JP5069586B2 - Game media rental system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a management device that manages value in association with identification information recorded in a game recording medium, a lending processor that performs a lending process of a game medium based on the game recording medium, and a game recording medium The present invention relates to a game medium lending system having a recording medium settlement machine for performing the settlement process.

  Conventionally, as a game medium lending machine for lending game media such as pachinko balls and medals, a card processing unit (hereinafter referred to as “CR unit”) that lends game media based on the value of the inserted game recording medium (prepaid card). Is well known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The remaining amount of the prepaid card inserted into the CR unit is the identification information (prepaid card) stored in the prepaid card by a management device (hereinafter referred to as “prepaid card T / C”) connected to the CR unit. ID) and managed.

  In this way, since the remaining amount management of the prepaid card is performed by the prepaid card T / C which is a higher-level device of the CR unit, the communication between the CR unit and the prepaid card T / C is interrupted for some reason ( The remaining amount cannot be managed in the case of going offline.

  For this reason, in such an offline state, when a predetermined low-value banknote (for example, a thousand yen bill) is accepted, the CR unit is configured to throw out all the game media equivalent to the banknote. A method that avoids the remaining amount management is adopted.

JP 2002-224416 A

  However, even if the prepaid card remaining amount management is avoided as described above, the point that the prepaid card remaining amount cannot be managed in the offline state remains unchanged, and there is a problem that the convenience related to the prepaid card of the player is impaired.

  In other words, since the prepaid card T / C and the CR unit cannot communicate in the offline state, the prepaid balance purchased in the online state cannot be used and settled until the offline state, and a thousand yen bill, etc. As a result, it becomes impossible to use other denominations of money, resulting in a loss of convenience related to the player's prepaid card.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems (problems) of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game medium lending system that improves the convenience of a player's prepaid card. To do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a gaming medium lending system according to the present invention includes a management device that manages value in association with identification information recorded on a gaming recording medium, and the gaming A gaming medium lending system comprising: a lending processor that performs lending processing of game media based on a recording medium; and a recording medium reimbursement machine that performs reimbursement processing of the gaming recording medium, wherein the lending processor Value-adding means for valuing the payment value as a valuable value on the premise of use in a game, and the use of the game recording medium based on the value managed by the management device in association with the identification information of the game recording medium Or an online mode in which the settlement is performed, or an offline mode in which the game recording medium is used or settled based on the valuable value recorded on the gaming recording medium. Write control means for controlling to write a value classification indicating whether the payment value is valued as a valuable value by the value value means in the game recording medium, and the lending processor or the record The medium settlement machine writes the mode switching means for switching between the online mode and the offline mode, and the stay mode in which the lending processor or the recording medium settlement machine stays in the game recording medium by the write control means. Mode match determination means for determining whether or not the price classification matches, and if the stay match mode and the value classification are determined by the mode match determination means, use of the game recording medium or An automatic processing permission means for permitting automatic settlement processing is provided.

  Further, the game medium lending system according to the present invention further comprises display control means for controlling the recording medium checker to display the value of the valuable value written on the game recording medium by the write control means. It is characterized by having.

  In the gaming medium lending system according to the present invention, the mode switching unit further includes a communication availability determination unit that determines whether or not communication with the management device is possible, and the communication availability determination unit and the management device When it is determined that communication with the management apparatus is restored by the communication availability determination unit, the offline mode is determined. To the online mode.

  In the gaming medium lending system according to the present invention, the lending processor is connected to a relay device to which a plurality of lending processors including the lending processor are connected, and the lending processor has the lending processor. The mode switching means instructs another lending processor connected to the relay device to switch to the online mode or the offline mode.

  Further, the game medium lending system according to the present invention further comprises an update request means for requesting the lending processor to update the value managed in association with the identification information of the game recording medium by the management device. The write control means is configured to respond to an update request from the update request means, and when the communication with the management apparatus is interrupted while the value is updated by the management apparatus, the value before the update is And controlling the value so that both the high value of the value and the high value of the valuable value after the update are written to the game recording medium.

  According to the present invention, a predetermined payment value is valued as a valuable value premised on use in a game, and the use of a game recording medium is based on the valuable value managed in association with the identification information of the game recording medium. In addition, it indicates whether the payment value is valued as valuable value in the online mode in which payment is made, or in the offline mode in which the game recording medium is used or settled based on the value recorded on the game recording medium. Configure the lending processor to write the value classification to the game recording medium, switch between online mode and offline mode, and write the stay mode where the lending processor or recording medium checkout machine is staying on the game recording medium If it is determined whether or not it matches the valued category, and if it is determined that the stay mode and the valued category match, Since the lending processor or recording medium settlement machine is configured to allow the use of technical recording media or automatic processing of settlement, the system allows the player to use large bills even when communication with the management device is interrupted. Convenience related to prepaid cards for players while preventing system management from becoming complicated by eliminating the use or settlement of valuable values with different properties for management in different operation modes from the respective value classifications It is possible to improve the performance.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the high value of the valuable value written on the game recording medium is displayed, the valuable value valued in the online state before going offline, or vice versa. Valuable value that has been valued offline until it is online can be paid by hand-off in a different stay mode from the value category, making it impossible to handle due to the unknown value of the valuable value As a result, the convenience related to the player's prepaid card can be improved in many ways.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is determined whether or not communication with the management apparatus is possible, and when it is determined that communication with the management apparatus is impossible, the management apparatus is switched from the online mode to the offline mode. When it is determined that the communication with the device has been restored, the mode is switched from the offline mode to the online mode. There is an effect that it becomes possible to perform.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since it is configured to instruct the other lending processor connected to the relay device to switch to the online mode or the offline mode, the offline mode or the online in the other lending processor is configured. There is an effect that the switching operation to the mode can be omitted, and the mode switching can be performed quickly.

  Further, according to the present invention, a request is made to update the value managed in association with the identification information of the game recording medium, and the value is updated by the management device in response to the update request. When communication with the management device is interrupted, both the high value of the valuable value before the update and the high value of the valuable value after the update are written to the game recording medium. It is possible to pay a safe amount for the player when the value is settled by the payment or the manual payment in the offline mode, and it is possible to prevent the excessive collection of the loan consideration.

  Exemplary embodiments of a game medium rental system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko game will be described.

  First, the outline and characteristics of the game medium lending system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a prepaid card system of a game store according to the first embodiment. The prepaid card system 1 provides a pachinko ball lending service based on the valuable value given to the prepaid card.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the prepaid card system 1 includes a terminal controller (a management device that manages the value (amount) of a prepaid card in association with identification information (prepaid card ID) recorded on the prepaid card. Hereinafter, a prepaid card T / C) 10, an island controller 20, a card processing unit (hereinafter referred to as “CR unit”) 30, a pachinko machine 40, and a card settlement machine 60 are provided.

  In the prepaid card system 1, the prepaid card T / C 10 is used as an upper device, and the island controller 20 provided as a relay device between the upper device and the lower device for each group called “island” in the prepaid card T / C 10. The island controller 20 has a connection relationship in which a plurality of pachinko machines 40 installed on each island are connected to a CR unit 30 attached thereto. The card settlement machine 60 is directly connected to the prepaid card T / C 10 without going through the island controller 20.

  Further, the prepaid card T / C 10 is connected via a public line 3 to a central management device 100 that comprehensively manages sales information of each game store (game stores A and B). The central management device 100 is an information processing device managed and operated by a business operator (hereinafter referred to as a central management center) that leases the prepaid card system 1 to each game store.

  Here, in the prepaid card system 1, there are three operation modes for handling prepaid cards. Among these three operation modes, in-store devices such as the CR unit 30 and the card settlement machine 60, the prepaid card T / The store is operated based on an online mode in which the prepaid card is used or settled based on the prepaid balance managed in association with the prepaid card ID by C10.

  On the other hand, the HUB (not shown) connecting between the prepaid card T / C 10 and each island controller 20 breaks down, and communication between the prepaid card T / C 10 and the CR unit 30 or the card settlement machine 60 is not secured ( Under offline mode, for example, low-price offline mode that accepts only low-priced bills such as thousand-yen bills and lends pachinko balls for the low-priced bills as it is, and prohibits both the use of prepaid cards and payment Alternatively, the store is operated in a high-price offline mode in which the prepaid card is used or settled based on the prepaid balance recorded on the prepaid card itself.

  That is, when the communication between the prepaid card T / C 10 and the in-store device is secured, each in-store device is operated in the online mode, and when the communication between the two is interrupted, the operation of each in-store device is performed. If the mode is shifted to the low-price offline mode and a specific operation described later is performed via the remote controller 70 shown in FIG. 1, the operation in the high-price offline mode is performed. The “offline mode” described in the claims corresponds to the “expensive offline mode” referred to in the present embodiment.

  Further, in the prepaid card system 1, the prepaid balance valued to the prepaid card is also stored in the prepaid card as a prepaid balance in which the attribute is distinguished depending on which operation mode the prepaid balance is valued by the CR unit 30. To record.

  That is, as an operation mode for managing the balance using a prepaid card, there are an online mode and a high-priced offline mode, but when value is made during the online mode, it is recorded on the prepaid card as an online balance, If value is made during the high-price offline mode, it is recorded on the prepaid card as the offline balance. The “online remaining amount” and “offline remaining amount” mentioned here are not only the remaining amount but also the “value classification” described in the claims.

