JP6066632B2 - Game equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is provided corresponding to a gaming machine, accepts insertion of a game recording medium in which information capable of specifying the magnitude of a game value usable for a game is recorded, and the magnitude of the game value On the basis of receiving an operation of a use processing means for performing a process for using the game machine in the corresponding gaming machine and a return operation means for receiving an operation for returning the inserted game recording medium And a return processing means for performing a return process for returning the game recording medium.

  Conventionally, in the above gaming apparatus, as shown in Patent Document 1, a game interruption button has been operated in order to prevent removal (theft) of a game recording medium by operation of the return operation means by a person other than the player. There has been known a gaming apparatus in which, when a game is interrupted, the return of the game recording medium is prohibited even if the return button is operated. Further, as shown in Patent Document 2, it is provided with a person detection means, and even if a return operation is performed in a state where no person is detected by the person detection means, it is determined that the return is not possible and the return of the game recording medium is prohibited. A gaming device is also known.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-194771 JP 2011-19849 A

  These gaming devices shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are technologies for preventing the theft of game recording media while the game is interrupted (seated), but prevent the theft of game recording media during the game. In order to do this, there are amusement halls that operate to prevent theft by closely monitoring the store clerk, while there are also amusement halls that reduce the burden of monitoring the store clerk but want to prevent theft by making the player troublesome is there.

  The present invention has been made based on such a background, and an object of the present invention is to prevent theft by closely monitoring a store clerk in order to prevent the game recording medium from being stolen during the game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming apparatus that can be used in both amusement halls and a gaming hall that reduces the burden of monitoring the store clerk but desires to prevent theft by allowing the player to save time.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to solve the above problems. Note that the reference numerals used in the description and drawings of the embodiments for carrying out the invention to be described later are added in parentheses for reference, but the constituent elements of the present invention are not limited to those added.

First, the invention according to means 1
Provided corresponding to the gaming machine (pachinko machine 10), the insertion of the game value-the player owns (card balance, the number of lifting balls,貯玉number) identifiable Yu technique for recording media (prepaid card 3) the accepted, upon reception of a use for performing processing (ball lending process) for causing use gaming-value specified, the return request for returning the game recording medium is inserted A gaming device (card unit 20) comprising return processing means (card R / W 25, unit control unit 21) for performing return processing for returning the inserted game recording medium,
Confirmation operation means (touch panel type display 26) for accepting a confirmation operation for confirming the return of the inserted game recording medium;
Either the first return process that performs the return process on the condition that the confirmation operation has been accepted, or the second return process that performs the return process without the condition that the confirmation operation has been accepted is performed. Return setting means (unit control unit 21 storing “whether or not a confirmation operation is necessary” set by the system controller 30 or the card unit 20),
The return processing means accepts the return request (received the return request signal S202) when, based on the setting of the return setting means executes the first return processing or the second return processing (in S204 It is determined whether or not “confirmation operation required” is set. If there is no setting, the card is immediately returned in S209. If there is a setting, if it is determined in S208 that the confirmation button operation is present, the card is returned in S209) .
The gaming device can be changed from a setting for executing the second return process to a setting for executing the first return process in response to receiving an input from the outside .
According to this, in order to prevent theft of the game recording medium during the game, the game hall that performs the operation to prevent theft by close monitoring of the store clerk, and the monitoring burden on the store clerk are reduced, but the player takes time. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming device that can be used in both game halls for a game hall that is desired to be operated to prevent theft.

The invention according to means 2
A gaming device according to means 1, comprising:
The confirmation operation means (touch panel type display 26) is a gaming apparatus characterized by being provided at a predetermined distance from the return operation means (card return button 16).
According to this, since it is difficult for another person who operates the return operation means to operate the confirmation operation means without being noticed by the player, the game recording medium can be more effectively prevented from being stolen.

The invention according to means 3 is
A gaming device according to means 1 or 2, wherein
The return operation means (card return button 16) is provided in the gaming machine (pachinko machine 10),
A receiving means (ball lending communication unit 22) for receiving a return request signal (S202) transmitted by operating the return operation means;
In the gaming apparatus, the return processing means executes the first return process or the second return process set by the return setting means based on the reception of the return request signal. is there.
According to this, since the gaming machine only performs a normal process of transmitting a return request signal by operating the return operation means, it is not necessary to change the gaming machine.

The invention according to means 4 is
A gaming device described in any one of means 1 to 3,
The gaming machine (pachinko machine 10) includes a return operation means (card return button 16) for receiving an operation for returning the game recording medium,
Wherein the return request (S202) receiving means for receiving (ball lending communication unit 22) which is emitted by operation of the return operation means,
The return and principal (unit control unit 21 that performs processing of S205) time counting means for starting counting based on the determined reception, further comprising a
When the return processing means is set to execute the first return process by the return setting means (YES in S204), the time counting time by the time counting means has received the confirmation operation within a predetermined time ( The game device is characterized in that the return process is performed on the condition that it is determined that there is a confirmation button operation in S208 before determining that the time is up in S207.
According to this, because it only performs the normal processing of the gaming machine to transmit the return request by the operation of the return operation means, together with there is no need to change the the recreation machine, difficult the theft of the game recording medium by others Can be.

