JP5572349B2 - Equipment for each stand - Google Patents

Description

The present invention also relates to each platform corresponding equipment for performing break management when the player customer is resting while securing amusement machine, in particular, can be performed starting and releasing the break only the operation of the gaming customers, also, even if the game customer did not return at the time of break the end, without a game shop to confiscate lifting ball of the game customer, about each table corresponding equipment to be able to open the gaming table.

  Conventionally, in game stores such as pachinko stores, when a player takes a break while securing a game machine such as a pachinko machine, devices corresponding to each device such as a so-called call lamp and inter-station information terminal attached to the game machine The break management method by is known.

  For example, when a break management method using a call lamp is performed, first, a player who wants to take a break with a meal or the like calls an employee by pressing a call button on the call lamp. Then, when the called employee performs a break start operation such as setting a break time on the call lamp, a countdown display of the remaining break time is started on the display section of the call lamp.

  Then, when the player finishes the meal within a predetermined break time and returns, the player presses the call button again to call the employee, and asks the employee to perform the break end operation. Thereby, the player can resume the game on the corresponding game machine.

  When the player does not return at the end of the break, the situation is notified from the calling lamp to the employee-equipped income device via the management device. Then, the employee who has received the notification resets the corresponding game machine as an open machine.

  At this time, the possessed ball, which is the value of the possessed game medium acquired by the player, will be temporarily stored at the in-store counter etc. if there is a physical item, but in principle it will be confiscated at the game store at the time of such reset .

  In addition to this break management method, in recent years, a method for notifying the rest of the break by e-mail or voice guidance to players who have gone out of the store for a break has also appeared. This contributes to an improvement in the operating rate and the like (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-129796 A

  However, according to the conventional break management method, when a player wants to take a break, the employee must always take action. Therefore, if the employee is chased by the response, it can contribute to a decrease in the operating rate of the amusement store. Furthermore, since the player cannot resume the game while waiting for the response, the player cannot immediately enjoy the expected entertainment of the game.

  In this regard, the technique of Patent Document 1 can start a break at any time by a player's instruction operation. However, when the player returns after finishing the break, it is necessary to call the employee, and such a problem also occurs (see Patent Document 1).

  Further, as described above, if the player does not return at the end of the break, the actual amount of the player's possession is handled as temporary storage by an in-store counter or the like. However, if the number of holding balls is large, it takes time to manage the game, and this can also be a cause of a decrease in the operating rate for the game shop.

  Also, even if a player cannot return due to force majeure such as an accident or bad weather, if the corresponding game stand is reset as an open stand, the ball will be confiscated in principle at the game store. Therefore, the player cannot resume the game using the acquired possession ball, and cannot enjoy the amusement and convenience of the expected game.

  In this respect as well, since the technique of Patent Document 1 does not mention the treatment of holding balls when the player does not return, such a problem occurs similarly.

  From these things, it is possible to start and release the break only by the player's operation, and even if the player does not return at the end of the break, the game store does not confiscate the player's possession ball, A major issue is how to realize a device that can open a game machine, or a break management system.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and can start and release a break only by the player's operation, and the player does not return at the end of the break. even if, without gaming facility is confiscated lifting ball gaming customers, and to provide each base corresponding equipment capable of opening the gaming table.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a device corresponding to each device having a counting unit that is provided corresponding to a game table and counts the number of game media acquired by the player . The portable terminal identification information for uniquely identifying the portable terminal from the portable terminal when receiving the holding operation of the portable game medium number storage means for storing the number of held gaming media counted by the counting unit and the portable terminal. A reading means for reading; a storage means for storing the first portable terminal identification information read by the reading means in response to a holding operation of the portable terminal after receiving a predetermined break start operation; and If the first portable terminal identification information is stored, a game on the game table including reuse of the number of game media is stored in the state where the number of game media is stored in the game media number storage means. Impossible break A resting-state means to move to, in response to holding up the operation of the mobile terminal after receiving the predetermined break release operation, stored in the second mobile terminal identification information and the storage means is read by the reading means and a comparison means for comparing the first mobile terminal identification information, on condition that the first mobile terminal identification information and the second mobile terminal identification information by said comparison means are determined to be identical, 該持And a game state transition means for transitioning to a game state in which a game can be played on the game table including the reuse of the number of game media .

The present invention, in the above invention, after receiving the previous SL predetermined break start operation, when the elapsed time limit set in advance without receiving the predetermined break release operation, stored in the storage means has been the lifting game media number stored in the first portable terminal identification information and the lifting game medium count storage means, further comprising further a transition means to migrate to the management apparatus for managing the number of the lifting game media Features.

The present invention, in the above invention, when the first mobile terminal identification information stored in the storage unit is not registered in the member information included in the member information management device, the first portable terminal identification information And provisional member registration requesting means for requesting the member information management device to generate temporary member information based on the information.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, timer application storage means for storing a timer application that operates on a portable terminal device possessed by a player and counts and reports a rest time, and the storage means includes the first And a transfer means for transferring the timer application to the mobile terminal when one mobile terminal identification information is stored .

