JP4290396B2 - Game ball lending available information carry-over system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game ball rentable information carry-over system, for example, a remaining game ball supply card (hereinafter referred to as a game card) for lending game balls (pachinko balls or coins) such as pachinko gaming machines and slot machines. The present invention can be applied to a frequency (hereinafter referred to as the remaining number) processing system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, many of today's pachinko gaming machines have a game card-compatible sand device arranged in parallel so that the maximum number of game cards remaining can be lent out. . When the player leaves for a return trip, if there is a remaining number of gaming cards, the player takes the gaming card home for the next gaming opportunity.
[0003]
Recently, a card settlement apparatus that settles the remaining number of gaming cards has been proposed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when a game card with a remaining number is taken home, the possibility of losing the game card increases. If the game card is lost, the remaining number of cards is wasted for the player, and it is difficult for the game hall (game hall operating company) to estimate the frequency to be used for lending in the future.
[0005]
In addition, there are many players who dislike taking back gaming cards themselves because of the increase in portable goods. In particular, there are many players who are disliked by players who do not have many game opportunities.
[0006]
In consideration of the above points, it is preferable to settle a gaming card having a remaining number.
[0007]
However, when game cards are settled, the game hall (game hall operating company) needs not only cash management at the time of game card issuance, but also cash management at the time of game card settlement. The overall cash management becomes complicated. In addition, since the number of players who do not carry over the remaining number of gaming cards to the next time becomes very large, even if the amount of games itself is almost the same, the number of gaming cards issued per day increases considerably, Expenses are also high in this respect.
[0008]
Therefore, there is a need for a system that can process the remaining number of game cards at the end of the game so that both the player and the game hall have merits (game ball rentable information carry-over system).
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve such a problem, the game ball rentable information carry-over system according to the present invention of claim 1 is associated with the rentable information of game balls as the monetary value moves from the player to the game hall. The cash issuing game card issuing machine that issues the cash issuing game card and the above cash issuing game card are taken in, and the designated amount is lent out within the range of rentable information corresponding to the card. Along with the gaming ball lending device that reduces the lending available information associated with the cash issuing game card according to the lending amount, the stored ball information storage means for storing the stored ball information, and the cash issuing game card The associated lendable information is converted into first stored-ball information for later exchange of prizes and / or re-conversion to a rented game ball, and the stored-ball information storage is associated with the player information. A first lendable information 貯玉 means for accumulating the stage , The prize game balls that are the rewards of the game results and the remaining game balls that are lent out are counted, and the information corresponding to the counted value is used as second stored ball information, and later converted into prizes or rented game balls Therefore, the storage ball information storage means stores the prize ball storage means, and the storage information storage means stores the first storage ball information and the second storage ball information without distinguishing between them. Have It is characterized by that.
[0010]
The present invention of claim 2 is the cash issuing game according to claim 1, wherein the first rentable information storing means collects the cash issuing game card in which the lentable information is converted into the first stored information. And a card collection unit.
[0011]
The present invention of claim 3 converts the whole or a part of the first stored-ball information stored in the stored-ball information storage means into the rentable information of the game ball in claim 1 or 2, and can be lent The game ball lending device has a storage ball issuing game card issuing machine for issuing a storage ball issuing game card associated with information and reducing the first storage ball information stored in the storage ball information storage means. It is also compatible with used game cards.
[0012]
The present invention of claim 4 relates to the rentable information associated with the storage ball issuing game card according to claim 3, Second It is characterized by having second lendable information storing means for converting into stored ball information and storing it in the stored ball information storage means in association with player information.
[0013]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the second lenttable information storage unit collects the stored card issuing game card in which the lentable information is converted into the second stored ball information. And a card collection unit.
[0014]
The present invention of claim 6 corresponds to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the rentable information associated with the cash issuing game card is settled to a monetary value, and the stored ball issuing game card is supported. It is characterized by having a game card settlement machine that prohibits the settlement of the rentable information attached to the monetary value.
[0017]
Claim 7 The present invention of claim 1 6 In any of the above, the first lendable information storing means is linked with the authentication means of the member player, and the first lendable information associated with the cash issuing game card possessed by the member player is stored. Conversion to 1 stored ball information is permitted, and non-member players are not permitted to convert to 1st stored ball information.
