JP5416487B2 - Device compatible with each device, game medium management system, and recording medium return control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is provided corresponding to a game machine, and has a count value of a game medium counted as a game result in the game machine and each game machine corresponding to a game recording medium and returning it as a game medium. The present invention relates to a management system and a recording medium return control method.

  Conventionally, in the gaming industry, most of the game stores have installed a counter on the island edge and count the game media, but recently, from the viewpoint of making it unnecessary to transport the game medium to the island edge, There are some game stores that employ a counting method for counting each game machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In this counter counting method, a counter unit that counts game media is provided in a machine between the game consoles, and game media exceeding the capacity of the upper and lower plates of the game platform is input to the counter unit. And the count value is held by a pedestal machine.

  In addition, when the payout operation for the game medium is accepted, the interstage machine subtracts a part or all of the count value counted by the counting unit and pays out the subtracted game medium with the actual product.

  In addition, when an intermediary machine accepts a return operation for a game recording medium, the intermediary machine has a count value (remaining count value) that remains with the identification information recorded on the game recording medium, and serves as a game medium. By notifying the host device of the intermediary machine, the game medium is issued (returned) in association with the game recording medium.

  In this way, in the case of each unit counting method, in addition to the prepaid value that has been associated with the game recording medium, the game media counted by the counting unit of each unit is stored in one game recording medium. Associated.

JP 2007-229112 A

  However, when each of the above-mentioned counter counting methods is adopted, there is a problem that the game recording medium may be held by an unauthorized third party and stolen together with the game medium.

  In other words, in the case of each vehicle counting method, unlike the case of the island edge counting method, the acquired game media is not stored in-game at the game seat, but the game media is held electronically by the pedestrian machine. Therefore, no matter how many game media there are, they will fit on one recording medium.

  For this reason, in each vehicle counting method, when the player who actually acquired the possessed game medium is absent from the seat, the game medium is simply returned by the third party to return the game recording medium. Since game media that is incomparable to the actual storage is illegally acquired, the stolen player suffers a great deal of damage.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and can be used to prevent unauthorized acquisition of a game recording medium by a third party. It is an object to provide a recording medium return control method.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, each device corresponding device according to the present invention is provided corresponding to a game table, and the counted value of the game medium counted as a game result in the game table is calculated. A device corresponding to each device that returns in association with a game recording medium as a possessed game medium, monitoring means for monitoring the quantity of the possessed game medium, and determining that the number of possessed game media exceeds a predetermined number by the monitoring means Mode control means for making a mode transition from an unlock mode permitting the return of the member game recording medium of a player registered as a member of the game store to a lock mode prohibiting the return of the member game recording medium. based on the stay mode to stay as a mode transition result by the mode control means, and a return control means to allow or prohibit return the membership gaming recording medium And wherein the door.

Further, in the above invention, each device corresponding device according to the present invention is acquired by the authentication information acquiring means for acquiring authentication information for identity verification from the player registered as a member in the game store, and the authentication information acquiring means. Authentication means for verifying the identity by comparing the authentication information for identity verification with the authentication information of the member registered in advance , and the return control means is a predetermined member game in the lock mode. When the operation recording medium is returned, if the authentication means authenticates the member, the member gaming recording medium is permitted to be returned .

  In the above-described invention, the device corresponding to the present invention may be set to the unlock mode when the mode control means determines that the number of game media to be held is a predetermined number or less by the monitoring means. The mode is changed.

Further, in each device corresponding to the present invention, in the above invention, the monitoring means sets the valuable value associated with the member game recording medium and the high value of the possessed game medium to a high value of a common unit. The mode control means further includes a high-value conversion means for converting, and when the total of the high-value converted into a common unit by the monitoring means is determined to exceed a predetermined high-value, from the unlock mode. The mode is changed to the lock mode.

In addition, the game medium management system according to the present invention is provided corresponding to a game machine, has a count value of the game medium counted as a game result on the game machine, and returns it as a game medium in association with the game recording medium. A game medium management system including a management device connected to each of the plurality of devices, and a management device communicably connected to the plurality of devices, the monitoring means for monitoring the quantity of the game media to be held; return if the quantity of game media is determined to exceed a predetermined number, from the unlocked mode to allow the return of the member for a game recording medium of the gaming customers who are member registration in the game shop of the member for a game recording medium has by and mode control means for mode transition to the lock mode that prohibits, based on the stay mode to stay as a mode transition result by the mode control means, recording the member game And having a return control means to allow or prohibit return of the body.

In addition, the recording medium return control method according to the present invention is provided corresponding to a game machine, has a count value of the game medium counted as a game result in the game machine, and associates it with a game recording medium as a game medium. a recording medium return control method to be applied to each base corresponding device returns a monitoring step of monitoring the quantity of said retention game medium, if the number of game media have by the monitoring process is determined to exceed the predetermined number A mode control step for mode transition from an unlock mode that permits return of a member game recording medium of a player registered as a member to a game store to a lock mode that prohibits return of the member game recording medium; and based on the stay mode to stay as a mode transition result of the control process, including a return control step of permitting or prohibiting the return of the member gaming recording medium And wherein the door.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent unauthorized acquisition of a member game recording medium by a third party while maintaining the convenience of returning the member game recording medium when the amount of game media is small. Has the effect of becoming.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to protect the member game recording medium while accurately estimating the total damage in the case of theft.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an in-store system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition between modes according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an appearance of the CR unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the CR unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the mode control process in the unlock mode according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the mode control process in the system lock mode according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the mode control process in the user lock mode according to the present embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Exemplary embodiments of a device corresponding to each apparatus, a game medium management system, and a recording medium return control method thereof 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 each vehicle counting system that provides a pachinko game will be described.

