JP5225112B2 - Inter-table device and game medium payout system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an inter-device and a game medium payout system provided in correspondence with a game machine, and more particularly to an inter-device and game medium pay-out system that can reduce disadvantages of a game store due to damage, destruction, and take-out of cards. It is about the system.

  Conventionally, a lending processing machine (hereinafter referred to as “pachinko machine” or “pachislot machine”) installed in a game shop such as a pachinko shop, accepts money such as banknotes and coins and rents game media such as pachinko balls and medals. (Referred to as an inter-device device). In addition, a so-called each-counter counting method has been known in which a counting unit connected to each inter-device device counts the number of game media acquired by a player in a gaming machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The inter-device that supports each unit counting method counts the number of game media (hereinafter referred to as “count value”) inserted in the counting unit and can store information such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card. Associate counts with the correct cards. In this way, the inter-device corresponding to each unit counting method manages the number of game media acquired by the player as a count value, so that the player can play the game by paying out the possession balls acquired by the player. it can.

  When the player finishes the game after acquiring a ball on the game stand and performs a card return operation, the returned card is associated with the ball value (count value by counting each stand). It is done.

JP 2007-229111 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, the card is returned by pressing the card return button regardless of the number of possessed balls acquired by the player. For this reason, even a small amount of coins worth less than the minimum number of special prizes is returned to the player in association with the card. However, a card associated with such a small amount of money is often damaged or discarded by a player.

  Here, since the card cost is as high as 500 yen to 1000 yen per card, if it is damaged or destroyed because only a small amount of coin value is associated, the amusement store will be disadvantaged. You will suffer.

  For these reasons, it has become a major issue how to realize an inter-table device or a game medium payout system that can alleviate the disadvantages of the game store due to damage, destruction, and take-out of cards.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and can reduce a disadvantage of a game store due to damage, destruction, and takeout of a card, and a game medium payout system. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is an inter-device provided corresponding to a game machine, and is a count value of game media obtained by a player on the game machine corresponding to the own device Is stored as a possessed ball value, a recording medium retaining unit that retains a recording medium for associating the retained ball value, and when a return instruction for the recording medium is received, the retained ball value is designated in advance. If it is less than the threshold value, it is provided with an instruction means for instructing the payout of a game medium corresponding to the value of the ball in place of the instruction to return the recording medium to the recording medium holding means.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the instructing means meets a condition for paying out a game medium corresponding to the possession value in place of an instruction to return the recording medium to the recording medium holding means. If it falls within the time zone specified in advance, the recording medium in which the holding ball value is associated with the recording medium holding means instead of the game medium payout instruction corresponding to the holding ball value It is characterized by instructing the return.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the instructing means meets a condition for paying out a game medium corresponding to the possession value in place of an instruction to return the recording medium to the recording medium holding means. If the recording medium held by the recording medium holding means is a member recording medium returned to a member of the game store, the game medium payout instruction corresponding to the coin value is replaced with the instruction to pay out the game medium. The recording medium holding means is instructed to return the member recording medium associated with the holding ball value.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the instructing means meets a condition for paying out a game medium corresponding to the possession value in place of an instruction to return the recording medium to the recording medium holding means. Even if there is a prepaid value for the recording medium held by the recording medium holding means, the holding to the recording medium holding means in place of a game medium payout instruction corresponding to the possessed ball value. The return of the recording medium associated with the ball value is instructed.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the predesignated time zone is a time zone in which a remaining time until the game shop is closed is equal to or less than a predetermined time.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the predetermined threshold is the number of media less than the minimum number of special prizes exchanged.

  The present invention also provides a gaming medium payout system that pays out gaming media between a platform device provided corresponding to a gaming table and a management device that manages the platform device via a network. The transmission means for transmitting the count value of the game medium acquired by the player on the game table corresponding to the own apparatus to the management apparatus as a possession value, and the recording medium retaining means for retaining the recording medium that associates the possession value When the return instruction of the recording medium is received, the management device is inquired about the value of the possessed ball, and if the retained ball value received as a response is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value specified in advance, the recording medium An instruction means for instructing the payout of a game medium corresponding to the value of the ball in place of the instruction to return the recording medium to the holding means, and the management device receives from the inter-device device. Storage means for storing the associated ball value in association with the inter-device, and when receiving an inquiry about the possession value from the inter-device, the retained value associated with the inter-device Response means for responding to the inter-device.

