 2. When selling a prepaid card, at least the unique card number, code, symbol or the like given to each prepaid card, together with the sales amount of the card, are sold at the store where the prepaid card is sold. First recording means for recording to a local computer, and at the time of sales of a prepaid card, at least an issuing store code relating to a store that issues the prepaid card and a sales amount of the card are recorded to a host computer of the center via a communication line. When the prepaid card is used in the second recording means for storing the prepaid card or in the store that sells the prepaid card or its chain store, the local computer is inquired about the card number and the available balance of the card to check the available balance. Use of prepaid cards within range And a third recording means for writing to the local computer the card usable balance updated corresponding to the card number and the like, and for each issuer code recorded in the host computer by the second recording means. A prepaid card use management device for a pachinko game machine, a rotating drum game machine, or the like, which further comprises an aggregation function for collecting card sales amounts. 3. When using a prepaid card,
A card accepting machine that verifies whether the prepaid card held by the customer is sold by the store or sold by another store, and the prepaid card sold by the store by the card accepting machine. If it is determined that there is a local computer installed in the store for inquiring the available balance of the prepaid card, it is determined that the prepaid card was sold by another store by the card acceptance machine In the case where the available balance of the prepaid card is inquired, a host computer installed in a center is provided, and when the available balance inquired by the local computer does not match, or inquired by the host computer When the available balances given do not match , Utilization management device prepaid card in pachinko game machine which is characterized in that so as to deny the use of the ball lending machines by the prepaid card. 4. The ball lending machine is provided with a card insertion / return opening, reads the data of the prepaid card inserted in the card insertion / return opening, inquires of the local computer, and the prepaid card is sold by the store. If the sale date of the prepaid card is determined to be the same day as that of the prepaid card, the prepaid card recorded on the local computer without the verification of the prepaid card by the card acceptance machine is performed. The use management device for a prepaid card in a pachinko game machine according to claim 3, wherein the operation of the ball lending machine is allowed within the range of the balance. 5. If the prepaid card verified by the card acceptance machine is judged to have been sold by its own store and the available balances inquired by the local computer match, the prepaid card concerned. Data that allows the use of the ball lending machine at the store on the day is written to the card, and the operation of the ball lending machine is allowed within the range of the balance of the prepaid card recorded in the local computer. The use management device of a prepaid card in a pachinko game machine according to claim 3, characterized in that. 6. When it is determined that the prepaid card verified by the card accepting machine is sold by another store, the host computer installed in the center is inquired about the available balance, If the available balances match, the data that permits use of the ball lending machine at the store on the day is written to the prepaid card, and the range of the balance of the prepaid card recorded in the host computer. The prepaid card use management device for a pachinko game machine according to claim 3, wherein the operation of the ball lending machine is permitted. 7. The host computer installed in the center is connected to a computer which is managed by a card issuing company and stores data including the remaining balance of each issued prepaid card and is installed in the center. 7. The prepaid card use management device for a pachinko game machine according to claim 6, wherein the host computer is used as a slave terminal to inquire the available balance of each prepaid card to a computer managed by the card issuing company. . 8. When using a prepaid card,
A card accepting machine that verifies whether the prepaid card held by the customer is sold by the store or sold by another store, and the prepaid card sold by the store by the card accepting machine. If it is determined that there is a local computer installed in the store for inquiring the available balance of the prepaid card, it is determined that the prepaid card was sold by another store by the card acceptance machine In the case where the available balance of the prepaid card is inquired, a host computer installed in a center is provided, and when the available balance inquired by the local computer does not match, or inquired by the host computer When the available balances given do not match , Utilization management device prepaid card in the reel-type game machine, characterized in that it has to reject the use of medal lending machines by the prepaid card. 9. The medal lending machine is provided with a card insertion / return port, reads data of a prepaid card inserted in the card insertion / return port, inquires to the local computer, and the prepaid card is sold by the store. If the sale date of the prepaid card is determined to be the same day as that of the prepaid card, the prepaid card recorded on the local computer without the verification of the prepaid card by the card acceptance machine is performed. 9. The use management device for a prepaid card in a rotating type amusement machine according to claim 8, wherein the operation of the medal lending machine is allowed within the range of the remaining money. 10. If the prepaid card verified by the card acceptance machine is judged to have been sold by the store, and the available balances inquired by the local computer match, the prepaid card. Data that allows use of the medal lending machine at the store on that day is written to the card, and the operation of the medal lending machine is allowed within the balance of the prepaid card recorded in the local computer. 9. A prepaid card use management device in a spinning-type game machine according to claim 8. 11. When it is determined that the prepaid card verified by the card acceptance machine is sold by another store, the available balance is inquired to the host computer installed in the center, If the available balances match, the data that authorizes the use of the medal lending machine at the store on the day is written to the prepaid card, and the range of the balance of the prepaid card recorded in the host computer. 9. The use management device for a prepaid card in a spinning machine according to claim 8, wherein the operation of the medal lending machine is permitted. 12. The host computer installed in the center is connected to a computer which is managed by a card issuing company and stores data including usable balance of each issued prepaid card and is installed in the center. 12. Use of a prepaid card in a rotating type amusement machine according to claim 11, wherein the host computer is used as a slave terminal to inquire a computer managed by the card issuing company about the available balance of each prepaid card. Management device.