JP7244372B2 - Prize Redemption System and Prize Redemption Method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a prize exchange system and a prize exchange method for exchanging prizes for the number of game media acquired by a player through games.

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.

The game media and prizes are exchanged at a prize counter provided in the game arcade. The prize counter is provided with a prize management device called POS (Point Of Sales), and the clerk uses the prize management device to exchange game media for prizes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The prize management device holds a prize master in which the number of exchanged game media is associated with each prize, and refers to the prize master when exchanging prizes, and exchanges prizes within the range of the number of acquired game media acquired by the player. doing.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-385

However, the conventional technology has the problem that it requires complicated work by the store clerk when exchanging prizes, and is not very convenient for players. Amusement arcades deal with a wide variety of prizes, and since they cannot be handled in a uniform manner, it is difficult to automate the exchange of prizes.

For these reasons, how to improve the efficiency of prize exchanges at game parlors, reduce the burden on the amusement parlors, and improve convenience for gamers has become an important issue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a prize exchange system and a prize exchange method that can improve the efficiency of prize exchange.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a prize exchange system for exchanging prizes for the number of game media acquired by a player, which is the number of game media acquired by a player. first prize exchange means for exchanging the number of acquired game media for prizes based on an operation; second prize exchange means for exchanging the number of acquired game media for prizes based on the operation of the player; determining means for determining whether the player should be guided to the first prize exchanging means or the second prize exchanging means; and guiding means for guiding the player based on the result of the determination by the determining means. characterized by comprising

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, the discriminating means discriminates the guide destination according to the type of the player.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, the discriminating means discriminates the guide destination according to the number of acquired game media.

Further, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the discriminating means discriminates the guide destination according to the game history of the player.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the determination means determines the second prize exchange means as a guide destination when the selection of the prize is delegated.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the determination means determines the second prize exchange means as the guide destination when the selection of the prize has been completed.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the second prize exchange means guides the player to the first prize exchange means when the prize cannot be exchanged.

Further, the present invention is a prize exchange method for exchanging the number of acquired game media, which is the number of game media acquired by a player through a game, with a prize, wherein the number of acquired game media is exchanged for a prize based on the operation of a store clerk. and a second prize exchange in which the number of acquired game media is exchanged for a prize based on the player's operation, which one should be the destination of the player. a guidance step of guiding the player based on the determination result of the determination step; and a prize exchange step of exchanging the prize at the destination of the guidance step.

According to the present invention, prize exchange can be made more efficient.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a prize exchange system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the game parlor. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the prize management device shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the prize management device shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the prize master shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the prize management device shown in FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the guide device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of discrimination of a guide destination. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the guidance device. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of counter operation. FIG. 11 shows an example of display when special prizes and odd ball prizes are handled at an unmanned counter. FIG. 12 is a display example when handling all prizes at an unmanned counter. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a modification of the layout.

Preferred embodiments of the prize exchange system and prize exchange 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, a prize exchange system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a prize exchange system according to this embodiment. In the amusement arcade according to this embodiment, an inter-machine card processing machine 10 is installed in association with the gaming machine 20 . The inter-machine card processing machine 10 is a device for paying out game balls using prepaid value, owned balls, and stored balls used for lending game balls, and the gaming machine 20 is paid out by the inter-machine card processing machine 10. This is a device that provides a game using game balls. In addition, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can count the game balls obtained through the game, add them to the balls in hand, and discharge the cards associated with the balls in hand.

When a player who has finished playing a game takes out a card from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and has the guide device 90 read it, the guide device 90 determines the destination of the player from the type of the player and the number of balls held. For example, if the player is a member player, the guidance destination is an unmanned counter. In addition, even a general player can be guided to an unmanned counter as long as the number of balls held does not produce a fraction when exchanged for a predetermined prize.

A prize management device 160 is installed at the unmanned counter. The prize management device 160 can accept a player's operation and exchange his balls for prizes. In other words, there is no need for a store clerk to intervene when exchanging prizes at an unmanned counter.

The guidance device 90 guides the staff to a manned counter when a clerk's response is required. A prize management device 60 is installed at the manned counter, and a clerk is stationed there. The prize management device 60 can accept an operation by a store clerk and exchange balls for prizes. In other words, the exchange of prizes at the manned counter is conducted through the intervention of a store clerk.

All prizes can be exchanged for prizes at the manned counter. On the other hand, at the unmanned counter, the prizes may be limited to specific prizes that are often selected for exchange or prizes that can be easily exchanged using an automatic machine.

