JP7145724B2 - Each machine device and game management method - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine and a game management method that are installed in a game machine that performs a game using a game medium and performs processing related to the game medium.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, amusement arcades provide games through game media. For example, in a pachinko game, game balls are used as game media, and the game is played by hitting the game balls onto the game board surface. A plurality of prize-winning areas (award-winning openings) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined number of game balls are provided as prize balls based on the game balls passing through the prize-winning areas. In this way, the number of game media increases or decreases depending on the result of the game, and the player can exchange the obtained game media for prizes.

A gaming machine is generally provided with each machine. Each machine accepts the deposit and lends out the game medium. In addition, each machine manages the number of game media acquired through a game as the number of game media, and performs replay processing to subtract the number of game media and pay out game media (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .).

If a player temporarily leaves the gaming machine for a break or the like while playing a game using game media paid out in the lending or replaying process, the player will be called to the store clerk and asked to take a break. and request that the gaming machine be secured so that it will not be used by other players. Upon receipt of the request, the clerk secures the gaming machine by placing a display on the gaming machine indicating that it is resting, or putting each machine in a resting state. A player who has returned from a break can restart the game by notifying the clerk of the end of the break.

In addition, in order to make it easier to take a rest, each machine may be made to be in a resting state by the player's operation. In this case, the player sets a personal identification number when starting the resting state, and requests the input of the personal identification number when canceling the resting state, thereby preventing the use by other players.

JP 2011-131037 A

However, the conventional technology has the problem that the player's operation is complicated and the convenience is lowered. Specifically, requesting the setting of a personal identification number each time the pause state is started imposes a burden on the player. In particular, if confirmation is required when setting a PIN in order to prevent input errors, the PIN must be entered twice each time the user takes a break, and then another PIN must be entered to cancel the sleep mode. Become.

In addition, in cases where the player has already set a PIN for member authentication or a PIN to prevent card theft, the increased number of PINs to be managed by the player may cause confusion. be done.

For these reasons, it has been an important issue how to reduce the burden on the player and improve the convenience when the game is switched to the idle state by the player's operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a machine device and a game management method that can reduce the burden on players in the paused state of games and improve convenience. With the goal.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a game machine that performs a game using a game medium and that is installed in each game machine for performing a process related to the game medium. hibernation processing means for temporarily setting the hibernation state, setting means for setting hibernation cancellation information used for canceling the hibernation state, and determination means for judging whether existing information usable as the hibernation cancellation information exists. and if the medium identification information is read at the start of the hibernation state and the existing information exists, the setting means sets both the medium identification information and the existing information as the hibernation release information. When the medium identification information is not read and the existing information does not exist , the pause processing means requests registration of new pause release information, and the pause processing means receives both the medium identification information and the existing information. is set as the hibernation release information, the hibernation state is released when either the medium identification information or the existing information is received .

In the present invention, in the above invention, the determination means determines whether or not member authentication information for authenticating a member player exists, and the setting means determines whether or not the member authentication information exists. The member authentication information is set as the suspension cancellation information.

In the above invention, the present invention further comprises restricting means for restricting an operation of returning the value used in making the game medium usable in association with a predetermined storage medium, wherein the determining means limits the restriction. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the restriction release information used for the release exists, and if the restriction release information exists, the setting means sets the restriction release information as the hibernation release information.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, the pause state is a state in which a process associated with an increase or decrease in value used when making the game medium usable is suppressed.

Further, the present invention relates to a game management method that is installed in a game machine that performs a game using a game medium and that uses each machine to perform processing related to the game medium, wherein an operation to temporarily suspend the game is provided. a determination step of determining whether existing information that can be used as hibernation cancellation information used to cancel the hibernation exists; and reading of medium identification information at the start of the hibernation. and when the existing information exists, both the medium identification information and the existing information are set as the pause release information, and when the medium identification information is not read and the existing information does not exist a setting step of requesting registration of new hibernation cancellation information; a hibernation state starting step of starting the hibernation state; and when both the medium identification information and the existing information are set as the hibernation cancellation information and a hibernation cancellation step of canceling the hibernation when either the medium identification information or the existing information is received .

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden on the player in relation to the pausing state of the game and improve the convenience.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of each machine device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the game parlor. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of an inter-machine card processing machine. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the inter-machine card processing machine. (Part 1) FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the inter-machine card processing machine. (Part 2) FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the start and end of hibernation. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure related to the start of hibernation. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the time limit of the dormant state and the processing when the time is exceeded.

Preferred embodiments of each machine and game management method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this specification, "balls in possession" refers to game media acquired by a player in a game or data indicating the number of such game media, which can be used again in the game only during the day (time before the store closes). Say what you can. Accumulated balls refer to game media acquired by a player in a game or data indicating the number of such game media, which can be used again in a game from the next day onwards (hours after the store closes). Possessed balls can be used by both general players and member players, and are used when the gaming machine used for the game is changed (so-called machine movement). The accumulated balls are normally usable only by the member players, and are used when the obtained game media are used in the game from the next day onwards. A predetermined fee may be charged for use of accumulated balls.

First, the concept of each machine device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of each machine device according to the present embodiment. A plurality of game machines 20 are installed in the game parlor, and each game machine 20 is provided with an inter-machine card processing machine 10 which is a device for each machine.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 performs game ball lending processing, processing for replaying owned balls and stored balls, and counting processing for counting acquired game balls and adding them to owned balls based on the operation of the player. Perform various processing related to Also, when the player ends the game and operates a return button provided on the gaming machine, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 discharges the card after associating the number of balls managed by itself with the card.

