JP7366081B2 - gaming system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming system.

At the gaming parlor, players play games on gaming machines (pachinko machines, slot machines) using gaming media (balls, medals) lent out in response to deposits. In a gaming hall, a plurality of gaming devices (intermachines) are installed so as to correspond to each of the plurality of gaming machines. The gaming device has functions such as discharging game media acquired and counted through gaming to the gaming machine, and issuing a recording medium recording information regarding the number of gaming media that can be used for gaming on the gaming machine. .

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-225972

At a gaming parlor, when a player ends a game, he or she usually uses up all of the gaming media lent to him in response to his deposit, or uses a recording medium that records information that allows him to identify the number of remaining gaming media. Issue. Therefore, even a player other than the player who has finished playing at the gaming machine can easily determine whether or not the gaming machine is in a state where he or she can play the game.

However, there are rare cases where the player ends the game without using up the game media and issuing the recording medium, with the game machine still having the remaining game media. For example, after a player decides to end the game at a pachinko machine, prize balls may be paid out, and the game may end with a small number of pachinko balls counted. In such a case, other players other than the player who has finished playing cannot clearly understand whether or not they can play with the gaming machine.

Therefore, even if there are remaining gaming media, when an employee of the gaming hall determines that the player has finished playing, the employee must organize the gaming media by ejecting the gaming media from the gaming machine. There is. However, simply discharging the gaming media from the gaming machine causes a difference (error ball) between the number of gaming media lent by the gaming parlor and the number of gaming media returned to the gaming parlor. Therefore, after issuing a recording medium that records the size of the gaming media remaining in the gaming machine (counting data, credit data) in the gaming device, the employee must use the information about the gaming media recorded on the recording medium as a prize. Performs processing to read into an exchange device, etc.

Due to the above-mentioned circumstances, when a game is finished with the remaining number of game media remaining, the effort of the employees increases.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming system that can reduce the labor of employees.

The present invention provides a gaming device that is provided corresponding to a gaming machine that allows players to play games using valuables in a gaming parlor, and a gaming device that is capable of communicating with the gaming device, and that is capable of communicating with the gaming device. This gaming system includes a management device that manages value. The gaming device includes a value storage means for storing value to be used in a game on a game machine, and an issuing means for issuing a storage medium in which the value stored in the value storage means is associated in an identifiable manner. and an erasure instruction receiving means for accepting an erasure instruction for erasing the value stored in the value storage means in response to an operation by an employee of the gaming hall; , an erasing means for erasing the value stored in the value storage means, and a transmitting means for transmitting erasure information including at least value information for specifying the magnitude of the value erased by the erasing means. The management device includes a receiving unit that receives the erasure information transmitted by the transmitting unit, and a management unit that stores the erasure information received by the receiving unit. The gaming device is configured such that when the erasure instruction receiving means receives the erasure instruction, the size of the value stored in the value storage means is determined before the erasure means executes erasure of the value. comprising a determination means for determining whether the value is less than a predetermined value or greater than the predetermined value, and the determination means determines that the magnitude of the value stored in the value storage means is less than the predetermined value. If the means makes a determination, the erasing means erases the valuable value, and if the determining means determines that the magnitude of the valuable value stored in the valuable value storage means is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. In this case, the issuing means issues the storage medium, and the erasing means erases the valuable value.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming system that can reduce the effort of employees.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of a gaming system 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the intermachine machine 3 (gaming device) in the gaming system 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the management device 5 in the gaming system 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the gaming system 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the intermachine machine 3 (gaming device) in the gaming system 10 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the gaming system 10 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the gaming system 10 according to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the intermachine machine 3 (gaming device) in the gaming system 10 according to the third embodiment.

<First embodiment>
[A] Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of a gaming system 10 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming system 10 includes a plurality of pachinko machines 2 (gaming machines), a plurality of slot machines 7 (gaming machines), a plurality of inter-machine machines 3 (gaming devices), and a plurality of inter-machine machines. 8 (gaming device), a plurality of data display devices 9, a network 20, and an island computer 25.

