JP5785311B2 - Game media management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming medium management device that manages gaming media with a plurality of loan rates in association with gaming recording media possessed by a player, and that can communicate with the gaming media management device and corresponds to a gaming table. The present invention relates to a game medium management system including an inter-bed device.

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

  The inter-device that supports each unit counting method counts the number of game media (hereinafter referred to as “count value”) inserted in the counting unit and can store information such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card. Associate counts with the correct cards. Here, the count value associated with the card is referred to as a “money ball value”. By using such a card, the player can continue playing the game on another game stand without carrying a game medium.

  In addition, when a membership card issued to a member of an amusement store is used, the member can receive a so-called “pick-up service”. Here, the storage service refers to a service in which the above-mentioned money holding value is deposited at an amusement store, and the deposited value can be used when visiting the store on the next day or later. In addition, it is common for an amusement store that has deposited its own money value to transfer its own money value to the “saving value” and to collect a predetermined fee when the “saving value” is used by a member. Is.

  By the way, there has been an operation in which a plurality of types of unit prices per game medium (hereinafter referred to as “rates”) are used in the same game store. For example, there are an increasing number of amusement stores that operate a 1-yen corner that lends a pachinko ball for 1 yen or a 4-yen corner that lends a pachinko ball for 4 yen (hereinafter referred to as “multiple rate operation”).

  When such multi-rate operation is performed, there is a possibility that each member corresponding to a plurality of rates may be generated for the member. Therefore, in consideration of the convenience of the member, a predetermined rate (for example, 1 yen rate) It can be considered that a system that allows a game using a stored ball of another rate by paying out the stored ball as a ball of another rate (for example, a 4-yen rate) can be considered.

JP 2007-229111 A

  However, in the case of the above-described system, is it possible to allow replay that straddles a rate at which a stored ball at a predetermined rate (for example, 1 yen rate) is paid out at a game table at another rate (for example, 4 yen rate)? Since it is not possible to set whether or not, there is a possibility that even replay that is not necessary may be performed, and there is a problem that flexible operation is not possible.

  The present invention was made in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and in the case of replay operation across rates, flexible operation according to the intention of a game store or a player is performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game medium management system that can be used.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention relates to a game medium management apparatus that manages game media having a plurality of loan rates in association with game recording media possessed by a player, and the game media A gaming medium management system that includes an inter-table device that is communicable with a management device and is provided corresponding to a gaming table, wherein the gaming medium with a predetermined loan rate managed by the gaming medium management device is loaned A first enabling processing means for performing a first enabling process for making a game medium of a rate usable on a game machine, and a game medium having a loan rate different from the loan rate of the game medium having the predetermined loan rate A second enabling processing means for performing a second enabling process for enabling the game machine as a medium, an operation accepting means for accepting a predetermined operation of the player, and the operation accepting means. Ri based on the accepted operation, characterized in that a setting storage means for enabling or disabling the setting memory of the second enablement process.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the operation receiving means is provided integrally with the inter-device.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the operation accepting means is provided integrally with a prize management machine for exchanging prizes according to game media.

  In addition, according to the present invention, in the above invention, when the setting storage unit stores and stores that the second enabling process is valid, a plurality of loan rate gaming media are stored in the second storage medium. Priority order management means for managing the priority order used in the enabling process is further provided.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the setting storage means further comprises setting continuation means for continuing the stored valid or invalid setting until a predetermined condition is satisfied.
The present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, the predetermined condition includes receiving a setting change operation by the operation receiving means.
Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the predetermined condition includes that the game recording medium in the inter-device is returned.

  According to the present invention, a game medium management device that manages game media having a plurality of loan rates in association with a game recording medium possessed by a player, the game medium management device that can communicate with the game medium management device, and A game medium management system including a correspondingly provided inter-device, wherein a game medium of a predetermined loan rate managed by the game medium management apparatus can be used as a game medium of the loan rate on the game machine First enabling processing means for performing the first enabling processing, and a second enabling to use the game medium having the predetermined loan rate as a game medium having a loan rate different from the loan rate on the game machine. A second enabling processing means for performing the enabling process, an operation accepting means for accepting a predetermined operation of the player, and receiving an operation by the operation accepting means, According to the intention of the game shop or the player when performing replay operation across the loan rate, since it is provided with a setting storage means for setting and storing the validity or invalidity of the second enabling process The effect is that it can be operated flexibly.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a game medium payout method according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a network environment to which the inter-bed apparatus and the management apparatus according to the present embodiment are connected. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the inter-device apparatus and the management apparatus. FIG. 4 is an external view of the inter-device apparatus. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating examples of replay fee information, free gift exchange fee information, and transfer fee information. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of calculation conditions used for calculating the transfer fee rate. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen used for selecting a transfer fee rate. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the management apparatus. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen used for replay pattern selection. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus.

  Embodiments of a game medium management method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, description will be made by taking the two-rate operation of the 4-yen rate and the 1-yen rate as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to the operation of three rates or more.