According to the present invention, when a holding operation of the portable game medium number storage means for storing the number of portable game media counted by the counting unit and the portable terminal is accepted, the portable terminal is uniquely identified from the portable terminal. Reading means for reading the portable terminal identification information; and storage means for storing the first portable terminal identification information read by the reading means in response to the holding operation of the portable terminal after receiving a predetermined break start operation If the first portable terminal identification information is stored in the storage means, the game including reuse of the number of game media in the state where the number of game media is stored in the number of game media storage means A rest state transition means for transitioning to a rest state in which a game on the table is impossible , and a second mobile phone read by the reading means in response to a holding operation of the portable terminal after receiving a predetermined break release operation Terminal knowledge It is determined that the first portable terminal identification information and the second portable terminal identification information are the same by the comparing means for comparing the information with the first portable terminal identification information stored in the storage means. The game state transition means for transitioning to a game state in which the game can be played on the game table including the reuse of the number of game media possessed on the condition that the player only operates his / her own operation. Thus, it is possible to start and cancel breaks, and it is possible to relieve the troublesomeness of calling employees and to enjoy convenience. In addition, the amusement shop also has the effect of eliminating the complexity of employee work associated with break management and improving the operating rate.

Further, according to the present invention, the first time stored in the storage means when a predetermined time limit elapses without receiving the predetermined break release operation after receiving the predetermined break start operation . a portable terminal identification information and the lifting game medium count storage means lifting game medium number stored in, since further comprising Rukoto a migration path to migrate to a management apparatus for managing the number of the lifting game media player customer is The game can be resumed by revisiting the store, and the game can be enjoyed as expected. In addition, it is possible for amusement stores to expect players to return to the store, which contributes to an improvement in the utilization rate of the amusement stores.

Further, according to the present invention, when the first portable terminal identification information stored in the storage means is not registered in the member information held by the member information management device, the first portable terminal identification information is based on the first portable terminal identification information. since the further comprising Rukoto a provisional membership registration request means for requesting the member information management device to generate provisional membership information, even if the player customer is a non-member, if in possession of the portable terminal device As a result, it is possible to enjoy a break management service equivalent to that of the main member. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible for amusement shops to benefit from the new member acquisition.

In addition, according to the present invention, the timer application storage unit that operates on the portable terminal device possessed by the player and that counts and reports the rest remaining time is stored, and the storage unit stores the first mobile phone in the storage unit. when the terminal identification information is stored, the so it was decided to further comprise the mobile terminal and transfer means for transferring said timer application, there may occur a notification from the management device, the communication network congestion It is possible to prevent the malfunction of the timer due to the above, and it is possible to contribute to the improvement of convenience for game shops and players.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a break management method according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a network environment to which the inter-device and the management device according to the present invention are connected. FIG. 3 is an external view of the inter-station apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-station apparatus and the management apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input operation of the inter-station apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the break management method according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a break management method according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of a method for transferring a timer application to a mobile phone possessed by a player.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of the platform corresponding equipment according to the present invention in detail. In the following, a case will be described in which each device corresponding device is a so-called inter-device device including a game medium payout mechanism. In addition, as a definition of terms in the following description, “a mobile terminal device with a built-in non-contact IC chip” is simply “mobile phone” and “has a mobile phone and is registered as a mobile member in the membership information of the amusement store. “Player” is simply described as “mobile member” and “player who has a membership card issued by the amusement store and registered as a card member in the membership information of the game store” is simply described as “card member”. I will do it.

  First, prior to a detailed description of the embodiment, an example of a case where a break management target is a mobile member will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a break management method according to the present invention. Note that (A) in the figure shows a processing procedure at the start of a break, (B) in the figure shows a processing procedure at the time of break cancellation, and (C) in the same figure shows a predetermined rest time. The processing procedure when exceeding is shown respectively.

  When starting a break, as shown in FIG. 1A, first, a mobile member who wants to take a break presses a break start button (not shown) of the inter-device 10 and A touch operation such as holding a mobile phone over a reader / writer unit (not shown) is performed (see (A-1) and (A-2) in the figure). As a result, a break start instruction is input to the inter-bed device 10.

  Then, the inter-device 10 stores therein a unique ID that uniquely identifies the mobile phone as an authentication identifier (see (A-3) in the figure), and instructs the host device that manages the break to start a break. (See (A-4) in the figure). Thereby, the platform apparatus 10 changes to a resting state. It should be noted that in the resting state here, the inter-table device 10 does not perform processing such as acceptance of new banknotes, lending of game media, or withdrawal of storage balls, which are the value of game media deposited by members at the game store. . In addition, the gaming table in which the inter-device device 10 is also provided is in a state where gaming cannot be performed, for example, the gaming medium cannot be ejected from the operation handle mechanism.

  Further, in the resting state, the possession balls acquired by the mobile member before the break are stored and held in the inter-table device 10, and the transfer to the host device or recording medium that manages the possession balls is not performed in principle. Shall.

  Further, when a break is canceled within a predetermined break time, as shown in FIG. 1B, the mobile member who has returned within the predetermined break time has a break release button (not shown) of the inter-device 10. ) And a touch operation such as holding a mobile phone over a reader / writer unit (not shown) of the inter-device 10 is performed (see (B-1) and (B-2) in the figure). As a result, an instruction to cancel the break is input to the inter-device 10.

  The inter-device 10 compares the newly entered unique ID with the authentication identifier that is the unique ID stored at the start of the break. And when it determines with both identifiers being the same (refer (B-3) of the figure), a break cancellation | release instruction | indication is notified with respect to the high-order apparatus which manages a break (refer (B-4) of the figure). ). As a result, the pedestal device 10 in the resting state transitions to the normal operating state, and the mobile member can resume the game.