The invention according to means 5 is
A gaming device described in any one of means 1 to 4,
Display setting means for setting whether or not to perform a warning display regarding the return of the game recording medium (unit control unit for storing “whether or not a warning display is set” set by the system controller 30 or the card unit 20) 21) and
The display setting means further includes display means (display 26) for performing the alert display (D0) based on the fact that the alert display is set to be performed (YES in S101). A gaming device.
According to this, an alerting display can be performed regardless of whether the first return process or the second return process is performed.

Further, the invention according to means 6
A gaming device according to any one of means 1 to 5, wherein
A gaming apparatus, further comprising return operation notifying means (display 26) for notifying that the return operating means has been operated (D01).
According to this, the player can discover that another person has operated the return operation means.

It is a functional block diagram showing an example of the game system containing the card unit which is the game device which concerns on this invention. (A) is a front view of a card unit and a pachinko machine, (b) is a cross-sectional right side view of the card unit. It is a figure showing an example of the signal transmitted / received between pachinko machines in the ball lending command processing which a card unit performs. It is a figure showing an example of the setting screen displayed on the display of a system controller. It is a flowchart showing an example of the alerting display process which a card unit performs. It is a flowchart showing an example of the return process which a card unit performs.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention provides information (card ID) that is provided corresponding to a gaming machine (pachinko machine 10) and that can specify the amount of gaming value (card balance) that can be used for gaming. Usage processing means for accepting insertion of a recorded game recording medium (prepaid card 3) and performing a process (ball lending process) for using the game value in the corresponding gaming machine. (Game R / W 25, unit control unit 21) and the game based on receiving the operation of the return operation means (card return button 16) for receiving the operation for returning the inserted game recording medium. The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus (card unit 20) comprising return processing means (card R / W 25, unit control unit 21) for performing return processing for returning a recording medium for use, and in particular, the inserted gaming recording medium. Confirmation operation means (touch panel type display 26) for accepting a confirmation operation for confirming the return of the item, and a first return process for performing the return process on condition that the confirmation operation has been accepted, or the confirmation operation Return setting means for setting which of the second return processing to perform the return processing without being accepted as a condition (“whether or not a confirmation operation is required” set in the system controller 30 is stored) Unit control unit 21), and the return processing means receives the operation of the return operation means (in FIG. 6, received the return request signal of S202), the return setting means Execute the first return process or the second return process set by the above (determine whether or not “confirmation operation required” is set in S204, and Promptly return the card in S209 if no, returns the card S209 when determining that there is confirmation button operation at S208 if there settings) that is the game device according to claim.

  In the following, an example in which the gaming machine is the pachinko machine 10, the gaming medium is a pachinko ball, and the gaming medium is loaned is a ball lending. In the following, the database is abbreviated as “DB”, the reader / writer as “R / W”, and the step as “S”.

  First, with reference to FIGS. 1-4, the game system 1 provided with the card unit 20 and the pachinko machine 10 which are the game devices which concern on this invention is demonstrated. The gaming system 1 is provided in a game arcade and includes a system controller 30 that can communicate with the card unit 20. In the gaming system 1, as shown in FIG. 1, banknotes 2 and prepaid cards 3 are used.

  The bill 2 is an example of money, and is used for addition of the remaining card amount specified from the recorded information of the prepaid card 3. Here, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), a 1000 yen bill, 2000 yen bill, 5000 yen Four types of banknotes can be used: banknotes and 10000 yen banknotes. The banknote 2 can be accepted only when the prepaid card 3 is accepted in the card unit 20 (that is, can be deposited), and cannot be accepted when the prepaid card 3 is not accepted in the card unit 20 (that is, cannot be deposited). It is.

  The prepaid card 3 is an example of a game recording medium, in which information capable of specifying the remaining amount of a card that can be used for a game (pachinko ball lending) is recorded. Here, as the information, the prepaid card 3 is recorded. Are recorded individually and a card remaining amount. This prepaid card 3 is formed by forming a recording area (not shown) in which a card ID, a card balance, etc. are recorded at a predetermined part of a thin plastic plate having a rectangular shape. As an IC card on which a non-contact type integrated circuit (IC chip) having a nonvolatile EEPROM is mounted. This prepaid card 3 is associated with the card ID of the issued prepaid card 3 in the remaining amount management DB of the system controller 30 when the banknote 2 is received and the card issuance processing is performed in a card vending machine (not shown). After the amount of the accepted banknote 2 is stored as a card balance, the card balance is recorded and issued on the prepaid card 3 with the card ID.

  Next, the pachinko machine 10 will be described. The pachinko machine 10 is an example of a gaming machine, and is arranged at a predetermined position in accordance with a model or the like on a gaming island provided in a game hall. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, a card unit 20 The game is performed by driving a pachinko ball, which is a game medium, into the game area. Here, signals related to the lending of the pachinko ball are exchanged with the corresponding card unit 20. It is a so-called CR-type pachinko machine where ball lending processing is performed. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in accordance with the model of the pachinko machine 10 and the like on a game island (not shown) arranged in the game hall.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the pachinko machine 10 is provided with a game area, an upper plate, a lower plate, a launching handle and the like on the front surface thereof, a remaining frequency indicator 14, a ball lending button 15, and a card return. As shown in FIG. 1, a button 16 is provided, and a game control board 11, a payout control board 12, a ball payout device 13 and the like are provided therein, and these components are connected as shown in FIG. ing.