  First, prior to detailed description of the embodiment, an outline of the game medium payout method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a game medium payout method according to the present invention. Note that (A) in the figure shows an outline of different rate transfer (hereinafter simply referred to as “transfer”) related to game media payout, and (B) in the figure shows the transfer fee rate according to the present invention. The outline of the calculation procedure is shown respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, a case where the player has a remaining number in both the 4-yen rate savings account and the 1-yen rate savings account will be described. In this case, the remaining number of the 4-yen rate savings account can be used only at the 4-yen corner and the remaining number of the 1-yen rate savings account can be used only at the 1-yen corner (see the dashed arrow in the figure) May be performed.

  Here, such entry prohibition operation lowers the convenience of the player and leads to a decrease in the operating rate of the game machine, so that the remaining number of 4 yen rate savings account can be used at 1 yen corner. A transfer operation has been carried out to allow the remaining number of 1 yen rate savings account to be used at a 4 yen corner.

  However, when such a transfer operation is performed, there is a pattern in which a payout that is particularly advantageous to the player exists among the combinations of the rate of the storage ball as the payout source and the rate of the game corner as the replay destination There was a problem that there was.

  For example, once the remaining number of 1 yen rate savings account is paid out at a 4 yen corner, a 4 yen rate premium exchange fee rate is applied to the paid out game media. Here, since the 1-yen rate exchange fee rate is often set higher than the 4-yen rate exchange fee rate, for the player, the remaining 1-yen account amount is used as the free gift exchange fee. It is easier to exchange prizes by paying out at a low 4 yen rate.

  Conventionally, when paying out the remaining number of savings account, a method of collecting a replay fee corresponding to the rate of the savings account at the time of replaying has been taken. However, if the positive due to the difference in the premium exchange fee rate described above is greater than the negative due to the collection of the replay fee, a player who pays out the remaining 1 yen rate account at the 4 yen corner and exchanges the prize. An advantageous pattern is created.

  Therefore, in the game media payout method according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1B, the transfer fee rate (“x” and “ y ") was calculated in consideration of the premium exchange fee rate.

  Note that when the transfer source and the transfer destination have the same rate, the conventional replay fee is used as it is. For example, if the entry source and destination are both 1 yen, the replay fee (50% in the figure) applied to the 1 yen rate savings account, and both the origin and destination are 4 yen rates. In some cases, the replay fee (5% in the figure) applied to the 4-yen savings account is used as it is.

  In the game medium payout method according to the present invention, in addition to calculating the transfer fee rate taking into account the premium exchange fee rate, it is also possible to calculate the transfer fee rate taking into account the free gift exchange fee rate and the replay fee rate. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a transfer fee rate according to the needs of the amusement store.

  As described above, in the game medium payout method according to the present invention, the transfer fee rates (“x” and “y”) are calculated based on the replay fee rate and the premium exchange fee rate ((B-1) in FIG. Reference) and the calculated transfer fee rate (“x” and “y”) are used to calculate the fee at the time of entry (see (B-2) in the figure). A specific procedure for deriving the calculation formula used for calculating the transfer fee rate will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

  Therefore, according to the game medium payout method according to the present invention, the transition fee rate that does not cause unfair payout is calculated for all combinations of the rate of the stored value as the payout source and the rate of the replay destination. Can do.

  Although FIG. 1 shows the case where the entry source is a savings account, the present invention can also be applied to the case where the entry source is a holding account. Specifically, when the entry source is a holding account, it is common not to collect a replay fee, so the replay fees (“50%” and “50%” shown in FIG. 5% ") may be set to" 0% ".

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the game medium payout system to which the game medium payout method described with reference to FIG. 1 is applied will be described in detail. In addition, although the example shown below demonstrates the case where the management apparatus which manages a savings account and a possession account calculates a transfer commission rate, each apparatus, such as an intermediary apparatus which communicates with a management apparatus, sets a transfer commission rate. It may be calculated.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a network environment to which the inter-device 10 and the management device 200 according to the present embodiment are connected. As shown in the figure, the inter-device 10 provided for each gaming machine 100 includes a management device 200, an island controller 300, a checkout machine 400, and a prize management machine via a network such as an in-store LAN (Local Area Network) 20. 500, a card processor 600, and a prize dispenser 700. The game medium payout system includes the inter-device 10 and the management device 200.

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

  Here, when the inter-device device 10 returns the card, a player who does not intend to continue the game on the other gaming table 100 inserts the card into the checkout machine 400, and thus responds to the prepaid value (prepaid balance). Receive money.

  In addition, the player brings the card to the prize exchange corner and holds or inserts the card into the card processing machine 600. Then, when an employee of the game shop operates the prize management machine 500 or the prize dispenser 700, the player receives a prize according to the value of the possession.

  As shown in the figure, the management apparatus 200 has a recording medium management DB (database) 210 that manages the value associated with the card (recording medium). The storage medium management DB 210 is a prepaid card DB (database) 210a for managing prepaid value, and a storage ball indicating that the game medium acquired by the player is stored in a game store without being exchanged for cash or prizes. A storage ball DB (database) 210b for managing the money, and a money ball DB (database) 210c for managing the money value acquired by the game store.