  According to the present invention, the count value of the game medium acquired by the player on the game machine corresponding to the own device is stored as the possession value, the recording medium associated with the possession value is held, and the recording medium return instruction is accepted. In this case, if the possessed ball value is less than a predetermined threshold value specified in advance, the game medium corresponding to the possessed ball value is instructed in place of the recording medium return instruction. By paying out the game media instead of giving the value to the card, there is an effect that it is possible to reduce the disadvantage of the game shop due to the damage, destruction, and take-out of the card.

  Further, according to the present invention, even if the game media corresponding to the value of the coin is paid out in place of the instruction to return the recording media, if it falls within the time zone designated in advance, Since the instruction to return the recording medium associated with the possession value is given instead of the instruction to pay out the game medium corresponding to the possession value, the game medium is uniformly dispensed in the case of a small amount of possession value. In addition, it is possible to improve the convenience of the player by making it possible to return the recording medium valued with the money value.

  In addition, according to the present invention, even if the game medium corresponding to the value of the possession value is matched instead of the instruction to return the recording medium, the recorded recording medium is held to the members of the gaming store. In the case of a returned member recording medium, it was decided to instruct the return of the member recording medium associated with the possession value instead of the instruction to pay out the game medium corresponding to the possession value. With respect to a member recording medium that does not cause damage, it is possible to improve the convenience of the member by returning it with the recording medium even with a small amount of possession value.

  Further, according to the present invention, the prepaid value remains for the recording medium to be held even when the condition for paying out the game medium corresponding to the coin value is satisfied instead of the instruction to return the recording medium. For example, instead of instructing to pay out the game medium corresponding to the coin value, it is instructed to return the recording medium associated with the possession value, so always return the recording medium with the prepaid value remaining, There is an effect that the convenience of the member can be improved.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the time zone designated in advance is a time zone in which the remaining time until the game store is closed is equal to or less than a predetermined time, so that a player who wants to stop the game just before the store closes. On the other hand, it is possible to improve the convenience of the player by paying out a small amount of game media and avoiding the situation where the player is forced to continue the game. In addition, it is possible to quickly close the game store by preventing a delay in the store opening time due to the player who has paid out a small amount of game media continuing the game. .

  Further, according to the present invention, since the threshold value designated in advance is the number of media less than the minimum number of special prizes exchanged, in the case of a possession value that can be exchanged for special prizes, By not using the medium as a payout target, there is an effect that the disadvantage of the player can be minimized.

  Exemplary embodiments of a table apparatus and a game medium payout system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, a counter unit with a counting function (hereinafter simply referred to as a “base unit”) that is attached to a game machine such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine installed in a game shop such as a pachinko shop, The case where the card is returned or the game medium is paid out will be described.

  First, prior to detailed description of the embodiment, an outline of the game medium payout method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a game medium payout method according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inter-device device 10 is provided in each game machine, and counts game media (balls) acquired by the player on the game machine. The inter-device 10 accepts and holds a membership card distributed to members of the game store in the device, and accepts and holds a general card for a general player in the device. Then, when the player who has finished the game instructs the return of the card by pressing the card return button or the like, the held card is returned.

  As for general cards, a predetermined number of cards are held in the device in advance, and a general card held in the device is returned to a player who has played a cash game and has a ball. And

  Here, in the game medium payout method according to the present invention, when a card return operation is performed ((2) in the figure) in a state where the value of the possession is generated by counting the game media (see (1) in the figure). The main feature is that one of “returning a card associated with a ball value” or “paying a game medium corresponding to the ball value” is selected according to conditions such as the value of the ball value.

  Specifically, if the possessed ball value is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value set in advance, the card is not returned (see (3a) in the figure), and the game medium corresponding to the retained ball value is paid out. (See (3b) in the figure).

  In this way, cards that are valued with a small amount of possession value will not be returned to the player, so the card will be damaged because of the small amount of possession value. Can be avoided.

  1 is a general card, not a membership card. This is because the owner of the membership card is a member (player), and damage or destruction of the membership card does not result in a loss at the amusement store. This is also because members (players) are not likely to handle the membership cards that they own. Even if it is a general card, if the prepaid value remains, the card is returned.

  As described above, in the game medium payout method according to the present invention, when the possession value is small, in principle, the game medium is paid out instead of returning the card. However, if it is attempted to deal with a small amount of coin value by paying out game media uniformly, there may be a disadvantage for the player or the game store.

  For example, when a player wants to end a game immediately, such as when a game store is closing, if a small amount of money is paid out with a game medium, the player plays a game with a game medium that has been paid out. If you want to leave, you will not be able to leave. In addition, as a game store, if a player who has been paid out a small amount of game media continues to play, the store closing operation cannot be smoothly proceeded.