Further, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can temporarily suspend the game. In the dormant state, the processing associated with increasing or decreasing the value used when making the game ball usable is suppressed. Specifically, some or all of the processing such as deposit, ball rental processing, replay processing of owned balls and stored balls, counting processing of counting acquired game balls and adding them to owned balls, card insertion, card ejection, etc. prohibited.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 starts the hibernation, it sets hibernation cancellation information used for canceling the hibernation. Here, if there is existing information that can be used as the hibernation cancellation information, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 uses that information as the hibernation cancellation information. As the existing information that can be used as the suspension release information, a membership card password or a password for a card lock function, which will be described later, can be used.

Therefore, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a hibernation start operation from a player, it determines whether or not there is an existing personal identification number. for unhibernation to initiate hibernation. On the other hand, if there is no existing personal identification number, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the registration of the personal identification number for canceling the hibernation, and starts the hibernation state.

In this way, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sets the hibernation cancellation information to be used for canceling the hibernation state, it determines whether or not existing information that can be used as the hibernation cancellation information exists. If so, the existing information is set as hibernation cancellation information. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the player in relation to the paused state of the game, and improve the convenience.

Next, the system configuration of the game parlor will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the game parlor. As shown in FIG. 2, the game parlor is provided with a plurality of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processors 10 provided corresponding to the respective gaming machines 20 . The inter-machine card processing machine 10 is connected via an island controller 30 to a communication line, which is a network within the store. An island controller 30, a card management device 40, a member management device 50, a prize management device 60, and a payment machine 80 are connected to the communication line.

The game machine 20 is a device for playing a game by hitting game balls onto a game board. A plurality of winning areas (award winning openings) are provided on the game board surface of the gaming machine 20, and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls based on the game balls passing through the winning areas. It's becoming A predetermined number of starting areas (starting openings) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is conducted based on the passage of game balls through the starting areas. If the lottery results in a big hit, an operation that is advantageous in terms of the game is performed by operating a predetermined movable member, etc., such as improving the probability of the game ball passing through the winning area or another starting area. The result of the lottery by the ball passing through the starting port is displayed on a special pattern display device for displaying the lottery result. The display of the lottery results on the special symbol display device is performed in a manner in which a fixed display is performed after a predetermined period of variable display. In addition, the game board is provided with a decorative pattern display device that variably displays decorative patterns such as predetermined numbers based on the result of the lottery. , 7), etc., are displayed and notified. It should be noted that it is also possible to provide an area that serves as both the starting area and the winning area.

The winning area is provided with a winning sensor for detecting the passage of game balls into the winning area. It's becoming The control unit of the gaming machine 20 also has a prize memory that stores the number of game balls to be awarded as prizes for each prize area.

Therefore, when the winning sensor detects that the hit game balls have passed through the specific winning area, the gaming machine 20 determines from the stored contents of the winning ball memory and the number of game balls that have passed through the winning area. It is possible to determine the number of prize balls and perform payout processing for the determined number of prize balls. Moreover, regardless of whether or not the hit game balls have passed through the winning area, the game balls are finally discharged from the back side of the game board to the outside of the game machine. The game balls discharged to the outside of the gaming machine are detected by an out ball detection device attached to each gaming machine.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives payment, lends out game balls, and communicates with the card management device 40 . When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the banknotes inserted by the player, it transmits payment notification data including the amount of the banknotes to the card management device 40, and stores the amount in the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Add the number corresponding to When a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, a ball lending request is transmitted to the card management device 40, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is subtracted, and the number of games corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value is played. Payout processing of balls is performed.

Further, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40 when the insertion of the card is accepted. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives data including the prepaid value, the number of owned balls, and the number of accumulated balls from the card management device 40, it stores the received prepaid value, the number of owned balls, and the number of accumulated balls. After storing the number of balls held, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits the ball possession subtraction request data to the card management device 40, thereby setting the number of balls managed by the card management device 40 to zero. clear.

In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the replay operation of the owned balls, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of owned balls stored in its own device, and pays out a number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of owned balls. conduct. In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a collected balls replay operation, the collected balls replay request data is transmitted to the member management device 50 via the card management device 40, whereby the member management device 50 manages the collected balls replay request data. A predetermined number is subtracted from the accumulated number of balls, and a payout process of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted accumulated number of balls is performed.

Further, when receiving the card return operation, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits to the card management device 40 ball-in-hand addition request data including the number of balls-in-hand managed by itself, After adding the number, the card ejection notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40 to control card ejection.

The island controller 30 is a relay device for bundling a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10 provided on a game island.

The card management device 40 is a device that manages the prepaid value of the card, the number of balls held, etc. as card data. Upon receiving the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processor 10, the card management device 40 associates the card ID of the inserted card with the device ID of the inter-machine card processor 10 and manages the card ID. to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Further, when the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data is the card ID of the membership card, the card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data to the membership management device 50 and receives the card insertion notification data from the membership management device 50. The accumulated ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball-on-hand subtraction request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the number of balls-on-hand to zero. Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball-in-hand addition request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the number of balls-in-hand included in the ball-in-hand addition request data is changed to the number of balls-in-hand managed by the card management device 40. to add.

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball lending request data from the inter-machine card processor 10, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID, and transfers the ball lending permission data to the inter-machine card processor 10. Send to When the accumulated ball replay request data is received, the accumulated ball replay request data is transmitted to the member management device 50, and when the member management device 50 outputs the accumulated ball replay data, the accumulated ball replay data is sent to the machine. Send to card processing machine 10 .

Further, when the card ID is received from the prize management device 60, the card management device 40 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls associated with the card ID. Furthermore, when the card ID is received from the payment machine 80, the payment machine 80 is notified of the prepaid value associated with this card ID.

The member management device 50 is a management device that manages member management data of members registered as members of the amusement arcade. Specifically, the number of stored balls, the number of points, the personal identification number, the name, etc. are managed in association with the membership card ID issued to the member.