  The game control board 11 controls the gaming state in the pachinko machine 10. The payout control board 12 is an example of a payout control unit, is connected to the ball lending communication unit 22 of the card unit 20, and controls communication between the pachinko machine 10 and the card unit 20. Thereby, when ball lending is performed, signals related to ball lending are exchanged between the pachinko machine 10 and the card unit 20. The payout control board 12 is connected to the ball payout device 13 and controls the ball payout device 13. Other functions of the payout control board 12 will be described later. The ball payout device 13 pays out a pachinko ball that is loaned to a player by lending the ball and a pachinko ball (so-called prize ball) that is given to the player as a result of the game.

  The remaining number display 14 displays the remaining number specified from the remaining card amount recorded in the prepaid card 3 received (that is, inserted) in the card R / W 25 of the corresponding card unit 20. This is a display, which is composed of a three-digit 7-segment display. In the remaining frequency indicator 14, as shown in FIG. 1, the ball lending communication unit 22 is connected to the ball lending communication unit 22 via a frequency display signal line provided via an LED drive circuit (not shown). When a frequency display signal indicating the remaining frequency is input from, the remaining frequency is displayed. The remaining frequency included in the frequency display signal is an integer part of a quotient calculated by the unit control unit 21 functioning as a remaining frequency specifying unit, which will be described later, by an expression “card remaining amount / unit amount (100 yen)”. When the remaining frequency is displayed on the remaining frequency display 14, the remaining frequency included in the frequency display signal is displayed on the hundreds segment display to the first segment display.

  The ball lending button 15 is a ball for lending using the remaining amount of the card specified from the recorded information of the prepaid card 3 received (that is, inserted) by the card R / W 25 of the corresponding card unit 20. This button accepts a lending operation. As shown in FIG. 2, when the ball lending button 15 is operated, a ball lending request is sent to the ball lending communication unit 22 via a ball lending request signal line provided between the ball lending communication unit 22 and the ball lending communication unit 22. When the signal is input and the ball lending communication unit 22 detects the input of the ball lending request signal, the unit control unit 21 recognizes that the ball lending button 15 is operated.

  The card return button 16 receives a return operation for returning the prepaid card 3 received (that is, inserted) at the card R / W 25 of the corresponding card unit 20. As shown in FIG. 2, when the card return button 16 is operated, a return request signal is sent to the ball lending communication unit 22 via a return request signal line provided between the ball lending communication unit 22. When the ball lending communication unit 22 detects the input of the return request signal, the unit control unit 21 recognizes that the card return button 16 has been operated, and the prepaid card 3 is sent to the card R / W 25. The discharge command is output. In the card R / W 25 to which this discharge command has been input, the prepaid card 3 taken in by the transport mechanism that takes in the prepaid card 3 inserted from the card insertion slot 25a is rotated in the reverse direction. It is ejected from the card insertion slot 25a and returned.

  The remaining frequency indicator 14, the ball lending button 15, and the card return button 16 are provided on the front surface (here, the upper plate) of the pachinko machine 10, as shown in FIG. Since it is connected to the card unit 20 as shown in FIG. 2, it belongs to the card unit 20 which is a gaming device.

  Next, the card unit 20 will be described. This card unit 20 is an example of a gaming device, and is provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 10 (here, adjacent to the left side of the pachinko machine 10) as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. Yes. The card unit 20 has a vertically long box shape, and includes a bill insertion slot 24a, a touch panel display 26, a card insertion slot 25a and the like on the front surface thereof as shown in FIG. 2 (a). As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 (b), a bill discriminator 24, a unit control unit 21, a ball loan communication unit 22, a system controller communication unit 23, a card R / W 25, and the like are provided therein. These components are connected as shown in FIG. Each card unit 20 can be individually identified by a unit ID.

  The unit control unit 21 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, and the like. The processing program stored in the ROM (or the EEPROM) is executed by the CPU using the RAM as a work area, so that the card unit 20 includes. Various operations are performed by controlling the operation of each component. Here, the unit ID is stored in the EEPROM. The function of the unit controller 21 will be described later.

  The ball lending communication unit 22 is connected to the payout control board 12 of the pachinko machine 10 and controls communication between the card unit 20 and the pachinko machine 10. A PSI signal line, a PRDY signal line, a BRDY signal line, a BRQ signal line, and an EXS signal line shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 are provided between the ball lending communication unit 22 and the payout control board 12.

  The PSI signal line is a signal line for confirming the connection between the card unit 20 and the pachinko machine 10. By transmitting a connection confirmation signal via the PSI signal line, the launch handle can be operated in the pachinko machine 10.

  The PRDY signal line transmits a payout enable signal indicating that communication between the pachinko machine 10 and the card unit 20 is possible (standby state) from the pachinko machine 10 to the corresponding card unit 20. It is a signal line. Specifically, as shown in S1 of FIG. 3, the payout enable signal is transmitted from the pachinko machine 10 to the card unit 20 by switching the voltage level applied to the PRDY signal line from HIGH to LOW. Is done.