  For example, the possessed ball value and the prepaid value that are valued for the cards returned by the inter-device apparatus 10 are also managed by the prepaid card DB 210a and the owned ball DB 210c managed by the management apparatus 200.

  The storage ball DB (database) 210b is a database for performing a storage ball service given to a membership card distributed to members of the amusement store. In the case of a general card, a prepaid card DB (database) 210a. And only the holding ball DB (database) 210c is relevant.

  Here, regarding the storage ball DB (database) 210b, a member management device may be separately provided, and the member management device may manage the storage ball DB (database) 210b.

  Next, the configuration of the inter-bed apparatus 10 and the management apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-device device 10 and the management device 200. In the figure, only components necessary for explaining the features of the inter-device 10 and the management device 200 are shown, and descriptions of general components are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inter-device apparatus 10 includes a communication interface 11 and a control unit 12. The control unit 12 further includes an identifier acquisition unit 12a, a lending request transmission unit 12b, and a lending processing unit 12c.

  On the other hand, the management apparatus 200 includes a display unit 201, an input unit 202, a communication interface 203, a control unit 204, and a storage unit 205. The control unit 204 further includes a transfer fee rate calculation unit 204a, a transfer fee rate selection unit 204b, a lending request reception unit 204c, a fee deduction unit 204d, and a notification unit 204e. The storage unit 205 stores replay fee information 205a, free gift exchange fee information 205b, transfer fee information 205c, and stored ball information 205d.

  Below, each component of the inter-device 10 is demonstrated first. The communication interface 11 is a communication device that transmits and receives communication data to and from the management apparatus 200. Here, the external configuration of the inter-device 10 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

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

  As shown in FIG. 4, the inter-device 10 includes a state display unit 51 that displays the state of the inter-device 10 by turning on or blinking a predetermined color lamp, and bill insertion that accepts various types of bills for lending game media. Part 52. The inter-table device 10 includes a remote control light receiving unit 53 that receives an instruction from a remote control (portable terminal device) carried by an employee of the amusement shop, and a display unit such as a display, an operation unit such as a numeric keypad, and a card return button. A display / operation unit 54 is provided.

  In addition, the inter-device 10 is associated with a payout unit 55 having a nozzle for paying out game media such as holding balls, and each value such as a holding ball value, a stored ball value, and a prepaid value is received while receiving a card such as a general card or a membership card A card insertion unit 56 that returns the received cards, a counting unit 57 that counts game media (long balls) acquired by the player, and a ball storage unit 58 that stores the long balls (acquired balls). Here, the game medium dropped from the lower plate of the game table 100 is guided to the counting unit 57 through the ball storage unit 58.

  Here, it is assumed that the inter-device 10 is provided with a “handball payout button” for reusing the game medium (balls) counted by the counting unit 57. And there is no restriction | limiting in particular about the installation place of this "mochidama payout button". For example, the “handball payout button” is provided on the display / operation unit 54, the counting unit 57, etc. of the inter-device 10.

  In addition, it is assumed that the inter-device 10 is provided with a “save ball payout button” for reusing the stored ball value. The point where there is no particular restriction on the installation location of the “stored ball payout button” is the same as the “money ball payout button”. It should be noted that a single “payout button” may be switched as a “save-ball payout button” or a “ball-ball payout button” in accordance with the operation of the display / operation unit 54.

  It should be noted that the game console 100 has an operation button 100b such as a display unit 100a for displaying the remaining amount of the card, the number of lent game media, and a return button for instructing to rent out game media and a card return. And are provided. In addition, it is good also as not performing the payout of a possession ball (acquired ball | bowl) or a stored-ball value via the payout part 55 but from the game stand 100. FIG.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 3, the control unit 12 of the inter-device 10 will be described. The control unit 12 is a control unit that performs overall control of the inter-device 10. The identifier acquisition unit 12a is a processing unit that performs processing for acquiring an identifier such as a member identifier from the member card inserted in the card insertion unit 56 (see FIG. 4). The identifier acquired by the identifier acquisition unit 12a is used when the management device 200 searches for a savings account or a holding account corresponding to the player.

  The identifier acquisition unit 12a also performs a process for notifying the acquired request to the lending request transmission unit 12b. In addition, although a present Example demonstrates the case where the inter-device 10 acquires an identifier from a card | curd, it is good also as acquiring an identifier from portable terminal devices, such as a mobile telephone which a player carries.

  The lending request transmission unit 12b manages the lending request including the identifier acquired by the identifier acquiring unit 12a via the communication interface 11 when the above-described “holding ball payout button” or “save ball payout button” is pressed. It is a processing unit that performs processing for transmission to the apparatus 200.

  The lending processing unit 12c is a processing unit that performs a process of instructing the lending unit 55 or the gaming machine 100 to lend a game medium when receiving a notification of the number of payable balls from the management device 200. .