In the gaming system 10, each of the plurality of pachinko machines 2 is provided with each of the plurality of inter-machine machines 3 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Similarly, each of the plurality of slot machines 7 is provided to be able to communicate with each of the plurality of inter-machine machines 8.

Each of the plurality of data display machines 9 is installed in each of the plurality of pachinko machines 2 and the plurality of slot machines 7. Here, the data display device 9 installed in the pachinko machine 2 displays information such as a slump graph, the number of starts, and the number of jackpots, for example.

The network 20 is constructed using communication devices (hubs, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) access points, etc.).

The island computer 25 is connected between the network 20 and devices such as a plurality of pachinko machines 2, a plurality of slot machines 7, a plurality of inter-machine machines 3, a plurality of inter-machine machines 8, and a plurality of data display machines 9. Intervening. In the following description, unless it is necessary to separately explain the pachinko machine 2 and the slot machine 7, the case where the gaming machine is the pachinko machine 2 will be explained as an example.

The gaming system 10 is provided with various peripheral devices in addition to the devices described above. Here, peripheral devices include a management device 5, a personal computer 5a, a prize dispensing machine 11, a payment machine 12, a counter 14, a ticket issuing machine 15, a prize management machine 16, a data publishing machine 17, a protocol converter 21, a modem 22, and a card. The gaming system 10 includes a center 23, a replay acceptance machine 24, and the like. Each of the devices described above is connected to a network 20.

Among the above devices, a prize dispensing machine 11 is attached to the prize management machine 16 (prize exchange device (POS)). The prize management machine 16 may be configured to be operated by an employee when exchanging prizes, or may be configured to be operated by the player himself when exchanging prizes.

The management device 5 is configured as an information gathering device such as a hall computer, a prize management device, a membership management device, etc., for example. The management device 5 is connected to a personal computer 5a that includes a function to refer to information on the management device 5.

The above-mentioned peripheral devices are capable of communicating with gaming machines such as the pachinko machine 2 and the slot machine 7. The information output by the gaming machine and each peripheral device is output to the management device 5 via the network 20 and then further transmitted to the card center 23 via the protocol converter 21 and modem 22. Note that communication of information from the modem 22 to the card center 23 is performed via a general communication line.

At the gaming parlor, players (member players, non-member players) not only have the value of money (banknotes, coins), but also the value recorded on the member card 27 and the non-member card 28. You can use it to play games on gaming machines. Specifically, when playing a game, a player uses game media lent to him by a game hall (gaming hall) according to its value. The member card 27 and the non-member card 28 are non-contact type recording media having an IC chip and an antenna, and are card-shaped or coin-shaped.

A card ID (recording medium identification information) is stored in the member card 27, and various information about the player who is a member is linked to the card ID. For example, value information such as membership number, frequency (converted the deposited amount into a value consumed in the game (converted to frequency)), out (launched balls), safe (supplied balls), amount spent, etc. It is linked to the membership card 27. In addition, the number of stored balls (in the case of slot machine 7, stored medals), the number of balls held (in the case of slot machine 7, medals held), points, wins and losses (safe minus outs), number of rental balls (slot machine 7, information such as number of loaned medals), type of gaming machine, historical information, daily information, weekly information, address, name, age, gender, favorite machine, contact information, PIN Information such as a number may be linked. Furthermore, the number of the gaming machine or the number of the gaming device on which the player is playing may be temporarily linked, or the time spent playing the game or the number of jackpots that have occurred may be aggregated and linked. . In the above description, "out" (balls fired) is sometimes referred to as "in" (number of balls inserted) in the slot machine 7. Furthermore, in the slot machine 7, "safe" may be called "out (number of medals paid out)". "Points" include visit points (points awarded when you insert the membership card 27 into the gaming machine), rental ball points (points awarded according to the number of rental balls), win/loss points (number of safes from the number of outs) Points are awarded to the losing player according to the difference between the points, and operating points are awarded according to the number of outs.