  For this reason, in the game medium payout method according to the present invention, when the possession value is small, in principle, the game medium is paid out instead of returning the card, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the small amount Exception handling to return the card even if it has the value of possession. Details of the exception processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Below, the Example about the inter-table apparatus 10 to which the game medium payout method demonstrated using FIG. 1 is applied is described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a network environment to which the inter-device apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is connected. As shown in the figure, the inter-device 10 provided for each gaming machine 100 includes a management device 200, an island controller 300, a checkout machine 400, and a prize management machine via a network such as an in-store LAN (Local Area Network) 20. 500, a card processor 600, and a prize dispenser. The game medium payout system includes the inter-device 10 and the management device 200.

  The island controller 300 is a relay device provided for each gaming island on which the inter-device 10 and the gaming table 100 are installed, and is between the management device 200 / the inter-device 10 or between the management device 200 / the gaming table 100. Relay communication data.

  Here, when the inter-device 10 returns the card, the player who has returned the card receives the money corresponding to the prepaid value (prepaid balance) by inserting the card into the checkout machine 400. In addition, the player brings the card to the prize exchange corner, and holds or inserts the card into the card processor 600. Then, when an employee of the game shop operates the prize management machine 500 or the prize dispenser 700, the player receives a prize according to the value of the possession.

  As shown in the figure, the management device 200 has a recording medium management DB (database) 201 that manages the value associated with the card (recording medium). The storage medium management DB 201 is a prepaid card DB (database) 201a for managing prepaid value, and a storage ball indicating that the game medium acquired by the player is stored in a game store without being exchanged for cash or prizes. A storage ball DB (database) 201b for managing the money and a money ball DB (database) 201c for managing the money value acquired by the game store.

  For example, the money value or prepaid value that is valued for the card returned by the inter-device 10 is also managed by the prepaid card DB 201a or the money DB 201c managed by the management device 200.

  Next, the configuration of the inter-station apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the inter-device apparatus 10. In the figure, only components necessary for explaining the characteristics of the inter-device 10 are shown, and descriptions of general components are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inter-device 10 includes a communication unit 11, an operation unit 12, a card holding unit 13, a payout unit 14, a counting unit 15, a control unit 16, and a storage unit 17. ing. The control unit 16 further includes a setting unit 16a and a card return instruction unit 16b, and the storage unit 17 stores card return restriction information 17a and possession information 17b.

  The communication unit 11 includes a communication device such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board, and receives information such as the card return restriction information 17a from the management device 200 via the in-store LAN 20 illustrated in FIG. A process of transmitting information such as holding ball information 17b to 200 is performed.

  The operation unit 12 is a device that receives an operation on the inter-device apparatus 10. The operation unit 12 has, for example, a “return button” corresponding to a card return button. When the return button is pressed by a player who requests the return of the card, the card return request has been made. Is sent to the card return instruction unit 16b of the control unit 16.

  The card holding unit 13 holds a card such as a built-in card (general card) loaded in the inter-device 10 in advance or a member card returned to a member of the amusement store. Here, a plurality of built-in cards (general cards) are loaded in advance in the card holding unit 13 before the game store is opened, etc., and are returned after associating their own ball value and prepaid value.

  When a player who has returned a built-in card (general card) changes a gaming table and replays, the player inserts the returned built-in card into the card holding unit 13 of the other inter-device 10 so that the built-in card The money value and prepaid value associated with (general card) can be used. In addition, when the possessed ball value or the prepaid value is used up, the card is stored as it is by the card holding unit 13 and is handled in the same manner as a preloaded card.

  Further, when the card holding unit 13 accepts the membership card, the player can use the possession value or prepaid value associated with the membership card. However, the membership card is different from the built-in card (general card) in that it is returned even if the possession value or prepaid value is used up. It is assumed that the card holding unit 13 has a card R / W (reader / writer) for writing data to the card and reading data from the card.

  For example, when a general card is inserted, the card holding unit 13 holds the general card, and when the player receives a card return instruction from the card return instruction unit 16b by pressing the return button. As long as you return the general card that has been held to the specified value.

  The payout unit 14 is a device that pays out game media to the player. In addition, when the payout unit 14 receives a game medium payout instruction from the card return instruction unit 16b, the payout unit 14 pays out a game medium corresponding to the possession value.

  The counting unit 14 counts game media (for example, pachinko balls) acquired by the player, and stores the counted value in the storage unit 17 as possession ball information 17b. It is assumed that the ball information 17b is updated every time the count value is counted up.