In this way, a manned counter for exchanging balls for prizes based on the operation of a store clerk and an unmanned counter for exchanging balls for prizes based on the operation of a player are provided to discriminate where the player is guided. By guiding the players to a manned counter or an unmanned counter, it is possible to make the exchange of prizes at the game parlor more efficient, reduce the burden on the amusement shop, and improve the convenience of the players.

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. The island controller 30, the card management device 40, the member management device 50, the prize management device 60, the prize management device 160, the checkout machine 80, and the guidance device 90 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. It should be noted that there may be 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, and the winning sensor detects the passage (winning) of the game balls hit into the winning area. ing. Also, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize memory for storing how many game balls are given as prizes for each prize area.

Therefore, when the winning sensor detects that the game balls that have been hit pass through the specific winning area, the gaming machine 20 determines the winning balls to be awarded based on the stored contents of the winning ball memory and the number of game balls that have passed through the winning area. The number can be determined, and payout processing can be performed for the determined number of prize balls.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts payment, lends 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 a payment notification including the payment amount to the card management device 40, thereby changing the prepaid value to the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. - 特許庁add up. 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 a card insertion notification to the card management device 40 when the insertion of the card is accepted. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the balance of prepaid value, owned balls or accumulated balls from the card management device 40, it stores the balance. Then, when the balance of the balls in hand is received and stored, the balance in the balls in hands managed by the card management device 40 is cleared to zero by transmitting a ball subtraction request to the card management device 40 .

In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a ball replay operation, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls managed by its own device, and performs a payout process of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of balls. . Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a stored ball replay operation, it transmits a stored ball replay request to the card management device 40, thereby subtracting a predetermined number from the number of stored balls managed by the member management device 50, A payout process of game balls corresponding to the number of stored balls that has been subtracted is performed.

Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a re-play operation, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of possessed balls and accumulated balls of other game types, and performs payout processing of the corresponding number of game balls.

Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the card return operation, it transmits a ball-handed addition request including the number of balls-handed to the card management device 40, and after causing the card management device 40 to add the balls-handed, A card ejection notification is sent 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 management device that manages the prepaid value of the card, the number of balls held, etc. as card data.

When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processor 10, the card management device 40 associates the ID of the inserted card with the inter-machine card processor 10 and manages the prepaid card associated with the card ID. The value and the balance of balls on hand are transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. - 特許庁In addition, it transmits a card insertion notification to the member management device 50 and transmits the stored ball replay data and the like received from the member management device 50 to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 .

Further, when receiving a ball-in-hand subtraction request from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the ball-in-hand to zero, and receives a ball-in-hand addition request from the card processor 10 between machines. In this case, the number of balls indicated in the ball addition request is added to the balance of balls.

Further, when receiving a ball lending request from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID, and sends ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Send. When the accumulated ball replay request is received, the accumulated ball replay request 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 and the mobile phone Idm.

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, points, personal identification number, name, etc. are managed in association with the membership card ID issued to the member.

Upon receiving the card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 transmits accumulated ball replay data including the balance of accumulated balls and the personal identification number corresponding to the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification to the machine. Send to card processing machine 10 . Further, when the member management device 50 receives the accumulated balls replay request from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number from the balance of accumulated balls associated with the card ID indicated in the accumulated balls replay request. to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. 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 receiving 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 balance of the 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 acquired balls, stored balls, and owned balls. A card reader for reading a card ID of 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 information 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 balance of the balls possessed by the card ID. Also, when exchanging accumulated balls for a prize, the member management device 50 is requested for the balance of accumulated balls.

The prize management device 60 is installed at a staffed counter, which is a prize exchange counter staffed by a clerk, and performs prize exchange processing in response to operations by the clerk. The prize management device 160 is a terminal device that exchanges prizes in response to operations by players, and is installed at an unmanned counter. Like the prize management device 60, the prize management device 160 performs prize exchange processing for acquired balls, stored balls, and held balls. The prize management device 160 is connected to a card reader for reading card IDs of cards and a prize payout device for paying out prizes. When the prize management device 160 reads a card ID from a general card or a membership card (or reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal or the like), the prize management device 160 transmits the card ID to the card management device 40. to request the balance of the balls possessed by the card ID. Also, when exchanging accumulated balls for a prize, the member management device 50 is requested for the balance of accumulated balls.

The guiding device 90, as already explained, is a device that determines the guide destination of the player and guides the player.