  The BRDY signal line transmits a ball lending available signal from the card unit 20 to the corresponding pachinko machine 10 when there is a ball lending operation in the standby state where the card unit 20 receives the payout available signal. It is a signal line. Specifically, as shown at S2 in FIG. 3, the voltage level applied to the BRDY signal line is switched from HIGH to LOW, so that a ball lending possible signal is sent from the card unit 20 to the pachinko machine 10. Sent.

  Further, the BRDY signal line indicates that a ball lending end signal is sent from the card unit 20 to the pachinko machine 10 when the ball lending process for a predetermined number of times (in this example, 5 minutes) accompanying one ball lending operation is completed. Is a signal line for transmitting. Specifically, as shown in S7 of FIG. 3, when the voltage level applied to the BRDY signal line is switched from LOW to HIGH, the ball lending end signal is sent from the card unit 20 to the pachinko machine 10. Sent.

  The BRQ signal line is an example of a lending command signal line (= ball lending command signal line), and a lending request signal (= ball lending request) requesting lending of game media from the card unit 20 to the corresponding pachinko machine 10. Signal). Specifically, as shown in S3 of FIG. 3, when the voltage level applied to the BRQ signal line is switched from HIGH to LOW, the ball lending request signal is sent from the card unit 20 to the pachinko machine 10. Sent.

  The BRQ signal line is a signal line for transmitting a lending command signal (= ball lending command signal) that commands lending of a pachinko ball to the corresponding pachinko machine 10 from the card unit 20. Specifically, as shown in S5 of FIG. 3, when the voltage level applied to the BRQ signal line is switched from LOW to HIGH, the ball lending command signal is sent from the card unit 20 to the pachinko machine 10. Sent.

  The EXS signal line is an example of a request acknowledgment signal line, and a request acknowledgment signal indicating that the pachinko machine 10 has accepted the ball lending request (that is, that the ball lending request signal has been received) is sent to the card unit 20. This is a signal line for transmission. Specifically, after the pachinko machine 10 receives the ball lending request signal, after confirming that the pachinko machine 10 is ready to lend a pachinko ball (ie, there is no ball break and no error) As shown at S4 in FIG. 3, the request acknowledge signal is transmitted from the pachinko machine 10 to the card unit 20 by switching the voltage level applied to the EXS signal line from HIGH to LOW.

  The EXS signal line is a signal line for transmitting a ball lending completion signal indicating that the ball lending processing is completed from the pachinko machine 10 to the card unit 20 when the ball lending processing for several times is completed. is there. Specifically, when the ball lending process is completed, that is, when the pachinko ball has been paid out, the voltage level applied to the EXS signal line is switched from LOW to HIGH as shown in S6 of FIG. As a result, a ball lending completion signal is transmitted from the pachinko machine 10 to the card unit 20.

  The system controller communication unit 23 is communicably connected to the system controller 30, and manages communication between the card unit 20 and the system controller 30. When the prepaid card 3 is received by the card R / W 25, the system controller communication unit 23 reads the card ID and the card read by the card R / W 25 from the received prepaid card 3 under the control of the unit control unit 21. A verification request including the balance is transmitted to the system controller 30, and verification result information (verification OK or verification NG) transmitted from the system controller 30 in response to the verification request is received. The system controller communication unit 23 transmits the ball lending information and the deposit information to the system controller 30 under the control of the unit control unit 21.

  The bill validator 24 is an example of money accepting means and accepts money. Here, as shown in FIG. 2B, the prepaid card 3 is accepted by the card R / W 25 (that is, inserted). The banknote 2 inserted from the banknote insertion slot 24a is received in a depositable state, and the received banknote 2 is identified from which of the four types of banknotes (any banknote must be used). Identification machine). With this identification, if the accepted banknote is a regular banknote 2, the amount of the banknote 2 is output to the unit controller 21 as a deposit amount. The legitimate banknote 2 for which the identification has been completed is discharged from the back surface of the card unit 20 through the banknote passage 24b, conveyed by a banknote transport mechanism (not shown) provided on the game island, and stored in a safe (not shown). Collected. In addition, when the banknote 2 is inserted in the non-payable state where the prepaid card 3 is not received by the card R / W 25 or when it is identified that the banknote 2 is not an accepted regular banknote, the banknote 2 is inserted from the banknote insertion slot 24a. return.

  The card R / W 25 is an example of a recording medium accepting unit that accepts the prepaid card 3 inserted from the card insertion slot 25a and reads the card ID and the remaining card amount recorded on the accepted prepaid card 3. is there. Further, the card R / W 25 adds and updates the deposit amount to the remaining card amount recorded on the prepaid card 3 being accepted when the deposit is made, and when the ball lending is performed, Subtract and update the loan usage. The card R / W 25 includes an IC chip R / W corresponding to the IC chip of the prepaid card 3 which is the IC card.

  The touch panel display 26 is used for receiving various operations from the player and displaying various information. Specifically, as shown in D0 of FIG. 5, it functions as a display means for displaying a warning regarding the return of the prepaid card 3, and as shown in D1 of FIG. 6, the card return button 16 is operated. And a confirmation operation means for accepting a confirmation operation for confirming the return of the inserted prepaid card 3 as shown in D2 of FIG.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the system controller 30 is provided at a predetermined location (for example, a management office) in a game arcade, and is connected as shown in FIG. The computer includes a device 33, an input device 34, a display 35, and the like.