[0018]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, a prize exchange is performed by reducing the first stored ball information and / or the second stored ball information stored in the stored ball information storage means. It has a gift exchange processing device.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(A) Embodiment
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a game ball rentable information carry-over system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
The type of gaming machine in the game ball rentable information carry-over system of this embodiment is not limited as long as it uses a game ball (pachinko ball, coin, metal, etc.), but in the following, the explanation will be simplified. In consideration of the above, it is assumed that the gaming machine provided in the game hall is a pachinko gaming machine.
[0021]
(A-1) Configuration of embodiment and functions of each part
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game ball rentable information carry-over system of this embodiment.
[0022]
In the case of this embodiment, the game card does not directly record the remaining number (game ball rentable information), but only a unique identification code is fixedly recorded for each card (for example, barcode printing) And the remaining number are stored in the host controller 5 described later in association with an identification number (ID) of the game card.
[0023]
The game ball rentable information carry-over system 1 of this embodiment includes a gaming machine 2, a ball lending machine (so-called sand device) 3 and an island unit controller 4 that are arranged in parallel with the gaming machine 2. These gaming machine 2, ball lending machine 3 and island unit controller 4 are almost the same as the conventional one.
[0024]
Here, the ball lending machine 3 may be of a type corresponding only to a game card, or may be of a type corresponding to both a game card and cash (current currency). The ball lending machine 3 takes out the remaining number from the host controller 5 when a gaming card is inserted, and when the lending of gaming balls using the remaining number of gaming cards is instructed, the gaming machine 2 receives gaming balls. The host controller 5 is instructed to subtract and update the remaining number.
[0025]
Note that the ball lending machine 3 may update and hold the remaining number and notify the updated remaining number to the host controller 5 when the gaming card is discharged (or immediately after the update).
[0026]
The island unit controller 4 is provided in common to a plurality of pairs of gaming machines 2 and ball lending machines 3 constituting the gaming island, and is a data centralized management machine when using gaming cards on the island. The communication relay function with the gaming machine 2 and the ball lending machine 3 is also carried out.
[0027]
The game ball rentable information carry-over system 1 has a game card issuance / settlement machine 6. Note that a gaming card issuing machine and a gaming card settlement machine may be provided separately.
[0028]
As for the game card issuance / settlement machine 6, although the illustration of the internal configuration is omitted, the game card issuance / settlement machine 6 can be applied with a similar one to the conventional one. In other words, cash (fluid currency) gateways, gaming card gateways, gaming card readers, cash storage units, gaming card storage units, communication units with other devices, input units, A display unit and a control unit for controlling various processes are included. As will be described later, the operation content controlled by the control unit of the game card issuance / accounting machine 6 is slightly changed from the conventional one.
[0029]
In the case of this embodiment, the game card is issued on condition that the above-mentioned cash is input, and issuance of a game card using a game ball (so-called stored ball) in which past acquired game balls are stored. There is also. A game card based on the former issuance method is appropriately referred to as a cash issuance game card, and a game card based on the latter issuance method is appropriately referred to as a savings issuance game card. This distinction may be determined by appearance, but is distinguished by a database flag. The game card issuance / settlement machine 6 may be one that can issue a savings card issuance game card, and vice versa. In the following description, it is assumed that the game card issuance / settlement machine 6 cannot issue a storage ball issuance game card.
[0030]
The game card issuance / settlement machine 6 issues a game card in accordance with the input operation of cash (current currency) and the designated operation of the amount (initial remaining number), and the issued game card ID and the remaining number are issued. Notify the host controller 5.
[0031]
When the inserted game card is a cash issuing game card and there is a remaining number associated with the gaming card, the gaming card issuance / settlement machine 6 has an amount of cash corresponding to the remaining number ( (Current currency) is paid out (settlement). The settlement is performed by notifying the host controller 5 of the ID of the cash-issuing game card for which settlement is requested, extracting the remaining number, and notifying the host controller 5 again of the settlement.
[0032]
Here, in the case of this embodiment, the settlement by the game card issuance / accounting machine 6 is not permitted for the stored ball issuance game card.
[0033]
The game ball rentable information carry-over system 1 includes a member server 7 having a member database 8. The member database 8 stores member information common to the game hall hall or a plurality of halls of its operating company, and the member server 7 stores information in the member database 8 although the detailed configuration is not shown. It is something to manage and update.