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, acquires the prepaid value associated with the card, and stores the acquired prepaid value. Pay out the equivalent cash.

Ball lending processing when ball lending is performed by the 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 a message specifying the local address of the card management device 40 as the destination. This electronic message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, an address or arbitrary identification information specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and a ball lending request.

When the card management device 40 receives a telegram containing a ball lending request, the card management device 40 subtracts the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the telegram by a predetermined value (for example, 100 points when 1 yen = 1 point) to manage the card. The data is updated, and permission for ball lending is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the transmission source. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission performs the payout process of the number of game balls (for example, 25) corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

Next, a description will be given of the ball replay processing when the ball is replayed in the system shown in FIG. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a general card or a membership card, it transmits a message specifying the local address of the card management device 40 as the destination. This electronic message contains the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification information specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the rate of the inter-machine card processor 10. and a card insertion notification.

When receiving the card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processor 10, the card management device 40 notifies the inter-machine card processor 10 of the balance of the balls associated with the card ID in the message.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the balance of balls in hand received from the card management device 40 . Then, it transmits to the card management device 40 a telegram containing information specifying the card ID and a request to subtract the number of balls held. When receiving the ball-on-hand subtraction request, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the ball-on-hand specified by the card ID to zero. In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the replay operation of the balls held, the balance of the balls held is subtracted by a constant number, and the corresponding number of game balls are paid out.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, it transmits a telegraphic message including a request to add balls to the card management device 40 . This electronic message includes the card ID of the card to be discharged, the address or arbitrary identification information specifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, the balance of balls in each rate, and a request to add balls to the ball.

When the card management device 40 receives the ball-on-hand addition request, the card management device 40 updates the balance of the ball-on-hand for each rate associated with the card ID in the message to the received value.

Thereafter, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a card discharge notification to the card management device 40 and controls card discharge.

Next, a description will be given of accumulated ball replay processing in the case of replaying accumulated balls in the system shown in FIG. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 designates the local address of the card management device 40 as a destination when a membership card is inserted or identification information corresponding to the card ID is read from a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card. send a telegram. This telegram contains the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal; hereinafter referred to as card ID) and the inter-machine card processing that is the sender. It includes an address or any identifying information that identifies machine 10 and a card insertion notification.

The card management device 40 transmits a card insertion notification message to the member management device 50 . When the member management device 50 receives a card insertion notification message, the member management device 50 includes the personal identification number associated with the card ID in the message and the balance of the accumulated balls at the rate specified by the message. The accumulated ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the received ball replay data, and the balance of the accumulated balls indicated in the accumulated ball replay data is the payout unit number of game balls (the accumulated ball replay unit number. For example, 125 balls). ), it is possible to accept the stored ball replay operation.

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. Confirm that it matches the PIN number shown in .

When the personal identification numbers match, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a message specifying the local address of the card management device 40 as the destination. This electronic message contains the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification information specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the rate of the inter-machine card processor 10. and a request to replay the accumulated balls.

The card management device 40 transmits a stored ball replay request message to the member management device 50 . When the member management device 50 receives a telegram requesting replay of accumulated balls, it subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of accumulated balls at a rate specified by the telegram among the accumulated balls associated with the card ID in the telegram, Collected ball replay data including the balance after subtraction is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the stored ball replay data, updates the balance of the stored balls, and performs the payout process of the number of game balls corresponding to the number of units of stored ball replay. Also, it is determined whether or not the updated balance of accumulated balls has become less than the number of replay units for accumulated balls. If the updated balance of accumulated ball data is equal to or more than the number of units for replaying accumulated balls, it is possible to accept the operation for replaying accumulated balls again, and when the operation for replaying accumulated balls is accepted, a request for replaying accumulated balls is transmitted. It is not necessary to confirm the personal identification number in the second and subsequent stored ball replay operations. If the balance of the accumulated ball data after updating becomes less than the number of units for replaying the accumulated balls, the operation for replaying the accumulated balls cannot be accepted. 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 is illustrated, 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 accumulated ball replay data before the accumulated ball replay request indicates whether or not there is a balance necessary for replaying the accumulated balls, and it is not possible to find out that the balance is insufficient after receiving the ball accumulated replay request. be.

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 balance of the balls in the card management data at the time of the closing process, and if there is a ball whose balance is greater than "0", the balance of the balls is displayed as the card ID and the rate. together with notification to the member management apparatus 50 . The member management device 50 updates the balance of accumulated balls specified by the card ID and the rate by adding the notified ball balance. After that, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the balls to zero.