  First, the system configuration of each counter counting system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an in-store system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the amusement store is provided with a CR unit 10 with a counting function (hereinafter simply referred to as a CR unit), a pachinko machine 20, an island controller 30, and a T / C 50.

  The CR unit 10 is a card processing unit attached to each pachinko machine 20 in the amusement store. In this embodiment, the CR unit 10 further includes a counting unit that counts pachinko balls inserted from the lower plate of the pachinko machine 20.

  In the CR unit 10 having this counting unit, the pachinko ball obtained by the player is counted with the pachinko machine 20 to which the device is connected, and when the card is returned, the actual pachinko ball is converted from the electronic data by returning the ball. Excluding the count value reduced and digested, the remaining count value remaining at that time is associated with a card such as a general card or a membership card as a “held ball”, and a card associated with the held ball is issued (return action is performed) Including).

  Further, the CR unit 10 also lends balls using cash or the prepaid balance valued on a card such as a general card or a membership card, as in the past. Therefore, two game values of a possession ball and a prepaid balance are associated with the general card, and a stored ball is further associated with the membership card in addition to these two game values.

  The pachinko machine 20 is a device in which a player plays a pachinko game by launching a pachinko ball into the game area. In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 20 is a so-called CR pachinko machine connected to the CR unit 10.

  The island controller 30 is a relay device that bundles a group of CR units 10 and pachinko machines 20 provided in a space (amusement island) surrounded by a passage.

  The T / C 50 is a management device that manages game values such as prepaid balances and possessions associated with general cards and membership cards. Specifically, a prepaid balance management table for storing a prepaid balance in association with general card identification information (general card ID) or membership card identification information (member ID), and a general card ID or member ID. A ball management table for storing balls is stored.

  The T / C 50 updates the prepaid balance using the prepaid balance management table. Specifically, when a request for adding a prepaid balance is received from the CR unit 10, a value request amount such as an inserted banknote amount is added to the prepaid balance corresponding to the general card ID or member ID included in the addition request and updated. To do. When a prepaid balance subtraction request is received, the subtraction request amount such as a lending unit amount for ball lending is subtracted and updated from the prepaid balance corresponding to the general card ID or member ID included in the subtraction request.

  In addition, the T / C 50 uses the possession management table to update the possession balls. Specifically, when a registration request for possession balls is received from the CR unit 10, the number of registration request balls such as the remaining count value included in the registration request is registered in association with the general card ID or member ID. On the other hand, when an inquiry about possession is accepted from the CR unit 10, the number of possessions corresponding to the general card ID or member ID included in the inquiry is returned to the CR unit 10 as the inquiry source.

  As described above, in this embodiment, with respect to the prepaid balance, the latest prepaid balance is managed by both while maintaining synchronization between the CR unit 10 and the T / C 50. On the other hand, for the possession balls, the possession data is locally managed in the CR unit 10 until the card return operation is performed, and the possession balls are notified to the T / C 50 in association with the general card ID or the member ID when the card is returned. I will do it.

  In this embodiment, the association between the possession ball and the card is performed when the card is returned. However, it is not always necessary to perform the association only when the card is returned. It can also be performed at any time according to (for example, 1 minute interval).

  Here, when each unit counting method is introduced, it is necessary to newly associate a possession ball with a card. However, unlike a prepaid balance that is a valuable value, a possession ball is associated with a card with an upper limit amount (for example, (10,000 yen) is not provided, and if a card is illegally acquired by a third party, there is a risk that damage will be infinite.

  For example, if a member card is stolen, a prepaid balance or possession can be used even if the card is stolen if a mechanism that requires a pre-registered password when registering the member is used. There is no.

  However, a general card is given to an unspecified number of players, and a password is not registered in advance like a membership card, and it is difficult to secure the use of a theft card.

  For this reason, when a general card is stolen, a possession ball may be used in another game stand, and a possession ball may be used for prize exchange. Furthermore, there is no upper limit on the amount of damage, and depending on the player, there is a possibility of serious damage, and there is a risk of developing a serious trouble with the game store over the compensation.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, card issuance (return) is prohibited when a predetermined number, for example, more than 1,000 balls are generated, so that there is no risk that the card will be stolen by an unauthorized third party. It was decided.

  In this way, if card return is prohibited, the return request can be rejected when a third party performs a card return operation. Even if a player who has acquired a possession performs a card return operation, the return request is rejected.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, the player is free as a mode that regulates card return permission, prohibition or conditional permission so that only the player who actually acquired the possession can return the card. In addition, there are three types of modes: an unlock mode in which a general card can be returned, a system lock mode in which card return is not permitted in principle, and a user lock mode in which card return is permitted under certain conditions.

  The system lock mode is a mode in which card return is prohibited in principle on the assumption that the card is returned in another mode. Also, the user lock mode is the only way to return a general card after authenticating the user with the authentication information registered by the player at the desired time after the number of possessions exceeds the predetermined number and the authentication information entered when the card is returned. This is the mode to allow.