The non-member card 28 is, for example, shorter in length and width than the member card 27, and has a thinner shape, and can be distinguished from the member card 27 based on the difference in shape. It is. A card ID is also stored in the non-member card 28, and various information about the non-member player is linked to the card ID. In detail, information such as frequency, rental balls, balls held, and deposits are linked only for a predetermined period. However, the information that is linked is not limited to the above information, and any information that is necessary for game management may be linked as appropriate.

The information linked to the member card 27 and the non-member card 28 is managed by the management device 5, such as updating, erasing, and retaining. Although information such as a membership number and points is not linked to the non-member card 28, the management device 5 can hold such information so that it can be linked at any time.

[B] Configuration of Each Part The main parts of the gaming system 10 of this embodiment will be explained in detail below.

[B-1] Inter-stand machine 3
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the intermachine machine 3 (gaming device) in the gaming system 10 according to the first embodiment.

Here, the inter-machine machine 3 installed corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 will be explained. Since the inter-machine machine 8 (inter-machine medal lending machine) installed corresponding to the slot machine 7 is also similar, a description of the inter-machine machine 8 will be omitted.

The inter-machine machine 3 has a function of supplying pachinko balls (gaming media) to the pachinko machine 2, for example. As shown in FIG. 2, the inter-machine machine 3 includes a control section 30, a card reception section 31, a card processing section 32, a money reception section 33, an operation section 34, a display section 35, a lamp section 36, and a communication section 37. . Further, in this embodiment, the inter-stand machine 3 includes a counting section 300, a value storage means 301, and an erasing means 302. The inter-machine machine 3 may include a payout section for paying out pachinko balls to the pachinko machine 2. Each part constituting the inter-machine machine 3 will be sequentially explained.

The control section 30 is configured to centrally control the operations of each section constituting the inter-stand machine 3. The control unit 30 includes electronic components such as an arithmetic unit and a memory, and controls each unit by the arithmetic unit performing arithmetic processing using programs and data stored in the memory.

A member card 27 or a non-member card 28 is inserted into the card reception section 31 .

The card processing section 32 includes a reader/writer section 321, a card storage section 322, and a card issuing section 323 (issuing means).

The reader/writer section 321 reads the card ID from the member card 27 or non-member card 28 accepted as a recording medium by the card reception section 31. Furthermore, if the member card 27 or the non-member card 28 stores information regarding the number of points used in a game, the reader/writer section 321 reads that information in addition to the card ID. The read information is transmitted to the management device 5 as a card insertion signal together with information indicating that the card has been inserted. The reader/writer section 321 outputs the read information to the control section 30 and writes updated information under the control of the control section 30.

The card storage section 322 stores the collected non-member card 28 when the number of points used in a game becomes zero.

The card issuing unit 323 takes out the non-member card 28 from the card storage unit 322 and issues it from the card accepting unit 31 after, for example, newly storing the card ID and the latest information. Further, when the card issuing unit 323 issues a new non-member card 28, the card processing unit 32 transmits issuing information to the management device 5 under the control of the control unit 30. In addition to the information indicating that the non-member card 28 has been issued, the issuance information includes the card ID recorded on the new non-member card 28 and the latest value information stored in the non-member card 28. include.

In the present embodiment, the card issuing unit 323 issues the non-member card 28 with the value stored in the value storage means 301 identifiably associated with it.

The money accepting unit 33 is configured to accept money. The amount of money received by the money acceptance unit 33 is recognized by a device such as a bill recognition device. The recognized amount of money is converted into value information such as the number of points that can be used in games with the pachinko machine 2.