[0034]
Members are provided with a membership card. At least a member identification number (member ID) is recorded on the member card.
[0035]
The member database 8 stores various information associated with the member ID and password. The stored information about the member includes bibliographic information such as the member's name, address, and telephone number, and game management information such as information on the total purchase amount and the winning / losing so far. In addition, there is stored ball information as memory information about members.
[0036]
First, the stored ball information is the counting information of the game balls (prize balls) won by the game or so-called possession balls (hereinafter referred to collectively as prize balls), for the next and subsequent games, Or, it is carried over for the exchange of prizes by adding up the prize balls from the next time. The number of prize balls may be used as it is, or the number of prize balls may be multiplied by a predetermined coefficient (for example, a value less than 1) to obtain the number of balls. The first type of stored ball information is the same as the conventional one.
[0037]
Secondly, the stored ball information is obtained by converting the remaining number of cash issuing game cards into game ball information. The conversion rate at this time may be arbitrarily determined. This embodiment has a great feature in providing this second type of storage function.
[0038]
In addition, the following description may be performed without distinguishing the information in the first case described above or the information in the second case described above as the initial information converted into the stored ball information. The storage information converted according to the first case (first storage information) and the storage information converted according to the second case (second storage information) may be distinguished from each other.
[0039]
Also, in the vicinity of the prize exchange, a game ball (premium ball) counter 9, a receipt issuing ball storage machine 10, a prize management POS terminal 11 and a card processing machine 12 are provided as components of the game ball lending available information carry-over system 1. It has been.
[0040]
The game ball counter 9 counts the prize balls, and the count information is given to the receipt issuing and saving machine 10 and the prize management POS terminal 11 provided in association therewith.
[0041]
The receipt issuance and storage machine 10 issues a receipt on which the number of prize balls counted by the game ball counter 9 is printed, or sends out information about the number of prize balls counted by the game ball counter 9. .
[0042]
The prize management POS terminal 11 performs prize exchange processing for the number of prize balls, and information on the number of prize balls at this time is not only the number of prize balls this time counted by the game ball counter 9 but also the member database 8. It may be based on information taken out from (storage information). Also, the prize management POS terminal 11 is mainly executed to convert the present prize ball count counted by the game ball counter 9 into accumulated ball information.
[0043]
The card processing machine 12 has a function for issuing a storage card issuing game card to a member, a processing function at the end of the game related to a member's storage card issuing game card and a cash issuing game card, and the like. A detailed configuration of the card processor 12 will be described later.
[0044]
The host controller 5 is a centralized management machine for gaming card information and gaming information for each gaming machine, and a gaming card information database 13 and the like are provided in association with the host controller 5.
[0045]
Various components as described above can exchange information via the intra-hall network 14. The intra-hall network 14 appropriately includes network devices such as HUB.
[0046]
(A-1-1) Detailed configuration of the card processor 12
FIG. 2 is a schematic external view of the card processing machine 12, and FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the card processing machine 12.
[0047]
The card processing machine 12 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and from the outside, the gaming card entrance / exit 20, the member card entrance / exit 21, the liquid crystal display unit 22, the numeric keypad unit 23, the operation mode key unit 24, and the like are visible.
[0048]
In addition to the above components, the card processor 12 also includes components as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. That is, a control unit 25, a gaming card reading unit 26, a gaming card storage unit 27, a gaming card collection unit 28, a membership card reading unit 29, a communication processing unit 30, and the like are provided.
[0049]
The game card entrance / exit 20 functions as an insertion port and a discharge port for game cards. Although illustration is omitted, a game card receiving / discharging lamp that is turned on or blinking by the control unit 25 may be provided.
[0050]
The member card entrance 21 functions as a member card insertion slot and outlet. Although not shown, a membership card receiving / discharging lamp that is controlled to be turned on or blinked by the control unit 25 may be provided.
[0051]
The gaming card storage unit 27 stores gaming cards to be discharged from the gaming card entrance / exit 20, and also includes a card payout mechanism. The stored game ball supply card is discharged (issued) under the control of the control unit 25. The gaming card collection unit 28 collects and stores the gaming card inserted from the gaming card entrance 20 under the control of the control unit 25. The gaming card reading unit 26 reads information on gaming cards inserted from the gaming card slot 20 and gives it to the control unit 25, or reads information on gaming cards to be discharged from the gaming card slot 20 and controls the control unit. 25.