  Here, the external configuration of the inter-device 10 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an external view of the inter-station apparatus 10. In the figure, the gaming table 100 provided with the inter-device device 10 is indicated by a broken line. Moreover, although the inter-device 10 which receives only a banknote is shown in the same figure, it is good also as providing the unit for coin reception.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the inter-device 10 includes a state display unit 51 that displays the device state of the inter-device 10 by turning on or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color, and bill insertion that accepts various bills for renting out game media. A display / operation unit including a unit 52, a remote control light receiving unit 53 that receives an instruction from a remote control (portable terminal device) carried by an employee of the amusement shop, and an operation unit such as a 7-segment display unit, a numeric keypad, and a card return button 54.

  In addition, the inter-device 10 accepts a card, such as a membership card, and a card such as a membership card, and returns a card associated with a coin value or a prepaid value. A card insertion unit 56, a counting unit 57 that counts game media acquired by the player (balls), and a ball storage unit 58 that stores the balls (acquired balls).

  Here, the game medium dropped from the lower plate 100 c of the game table 100 is guided to the counting unit 57 through the ball storage unit 58.

  It should be noted that the game console 100 has an operation button 100b such as a display unit 100a for displaying the remaining amount of the card, the number of lent game media, and a return button for instructing to rent out game media and a card return. And are provided.

  The inter-device 10 temporarily stores the retained balls (acquired balls) that have dropped from the lower plate 100c of the gaming machine 100 shown in the figure in the ball storage unit 58, and guides the retained retained balls (acquired balls) to the counting unit 57. . Then, the counting unit 57 counts the number of possessed balls (acquired balls). The counted game media are discharged to a game media collection path (not shown) formed in the game island.

  Then, in the state where the ball is stored in the inter-device 10, when the player presses the ball dispensing button, the ball (acquired ball) is thrown out to the game table 100 via the ball dispensing unit 55. To do. In the case where the lending button of the gaming table 100 is pressed down when the banknote insertion unit 55 inserts a banknote into the banknote insertion unit 52 or inserts a card associated with a prepaid value into the card insertion unit 56. In some cases, payouts are also made.

  FIG. 4 shows the case where the counting unit 57 is provided at the lower part of the inter-device 10, but the counting unit 57 is arranged on the game island on which the inter-device 10 and the gaming table 100 are installed. It is good also as providing in the position (below a girdle) which penetrated. The counting unit 57 may be configured as a device independent of the inter-bed device 10.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 3, the control unit 16 will be described. The control unit 16 performs a process of selecting whether to return a card valued with the value of the ball or to pay out the game medium corresponding to the value of the ball when the amount of the ball is a small amount It is.

  The setting unit 16 a is a processing unit that performs processing for storing the card return restriction information 17 a received from the management apparatus 200 via the communication unit 11 in the storage unit 17. Here, the timing of receiving the card return restriction information 17a from the management device 200 may be a predetermined timing such as when the inter-device device 10 is installed and before the game store is opened.

  Here, it is assumed that the management apparatus 200 has a function of editing the card return restriction information 17a and distributes the edited card return restriction information 17a to each inter-device 10 in a batch. In the present embodiment, the case where the setting unit 16a receives the card return restriction information 17a from the management apparatus 200 has been described. However, the card return restriction information 17a may be received via the display / operation unit 54 (see FIG. 4). Good.

  When the card return instruction unit 16b receives a signal indicating that a card return request has been made from the operation unit 12, the card return instruction unit 16b compares the card return restriction information 17a with the possessed ball information 17b, thereby valued the possessed ball value. It is a processing unit that determines whether to return the received card or to pay out the game medium corresponding to the possessed value, and gives instructions to the card holding unit 13 or the payout unit 14. The card return instruction unit 16b is also a processing unit that receives a card type (general card or membership card) from the card holding unit 13 and performs processing according to the card type.

  Specifically, the card return instructing unit 16b pays out when the card type is a general card and the possessed ball value in the possessed ball information 17b is less than a threshold value (set number) in the card return restriction information 17a. The unit 14 is instructed to pay out the game medium corresponding to the possession value. On the other hand, when the possessed ball value is equal to or greater than the set number, the card holding unit 13 is instructed to return the card associated with the retained ball value.

  Note that when the card type is a membership card, the card return instruction unit 16b instructs the card holding unit 13 to return a card associated with the possession value regardless of the magnitude of the possession value. In addition, when the prepaid value is valued for the card, the card return instruction unit 16b returns the card associated with the ball value to the card holding unit 13 regardless of the card type or the set number. Instruct.