The operation unit 34 includes operation buttons such as a ball rental button, a ball rental button for replay, and a return button. The ball rental button is a button that is pressed when a player requests the rental of pachinko balls. For example, when the ball rental button is pressed once, pachinko balls worth 500 yen are rented out based on the frequency, and the pachinko balls are paid out from inside the pachinko machine 2. The replay ball rental button is a button that is pressed by the player when requesting replay (repayout of owned balls and stored balls). Payout for replay may be configured such that pachinko balls are paid out not from the pachinko machine 2 but from a payout section provided in the inter-machine machine 3. The return button is a button that is pressed when the player requests issuance or return of the member card 26 or non-member card 27. In addition, the operation unit 34 may have an input interface such as a touch panel or a keypad.

The display unit 35 has a display device that displays various information. The lamp section 36 is configured to turn on and off the lamp.

The communication unit 37 includes a communication interface and is configured to perform information communication with an external device. The communication unit 37 transmits, for example, the above-mentioned deposit signal and card insertion signal to the management device 5.

Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, the communication unit 37 receives an erasure instruction for erasing the value stored in the value storage means 301 in response to an operation by an employee of the gaming hall. Functions as a means of reception. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the communication unit 37 functions as a transmitting unit that transmits erasure information that includes at least value information for specifying the size of the value erased by the erasing unit 302.

The counting unit 300 includes a counter that counts the number of pachinko balls acquired by the pachinko machine 2 and outputs count data.

The value storage means 301 includes a storage device that stores the value (frequency, balls to be paid, balls to be paid, balls to be held, and stored balls) for use in games with the pachinko machine 2 . In this embodiment, the value storage means 301 stores, for example, the count data output from the counting section 300 as a value. Or, for example, if the pachinko machine 2 is an enclosed type pachinko machine that does not take out any pachinko balls outside the machine and circulates them inside the machine, credit data for the number of pachinko balls given by deposits (increasing by deposits or winnings) The value storage means 301 stores the data on the number of balls that decreases due to ball firing as a value. Note that in the case of an enclosed type pachinko machine, the counting section 300 and the payout section may not be provided.

The erasing means 302 is provided to erase the value stored in the value storage means 301 in response to the erasure instruction received by the communication unit 37 (erase instruction receiving means). The erasing means 302 is configured so that the arithmetic unit executes the above erasing according to the program.

[B-2] Management device 5
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the management device 5 in the gaming system 10 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the management device 5 includes a control section 50, an information aggregation section 52, a status monitoring section 53, a database section 54, and a communication section 55. The management device 5 includes devices such as electronic elements such as IC chips, electric circuits, and external devices (external devices), and is configured to operate according to various programs. In this embodiment, the management device 5 is configured to be able to communicate with each part of the gaming devices (the inter-machine machine 3, the inter-machine machine 8), and to manage the value.

The control unit 50 is configured to centrally control each unit that constitutes the management device 5. The control unit 50 includes electronic components such as an arithmetic unit and a memory, and performs control by having the arithmetic unit perform arithmetic processing using programs and data stored in the memory.

The information aggregation unit 52 is configured to aggregate information sent from each unit. In the information aggregation section 52, under the control of the control section 50, based on various information transmitted from each device (the island computer 25, the inter-machine machine 3, the inter-machine machine 8, the pachinko machine 2, the slot machine 7, etc.) , registers and aggregates game data and valuable value in the database section 54. Game data includes, for example, "out information" and "safe information" that can determine whether the game is in operation (during a game) or not in operation (the game has ended or the game is temporarily interrupted), and "ball information" that indicates an increase in the number of balls acquired. ``Increase information'', ``Card information'' indicating the insertion status of cards for members/non-members, ``Frequency balance'' indicating the number of credits held by the player, ``Amount spent'' indicating the amount spent by the player on the day. , "Number of balls stored", "Number of balls held", etc. indicating the number of balls held by the player.