  By the way, when the predetermined break time is exceeded, as shown in FIG. 1C, when the break time is exceeded (see (C-1) in FIG. 1), the inter-device 10 is set inside. The held ball that has been stored and held is transferred to the host device that manages the held ball (see (C-2) in the figure), and the game machine is released (see (C-3) in the figure). . The term “open” as used herein refers to a series of initializations including resetting the counter in the inter-device 10. This release allows the next player to start playing. In addition, it is preferable that employees should be present when opening. This is because, before the next player starts playing, it is necessary to collect personal belongings of the player who has not returned and to clean up the cigarette butts.

  Below, the Example about the break management system to which the break management method demonstrated using FIG. 1 is applied is described in detail. In the first embodiment shown below, when a mobile member takes a break, in Example 2, a card member and a non-member take a break, and in Example 3, a non-member who has a mobile phone takes a break. Will be described sequentially.

  First, a network environment to which the inter-device apparatus according to the present invention is connected will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a network environment to which the inter-device apparatus according to the present invention is connected. As shown in the figure, the inter-device 10 provided for each gaming table 100 includes a break management device 200, a member management device 300, and an island controller 400 via a network such as an in-store LAN (Local Area Network) 20. Connected to the device.

  Here, the island controller 400 is a relay device provided for each gaming island on which the inter-device 10 and the gaming table 100 are installed. For example, between the break management device 200 / the inter-device 10 or the member management device 300 / Relay communication data between the inter-device devices 10 and the like.

  In addition, the break management device 200 performs processing related to a break, such as setting a break time and a display instruction of the rest time for the break device 10, based on a break start instruction and a break release instruction that are sent for each stand apparatus 10. Device.

  Here, the break management DB 200a included in the break management apparatus 200 is a database that manages information about breaks including a break start time and a break end time. Similarly, the possessed ball DB 200b is a database that manages the retained balls acquired by the mobile member in association with the above-described unique ID. Note that the holding ball DB 200b includes information related to a membership card issued to a card member and a general card issued to a general player.

  In addition, the member management device 300 is a device that manages information for each member of a game store including a mobile member. Furthermore, the member management device 300 is also a device that receives notification by e-mail or voice guidance and a response to the notification to a resting player based on information to be managed.

  Here, the member DB 300a included in the member management apparatus 300 is a database that manages information related to individual members including the telephone number, mail address, unique ID, and the like of the members of the amusement store. The storage ball DB 300b that is also provided is a database for providing a storage ball service. In addition, the money storage service is a service that allows a user to deposit the money earned by a member into a game store without exchanging money or prizes, and is provided to members of the game store. Therefore, the storage ball DB 300b does not include information on a general card issued to a general player who is a non-member.

  In FIG. 2, the configuration of the two management devices, the break management device 200 and the member management device 300, is shown, but a single management device may be used. Along with this, each database of the break management DB 200a, the possession DB 200b, the member DB 300a, and the storage DB 300b shown in FIG.

  Next, the inter-device 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is an external view of the inter-device 10. In the figure, the gaming table 100 and the calling lamp 110 provided with the inter-device device 10 are indicated by broken lines. Moreover, in the same figure, although the stand apparatus 10 which receives only a banknote is shown, it is good also as the stand apparatus 10 being provided with the unit for coin reception.

  As shown in FIG. 3, 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. Part 52, remote control light receiving part 53 for receiving instructions from a remote controller (mobile terminal device) carried by an employee of a game shop, and a display part such as a display and operation parts such as a numeric keypad, a break start button, and a break release button And an operation / display unit 54.

  The inter-device 10 also includes a ball paying part 55 having a nozzle for paying out game media such as pachinko balls, and a reader / writer part 56 for transmitting and receiving data to and from a mobile phone. The communication means between the reader / writer unit 56 and the mobile phone need not be particularly limited. For example, a non-contact IC chip may be used, or infrared communication may be used. In the first embodiment, description will be made assuming that data transmission / reception is performed using a non-contact IC chip.

  Further, the inter-device 10 receives a card-like recording medium such as a membership card, and counts the card insertion portion 57 that is also a return port of the card-like recording medium associated with the holding ball and the player's holding balls. A counting unit 58 and a ball storage unit 59 for storing actual holding balls are provided. Here, the game media dropped from the lower plate of the gaming table 100 is guided to the counting unit 58 through the ball storage unit 59 and counted. The counted game media are discharged to a game media collection path (not shown) formed in the game island, but the count result (mochitama) is stored in the inter-bed device 10.

  Next, the configuration of each apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the management apparatus, although the example comprised by two apparatuses called the break management apparatus 200 and the member management apparatus 300 was shown so far, in the following description, about the case where these are comprised as the single management apparatus 500 I will explain.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-device 10 and the management device 500 according to the present invention. In the figure, only components necessary for describing the features of the inter-device 10 and the management device 500 are shown, and descriptions of general components are omitted.

  First, the configuration of the inter-bed apparatus 10 will be described. As shown in the figure, the inter-device 10 includes a communication I / F (interface) 11, a reader / writer unit 12, an operation / display unit 13, a counting unit 14, a control unit 15, and a storage unit 16. It has. In addition, the control unit 15 further includes an authentication processing unit 15a, a break instruction processing unit 15b, and a holding ball transition unit 15c. The storage unit 16 has a holding ball information 16a, an authentication identifier 16b, and a member ID 16c. And remember.