  Here, an example of an instruction from the card return instruction unit 16b will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an instruction example of the card return instruction unit 16b. Note that (A) in the figure assumes the contents of the assumed card return restriction information 17a, and (B-1) to (B-3) in the figure assume the card type or the number of possessed balls. The contents of instructions in are shown respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, it is assumed that 125 is defined as the set number in the card return restriction information 17a. Here, “125” is the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the amount of the smallest special prize in Tokyo (500 yen). The following description is based on the assumption that the set number is 125.

  As shown in (B-1) of FIG. 5, when the number of balls is 1500 and the card type is a general card, the number of balls (1500) is equal to or greater than the set number (125). Therefore, the card return instructing unit 16b instructs the card holding unit 13 to return the general card associated with the number of possessed balls (1500).

  On the other hand, as shown in (B-2) of FIG. 5, when the number of balls is 100 and the card type is a general card, the number of balls (100) is the set number (125). ), The card return instructing unit 16b instructs the paying unit 14 to pay out the same number of game media as the number of possessed balls (100).

  By the way, as shown in (B-3) of FIG. 5, when the number of balls is 100 and the card type is a membership card, the number of balls (100) is the set number (125). The card return instructing unit 16b instructs the card holding unit 13 to return the member card associated with the number of possessed balls (100). As described above, when the card type is a membership card, the card is returned regardless of the value of the possession value.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the storage unit 17 will be described. The memory | storage part 17 is a memory | storage part comprised with memory | storage devices, such as a non-volatile memory and a hard-disk drive, and memorize | stores the card return restriction information 17a and the ball information 17b.

  The card return restriction information 17a is information that defines the minimum number of balls to be allowed to be returned (set number) as already described with reference to FIG. In other words, if the number of possessed balls is equal to or greater than the set number, in principle, card return is permitted. If the number of possessed balls is less than the set number, in principle, card return is not permitted, and game media is paid out instead of returning the card. Will be done.

  The holding ball information 17b is a counting result by the counting unit 15, and is updated to a new count value every time the counting unit 15 counts game media. Further, the possession ball information 17b is subtracted when the possession ball is paid out, and cleared to 0 when the card holding unit 13 returns a card reflecting the possession value.

  Next, a processing procedure executed by the inter-bed apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed by the inter-device apparatus 10. As shown in the figure, when the card return instruction unit 16b receives a card return instruction from the operation unit 12 (step S101), the card return instruction unit 16b confirms the number of possessed balls included in the possessed ball information 17b (step S102).

  Subsequently, the card return instruction unit 16b compares the number of possessed balls confirmed in step S102 with the set number of card return restriction information 17a, and determines whether or not the number of retained balls is equal to or more than the set number (step). S103). If the number of possessed balls is greater than or equal to the set number (step S103, Yes), the card holding unit 13 is instructed to update the number of possessed balls (card writing) (step S104).

  Then, the card holding unit 13 that has received the card return instruction from the card return instruction unit 16b returns the card (step S105) and ends the process. On the other hand, when the determination condition of step S103 is not satisfied, that is, when the number of possessed balls is less than the set number (step S103, No), it is determined whether there is a prepaid balance (step S106).

  If there is a prepaid balance (step S106, Yes), the card holding unit 13 is instructed to update the number of possessed balls (card writing) (step S104), and a card return instruction is issued from the card return instructing unit 16b. The received card holding unit 13 returns the card (step S105) and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the determination condition in step S106 is not satisfied (No in step S106), the card return instruction unit 16b instructs the payout unit 14 to pay out the game medium corresponding to the number of balls, and the payout is performed. Upon receiving the instruction, the payout unit 14 pays out the number of balls (step S107) and ends the process.

  By the way, until now, the case where the minimum number of balls that can be returned (set number) allowed to be returned is defined in the card return restriction information 17a has been explained. You can also define time zones. Therefore, hereinafter, a case where the set number and the exceptional time zone are defined in the card return restriction information 17a will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an instruction example of the card return instruction unit when an exceptional time zone is added. (A) in the figure assumes the contents of the assumed card return restriction information 17a, and (B-1) to (B-3) in the figure assume the current time or the number of possessed balls. The contents of instructions in are shown respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, it is assumed that 125 is defined as the set number in the card return restriction information 17a. Further, it is assumed that “after 22:30” is defined as the exceptional time zone in the card return restriction information 17a. Here, “after 22:30” illustrated in FIG. 7A is an example of definition when 23:00 is the closing time.