  “Valued” here refers to electronically accepting the value of payment such as money, electronic money, and predetermined payments (for example, debit payments and credit payments) as a prepaid balance assuming use in games. For example, in the online mode, it refers to registering the online balance in the prepaid card T / C 10 in association with the prepaid card ID, and in the high price offline mode, writing the offline balance to the prepaid card, Alternatively, it means that the offline balance is held in an internal memory (such as a storage unit 37 described later) on the assumption that the offline balance is written to the prepaid card.

  The prepaid card T / C 10 is a management device that manages the online balance of the prepaid card using a card master management table (not shown). The above-mentioned various in-store devices (CR unit 30, pachinko machine 40, and card checkout machine 60) are arranged. The game floor is set up in another place separated from the established game floor, for example, in an office for operating a game store. This card master management table stores a prepaid card ID in association with an online balance. For example, when a bill is inserted by the CR unit 30, the amount of the inserted bill is received together with the prepaid card ID of the built-in card to be issued from the CR unit 30, and the amount of the inserted bill is valued to the prepaid card ID. After that, a “pricing completion notice” is returned to the CR unit 30. Also, when a ball lending operation is performed while the prepaid card is inserted in the CR unit 30, a request for subtraction of the online balance is accepted from the CR unit 30. Then, the lending unit amount is subtracted from the online balance corresponding to the prepaid card ID included in the subtraction request, and a subtraction completion notification is returned.

  The island controller 20 is a relay device that relays communication performed between the prepaid card T / C 10 and the plurality of CR units 30 and has a function as a concentrator that bundles CR unit network cables in each “island”. .

  The pachinko machine 40 is a device in which a player plays a pachinko game by launching a pachinko ball into the game area. In the first embodiment, the pachinko machine 40 is a so-called CR pachinko machine compatible with a prepaid card.

  The CR unit 30 is a device for instructing the pachinko machine 40 to issue a ball for the loan consideration collection. For the collection of the loan consideration, the operation mode at the time of accepting the ball rental operation is any of the above three operation modes. The collection form differs depending on whether it is applicable.

  For example, when the operation mode at the time of accepting a ball lending operation is the online mode, if a ball lending operation is accepted from a player with a prepaid card having an online balance remaining, the lending consideration is collected. When the prepaid card T / C10 is requested to subtract the online balance of the prepaid card and the prepaid card T / C10 is notified that the online balance subtraction process has been completed, the ball lending is made to the pachinko machine 40. Give instructions. On the other hand, when the operation mode at the time of accepting the ball lending operation is the low-price offline mode, when the low-price banknote such as a thousand-yen banknote is received, the remaining amount management is not performed and the ball for the received amount as it is with respect to the pachinko machine 40. Lending instructions are given. In addition, when the operation mode at the time of accepting the ball lending operation is the high-priced online mode, if the ball lending operation is accepted from the player in a state where the offline remaining amount exists in the internal memory, the offline remaining amount stored in the internal memory is subtracted. The ball lending instruction is given to the pachinko machine 40. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the lending unit amount to be lended by one lending operation is fixed in principle (for example, fixed at 500 yen), and only when lending in a low-price offline mode. The lending unit amount is assumed to be equivalent to a low bill (for example, a thousand yen bill).

  In addition, this CR unit 30 is installed in a card storage unit 36b inside the unit, which will be described later, from the viewpoint of eliminating the inconvenience of purchasing a prepaid card to a card issuing machine (not shown) disposed on the island edge. A prepaid card for issuance (a card with no remaining value whose value is not valued) is stored in advance, and has a value function for adding value to the prepaid card in addition to the above-described subtraction of the remaining amount.

  For example, when the operation mode at the time of banknote acceptance is the online mode, one prepaid card out of the prepaid cards stored in the card storage unit 36b is to be valued and inserted into the prepaid card T / C10. The cash value is given to the prepaid card by requesting the addition of considerable online balance. Further, when the operation mode at the time of banknote acceptance is the high-price offline mode, the offline balance equivalent to the accepted banknote is held in the internal memory on the assumption that the offline balance will be written to the prepaid card in the future. Note that in the low-price offline mode, the remaining amount of the prepaid card is not managed and, of course, no value is given.

  The card checkout machine 60 is a device that performs a checkout process for a prepaid balance that is valued for a prepaid card. For example, when the operation mode at the time of accepting a prepaid card is the online mode, the remaining amount of the prepaid card is inquired. Collect the prepaid card and pay out the cash equivalent to the online balance obtained as a result of the inquiry. Further, when the operation mode at the time of accepting the prepaid card is the high-price offline mode, the record information is read from the prepaid card, and if there is an off-line balance, cash corresponding to the off-line balance is paid out. In the low-price offline mode, neither the online balance nor the offline balance is settled.

  Here, in the prepaid card system 1 according to the first embodiment, the CR unit 30 accepts a predetermined payment value as a prepaid balance on the premise that it is used for gaming, and pays in either the online mode or the high-price offline mode. There is a stay mode in which a value classification indicating whether the value is valued as a prepaid balance is written to the prepaid card, and the CR unit 30 or the card settlement machine 60 switches between the online mode and the high-priced offline mode and stays at the time of accepting the processing request. It is determined whether or not the value classification written on the prepaid card matches, and when it is determined that the stay mode and the value classification match, the use of the prepaid card or automatic processing of the checkout is permitted. There are features.

  In other words, the prepaid card system 1 writes the mode at the time of value as a value classification when value-adding the payment value, and in the situation where communication with the prepaid card T / C 10 is secured, While the payment is automatically processed, in the situation where communication with the prepaid card T / C10 is not secured, only the use of the remaining balance and the payment are automatically processed, so that it is in either the online mode or the high-price offline mode. Even in this case, the remaining amount of the prepaid card is managed, and further, it is possible to prevent the online balance and the offline balance, which are different in terms of system management, from being used or settled in an operation mode that does not correspond to each. .

  Therefore, according to the prepaid card system 1 according to the first embodiment, even when communication between the prepaid card T / C 10 and the in-store device is interrupted, the player is allowed to use a large amount of banknotes, and the system management is characteristic. Different prepaid balances are not used or settled in different operating modes from the respective value classifications, and it is possible to improve convenience related to prepaid cards for players while preventing system management from becoming complicated. become.

  In addition, as described above, in the prepaid card system 1 according to the first embodiment, not only the high off-line mode based on writing off-line balance on the prepaid card itself, but also the balance management is performed on the prepaid card T / C10. The CR unit 30 is also configured to write the remaining amount of the online balance to the prepaid card.

  Under such a configuration, an automatic process for using or paying the online balance in the high-priced offline mode or an automatic process for using or paying the offline balance in the online mode, that is, the use of a prepaid card when the stay mode and the value classification are different. Or, while prohibiting automatic processing of payment, it is possible to display the prepaid balance written in the prepaid card in such a case without automatically processing the prepaid balance. It is possible to make cashiers pay by cashing the display contents (online balance or offline balance) to the staff of the amusement store.

  Thus, according to the prepaid card system 1 according to the first embodiment, the prepaid balance written in the prepaid card is displayed on the predetermined display unit of the card checkout machine 60 when the stay mode and the value classification are different. By doing so, the online balance purchased in the online state before going offline, or vice versa, the offline balance can be settled manually in a different stay mode than the value classification, and the prepaid balance is unknown As a result, it becomes possible to improve the convenience of the player's prepaid card in a multifaceted manner.

[Prepaid card system configuration]
Then, the structure of each apparatus which comprises the prepaid card system based on the present Example 1 is demonstrated in detail. In the following, the configuration of the CR unit 30 shown in FIG. 1 will be described, and then the configuration of the card settlement machine 60 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

[Configuration of CR unit 30]
As described above, the configuration of the CR unit 30 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail. Here, after describing the (1) external configuration of the CR unit 30 according to the first embodiment, the (2) internal configuration of the CR unit 30 will be described.

(1) Appearance Configuration FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the CR unit 30 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the CR unit 30 is configured as a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped casing, and in the upper part of the front surface of the main body, the state display lamp 301 and the card state display are sequentially arranged downward. An LED 302, a remote control light receiving unit 310, and a depositable display LED 303 are attached.

  The status display lamp 301 is a lamp that indicates whether or not the CR unit 30 can be operated by switching the lighting color. For example, the status display lamp 301 indicates that the CR unit 30 can be operated by “green lighting” and cannot be operated by “red lighting”. It expresses that.

  The card status display LED 302 is an LED that indicates whether or not the prepaid card built in the CR unit 30 needs to be replenished or collected by lighting / flashing. For example, “lit” indicates that the prepaid card needs to be replenished. “Flashing” indicates that collection of the prepaid card is necessary, and “Lights off” indicates that replenishment and collection of the prepaid card is unnecessary.

  The remote control light receiving unit 310 is composed of a light receiving element that receives infrared rays emitted from the dedicated remote control 70 shown in FIG. 1, and performs various operations on the CR unit 30 through the infrared rays emitted from the remote control 70 (for example, the bill storage portion 35c). Unlocking operation, unlocking operation, prepaid card replenishment operation and recovery operation, etc.) are accepted.