Next, the external configuration of the prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the prize management device 60 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the prize management device 60 has a configuration in which a housing for a game clerk and a housing for a player are connected by a communication line. The cabinet for the game clerk is provided with a store side display section 61, an operation section 62, a receipt issuing section 63, a card reader 67a and a clerk tag reader 67b. A customer side display section 64 and a portable terminal reader 67c are provided in the housing for the player.

By holding the card presented by the player over the card reader 67a, the game clerk causes the card ID to be read from the card, and specifies the balance of balls and accumulated balls associated with the card ID. The balance thus identified is used to redeem prizes for special prizes or general prizes. The game clerk can receive authority authentication by holding his own clerk tag over the clerk tag reader 67b.

The store-side display unit 61 is a display unit and operation unit for the game clerk who is the operator, and is composed of a touch panel color liquid crystal display or the like. Contents of prize exchange, operation guidance, and the like are displayed on the store-side display section 61 . The operation unit 62 is composed of a plurality of keys such as a numeric keypad, a dedicated key, and a mode key, and is used to input prize exchange operations.

The receipt issuing unit 63 is an issuing unit that issues various receipts such as a registration list and a tally list, and is composed of a thermal printer or the like.

A customer-side display unit 64 provided in the housing for the player is composed of a fluorescent display tube, a touch panel color liquid crystal display, or the like. By confirming the display contents of the customer-side display section 64, the player can confirm the balance of the balls and stored balls associated with the card. Furthermore, the customer-side display unit 64 can display the event information when it is notified of event information or the like as setting data from a host device (for example, the card management device 40). The customer-side display section 64 is also used for inputting a personal identification number when using stored balls. The mobile terminal reader 67c reads information corresponding to the card ID from the mobile terminal when a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card is held up. The number of balls held and the number of stored balls are specified by the information corresponding to this card ID.

Next, the functional configuration of the prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the prize management device 60 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, this prize management device 60 is connected to a communication line. The prize management device 60 includes the store side display section 61, the operation section 62, the receipt issuing section 63, the customer side display section 64, the card reader 67a, the clerk tag reader 67b, the mobile terminal reader 67c, the storage section 65, and the control unit 67. It has a section 66 and a communication section 68 . The communication unit 68 is an interface unit for the prize management device 60 to communicate with a higher-level device via a communication line.

The storage unit 65 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores the prize master 65a. The prize master 65a is data used when game balls are exchanged for prizes, and is received from, for example, the member management device 50 and stored.

The control unit 66 is a control unit that controls the entire prize management device 60, and has a prize management unit 66a and a prize exchange processing unit 66b. In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed. and the prize exchange processing unit 66b are caused to execute corresponding processes.

The prize management unit 66a is a management unit that uses the prize master 65a stored in the storage unit 65 to manage the number of exchange balls for special prizes and general prizes to be handled by the prize management device 60, and the like. The prize management unit 66a acquires the prize master from the member management device 50 and stores it in the storage unit 65 as the prize master 65a.

The prize exchange processing unit 66b transmits the card ID read by the card reader 67a or the portable terminal reader 67c to the card management device 40, and acquires the balance of the balls and accumulated balls associated with the card ID. The prize exchange processing unit 66b performs prize exchange processing for special prizes and general prizes based on the prize master 65a within the range of the balance of the balls and the accumulated balls.

Specifically, when a special prize exchange process is specified, the prize exchange processing unit 66b obtains a combination of types and numbers of special prizes that can be exchanged within the balance of the balls and accumulated balls, and Subtract the required number of balls from the balance of the balls held and stored. In addition, when the prize exchange processing unit 66b performs exchange processing for general prizes other than special prizes, the prize designated by the operation of the operation unit 62 is used as the exchange prize, and the number of balls required for exchange and the number of balls required for exchange are determined. Subtract from the balance of

Next, a specific example of the prize master 65a shown in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the prize master 65a shown in FIG. The prize master 65a shown in FIG. 5 is data that associates a prize code that uniquely identifies a prize with a prize name, group code, prize value, and the number of redeemable balls. Here, the group code is identification information for classifying and managing prizes. Group code "01" indicates a special prize that can be transferred for a predetermined value through a certain procedure. Group codes from "02" onward are general prizes including daily necessities other than special prizes.