  Next, each component of the management apparatus 200 will be described. The display unit 201 is a display device such as a display, and displays a screen generated by the transfer fee selection unit 204b of the control unit 204. The input unit 202 is an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device, and notifies an input by the operator to the transfer fee selection unit 204b of the control unit 204. The communication interface 203 is a communication device that transmits and receives communication data to and from the inter-device apparatus 10.

  The control unit 204 is a control unit that performs overall control of the management apparatus 200. The transfer fee rate calculation unit 204a is a processing unit that performs the process of calculating the transfer fee rate shown in FIG. 1 based on the replay fee information 205a and the gift exchange fee information 205b in the storage unit 205. The transfer fee rate calculated by the transfer fee rate 204a is calculated as a predetermined numerical range, and the final transfer fee rate is determined by the transfer fee rate selection unit 204b.

  The transfer fee rate selection unit 204b generates a transfer fee rate selection screen including the transfer fee rate calculated as a predetermined numerical range by the transfer fee rate calculation unit 204a and causes the display unit 201 to display the transfer fee rate selection screen. It is a processing unit that performs a process of determining a final transfer fee rate based on the received selection result. The final transfer fee rate determined by the transfer fee rate selection unit 204b is registered in the transfer fee information 205c of the storage unit 205.

  Here, the detailed processing contents of the transfer fee rate calculation unit 204a will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of replay fee information 205a, free gift exchange fee information 205b, and transfer fee information 205c, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of calculation conditions used for calculating the transfer fee.

  First, the replay fee information 205a, the gift exchange fee information 205b, and the transfer fee information 205c will be described with reference to FIG. Note that (A) in the figure shows an example of replay fee information 205a, (B) in the figure shows an example of free gift exchange fee information 205b, and (C) in FIG. Examples of 205c are shown respectively.

  The replay fee information 205a is information defining a fee rate (replay fee rate) to be collected at the time of replay for each rate of the savings account, as shown in FIG. In the derivation of the formula for calculating the fee rate, which will be described later, the replay fee rate of 1 yen rate is used as “a1”, and the replay fee rate of 4 yen rate is used as “a2”. For example, a value of 50% can be set for “a1”, and a value of 5% can be set for “a2”, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the free gift exchange fee information 205b is information defining a fee rate (premium exchange fee rate) collected at the time of free gift exchange for each game corner rate. In the derivation of the formula for calculating the fee rate, which will be described later, the 1-yen free gift exchange fee rate is used as “b1”, and the 4-yen free gift exchange fee rate as “b2”. For example, a value of 50% can be set for “b1”, and a value of 0% can be set for “b2”, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, the transfer fee information 205c corresponds to the above-mentioned replay fee rate for each combination of the rate of the savings account as the transfer source and the rate of the game corner as the transfer destination. This is information that defines the commission rate. Note that the fee rate when the rates of the transfer source and the transfer destination are both 1 yen is “a1” shown in FIG. Further, the fee rate when the rate of both the transfer source and the transfer destination is 4 yen is “a2” shown in FIG.

  Here, the fee rate when the rate at the transfer source is different from the rate at the transfer destination is called the transfer fee rate. In the following explanation, the rate at the transfer source and the rate at the transfer destination are the same. In some cases, the transition fee rate is also included.

  In the derivation of the formula for calculating the fee, which will be described later, “x” or “y” shown in FIG. That is, the transfer fee rate when the transfer source is 1 yen rate and the transfer destination is 4 yen rate is “x”, and the transfer fee rate when the transfer source is 4 yen rate and the transfer destination is 1 yen rate. Is “y”.

  Next, calculation conditions used for the transfer fee rate calculation by the transfer fee rate calculation unit 204a will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the figure shows a calculation condition for calculating the transition fee rate “x” when the transfer source is a 1-yen rate and the transfer destination is a 4-yen rate. 1A shows the first calculation condition (hereinafter referred to as “first condition”), and FIG. 2B shows the second calculation condition (hereinafter “second condition”). "Condition" is shown).

  As shown in FIG. 6 (A), the first condition is that the value after exchange in the case of “exchange prizes after paying out 1-yen coins at the 4-yen corner” is “exchange 1-yen prizes as is”. This is a calculation condition that the value after exchange in the case is less than or equal to.

  In other words, the first condition is that even if “1 yen savings are paid out after paying out 4 yen corners”, the exchanged value is equivalent to or less than the exchanged value when “1 yen savings are exchanged as a prize”. This is a condition for preventing it from being obtained. Hereinafter, a procedure for obtaining the transfer fee rate “x” using the first condition will be described.

Specifically, if there are “A” 1-yen savings balls, the value after the exchange when the 1-yen savings are exchanged as-is is:
A (1-b1) (1)
It is expressed by equation (1). Here, b1 is a 1-yen exchange fee rate (see FIG. 5B).