In addition, the information aggregation unit 52 aggregates and manages information such as the number of starts and the number of jackpots, for example. Furthermore, the information aggregation unit 52 can also manage information such as whether or not there is a jackpot, whether or not the probability is changing, and the last update time of the table. The information aggregation unit 52 is configured to collect, for example, signals output from a gaming machine (pachinko machine 2, etc.) (a jackpot signal, a start signal, a winning signal, a probability change signal, an out signal, a safe signal, a signal regarding the number of pachinko balls to be ejected), Management of game information is executed based on signals (deposit signal, ball rental signal, replay ball rental signal) etc. output from the inter-machine machine 3. Further, the information aggregation unit 52 may be configured to manage gaming data as historical information, daily information, weekly information, or the like. For example, the information aggregation unit 52 manages data aggregated for each type of information, such as aggregating game data for each type of jackpot.

The database unit 54 (management means) includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive, and stores information. Here, the database unit 54 stores various game information as a table. The tables stored in the database section 54 are managed, for example, by the information aggregation section 52. When there are multiple tables, it is possible to manage the multiple tables in association by linking table-specific identifiers such as data numbers.

The communication unit 55 includes a communication interface. The communication unit 55 is provided to transmit and receive information (signals) to and from peripheral devices such as the pachinko machine 2 and the inter-machine machine 3 via the network 20, for example. It is also possible to communicate with an external payment institution's management device through the Internet or the like.

In this embodiment, the communication unit 55 functions as a receiving unit that receives the erasure information transmitted by the communication unit 37 (transmission unit) of the inter-machine device 3. The erasure information received by the communication unit 55 is stored in the database unit 54 (management means).

[C] Operation FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the gaming system 10 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, first, the value is stored (ST10).

Here, the negotiable value storage means 301 constituting the inter-machine machine 3 stores the negotiable value to be used in a game on the pachinko machine 2. Specifically, when a player obtains pachinko balls in a game, the obtained pachinko balls are discharged from the pachinko machine 2. At this time, the counting section 300 forming the inter-machine machine 3 measures the number of pachinko balls and obtains counting data. Then, the value storage means 301 stores the count data as a value.

As described above, when the pachinko machine 2 is an enclosed type pachinko machine, the value storage means 301 stores the credit data of the pachinko balls as the value.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not an erasure instruction has been accepted (ST20).

Here, the erasure instruction is an instruction for erasing the value stored in the value storage means 301, and is inputted by, for example, an employee of a game center by operating a remote controller (not shown). Ru. The erasing instruction is received by the communication unit 37 (erasing instruction receiving means) constituting the inter-stand machine 3, and the control unit 30 determines whether or not the erasing instruction is accepted. Alternatively, for example, the deletion instruction may be received by an employee performing a predetermined operation on the operation unit 34. Note that the deletion instruction is issued, for example, when a small number of values are left stored in the value storage means 301 and an employee determines that the player has finished playing the game.

If the communication unit 37 (erase instruction receiving means) determines that the erase instruction has not been accepted (No), the process does not proceed to the subsequent steps.

On the other hand, if the communication unit 37 (erasure instruction receiving means) determines that the erasure instruction has been accepted (Yes), the value is erased as shown in FIG. 4 (ST30).

Here, the erasing means 302 constituting the inter-stand machine 3 erases the value stored in the value storage means 301 in response to the erasure instruction received by the communication section 37 (erasure instruction receiving means). As a result, the count data and the like stored as a value in the value storage means 301 are erased.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, transmission of erasure information is executed (ST40).

Here, the communication unit 37 forming the inter-machine device 3 transmits the erasure information. The erasure information includes value information for specifying the amount of value erased by the erasing means 302. In addition, the erasure information includes information for identifying the gaming machine whose value was erased, information about the time when the value was erased, and the card ejected most recently when the erasure instruction was given. This includes information such as the card ID of the card and the time the card was ejected.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, reception of erasure information is executed (ST50).

Here, the communication unit 55 of the management device 5 receives the erasure information transmitted by the communication unit 37 of the inter-machine device 3.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, storage of erasure information is executed (ST60).

Here, the database section 54 (management means) stores the erasure information received by the communication section 55 of the management device 5.