When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 generates accumulated ball replay data including the number of accumulated balls and a password associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data. It is transmitted to the interim card processing machine 10 . When the member management device 50 receives the accumulated ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number from the number of accumulated balls associated with the card ID indicated in the accumulated ball replay request data, Collected ball replay data including the number of accumulated balls after subtraction is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加Communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the member management device 50 is performed via the card management device 40 .

Further, when the member management device 50 receives an inquiry about the number of stored balls from the prize management device 60, the member management device 50 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of stored balls corresponding to the designated card ID.

The prize management device 60 is a prize exchange terminal installed at a prize exchange counter in the amusement arcade, and performs prize exchange processing for exchanging acquired balls, the number of stored balls, and the number of owned balls for prizes. A card reader for reading a card ID from a card and a prize payout device for paying out prizes are connected to the prize management device 60 . When the prize management device 60 reads a card ID from a general card or a membership card (or reads identification data corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal or the like), the prize management device 60 transmits the card ID to the card management device 40. to request the number of balls possessed by the card ID. When exchanging the number of accumulated balls for a prize, the number of accumulated balls is requested from the member management device 50 . The prize management device 60 does not request the number of accumulated balls to the member management device 50, but the membership management device 50 receives notification of the card ID from the prize management device 60, and returns the number of accumulated balls (and PIN) as a prize. It may be configured to notify the management device 60 .

When the card associated with the prepaid value is inserted, the fare adjustment machine 80 transmits the card ID of this card to the card management device 40 and receives the response data to acquire the prepaid value associated with the card. and pays out money according to the acquired prepaid value. Then, the settlement machine 80 initializes the prepaid value of the inserted card.

Next, the ball lending process of the gaming system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When a player performs a ball lending operation to the inter-machine card processor 10, the inter-machine card processor 10 transmits ball lending request data to the card management device 40. - 特許庁This ball lending request data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and an address or arbitrary identification data for specifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender.

Upon receiving the ball lending request data, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID of the ball lending request data. Then, the card management device 40 transmits ball lending permission data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 as the transmission source. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission data performs payout processing of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

Next, a description will be given of the ball replay process when the ball is replayed in the gaming system shown in FIG. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40 when the insertion of a general card or a membership card is accepted. This card insertion notification data consists of the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification data specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the inter-machine card processor. and data to specify the 10 rates.

When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processor 10, the card management device 40 sends the inter-machine card processor 10 the number of balls at each rate associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data. Notice.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the number of balls received from the card management device 40 . Then, it transmits to the card management device 40 the card ID, the data specifying the rate, and the ball-on-hand subtraction request data indicating that the number of balls on hand is to be cleared to zero. Upon receiving the ball-on-hand subtraction request data, the card management device 40 clears the number of balls on each rate specified by the card ID to zero. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the replay operation of the balls and replays the balls, the card processing machine 10 subtracts a predetermined number from the stored number of the balls and performs payout processing of the corresponding number of the game balls. . When performing payout processing, payout processing is performed by transmitting a payout instruction to the gaming machine for multiples of the unit that can be paid out by the gaming machine (for example, 25 balls), and for the remainder (for example, less than 25 balls), payout processing is performed by the machine itself. The dispensing process is performed by dispensing from the nozzle unit 18a.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits ball-in-hand addition request data to the card management device 40 when the card return operation is accepted. This ball-in-hand addition request data includes the card ID of the card to be returned, an address or arbitrary identification data specifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and the number of balls in each rate. .

When receiving the ball-in-hand addition request data, the card management device 40 adds the number of balls-in-hand contained in the ball-in-hand addition request data to the number of balls-in-hand for each rate associated with the card ID. Thereafter, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits card discharge notification data to the card management device 40 and controls card discharge.

Next, the stored ball replay processing in the gaming system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40 when the card ID is read from the member card or the mobile terminal that can be used as the member card. This card insertion notification data consists of the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification data specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the inter-machine card processor. and data to specify the 10 rates.

The card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 to the member management device 50 . When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data, the personal identification number associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data and the number of accumulated balls at the rate specified by the card insertion notification data. Then, stored ball replay data including the number of possible replays of stored balls is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. - 特許庁The number of replayable stored balls indicates the number of stored balls that can be replayed. The possible number of replays of stored balls is a multiple of the number of payout units of game balls in the replay of stored balls. If an upper limit is set for the number of accumulated balls to be replayed, the maximum value within the range between the number of accumulated balls and the upper limit is the possible number of replays of the accumulated balls. Instead of the possible number of replays of the stored balls, the number of times the stored balls can be replayed may be used as the replay frequency of the stored balls. The replay frequency of accumulated balls corresponds to the quotient obtained by dividing the number of accumulated balls by the number of payout units of game balls in the replay of accumulated balls. However, when an upper limit is set for the replay of accumulated balls, the number of replays of accumulated balls is limited by this upper limit.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the received ball replay data, and makes it possible to accept the accumulated ball replay operation when the number of possible ball replays indicated in the accumulated ball replay data is 1 or more.

After storing the accumulated ball replay data, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 requests the player to enter a personal identification number when receiving the accumulated ball replay operation for the first time. It is determined whether or not it matches the personal identification number shown in .

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits accumulated ball replay request data to the card management device 40 when the personal identification numbers match. This stored ball replay request data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification data specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the inter-machine card processing data. data for specifying the rate of aircraft 10;

The card management device 40 transmits accumulated ball replay request data to the member management device 50 . Upon receiving the accumulated ball replay request data, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of the accumulated balls at the rate specified by the electronic message among the accumulated balls associated with the card ID in the accumulated ball replay request data. and recalculate the number of possible replays of accumulated balls. Then, stored ball replay data including the balance after the subtraction and the possible number of stored ball replays are transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 .