  The depositable display LED 303 is an LED that indicates whether or not banknotes can be deposited in the CR unit 30 by lighting / flashing. For example, it indicates that banknotes can be deposited by “lighting”. "Flashing" indicates that banknotes cannot be deposited.

  In addition, a bill insertion slot 308 for inserting a bill including a large amount of bills (for example, “10,000 yen”, “5,000 yen”, “2,000 yen”, etc.), a prepaid card or a member is inserted in the center of the front surface of the main body. A card insertion slot 309 for inserting various cards such as cards is provided.

  Furthermore, a 7SEG display unit 304, a mode display unit 305, and various button groups (lending button 306, return button 307, etc.) are provided in the lower part of the front surface of the main unit in order downward.

  The 7SEG display unit 304 is a display unit (6 digits) formed from 7-segment LEDs, and displays various data displays of the CR unit 30 (data display by symbols such as numerals and alphabets expressed by combining segments). Is what you do. For example, in response to pressing of the information button, the amount of inserted banknotes and the remaining amount of prepaid card can be switched and displayed, and when the card being inserted is a membership card, the number of stored balls, the number of replays and points are further switched Or display.

  The mode display unit 305 displays which mode information is displayed on the 7SEG display unit 304. For example, which information is displayed on the 7SEG display unit 304 among “prepaid balance”, “number of stored balls”, “number of replays” or “points” is represented by lighting the corresponding lamp.

  The lending button 306 is an operation button for accepting a ball lending request by a player. When the lending button 306 is pressed, a prepaid balance subtraction and a ball throwing instruction are performed by the control unit 38 to be described later. The return button 307 is an operation button for accepting a return request for a prepaid card by the player. When the return button 307 is pressed, the prepaid card being inserted is returned from the card insertion slot 309.

(2) Internal Configuration Next, the internal configuration of the CR unit 30 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the CR unit 30 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the CR unit 30 includes an operation unit 31, a display unit 32, a communication control I / F unit 33a, a gaming machine communication I / F unit 33b, a remote control light receiving unit 310, and a bill. A processing unit 35, a card processing unit 36, a storage unit 37, and a control unit 38 are provided.

  The operation unit 31 is a collective term for various button groups, a lending button 306, a return button 307, and the like, and the display unit 32 is a status display lamp 301, a card status display LED 302, a depositable display LED 303, 7SEG shown in FIG. A general term for the display unit 304, the mode display unit 305, and the like.

  The communication control I / F unit 33a is an interface that controls various types of communication between other devices such as the prepaid card T / C 10 and the island controller 20. The gaming machine communication I / F unit 33b is an interface that controls various communications (for example, a ball throwing instruction, a throwing completion response, etc.) with the pachinko machine 40 provided in the CR unit 30. is there.

  The banknote processing unit 35 is a processing unit that handles banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion slot 308, and includes a BV unit unit 35a, a transport mechanism unit 35b, a banknote storage unit 35c, and a locking mechanism unit 35d.

  Among these, the BV unit part 35 a is a banknote discriminator for identifying the denomination of the banknote inserted into the banknote insertion slot 308, and outputs the identified denomination of the inserted banknote to the control unit 38. In addition, when the inserted banknote is a forged banknote or an unidentifiable banknote (a banknote having a poor storage state), the banknote is returned.

  The conveyance mechanism unit 35b is a mechanism unit such as a roller that conveys the accepted banknote from the banknote insertion slot 308 to the banknote storage unit 35c. The banknote storage unit 35c is a storage unit that stores banknotes. The locking mechanism unit 35d is a lock mechanism that locks the banknote storage unit 35c, and unlocks the banknote storage unit 35c in response to an unlocking instruction from the remote controller 70.

  The card processing unit 36 is a processing unit that handles various cards inserted from the card insertion slot 309, and includes a card reader / writer 36a, a card storage unit 36b, and a transport / feed-out mechanism unit 36c.

  Among these, the card reader / writer 36a is a device that reads and writes various cards such as a prepaid card and a membership card inserted into the card insertion slot 309. For example, the card reader / writer 36a reads a prepaid card ID from the prepaid card, Write your online balance or offline balance on your prepaid card.

  The card storage unit 36b is a storage unit for storing a prepaid card whose prepaid balance is not valued. In order to enable a player to play with cash even if he / she does not bring a prepaid card, a plurality of prepaid cards are used in advance. Is stored. For example, when a bill is inserted by a player, one of a plurality of prepaid cards is paid out to the position of the card reader / writer 36a, and is set as a target of cash balance association.

  The transport / feeding mechanism unit 36c is a mechanism unit that transports / feeds various cards. Specifically, the prepaid card inserted from the card insertion slot 309 is transported to the card reader / writer 36a, the prepaid card held in the card reader / writer 36a is transported to the card storage section 36b, and the card storage The built-in prepaid card stored in the unit 36b is fed out to the card reader / writer 36a, or the prepaid card held in the card reader / writer 36a is fed out to the card insertion slot 309.

  The storage unit 37 is a storage unit (storage unit) that stores data (for example, prepaid balance, loan unit amount, operation authority of the remote controller 70, etc.) and programs necessary for various processes by the control unit 38.

  The control unit 38 is a control unit that controls the overall control of the CR unit 30, and particularly relates to the present invention, the remote control processing unit 330, the password generation unit 340, the mode switching unit 350, and the card management unit 360. And a writing control unit 370 and a ball lending processing unit 380.

  The remote control processing unit 330 is a processing unit that interprets a command code received from the remote control 70 via the remote control light receiving unit 310 using a command management table (not shown) and notifies the command destination functional unit of the command code. For example, when the command code “1” is registered in the above-described command management table as the start operation for the high-priced offline mode and the command code “2” is registered as the end operation for the high-price offline mode, the command code “1” is displayed on the remote controller 70. When the key operation corresponding to is performed, it is interpreted as a request for activating the high-priced offline mode. When the key operation corresponding to the command code “2” is performed on the remote controller 70, the end request for the high-priced offline mode is performed. The mode switching unit 350 is notified of these requests. As will be described later, a password for activating the high-price offline mode is also received from the remote control 70 via the remote control light receiving unit 310.

  The password generation unit 340 is a processing unit that generates a password according to the same generation logic as the password generation unit 110 in the central management apparatus 100. In other words, in order to ensure that switching to the high-priced offline mode is performed with the permission of the central management center operator, authentication processing using a password issued from the central management center when the high-priced offline mode is activated is expensive. For example, the generation logic A includes the password generation unit 340 and the central management device 100 in order to enable verification of the password by the CR unit 30 that is incorporated as an activation condition for the offline mode and is isolated from the central management device 100. It is embedded in both password generation units 110. As the generation logic, a known logic can be arbitrarily used.

  The mode switching unit 350 is a processing unit that switches the operation mode among the online mode, the low price offline mode, and the high price offline mode, and includes a communication status monitoring unit 351 that monitors the communication status with the prepaid card T / C 10.

  More specifically, when it is confirmed by the communication status monitoring unit 351 that communication with the prepaid card T / C 10 has been normally established, the online mode is maintained and the communication status monitoring unit 351 is maintained. When it is detected that the communication with the prepaid card T / C 10 is interrupted, the online mode cannot be operated, and the online mode is switched to the low-price offline mode. When the mode is switched to the low-priced offline mode in this way, the high-priced offline mode is in a standby state for activation via the remote controller 70. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. The input password and the verification password generated by the password generation unit 340 are verified, and the verification by the password is successful, and it is confirmed that the maintenance staff of the central management center is involved in the activation of the high-price offline mode. Switch from low-priced offline mode to high-priced offline mode. Even when switching from the high-priced offline mode to the online mode, the same password verification is performed, and then the online mode is restored.

  As described above, mode switching between the online mode, the low-priced offline mode, and the high-priced offline mode is automatically performed on condition that the communication with the prepaid card T / C 10 is interrupted when switching from the online mode to the low-priced offline mode. Switching from the mode to the high-priced offline mode and switching from the high-priced offline mode to the online mode are performed by accepting operations via the remote controller 70.

  The card management unit 360 is a processing unit that performs various processes related to a prepaid card, and includes a mode match determination unit 361, a manual payment flag determination unit 362, an online remaining amount update request unit 363, and an offline remaining amount update unit 364. .

  Among these, the mode match determination unit 361 is a processing unit that determines whether or not the stay mode in which the CR unit 30 stays matches the value classification written in the prepaid card. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the stay mode and the value classification are the same when the prepaid card is inserted or when the money is valued by banknote. When the stay mode is the online mode, the online balance is stored in the prepaid card. It is determined whether or not there is an online balance, and if there is an online balance, it is determined that the stay mode and the value classification match. Further, when the stay mode is the high-price offline mode, it is determined whether or not there is an offline balance remaining on the prepaid card. If there is an offline balance, it is determined that the stay mode and the value classification match. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that both the online balance and the offline balance coexist on one prepaid card. However, it is not always necessary to allow both prepaid balances to be valued. You may allow only the attachment.

  The manual payment flag determination unit 362 is a processing unit that determines whether or not the prepaid balance valued on the prepaid card has already been paid by a game store employee. Specifically, if the prepaid card in the prepaid card that is updated by the card settlement machine 60 is on, it is determined that the prepaid card has been settled, and the manual payment flag is off. If there is, it is determined that it has not been settled.