On the other hand, if there are also “A” 1-yen coins, the post-exchange value when the 1-yen coin is paid out at the 4-yen corner and the prize is exchanged is:
(A (1-x) / 4) (1-b2) × 4 (2)
It is expressed by equation (2). Here, b2 is a 4-yen exchange fee rate (see FIG. 5B).

Here, since the first condition is “expression (2) ≦ expression (1)”,
A (1-b1) ≦ (A (1-x) / 4) (1-b2) × 4 (3)
It is expressed by equation (3). And solving equation (3) for “x”,
x ≧ (b1-b2) / (1-b2) (4)
Equation (4) is obtained.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when b1 is 50% and b2 is 0%, substituting these values into equation (4) gives
x ≧ (0.5-1) / (1-0) = 0.5 (= 50%)
Thus, it can be seen that the first condition is satisfied when x is 50% or more.

  Next, the second condition will be described. As shown in FIG. 6 (B), the second condition is that the value after exchange when “1 yen stored ball is paid out after 4 yen corner is exchanged” is “1 yen saved at 1 yen corner”. This is a calculation condition that the value after the exchange in the case of “exchange gifts after” is set to be equal to or less than the value after exchange.

  In other words, the second condition is that even if “a prize is exchanged after a 1-yen coin is paid out at a 4-yen corner”, a post-exchange value equivalent to a case where “a prize is exchanged after a 1-yen coin is paid out at a 1-yen corner” or This is a condition for obtaining less post-exchange value. Hereinafter, a procedure for obtaining the transfer fee rate “x” using the second condition will be described.

Specifically, when there are “A” 1-yen coins, the value after exchange when the 1-yen coins are paid out after paying out the 4-yen corner is expressed by the above formula (2). In addition, when there are also “A” 1-yen coins, the value after exchange when the 1-yen coins are paid out at the 1-yen corner and the prize is exchanged is:
A (1-a1) (1-b1) (5)
It is expressed by equation (5). Here, a1 is a 1-yen replay fee rate (see FIG. 5A or FIG. 5C). Further, b1 is a 1-yen prize exchange fee rate (see FIG. 5B).

Here, since the second condition is “expression (2) ≦ expression (5)”,
(A (1-x) / 4) (1-b2) × 4 ≦ A (1-a1) (1-b1) (6)
It is expressed by equation (6). And solving equation (6) for “x”,
x ≧ 1- (1-a1) (1-b1) / (1-b2) (7)
Equation (7) is obtained. In addition, b2 is a premium exchange fee rate at a 4-yen rate (see FIG. 5B).

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when b1 is 50%, b2 is 0%, and a1 is 50%, these values are substituted into the equation (7).
x ≧ 1- (1-0.5) (1-0.5) / (1-0) = 0.75 (= 75%)
Thus, it can be seen that the second condition is satisfied when x is 75% or more.

  That is, if x is 75% or more, both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied. However, depending on the operation policy of the amusement store, it may be possible to use x that satisfies only the first condition. Therefore, although the transfer fee rate calculation unit 204a calculates the numerical range of x for each of the first condition and the second condition, the final determination of the transfer fee rate is made based on the input operation result received by the transfer fee selection unit 204b. I will leave it to you.

  By the way, FIG. 6 shows the calculation conditions for calculating the transition fee rate “x” when the transfer source is the 1-yen rate and the transfer destination is the 4-yen rate, but the transfer source is the 4-yen rate. The transfer fee rate when the destination is a 1 yen rate can be similarly obtained for “y”.

In this case, if the first condition is that the value after exchange in the case of “exchanging the prize after paying out the 4-yen savings at the 1-yen corner” is less than the value after exchange in the case of “exchanging the 4-yen savings as it is” Y satisfying the first condition is the same as the procedure for deriving x.
y ≧ (b2-b1) (1-b1) (8)
It is expressed by equation (8). Here, b1 is a 1 yen rate free gift exchange fee rate, and b2 is a 4 yen free gift exchange fee rate (see FIG. 5B).

In addition, the second condition is that the value after exchange when “4 yen savings balls are paid out at 1 yen corner” is “value exchange after 4 yen savings are paid out at 4 yen corners” after exchange. If the value is less than or equal to the value, y satisfying the second condition is the same as the procedure for deriving x.
y ≧ 1- (1-a2) (1-b2) / (1-b1) (9)
It is expressed by equation (9). Here, a2 is a 4-yen replay fee rate (see FIG. 5A or FIG. 5C).

  It should be noted that the direction of the inequality sign in equations (8) and (9) may be reversed according to the management policy of the amusement store. Further, FIG. 6 shows the case where the entry source is a storage ball, but when the entry source is a holding ball, a1 and a2 in each of the above formulas may be set to 0 (0%).

  Returning to the description of FIG. 3, the description of the management device 200 will be continued. The lending request reception unit 204c is a processing unit that performs a process of receiving a lending request from the inter-device 10 via the communication interface 203 and passing the received lending request to the fee deduction unit 204d.