[D] Summary As described above, in the gaming system 10 of the present embodiment, when the communication unit 37 (erasing instruction receiving means) receives an erasing instruction in response to an operation by an employee of the gaming hall, the inter-machine machine 3 , In response to the deletion instruction, the deletion unit 302 deletes the value stored in the value storage unit 301. For this reason, in this embodiment, an employee is responsible for checking the gaming machines in order to avoid a difference (error ball) between the number of gaming media lent by the gaming parlor and the number of gaming media returned to the gaming parlor. It is necessary to perform an operation for issuing a recording medium in which the value of the remaining game media is recorded in the intermachine machine 3, and a process for reading the information of the value recorded on the recording medium into the prize exchange device. do not have. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when the game is ended with the remaining amount of value, it is possible to prevent the increase in the effort of the employee.

Further, in the present embodiment, the communication unit 37 transmits erasure information including value information for specifying the size of the value erased by the erasing means 302. The erasure information is received by the communication section 55 (receiving means) in the management device 5 and stored in the database section 54 (management means). Therefore, in this embodiment, the valuable value deleted from the inter-stand machine 3 can be managed by the management device 5.

<Second embodiment>
[A] Configuration of inter-machine machine 3 FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the inter-machine machine 3 (gaming device) in the gaming system 10 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the inter-stand machine 3 of this embodiment further includes a determining means 303, unlike the first embodiment (see FIG. 2). Except for this and related points, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, descriptions of overlapping matters will be omitted as appropriate.

In the inter-stand machine 3 of this embodiment, when the communication unit 37 (erasure instruction receiving means) receives an erasure instruction, the determination means 303 determines whether the value is stored in the value storage before the erasure means 302 executes erasure of the value. The means 301 executes a determination process for determining whether the magnitude of the stored value is less than a predetermined value or greater than a predetermined value. The determining means 303 is configured such that a computing device executes the above-mentioned determining process using a program, for example.

[B] Operation FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the gaming system 10 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, as in the case of the first embodiment, storage of value (ST10) and determination of whether or not an erasure instruction is accepted (ST20) are sequentially performed.

If it is determined that the erasure instruction has been accepted (Yes), unlike the case of the first embodiment, whether or not the size of the value stored in the value storage means 301 is less than a predetermined value is determined. is determined (ST22). This determination process is executed by the determination means 303, as described above. The predetermined value, which is the determination criterion, is set to, for example, the number of times it is estimated that the player has left the game and finished the game.

If the determination unit 303 determines that the size of the value stored in the value storage unit 301 is less than the predetermined value (Yes), the value storage unit 301 stores the value as in the first embodiment. The erasing means 302 erases the valuable value (ST30).

On the other hand, if the determination means 303 determines that the size of the value stored in the value storage means 301 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (No), the card issuing unit 323 issues the storage medium. (ST24). Here, for example, a non-member card 28 is issued as a recording medium recording the value (count data and credit data) of the game media remaining in the game machine. Then, as in the case of the first embodiment, the erasure means 302 erases the value stored in the value storage means 301 (ST30).

After the value is erased (ST30), similarly to the first embodiment, transmission of erasure information (ST40), reception of erasure information (ST50), and storage of erasure information (ST60) are executed. Ru. Note that when the recording medium is issued in ST24, issue information may be transmitted in addition to or in place of the erasure information. Even in that case, the issue information is stored in the management device in the same way as above.

[C] Summary As described above, in the gaming system 10 of the present embodiment, when the size of the value stored in the value storage means 301 is less than a predetermined value, the value is stored from the value storage means 301. If the size of the value stored in the value storage means 301 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the value is deleted from the value storage means 301 at the same time as the storage medium is issued. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when the game is ended with the remaining amount of value, it is possible to prevent the increase in the effort of the employee.