[0052]
The member card reading unit 29 reads information (member ID) of the member card inserted from the member card entrance 21 and gives it to the control unit 25.
[0053]
The liquid crystal display unit 22 displays an operation state, a guidance message, and the like. The numeric keypad 23 is used for inputting numbers such as the number of prize balls to be used for storing balls and the number of game balls to be reused (number of stored balls). The operation mode key unit 24 instructs an operation mode such as a storage mode for the remaining number of game cards and an issue mode of a game card (a game card for game issue) that uses the stored ball.
[0054]
Under the control of the control unit 25, the communication processing unit 30 is connected to other directly connected devices (game ball counter 9, receipt issuance and storage machine 10, prize management POS terminal 11) or via the network 14 in the hall. It exchanges information with other connected devices (such as the host controller 5 and the member server 7).
[0055]
The control unit 25 controls the entire card processing machine 12. The control function by the control unit 25 is mainly a control function related to storage balls.
[0056]
(A-1-2) Host controller 5 and member server 7
The host controller 5 and the member server 7 are configured by a general information processing apparatus that can access the related databases 13 and 8, and a detailed configuration is not shown, but functionally, software processing or the like is executed. And a communication processing unit for exchanging information with other devices.
[0057]
(A-2) System operation of embodiment and operation of player, etc.
Hereinafter, various operations of the game ball rentable information carry-over system 1 according to the embodiment will be described together with the operations of the member players and the like.
[0058]
(A-2-1) Member card player issuance operation
A member player must also use a game card in order to rent a game ball. As a method for a member player to obtain a game card, there are a case of depositing cash (current currency) and a case of using a stored ball.
[0059]
Below, the issuing operation of the game card by cash deposit will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. Note that the issuance of a game card by cash payment is the same process as that performed by a non-member player, and this process itself is the same as the conventional process.
[0060]
The member player goes to the game card issuing / settlement machine 6 and inserts cash (T1). At this time, the gaming card issuance / accounting machine 6 accepts the inserted cash (also executes authenticity determination of banknotes) and turns on all the amount selection buttons below the cash (T2). The member player operates an amount selection button for a desired amount from among the amount selection buttons that are lit (T3).
[0061]
The gaming card issuance / settlement machine 6 reads the card ID of the gaming card to be issued from now on, and together with the amount information related to the selected amount selection button (may be information converted into the remaining number), the host controller 5 (T4). The host controller 5 confirms whether the issuance can be permitted based on the received card ID, and if the issuance can be permitted, the card 13 corresponds to the card ID and the amount information (or the remaining number information). Then, the issuance permission is returned to the game card issuance / accounting machine 6 (T5).
[0062]
Thereby, the gaming card issuance / settlement machine 6 discharges the permitted gaming card (T6), and the member player receives this gaming card (T7).
[0063]
In addition, when there is a difference between the inserted cash and the selected amount, the difference amount is discharged together with the discharge of the permitted gaming card.
[0064]
If the host controller 5 determines that the card ID of the game card to be issued is suspicious, the host buzzer sounds a buzzer built-in and also displays that fact on the display unit, Check the card issuing / settlement machine 6. For example, when the same card ID as the card ID of the game card currently used for renting out game balls is given as the card ID of the game card to be issued, an abnormal time as described above Process.
[0065]
Furthermore, when the gaming card issuance / accounting machine 6 has a member card reading function and the like, when the gaming card is completely discharged, the selected amount and the ID of the membership card inserted at a predetermined stage (membership) ID) may be given to the member server 7 and managed as member game history information or the like.
[0066]
(A-2-2) Game ball lending operation
Next, a game ball lending operation using a game card will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. In the case of this embodiment, the game ball lending operation is the same for both the cash issuing game card and the pool issuing game card. The game ball lending operation is substantially the same as the conventional one.
[0067]
A player (for example, a member player) selects the gaming machine 2 and inserts a gaming card into the ball lending machine 3 associated with the gaming machine 2 (T11). The ball lending machine 3 reads the ID of the inserted gaming card and transmits it to the host controller 5 (T12), confirms the validity of the gaming card, and supplies the remaining number (the remaining number) It is possible to display the remaining number related to the cash deposit and the remaining number related to the use of the stored ball. In this case, information on the type of the remaining number is also transmitted) to the ball lending machine 3 Then, the ball lending machine 3 displays the remaining number (T14).