  The fee deduction unit 204d extracts a savings account corresponding to an identifier such as a member identifier included in the lending request received from the lending request reception unit 204 from the savings information 205d. Then, the fee deduction unit 204d applies the transfer fee rate (see FIG. 5C) corresponding to the combination of the rate of the savings account and the rate of the game corner where the inter-device 10 is installed. Calculate the fee.

  Subsequently, the fee deduction unit 204d deducts the calculated transfer fee from the corresponding saving account, and passes the number of balls after deduction to the notification unit 204e. Note that the fee deduction unit 204d also performs processing for reflecting the deduction amount in the stored ball information 205d.

  The notification unit 204e is a processing unit that performs processing for transmitting information such as the number of balls after deduction received from the fee deduction unit 204d to the inter-device apparatus 10 via the communication interface 203. The storage unit 205 is a storage unit configured by a storage device such as a non-volatile memory or a hard disk drive, and stores replay fee information 205a, premium exchange fee information 205b, transfer fee information 205c, and stored ball information 205d. .

  Here, since the replay fee information 205a, the premium exchange fee information 205b, and the transfer fee information 205c have already been described with reference to FIG. 5, description thereof will be omitted here. The stored ball information 205d is information including items such as an identifier such as a member identifier and a stored ball account for each rate. Here, the remaining amount of money corresponding to the corresponding rate is stored in the savings account for each rate.

  Next, an example of a screen generated by the transfer fee rate selection unit 204b of the management apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen used for selecting a transfer fee rate. In the figure, the replay fee rate and the premium exchange fee rate shown in FIG. 5 are used, and the first condition shown in FIG. 6A and the second condition shown in FIG. It shows a case where the transition fee rate x to be satisfied is calculated to be 50% or more and 75% or more, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the “transition fee rate selection screen from 4 yen to 1 yen” has a numerical range of the transition fee rate x satisfying the first condition and the transition fee rate x satisfying the second condition. Is displayed. Here, FIG. 7A shows a case where the selection buttons 71 respectively corresponding to the selectable transfer fee rate x are displayed when the selectable transfer fee rate x is set to 5%. Yes.

  When the operator of the management apparatus 200 selects the final transfer fee rate x from the plurality of selection buttons 71 and then presses the enter button 72, the final transfer fee rate x is converted to the transfer fee information 205c. Registered. For example, as shown in the figure, when the selection button 71 corresponding to 50% is selected and the decision button 72 is pressed, the transfer fee information x indicates that the transfer fee rate x is 50%. Registered.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the first condition and the second condition are composed of display parts indicating numerical ranges such as arrows, and the operator operates the slider bar 73 to make the final condition. It is also possible to select an appropriate transition fee rate x. In addition, FIG. 7 illustrates the “transfer fee rate selection screen from 4 yen to 1 yen”, but the “transition fee rate selection screen from 1 yen to 4 yen” has the same configuration and the final configuration. The transfer fee rate y may be selected by the operator.

  Next, a processing procedure executed by the management apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the management apparatus 200. When the transfer fee rate calculation unit 204a calculates the transfer fee rate based on the replay fee information 205a and the gift exchange fee information 205b (step S101), the transfer fee rate selection unit 204b generates the generated transfer fee for the display unit 201. The fee rate is displayed (step S102).

  When the transfer fee rate selection unit 204b receives selection of the final transfer fee rate via the input unit 202 (step S103), the transfer fee rate selection unit 204b stores the selected final transfer fee rate as transfer fee information 205c. The data is stored in 205 (step S104).

  Subsequently, the lending request receiving unit 204c determines whether or not a lending request has been received from the inter-device 10 (step S105), and when the lending request receiving unit 204c has received a lending request (step S105, Yes). The fee deduction unit 204d extracts the corresponding player account from the stored ball information 205d (step S106). If the determination condition in step S105 is not satisfied (No in step S105), the process in step S105 is repeated.

  Subsequently, the fee deduction unit 204d acquires a transfer fee rate that matches the transfer source rate and the transfer destination rate from the transfer fee information 205c (step S107), and deducts the transfer fee calculated based on the acquired transfer fee rate. Processing is performed (step S108). Then, the notification unit 204e notifies the inter-device device 10 of the number of game media after the deduction via the communication interface 203 (step S109), and ends the process.

  By the way, up to now, we have explained on the premise of a transfer operation that allows the payout of the remaining amount of the stored ball at a game corner of a rate different from the rate of the savings account account, but as a player to select whether to perform the transfer operation Also good. Therefore, in the following, the case where the player selects whether or not to perform the entry operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen used for replay pattern selection. In addition, (A) of the figure shows an example of the replay pattern selection screen, and (B) of the figure shows an example of the account priority order selection screen when the transfer operation is selected. . It is assumed that the screens shown in FIG. 9 are displayed on, for example, the display / operation unit 54 of the inter-device 10 and the display unit of the card processor 600 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, on the replay pattern selection screen, a selection button 91 is displayed, which displays “to enter a savings account” and “not to enter a savings account”. ing. Then, when the selection button 91 displaying “to enter the savings account” is selected by the player (see (A-1) in the figure) and the decision button 92 is pressed, the use of multiple rates is performed. The enable flag is updated to ON ((A-2) in the figure).