  That is, when the card payment machine 60 pays out the prepaid balance of the value classification different from the stay mode by the employee by hand, only the prepaid balance different from the stay mode is referred to. Since the prepaid balance cannot be erased, there is a system inconsistency that there is an online balance on the prepaid card T / C10 even after manual payment, or an offline balance is recorded in the prepaid card. Become.

  For this reason, if an employee deliberately passes a prepaid card that has been paid by hand to a player, or if such a prepaid card is stolen by a malicious fraudster, such a system contradiction will actually be caused by the other hand. Although there is no prepaid balance, there is a risk that a fraudulent act of using the prepaid card in the state where the stay mode and the value classification are matched later may be performed.

  For the purpose of monitoring such fraudulent activities, when a prepaid card is used, even if the stay mode and the value classification match, the on-off flag recorded in the prepaid card is turned on or off. Let's make it judge.

  The online balance update request unit 363 is a processing unit that requests the prepaid card T / C 10 to update the online balance. Specifically, by adding the amount of the inserted banknote to the prepaid card T / C10 in association with the prepaid card ID of the prepaid card built in the card storage unit 36b, the online balance is added to the prepaid card or inserted. Request the prepaid card T / C10 to subtract (collect) the lending unit amount (in this example “500 yen”) from the online balance of the prepaid card in the card, When the prepaid card is accepted via 309, the online balance corresponding to the prepaid card ID read through the card reader / writer 36a is obtained by inquiring the prepaid card T / C10.

  The offline residual amount update unit 364 is a processing unit that updates the offline residual amount valued to the prepaid card. Specifically, the offline balance is substantially valued in the prepaid card by holding the amount of the inserted bill in the storage unit 37 on the assumption that the offline balance is written in the prepaid card, or the offline being held in the storage unit 37 Loan unit amount is subtracted (collected) from the remaining amount as the payment consideration for pachinko balls.

  The writing control unit 370 is a processing unit that controls writing to the prepaid card by the card reader / writer 36a. Specifically, the prepaid balance recorded on the prepaid card is deleted when the prepaid card is inserted, and the online balance or offline balance is written in the prepaid card when the prepaid card is returned. In the first embodiment, in the high-price offline mode, ball lending is performed depending on the record information itself of the card, and fraudulent use of a camouflaged copy card in which the prepaid card record information (especially the offline balance) is copied is used. Since the CR unit 30 is configured not to accept a card from the outside in the high-price offline mode for the purpose of prevention, the off-line balance in the prepaid card is not erased.

  In addition, when the mode switching unit 350 switches the online mode to the low price offline mode or when the mode control unit 350 switches from the high price offline mode to the online mode, the write control unit 370 stores the prepaid balance remaining in the storage unit 37. Is written on the prepaid card, and the prepaid card is immediately discharged. In the above description, only the offline balance is stored in the storage unit 37. However, the online balance is also stored in the storage unit 37 in synchronization with the online balance on the prepaid card T / C10. I will add that.

  The ball lending processing unit 380 is a processing unit that gives the pachinko machine 40 a ball lending instruction for collecting the loan consideration. Specifically, a predetermined number of ball throwing instructions by the CR unit 30 between the communication I / F unit 33b for gaming machines and the communication I / F unit (not shown) in the pachinko machine 40 The regulation that the pachinko machine 40 throws out pachinko balls (for example, 25 = 100 yen) is set, and when the lending unit amount (500 yen in this example) is subtracted from the online balance or offline balance The ball throwing instruction corresponding to the lending unit amount (5 times) is given to the pachinko machine 40, and the pachinko machine 40 is caused to throw out pachinko balls (125 pieces) corresponding to the lending unit amount. In the low-price offline mode, as soon as a low-price banknote (1000 yen in this example) is inserted, a ball throwing instruction corresponding to the low-price banknote is immediately given to the pachinko machine 40, and the Pachinko balls (250) are thrown out of the banknotes.

[Configuration of the card checkout machine]
The configuration of the card settlement machine 60 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail. Here, after describing the (1) external configuration of the card settlement machine 60 according to the first embodiment, the (2) internal configuration of the card settlement machine 60 will be described.

(1) External Configuration FIG. 4 is a front view showing the external appearance of the card settlement machine 60 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, this card settlement machine 60 is configured as a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped casing, and displays various settlements of prepaid cards in order from the upper side to the lower side of the front surface of the main body. A touch panel 61 to be performed, a remote control light receiving unit 66 for receiving infrared rays emitted from the remote controller 70, a card insertion slot 601 for inserting a prepaid card, a banknote outlet 602 for throwing out banknotes by payment of the prepaid card, and a prepaid card And a coin outlet 603 for throwing out coins.

  The functional unit or mechanism unit provided in front of the card settlement machine 60 is a man-machine interface for a player who wants to settle the prepaid balance valued in the prepaid card into money, and is dispatched from the central management center. It is also for allowing maintenance staff and amusement shop employees to perform a high-priced offline mode activation operation, or to perform manual payment adjustment according to the navigation screen on the touch panel 61.

  A player who wants to pay the prepaid card inserts the prepaid card into the card slot 601 according to the guidance on the screen displayed on the touch panel 61, and the prepaid balance of the value classification corresponding to the stay mode exists in the prepaid card. If so, a settlement button for confirming the settlement intention is displayed on the touch panel 61. When the player depresses the settlement button, the remaining amount of the prepaid cash is thrown out from the banknote outlet 602 and the coin outlet 603.

  9 and 13 will be described in detail with respect to employee correspondence. As an outline, infrared rays emitted by an clerk operation on the remote controller 70 are applied to the touch panel 61 via the remote controller light receiving unit 66. When the clerk operation menu is called up and “high-price offline mode activation” or “manual payment” is selected from the clerk operation menu, a password input operation is performed through the remote controller 70, and the input password is verified. Later, effective processing such as invoking the high-priced offline mode and supporting payment by hand payment is performed.

(2) Internal Configuration Next, the internal configuration of the card settlement machine 60 shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the card settlement machine 60 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the card settlement machine 60 includes a touch panel 61, a communication I / F unit 62, a card processing unit 63, a cash processing unit 64, a printer 65, a remote control light receiving unit 66, and a storage unit. 67 and a control unit 68.

  The touch panel 61 is a displayable and inputable device that can accept an operation input on a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or a display. For example, a screen for prompting insertion of a prepaid card, a settlement amount (prepaid balance), etc. are clearly shown. A screen relating to settlement such as a settlement screen to be performed, a screen relating to manual payment settlement (see FIG. 14), and the like are displayed, and an operation input is received via buttons displayed on these screens. If the stay mode and the value classification of the prepaid balance match and automatic settlement is performed, the operating subject may be either a player or an employee. Are inconsistent and the operator is limited to the employee when manual payment is performed.

  The communication I / F unit 62 is an interface for performing various communications between the card settlement machine 60 and other devices (for example, other devices such as the prepaid card T / C 10).

  The card processing unit 63 is a processing unit that handles various cards inserted from the card insertion slot 601, and includes a card reader / writer 63a, a card storage unit 63b, and a transport mechanism unit 63c.

  The card reader / writer 63a is a device that reads and writes a prepaid card inserted into the card insertion slot 601, the card storage unit 63b is a storage unit that stores the prepaid card, and the transport mechanism unit 63c includes It is a mechanism unit that transports the prepaid card that has been paid to the card storage unit 63b.

  The cash processing unit 64 is a processing unit that handles cash (money) paid out from the banknote outlet 602 and the coin outlet 603, and includes a money storage part 64a, a locking mechanism part 64b, and a feeding mechanism part 64c.

  The money storage part 64a is a storage part for storing money, the locking mechanism part 64b is a lock mechanism for locking the money storage part 64a, and the feeding mechanism part 64c is stored in the money storage part 64a. It is a mechanism part which pays out money to a bill outlet and a coin outlet (not shown).

  The printer 65 is a printing device that prints print data on a paper medium. For example, the printer 65 manually prints out various data stored in the storage unit 67 (for example, stored contents of a settlement history management table 67a described later) (FIG. 15). (See).

  The remote control light receiving unit 66 is composed of a light receiving element that receives infrared rays emitted from the remote control 70, and performs various operations on the card settlement machine 60 (for example, a high-price offline mode activation operation and a manual payment adjustment through the infrared rays emitted from the remote control 70). Operations).

  The storage unit 67 is a storage unit (storage unit) that stores data (for example, prepaid balance and operating authority of the remote controller 70) and programs necessary for various processes by the control unit 68, and stores a settlement history management table 67a. .

  The settlement history management table 67a is a table for managing the settlement history of the prepaid balance. As shown in FIG. 6, the settlement category, the pricing category, the settlement time, and the settlement amount are added to the prepaid card ID of the prepaid card that has been settled. Are stored in association with each other. Here, the payment category is a category indicating whether the payment of the prepaid card is automatic payment or manual payment. The payment category “1” indicates automatic payment, and the payment category “2” indicates manual payment. Show. In addition, the value classification is a classification indicating whether the prepaid balance is an online balance or an offline balance. A value classification “1” indicates an online balance and a value classification “2” indicates an offline balance.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, for the prepaid card with the prepaid card ID “02161”, an online balance of 1500 yen is automatically settled at 11:58, and for the prepaid card with the prepaid card ID “00456”, 13 This shows that the online balance of 4500 yen has been settled by hand at 14:14.