[0068]
Although omitted in FIG. 5, when it is determined that the gaming card into which the host controller 5 is inserted is not valid, an abnormality notification operation or the like is executed in the host controller 5 or the ball lending machine 3. In addition, the ball lending machine 3 notified of the fact that the remaining number related to the gaming card whose validity has been confirmed is 0, performs, for example, a gaming card discharging process.
[0069]
The player confirms the displayed remaining number that can be supplied and performs a ball lending operation (T15). At this time, the ball lending machine 3 transmits the game card ID and the ball lending request to the host controller 5 (T16). The host controller 5 confirms the legitimacy of the gaming card, and if the ball lending can be permitted, after subtracting the remaining number relating to the gaming card, the ball lending permission is returned to the ball lending machine 3 ( T17). The ball lending machine 3 supplies game balls for the unit to the gaming machine 2 (lends the ball) and reduces the remaining number display when the supply of the game balls for the unit is completed (T18).
[0070]
Although omitted in FIG. 5, in a state where a gaming card is inserted in the ball lending machine 3, the same operation as described above is repeatedly executed for each ball lending operation, and when the remaining number becomes 0, Alternatively, when a return button (not shown) is operated by the player, the gaming card is discharged from the ball lending machine 3.
[0071]
(A-2-3) Remaining number of balls
Next, the operation | movement which converts the remaining number which concerns on the game card into a stored ball is demonstrated, referring the sequence diagram of FIG. In the case of this embodiment, the remaining number related to the cash issuing game card can be converted into a stored ball, and the remaining number related to the stored card issued game card can be converted back into a stored ball, and these operations Is almost the same.
[0072]
A player or employee (hereinafter referred to as a player in this section) inserts the remaining game card into the card processor 12 (T21). The card processor 12 reads the ID of the inserted game card and transmits it to the host controller 5 (T22).
[0073]
The host controller 5 confirms the legitimacy of the gaming card (performs an abnormality notification operation or the like when it cannot be confirmed), takes out the remaining number relating to the gaming card and returns it to the card processor 12 (T23), The card processor 12 displays the remaining number (T24).
[0074]
After confirming the remaining number, the player who wants to convert the remaining number of stored balls (member player) inserts the membership card into the card processor 12 (T25). In the case of this embodiment, it is premised on a system that allows only the member player to save money, and only the member player is allowed to save the remaining number of balls. The card processor 12 reads the ID (member ID) in the inserted member card and transmits it to the member server 7 together with the number of stored balls converted from the remaining number of gaming cards (T26).
[0075]
The member server 7 confirms the validity based on the received ID (member ID) of the member card (performs an abnormality notification process when it cannot be confirmed), and then converts the balance in the member record of the ID in the member database 8 The number of stored balls received this time is added to the number of stored balls (value of the remaining amount conversion stored ball number field) or premium ball conversion stored ball number (value of the premium ball conversion stored ball number field) (T27), and a card indicating that the update has been made It returns to the processor 12 (T28).
[0076]
In the case of this embodiment, when a game card is issued using a stored ball (see FIG. 7 described later), a stored ball converted from a premium ball or a stored ball converted from the balance (remaining number) is used. The flag (in the game card database 13 and the member database 8 and / or the member card holds this flag) is set to distinguish whether or not, and issued using a stored ball converted from the balance (remaining number) The remaining number of game cards is returned to the remaining amount converted storage ball number, and the remaining number of game cards issued by using the stored ball converted from the premium ball is returned to the premium ball converted storage ball number.
[0077]
In addition, the member server 7 performs only the validity check based on the member ID, but may request the input of a password and check the validity of the member also by the input password (otherwise, fingerprint verification) Etc.).
[0078]
The card processor 12 notified of the end of the update of the member database 8 displays the end of conversion to the remaining number of stored balls and discharges the member card (T29). The player receives the discharged membership card (T30). Further, the card processing machine 12 notifies the host controller 5 of the end of conversion of the remaining number of gaming cards into storage balls (T31).