  The communication unit 31 is communicably connected to the system controller communication unit 21 of the card unit 20 and manages communication between the system controller 30 and the card unit 20. The control unit 32 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, and the like. A processing program stored in the ROM (or EEPROM) and the storage device 33 is executed by the CPU using the RAM as a work area, whereby the system controller. Various operations are performed by controlling the operation of each component included in 30.

  The storage device 33 is, for example, a hard disk or the like, and stores the remaining amount management DB shown in FIG. In the balance management DB, the card balance recorded in each prepaid card 3 is stored and managed in association with the card ID of each prepaid card 3. The management content of the balance management DB is such that each time the ball lending information including the unit ID, the card ID, and the ball lending used amount used for the ball lending is transmitted from the card unit 20 on which the ball lending processing is performed. Then, the ball lending usage amount is subtracted and updated from the remaining card amount stored in association with the card ID. The management content of the remaining amount management DB is stored in association with the card ID every time the payment information including the card ID and the deposit amount is transmitted from the card unit 20 on which the deposit process has been performed. The deposit amount is added and updated with respect to the remaining amount.

  Further, based on the fact that the verification request including the card ID of the prepaid card 3 and the remaining amount of the card is received from the card unit 20 that has received the prepaid card 3, the system controller 30 determines the card ID included in the received verification request. A matching process is performed to determine whether or not the remaining card amount stored in the remaining amount management DB in association with the remaining card amount included in the received matching request matches. As a result of the collation processing, when it is determined that they match, the collation OK collation result information is returned to the card unit 20, and when it is judged that they do not coincide, the collation NG collation result information is sent to the card unit. Reply to 20

  The input device 34 is an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse for inputting various information, and the display 35 is a display device for displaying various information. When the setting mode is activated in the system controller 30, a setting screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display 35. In this setting screen, a radio button for setting whether or not the confirmation operation is necessary and a radio button for setting whether or not to display the alert display are displayed. Then, by operating the input device 24 to select whether or not a confirmation operation is necessary and whether or not to display a warning with a radio button and operating the “set” button, the setting contents are displayed for each card. It is transmitted to the unit 20 and stored in the EEPROM of the unit controller 21.

  Here, the EEPROM of the unit control unit 21 performs the first return process for performing the return process on the condition that the confirmation operation has been accepted, or the first process for performing the return process without having the condition for accepting the confirmation operation. 2. Functions as return setting means for setting which one of the return processing is executed, and according to the setting content received from the system controller 30, whether the confirmation operation is necessary (ie, the first return processing is performed) is set Or, it is stored whether the confirmation operation is set to be unnecessary (that is, the second return process is performed). The EEPROM of the unit control unit 21 functions as display setting means for setting whether or not to perform a warning display, and displays a warning or displays a warning according to the setting content received from the system controller 30. Memorize whether or not to call out.

  Next, the operation of the card unit 20 (that is, processing performed by the unit control unit 21) will be described.

  First, although not shown, the deposit process performed by the unit controller 21 will be described. When the card unit 20 accepts money while accepting the prepaid card 3 (that is, inserted), the unit control unit 21 determines whether or not the identification result of the accepted money (banknote 2) is normal. To do. If it is determined that the identification result is not normal, the accepted money is returned. On the other hand, when it is determined that the identification result is normal, the deposit information including the card ID and the identified amount of money as the deposit amount is transmitted to the system controller 30. The system controller 30 that has received the deposit information updates the deposit amount included in the deposit information with respect to the remaining card amount stored in the remaining amount management DB in association with the card ID included in the deposit information. , Deposit completion information indicating that the deposit has been completed is transmitted to the card unit 20. The card unit 20 waits for the receipt of the payment completion information, and if it is determined that the payment completion information has been received, the card R / W 25 makes a payment with respect to the remaining card amount recorded on the prepaid card 3. The amount is added and updated, and the process ends.

  Although not shown, the ball lending process performed by the unit controller 21 will be described. When the card unit 20 accepts a ball lending operation in a state where the remaining amount of the card recorded in the prepaid card 3 is several minutes or more, the unit controller 21 first controls the payout of the pachinko machine 10 via the BRQ signal line. A ball lending request signal (S3 in FIG. 3) is transmitted to the substrate 12, and a request acknowledgment signal (S4) transmitted from the payout control substrate 12 of the pachinko machine 10 via the EXS signal line is awaited. If it is determined that the request acknowledge signal is received, the ball lending command signal (S5) is transmitted to the payout control board 12 of the pachinko machine 10 via the BRQ signal line, and the pachinko machine is transmitted via the EXS signal line. Waiting for reception of the ball lending completion signal (S6) transmitted from the ten payout control boards 12. When it is determined that the ball lending completion signal has been received, the card R / W 25 updates the amount of money for one time subtraction from the card remaining amount recorded on the prepaid card 3, and the remaining frequency indicator 14 The display of the remaining frequency is subtracted and displayed once, and the process is terminated. This unit control unit 21 performs use processing means for performing processing (ball lending processing) for causing the card remaining amount specified from the recorded information of the prepaid card 3 that has been inserted to be used for a game in the corresponding pachinko machine 10. Function.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the alert display process performed by the unit controller 21 will be described. When the card unit 20 accepts the prepaid card 3 (that is, is inserted), the unit control unit 21 sets “notice display” based on the stored contents of the EEPROM functioning as the display setting means. It is determined whether it has been performed (S101). If it is determined that “not display alert” is set (NO), the process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that “notice display” is set (YES), display timing (for example, every 2 minutes) is waited (S102), and if it is the display timing (YES), attention is paid. An alerting display (for example, “please pay attention to forgetting to take a prepaid card or theft” shown in D0) is displayed on the display 26 (S103), and the process is terminated. That is, if “to display caution” is set, a caution display is displayed at each display timing. According to this, an alerting display can be performed regardless of whether the first return process or the second return process is performed. The display timing can be arbitrarily set.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the return process which the unit control part 21 performs is demonstrated. When the card unit 20 receives the prepaid card 3 (that is, is inserted) and there is a return operation (operation of the card return button 16) in the pachinko machine 10 (YES in D201), the card is transferred from the pachinko machine 10 to the card. When the return request signal is transmitted to the unit 20 (S202) and the card unit 20 receives the return request signal, the return process is started, and a return operation notification (for example, the “return button is operated” shown in D1 is operated. ”) Is displayed on the display 26. As described above, the pachinko machine 10 simply performs a normal process of transmitting a return request signal by operating the card return button 16 by executing the return process based on the reception of the return request. There is no need to change the machine 10. Further, since it is notified that the card return button 16 has been operated, the player can discover that another person has operated the card return button 16.