  In addition, it is good also as defining the time slot | zone which permits payment | payout of the game medium equivalent to a small amount of possession value like "10 o'clock (opening time) to 22:30". The following description is based on the premise that the set number is 125 and the exceptional time zone is after 22:30.

  As shown in (B-1) of FIG. 7, when the number of balls is 1500 and the current time is 20:00, the number of balls (1500) is the set number (125). Therefore, regardless of the current time, the card return instructing unit 16b instructs the card holding unit 13 to return a general card associated with the number of balls (1500).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7B-2, when the number of balls is 100 and the current time is 20:00, the number of balls (100) is the set number ( Since the current time (20:00) does not fall within the exceptional time zone (after 22:30), the card return instruction unit 16b (100) is instructed to pay out the same number of game media.

  On the other hand, as shown in (B-3) of FIG. 7, when the number of balls is 100 and the current time is 22:45, the number of balls (100) is the set number ( Therefore, it is instructed to pay out the same number of game media as the number of balls (100) (see (B-2) in FIG. 5). However, since the current time (22:45) corresponds to an exceptional time zone (after 22:30), the card return instructing unit 16b associates the number of possessed balls (100) with the card holding unit 13. Instructs the return of the received general card.

  In this way, even if a small amount of coins is given for a time zone that is inconvenient for both the player and the game store when the game medium is paid out for a small amount of coin value as in the time zone just before closing the store, Exceptionally allow card return.

  Next, a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus 10 when an exceptional time zone is added will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus 10 when an exceptional time zone is added. As shown in the figure, when the card return instruction unit 16b receives a card return instruction from the operation unit 12 (step S201), the card return instruction unit 16b confirms the number of possessed balls included in the possessed ball information 17b (step S202).

  Subsequently, the card return instructing unit 16b compares the number of possessed balls confirmed in step S202 with the set number of card return restriction information 17a, and determines whether or not the number of retained balls is equal to or more than the set number (step). S203). If the number of possessed balls is equal to or larger than the set number (step S203, Yes), the card holding unit 13 is instructed to update the number of possessed balls information (card writing) (step S204). Then, the card holding unit 13 that has received the card return instruction from the card return instruction unit 16b returns the card (step S205) and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the determination condition of step S203 is not satisfied, that is, when the number of possessed balls is less than the set number (step S203, No), the card return instruction unit 16b confirms the current time (step S206). ). Here, the current time may be acquired from a timing unit (not shown) of the inter-device 10 or may be acquired from a timing unit (not shown) of the management device 200.

  Subsequently, the card return instruction unit 16b compares the current time confirmed in step S206 with the exception time zone of the card return restriction information 17a, and determines whether or not the current time corresponds to the exception time zone (step) S207).

  And when it corresponds to an exceptional time slot | zone (step S207, Yes), it instruct | indicates the number-of-balls information update (card writing) with respect to the card holding part 13 (step S204). Subsequently, the card holding unit 13 that has received the card return instruction from the card return instruction unit 16b returns the card (step S205), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the determination condition of step S207 is not satisfied (step S207, No), the payout unit 14 is instructed to pay out the game medium corresponding to the number of possessed balls, and the payout unit 14 that has received the payout instruction. Pays out the number of balls (step S208) and ends the process.

  By the way, in FIG.7 and FIG.8, when predetermined conditions were satisfy | filled (for example, just before a shop closing), it demonstrated that a small amount of possession value was linked | related with a card | curd and returned. However, if a card with a small amount of money associated with it is returned in this way, there is a possibility that the amusement store will be disadvantaged by damage, destruction, or take-out of the card, even during a specific time period. There is.

  Therefore, in the following, a description will be given of a measure for preventing damage, destruction, and takeout of a card returned with a small amount of possession value associated with it. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modification of the game medium payout system. Note that (A) in the figure shows a case in which a preferential treatment is given to a card associated with a small amount of possession value, and (B) in the figure shows a card collection device at the entrance / exit of a game store. Each case is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, a player who has returned a card associated with a small amount of possession value will leave the store with the card. Here, it is common that the possession value valued to the card is converted into a stored value after the next day (see (A-1) in the figure). For example, the data transfer from the holding ball DB 201c to the storage ball DB 201b shown in FIG. 2 is performed at a predetermined timing such as the closing process after the closing of the store or the opening process of the next day. Converted.