  In this way, the fact that the payment has been made as a history is stored in the prepaid card in the prepaid card as well as allowing the manager of the game shop to grasp the payment status by printing out the payment card after closing the store. This is for preventing the prepaid balance of the same prepaid card ID from being repeatedly settled in the high-price offline mode in which automatic settlement is performed based on the recorded information (offline balance).

  That is, when the prepaid balance is recorded on the prepaid card itself, unlike the case where the online balance is managed by the prepaid card T / C 10 as in the online mode, the use of the copy card is vulnerable. That is, when a copy card obtained by copying a prepaid card in which an offline balance is recorded is illegally used, it is difficult to detect unauthorized use only from the offline balance.

  For this reason, the prepaid card ID of the prepaid card that has been automatically or manually paid for the offline balance is managed as a history, and when the automatic settlement is performed in the high-payment offline mode, the prepaid card ID to be settled is settled. By collating with the prepaid card ID existing in the card, it is possible to detect the fact that there is a possibility that the duplicate payment is performed when there is a prepaid card ID that matches the payment history.

  The control unit 68 is a control unit that controls the card settlement machine 60 as a whole, and includes a password generation unit 610, a mode switching unit 620, a mode match determination unit 630, a manual payment flag determination unit 640, and a payment history determination unit 650. A settlement processing unit 660, a manual payment support unit 670, and a writing control unit 680. Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or a non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, so that a password generation unit 610, a mode switching unit 620, a mode match The determination unit 630, the manual payment flag determination unit 640, the payment history determination unit 650, the payment processing unit 660, the manual payment support unit 670, and the writing control unit 680 execute corresponding processes.

  The password generation unit 610 is a processing unit that generates a password according to the same generation logic as the password generation unit 110 in the central management apparatus 100. In other words, it is guaranteed that switching to the high-priced offline mode will be performed with permission from the operator of the central management center, and manual payment adjustment will be performed by the manager of the amusement store (who has the authority to handle banknotes). In order to ensure that the high-priced offline mode is activated, an authentication process using a password issued from the central management center is incorporated as a trigger condition for the high-priced offline mode when the high-price offline mode is activated or before the manual payment settlement. For example, the generation logic A is embedded in both the password generation unit 610 and the password generation unit 110 in the central management apparatus 100 in order to make it possible to check the password with the card settlement machine 60 that is isolated. As the generation logic, a well-known logic can be arbitrarily used as in the password generation unit 340.

  The mode switching unit 620 is a processing unit that switches the operation mode among the online mode, the low price offline mode, and the high price offline mode, and includes a communication status monitoring unit 621 that monitors the communication status with the prepaid card T / C 10.

  More specifically, when it is confirmed by the communication status monitoring unit 621 that communication with the prepaid card T / C 10 has been normally established, the online mode is maintained and the communication status monitoring unit 621 is maintained. When it is detected that the communication with the prepaid card T / C 10 is interrupted, the online mode cannot be operated, and the online mode is switched to the low-price offline mode. When the mode is switched to the low-price offline mode in this way, the high-price offline mode is in the standby state for activation through the remote controller 70 and the input password received via the remote control 70 and the verification generated by the password generation unit 610 are used. When the password is verified and the verification by the password is successful and it is confirmed that the maintenance staff of the central management center is involved in the activation of the high-price offline mode, the low-price offline mode is switched to the high-price offline mode. Even when switching from the high-priced offline mode to the online mode, the same password verification is performed, and then the online mode is restored.

  The mode match determination unit 630 is a processing unit that determines whether or not the stay mode in which the card settlement machine 60 is staying matches the value classification written on the prepaid card. Specifically, when the prepaid card is inserted, it is determined whether or not the stay mode and the value classification match, but if the stay mode is the online mode, whether or not there is an online balance in the prepaid card is determined. If it is determined that there is an online balance, it is determined that the stay mode and the value classification match. Further, when the stay mode is the high-price offline mode, it is determined whether or not there is an offline balance remaining on the prepaid card. If there is an offline balance, it is determined that the stay mode and the value classification match.

  The hand payment flag determination unit 640 is a processing unit that determines whether or not the prepaid balance valued on the prepaid card has already been paid by the employee of the game store. Specifically, if the hand payment flag in the prepaid card that is updated at the time of the manual payment adjustment by the manual payment support unit 670 described later is ON, it is determined that the manual payment has been completed, and the manual payment flag Is determined to be unsettled.

  The payment history determination unit 650 is a processing unit that determines whether or not the prepaid card ID read by the card reader / writer 63a is registered in the payment history management table 67a. In other words, it is determined whether or not a duplicate payment is performed for a prepaid card for which automatic payment or manual payment is already performed. Prepaid card record information (for example, store code, business date, machine number, transaction number, prepaid), including fraudulent deliberate depreciation of prepaid cards that have already been made (fraud that takes inconsistencies in system management) It is possible to detect and prevent fraud using a copy card with a duplicated card ID and prepaid balance.

  The settlement processing unit 660 is a processing unit that settles the prepaid balance associated with the prepaid card into money, an online balance settlement unit 661 that automatically settles the online balance into money, and an offline balance settlement that automatically settles the offline balance into money. Part 662 is inherent.

  More specifically, when the stay mode of the card checker 60 is the online mode, if the mode match determination unit 630 determines that there is an online balance, the card reader / writer 63a for the prepaid card T / C10. The online balance corresponding to the prepaid card ID read by is requested to be erased, and money corresponding to the online balance is thrown out through the cash processing unit 64 in response to the erase completion notification from the prepaid card T / C 10. Further, when the stay mode of the card settlement machine 60 is the high-price offline mode, if it is determined by the mode match determination unit 630 that there is an offline balance, the offline balance money read by the card reader / writer 63a is cashed. It is thrown out through the processing unit 64. Note that after the money is thrown out, the settlement history in the settlement history management table 67a is updated.

  The manual payment support unit 670 is a processing unit that supports the manual payment of the prepaid card, and includes a display control unit 671 that performs display control on the touch panel 61. The details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, but as a summary, the central management center is involved in confirming that payment by hand payment is being performed with the intervention of an amusement shop administrator. Management of the amusement store by displaying the prepaid balance of the value classification different from the stay mode when the password for verification matches with the verification password after the password is entered through the remote control 70 Enables the person to settle cash by hand payment.

  The writing control unit 680 is a processing unit that controls writing to the prepaid card by the card reader / writer 63a. For example, when the money for the prepaid balance is paid out by the payment processing unit 660, the prepaid balance in the prepaid card is erased, and when the payment by hand payment is executed by the manual payment support unit 670, the prepaid card Update the cash on hand flag from off to on.

[Process flow]
Next, a processing flow of the prepaid card system according to the first embodiment will be described. In the following, (1) ball lending processing in online mode, (2) automatic payment processing in online mode, (3) switching processing to high-priced offline mode, (4) communication interruption of prepaid card T / C The ball lending process for time, (5) automatic settlement process in the high-price offline mode, and (6) manual payment support process will be described in this order.

(1) Ball lending process in online mode As described above, the ball lending process in online mode according to the first embodiment will be described in detail here. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of ball lending processing in the online mode according to the first embodiment. This process is a process performed when the stay mode of the CR unit 30 is the online mode.

  As shown in the figure, when a prepaid card is inserted from the card insertion slot 309 (Yes at Step S101), the card management unit 360 determines whether or not an offline balance exists in the prepaid card (Step S102).

  At this time, if there is an offline balance (Yes in step S102), the card management unit 360 prepaid the transport / payout mechanism unit 36c for the purpose of not accepting a prepaid card of a value classification that does not correspond to the stay mode. A card return instruction is issued, the prepaid card is drawn out to the card insertion slot 309, the prepaid card is returned (step S115), and the process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when there is no offline balance (No in step S102), the card management unit 360 inquires the prepaid card T / C10 about the online balance corresponding to the prepaid card ID of the inserted prepaid card (step S103). The insertion control unit 370 deletes the online balance recorded in the prepaid card (step S104), and causes the 7SEG display unit 304 to display the online balance obtained by this inquiry (step S105).

  When a bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 308 (Yes at Step S106), the transport / feed-out mechanism unit 36c feeds the built-in prepaid card stored in the card storage unit 36b to the card reader / writer 36a. 360, after the amount of the inserted banknote determined by the BV unit 35a is valued to the prepaid card (step S107), the online balance valued to the prepaid card is displayed on the 7SEG display unit 304 (step S105). .

  Here, the mode match determination unit 361 determines whether there is an online balance in the prepaid card, that is, whether the stay mode of the CR unit 30 matches the value classification written in the prepaid card (step). S108).

  At this time, if the mode match determination unit 361 determines that there is an online balance in the prepaid card (Yes in step S108), the hand payment flag determination unit 362 indicates that the hand payment flag recorded in the prepaid card is off. It is further determined whether or not there is (step S109).