  Next, the unit control unit 21 determines whether or not “confirmation operation is required” is set based on the stored contents of the EEPROM functioning as the return setting means (S204). Here, when it is determined that “confirmation operation is not required” is set (NO), that is, when it is set to execute the second return process in which the return process is performed without the condition that the confirmation operation is accepted. Returns the accepted (that is, inserted) prepaid card 3 and displays a return indication (for example, “Please take out the card” shown in D3) on the display 26 (S209), and ends the process. .

  On the other hand, when it is determined that “confirmation operation is required” is set (YES), that is, when it is set to execute the first return processing that performs the return processing on the condition that the confirmation operation is accepted Time measurement is started (S205), and a confirmation operation request display (for example, “please press the confirmation button” and confirmation button shown in D2) is displayed on the display 26 (S207), and the time is up (for example, 10 seconds have elapsed). Until the operation of the confirmation button is waited until (S207, S208).

  If it is determined that the confirmation button has not been operated before the time is up (NO in S207), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a confirmation button operation before the time is up (YES in S208), the process proceeds to S209 and the process is terminated. Here, the unit control unit 21 that performs the process of S205 functions as a timing unit that starts timing based on the reception of the return request signal, and the unit control unit 21 that performs the processes of S207 to S209 Function as return processing means for performing return processing on condition that confirmation operation is received within a predetermined time when the time measured by the time measuring means is set to execute the first return processing by the setting means (YES in S204) To do. According to this, since the prepaid card 3 is not returned if there is no confirmation operation within a predetermined time, it is difficult to steal the prepaid card 3 by another person. Although the predetermined time can be set arbitrarily, it is longer than the time required for the player to operate the confirmation button after operating the card return button 16, and another person who aims to steal the prepaid card 3 can use the card return button. It is preferable that the time required for operating the confirmation button after operating 16 is shorter.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the confirmation button is provided at a position away from the card return button 16 by a predetermined interval. Here, the predetermined interval is, for example, within a range where the player can see both the card return button 16 and the confirmation button in the field of view. According to this, since it is difficult for another person who operates the card return button 16 to operate the confirmation button without the player noticing it, the prepaid card 3 can be more effectively prevented from being stolen. Since the card return button 16 is often provided on the right side of the pachinko machine 10, the confirmation button is not only the card unit 20 arranged on the left side of the pachinko machine 10, but also the left side of the pachinko machine 10 itself, It may be provided in a call lamp device installed on the upper side of the pachinko machine 10.

  As described above, the confirmation operation means (confirmation button displayed on the touch panel display 26) for accepting the confirmation operation for confirming the return of the inserted prepaid card 3, and the condition that the confirmation operation is accepted A return setting means for setting which of the first return process for performing the return process or the second return process for performing the return process without the condition that the confirmation operation has been received, Since the first return process or the second return process is executed based on the acceptance of the operation, in order to prevent the game recording medium from being stolen during the game, The amusement hall that performs the operation to prevent may set the execution of the second return processing, reduce the monitoring burden on the store clerk, but prevent theft by letting the player take time Since game arcade wish to use may be set to execute the first return processing, it is possible to provide a compatible card unit 20 to both game arcade.

  Note that the gaming device is provided with each unit counting device for counting the number of acquired game media (the number of possessed balls) acquired by the player, and the remaining card amount and the number of retained balls are stored and displayed on the gaming device. In such a case, the memory and display of the remaining amount of the card are erased, the remaining amount card (corresponding to the prepaid card 3 of the present invention) that can specify only the remaining amount of the card is discharged, and the storage and display of the number of balls is retained. It is conceivable to configure the device. According to this, when a big hit or the like occurs in the corresponding pachinko machine 10, the remaining amount card can be discharged for the time being, so that the card remaining amount can be prevented from being stolen. The number of balls you have may be stolen, but if you have two cards to return to the player, handling will be cumbersome. Later, it is possible to discharge a ball card that can specify the number of balls. However, with such a gaming device, it is possible to discharge the remaining card without erasing the memory and display of the number of balls, so it is difficult for the player to notice even if the remaining card is stolen by others. If it is set that the first return processing is performed by applying the invention (confirmation operation is necessary), it is particularly effective because the remaining card becomes difficult to be stolen.