The prize master 65a stores the prize code "0001", the prize name "grand prize", the group code "01", the prize value "1000", the number of balls exchanged for ball 1 "250", and the number of balls exchanged for ball 2 "500". ” and the exchange ball number “1000” of the ball 3 are associated.

Also, the prize master 65a stores the prize code "0002", the prize name "small prize", the group code "01", the prize value "100", the number of balls exchanged for ball 1 "25", and the number of balls exchanged for ball 2. "50" and the exchange ball number "100" of the ball 3 are associated.

Also, the prize master 65a stores the prize code "0100", the prize name "M Seven", the group code "02", the prize value "400", the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "100", and the number of exchange balls for ball 2. "200" and the exchange ball number "400" of the ball 3 are associated.

Also, the prize master 65a stores the prize code "0101", the prize name "rack", the group code "02", the prize value "420", the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "105", and the number of exchange balls for ball 2 " 210” and the exchange ball number of the ball 3 “420” are associated with each other.

Also, the prize master 65a stores the prize code "0600", the prize name "end ball candy", the group code "04", the prize value "12", the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "3", and the exchange balls for ball 2. The number "6" and the exchange ball number "12" of the ball 3 are associated.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the prize management device 160 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the prize management device 160 is connected to a communication line, and includes an operation unit 162, a receipt issuing unit 163, a customer side display unit 164, a card reader 167a, a clerk tag reader 167b, a mobile terminal reader 167c, and a storage unit 165. , a control unit 166 and a communication unit 168 .

The operation unit 162, the receipt issuing unit 163, the customer display unit 164, the card reader 167a, the clerk tag reader 167b, the mobile terminal reader 167c, and the communication unit 168 are the operation unit 62, the receipt issuing unit 63, and the customer display unit shown in FIG. It operates in the same manner as the unit 64 , card reader 67 a , store clerk tag reader 67 b , portable terminal reader 67 c and communication unit 168 .

The storage unit 165 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores the prize master 165a. The prize master 165a is data used when exchanging game balls for prizes. The prize master 165a may be the same as the prize master 65a shown in FIG. 4, or may be a part of the prize master 65a.

The control unit 166 is a control unit that controls the entire prize management device 160, and has a prize management unit 166a, a prize exchange processing unit 166b, and a player guiding unit 166c. In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed so that the prize management unit 166a and the prize exchange processing unit 166b and the player guiding unit 166c are caused to execute corresponding processes.

The prize management unit 166a is a management unit that uses the prize master 165a stored in the storage unit 165 to manage the number of exchange balls for special prizes and general prizes to be handled by the prize management device 160, and the like. The prize management unit 166a acquires a prize master from the member management device 50 or the like, and stores it in the storage unit 165 as a prize master 165a.

The prize exchange processing unit 166b transmits the card ID read by the card reader 167a or the mobile terminal reader 167c to the card management device 40, and acquires the balance of the balls and accumulated balls associated with the card ID. The prize exchange processing unit 166b performs prize exchange processing for special prizes and general prizes based on the prize master 165a within the range of the balance of the balls and the accumulated balls.

Specifically, when a special prize exchange process is specified, the prize exchange processing unit 166b obtains a combination of types and numbers of special prizes that can be exchanged within the balance of the balls and accumulated balls, and Subtract the required number of balls from the balance of the balls held and stored. In addition, when the prize exchange processing unit 166b performs exchange processing for general prizes other than special prizes, the prize designated by the operation of the operation unit 162 is used as the exchange prize, and the number of balls required for exchange and the number of balls required for exchange are determined. Subtract from the balance of

The player guidance unit 166c reads the card ID by the card reader 167a or the like, but outputs a message on the customer side display unit 164 to guide the player to the manned counter when the prize cannot be exchanged. The case where the prize cannot be exchanged is, for example, when the conditions for prize exchange at an unmanned counter are not met, or when the prize management device 160 designates a prize that cannot be exchanged.

Next, the configuration of the guide device 90 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the guide device 90 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the guide device 90 has a display unit 91, an operation unit 92, a card reader 97a, a store clerk tag reader 97b, a portable terminal reader 97c, a communication unit 98, a storage unit 95, and a control unit 96.

The display unit 91 is a display device that outputs a display to the player who is the operator, and is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like. The operation unit 92 is an operation key or the like that receives an operation input. Alternatively, the display unit 91 and the operation unit 92 may be integrally formed by using a touch panel display or the like.