[0079]
At this time, the host controller 5 sets the remaining number for the current gaming card in the gaming card database 13 to 0 and sets the card status information to unissued (or collected) (T32), and then the card processor 12 The game card is instructed to be collected (T33). Thereby, the card processing machine 12 collects the gaming cards in which the remaining number is converted into the accumulated balls (T34).
[0080]
In the above, the case where the card processor 12 plays a central role in storing the remaining number of gaming cards has been described. However, the gaming card issuing and adjusting machine 6 has a function of storing the remaining number of gaming cards. You may make it.
[0081]
Moreover, although the case where the gaming card has a form that does not store the remaining number has been described above, a gaming card that can store the remaining number can also be applied. In this case, the remaining number of gaming cards is not taken out from the host controller 5 side, but is read out from the gaming card (however, it is checked with the one taken out from the host controller 5 side) Is preferable). It is also preferable to clear the remaining number of 0 when collecting gaming cards.
[0082]
The settlement operation performed by the gaming card issuance settlement machine 6 for converting the remaining number (remaining balance) relating to the cash issuance gaming card into cash is almost the same as the conventional one.
[0083]
That is, although a sequence diagram is omitted, the player inserts a game card into the game card issuing / settlement machine 6, and the game card issuing / settlement machine 6 makes the host controller 5 check the validity and the remaining number. (Remaining amount) information is taken out, the corresponding cash is paid out, and the game card is collected. Then, the host controller 5 is notified that the gaming card has been collected, and the information in the gaming card database 13 is updated.
[0084]
As described above, in the case of this embodiment, the remaining number (remaining money) relating to the cash issuing game card can be converted into a stored money or settled, and the player can select which one to do. it can.
[0085]
(A-2-4) Issuing operation of game cards using stored money
Next, the issuing operation of the game card having the remaining number obtained by converting the stored balls (game ball supply available balance) will be described in detail with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. In the case of this embodiment, the issuance of a game card using a stored ball is permitted only to member players.
[0086]
A member player or employee (hereinafter referred to as a member player in this section) inserts a member card into the card processor 12 (T41). The card processor 12 transmits the member ID read from the inserted member card to the member server 7 (T42).
[0087]
The member server 7 confirms the validity of the member card (member ID) (performs an abnormality notification process if it cannot be confirmed), and then transmits a password request to the card processor 12 (T43). The card processor 12 displays a message requesting the member player to input a password (T44), and the member player inputs the password by key (T45).
[0088]
The card processor 12 transmits the entered password to the member server 7 (T46), and the member server 7 confirms the password (performs an abnormality notification process if it cannot be confirmed) and then returns a confirmation that it has been confirmed. (T47). The reply at this time may include information on the number of remaining conversion balls and the number of premium ball conversion storage balls, and the card processor 12 may display and output the information.
[0089]
Upon receipt of the password confirmation notice, the card processing machine 12 displays a message asking the member player whether to use the remaining conversion amount or the prize ball conversion amount (T48), and the member player selects it. The contents are taken in (T49). In addition, for example, when only one of the remaining amount converted storage ball number or the premium ball converted storage ball number is present by the communication described above by the member server 7, the card processing machine 12 uses the stored ball for gaming. A confirmation message for issuing a card is displayed to confirm the intention of the member player.
[0090]
When the card processing machine 12 recognizes the type of the number of stored balls to be used (the cause type of the stored ball: the balance or the premium ball), it sends the type of stored ball use issuance request to the member server 7 (T50). At this time, the member server 7 determines the number of balls to be associated with the remaining number of gaming cards, subtracts the number of balls of that type in the member database 8 by the determined number of balls, and then issues a card issuance approval ( The number of stored balls related to the issue or the remaining number converted from it and the flag of the stored ball type is recorded) and returned to the card processor 12 (T51).
[0091]
For example, the member server 7 is equal to or more than the number of stored balls (hereinafter referred to as the issuance upper limit stored ball number) equal to the remaining number corresponding to the maximum amount (for example, 5,000 yen) at the time of issuance of the game card with cash. When the accumulated balls exist as accumulated accumulated balls, the number of accumulated balls equivalent to the remaining number corresponding to the maximum amount is determined as the number of accumulated balls corresponding to the remaining number of gaming cards. When the accumulated storage ball number is smaller than the issuance upper limit storage ball number, the integer part of the value obtained by dividing the accumulated storage ball number by the number of stored balls corresponding to the remaining number of times is determined as the remaining number, and the remaining number is 1 The number of stored balls obtained by multiplying the number of stored balls corresponding to the frequency is determined as the number of used stored balls.