  In addition, although the case where a password is received as authentication information for identity verification is illustrated here, the authentication information is not limited to a password as described later.

  Under such a configuration, the CR unit 10 performs mode transition between these three modes, and permits card return when a card return operation is accepted based on the stay mode in which the user stays as a result of the mode transition. , Prohibit card return.

  This inter-mode transition will be specifically described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the CR unit 10 makes a mode transition from the unlock mode to the system lock mode when the number of possessed balls exceeds a predetermined number.

  In other words, in unlock mode, the card is stolen only if it does not matter if the card is stolen, for example, if there is no possession or if there is a small amount (less than 1000). In the case where the damage can be serious, the system will switch to system lock mode to lock the card return.

  In addition, when the CR unit 10 acquires a password for identity verification from a player, the CR unit 10 registers the password in the storage unit 15 described later, and then makes a mode transition from the system lock mode to the user lock mode.

  In other words, if you are staying in the system lock mode, you can reject the return request even if a third party performs the card return operation, so you can prevent unauthorized acquisition of the card by the third party, The return request is rejected even when the player who actually acquired the possession performs a card return operation.

  The mode transition to the user lock mode is for causing the player himself to return the card in an environment where the identity can be confirmed with a password. In this user lock mode, it is checked whether or not the password input at the time of card return operation matches the password registered in the storage unit 15, and as a result, if both match, the card is returned. On the other hand, if they do not match, card return is prohibited.

  In addition, the registered password for checking against the password entered when returning the card must be guaranteed to have been entered by the player who actually acquired the possession. Password registration is accepted at the time when there is a high possibility of playing a game, for example, while counting output is obtained from the counting unit 13, which will be described later, or in the vicinity thereof (for example, within a predetermined time from the last counting output) It is preferable to keep it.

  It should be noted that the CR unit 10 can be used in the system lock mode or the user when the risk of the possession ball being stolen becomes low, such as when the number of possession drops below a predetermined number or when the card is returned. The mode is changed from the lock mode to the unlock mode.

  Further, the CR unit 10 does not immediately delete the registered password in the storage unit 15 even after the mode transition from the user lock mode to the unlock mode, and both the possession ball and the prepaid balance become zero. Or suspending the deletion of the registered password until the card is returned.

  The reason for this hold is that even if the number of possessed balls falls below the predetermined number due to the return of the possession ball, if the same player regains the possession ball exceeding the predetermined number, the password must be registered again. This is because the registration password once entered is diverted so that the re-registration of the password becomes unnecessary.

  In addition, in the CR unit 10, when the number of possessed balls exceeds a predetermined number, if the password is registered in the storage unit 15, the unlock mode is switched to the user lock mode without going through the system lock mode. Change mode.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the card return permission control / prohibition control is executed based on the transition between modes shown in FIG. 2 and the stay mode in which the user stays as a result of the mode transition. If you have a small amount of possession, such as when exchanging premiums for tobacco or juice, you can return the card freely, while if you have more than the prescribed number, the third party will return the card Even if an operation is performed, the return operation can be invalidated.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent unauthorized acquisition of a card by a third party while maintaining the convenience of returning the card when the possession amount is small.

  Next, the configuration of the CR unit according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, the internal configuration will be described after the external configuration of the CR unit is described.

  FIG. 3 is a front view showing an appearance of the CR unit according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 20 provided with the CR unit 10 is indicated by a broken line.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the CR unit 10 is configured as a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped casing, and in order from the top on the front of the main body, a status display unit 101, a bill insertion unit 102, a remote control light receiving unit 103, It has a touch panel 104, a bead dispensing unit 105, a card insertion unit 106, a counting unit 13, and a saucer unit 107.

  Among these, the status display unit 101 is an LED that is lit when the unit is abnormal (for example, banknote jam or stack card shortage), and the banknote insertion unit 102 receives / pays out various banknotes for lending. Mechanism.

  On the back surface of the bill insertion portion 102, there is a bill identifying portion for identifying the bill received inside, and in this bill identifying portion, the denomination of the bill (for example, 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen) And 10,000 yen). In addition, a banknote is returned when an insertion banknote is an indistinguishable banknote or a forged banknote.

  The remote control light receiving unit 103 is a light receiving sensor that receives infrared rays emitted from a remote control owned by an employee. The touch panel 104 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. Further, the possession ball dispensing unit 105 is a dispensing mechanism provided with a nozzle for dispensing the possession ball.

  The card insertion unit 106 is a feeding / feeding mechanism for receiving / returning various cards such as general cards and membership cards. A card processing unit 14 to be described later is provided on the back surface of the card insertion unit 106.

  The saucer unit 107 receives the acquired balls to be introduced into the counting unit 13. The tray 107 is provided with a ball display unit 107a for displaying the number of balls and a ball return button 107b for receiving a ball return (refund) request. The holding ball return button may be provided on the touch panel 104 of the CR unit main body. The counting unit 13 is a counting unit that counts pachinko balls put into the saucer unit 107.

  On the other hand, the pachinko machine 20 is provided with an upper plate 210 for storing pachinko balls used for pachinko games, and a lower plate 220 for storing pachinko balls overflowing the allowable capacity of the upper plate 210. The upper plate 210 further includes a 7SEG display unit 211 for displaying a prepaid balance of a general card, a ball lending button 212 for receiving a ball lending request, and a card return button 213 for receiving a general card or member card return request. It has been.