[D] Modification FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the gaming system 10 according to a modification of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, in this modification, unlike the second embodiment described above, it is determined whether the magnitude of the value stored in the value storage means 301 is less than a predetermined value (ST22) If the determination means 303 determines that the magnitude of the value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (No), the elimination means 302 does not execute the elimination of the value (ST30) without proceeding to the subsequent steps. . Note that when the deletion is not to be executed, a display may be displayed on the display unit 35 so that it can be recognized that the deletion is not to be executed because the value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If the size of the value stored in the value storage means 301 is less than the predetermined value (Yes), the deletion means 302 executes deletion of the value (ST30). Therefore, in this modification as well, it is possible to prevent an increase in the labor and effort of the employees.

<Third embodiment>
[A] Configuration of inter-machine machine 3 FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the inter-machine machine 3 (gaming device) in the gaming system 10 according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the inter-stand machine 3 of this embodiment, unlike the case of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2), further includes a timer 305 and an erasure information storage means 306. Except for this and related points, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, descriptions of overlapping matters will be omitted as appropriate.

The timer 305 includes a timer that measures time from the time when the communication unit 37 (erase instruction receiving means) receives the erase instruction. In the present embodiment, when the time measured by the clocking means 305 reaches a predetermined value, the erasing means 302 erases the value stored in the valuable value storage means 301. By having this configuration, it is possible to store a small amount of value in the value storage means 301 for a game machine in which a player is temporarily away from the seat, such as by going to the restroom, for example, within 10 minutes from the deletion instruction. By executing the deletion later, you can give yourself a grace period until the deletion. In this case, the measurement by the timer 305 may be stopped by determining whether the player has resumed playing.

The erasure information storage means 306 includes a storage device that records the erasure information transmitted by the communication section 37. As described above, the erasure information includes, in addition to the value information for specifying the size of the value (count data, etc.) erased by the erasing means 302, the erasure information also specifies the gaming machine where the value was erased. information on the time when the value was erased, the card ID of the card ejected most recently at which the erasure instruction was given, and the time when the card was ejected. In this embodiment, the display section 35 (display means) of the inter-stand machine 3 displays the erasure information stored in the erasure information storage means 306 in response to an operation by the employee. For example, erasure information is displayed on the display unit 35 of the inter-machine machine 3 by an employee of the game parlor operating a remote controller (not shown).

[B] Summary As described above, in this embodiment, the timer 305 measures time from the time when the communication unit 37 receives the erasure instruction, and before the measured time reaches a predetermined value, Suspend the elimination of value. Therefore, during this time, it is possible to inform the players that the value will be erased at the gaming parlor. This makes it possible to prevent troubles and the like from occurring between players and players due to the deletion of valuables.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the display unit 35 displays the erasure information stored in the erasure information storage means 306, it is possible to produce effects such as allowing the player and the like to understand that the value has been erased.

[C] Modification Note that the erasure information stored in the erasure information storage means 306 may be used to make it possible to restore the erased value to the value storage means 301 of the inter-stand machine 3.

Further, as a result of determining whether the gaming machine is in an operating state or a non-operating state based on the occurrence of gaming data such as out information and safe information output from the gaming machine, the timer 305 measures the time that the gaming machine is in an inactive state, and It may be configured to further include the determining means 303 (see FIG. 5) of the second embodiment. In this case, the time measuring means 305 measures that the time during which the gaming machine is not in operation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the determining means determines that the magnitude of the value stored in the value storage means 301 is less than the predetermined value. If 303 is determined, the erasure means 302 may erase the value stored in the value storage means 301 without any operation by the employee. In addition, the clocking means 305 measures that the time during which the gaming machine is inactive is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the determining means determines that the magnitude of the value stored in the value storage means 301 is less than a predetermined value. If 303 is determined, the employee may be notified of the determination.

Furthermore, when the card accepted by the card reception unit 31 immediately before the deletion instruction is issued in the inter-machine machine 3 is the non-member card 28 (if the previous player is a non-member), the above process is executed. , when the card accepted by the card reception unit 31 is the member card 27 (if the previous player is a member), other processing may be executed. For example, if the card reception unit 31 in the inter-machine 3 accepted the membership card 27 immediately before the deletion instruction was issued (if the previous player was a member), the value stored in the value storage means 301 When erasing value, the value to be erased may be stored in the database unit 54 of the management device 5 in association with the card ID of the membership card 27 of the member. In other words, the membership card 27 may be configured to store balls.