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 updates the number of stored balls to be stored, and performs payout processing for the number of game balls corresponding to the number of payout units for replaying the stored balls. Also, it is determined whether or not the number of possible replays of accumulated balls after updating is 1 or more. If the number of possible replays of accumulated balls is 0, the operation of replaying accumulated balls is not accepted. If the number of possible replays of accumulated balls after updating is 1 or more, the operation of replaying accumulated balls can be accepted again. In the second and subsequent replays of the accumulated balls, confirmation of the personal identification number is unnecessary. In addition, you may make it confirm a personal identification number every time. Further, here, the case where the inter-machine card processing machine 10 performs the game ball payout process after the member management device 50 subtracts the balance of the accumulated balls has been exemplified, but the game ball payout process is performed based on the accumulated ball replay request. After doing so, the balance of the accumulated balls may be subtracted. This is because the stored ball replay data before the stored ball replay request indicates the possible number of stored ball replays, and the shortage of the balance will not be found after receiving the stored ball replay request.

Next, a description will be given of the transition from ball possession to ball storage in the closing process. The card management device 40 checks the number of balls in the card management data at the time of the closing process, and if there is a record associated with the number of balls greater than zero, the number of balls in the record is displayed together with the card ID and rate. The member management device 50 is notified. The member management device 50 adds the number of owned balls notified from the card management device 40 to the number of stored balls specified by the card ID and the rate. After that, the card management device 40 clears the number of possessed balls to zero.

Next, the appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. As shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the inter-machine card processor 10 connected to the gaming machine 20 as the inter-machine card processor 10 . Also, the gaming machine 20 installed side by side is illustrated with a dashed line. In addition, although FIG. 3 illustrates the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that accepts only banknotes, a unit having a function of accepting electronic money or coins associated with a mobile terminal or card can also be provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a state display portion 11, a banknote slot 12a, a display operation portion 13, a card slot 14a, a holding portion 14b, a nozzle unit 18a and a counting unit 18b.

The status display unit 11 is composed of, for example, multicolor LEDs, and displays the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by lighting or blinking in a predetermined color. The banknote insertion slot 12a is an insertion slot for various banknotes necessary for lending game balls. The display/operation unit 13 is configured by, for example, a full-color touch-panel liquid crystal display or the like, and is a device that displays operation buttons and receives input operations using the operation buttons. Although detailed illustration is omitted in FIG. 3, the display operation unit 13 has a flat plate shape with a long side on the side of the corresponding game machine 20 that is pivotally supported by the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The configuration is such that the angle formed by the front panel of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the display surface of the display/operation unit 13 can be changed.

The card insertion slot 14a is an insertion slot for a card owned by a player. The holding portion 14b is a portion where the mobile terminal used for member registration is held up. When the mobile terminal is held over the holding portion 14b, data such as the unique ID (for example, IDm) of the mobile terminal is read from the mobile terminal. The nozzle unit 18 a is a mechanism for ejecting game balls to the gaming machine 20 . The nozzle unit 18a is composed of a cylindrical nozzle that is horizontally rotatable on the front surface of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the tip of the nozzle can be positioned in the storage section of the game machine. there is A game medium is supplied to the nozzles from a ball supply device in the inter-stand card processing machine that receives game media from a replenishment mechanism on the island where the inter-stand card processing machine 10 is installed. The counting unit 18b is a mechanism for counting game balls dropped from the lower tray of the gaming machine 20. As shown in FIG. The counting unit 18b includes a receiving tray for receiving game balls, a counting section provided in the lower part of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 for counting the game balls with a counting sensor, and a counting section for passing game media from the receiving tray to the counting section. It consists of a passage part. The receiving tray and the counting passage can be integrally removed from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 based on a predetermined operation (for example, an employee's remote control operation). Further, the counting section has a unit structure, and by removing the counting section, the tray section, and the counting passage section, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can be operated without the counting function.

Next, the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4 , the inter-machine card processing machine 10 includes a banknote transport unit 12 , a display operation unit 13 , a reader/writer 14 , a holding unit 14 b , a communication unit 15 , a storage unit 16 , and a control unit 17 . , a nozzle unit 18a, and a counting unit 18b.

The banknote transport unit 12 is a transport unit that determines the denomination and authenticity of a banknote inserted from the banknote insertion slot 12a and transports the banknote to a banknote storage unit (not shown). The display operation unit 13 has a function of specifying and displaying various information such as the prepaid value that can be used for ball lending, the number of balls held, the number of stored balls, etc. from the accepted card etc., and displays other information not related to the card etc. It is an input/output device such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display having a function and a function of accepting various operations such as a ball lending operation. In addition to the display described above, the display/operation unit 13 also has a function of displaying excess/deficiency of the number of stored cards and a communication status (online/offline, etc.) with the host device.

The reader/writer 14 is a device for reading a card ID from a card inserted into the card slot 14a. A card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a passes through the reader/writer 14 and is stored in a card storage section (not shown). The holding unit 14b is an interface unit that reads various information such as a unique ID (for example, IDm) of the mobile terminal through short-range wireless communication when the mobile terminal or the like is held up. In addition, the reader/writer 14 has a function of associating value data such as balls and prepaid value shown in the card data 16b with the card stored in the card storage unit in response to the player's returning operation, and issuing a new card. also have However, if the prepaid value shown in the card data 16b is 0 and the number of balls held is less than a certain number (minimum number of held balls), the card is controlled not to be returned even if there is a return operation. This is a control to prevent the loss of the amusement arcade due to the discarding of cards associated with a small number of balls. The same applies to cards (excluding membership cards). As the fixed number, for example, it is possible to set the value obtained by multiplying the number of balls in possession by the rental unit price per ball to be the value of the card or the lowest price prize in the amusement arcade, but this is not limitative. It can be freely set according to the policy of the store. In addition, when controlling so as not to return the card even if there is a return operation, it is possible to process the payout of the stored ball, but display that the card cannot be returned and/or replay the ball. A prompt may be displayed.