The card reader 97a reads the card ID from the card presented by the player. The salesclerk tag reader 97b reads the identification information of the salesclerk from the salesclerk tag. The mobile terminal reader 97c reads information corresponding to the card ID from the mobile terminal when a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card is held up. A communication unit 98 is an interface unit for the guidance device 90 to communicate with a higher-level device via a communication line. The storage unit 95 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and stores various data necessary for the operation of the guidance device 90 and the operation history of the guidance device 90 .

The control unit 96 is a control unit that controls the guide device 90 as a whole, and has a guide destination determination unit 96a and a player guidance unit 96b. In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed so that the guide destination discriminating unit 96a and player guidance are performed. It causes the part 96b to execute the corresponding process.

The guide destination discriminating unit 96a is a processing unit that discriminates whether the guide destination of the player should be a manned counter or an unmanned counter. Specifically, the guidance destination determination unit 96a determines the type of player, the number of balls held, and the game history based on the information corresponding to the card ID read by the card reader 97a or the card ID read by the mobile terminal reader 97c. are identified, and the guidance destination is determined based on these. In addition, it is also possible to determine the guidance destination based on conditions such as whether the player has delegated the selection of the prize or whether the player has selected the prize in advance by operating the inter-machine card processing machine 10 or the like.

The player guidance section 96b is a processing section that guides the player based on the determination result of the guidance destination determination section 96a. Specifically, the player guidance section 96b can guide the player by displaying the guide destination and the route on the display section 91 .

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of discrimination of a guide destination. As shown in FIG. 8, the guide destination discriminating unit 96a discriminates the guide destination based on the player type, ball balance, game history, prize selection, and the like.

Specifically, the guidance destination determination unit 96a can "guide general players to a manned counter and member players to an unmanned counter" based on the player type. Further, the guide destination discriminating unit 96a can also "guide the member player to the unmanned counter if the player has a history of receiving an explanation of the unmanned counter" based on the player type.

Further, the guidance destination determination unit 96a can also "guide to an unmanned counter if fractions do not appear when exchanging for a specific prize" based on the ball balance. In the prize exchange, exchange with special prizes is given priority, and the remainder is often used for exchange with general prizes. Therefore, we decided to guide players to an unmanned counter on the condition that their ball balance becomes zero after exchanging for a special prize. Even without doing so, it is possible to greatly contribute to the efficiency of prize exchange.

In addition, based on the game history, the guiding destination discriminating unit 96a can "guide to a manned counter if the number of error balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined number" or "guide to a manned counter if the card is to be locked". can. The number of error balls is obtained by "number of lent balls + number of replayed balls + number of winning balls - number of shot balls - number of counted balls". A card to be locked is a card whose use is restricted due to loss or the like. In this way, it is desirable to guide the card to the manned counter and prompt the clerk to deal with the card that is likely to be used improperly.

Further, the guidance destination determination unit 96a can "guide the player to an unmanned counter when the player delegates the prize selection" based on the prize selection. This is because it is possible to exchange prizes within the range of prizes prepared at the unmanned counter.

Further, based on the prize selection, the guiding destination determination unit 96a can "guide the player to an unmanned counter when the prize has been selected and no balls are left". For example, a desired prize is selected by operating the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and prizes can be exchanged within the range of prizes prepared at the unmanned counter. be.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the guidance device 90. As shown in FIG. First, when the card reader 97a or the portable terminal reader 97c of the guidance device 90 accepts a card (step S101), the guidance destination determination unit 96a transmits the card ID to the card management device 40 and acquires card data (step S102), and the guide destination is discriminated based on the card data (step S103).

If the determined guide destination is the unmanned counter (step S104; Yes), the player guide unit 96b outputs a display to guide the player to the unmanned counter (step S105), and ends the process. On the other hand, if the determined guide destination is not the unmanned counter (step S104; No), the player guiding section 96b outputs a display to guide the player to the manned counter (step S106), and ends the process.

Next, a specific example of counter operation will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of counter operation. As shown in FIG. 10, when the counter type is a manned counter, it can be used by both general ball game customers and member players, and the prizes handled are all prizes. Let this operation pattern be an operation pattern name P1.

If the counter type is an unmanned counter and the player type is a member player, the operation in which there is no prize to be handled, that is, the exchange is impossible, is referred to as an operation pattern name P2. Further, when the counter type is an unmanned counter and the player type is a member player, only the special prizes are treated and the rest of the odd balls are transferred to the stored balls.