[0092]
Note that the member player may be allowed to input the number of stored balls to be converted into the remaining number. Even in this case, it is preferable that the upper limit of the number of stored balls that can be converted into the remaining number is defined as a system.
[0093]
Upon receiving the card issuance approval, the card processor 12 reads the ID of the gaming card to be issued and notifies the host controller 5 of the card ID and the remaining number (T52). The host controller 5 records the remaining number received as the remaining number corresponding to the card ID in the gaming card database 13, records the use of the stored ball as an issuance usage type or flag, and sets the card status to the issuing status (T53) Then, the end of updating the database is returned to the card processor 12 (T54).
[0094]
At this time, the card processor 12 discharges the game card and the membership card (T55), and the member player receives both cards (T56). In parallel, the card processor 12 transmits to the member server 7 that the game card is issued together with the member ID (may include the game card ID) (T57), and the member server 7 The fact that a game card from the stored ball has been issued is confirmed and recorded in the member database 8 (T58).
[0095]
In the above description, a case has been described in which the card processing machine 12 issues a gaming card using a stored ball. However, the gaming card issuance / settlement machine 6 has a function for issuing a gaming card using the stored ball. You may make it.
[0096]
Moreover, although the case where the gaming card has a form that does not store the remaining number has been described above, a gaming card that can store the remaining number can also be applied. In this case, it is necessary to appropriately store the remaining number in the game card.
[0097]
(A-3) Effects of the embodiment
According to the above embodiment, the remaining number of game cards issued on condition that cash (current currency money) is inserted can be converted into stored money. Therefore, the member player can settle the cash remaining game card remaining at the end of the game or can save the card, and can arbitrarily select the remaining number processing method.
[0098]
In addition, the player can exchange prizes after converting the remaining number of cash-issuing game cards into accumulated balls, and the processing mode at the time of prize exchange can be increased.
[0099]
Furthermore, a game card can be issued using a stored ball obtained by converting the remaining number of cash issuing game cards. That is, from the viewpoint of the player, the remaining number (remaining money) can be directed to the game on the next day or later without bringing back the game card. If the number of game cards that are taken home decreases, the percentage of lost cards will also decrease, and the advantages of the game hall will be great.
[0100]
Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cash issuing game card and the savings card issuing game card are clearly distinguished by the flag of the gaming card database 13, so that the remaining number of the savings card issuing game card is converted into cash by settlement. Such a situation can be surely prevented, and even if the remaining number of balls storage function is introduced, it is possible to prevent illegal acts and the like, and gambling can be eliminated.
[0101]
In addition, it can be expected that player membership will be promoted by enhancement of functions related to storage balls.
[0102]
(B) Other embodiments
In the above description, various modified embodiments have been referred to, but further modified embodiments exemplified below can be cited.
[0103]
In the above embodiment, the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a gaming ball rented using a gaming card (not only a spherical one but also a coin shape). Game machines that play games in the form of a token or a medal).
[0104]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, the system which has both the function of converting the remaining number of cash-issuing game cards into a storage ball, and the function of issuing a game card using the converted storage ball in such a manner. As described above, the system may be configured to have only a function of converting the remaining number of cash issuing game cards into accumulated balls. In other words, the storage ball in which the remaining number of cash issuing game cards is converted may be used only for exchanging prizes and may not be used for issuing game cards.
[0105]
Further, in the above embodiment, a game card can be issued using a stored ball in which the remaining number of cash issuing game cards is converted, and a game card is issued using a stored ball in which a prize ball is converted. Although what can be done is shown, it may be that only one of them is allowed to be issued. Further, the member card may be regarded as the same as the game card, and the stored ball may be converted into a rental game ball by inserting the member card.
[0106]
Here, regarding the game ball rentable information, the member card may be regarded as the same as the game card. For example, a system is constructed such that the remaining amount (remaining number) of game balls that can be supplied is recorded or associated with a member card and recorded on another device, and the issued game ball lending information can be The remaining number (remaining money) may be converted into a stored ball. The term “game card” in the claims includes the “member card” used in this way.
[0107]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the storage balls obtained by converting the remaining number of cash issuing game cards and the storage balls obtained by converting the prize balls have been managed separately. You may make it manage. At this time, it is impossible to settle the cash for the game card.