  As a result, if the hand payment flag is OFF (Yes at Step S109), the card management unit 360 shifts to the lending standby state (Step S110) and then accepts an operation of pressing the lending button 306 (Step S109). (Yes in S110), the online remaining amount update request unit 363 requests the prepaid card T / C10 to subtract the lending unit amount as the lending consideration of the pachinko ball from the online remaining amount of the inserted prepaid card (step S111). Upon receiving a subtraction completion response from the T / C 10, the ball lending processing unit 380 issues a ball throwing instruction corresponding to the lending unit amount to the pachinko machine 40 (step S112), and the pachinko machine 40 has the lending unit amount equivalent to the lending unit amount. Throw a pachinko ball.

  When the pressing operation of the return button 307 is accepted after shifting to the lending standby state (Yes at Step S113), the writing control unit 370 writes the online balance to the prepaid card through the card reader / writer 36a (Step S114) and carries it. / The paying mechanism unit 36c is instructed to return the prepaid card, and the prepaid card is drawn out to the card insertion slot 309 (step S115), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the mode match determination unit 361 determines that there is no online balance on the prepaid card, that is, if a prepaid card with no remaining balance is accepted or the online balance is subtracted in step S111 described above, the online balance becomes zero. In this case (No in step S108), since the prepaid balance does not exist in the prepaid card, the card management unit 360 causes the transport / payout mechanism unit 36c to store the prepaid card with no prepaid balance in the card storage unit 36b. (Step S116), the process ends.

  If the hand payment flag determination unit 362 determines that the hand payment flag is on (No at step S109), the prepaid card that has been manually paid may be subject to double payment, so the card management unit 360. Without shifting to the lending standby state (step S110), the transport / payout mechanism unit 36c is instructed to return the prepaid card, and the prepaid card is paid out to the card insertion slot 309 (step S115). finish. In this case, since it is highly probable that fraudulent acts are being conducted, fraudulent notifications are given to employees of the game store (for example, control of red flashing of the status display lamp 301, voice to the income carried by the employees) Notification).

(2) Automatic settlement processing in online mode Next, automatic settlement processing in online mode according to the first embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the automatic checkout process in the online mode according to the first embodiment. This process is a process performed when the stay mode of the card settlement machine 60 is the online mode.

  As shown in the figure, when a prepaid card is inserted from the card insertion slot 601 (Yes in step S201), the checkout processing unit 660 determines whether or not an offline balance exists in the prepaid card (step S202).

  At this time, if there is an offline balance in the prepaid card (Yes in step S202), the checkout processing unit 660 returns the prepaid card from the card insertion slot 601 for the purpose of not accepting the prepaid card of the value classification that does not correspond to the stay mode. (Step S212), and the process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if there is no offline balance in the prepaid card (No in step S202), the online balance settlement unit 661 inquires the prepaid card T / C10 about the online balance of the prepaid card ID read from the prepaid card by the card reader / writer 63a. (Step S203), the online balance obtained from the inquiry result is displayed on the touch panel 61 (Step S204).

  Here, the mode match determination unit 630 determines whether there is an online balance in the prepaid card, that is, whether the stay mode of the card settlement machine 60 matches the value classification written in the prepaid card ( Step S205).

  At this time, if the mode match determination unit 630 determines that there is an online balance in the prepaid card (Yes in step S205), the hand payment flag determination unit 640 indicates that the hand payment flag recorded in the prepaid card is off. It is further determined whether or not there is (step S206).

  As a result, when the hand payment flag determination unit 640 determines that the hand payment flag is OFF (Yes in step S206), the online balance adjustment unit 661 displays an adjustment button for executing adjustment on the touch panel 61 and an adjustment. A cancel button for canceling is displayed, and the process proceeds to a payment waiting state (step S207).

  On the other hand, if the mode match determination unit 630 determines that there is no online balance in the prepaid card (No in step S205), the prepaid balance does not exist in the prepaid card. The card is stored in the card storage unit 63b (step S211), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined by the hand payment flag determination unit 640 that the hand payment flag is on (No at Step S206), the settlement processing unit 660 returns the prepaid card from the card insertion slot 601 (Step S212). The process ends. In this case, since there is a high possibility that fraudulent activity is being performed, fraudulent notification (for example, display control of the touch panel 61, voice notification to the income carried by the employee) is given to the employee of the amusement store. You may make it perform.

  Here, when the settlement button is pressed in the settlement standby state (Yes at Step S207), the online balance settlement unit 661 erases the online balance of the prepaid card ID read from the prepaid card by the card reader / writer 63a. The prepaid card T / C 10 is requested to insert (step S208).

  In response to this request for payment, upon receipt of a response for completion of payment from the prepaid card T / C10, the online balance settlement unit 661, the prepaid card ID of the prepaid card for which the balance has been cleared, the settlement category, the value classification category, The settlement information such as the settlement time and the settlement amount is registered in the settlement history management table 67a, the online balance in the prepaid card is erased by the writing control unit 680 (step S209), and the money remaining on the online balance is passed through the cash processing unit 64. The card is thrown out (step S210), the prepaid card is stored in the card storage unit 63b (step S211), and the process ends. In this case, since the automatic settlement is performed in the online mode, the segment “1” is registered in the settlement history management table 67a for the settlement category and the pricing category.

(3) Switching process to the high price offline mode Next, the switching process to the high price offline mode according to the first embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the switching process to the high-price offline mode according to the first embodiment. This process is a process performed when the stay mode of the CR unit 30 or the card settlement machine 60 is the low-price offline mode, and the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 shows an example performed by the CR unit 30.

  As shown in the figure, when a request for activating the high-priced offline mode is received from the remote control 70 via the remote control light receiving unit 310 (Yes in step S301), the remote control processing unit 330 requires a password necessary for activating the high-priced offline mode. Is further received from the remote controller 70 (step S302).

  Here, the mode switching unit 350 determines whether or not the input password received by the remote control processing unit 330 matches the verification password generated by the password generation unit 340 (step S303).

  As shown in FIG. 10, the password generation unit 110 of the central management device 100 generates an input password with the same generation logic as the generation logic A generated by the password generation unit 340 of the CR unit 30, and this input password Can only be obtained through the central management center. That is, a person who is directly involved in the operation of the amusement store such as a maintenance staff dispatched from the central management center or a manager of the amusement store is notified of the situation in which the prepaid card T / C 10 is in a functional disorder to the central management center operator. When the information is transmitted via a means (for example, telephone or e-mail) and the central management center operator determines that the activation of the high-priced offline mode in the game store is to be permitted, the password is generated by the password generation unit 110, for example. The e-mail attached with the input password is received via the mail server 150 by the communication terminal 800 owned by the manager of the amusement store. When this input password is input to the CR unit 30 through the remote controller 70, it is verified against the verification password generated by the password generation unit 340, and one trigger condition for the high-price offline mode is cleared.

  In this way, restricting the route for obtaining the input password guarantees that the high-price offline mode is activated with the permission of the operator of the central management center, and allows the operation of amusement stores such as general employees. This is to prevent the high-priced offline mode from being activated by an uninformed person.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 9, when the input password matches the verification password (Yes at Step S303), the mode switching unit 350 switches the stay mode of the CR unit 30 to the high-price offline mode (Step S304). The other CR unit 30 belonging to the same island as the CR unit 30 is instructed to switch to the high-priced offline mode via the immediately higher island controller 20 (step S305), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the input password does not match the verification password (No at Step S303), the mode switching unit 350 displays a screen indicating the activation NG on the display unit 32 to notify that the high-price offline mode cannot be activated. (Step S306), the process ends.

  In this way, by instructing another CR unit 30 connected via the island controller 20 to switch to the high-priced offline mode, the operation to activate the high-priced offline mode at the other CR unit 30 can be omitted. Can be quickly switched to the high-priced offline mode.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, the processing for invoking the high-price offline mode in the CR unit 30 has been described. However, the same processing is performed when the card settlement machine 60 invokes the high-price offline mode.

(4) Ball lending process when communication with the prepaid card T / C is interrupted Next, the ball lending process when communication with the prepaid card T / C according to the first embodiment is interrupted will be described in detail. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of ball lending processing when communication with the prepaid card T / C according to the first embodiment is interrupted. This process is performed when the stay mode of the CR unit 30 is the low price offline mode or the high price offline mode. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 illustrates a case where a card is not accepted from the outside for the purpose of preventing fraud using a camouflaged copy card.

  As shown in the figure, when a bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 308 (Yes at Step S401), the card management unit 360 determines whether or not the stay mode of the CR unit 30 is the high-price offline mode (Step S401). S402).

  At this time, when the stay mode is the low-price offline mode (No at Step S402), the card management unit 360 determines whether the inserted banknote is a banknote designated for the low-price offline mode (in this example, a thousand yen bill). Further determination is made (step S403).

  If the inserted banknote is a banknote designated for the low-price offline mode (Yes at Step S403), the ball lending processing unit 380 issues a ball throwing instruction corresponding to the number of times to the pachinko machine 40 (Step S404). When a pachinko ball (250 pieces) for low-value banknotes is thrown out to the pachinko machine 40 and the inserted banknote is not a banknote designated for low-price offline mode (No in step S403), an inserted banknote is inserted from the banknote insertion slot 308. It returns as it is (step S405), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the stay mode is the high-price offline mode (Yes at Step S402), the offline balance update unit 364 causes the storage unit 37 to hold the amount of the inserted banknote on the assumption that the offline balance is written to the built-in prepaid card. Thus, the offline balance is substantially valued on the prepaid card (step S406), and the offline balance is displayed on the 7SEG display unit 304 (step S407).