The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication between the gaming machine 20 and the island controller 30 . The nozzle unit 18a is used to pay out some or all of the game balls when the game balls are paid out by ball lending or replay. The counting unit 18b is a unit that counts game balls.

The storage unit 16 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 16 stores self-device status data 16a, card data 16b, card lock data 16c, and hibernation management data 16d.

The own device state data 16a is data indicating the state of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. FIG. The device status data 16a includes the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine and game settings. The device ID of the inter-machine card processor is identification data for uniquely identifying the inter-machine card processor 10 within the amusement arcade. The game settings are data indicating game types and the like set in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . When handling game balls with multiple rates in the amusement arcade, "Ball 1" for game balls with a rate of 4 yen, "Ball 2" for game balls with a rate of 2 yen, and "Ball 3" for game balls with a rate of 1 yen. In this way, a game type name is set and managed for each rate. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 selects a rate to be used for a game from these game types and stores it as a game setting.

The card data 16b is data relating to the card being used by the player. The card data 16b includes a card ID, a prepaid value, owned balls, accumulated balls, the number of accumulated balls that can be replayed, and the like. There is data for each game type (rate) for the balls held and stored. The card ID is the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 . When a card is transported from a card storage unit (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and ejected, the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during transport. Also, when the card is conveyed from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage section (not shown), the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during this conveyance.

The card lock data 16c is data relating to card lock. Specifically, the card lock data 16c indicates whether the card indicated in the card data 16b, ie, the internal card, is being locked, or if the card lock is being set, the card lock password. store the number. Here, an example of using a personal identification number as an example of authentication information for authenticating the player himself is shown, but the authentication information is not limited to this. It may be the unique identification number (IDm) of the IC chip of the mobile terminal, or the unique identification number of the IC chip built into a general IC card issued by financial institutions or transportation facilities. Such a unique identification number of the IC chip can be read by a card processing machine between machines that complies with a standard (for example, Felica (registered trademark), MIFARE (registered trademark), etc.) that enables RFID (Radio-Frequency-Identification) communication. It can be acquired by providing a unit and reading the unique identification information from the IC card.

The hibernation management data 16d is data relating to hibernation. The hibernation management data 16d indicates whether it is in hibernation or not, and if it is in hibernation, it further indicates the remaining time of hibernation. In the case of the hibernation state, it indicates hibernation cancellation data, which is hibernation cancellation information used for canceling the hibernation state. A personal identification number, a medium ID, or the like can be used as the pause release data. Details of the hibernation release data will be described later.

The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-machine card processing machine 10, and includes a data management unit 17a, a counting processing unit 17b, a card lock processing unit 17c, a suspension processing unit 17d, a suspension release data determination unit 17e, and a suspension processing unit. It has a release data setting section 17f.

When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits card insertion notification data including the device ID of the own device status data 16a and the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40. FIG. Further, when the data management unit 17a receives data including value data (at least one of the prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of stored balls) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 17a updates the card data 16b with the received value data. . The data management unit 17a appropriately controls the display operation unit 13 to display the prepaid value, the number of owned balls, and the number of stored balls indicated in the card data 16b.

Further, when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits payment notification data including the amount of the inserted banknote, the card ID, and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the card management device 40 .

Further, the data management unit 17a transmits ball lending request data including the card ID and the device ID to the card management device 40 when the player performs the ball lending operation. When ball lending permission data is received as a response to the ball lending request data, the data management unit 17a performs payout processing of a predetermined number of game balls.

Further, when the player replays the balls held, the data management unit 17a subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls held indicated in the card data 16b, and performs payout processing of the corresponding number of game balls. conduct.

Further, when the possible number of accumulated balls replay indicated in the card data 16b is 1 or more, the data management unit 17a displays a accumulated balls replay button on the display operation unit 13, and can accept the accumulated balls replay operation. and The data management unit 17a transmits accumulated ball replay request data including the card ID and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the member management device 50 when the player performs the accumulated ball replay operation. When the accumulated ball replay data is received as a response to the accumulated ball replay request data, the number of accumulated balls in the card data 16b is updated, and the game ball payout process of the payout unit number of the accumulated ball replay is performed. At the time of the first accumulated ball replay operation, the input of the personal identification number is requested, and the accumulated ball replay request data is transmitted on the condition that the personal identification number matches the personal identification number indicated in the card data 16b.

Further, when the player performs a card return operation, the data management unit 17a transmits to the card management device 40 ball-in-hand addition request data including the card ID, the device ID, and the number of balls-in-hand, and collects the card data 16b. is cleared to zero, card discharge notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is discharged.

In addition, the data management unit 17a subtracts the number of owned balls shown in the card data 16b when the player performs the operation to transfer stored balls while the member card is inserted, and the data management unit 17a By transmitting the accumulated ball addition request data to the management device 50, the owned balls are transferred to the accumulated balls. It is also possible to transfer accumulated balls using a portable terminal instead of using a membership card. Specifically, if the number of balls held is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and the mobile terminal is held over the holding unit 14b after a predetermined operation is performed, the data management unit 17a displays the number of balls shown in the card data 16b. By subtracting the number and transmitting the stored ball addition request data including the IDm read by the holding unit 14b, the owned balls are transferred to the stored balls.