  In the present embodiment, the ball lending button 212 and the return button 213 are provided on the pachinko machine 20, but they are not necessarily provided on the pachinko machine 20 side, and may be provided on the CR unit 10.

  When borrowing a pachinko ball, when a player presses the ball lending button 212 on the pachinko machine 20 side, a ball lending operation signal is transferred to the CR unit 10 and the ball lending operation is accepted on the CR unit 10 side. At this time, if there is a prepaid balance, a ball throwing instruction is issued from the CR unit 10 to the pachinko machine 20, and the lending balls are thrown onto the upper plate 210.

  When counting the number of acquired balls, if the acquired balls are put into the saucer unit 107 from the lower plate 220 of the pachinko machine 20, the inserted balls are guided to the counting unit 13 and the number of acquired balls is counted. When the player presses the possessed ball return button 107b, the possessed ball such as the payout unit ball number is held within the range of the number of possessed balls stored and managed as the possessed ball information 15a by the storage unit 15 described later. It is thrown out onto the upper plate 210 of the pachinko machine 20 via the ball dispensing unit 105.

  In addition, although the present Example demonstrated the case where a lending ball was thrown out via the pachinko machine 20, and a bead was thrown out via the bead dispensing part 105, letting a bead throw out via the pachinko machine 20 is demonstrated. Alternatively, it is also possible to throw out the lending balls via the possession ball dispensing unit 105. Conversely, the payout of the possessed ball may be paid out from the game stand in the same manner as the payout of the ball. In that case, the ball dispensing unit 105 becomes unnecessary.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the CR unit according to the present embodiment. Note that the actual CR unit 10 has functional units (for example, a BV unit, a prepaid balance update unit, etc.) other than the illustrated functional units, but FIG. 4 illustrates the characteristics of the CR unit 10 according to the present embodiment. Only the components necessary to do this are extracted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the CR unit 10 includes an operation unit 11, a communication I / F unit 12a, a gaming machine communication I / F unit 12b, a counting unit 13, a card processing unit 14, and a storage unit. 15 and a control unit 16.

  The operation unit 11 is a generic name for various man-machine interfaces including the touch panel 104 and the ball return button 107b shown in FIG.

  The communication I / F unit 12a is an interface for performing various communications between other devices such as the island controller 30 and the T / C 50.

  The gaming machine communication I / F unit 12b is an interface for performing various communications (for example, a ball lending request and a ball throwing instruction) with the pachinko machine 20 provided alongside the CR unit 10.

  The counting unit 13 is a counting unit that counts pachinko balls thrown into the saucer unit 107. Specifically, a plurality of ball paths (lanes) having a natural gradient are provided inside the counting unit 13, The passing of the acquired ball passing through this lane is detected by a counting sensor, and the detected acquired ball passing notification (counting output) is sent to the possessed ball management unit 16a described later.

  The card processing unit 14 is a reading device that reads information recorded on a card such as a general card or a membership card. The card processing unit 14 receives a card inserted through the card insertion unit 106 and reads data from the received card.

  The card processing unit 14 stores a plurality of general cards that are not associated with a prepaid balance and a possession ball in advance, and a prepaid balance is generated due to the insertion of cash before the card return operation is performed, If the card has occurred, the prepaid balance and / or the general card associated with the ball is discharged (returned) from the card insertion unit 106.

  The storage unit 15 is a storage device such as a non-volatile memory that stores data and programs necessary for various processes performed by the control unit 16, for example, possession ball information 15a indicating the number of remaining possessions currently held by the player, The mode information 15b, which is various information regarding the mode, and the authentication information 15c for identity verification acquired from the player are stored together.

  The mode information 15b is control information such as a stay mode in which the CR unit 10 stays at the present time and a card return permission, prohibition, or conditional permission specified for each mode. The authentication information 15c is a registered password registered by the player, and is written or erased by a mode control unit 16c described later.

  The control unit 16 is a control unit that controls the CR unit 10 as a whole, and has a function unit related to the update of the prepaid balance and the stored ball as a basic function, and a function management unit 16a as a function unit unique to the present embodiment. A gaming value monitoring unit 16b, a mode control unit 16c, a matching unit 16d, and a return permission / prohibition unit 16e.

  The possession management unit 16a is a processing unit that manages possession balls (residual count value). Specifically, an addition process or a subtraction process is performed on the number of possessed balls stored in the storage unit 15 as the possessed ball information 15a.

  For example, when the ball management unit 16a receives a count output from the counting unit 13, the ball management unit 16a adds and updates the number of balls corresponding to the number of count outputs to the number of balls stored as the ball information 15a in the storage unit 15. .

  On the other hand, when the possession management unit 16a accepts a pressing operation of the possession return button 107b, the possession management unit 16a subtracts and updates the withdrawal unit number from the number of possessions stored as the possession information 15a in the storage unit 15 to obtain a withdrawal unit. The pachinko balls corresponding to the number of balls are thrown onto the upper plate 210 via the ball dispensing unit 105.

  In addition, if the number of possessed balls is less than the reimbursement unit number at the time of subtraction update of the possession balls, the total possession number is subtracted and updated, and if the possession number is zero, the subsequent operation is not executed. .