  Here, the mode match determination unit 361 determines whether or not there is an offline balance on the prepaid card, that is, whether or not the stay mode of the CR unit 30 matches the value classification written on the prepaid card (step). S408). Of course, there will be an offline balance immediately after the value is added.

  At this time, if the mode match determination unit 361 determines that there is an offline balance on the prepaid card (Yes in step S408), the card management unit 360 shifts to the lending standby state (step S409), and then the lending button. When the pressing operation of 306 is accepted (Yes at Step S409), the offline balance update unit 364 subtracts the lending unit amount as the lending price of the pachinko ball from the offline balance held in the storage unit 37 (Step S410), and the ball lending process The unit 380 instructs the pachinko machine 40 to throw a ball corresponding to the number of lending unit amounts (step S411), and causes the pachinko machine 40 to throw out pachinko balls for the lending unit amount.

  When the pressing operation of the return button 307 is accepted after shifting to the lending standby state (Yes at Step S413), the writing control unit 370 writes the offline balance to the prepaid card through the card reader / writer 36a (Step S414) and carries it. / The paying mechanism unit 36c is instructed to return the prepaid card, and the prepaid card is drawn out to the card insertion slot 309 (step S415), and the process is terminated.

  Then, until the offline balance held in the storage unit 37 becomes zero or the return button 307 is pressed (Yes in Step S408 or No in Step S413), the processing from Step S408 to Step S411 is repeated. If the offline balance held in the storage unit 37 becomes zero (No at step S408), the process is terminated.

(5) Automatic settlement process in the high price offline mode Next, the automatic settlement process in the high price offline mode according to the first embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of automatic settlement processing in the high-price offline mode according to the first embodiment. This process is a process performed when the stay mode of the card settlement machine 60 is the high-price offline mode.

  As shown in the figure, when a prepaid card is inserted from the card insertion slot 601 (Yes in step S501), the checkout processing unit 660 determines whether or not an online balance exists in the prepaid card (step S502).

  At this time, if there is an online balance in the prepaid card (Yes in step S502), the settlement processing unit 660 returns the prepaid card from the card insertion slot 601 for the purpose of not accepting the prepaid card of the value classification that does not correspond to the stay mode. (Step S512), and the process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if there is no online balance in the prepaid card (No in step S502), the card reader / writer 63a reads the offline balance recorded in the prepaid card (step S503) and displays the offline balance on the touch panel 61 (step S503). S504).

  Here, the mode match determination unit 630 determines whether or not there is an offline balance in the prepaid card, that is, whether or not the stay mode of the card settlement machine 60 matches the value classification written on the prepaid card ( Step S505).

  At this time, when the mode match determination unit 630 determines that there is an offline balance in the prepaid card (Yes in step S505), the payment history determination unit 650 determines that the prepaid card ID read by the card reader / writer 63a is the payment history. It is further determined whether or not it is registered in the management table 67a (step S506).

  As a result, when the payment history determination unit 650 determines that the prepaid card ID is not registered in the payment history management table 67a (No in step S506), the offline balance adjustment unit 662 executes the payment on the touch panel 61. The settlement button to cancel and the cancel button to cancel the settlement are displayed, and the process proceeds to the settlement standby state (step S507).

  Thereafter, when an operation for pressing the settlement button is accepted (Yes at Step S507), the offline balance settlement unit 662 throws out the money for the offline balance through the cash processing unit 64 (Step S508) and performs automatic settlement. The settlement information such as the prepaid card ID, settlement category, pricing category, settlement time and settlement amount of the prepaid card is registered in the settlement history management table 67a (step S509), and the offline balance in the prepaid card is stored in the write control unit 680. The prepaid card is stored in the card storage unit 63b (step S511), and the process ends. In this case, since the automatic settlement is performed in the high-priced offline mode, the settlement history management table 67a includes the section “1” (= automatic settlement) for the settlement section and the section “2” (= offline value) for the pricing section. Registered in

  On the other hand, if the mode match determination unit 630 determines that there is no offline balance in the prepaid card (Yes in step S505), the prepaid balance does not exist in the prepaid card. The card is stored in the card storage unit 63b (step S511), and the process ends.

  If the payment history determination unit 650 determines that the prepaid card ID is registered in the payment history management table 67a (Yes in step S506), the payment processing unit 660 returns the prepaid card from the card insertion slot 601. (Step S512), and the process ends. In this case, since there is a high possibility that fraudulent activity is being performed, fraudulent notification (for example, display control of the touch panel 61, voice notification to the income carried by the employee) is given to the employee of the amusement store. You may make it perform.

(6) Manual Payment Support Process Next, the manual payment support process according to the first embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the manual payment support process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a transition example of screens displayed in the manual payment support process illustrated in FIG. 13. This process is performed under the presence of a staff member when the stay mode of the card settlement machine 60 is the online mode and the high-priced offline mode (operation mode other than the low-priced offline mode). The example of the transition of the screen in the case of manual payment adjustment is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the clerk operation menu screen is called on the touch panel 61 by the clerk operation on the remote controller 70, and when the “payment payment” is selected from the clerk operation menu screen (step S601), The payment support unit 670 determines whether or not password verification has been performed in order to confirm that manual payment settlement is being performed with the intervention of an amusement shop administrator (step S602). When the print button on the screen for confirming the intention to start card manual payment shown in FIG. 14 is pressed, the contents of the payment history (see FIG. 6) stored in the payment history management table 67a are shown in FIG. Further, it is printed out by the printer 65 as a “manual payment slip”. Such a “payment slip” is used to allow an amusement store manager or the like to grasp the payment status.

  At this time, if password verification has not been performed yet (No in step S602), the manual payment support unit 670 displays on the touch panel 61 a password input screen for inputting a password related to the central management center (step S603). ), The password input is accepted through the remote controller 70 (step S604).

  Here, the manual payment support unit 670 determines whether or not the input password received from the remote controller 70 matches the verification password generated by the password generation unit 610 (step S605).

  At this time, if the input password does not match the verification password (No at step S605), the manual payment support unit 670 causes the touch panel 61 to display an error notification screen that notifies that the password is NG (step S605). S606), the process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if the input password matches the verification password (Yes at step S605), the manual payment support unit 670 causes the touch panel 61 to display a card insertion prompting screen that prompts the user to insert a prepaid card that is the target of manual payment adjustment. (Step S607), the process proceeds to a prepaid card acceptance standby state (Step S608). At this time, if an end operation (“Return” button) of the manual payment support is pressed on the card insertion alert screen displayed on the touch panel 61 (Yes at Step S609), the processing is ended as it is.

  When a prepaid card is inserted from the card insertion slot 601 (Yes at step S608), the mode match determination unit 630 determines whether or not a prepaid balance different from the stay mode of the card settlement machine 60 exists in the prepaid card. (Step S610).

  At this time, when there is no prepaid balance different from the stay mode of the card settlement machine 60, that is, when there is only a prepaid balance of the value classification corresponding to the stay mode and when there is no prepaid balance (No in step S610), the handling is performed. Card display prompting the user to receive a return card after displaying a message indicating that the card cannot be processed and the cause thereof (for example, a prepaid card to be automatically settled or that the remaining amount itself does not exist) as an inoperable notification screen (step S611) An arousing screen is displayed (step S620), and the prepaid card is returned (step S621). In this case, a card insertion prompting screen is displayed on the touch panel 61 after the card is returned, and the user is prompted to insert a prepaid card for another manual payment settlement.

  On the other hand, when there is a prepaid balance different from the stay mode of card settlement machine 60 (Yes in step S610), hand payment flag determination unit 640 further determines whether or not the hand payment flag in the prepaid card is off. (Step S612).

  Here, when the hand payment flag determination unit 640 determines that the hand payment flag is on (No in step S612), the hand payment support unit 670 notifies the fact that the payment by hand has already been completed. After the payment notice screen is displayed on the touch panel 61 (step S613), a card receipt prompting screen for prompting receipt of the return card is displayed (step S620), and the prepaid card is returned (step S621). In this case as well, a card insertion alert screen is displayed on the touch panel 61 after the card is returned, prompting the user to insert a prepaid card for another manual payment.

  On the other hand, when the hand payment flag determination unit 640 determines that the hand payment flag is off (Yes in step S612), the hand payment support unit 670 includes information recorded on the prepaid card, for example, a value classification, A card information screen including information such as the remaining prepaid amount, the card type, the prepaid card ID, the processing date and time, and the processing machine number is displayed on the touch panel 61 (step S614).

  Subsequently, when an operation for confirming the intention to execute the manual payment on the card information screen is performed (Yes at Step S615), the manual payment support unit 670 includes a payment amount for the manual payment and other notes regarding the manual payment. A manual payment execution screen is displayed on the touch panel 61 (step S616).