  Here, the multi-rate availability flag is stored in, for example, a storage unit (not shown) of the inter-device 10 or the storage unit 205 of the management device 200. (See (A)). On the other hand, if the multi-rate use flag is OFF, the entry prohibition operation (see the broken arrow in FIG. 1A) is executed.

  Then, when it is selected on the replay pattern selection screen shown in FIG. 9A that the savings account is to be transferred, the account priority selection screen shown in FIG. 9B is displayed. The As shown in FIG. 9B, on the account priority order screen, a selection button 93 for selecting the priority order of each rate (4 yen rate and 1 yen rate in the figure) of the account is displayed. ing.

  For example, when the player operates each of the selection buttons 93 to set the 4-yen rate account as the first priority and the 2-yen account as the second priority, and presses the decision button 92, the priority order of each account is set. Is determined. The priority order of each account is stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the inter-device 10 or a storage unit 205 of the management device 200.

  Next, a processing procedure executed by the inter-bed apparatus 10 when the replay pattern selection processing described with reference to FIG. 9 is performed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed by the inter-device apparatus 10.

  When the membership card is inserted (step S201), the identifier acquisition unit 12a of the inter-device apparatus 10 receives the storage information 205d and the transfer fee information 205c from the management device 200 based on the identifier such as the member identifier acquired from the membership card. Is acquired (step S202).

  Subsequently, the inter-station apparatus 10 determines whether or not the multi-rate usable flag described in FIG. 9 is present (flag is ON) (step S203), and the multi-rate usable flag is present (flag is ON). If there is any (step S203, Yes), that is, when carrying-in operation is performed, it is determined whether or not there is a balance in the highest priority rate savings account (step S204).

  If there is a balance in the reprioritized savings account (Yes in step S204), it is determined whether or not the savings account rate is the same as the game corner rate (step S206).

  Here, when the determination condition of step S204 is not satisfied (step S204, No), it is determined whether or not there is a remaining amount in the next priority rate storage account (step S205), and the next priority rate storage account is stored. When there is a remaining amount (step S205, Yes), the processing procedure of step S206 is executed for the saving account of the next priority rate. If the determination condition of step S205 is not satisfied (step S205, No), the membership card is returned (step S216), and the process is terminated.

  Subsequently, if the stored account rate is the same as the game corner rate (step S206, Yes), a non-transfer fee collection process is executed (step S207). Note that the execution of step S207 may be requested to the management apparatus 200. Here, the non-transfer fee collection processing refers to fee collection processing to which “a1” or “a2” shown in FIG. 5C is applied.

  Then, the inter-device 10 executes the payout of the balls based on the remaining amount of the stored balls after collecting the fee (Step S210). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the payout is continuously performed (step S211). If the payout is continuously performed (step S211, Yes), the processes after step S204 are repeated. On the other hand, when the determination condition of step S211 is not satisfied (step S211, No), the member card is returned (step S216), and the process ends.

  By the way, when the determination condition of step S206 is not satisfied (step S206, No), the transfer fee collection process is executed (step S208), the rate is converted (step S209), and the processing procedure of step S210 is performed. Execute. It should be noted that the execution of step S208 and step S209 may be requested to the management apparatus 200.

  Here, the transfer fee collection process refers to a fee collection process to which “x” or “y” shown in FIG. 5C is applied. The rate conversion refers to conversion of the balance of the stored money after the fee collection processing into the number of game media corresponding to the game corner rate.

  By the way, when the determination condition of step S203 is not satisfied (step S203, No), that is, when the entry prohibition operation is performed, the remaining amount is stored in the corresponding savings account (a savings account having the same rate as the game corner rate). It is determined whether or not there is (step S212).

  If there is a remaining amount in the stored account (step S212, Yes), a non-transfer fee collection process is executed (step S213). Note that the execution of step S213 may be requested to the management apparatus 200. If the determination condition of step S212 is not satisfied (step S212, No), the process is terminated.

  Then, the inter-device 10 executes the payout of the ball based on the remaining amount of the stored ball after collecting the fee (Step S214). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the payout is continuously performed (step S215). When the payout is continuously performed (step S215, Yes), the processing from step S212 is repeated. On the other hand, when the determination condition of step S215 is not satisfied (step S215, No), the member card is returned (step S216), and the process is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the storage unit stores a player account provided for each player corresponding to the rental rate of the game media value acquired by the player, and from the game media value to the prize The premium exchange fee rate when the exchange is made is stored for each loan rate, and the transfer fee rate calculation unit of the management device calculates the game medium value of the player account for the predetermined player as the loan rate of the player account. The transfer fee rate, which indicates the ratio of the fee deducted when transferring to a player account with a different loan rate to the value of the game media, is expressed as the premium exchange fee rate corresponding to the transfer rate of the player account that is the transfer source and the transfer destination. The management device is configured to calculate based on the premium exchange fee rate corresponding to the loan rate of the player account.