  In addition, when the possession management unit 16a accepts a pressing operation of the card return button 213 of the pachinko machine 20, if the return permission / inhibition unit 16e described later permits the card return, the possession management unit 16a stores the possession item in the storage unit 15. A request for registering a possession ball including the number of possessions stored as information 15a and the card ID of a general card to be associated with a game value among the stack cards (general cards) stored by the card processing unit T / C50. In this way, the number of possessions is registered in association with the card ID at T / C 50, so that the possessions are associated with the general card.

  The game value monitoring unit 16b is a processing unit that monitors the high value of the game value such as possession balls and prepaid balance. Specifically, the monitoring setting value (predetermined number) stored in the storage unit 15 in advance, 1000 in this example, is monitored. Here, a case where 1000 pieces are set as the monitoring set values will be described, but any value can be set. In addition, it is possible to change the setting to a plurality of CR units 10 from a higher-level device such as the T / C 50 or to distribute settings.

  For example, when the stay mode stored as the mode information 15b in the storage unit 15 is the unlock mode, the game value monitoring unit 16b has 1000 balls stored as the ball information 15a in the storage unit 15. Whether or not the number of balls has been exceeded is monitored, and if the number of possessed balls exceeds 1000, that fact is output to the mode control unit 16c.

  Further, when the stay mode is the unlock mode, the game value monitoring unit 16b monitors whether both the retained ball and the prepaid balance are zero, and both the retained ball and the prepaid balance become zero. If so, this is output to the mode control unit 16c.

  In this way, the game value monitoring unit 16b can monitor whether or not the same player continues to play a game by monitoring whether or not both the possession ball and the prepaid balance are zero.

  In addition, when the stay mode is the system lock mode or the user lock mode, the gaming value monitoring unit 16b monitors whether or not the number of possessed balls has become 1000 or less, and the number of possessed balls has become 1000 or less. In that case, a message to that effect is output to the mode control unit 16c.

  The mode control unit 16 c is a processing unit that performs mode control of the CR unit 10. Specifically, mode transition is performed among the unlock mode, the system lock mode, and the user lock mode based on the monitoring result output by the gaming value monitoring unit 16b and the password acquisition result via the operation unit 11.

  For example, if the stay mode stored as the mode information 15b in the storage unit 15 is the unlock mode, the mode control unit 16c, if the gaming value monitoring unit 16b determines that the number of possessed balls has exceeded 1,000, It is confirmed whether or not a password is registered in the storage unit 15 as the authentication information 15c.

  If the password is not registered as a result of the confirmation, the mode control unit 16c updates the stay mode stored as the mode information 15b in the storage unit 15 to the system lock mode, and changes from the unlock mode to the system lock mode. Change mode to.

  On the other hand, when the password is registered, the mode control unit 16c updates the stay mode stored as the mode information 15b in the storage unit 15 to the user lock mode, and changes the mode from the unlock mode to the user lock mode. .

  Further, when the stay mode is the unlock mode, the mode control unit 16c determines that both the possession ball and the prepaid balance are zero by the game value monitoring unit 16b, that is, the player has been replaced. If detected, the password stored as the authentication information 15c in the storage unit 15 is deleted.

  As a result, the password stored as the authentication information 15c in the storage unit 15 is not erased until both the holding ball and the prepaid balance become zero, while both the holding ball and the prepaid balance become zero. In this case, since the password stored as the authentication information 15c in the storage unit 15 is erased, the registered password once entered only by the same player can be used, and the re-registration of the password can be made unnecessary. become.

  In addition, when the mode control unit 16c transitions from the unlock mode to the system lock mode, the mode control unit 16c notifies the user to input a password for identifying himself / herself, and waits for an input of the password from the player.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the mode control unit 16c informs that the card return is automatically locked in the system lock mode, and further inputs a password for verifying the identity when the card is returned. Is displayed on the touch panel 104.

  At this time, when receiving a password input intention display, the mode control unit 16c displays a number as a password component on the touch panel 104 as a numeric keypad, and accepts a four-digit password through a numeric keypad pressing operation. Although the case where the password component is a number has been described here, the password component and the number of digits are not limited to this, characters and symbols may be mixed, and the number of digits is arbitrary. May be the number of digits.

  When the mode control unit 16c receives the password input via the touch panel 104, the mode control unit 16c causes the touch panel 104 to display a screen for calling attention so as not to forget the password until the card is returned.

  As described above, when an input of a password is accepted while staying in the system lock mode, the mode control unit 16c registers the password as the authentication information 15c in the storage unit 15 and is stored as the mode information 15b in the storage unit 15. The stay mode is updated to the user lock mode, and the mode is changed from the system lock mode to the user lock mode.

  On the other hand, if the game value monitoring unit 16b determines that the number of possessed balls has become 1000 or less without accepting the password input while staying in the system lock mode, the mode control unit 16c stores the mode information 15b in the storage unit 15. The stored stay mode is updated to the unlock mode, and the mode is changed from the system lock mode to the unlock mode.

  In addition, when the stay mode is the user lock mode, the mode control unit 16c stores the mode information 15b in the storage unit 15 even when the gaming value monitoring unit 16b determines that the number of possessed balls is 1000 or less. The stay mode is updated to the unlock mode, and the mode is changed from the user lock mode to the unlock mode.

  The verification unit 16d is a processing unit that performs verification of authentication information based on an instruction from a return permission / prohibition unit 16e described later. Specifically, the password stored as authentication information 15c in the storage unit 15 and the password input via the touch panel 104 are collated, and the collation result is output to the return permission / prohibition unit 16e.