[3. Modified example]
Finally, a modification of the present invention will be described.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an example in which the gaming machine is a pachinko machine 10 has been described. A pachinko machine in which a pachinko ball is enclosed in an inaccessible manner, a pachinko machine and slot machine that can be played using score data without using pachinko balls and medals, game areas and pachinko balls in the image An image-type pachinko machine to be displayed, an image-type slot machine in which a reel is displayed as an image, or the like may be used.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the lending of the game medium is a ball lending that lends a pachinko ball has been described, but the lending of the game medium is not limited to this, and the medal lending that lends the medal or the image In a pachinko machine or slot machine of the type, a process of converting the remaining card amount into a score as a game medium and using it in a game may be used.

  In the above embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2B, the example in which the currency is the banknote 2 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the currency may be a coin. Both coins may be used. Also, it is not limited to accepting deposits of tangible money, but intangible money (for example, money data equivalent to money amount such as electronic money, deposit account balance specified from debit card record information, or credit You may make it receive the payment of the credit amount etc. which are specified from the recording information of a card | curd in contact or non-contact. Further, the gaming apparatus (card unit 20) may be one that cannot accept money (that is, cannot deposit money).

  In said embodiment, as shown in FIG.2 (b), the money (banknote 2) received by the money reception means (banknote identification machine 24) is discharged | emitted outside the game apparatus (card unit 20), and a banknote Although the example conveyed by the conveyance mechanism was demonstrated, it is not restricted to this, You may make it this received money be stored inside the game device.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the prepaid card 3 is an IC card that records information using a non-contact IC chip has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the prepaid card 3 may be a contact IC chip, magnetic Information may be recorded by a stripe, a two-dimensional code (for example, a barcode), a three-dimensional code, or optical interference (for example, a hologram). Further, these shapes are not limited to the card type, and may be a coin type. Further, the game recording medium may be a mobile phone or the like mounted with an IC chip, instead of the prepaid card 3.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the game recording medium is the prepaid card 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game recording medium can specify the number of acquired game media (the number of possessed balls, the number of stored balls). It may be a possession card or membership card in which various information is recorded. In other words, the game recording medium may be any medium in which information that can specify the magnitude of the game value that can be used for the game is recorded.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which only the prepaid card 3 is received as the game recording medium has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the prepaid card 3 and the possession card or member card may be received. In this case, instead of accepting the confirmation button operation based on the operation of the card return button 16, the cards may be sequentially discharged. For example, the prepaid card 3 may be discharged by operating the card return button 16 for the first time, and the possession card or member card may be discharged by operating the card return button 16 for the second time. According to this, even if the card return button 16 is operated by a person other than the player, the entire card does not have to be stolen.

  In the above embodiment, the game system 1 may be provided with a payment device that can pay out the money corresponding to the remaining amount of the card recorded in the prepaid card 3 and perform payment.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A, the example in which the remaining frequency indicator 14, the ball lending button 15, and the card return button 16 are provided in the pachinko machine 10 has been described. Not limited to this, a part or all of these may be provided in the card unit 20.

  In the above embodiment, the remaining card amount recorded in the prepaid card 3 and the remaining card amount managed by the system controller 30 in association with the card ID of the prepaid card 3 are collated and the collation is OK. In some cases, the ball lending using the remaining card amount recorded in the prepaid card 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the prepaid card 3 is not recorded with the remaining card amount. The ball balance may be made using the remaining amount of the card managed by the system controller 30 in association with the card ID of the card. Conversely, the system controller 30 does not manage the remaining amount of the card and records it on the prepaid card 3. A ball lending using the remaining card amount may be performed.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the return operation means (card return button 16) and the return confirmation means (confirmation button displayed on the touch panel display 26) are separate has been described. The same button may be used.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the return confirmation unit is a confirmation button displayed on the touch panel display 26 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the return confirmation unit is provided at a predetermined location of the card unit 20. It may be an independent button.

  The return confirmation means is a numeric keypad displayed on the touch-panel display 26 (or a numeric keypad provided separately on the card unit 20), and a password desired by the player is entered and stored with the numeric keypad. Even if the input of a personal identification number is received with the numeric keypad when an operation is requested, and it is determined that the inputted personal identification number matches the stored personal identification number, a confirmation operation may be accepted. good. According to this, although the time and effort of the player is increased, the confirmation operation is not accepted unless the password stored by the player is inputted, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the game recording medium from being stolen.

  Also, the return confirmation means is an IC chip R / W provided in the card unit 20, and the IC chip identification information built in the portable terminal possessed by the player is read in advance by the IC chip R / W. When the confirmation operation is requested, the identification information is read from the IC chip of the portable terminal with the IC chip R / W, and it is determined that the read identification information matches the stored identification information. Accordingly, the confirmation operation may be accepted. According to this, since the confirmation operation cannot be accepted unless it is the portable terminal of the player, it is possible to reliably prevent the game recording medium from being stolen.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, whether or not a confirmation operation is necessary and whether or not to display a warning is set in the system controller 30. The example transmitted to the unit 20 and stored (set) in the EEPROM of the unit control unit 21 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and whether a confirmation operation is necessary or not, and whether a warning display is displayed. Whether or not to set may be set in each card unit 20. For example, each card unit 20 may be set by providing a dip switch, set for each card unit 20 with a remote controller, or set using a touch panel display 26. According to this, even if the system controller 30 and each card unit 20 are offline, these settings can be performed. The setting on the touch panel display 26 may be set not only by the store clerk but also by the player.