  Then, when accepting an operation for confirming the end of the manual payment (pressing the execution button) on the manual payment execution screen (Yes in step S617), the manual payment support unit 670 receives the prepaid card ID of the prepaid card for which the manual payment has been settled, The settlement information such as the settlement category, the pricing category, the settlement time, and the settlement amount is registered in the settlement history management table 67a (step S618), and the writing control unit 680 updates the manual payment flag in the prepaid card to ON. From (step S619), a card receipt urging screen prompting receipt of the return card is displayed (step S620), and the prepaid card is returned (step S621). In this case as well, a card insertion alert screen is displayed on the touch panel 61 after the card is returned, prompting the user to insert a prepaid card for another manual payment.

  Thereafter, the processing from step S608 to step S621 described above is repeated until the end operation (“return” button) of the manual payment support is pressed on the card insertion prompting screen (No in step S609), and the card insertion prompting screen is displayed. When the end operation (“return” button) of the manual payment support is pressed (Yes at step S609), the process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the prepaid card system 1 according to the first embodiment, a predetermined payment value is accepted as a prepaid balance assuming use in a game, and payment is made in either the online mode or the high-price offline mode. The CR unit 30 is configured so that a value classification indicating whether the value is valued as a prepaid balance is written to the prepaid card, the online mode and the high-priced offline mode are switched, and the stay mode staying at the time of processing request reception is the prepaid card CR unit 30 is determined so as to permit the use of the prepaid card or the automatic settlement process when it is determined whether the stay mode and the value classification match. And because the card settlement machine 60 is configured Even if communication between the prepaid card T / C10 and the in-store device is interrupted, the player is allowed to use a large amount of banknotes, and the prepaid balance having different properties in system management is used in an operation mode different from each value classification or It is possible to improve the convenience related to the prepaid card of the player while preventing the system management from becoming complicated.

  Furthermore, according to the prepaid card system 1 according to the first embodiment, when the stay mode and the value classification are determined to be inconsistent, the high value of the prepaid balance written on the prepaid card is displayed. As a result, the online balance that was purchased online before going offline, or vice versa, the offline balance can be settled by hand-payment in a different stay mode than the value classification, and the prepaid balance is unknown. As a result of the situation where it becomes impossible to handle due to the cause, it is possible to improve the convenience of the player's prepaid card in a multifaceted manner.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the embodiments described above. Therefore, another embodiment included in the present invention will be described below.

(1) Pricing For example, in the above-described first embodiment, it is allowed to value an online balance to a prepaid card having an offline balance in the online mode, but in the online mode, an online balance to a prepaid card having an offline balance. The CR unit 30 may be configured not to accept a prepaid card with an offline balance in the online mode.

(2) Mode switching In the first embodiment described above, switching to the high-priced offline mode is performed by manual operation using the remote controller 70. However, the communication status monitoring unit 351 or 621 allows the prepaid card T / C10 to be switched. When it is detected that communication has been interrupted, switching from the online mode to the high-priced offline mode may be automatically performed. Similarly, switching from the high-priced offline mode to the online mode can also be automatically performed.

  In other words, this eliminates the need to perform a mode switching operation on the CR unit 30 or the card settlement machine 60, thereby enabling quick switching to the high-priced offline mode and recovery to the online mode.

(3) Card writing control In the present invention, when communication with the prepaid card T / C10 is interrupted while the online balance is being updated by the prepaid card T / C10, the online balance before update and The write control unit 370 may be configured to write both the updated online balance to the prepaid card.

  In other words, this makes it possible to grasp the fact that communication with the prepaid card T / C 10 has been interrupted during the online balance update, and further, the online balance can be calculated by automatic settlement after online mode recovery or manual payment settlement in the high-priced offline mode. When paying, the amount of money that is safe for the player can be settled, and even though there is no ball lending, only the remaining online amount when the ball lending is made (excessive loan consideration) (Collection) can be prevented.

  In the first embodiment, the prepaid balance is written on the prepaid card when the prepaid card is inserted or returned. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the prepaid balance is updated. You may make it write at the timing.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, in the high-price offline mode, the value by inserting the prepaid card and the additional payment is prohibited. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and measures such as a copy card are taken. If security is improved, it is acceptable.

(4) Others In the above-described first embodiment, an example in which a prepaid card is used as a game recording medium has been described. However, the prepaid card is not necessarily a prepaid card, and other shapes (for example, coin shape) or other The present invention can be similarly applied to a recording medium of a type (for example, an IC card).

  In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko game has been described. However, the present invention is similarly applied to a case where a pachislot game is further included or only a pachislot game is targeted. be able to. In addition, although the example which applies this invention to a pachinko store and a pachislot store was demonstrated here, this invention is not limited to this, It can apply similarly to game facilities, such as a game center.

  In addition, among the processes described in this embodiment, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or the processes described as being performed manually can be performed. All or a part can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedure, control procedure, specific name, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above-described document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

  Further, each component of each illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured.

  As described above, the game medium lending system according to the present invention is suitable for improving convenience related to a player's prepaid card.

It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure of the prepaid card system of the game store which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is the front view which showed the external appearance of CR unit shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of CR unit shown in FIG. It is the front view which showed the external appearance of the card payment machine shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the card payment machine shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information memorize | stored in a settlement history management table. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of ball lending processing in an online mode according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of automatic checkout processing in the online mode according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the switching process to expensive off line mode which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the production | generation logic of a password. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the ball lending process at the time of communication interruption of the prepaid card T / C based on Example 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the automatic adjustment process at the time of expensive offline mode which concerns on Example 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a manual payment support process according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the screen displayed by the manual payment assistance process shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a manual payment form.

Explanation of symbols

1 Prepaid card system 3 Public line 10 Prepaid card T / C
20 island controller 30 CR unit 31 operation unit 32 display unit 33a communication control I / F unit 33b communication I / F unit for gaming machine 35 bill processing unit 35a BV unit unit 35b transport mechanism unit 35c bill storage unit 35d locking mechanism unit 36 card Processing Unit 36a Card Reader / Writer 36b Card Storage Unit 36c Transport / Feeding Mechanism Unit 37 Storage Unit 38 Control Unit 330 Remote Control Processing Unit 340 Password Generation Unit 350 Mode Switching Unit 351 Communication Status Monitoring Unit 360 Card Management Unit 361 Mode Match Determination Unit 362 Hand Payment flag determination unit 363 Online balance update request unit 364 Offline balance update unit 370 Write control unit 380 Ball lending processing unit 40 Pachinko machine 60 Card settlement machine 61 Touch panel 62 Communication I / F unit 63 Card processing unit 63a Card reader / writer 63b Card storage section 63c Transport mechanism section 64 Cash processing section 64a Money storage section 64b Locking mechanism section 64c Feeding mechanism section 68 Control section 610 Password generation section 620 Mode switching section 621 Communication status monitoring section 630 Mode match determination section 640 Hand-pay flag Determination unit 650 Settlement history determination unit 660 Settlement processing unit 661 Online balance settlement unit 662 Offline balance settlement unit 670 Cash payment support unit 671 Display control unit 680 Write control unit 70 Remote control 100 Central management device 110 Password generation unit 150 Mail server

Claims (5)

A management device that manages the value in association with the identification information recorded on the game recording medium, a lending processor that performs lending processing of the game medium based on the game recording medium, and a settlement of the game recording medium A game medium lending system having a recording medium settlement machine for processing,
The lending processor is
A valuation means for valuing a predetermined payment value as a valuable value on the assumption that it is used for gaming;
Online mode in which the game recording medium is used or settled based on the value managed in association with the identification information of the game recording medium by the management device, or based on the value recorded on the game recording medium Control is performed so that a value classification indicating whether the payment value is valued as a valuable value by the valuation means is written in the game recording medium in any mode of the offline mode in which the game recording medium is used or settled. Writing control means for
The lending processor or the recording medium settlement machine is
Mode switching means for switching between the online mode and the offline mode;
Mode match determination means for determining whether or not the stay mode in which the lending processing machine or the recording medium checkout machine is staying matches the value classification written to the game recording medium by the write control means; ,
Automatic processing permission means for permitting automatic processing of use or settlement of the game recording medium when the mode match determination means determines that the stay mode and the value classification match. Game media rental system. The recording medium settlement machine is
2. The game medium lending system according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for controlling to display the high value of the valuable value written on the game recording medium by the writing control means. The mode switching means is
A communication availability determination unit that determines whether communication with the management device is possible;
When it is determined that communication with the management device is impossible by the communication availability determination unit, the online mode is switched to the offline mode, and the communication availability determination unit determines that communication with the management device has been restored. 3. The game medium lending system according to claim 1, wherein when the game is performed, the offline mode is switched to the online mode. The lending processor is connected to a relay device to which a plurality of lending processors including the lending processor are connected,
The mode switching means that the lending processor has,
4. The game medium lending system according to claim 1, wherein the lending processor connected to the relay apparatus is instructed to switch to the online mode or the offline mode. 5. The lending processor is
Update request means for requesting to update the valuable value managed in association with the identification information of the game recording medium by the management device;
The writing control means includes
When the communication with the management device is interrupted while the value is updated by the management device in response to the update request by the update request means, the value of the value before the update and the value after the update are updated. The game medium lending system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein both are controlled so as to be written in the game recording medium.

Images