  However, when replaying from the next day using the accumulated ball value, it is normal that the accumulated ball fee is deducted, and the small amount of accumulated ball value will be further reduced, so the player may lose the card. Will be treated. Therefore, in the game media payout system according to the present embodiment, when a card with an exceptionally small amount associated with the value of the ball is returned, such as just before closing the store, a preferential treatment for the savings fee is given (see FIG. (See (A-2)).

  Specifically, when a card associated with an exceptionally small amount of possession value is returned, such as just before closing, a predetermined flag is assigned to the card or possession DB 201c. When a replay is performed on the card with the flag added on or after the next day, a preferential measure such as setting the savings fee corresponding to the card ID to 0 is given. It should be noted that not only the preferential device for savings fees, but also the player's willingness to return to the store may be increased by giving points or giving predetermined services.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, a card collection device 750 may be provided at an entrance / exit of a game store, and the card collection device 750 may collect cards. Specifically, when the card collection device 750 accepts the card, the card collection device 750 reads the card ID (see (B-1) in the figure), and notifies the management device 200 of the read card ID ((B- in the figure)). 2)). It is assumed that the card collection device 750 is connected to the management device 200 via the in-store LAN 20 shown in FIG.

  Here, the card collection device 750 can collect the card from a player who does not need a small amount of card by posting the remaining amount of the card for use in public welfare as a donation. Then, the possession value associated with the collected card may be counted by the management device 200 and actually handled as a donation. By doing so, it is possible to reduce card cost loss due to card destruction / damage / take-out.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the storage unit stores the count value of the game medium acquired by the player on the gaming table corresponding to the own device as the holding value, and the card holding unit stores the holding value. When the associated recording medium is held and the return instruction for the recording medium is received, if the value of the possessed ball is less than a predetermined threshold specified in advance, the card return instructing unit replaces the instruction for returning the recording medium The inter-device was configured to instruct the payout of game media corresponding to value.

  Accordingly, by paying out the game medium instead of giving a small amount of money to the card, it is possible to reduce the disadvantage of the game store due to the card being damaged, discarded, or taken home. Also, in exceptional time zones such as just before closing, the return of the small amount card is permitted exceptionally, so that the convenience of the player or the game store can be improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the inter-device provided with the counting unit has been described. However, the counter unit is configured as a counting device independent of the inter-device, and the inter-device and The present invention may be applied when the counting devices communicate with each other.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to one inter-unit device having both the ball lending function and each unit counting function has been described, but the first inter-unit having the ball lending function The present invention may be applied to a system (double sand system) in which a device (CR unit) and a second inter-device device (counting sand) having a counting function are provided.

  Below, the case where this invention is applied with respect to this double sand system is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a double sand method. As shown in the figure, the double sand type inter-stand apparatus is composed of a counting sand 800 and a CR unit 900.

  The counting sand 800 is an inter-device device having a function of counting each vehicle, and counts the possessed balls (acquired balls) acquired by the player and stores the counted values in a storage unit such as a memory. As shown in FIG. 10, the counting sand 800 includes a W sand state display lamp 801 for displaying the states of the counting sand 800 and the CR unit 900, a card return button 802, a ball throwing unit 803, a general card and a member. A ball card R / W 804 that reads / writes a ball associated card such as a card and a counting unit 805 are provided.

  The counting unit 805 further includes a counting ball display unit 805a for displaying the count value and a ball return button 805b. When the ball return button 805b is pressed, the counting sand 800 throws the ball from the nozzle of the ball throwing unit 803. Here, when the holding ball is thrown from the nozzle, the count value on the storage unit is subtracted.

  In addition, when the card return button 802 is pressed, the counting sand 800 returns a general card if the count value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and if the count value is less than the predetermined threshold, (Acquired ball) is thrown out of the nozzle. However, depending on the time zone and the card type (member card) already described in the above-described embodiment, the card is returned instead of throwing a possession ball (acquired ball).

  The CR unit 900 is a table unit that accepts cash and a prepaid card and lends a ball. As shown in FIG. 10, the CR unit 900 includes a CR state display lamp 901 that displays the state of the CR unit 900, a bill insertion unit 902, a remaining amount display unit 903 that displays the remaining amount of accepted bills, and various operations. And a prepaid card R / W 905 for reading and writing to the prepaid card. The operation unit 904 further includes a replay button 904a. The ball rental is discharged from the gaming table 100 itself.

  The CR unit 900 returns the card from the prepaid card R / W 905 when the game by the player is finished with the prepaid value remaining, for example, when a card return button (not shown) is pressed. Further, the CR unit 900 can accept a membership card, and provides a player with a replay of stored money using the membership card. Here, the replay balls are also discharged from the game stand 100 itself.