  Further, the same setting may not be made for all the card units 20 provided in the game hall, but different settings may be made for each card unit 20. For example, the card unit 20 on a certain game island is set to require a confirmation operation (ie, the first return process is performed) to reduce the monitoring of the store clerk, while the card unit 20 on a certain game island does not require a confirmation operation. It may be set to be certain (that is, the second return process is performed) to closely monitor the store clerk. In this case, the setting is not limited to each card unit 20 as described above, but can be set for each card unit 20 in the system controller 30.

  In the above embodiment, a setting content screen indicating whether the first return process (confirmation operation is required) or the second return process (confirmation operation is not required) is set is displayed on the display 26. Anyway. This setting content screen is displayed at a position close to the confirmation button, or displayed together with a screen on which the remaining number (and the number of balls in the card unit 20 with each counter) is displayed. An unauthorized person who steals a game recording medium often decides whether or not to steal by looking at the screen, but it can be expected to abandon the theft by displaying this setting content screen.

  In the above embodiment, when the remaining number and the number of balls are displayed on the display 26, a camera is provided in the card unit 20, and when the camera senses a person approaching the card unit 20 other than a player playing a game, You may make it erase | eliminate the display of the number of remaining degrees or the number of balls. According to this, since an unauthorized person cannot immediately grasp the remaining number and the number of balls, it leads to theft prevention. Here, it is more preferable to display an alert instead of erasing the display of the remaining number and the number of balls.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in S208 of FIG. 6, the example in which the prepaid card 3 is returned when the confirmation operation (operation of the confirmation button) is accepted once has been described. If accepted multiple times, the prepaid card 3 may be returned.

  In the above-described embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, an example in which the prepaid card 3 is returned when a confirmation operation (operation of the confirmation button) is received after receiving a return operation (operation of the card return button 16) has been described. Not limited to this, the prepaid card 3 may be returned when the confirmation operation is accepted and then the return operation is accepted. According to this, if the confirmation operation is not accepted, the ball lending button 15 is pushed. Even if the card return button 16 is accidentally pressed, the prepaid card 3 is not returned. That is, the order of the return operation and the confirmation operation is not particularly limited.

  In the above embodiment, when the prepaid card 3 is inserted into the card unit 20 and the pachinko machine 10 has not been operated for a predetermined time (for example, when the player enters a break without returning the prepaid card 3 and leaves the seat). In order to prevent the prepaid card 3 from being stolen and the remaining amount of the card from being used, a safe mode may be entered in which operations of the card return button 16 and the ball lending button 15 are restricted. Specifically, the safe mode is started after the operation of the pachinko machine 10 is stopped, and the safe mode is entered when the measured time reaches a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). This predetermined time can be arbitrarily set. If the card return button 16 is operated during the safe mode timing, the timing is temporarily stopped, and the prepaid card 3 is returned if the confirmation button is operated before the time is up in S207 of FIG. When the time is up without operating the button, the time measurement once stopped is resumed. In order to return from the safe mode, a remote control operation by a game clerk, input of a personal identification number, or the like is accepted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game system 3 ... Prepaid card 10 ... Pachinko machine 16 ... Card return button 16
20 ... Card unit 21 ... Unit control unit 22 ... Tamrent communication unit 25 ... Card R / W
26 ... (touch panel type display)
30 ... System controller

Claims (3)

Provided corresponding to the gaming machine, the gaming-value the player owns accept insertion of identifiable Yu technique for recording media, use for performing a process to use the gaming-value identified processing means, when receiving a return request for returning the game recording medium is inserted, the game apparatus comprising: a return processing means for performing a return process for returning the game recording medium which is the insert, the Because
Confirmation operation means for accepting a confirmation operation for confirming the return of the inserted game recording medium;
Either the first return process that performs the return process on the condition that the confirmation operation has been accepted, or the second return process that performs the return process without the condition that the confirmation operation has been accepted is performed. And a return setting means for setting
The return processing means, when receiving the return request , executes the first return process or the second return process based on the setting of the return setting means ,
A gaming device, wherein a setting for executing the second return process can be changed to a setting for executing the first return process in response to receiving an input from the outside . A gaming device according to claim 1,
Display setting means for setting whether or not to perform a warning display regarding the return of the game recording medium;
A game device, further comprising: display means for performing the alert display based on the setting that the alert display is performed by the display setting means. A gaming device according to claim 1 or 2,
The gaming machine includes a return operation means for receiving an operation for returning the game recording medium,
Receiving means for receiving the return request transmitted by operating the return operation means;
A time measuring means for starting time counting based on reception of the return request,
If the return setting means is set to execute the first return process by the return setting means, the return processing means is provided on the condition that the time for measuring by the time measuring means has received the confirmation operation within a predetermined time. A gaming apparatus characterized by performing processing.

Images