  The communication I / F (interface) 11 includes a communication device such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board, and performs data transmission / reception with the management apparatus 500 via a network such as the in-store LAN 20 illustrated in FIG.

  The reader / writer unit 12 includes an input / output device for transmitting and receiving data between the inter-device 10 and a mobile phone owned by a mobile member. In the first embodiment, the reader / writer unit 12 is described as a non-contact IC reader / writer that performs communication with a non-contact IC chip built in a mobile phone, but an infrared communication transmitter / receiver unit is used. Other communication means may be used.

  The reader / writer unit 12 reads the unique ID from the mobile phone held by the mobile member, and notifies the authentication processing unit 15a of the unique ID.

  The operation / display unit 13 includes an input device such as a button for receiving an operation on the inter-device 10 and an output device such as a display for displaying various information. Note that a touch panel type liquid crystal display that accepts an input by pressing a finger or a pointing device and also serves as a display output may be used.

  For example, the operation / display unit 13 takes a break such as pressing a break start button performed by a mobile member (see (A-1) in FIG. 1) or pressing a break release button (see (B-1) in FIG. 1). The instruction input operation is received, and the instruction content is notified to the break instruction processing unit 15b. Further, the display instruction content notified from the break instruction processing unit 15b is output to the output device.

  The counting unit 14 performs a process of counting game media (for example, pachinko balls) acquired by the mobile member and storing the counted value in the storage unit 16 as the ball information 16a. The ball information 16a is updated each time the count value is counted up. In addition, when a portable member plays a game using a ball, it is assumed that a subtraction process is performed on the ball information 16a.

  The control unit 15 is a processing unit that performs processing such as when a break is started, when a break is released, or when a break time is exceeded as shown in FIG.

  The authentication processing unit 15a is a processing unit that performs processing for storing the unique ID notified from the reader / writer unit 12 when the break start instruction is input as the authentication identifier 16b in the storage unit 16. In addition, it is also a processing unit that performs processing for comparing the unique ID notified from the reader / writer unit 12 at the time of inputting the break release instruction and the authentication identifier 16b to determine the identity. Here, the content of the instruction such as the break start or break release is notified from the break instruction processing unit 15b. And the determination result of the identity of both identifiers is notified to the break instruction processing unit 15b.

  The authentication processing unit 15a is also a processing unit that performs a process of extracting member information that matches the unique ID notified from the reader / writer unit 12 when a break start instruction is input. This extraction request is made to the member information processing unit 503a of the management apparatus 500, and the member information extracted from the processing unit is received as a notification. And the member identifier which identifies a member uniquely from the extracted member information is acquired, and it memorize | stores in the memory | storage part 16 as member ID16c.

  The break instruction processing unit 15 b is a processing unit that notifies the break processing unit 503 b of the management device 500 of a break start instruction based on the content of the break start input instruction notified from the operation / display unit 13. Prior to the break start instruction to the break processing unit 503b, the break instruction processing unit 15b also notifies the authentication processing unit 15a of a break start, and also performs a process for prompting acquisition of the unique ID of the mobile phone.

  In addition, the break instruction processing unit 15b is based on the break release input instruction content notified from the operation / display unit 13 and the determination result of the identity of the authentication identifier notified from the authentication processing unit 15a. It is also a processing unit that notifies the break processing unit 503b of a break release instruction.

  The break instruction processing unit 15b is also a processing unit that notifies the operation / display unit 13 of display instruction contents such as a rest remaining time display notified from the break processing unit 503b.

  Furthermore, the break instruction processing unit 15b is also a processing unit that notifies the possession ball transition unit 15c when the break processing unit 503b is notified that the break time has been exceeded.

  The possessed ball transition unit 15c is a processing unit that notifies the retained ball processing unit 503c of the management device 500 of a retained ball transition instruction when receiving a notification that the break time has been exceeded from the break instruction processing unit 15b. This endurance transfer instruction includes endurance information 16 a and member ID 16 c stored in the storage unit 16. In the case of a mobile member, an authentication identifier 16b that is a unique ID may be used in place of the member ID 16c. This is because a unique ID may be used in the sense of uniquely identifying a member.

  The memory | storage part 16 is a memory | storage part comprised with memory | storage devices, such as a hard disk drive and a non-volatile memory, and memorize | stores the ball information 16a, the authentication identifier 16b, and member ID16c.

  The possession ball information 16 a is a count value of the game medium and is registered by the counting unit 14. The authentication identifier 16b is a unique ID of the mobile phone and is registered by the authentication processing unit 15a. The member ID 16c is a member identifier for uniquely identifying a member and is registered by the authentication processing unit 15a.

  Next, the configuration of the management apparatus 500 will be described. As shown in the figure, the management apparatus 500 includes a communication I / F (interface) 501, a notification unit 502, a control unit 503, and a storage unit 504. The control unit 503 further includes a member information processing unit 503a, a break processing unit 503b, and a stored ball processing unit 503c. The storage unit 504 stores member information 504a and possession ball information 504b.

  The communication I / F (interface) 501 includes a communication device such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board, and performs data transmission / reception with the inter-device 10 via a network such as the in-store LAN 20 illustrated in FIG.

  The notification unit 502 includes an input / output device for communicating with a mobile phone of a player who is outside the store. The notification unit 502 receives a notification instruction for information about a break including the rest time from the break processing unit 503b, and notifies the information through an email or voice guidance. The notification instruction from the break processing unit 503b includes the notification destination and the notification content.