The data management unit 17a can also perform processing related to the wagon service. The wagon service is a service in which a game clerk puts goods such as drinks and cigarettes in a wagon and goes around the amusement arcade to sell them to players who are playing games. In this wagon service, it is possible to pay with cash or the like, as well as with balls held or saved. When paying for the wagon service with balls or stored balls, a game clerk can issue an instruction to the inter-stand card processor 10 through a clerk terminal (for example, a remote control terminal), and the inter-stand card processor 10 can be used to settle the wagon service. state. Then, information capable of specifying the number of owned balls and stored balls to be subtracted as consideration is input to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . This input processing is performed by inputting numerical values through the display/operation unit 13 of the inter-machine card processing machine or the operation unit of the clerk's terminal. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the input, it waits for an employee recording medium (for example, a wagon card) to be used for the wagon service. When the wagon card is accepted, the data management unit 17a subtracts the input number of balls and stored balls from the number indicated by the card data 16b, and discharges it in association with the employee recording medium. In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives an employee recording medium without receiving an input of information that can specify the number of held balls or stored balls to be subtracted as consideration, settlement of the wagon service is performed. A process of returning the employee recording medium is performed without doing so. In addition, when accepting input of information that can specify the number of balls and accumulated balls to be subtracted as consideration during payment for the wagon service, the operation of replaying the held balls and accumulated balls and the operation of returning the recording medium are accepted. In that case, conflict between the two processes is suppressed by restricting the replay operation/return operation by rejecting it, or by canceling the settlement of the wagon service.

When game balls are thrown into the counting unit 18b, the counting processing unit 17b causes the counting unit 18b to count the game balls, and performs a process of adding the counting result to the number of balls in the card data 16b.

The card lock processing unit 17c is a processing unit that sets restrictions on card use, and corresponds to restriction means in the scope of claims. The card lock processing unit 17c stores the personal identification number in the card lock data 16c when the player initiates the card lock and inputs the personal identification number for the card lock, thereby setting the card lock.

The card lock start operation can be performed when the prepaid value or the value of the balls associated with the card is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, the prepaid value of 100 yen, 25 balls, etc.). Specifically, when the conditions are met, the card lock menu can be selected from the normal screen, and when selected, the password setting screen is displayed. Then, when the player inputs an arbitrary personal identification number with a predetermined number of digits (for example, a four-digit number), the inputted personal identification number is set as the personal identification number for the card lock. In this case, it is preferable to request the input of the same personal identification number as confirmation input before setting the personal identification number.

If the player returns the card while the card lock is being set, the card lock processing unit 17c causes the display operation unit 13 to display a request for input of the personal identification number, and the personal identification number entered by the player is displayed. On condition that the number matches the card lock personal identification number stored in the card lock data 16c, the card is returned by the data management unit 17a. Then, when the card is returned, the card lock data 16c is cleared. In this way, if the card is locked, returning the card is restricted. In addition, while the card is locked, processing that uses the value associated with the card (lending of prepaid value, payout of balls, etc.) may be restricted.

When the player performs an operation to release the setting of the card lock, the card lock processing unit 17c causes the display operation unit 13 to display a request for input of the personal identification number, and the personal identification number entered by the player is displayed on the card. The card is unlocked under the condition that it matches the card lock personal identification number stored in the lock data 16c.

If the card being accepted is a membership card, it is possible to set the card lock regardless of the value conditions. number is set as the PIN number for the card lock. The card lock setting of the membership card is maintained until the card lock setting release operation is performed regardless of the value conditions.

The pause processing unit 17d is a processing unit that temporarily pauses the game. Specifically, when the hibernation processing unit 17d receives a hibernation start operation from a player, the hibernation processing unit 17d determines whether existing information that can be used as hibernation cancellation data used for canceling the hibernation exists in the hibernation cancellation data determination unit 17e. is determined, the hibernation cancellation data setting unit 17f is caused to set hibernation cancellation data, and the hibernation state is started.

In addition, the pause processing unit 17d starts counting the remaining time when the pause state starts. Then, if the rest cancellation data is received before the remaining time reaches 0, the rest state is canceled and the game is restarted. On the other hand, when the remaining time becomes 0, the hibernation state is canceled or an error down is performed. Processing when the remaining time becomes 0 will be described later.

Further, if there are a plurality of pieces of pause cancellation data, the pause processing unit 17d cancels the pause state when any piece of pause cancellation data is received. Specifically, the hibernation release data includes a personal identification number and a medium ID. If both are set, the pause processing unit 17d accepts either the personal identification number or the medium ID to cancel the pause state.

In the pause processing section 17d, the pause processing section 17d prohibits the processing that accompanies the increase/decrease of the value used when making the game ball usable. Specifically, some or all of the processing such as deposit, ball rental processing, replay processing of owned balls and stored balls, counting processing of counting acquired game balls and adding them to owned balls, card insertion, card ejection, etc. prohibited.

The suspension cancellation data determination unit 17e is a processing unit that determines whether existing information that can be used as suspension cancellation data exists. Specifically, member authentication information for authenticating member players, that is, membership card passwords and card lock passwords are existing information that can be used as pause release data. Whether or not the membership card has a personal identification number is determined by referring to the card data 16b. Further, whether or not there is a card lock password is determined by referring to the card lock data 16c.

The hibernation cancellation data setting unit 17f is a processing unit that sets hibernation cancellation data used for canceling the hibernation state. If the password for the membership card or the password for the card lock exists as a result of the determination by the suspend release data determination unit 17e, the suspend release data setting unit 17f sets the password as suspend release data.

Further, when the medium ID is read after the pause processing unit 17d receives the pause state start operation from the player, the pause cancellation data setting unit 17f sets the read medium ID as the pause cancellation data. .