  The return permission / prohibition unit 16e is a processing unit that permits, prohibits, or prohibits card return based on the stay mode in which the user stays as a mode transition result by the mode control unit 16c.

  Specifically, when the stay mode stored as the mode information 15b in the storage unit 15 is the unlock mode, the return permission / prohibition unit 16e permits the card return unconditionally, and the stay mode is the system lock. If the mode is the mode, the return of the card is prohibited in principle. If the stay mode is the user lock mode, the collation unit 16d is caused to perform the password collation, and the collation result is successful (match). Allow card return only if there is a condition.

  Here, in the case of permitting the card return, the return permission / prohibition unit 16e indicates that the card management unit 16a and the card management unit 16a and the card management unit 16a are permitted to return the card when the pressing operation of the card return button 213 of the pachinko machine 20 is accepted. The card is returned to the card processing unit 14 and the card management unit 16a executes a registration request for the ball, and the card processing unit 14 discharges the general card to be associated among the stack cards, thereby returning (issuing) the card. Execute.

  On the other hand, when the card return is prohibited, the return permission / prohibition unit 16e rejects the card return request by rejecting the card return operation even if the pressing operation of the card return button 213 of the pachinko machine 20 is accepted. To do.

  Next, the processing flow of each counter counting system according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, (1) mode control processing in the unlock mode is described, (2) mode control processing in the system lock mode is described, and (3) mode control processing in the user lock mode is described. I decided to.

(1) Mode Control Process in Unlock Mode As described above, here, the mode control process in the unlock mode according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the mode control process in the unlock mode according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the game value monitoring unit 16b determines whether or not the number of possessed balls stored as the possessed ball information 15a in the storage unit 15 exceeds 1000 (step S601). For example, in normal (during game), determination is made while monitoring increase / decrease in possession. Further, when a card having a ball is inserted by moving the table, the determination is made at that time.

  At this time, when the number of possessed balls is 1000 or less (Yes at Step S601), the game value monitoring unit 16b further determines whether or not both the retained ball and the prepaid balance are zero (Step S602). .

  Here, when both the possession ball and the prepaid balance are zero (Yes at Step S602), the mode control unit 16c is highly likely to have been replaced by the player, and thus is stored in the storage unit 15 as the authentication information 15c. The entered password is deleted (step S603). Note that if there is either a holding ball or a prepaid balance (No in step S602), the process returns to the process of monitoring the excess of the holding balls in step S601.

  On the other hand, when the number of possessed balls exceeds 1000 (No at Step S601), the mode control unit 16c checks whether or not a password is registered as the authentication information 15c in the storage unit 15 (Step S604).

  At this time, when the password is not registered (Yes at Step S604), the mode control unit 16c updates the stay mode stored as the mode information 15b in the storage unit 15 to the system lock mode, and starts from the unlock mode. The mode is changed to the system lock mode (step S605), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the password has been registered (No at Step S604), the mode control unit 16c updates the stay mode stored as the mode information 15b in the storage unit 15 to the user lock mode, and the user lock is performed from the unlock mode. The mode is changed to the mode (step S606), and the process is terminated.

(2) Mode Control Processing in System Lock Mode Next, mode control processing in the system lock mode according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the mode control process in the system lock mode according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the mode control unit 16c performs notification for prompting input (setting) of a password for identity verification via the touch panel 104 or the like (step S701), and waits for input of a password from the player (see FIG. 7). Step S702).

  At this time, if it is determined by the gaming value monitoring unit 16b that the number of possessed balls has become 1000 or less (No at Step S703) without accepting the password input (No at Step S702), the mode control unit 16c may store the storage unit 15 The stay mode stored as the mode information 15b is updated to the unlock mode, the mode is changed from the system lock mode to the unlock mode (step S704), and the process is terminated. As long as the number of holding balls does not become 1000 or less (No at Step S703), the standby state for accepting the password input at Step S702 is continued.

  On the other hand, when the input of the password is accepted (Yes at Step S702), the mode control unit 16c registers the password as the authentication information 15c in the storage unit 15 (Step S705) and stores it as the mode information 15b in the storage unit 15. The stay mode to be performed is updated to the user lock mode, the mode is changed from the system lock mode to the user lock mode (step S706), and the process is terminated.

(3) Mode Control Process in User Lock Mode Next, the mode control process in the user lock mode according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the mode control process in the user lock mode according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the game value monitoring unit 16b is in a monitoring state in which it is determined whether or not the number of possessed balls stored as the possessed ball information 15a in the storage unit 15 has become 1000 or less (step S801). As long as the number of possessed balls does not become 1000 or less (No in step S801), the monitoring state is continued.