  In addition, the notification unit 502 also performs a process of receiving a break extension response returned from the notification-destination mobile phone or notifying that the return is not possible and notifying the break processing unit 503b.

  The control unit 503 is a processing unit that performs processing such as extraction of member information, management of breaks, and management of holding balls.

  The member information processing unit 503a is a processing unit that receives the extraction request from the authentication processing unit 15a of the inter-device 10 and extracts the member information 504a having a unique ID. The member information processing unit 503a is also a processing unit that notifies the extracted member information 504a to the authentication processing unit 15a of the inter-device apparatus 10.

  Furthermore, the member information processing unit 503a also performs a process of notifying the break processing unit 503b of a notification destination such as an e-mail address or a telephone number. Specifically, the member information processing unit 503a notifies the notification destination when the break processing unit 503b notifies the cellular phone of the player outside the store or the like of the remaining break time.

  The break processing unit 503b is a processing unit that receives a break start instruction and a break release instruction from the break instruction processing unit 15b of the inter-device 10 and performs processing necessary for break management such as setting a break time.

  Specifically, the break processing unit 503b first receives a break start instruction from the break instruction processing unit 15b of the inter-device 10. This break start instruction includes a stand number for identifying the table device 10 and the game stand 100 that transition to the break state, a break start time, a break end scheduled time, and the like. Then, the break processing unit 503b performs a subtraction process for the remaining break time based on the break start instruction. Further, a display instruction such as a display of the rest time is given to the break instruction processing unit 15b of the inter-device 10.

  The break processing unit 503b also performs a process of notifying a player's mobile phone outside the store of information about the break including the rest time. In this case, the break processing unit 503b receives the notification destination from the member information processing unit 503a and notifies the notification unit 502 of a notification instruction. This notification instruction includes a notification destination and notification content. Further, the break extension received from the notification unit 502 or the notification that it cannot be returned is reflected in the break management, and the rest of the break time is updated.

  Further, the break processing unit 503b receives a break release instruction from the break instruction processing unit 15b of the inter-device 10. This break release instruction includes a table number for identifying the table device 10 and the gaming table 100 that transition to the normal operating state. The break processing unit 503b performs a process of resetting the break time based on the break release instruction. Moreover, the display instruction | indication that the break was cancelled | released is performed with respect to the break instruction | indication process part 15b of the inter-device 10.

  Furthermore, when the predetermined break time is exceeded without receiving a break release instruction, the break processing unit 503b also notifies the break instruction processing unit 15b of the inter-device 10 that the break time has been exceeded.

  The storage processing unit 503c receives the holding ball transfer instruction from the holding ball transfer unit 15c of the inter-device 10, and performs an update process for reflecting the holding ball transfer instruction in the holding ball information 504b. Specifically, the member ID 16c included in the possession ball transfer instruction is associated with the possession information 16a and registered in the possession information 504b.

  Here, the storage ball processing unit 503c is also a processing unit that shifts, as a storage ball, the coins acquired by the member at the game of the day when the game store is closed, but this coin information 504b is also used when the game store is closed. It is also possible to move to a pool. Moreover, it is good also as moving to immediate savings when the break time is exceeded. Non-member general player's possession balls are not included in the target for saving money transfer.

  The storage unit 504 is a storage unit configured by a storage device such as a hard disk drive or a nonvolatile memory, and stores member information 504a and possession information 504b.

  The member information 504a is information relating to individual members such as a member ID, a unique ID, a telephone number, and an e-mail address that uniquely identify the member. The possession ball information 504b is information in which the number of possession balls is associated with each identifier for uniquely identifying a member such as a member ID or a unique ID, and is updated by the storage ball processing unit 503c.

  Next, a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input operation of the inter-station apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, the inter-device 10 receives a break start instruction input from a mobile member who wants to take a break (step S101). Specifically, when the mobile member presses the break start button of the operation / display unit 13, the inter-device 10 displays a message as shown in FIG. 6A on the operation / display unit 13. Then, the user is prompted to enter the mobile phone unique ID. Then, when the mobile member performs an input operation such as holding the mobile phone over the reader / writer unit 12, the inter-device 10 acquires the unique ID and stores it in the storage unit 16 as the authentication identifier 16b (step S102).

  Subsequently, the inter-device 10 extracts the member information 504a having a unique ID from the management device 500 (step S103), acquires a member ID that is an identifier for uniquely identifying the member from the extracted member information 504a, It memorize | stores in the memory | storage part 16 as member ID16c (step S104). Then, a break start instruction is notified to the management apparatus 500 (step S105).

  The inter-device 10 that has transitioned to the rest state in response to the break start instruction in step S105 receives the rest rest time display instruction from the management apparatus 500 during the break state and displays it on the operation / display unit 13 (step S106). . Here, FIG. 6B shows an example of the rest rest time display displayed on the operation / display unit 13.

  Then, when the mobile member returns during the break state and presses the break release button from the operation / display unit 13 to hold the mobile phone over the reader / writer unit 12 and perform a break release instruction input (step S107, Yes), The inter-device 10 compares the newly acquired unique ID with the authentication identifier 16b and determines whether or not the two identifiers match (step S108).