As the medium ID, a unique identification number (IDm) of an IC chip of a mobile terminal equipped with a contactless communication function can be used. Alternatively, it may be a unique identification number of an IC chip embedded in a general IC card issued by financial institutions or transportation facilities. Such a unique identification number of the IC chip can be read by a card processing machine between machines that complies with a standard (for example, Felica (registered trademark), MIFARE (registered trademark), etc.) that enables RFID (Radio-Frequency-Identification) communication. It can be acquired by providing a unit and reading the unique identification information from the IC card. In FIG. 3, the holding unit 14b functions as a medium ID reading unit.

The suspend release data setting unit 17f requests registration of new suspend release data when the medium ID is not read and neither the membership card password nor the card lock password exists. Then, when the player inputs an arbitrary personal identification number having a predetermined number of digits (for example, a four-digit number), the inputted personal identification number is set as pause release data. In this case, it is preferable to request the input of the same personal identification number as confirmation input before setting the personal identification number.

Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 will be described. 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. FIG.

The own device state data 16a shown in FIG. 5(a) indicates a state in which the ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "3001" and "ball 1" is set as the game type of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. ing.

The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "1001". Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, a card with the first digit "1" is a general card, and a card with the first digit "2" is a membership card. Also, the card data 16b indicates a state where the prepaid value is "2000 points". Here, one degree of the prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen. Further, the card data 16b indicates that the number of balls held by ball 1 is "375 balls", the number of balls held by ball 2 is "500 balls", and the number of balls held by ball 3 is "2000 balls". showing.

The card data 16b can store a personal identification number, the number of replayable accumulated balls, and the number of accumulated balls of each game type as data related to accumulated balls. Therefore, these data are marked with "-" to indicate not applicable. Although the number of replayable balls is stored as the replayable number here, the number of replayable balls may be stored as the replay frequency. Although not shown, the card management device 40 also stores ON/OFF of a "lock" flag indicating validity/invalidity of the card in addition to the balls held, stored balls, and prepaid value in association with the card ID. , is turned ON by an employee's operation when the theft of the card is discovered. These data are also included in the card data 16b and stored. Furthermore, this "lock" flag can be set for each function ("use of accumulated balls", "boarding", etc.). , can also be used to prevent erroneous operations. In this specification, the term "entering" means converting the number of game media at a certain rate into the number of game media at another rate based on the ratio of the unit price of the game media. In a specific example, in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 associated with the 4-yen rate, using the number of balls X of the 1-yen rate, the number of balls X×(1-yen/4-yen)=X/4 can be exemplified. This "boarding" function can be enabled/disabled by the member management device 50 according to the management policy of the store.

The card lock data 16c shown in FIG. 5(c) stores whether a card lock is being set for the internal card or, if the card lock is being set, the card lock personal identification number. FIG. 5(c) shows a state where the card lock is "setting" and the card lock personal identification number is "1234".

The hibernation management data 16d shown in FIG. 6(d) indicates the hibernation state, remaining time, and hibernation release data. In FIG. 6D, the hibernation state is "starting" and the remaining time is "4:12". In addition, the same personal identification number "1234" as the card lock is set as the pause release data. Note that the medium ID has not been read, and is "-" indicating not applicable.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the start and end of hibernation. As shown in FIG. 7, if there is an existing password at the start of hibernation, registration of a new password is unnecessary regardless of whether or not the medium ID is read by contactless communication. Also, even if there is no existing personal identification number, registration of a new personal identification number is unnecessary if the medium ID is read by non-contact communication. However, if there is no existing personal identification number and the medium ID is not read by non-contact communication, it is necessary to register a new personal identification number.

If there is an existing personal identification number and the medium ID has been read, the hibernation state can be canceled by either accepting the personal identification number or accepting the medium ID. Also, if there is an existing password and the medium ID has not been read, the sleep state can be canceled by accepting the password. Also, if there is no existing password and the medium ID has been read, the hibernation state can be canceled by accepting the medium ID. If a new personal identification number is registered without reading the existing personal identification number or the medium ID, the hibernation state will be canceled when the registered personal identification number is received.

Next, a processing procedure for starting the hibernation state will be described. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure related to the start of hibernation. When the pause processing unit 17d receives a pause state start operation (step S101), the pause cancellation data setting unit 17f determines whether or not the medium ID has been read by non-contact communication (step S102).

If the medium ID has been read (step S102; Yes), the hibernation cancellation data setting unit 17f sets the read medium ID as the hibernation cancellation data (step S103). Then, the hibernation release data determination unit 17e determines whether or not there is an existing password (step S104), and if there is no existing password (step S104; No), the hibernation state is started ( Step S105), the process ends.

On the other hand, if the medium ID has not been read (step S102; No), the pause release data determination unit 17e determines whether or not there is an existing password (step S107). If there is no existing personal identification number (step S107; No), the hibernation release data setting unit 17f requests registration of the personal identification number. When the registration of the password is accepted (step S108), the pause release data setting unit 17f accepts confirmation input of the password (step S109), registers the new password in the pause release data (step S110), The hibernation state is started (step S105), and the process ends.

If there is an existing password (step S104; Yes, or step S107; Yes), the hibernation release data setting unit 17f sets the existing password as the hibernation release data (step S106), and starts the hibernation. (step S105), and the process ends.

Next, the time limit of the hibernation state and the processing when the time is exceeded will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the time limit of the dormant state and the processing when the time is exceeded. First, when the type of player is a member and the card is returned to start the hibernation, the time limit for the hibernation is set to 5 minutes. Then, when the time limit is exceeded, the resting state is canceled and the use by other players becomes possible.

If the type of player is a member and the hibernation state is started without returning the card, the time limit for the hibernation state is set to 10 minutes. Then, when the time limit is exceeded, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is error-downed so that the game cannot be played until the game clerk restores the machine.