  Here, when it is determined that the number of possessed balls has become 1000 or less (Yes in step S801), the mode control unit 16c updates the stay mode stored as the mode information 15b in the storage unit 15 to the unlock mode. The mode is changed from the user lock mode to the unlock mode (step S802), and the process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the number of possessed balls is monitored, and when it is determined that the number of possessed balls exceeds a predetermined number, the mode transition is performed from the unlock mode to the system lock mode, and the mode transition is performed. As a result, it is configured to allow or prohibit the return (issuance) of general cards based on the stay mode of staying, so a third party can maintain the convenience of returning the card when there is a small amount of possession. It is possible to prevent unauthorized acquisition of a card.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, a password for identity verification is acquired from a player, the acquired password for identity verification is registered in the storage unit 15, and the password is registered when the stay mode is the system lock mode. If it is done, it is configured to make a mode transition to the user lock mode that allows or prohibits the return of the general card according to the result of the personal authentication based on the password, so that an environment where the identity can be confirmed is secured. Card return can be executed by the player's own operation, and unauthorized acquisition of the card by a third party can be prevented while completing the player's operation and executing the card return.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the number of possessed balls is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the mode is changed from the system lock mode or the user lock mode to the unlock mode. Even if the player has abandoned his possession and the player leaves the store, the card return lock can be automatically released, and the store clerk at the amusement store does not have to unlock it by performing a special operation. The store clerk can collect the balls with cards, and other players can play games.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the card return is not permitted in the system lock mode has been described. However, the card return may be permitted with a condition even in the system lock mode.

  For example, when a lock release instruction is received from a system to which the CR unit 10 belongs, for example, a host device such as T / C 50 or a remote controller (not shown), a predetermined period (for example, 3) If a card return operation is received during a minute or the like, the return permission / prohibition unit 16e may be configured to permit the card return. Here, the case where the card return is permitted under conditions has been described. However, the mode control unit 16c may be configured to shift the mode to the unlock mode in response to the unlock instruction.

  This makes it possible to return cards through store clerk operations without forcing the player to input authentication information such as passwords due to restrictions on visual acuity, etc., while supporting various players It becomes possible to prevent unauthorized acquisition of cards by a third party.

  In the above embodiment, the case where a password is registered as the authentication information 15c to be registered in the storage unit 15 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any authentication information that can be used for identity verification is used. Other authentication information may be used.

  For example, recently, since mobile terminals (for example, mobile phones and PHS) equipped with an IC chip are widely used, an IC card reader is mounted in the CR unit 10 and is built in the mobile terminal. Reading portable terminal identification information unique to the portable terminal from the IC chip, for example, a telephone number of the portable terminal or identification information (Idm) of the IC chip, and registering the read portable terminal identification information as authentication information 15c in the storage unit 15 You can also.

  The mobile terminal identification information registered in the storage unit 15 in this way is compared with the mobile terminal identification information read by the IC card reader at the time of the card return operation. In addition to being able to execute the identity verification of the player who has acquired the ball, the operation procedure necessary for inputting the authentication information can be simplified to the proximity or contact operation of the portable terminal with respect to the IC card reader.

  In addition, since a CR unit with a camera equipped with a camera has recently become widespread, a part of a player's living body, for example, a face, an eye glow, a fingerprint, or the like is imaged using such a camera. Biometric information can also be registered in the storage unit 15 as authentication information 15c.

  In this way, by matching the biometric information registered in the storage unit 15 with the biometric information captured by the camera at the time of the card return operation, the player actually acquired the possession ball as in the above embodiment. In addition to being able to execute identity verification of the player, it is possible to perform verification using biometric information that is difficult to impersonate, so that card return can be executed more securely.

  In the present invention, the CR unit 10 can also be configured to accept a membership card even when there is a possession ball or a prepaid balance when the mode is changed to the system lock mode by the mode control unit 16c.

  That is, in the CR unit 10, when a membership value is not received and a game value such as a prepaid balance or a possession ball is generated, among the general cards to be stacked, the general card closest to the card conveyance path ( The game value is linked to the card ID of the card to be associated).

  Here, when the membership card is accepted in the system lock mode, the association of the gaming value with the general card that is the target of association of the gaming value until the membership card is accepted, and the membership card accepted within the CR unit 10 is canceled. By re-associating the member card ID with the game value, the password registered as a member can be collated with the password input when the member card is returned.

  As a result, the password at the time of membership registration can be used for identity verification at the time of card return, and the incentive for membership registration when a possession occurs can be increased.

  In the above-described embodiment, a part of the membership card with a password function has been described in connection with the membership card, but the present invention can be applied to a normal (no password function) membership card as with a general card.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the transition between modes is performed by comparing the possessed ball with the monitoring set value is described, but it is not always necessary to limit the possessed ball to the monitoring target. For example, it may be monitored whether the entire card property associated with the general card exceeds a predetermined value.

  For example, the value of the prepaid balance associated with the general card and the value of the possession ball is converted to the value of the common unit, and whether the total value converted to the common unit exceeds a predetermined value is monitored. The game value monitoring unit 16b is configured as described above, and the mode control unit 16c is configured to shift the mode from the unlock mode to the system lock mode when the game value monitoring unit 16b determines that the predetermined value is exceeded. You can also.

  As an example, the game value monitoring unit 16b converts the possession into the same amount as the prepaid balance. That is, if the selling unit price and the buying unit price of the pachinko balls are assumed to be the same, the pachinko ball is 4 yen per ball, so the possession ball “N (ball)” is multiplied by “4 (yen / ball)”. As a result, the possession ball is converted into the amount of money “4N (yen)”. After that, the gaming value monitoring unit 16b adds up the prepaid balance “P (yen)” and the possession “4N (yen)”, and whether or not the total value exceeds a predetermined monitoring amount, for example, 5,000 yen. To monitor.

  When the game value monitoring unit 16b determines that the total value exceeds 5,000 yen, the mode control unit 16b updates the mode information 15b stored in the storage unit 15 to the system lock mode. The mode is changed from the lock mode to the system lock mode.