  Here, when it is determined that both identifiers match (step S108, Yes), the inter-device 10 notifies the management device 500 of a break release instruction (step S109), and ends the process. And it changes from a resting state to a normal operating state, and it is possible to resume the game of the same mobile member.

  By the way, when the determination condition of step S107 is not satisfied (step S107, No) and when the determination condition of step S108 is not satisfied (step S108, No), the inter-device 10 determines that the rest state is continuing. Then, control is transferred to the process of the next step S110.

  In step S110, it is determined whether or not the break time has been exceeded (step S110). That is, it is determined whether or not a notification indicating that the break time has been exceeded has been received from the management device 500. Here, when it is determined that the notification of exceeding the break time has not been received (step S110, No), the inter-bed apparatus 10 determines that the break state is continuing, and repeats the processing after step S106.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the break of the break time has been received from the management device 500 (step S110, Yes), the inter-device 10 refers to the ball information 16a, and the mobile ball acquired by the mobile member before the break Is determined (step S111).

  If it is determined that there is a holding ball (step S111, Yes), the inter-bed device 10 manages the holding ball transfer instruction including the holding ball information 16a and the member ID 16c and the break release instruction. 500 is notified (step S112).

  Then, the inter-device device 10 performs a process of releasing the game machine (step S113) and ends the process. The term “opening” as used herein refers to a series of initializations including resetting the counter in the inter-device 10, thereby enabling the next player to start a game.

  In addition, when the determination condition of step S111 is not satisfied (step S111, No), that is, when it is determined that there is no ball, the inter-device 10 notifies the management device 500 of a break release instruction. (Step S114), the process ends. Then, a transition is made from the rest state to the normal operation state, and the next player can start the game.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the authentication processing unit acquires an identifier for uniquely identifying the mobile phone possessed by the player at the start of the break, stores it as an authentication identifier, and newly acquires it when the break is released. When the player is authenticated against the identifier, the break instruction processing unit issues a break start instruction and break release instruction based on the processing result of the authentication processing unit, and the holding ball transition unit does not return the player The inter-device was configured to shift the player's possession balls to a management device that manages the possession balls. Therefore, the break can be started and canceled only by the player's operation, and even if the player does not return at the end of the break, the game store does not confiscate the player's ball and Can be opened.

  Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the first embodiment described above. In the following, other embodiments included in the present invention will be described. In the following description, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be omitted or only a brief description.

  In the second embodiment, the case where a card member and a non-member take a break will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a break management method according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  First, the outline of the break management method according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, when the card member and the non-member press the break start button on the operation / display unit 13, the inter-device 10 displays the message shown in (A-1) of FIG. Displayed on the operation / display unit 13 to prompt the user to enter a password.

  And if the input of a password is received from the operation / display part 13, the platform apparatus 10 will change to a resting state. At that time, the inter-device 10 locks the card insertion portion 57 so that the card-shaped recording medium cannot be inserted or removed (see (A-2) in the figure). Normally, the card member leaves the seat after removing the member card from the card insertion portion 57 of the inter-device 10 when taking a break. Therefore, the lock of the card insertion portion 57 is effective in preventing the member card from being stolen when the card member forgets to remove the member card.

  Note that in the rest state here, the possession balls acquired by the card members and non-members before the break are stored as possession information 16a in the inter-table device 10, and the transition to the management device 500 and the recording medium is in principle. Shall not be performed.

  When the card member and the non-member who have returned within the predetermined break time press the break release button of the operation / display unit 13 and input a password (see (A-3) in the figure), 10 authenticates card members and non-members through the authentication processing unit 15a described in the first embodiment. Here, when it is determined that the player is the same player as before the break, the inter-device 10 releases the lock of the card insertion portion 57 (see (A-4) in the figure) and returns to the normal operating state. The game can be resumed for card members and non-members.

  Although not shown, if the card members and non-members do not return even after a predetermined break time has passed, the inter-table device 10 exceptionally manages the holding balls stored as the holding ball information 16a. Move to the recording medium. That is, if the card member does not return after extracting the member card, the process proceeds to the management device 500, and if the card member does not return after removing the member card, the process proceeds to the member card. If the non-member does not return, the process shifts to the general card loaded in the inter-device 10 in advance.

  In addition, when the possession ball is transferred to a card-like recording medium such as a membership card or a general card, the recording medium is temporarily stored at an in-store counter of the amusement store, but it is not necessary to handle the actual possession ball. , The effect of not bothering the hands of employees. Also, for players, the possession balls are not confiscated. In particular, even if they are non-members, if they revisit the store during the same day, replay using the possession balls becomes possible. Specifically, when a revisited player offers an employee information about the previous visit such as the date and time, machine number, password, etc., the amusement shop side checks whether it is the person himself or herself. If it can be confirmed, the stored recording medium will be returned.

  Next, a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the inter-device 10 first receives a break start instruction input from a card member and a non-member who desire a break (step S201). Specifically, a break start button is pressed from the operation / display unit 13 and a password is received. When the card member and the non-member input the password, the inter-device 10 stores the input password as the authentication identifier 16b. In addition, in the case of the card member, the member card ID is acquired and the member ID 16c is acquired. Is stored in the storage unit 16 (step S202).

  The inter-device 10 notifies the management device 500 of a break start instruction (step S203), and then locks the card insertion unit 57 (step S204).