  As described above, the inter-table device and the game medium payout system according to the present invention are useful for preventing damage, destruction, and take-out of a small-value card, and particularly for application to a game store system using each counter counting method. Is suitable.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the game medium payout method which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the network environment to which the inter-device apparatus which concerns on a present Example is connected. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an inter-device apparatus. It is an external view of a stand apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of an instruction | indication of a card return instruction | indication part. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which an inter-device apparatus performs. It is a figure which shows the example of an instruction | indication of the card return instruction | indication part in the case of adding an exceptional time slot | zone. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which a pedestal apparatus performs when an exceptional time slot | zone is added. It is a figure which shows the modification of a game medium payout system. It is a figure which shows a double sand system.

10 inter-device 11 communication unit 12 operation unit 13 card holding unit 14 payout unit 15 counting unit 16 control unit 16a setting unit 16b card return instruction unit 17 storage unit 17a card return restriction information 17b holding ball information 20 in-store LAN
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 51 Status display unit 52 Bill insertion unit 53 Remote control light receiving unit 54 Display / operation unit 55 Holding ball dispensing unit 56 Card insertion unit 57 Counting unit 58 Ball storage unit 100 Game table 100a Display unit 100b Operation button 100c Lower plate 200 Management device 300 Island Controller 400 Settlement machine 500 Prize management machine 600 Card processing machine 700 Prize dispenser 750 Card collection device 800 Counting sand 801 W sand status display lamp 802 Card return button 803 Ball throwing part 804 Mochitama card R / W
805 Counting unit 805a Counting ball display unit 805b Ball return button 900 CR unit 901 CR status display lamp 902 Bill insertion unit 903 Remaining amount display unit 904 Operation unit 904a Replay button 905 Prepaid card R / W

Claims (7)

An inter-device provided corresponding to a game machine,
Storage means for storing a count value of a game medium acquired by a player on a game table corresponding to the own device as a possession value;
Recording medium holding means for holding a recording medium for associating the holding ball value;
In the case where the return instruction for the recording medium is received, if the possessed ball value is less than a predetermined threshold specified in advance, it corresponds to the retained ball value instead of the recording medium return instruction to the recording medium holding means. An inter-unit device comprising: instruction means for instructing payout of game media to be played. The instruction means includes
Even if it meets the conditions for paying out the game medium corresponding to the value of the ball instead of the instruction to return the recording medium to the recording medium holding means, if it falls within the time zone designated in advance, 2. The return of the recording medium associated with the possession value is instructed to the recording medium holding means instead of an instruction to pay out the game medium corresponding to the possession value. Inter-device. The instruction means includes
The recording medium held by the recording medium holding means is in the case where the condition for performing the payout of the game medium corresponding to the value of the holding ball instead of the instruction to return the recording medium to the recording medium holding means is met. In the case of a member recording medium returned to a member of a game store, instead of an instruction to pay out a gaming medium corresponding to the possession value, the possession value is associated with the recording medium holding means. The inter-device apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the return of the member recording medium is instructed. The instruction means includes
About the recording medium held by the recording medium holding means even when the condition for paying out the gaming medium corresponding to the value of the holding ball is satisfied instead of the instruction to return the recording medium to the recording medium holding means If the prepaid value remains, instructing the recording medium holding means to return the recording medium associated with the possession value instead of giving out the game medium corresponding to the possession value. The inter-station apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 3. The pre-designated time zone is
The inter-table device according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the remaining time until the game shop is closed is a time period in which the remaining time is a predetermined time or less. The pre-specified threshold is:
The inter-unit apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the number of media is less than the minimum number of special prizes exchanged. A game medium payout system that pays out game media between a table device provided corresponding to a game table and a management device that manages the table device via a network,
The inter-device is
A transmission means for transmitting a count value of a game medium acquired by a player on a game machine corresponding to the own device to the management device as a possession value;
Recording medium holding means for holding a recording medium for associating the holding ball value;
When the return instruction of the recording medium is received, the management apparatus inquires about the value of the possessed ball, and if the retained ball value received as a response is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold specified in advance, the recording medium retaining means An instruction means for instructing the payout of the game medium corresponding to the possession value instead of the instruction to return the recording medium to
The management device
Storage means for storing the coin value received from the inter-device device in association with the inter-device device;
And a response means for responding to the inter-device with the inter-ball value associated with the inter-device when receiving an inquiry about the inter-ball device from the inter-device. Media payout system.

Images