  In this way, not only the possession but also the entire game value associated with the general card is monitored and the card return is locked, so it is possible to protect the card while accurately estimating the total damage in case of theft Become.

  In addition, although the case where money was converted into monetary amount was explained here, the prepaid balance may be converted into pachinko balls, and it is converted into other common units such as frequency corresponding to the amount of money and a certain ratio. You can also In addition, here, the ball and the prepaid balance are exemplified as monitoring targets, but conversion to a common unit including points and electronic money given by the game shop, monitoring of the converted total value and transition between modes are performed. You can also.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the function management unit such as the possession management unit 16a, the gaming value monitoring unit 16b, the mode control unit 16c, the matching unit 16d and the return permission / prohibition unit 16e, the control of the mode information 15b and the authentication information 15c, etc. Although the case where the CR unit 10 collects information has been described, the present invention is also applied to the case where a part of the functional unit and / or control information is provided to the management device such as the T / C 50 or the island controller 30 that is a relay device. Can be applied as well.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the CR unit 10 has the possession ball dispensing unit 105 that throws out the pachinko balls has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CR unit has the ball dispensing unit. The present invention can be similarly applied to each counter counting system in which the ball is returned using the ball throwing mechanism of the pachinko machine 20.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the card processing unit is configured as a CR unit with a counting function by including the counting unit 13 in the lower part of the card processing unit is described. However, a counting device (counting unit) is provided independently of the CR unit 10. It can also be provided. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied to a counter counting system of a type in which a counting device is provided on a base plate under the lower plate 220 of the pachinko machine 20. In this case, the counting device and the CR unit 10 are communicably connected.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the game values such as the prepaid balance, the possession balls, and the storage balls are integrated and managed by the T / C 50 has been described. However, it is not always necessary to integrally manage the game values. You may make it manage a prepaid balance, a possession ball, or a storage ball in a distributed manner with a management apparatus and a storage ball management apparatus.

  In the above embodiment, 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. Can do. Although an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko parlor has been described here, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be similarly applied to a game facility such as a game center.

As described above, the device corresponding to each device, the game medium management system, and the recording medium return control method according to the present invention are suitable for preventing unauthorized acquisition of a game recording medium by a third party.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 CR unit with counting function 11 Operation part 12a Communication I / F part 12b Game communication I / F part 13 Count part 14 Card processing part 15 Memory | storage part 15a Held ball information 15b Mode information 15c Authentication information 16 Control part 16a Held ball management Part 16b Game value monitoring part 16c Mode control part 16d Verification part 16e Return permission / prohibition part 20 Pachinko machine 30 Island controller 50 T / C

Claims (6)

Each device is provided corresponding to a game machine, has a count value of game media counted as a game result in the game machine, and returns as a game medium in association with a game recording medium,
Monitoring means for monitoring the quantity of the game media;
When said quantity of game media have the monitoring means is determined to exceeds the predetermined number, the game arcade to recording the Member game from the unlocked mode to allow the return of the member game recording medium for a game customers are member registration Mode control means for mode transition to a lock mode prohibiting the return of media;
Return control means for permitting or prohibiting return of the member game recording medium based on a stay mode in which the user stays as a mode transition result by the mode control means. Authentication information acquisition means for acquiring authentication information for identity verification from a player registered as a member in the game store ;
Authentication means for verifying identity by comparing authentication information for identity verification acquired by the authentication information acquisition means with previously registered member authentication information ;
The return control means includes
When a predetermined member game recording medium is returned in the lock mode, if the authentication means authenticates the member, the member gaming recording medium is permitted to be returned. The apparatus for each stand according to claim 1, wherein:   3. The mode control unit according to claim 1, wherein the mode control unit shifts the mode to the unlock mode when the monitoring unit determines that the number of possessed game media is a predetermined number or less. Stand compatible device. The monitoring means includes
A value conversion means for converting a valuable value associated with the member game recording medium and a value of the possessed game medium into a value of a common unit;
The mode control means causes the mode transition from the unlock mode to the lock mode when it is determined that the total value converted into a common unit by the monitoring means exceeds a predetermined value. each table corresponds device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Each device corresponding to a game table, which has a count value of a game medium counted as a game result in the game table and returns it as a game medium in association with a game recording medium, and a plurality of each device A game medium management system including a management device communicably connected to a corresponding device,
Monitoring means for monitoring the quantity of the game media;
When said quantity of game media have the monitoring means is determined to exceed the predetermined number, the game arcade to recording the member game from the unlocked mode to allow the return of the member game recording medium for a game customers are member registration Mode control means for mode transition to a lock mode prohibiting the return of media;
Based on the stay mode to stay as a mode transition result by the mode control means, game media management system characterized by having a return control means for permitting or prohibiting the return of the member gaming recording medium. Recording medium return control that is provided corresponding to a game machine and has a count value of the game medium counted as a game result in the game machine and is applied as a game medium in association with the game recording medium and is returned. A method,
A monitoring step of monitoring the quantity of the game media;
The monitoring when the quantity have game media is determined to exceed the predetermined speed by a step, the game arcade to recording the member game from the unlocked mode to allow the return of the member game recording medium for a game customers are member registration A mode control step for mode transition to a lock mode that prohibits the return of the medium;
Based on said stay mode to stay as a mode transition result of mode control process, the recording medium return control method characterized by including a return control step of permitting or prohibiting the return of the member gaming recording medium.

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