Further, when the counter type is an unmanned counter and the player type is a member player, the operation pattern name P4 is to use special prizes and odd ball prizes as prizes to be handled. Further, when the counter type is an unmanned counter and the player type is a member player, the operation pattern name P5 is to treat prizes as special prizes, edge ball prizes, and cigarettes. Then, when the counter type is an unmanned counter and the player type is a member player, an operation in which all prizes are dealt with is referred to as an operation pattern name P5.

If the counter type is an unmanned counter and the player type is a general player, the operation in which there is no prize to be handled, that is, the exchange is not allowed, is referred to as an operation pattern name P7. Further, when the counter type is an unmanned counter and the player type is a general player, only special prizes are handled, and the operation pattern name P8 is to take in the remaining odd balls.

Further, when the counter type is an unmanned counter and the player type is a general player, an operation pattern name P9 is used in which special prizes and odd ball prizes are handled as prizes. Further, when the counter type is an unmanned counter and the player type is a general player, an operation pattern name P10 is defined as special prizes, edge ball prizes, and cigarettes as prizes to be handled. Then, when the counter type is the unmanned counter and the player type is the general player, the operation pattern name P11 is set such that the prizes handled are all prizes.

When manned counters and unmanned counters are used together, the manned counter is operated at P1, and the unmanned counter is operated by combining one of P2 to P6 and one of P7 to P11.

Next, an example of display by the prize management device 160 will be described. FIG. 11 shows an example of display when special prizes and odd ball prizes are handled at an unmanned counter. That is, it is a display example when P4 and P9 shown in FIG. 10 are selected.

First, the prize management device 160 displays the balls associated with the card and asks for rate selection. In FIG. 11(a), any one of "4 yen: 2612 coins", "2 yen: 0 coins", and "1 yen: 1000 coins" can be selected.

When the selection of the rate is accepted, the player is asked to select the type of prize as shown in FIG. 11(b). In FIG. 11(b), one can be selected from "special prize" and "fancy ball prize".

Then, when the selection by prize type is accepted, the prize is selected as shown in FIG. 11(c). In FIG. 11(c), since the special prize is selected after the 4-yen rate is selected, a combination of special prizes is automatically selected. Specifically, for the ball of "4 yen: 2612 balls", "10 grand prizes, 2500 balls" and "4 small prizes, 100 balls" are selected, and the remaining number of balls is "12 balls". It has become. In addition, it is possible to select whether to store the remaining number of balls or to exchange them for a prize. For example, if the remaining number of accumulated balls is selected, the special prize is paid out from the automatic payout device, the owned balls are transferred to the accumulated balls, and the prize exchange is completed. It should be noted that only member players can accumulate the remaining number of balls, and general players have a choice of taking in the odd ball or exchanging it for the odd ball prize.

Next, an example of display by the prize management device 160 will be described. FIG. 12 is a display example when handling all prizes at an unmanned counter. That is, it is a display example when P6 and P11 shown in FIG. 10 are selected.

First, the prize management device 160 displays the balls associated with the card and asks for rate selection. In FIG. 12(a), any one of "4 yen: 2612 coins", "2 yen: 0 coins", and "1 yen: 1000 coins" can be selected.

When the selection of the rate is accepted, the player is asked to select the type of prize as shown in FIG. 12(b). In FIG. 12(b), one can be selected from "special prize", "fancy ball prize", "cigarette" and "general prize".

Then, when the selection of prize type is accepted, the prize is selected as shown in FIG. 12(c). In FIG. 12(c), "8 grand prizes, 2000 balls" and the like are selected for "4 yen: 2612 balls", and the remaining number of balls is "0 balls". When the confirmation operation is performed in this state, the selected prize is paid out from the automatic payout device, and the prize exchange is completed.

Next, a modified example of the layout will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a layout modification. In FIG. 13, the prize management device 60 is installed at the manned counter, and the prize management device 260 is installed at the unmanned counter. Prize management device 260 has the function of guide device 90 in addition to the function of prize management device 160 .

In this layout, when a player who has finished playing a game takes out a card from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and causes the prize management device 260 to read it, the prize management device 260 guides the player based on the player's type and the number of balls held. determine the destination.

If the determined guide destination is an unmanned counter, the prize management device 260 exchanges prizes on its own device, and the player can leave the store as it is. On the other hand, if the guide destination is a manned counter, the prize management device 260 guides the player to the manned counter and has a clerk intervene to exchange prizes. Also, some prizes such as special prizes can be exchanged by the prize management device 260 at the unmanned counter, and then guided to the manned counter.