  Therefore, it is possible to pay out game media using an appropriate transfer fee rate that does not result in unfair payouts for all combinations of the payout value or holding value rate and replay destination rate. it can.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the transfer fee rate is calculated based on the free gift exchange fee rate has been described. It is good as well.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the player selects whether or not to perform the entry operation has been described. However, the selection timing and the effective period of the selection result may be varied.

  For example, it is possible to select whether or not the entry operation is performed at the time of enrollment procedure or at an arbitrary timing thereafter, and the selection result is valid until the selection is changed, or after the opening time, the membership card is first installed in the in-game device. The selection result can be made valid until the closing time (reset at closing processing). Further, the member card may be selected when inserted into the inter-device, and the selection result may be valid until the member card is returned, or may be selected when the member card is in the operation.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the member's stored balls are the payout target has been mainly described. However, the general customer (non-member) 's holding balls may be the payout target. For example, when using a ball at a game corner having a rate different from the ball rate, a fee corresponding to a predetermined fee rate is collected and the ball is collected at a game corner having the same rate as the ball rate. In the case of use, the present invention can be applied to an operation where the fee is 0%.

  In addition, when paying out a holding ball, unlike when paying out a stored ball, an account for each player is not prepared, and management is performed using a card (general card) identifier as a key. .

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case of performing the multi-rate operation of the 4-yen rate and the 1-yen rate has been described. The present invention may be applied to interoperation. Further, the present invention can be applied to inter-rate operation of three or more rates, such as a 4-yen rate, a 2-yen rate, and a 1-yen rate.

  Moreover, although the Example mentioned above demonstrated the case where the terminal which receives a player's replay process was an inter-device, this invention is applicable also when this terminal is a replay apparatus. Here, the replay device refers to a device dedicated to replay provided at the edge of the game island and the like while communicating with the management device. Specifically, when a member card is inserted and a valid PIN is entered, the replay device makes an inquiry to the management device, withdraws the number of balls from the member's savings account, etc., and pays pachinko balls and medals. It is a device that performs processing.

  Such a replay device is provided on the edge of the game island or outside the game island, unlike the inter-device devices provided on the game island, so that the player clearly recognizes the rate of entry and the rate of entry. In addition, it is necessary to select an account. Therefore, even when a terminal that accepts a player's replay process is a replay device, the present invention can be applied to perform a fair entry operation.

  As described above, the game medium management system according to the present invention is suitable for a flexible operation according to the intention of a game store or a player when performing a replay operation across rates.

10 inter-device 11 communication interface 12 control unit 12a identifier obtaining unit 12b lending request transmitting unit 12c lending processing unit 20 in-store LAN
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 51 Status display part 52 Banknote insertion part 53 Remote control light-receiving part 54 Display / operation part 55 Dispensing part 56 Card insertion part 57 Counting part 58 Ball storage part 100 Game table 100a Display part 100b Operation button 200 Management apparatus 201 Display part 202 Input part 203 Communication interface 204 Control unit 204a Transition fee rate calculation unit 204b Transition fee rate selection unit 204c Lending request reception unit 204d Fee deduction unit 204e Notification unit 205 Storage unit 205a Replay fee information 205b Premium exchange fee information 205c Transition fee information 205d Savings ball information 210 Recording medium management DB
210a Prepaid card DB
210b Savings DB
210c Mochitama DB
300 island controller 400 checkout machine 500 free gift management machine 600 card processing machine 700 free gift dispenser

Claims (7)

A game medium management device for managing a plurality of loan rate game media in association with game recording media possessed by a player, and a table that is communicable with the game media management device and is provided corresponding to the game stand A game media management system including an inter-device,
First enabling processing means for performing a first enabling process for making a game medium having a predetermined loan rate managed by the game medium management device usable as a game medium having the loan rate on the game machine; ,
A second enabling processing means for performing a second enabling process for making the gaming medium of the predetermined loan rate usable as a gaming medium of a loan rate different from the loan rate in the game machine;
Operation accepting means for accepting a predetermined operation of the player;
A game medium management system comprising: setting storage means for setting and storing validity / invalidity of the second enabling process based on an operation received by the operation receiving means.   The game medium management system according to claim 1, wherein the operation accepting unit is provided integrally with the inter-device.   2. The game medium management system according to claim 1, wherein the operation accepting unit is provided integrally with a prize management machine for exchanging prizes according to game media.   When the setting storage means stores that the second enabling process is valid, a priority order to use the game media having a plurality of loan rates in the second enabling process is set. 4. The game medium management system according to claim 1, further comprising priority order management means for management.   The game medium management according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the setting storage means further comprises setting continuation means for continuing the stored valid or invalid setting until a predetermined condition is satisfied. system.   6. The game medium management system according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined condition includes accepting a setting change operation by the operation accepting unit.   6. The game medium management system according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined condition includes that the game recording medium in the inter-device is returned.

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