  In addition, about the process from step S205 to step S210 and the process after it is determined that there is no ball after the break time is exceeded (step S211, No), it is the same as the process of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, the description is omitted. However, in the second embodiment, the input password is used as the authentication identifier, and the lock of the card insertion unit 57 needs to be released after the break release instruction (step S208 and step S217) to the management apparatus 500 (step S209 and step S209). S218) is different.

  Subsequently, a case where it is determined that there is a ball acquired by the card member and the non-member before the break (step S211, Yes) will be described. In this case, the inter-device apparatus 10 determines whether or not the card member is a card member (step S212). In other words, if the member card ID is stored as the member ID 16c or the member card is being inserted into the card insertion unit 57, the inter-device 10 determines that the resting player is a card member (step S212). , Yes).

  Here, if there is no member card in the card insertion unit 57, the inter-table device 10 sends a holding ball transfer instruction including the holding ball information 16a and the member ID 16c and a break release instruction to the management apparatus 500. Notification is made (step S213). If the member card is being inserted into the card insertion unit 57, the inter-table device 10 associates the holding ball information 16a with the member card (step S213).

  When it is determined that the player who is taking a break is a nonmember (step S212, No), the inter-device 10 associates the ball information 16a with the general card loaded in advance (step S212). S214). The general card associated with the possession ball information 16a is collected by the employee when the game machine is opened, and is temporarily stored at an in-store counter or the like.

  Then, the inter-device 10 releases the lock of the card insertion unit 57 (step S215), performs a process of releasing the game table (step S216), and ends the process. The term “opening” as used herein refers to a series of initializations including resetting the counter in the inter-device 10, thereby enabling the next player to start a game.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the recording medium holding unit holds the recording medium during the break, and the holding ball transition unit holds the player's holding ball when the player does not return. The inter-device is configured to shift to a management device that manages balls or to a predetermined recording medium. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the recording medium from being stolen when the player forgets to pull out the recording medium, and even if the player does not return at the end of the break, the game store may confiscate the player's possession balls. The game table can be opened.

  In the third embodiment, a case where a non-member holding a mobile phone (hereinafter simply referred to as “mobile non-member”) takes a break will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a break management method according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  First, the outline of the break management method according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the mobile non-member presses the break start button of the operation / display unit 13 (see (A-1) in FIG. 9), and the mobile phone with respect to the reader / writer unit 12 of the inter-device 10. A touch operation such as holding up is performed (see (A-2) in the figure). As a result, a break start instruction is input to the inter-device.

  The inter-device 10 stores the unique ID that uniquely identifies the mobile phone as the authentication identifier 16b (see (A-3) in the figure), and authenticates the management device 500 that manages the member information 504a. The member information 504a including the unique ID that matches the identifier 16b is extracted. However, since the mobile non-member is not registered as a member (see (A-4) in the figure), the inter-device 10 requests the management apparatus 500 to newly register as a temporary member (see the figure). (See (A-5)), the processing of the break management method according to the present invention is continued.

  As a result, even non-members who are not registered as principal members can start breaks and cancel breaks only with their own operations, and even if the break time is exceeded, they will not be confiscated and will be revisited. If so, you can continue to enjoy the entertainment of the game.

  Next, a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the inter-device 10 first receives a break start instruction input from a mobile non-member who desires a break (step S301). Then, when the mobile non-member performs an input operation such as holding the mobile phone over the reader / writer unit 12, the inter-device 10 acquires the unique ID and stores it in the storage unit 16 as the authentication identifier 16b (step S302).

  Subsequently, the inter-device 10 extracts the member information 504a having the same unique ID from the management device 500. However, since the mobile non-member is not registered as a member, the temporary device 10 is newly registered as a temporary member. The member attribute information input is accepted (step S303).

  Temporary member attribute information here refers to personal attribute information that can be input relatively easily, such as a telephone number, e-mail address, date of birth, and the like. For example, when a temporary member loses his / her mobile phone, when the amusement shop confirms whether or not the reporter is the temporary member himself / herself, the confirmation work is supported. Therefore, the attribute information items necessary for temporary member registration may be appropriately adjusted to the operation of the amusement store.

  Then, the inter-device 10 notifies the management device 500 of a temporary member registration request having contents including the attribute information received in step S303 and the authentication identifier 16b that is a unique ID (step S304).

  Then, the inter-device 10 acquires the temporary member ID from the management device 500 as a notification of the temporary member registration result, and stores it in the storage unit 16 as the member ID 16c (step S305).

  The processing after step S306 is the same as the processing of the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the third embodiment is different in that the temporary member ID is stored in the storage unit 16 as the member ID 16c. Therefore, when transferring the temporary member's possession ball, the temporary member ID and the associated ball information 16a are associated with each other.

  Temporary members can be registered by simply inputting relatively simple attribute information as described above. For example, the provision of a savings service provided by an amusement store is not applied to temporary members. It is good also as differentiating.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the authentication processing unit requests a temporary member registration to the management device that manages the member information without interrupting the break start process even when there is a break start instruction by a non-mobile member. Thus, the inter-device was configured. Therefore, even when the player is a non-mobile member, the break can be started and canceled only by the player's operation, and even if the player does not return at the end of the break, the game store The game stand can be opened without confiscating the customer's possession balls.

  In addition, although Example 3 showed about the case where a portable nonmember was made into the object of break management, the player (card nonmember) other than the card member shown in Example 2 can also be made into the object of break management. . In this case, if a player who has not inserted a card performs a break start operation, the user may be prompted to input temporary member attribute information shown in step S303 of FIG. Further, in the third embodiment, a case where a mobile non-member is registered as a temporary member has been described. However, a break management can be performed without registering a temporary member. In this case, the possession information 16a may be associated with the general card as in the case of the card nonmember shown in the second embodiment.