If the player is of general type and has no prepaid value or ball value (for example, the prepaid value is zero and the player has less than 25 balls), the pause time limit is 5 minutes. Then, when the time limit is exceeded, the resting state is canceled and the use by other players becomes possible.

In addition, when the type of player is general, the player has prepaid value and value such as possession balls, and the card is returned to start the resting state, the time limit for the resting state is set to 5 minutes. Then, when the time limit is exceeded, the resting state is canceled and the use by other players becomes possible.

In addition, when the type of the player is general, the player has a prepaid value, a ball value, etc., and the resting state is started without returning the card, the resting state time limit is set to 10 minutes. Then, when the time limit is exceeded, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is error-downed so that the game cannot be played until the game clerk restores the machine.

Here, whether or not the type of player is a member can be determined by referring to the card data 16b and determining whether or not the card is a member card. However, even if the card is a general card, if the member can be identified by the medium ID set as the pause release data, the player is classified as a member.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sets the pause release information used for canceling the pause state, it determines whether there is existing information that can be used as the pause release information. If the existing information exists, the existing information is set as the hibernation cancellation information. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the player in relation to the paused state of the game, and improve the convenience.

Specifically, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 determines whether or not there is member authentication information for authenticating the member player, and if the member authentication information exists, the member authentication information can be set as

In addition, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 performs card lock processing that restricts the operation of returning the value (prepaid value, possessed balls, stored balls) used when making game balls usable in association with a card that is a predetermined storage medium. A unit 17c can be further provided to determine whether or not there is restriction release information used for releasing the restriction, and if the restriction release information exists, the restriction release information can be set as the hibernation release information.

Further, when the medium identification information is read at the start of the hibernation state, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sets the read medium identification information as the hibernation cancellation information, does not read the medium identification information, Moreover, when existing information does not exist, registration of new hibernation cancellation information can be requested.

Then, when the medium identification information is read and the existing information exists, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sets both the medium identification information and the existing information as pause release information, and reads the medium identification information or the existing information. Cancels hibernation when either of

In addition, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 suppresses processing associated with an increase or decrease in value used when making game balls usable in the pause state.

In the above-described embodiment, a detailed description of the form of the card, which is the medium associated with the number of game media, is omitted, but such cards include magnetic cards, IC (Integrated Circuit) cards, and the like. For convenience of explanation, a "card" is used as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to non-contact chips, sticks, portable terminals, etc. with built-in ICs.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case where a password is used as authentication information has been described as an example, but the authentication information is not limited to a password, and arbitrary data such as a character string for unlocking specified in advance is used. be able to.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case of using game balls as game media has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to the case of using medals for slot machines.

Also, the present invention may be applied to an enclosed game machine that uses game balls that are enclosed in the game machine. In closed-type gaming machines, the number of game balls that can be thrown onto the game board is managed as the number of playable balls, and when lending balls or replaying, the actual game balls are dispensed. Instead, the number of possible games is added.

Also, each illustrated configuration is a functional schematic, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of distribution/integration of each device is not limited to the illustrated one, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed/integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the machine and game management method according to the present invention are suitable for reducing the burden on the player in the paused state of the game and improving the convenience.

10 inter-machine card processing machine 11 status display unit 12 banknote transport unit 12a banknote insertion port 13 display operation unit 14 reader/writer 14a card insertion port 14b holding unit 15 communication unit 16 storage unit 16a own device state data 16b card data 16c card lock data 16d Pause management data 17 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Count processing unit 17c Card lock processing unit 17d Pause processing unit 17e Pause release data determination unit 17f Pause release data setting unit 18a Nozzle unit 18b Counting unit 20 Game machine 30 Island controller 40 Card Management device 50 Membership management device 60 Prize management device 80 Checkout machine

Claims (5)

A game machine that performs a game using a game medium and performs a process related to the game medium, comprising:
Pause processing means for temporarily pausing the game;
setting means for setting hibernation cancellation information used for canceling the hibernation state;
determining means for determining whether existing information that can be used as the hibernation cancellation information exists;
the setting means sets both the medium identification information and the existing information as the hibernation release information when the medium identification information is read at the start of the hibernation state and the existing information exists; if the medium identification information is not read and the existing information does not exist , request registration of new hibernation release information;
When both the medium identification information and the existing information are set as the pause cancellation information, the pause processing means causes the pause processing means to cancel the pause state when either the medium identification information or the existing information is received. Release
Each machine is characterized by: The determining means determines whether member authentication information exists for authenticating member players,
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said setting means sets said member authentication information as said pause cancellation information when said member authentication information exists. further comprising restricting means for restricting an operation of associating the value used when making the game medium usable with a predetermined storage medium and returning the value,
The determination means determines whether or not there is restriction release information used to release the restriction,
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the restriction release information exists, the setting means sets the restriction release information as the hibernation release information. 4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the pause state is a state in which a process associated with an increase or decrease in value used when making the game media usable is suppressed. A game management method that is installed in a game machine that performs a game using a game medium and that uses each machine to perform processing related to the game medium, comprising:
an operation receiving step of receiving an operation to temporarily suspend the game;
a determination step of determining whether existing information that can be used as hibernation cancellation information used for canceling the hibernation state exists;
When the medium identification information is read at the start of the hibernation state and the existing information exists, both the medium identification information and the existing information are set as the hibernation cancellation information, and the medium identification information a setting step of requesting registration of new hibernation release information when reading is not performed and the existing information does not exist;
a hibernation initiation step for initiating the hibernation;
a hibernation canceling step of canceling the hibernation when either the medium identification information or the existing information is received when both the medium identification information and the existing information are set as the hibernation cancellation information; A game management method characterized by including and .

Images