As described above, in the system according to the present embodiment, the number of game media acquired by the player through the game is managed as the number of balls held, and the balls held are exchanged for prizes based on the operation of the store clerk. A prize management device 60 as a means and a prize management device 160 as a second prize exchange means for exchanging balls in possession for prizes based on player's operation are provided, and a player is guided to the first prize exchange. Since it is discriminated which of the means and the second prize exchange means should be used and the player is guided, the efficiency of the prize exchange at the game parlor can be improved, the burden on the game parlor can be reduced, and the convenience of the player can be improved. can.

The guide destination can be determined according to the player's type, the number of balls held, the player's game history, and the like. Also, when the selection of a prize is entrusted, the second prize exchange means can be identified as the guide destination. Similarly, it is also possible to discriminate the second prize exchange means as the guide destination when the selection of the prize has been completed. Furthermore, when the second prize exchange cannot be performed, the player may be guided to the first prize exchange means.

In the above-described embodiment, the case of exchanging owned balls for prizes was described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to the case of exchanging stored balls for prizes. Also, the number of balls counted by the island-end counter may be printed on a receipt and output, and the number of balls counted may be read from the receipt and exchanged for prizes.

Also, the prize management device 160 may have a prepaid value adjustment function in addition to the prize exchange function. Also, prize exchange is not limited to payout from an automatic payout device or hand-delivery by a game clerk, and may be a buffet method. In the buffet system, a player selects a prize in a predetermined section, subtracts the number of balls for the selected prize, and exits the section.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the guidance destination is determined based on whether the player is a member player or a general player has been described as an example. Arbitrary elements such as the status of the amusement arcade (the number of customers, the status of the balls held, etc.), the inventory of prizes, etc. can be used to determine the guidance destination.

Further, 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, has been omitted, but such cards include magnetic cards, IC cards, and the like. For convenience of explanation, a "card" has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a case where a chip, a stick, a portable terminal, or the like is used other than such a card.

Also, each configuration illustrated 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.

As described above, the prize exchange system and prize exchange method according to the present invention are suitable for improving the efficiency of prize exchange.

10 inter-machine card processing machine 20 game machine 30 island controller 40 card management device 50 member management device 60, 160, 260 prize management device 61 store side display unit 62, 92, 162 operation unit 63, 163 receipt issuing unit 64, 164 customer Side display unit 65, 95, 165 Storage unit 65a, 165a Prize master 66, 96, 166 Control unit 66a, 166a Prize management unit 66b, 166b Prize exchange processing unit 67a, 97a, 167a Card reader 67b, 97b, 167b Salesclerk tag reader 67c , 97c, 167c mobile terminal reader 68, 98, 168 communication unit 80 fare adjustment machine 90 guidance device 91 display unit 96a guidance destination determination unit 96b, 166c player guidance unit

Claims (8)

A prize exchange system for exchanging prizes for the number of game media acquired by a player, which is the number of game media acquired by playing a game,
a first prize exchange means for exchanging the number of acquired game media for a prize based on the operation of a store clerk;
a second prize exchange means for exchanging the number of acquired game media for a prize based on the player's operation;
a determination means for determining whether the player should be guided to the first prize exchange means or the second prize exchange means;
and guidance means for guiding the player based on the determination result of the determination means. 2. A prize exchange system according to claim 1, wherein said discriminating means discriminates said guide destination according to the type of said player. 3. The prize exchange system according to claim 1, wherein the determination means determines the guide destination according to the number of acquired game media. 4. A prize exchange system according to claim 1, wherein said discriminating means discriminates said guide destination according to the game history of said player. 5. The prize exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the discrimination means discriminates the second prize exchange means as a guide destination when the selection of the prize is delegated. 6. The prize exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the discrimination means discriminates the second prize exchange means as a guide destination when the selection of the prize has been completed. . 7. The second prize exchange means guides the player to the first prize exchange means when the second prize exchange means cannot exchange for a prize. prize redemption system. A prize exchange method for exchanging a prize for the number of game media acquired by a player, which is the number of game media acquired by a player, comprising:
Of a first prize exchange in which the number of acquired game media is exchanged for a prize based on the operation of a store clerk, and a second prize exchange in which the number of acquired game media is exchanged for a prize based on the operation of the player, a determination step of determining which one should be guided to the player;
a guiding step of guiding the player based on the determination result of the determining step;
and a prize exchange step of performing the prize exchange at a destination of the guiding step.

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