  By the way, in each Example mentioned above, the case where the information regarding the break including the rest rest time was alert | reported from the game store side with respect to the cellular phone of the player outside a store etc. was demonstrated. However, in this case, if a data transmission / reception delay occurs due to congestion of the communication network, the correct rest time is not displayed on the mobile phone, and the player may misrecognize the rest time.

  Therefore, a modified example in which the correct rest remaining time is notified to the player will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of a method for transferring a timer application to a mobile phone possessed by a player. As shown in the figure, first, as a break start instruction input, the player performs a touch operation such as holding a mobile phone over the reader / writer unit of the inter-device (see (A-1) in the figure). .

  At that time, the inter-station device transfers a timer application for counting down and informing the rest rest time to the mobile phone (see (A-2) in the figure). Here, the timer application operates based on a clock in the mobile phone. Therefore, it is not affected by the data transmission / reception delay due to the congestion of the communication network. It is assumed that this timer application is stored in advance in the inter-device.

  Then, the transferred timer application operates on the mobile phone of the player, and notifies the player of the remaining time during the break time (see (A-3) in the figure). Therefore, according to the present method, it is possible to prevent a malfunction of the timer due to congestion of the communication network, which can contribute to an improvement in convenience for a game store or a player.

  The communication means between the inter-device and the mobile phone in this method is not particularly limited, and a non-contact IC chip may be used or infrared communication may be used. In addition, the inter-device may transfer the timer application to the mobile phone via the management device and a predetermined Web server. Further, instead of the inter-device, the management device or a predetermined Web server may store the timer application and transfer the timer application to the mobile phone based on an instruction from the inter-device.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where each device is a so-called inter-device device provided with a game medium payout mechanism or the like has been described. A lamp, an information display device, or the like may have a similar function.

  Moreover, it is good also as comprising a part of structure of the inter-device apparatus which concerns on this invention mentioned above on other apparatuses, such as a management apparatus and an island controller. For example, only processing related to the user interface may be arranged on the inter-device, and an authentication processing unit, a holding ball transfer unit, and the like may be arranged on the management device.

As described above, each device corresponding device according to the present invention can start and release a break only by a player's operation, and even if the player does not return at the end of the break, This is useful when you want to open the game machine without confiscating the customer's possession balls, and in particular, it is applied to the system of a game shop that aims to improve the operating rate by eliminating the complexity of employee work associated with break management. Suitable for

10 inter-device 20 LAN in store
11 Communication I / F (interface)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Reader / writer part 13 Operation / display part 14 Counting part 15 Control part 15a Authentication process part 15b Break instruction process part 15c Mochitama transfer part 16 Storage part 16a Mochitama information 16b Authentication identifier 16c Member ID
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 51 Status display section 52 Bill insertion section 53 Remote control light receiving section 54 Operation / display section 55 Holding ball dispensing section 56 Reader / writer section 57 Card insertion section 58 Counting section 59 Ball storage section 100 Game table 110 Calling lamp 200 Rest management device 200a Rest management DB
200b Mochitama DB
300 Member management device 300a Member DB
300b Savings DB
400 Island controller 500 Management device 501 Communication I / F (interface)
502 Notifying Unit 503 Control Unit 503a Member Information Processing Unit 503b Break Processing Unit 503c Savings Processing Unit 504 Storage Unit 504a Member Information 504b Mochitama Information

Claims (4)

Each device is provided corresponding to a game machine and has a counting unit for counting the number of game media acquired by the player ,
A number of game media storage means for storing the number of game media counted by the counting unit;
Reading means for reading mobile terminal identification information for uniquely identifying the mobile terminal from the mobile terminal if a holding operation of the mobile terminal is received;
Storage means for storing the first portable terminal identification information read by the reading means in response to the holding operation of the portable terminal after receiving a predetermined break start operation ;
If the first portable terminal identification information is stored in the storage means, the game table including reuse of the number of game media in the state where the number of game media is stored in the number of game media storage means A rest state transition means for transitioning to a rest state in which gaming in the
In response to the holding operation of the portable terminal after receiving a predetermined break release operation, the second portable terminal identification information read by the reading means and the first portable terminal identification information stored in the storage means Contrast means for comparing
A game on the game table including reuse of the number of game media is possible on condition that the first portable terminal identification information and the second portable terminal identification information are determined to be the same by the comparison means. And a game state transition means for shifting to a different game state . After accepting the previous SL predetermined break start operation, when the elapsed time limit set in advance without receiving the predetermined break release operation, the first mobile terminal identification information stored in the storage means the migration hand stage and lifting game medium count lifting game media number stored in the storage unit, the process proceeds to the management apparatus for managing the number of the lifting game media
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: When the first portable terminal identification information stored in the storage means is not registered in the member information held by the member information management apparatus, temporary member information is generated based on the first portable terminal identification information. each table corresponds device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a provisional membership registration request means for requesting to the member information management device. Timer application storage means for storing a timer application that operates on a portable terminal device possessed by a player and counts and reports the rest time,
When the first mobile terminal identification information is stored in the storage means, any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a transfer means for transferring said timer application to the mobile terminal The device corresponding to each one of the above.

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