[0108]
In the above embodiment, only the member player is allowed to store the remaining number of cash issuing game cards. However, for the general player, the remaining number of cash issuing game cards You may be allowed to allow for storage. In this case, it is necessary to input bibliographic information such as a name at the time of conversion, and to input the bibliographic information at the time of issuing a game card using a stored ball.
[0109]
In the above-described embodiment, a game card is issued by inserting cash. However, a game card may be issued using a debit card or a credit card. As with the cash issuing game card, it is also possible to make it possible to save money for the remaining number of game cards issued using a debit card or a credit card. The term “cash issuing game card” in the claims includes not only a game card issued by inserting cash but also a game card issued using a debit card or a credit card. In other words, a game card issued with a transfer of monetary value from a player to a game hall (operating company) is called a cash issuing game card.
[0110]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to apply a game ball rentable information carry-over system capable of processing the remaining number of game cards at the end of the game so that both the player and the game hall have advantages. Can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a game ball rentable information carry-over system 1 of an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic external view of the card processing machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the card processing machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of issuing a gaming card by cash deposit according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a ball lending operation using a game card according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of storing the remaining number of game cards according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of issuing a game card using a stored ball according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game ball rental possible information carry-over system, 2 ... Game machine, 3 ... Ball lending machine, 4 ... Island unit controller, 5 ... Host controller, 6 ... Game card issuance / accounting machine, 7 ... Member server, 8 ... Member database , 9: Game ball counting machine, 10: Receipt issuing and storing machine, 11: Gift management POS terminal, 12: Card processing machine, 13: Game card database.

Claims (8)

A cash-issuing gaming card issuing machine that issues a cash-issuing gaming card associated with rentable information of game balls in accordance with the transfer of monetary value from the player to the game hall;
The cash issuing game card is taken in, and within the range of rentable information corresponding thereto, the game balls are lent out in the specified amount, and the rentable information associated with the cash issuing game card is , A game ball lending device that decreases according to the lending amount,
Storage information storage means for storing storage information;
Corresponding to the player information by converting the rentable information associated with the cash-issuing game card into the first stored-ball information for the later exchange of prizes and / or re-conversion to the rented game balls A first lendable information storage means for accumulating in the storage information storage means ,
The prize game balls that are the reward of the game results and the remaining game balls that are lent out are counted, and the information corresponding to the counted value is used as the second stored ball information for the later exchange of the prize or the re-conversion to the rented game balls. In order to achieve this, it has a prize ball storage means for accumulating in the storage information storage means,
The stored- ball information storage means stores the first stored- ball information and the second stored- ball information without distinguishing between them .   The first lending available information storing means includes a cash issuing game card collecting unit for collecting the cash issuing game card in which the lending available information is converted into the first stored ball information. The game ball rentable information carry-over system according to 1. All or a part of the first stored ball information stored in the stored ball information storage means is converted into rentable information of game balls, and a stored ball issuing game card associated with the rentable information is issued. , A storage card issuing game card issuing machine for reducing the first storage information of the storage information storage means,
The game ball lending possible information carry-over system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the game ball lending device is also compatible with the storage card issuing game card. Lending available information associated with the game card for issuing a storage ball is converted into second storage information, and stored in the storage information storing means in association with the player information. 4. The game ball rentable information carry-over system according to claim 3, further comprising means.   The second lendable information storage unit includes a storage card issuing game card collecting unit that collects the storage card issuing game card in which the lending information is converted into the second storage information. 4. An information carry-over system for game balls that can be rented according to 4.   A game in which the rentable information associated with the cash issuing game card is settled to a monetary value, and the rentable information associated with the savings issuance game card is prohibited from being settled to the monetary value. The game ball lending possible information carry-over system according to claim 3, further comprising a card settlement machine. The first lending available information storing means is linked to the member player authentication means, and the first lending information of lending information associated with the cash issuing game card possessed by the member player is stored. The game ball rentable information carry-over system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein conversion to the first stored-ball information is not permitted for non-member players. Any of claims 1-7, characterized in that it has a prize exchange processing apparatus by reducing the first貯玉information and or the second貯玉information stored in the貯玉information storage means performs prize exchange A game ball rental information carry-over system described in Crab.

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