<Others>
Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

2: Pachinko machine, 3: Inter-machine machine, 5: Management device, 5a: Personal computer, 7: Slot machine, 8: Inter-machine machine, 9: Data display machine, 10: Gaming system, 11: Prize dispensing machine, 12 : Settlement machine, 14: Counting machine, 15: Ticket issuing machine, 16: Prize management machine, 17: Data publishing machine, 20: Network, 21: Protocol converter, 22: Modem, 23: Card center, 24: Replay acceptance machine , 25: Island computer, 27: Card for members, 28: Card for non-members, 30: Control section, 31: Card reception section, 32: Card processing section, 33: Money reception section, 34: Operation section, 35: Display section, 36: lamp section, 37: communication section (erasure instruction receiving means/transmission means) 50: control section, 52: information aggregation section, 53: status monitoring section, 54: database section (management means), 55: communication section (receiving means), 321: reader/writer section, 322: card storage section, 323: card issuing section (issuing means), 301: value storage means, 302: erasing means, 303: determining means, 305: clocking means, 306 : Erasure information storage means.

Claims (4)

A gaming device installed in correspondence with a gaming machine that allows players to play games using valuables at a gaming parlor;
A gaming system comprising: a management device capable of communicating with the gaming device and managing the valuable value;
The gaming device includes:
a value storage means for storing the value for use in a game on the gaming machine;
issuing means for issuing a storage medium in which the value stored in the value storage means is identifiably associated;
erasure instruction receiving means for accepting an erasure instruction for erasing the value stored in the value storage means in response to an operation by an employee of the gaming hall;
erasing means for erasing the value stored in the value storage means in response to the erasure instruction received by the erasure instruction receiving means;
Transmitting means for transmitting erasure information including at least valuable information for specifying the magnitude of the valuable value erased by the erasing means ;
When the erasure instruction receiving means receives the erasure instruction, the size of the value stored in the value storage means is a predetermined predetermined value before the erasure means executes erasure of the value. determination means for determining whether the value is less than or equal to or greater than the predetermined value;
has
The management device includes:
receiving means for receiving the erasure information transmitted by the transmitting means;
management means for storing the erasure information received by the receiving means;
Equipped with
If the determining means determines that the size of the valuable value stored in the valuable value storage means is less than the predetermined value, the erasing means erases the valuable value,
When the determination means determines that the size of the value stored in the value storage means is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the issuing means executes the issuance of the storage medium, and the erasing means carrying out the elimination of the valuable value;
gaming system. A gaming device installed in correspondence with a gaming machine that allows players to play games using valuables at a gaming parlor;
A gaming system comprising: a management device capable of communicating with the gaming device and managing the valuable value;
The gaming device includes:
a value storage means for storing the value for use in a game on the gaming machine;
issuing means for issuing a storage medium in which the value stored in the value storage means is identifiably associated;
erasure instruction receiving means for accepting an erasure instruction for erasing the value stored in the value storage means in response to an operation by an employee of the gaming hall;
erasing means for erasing the value stored in the value storage means in response to the erasure instruction received by the erasure instruction receiving means;
Transmitting means for transmitting erasure information including at least valuable information for specifying the magnitude of the valuable value erased by the erasing means ;
When the erasure instruction receiving means receives the erasure instruction, the size of the valuable value stored in the valuable value storage means is a predetermined value before the erasing means erases the valuable value. determination means for determining whether the value is less than or equal to or greater than the predetermined value;
has
The management device includes:
receiving means for receiving the erasure information transmitted by the transmitting means;
management means for storing the erasure information received by the receiving means;
Equipped with
If the determining means determines that the size of the valuable value stored in the valuable value storage means is less than the predetermined value, the erasing means erases the valuable value,
If the determining means determines that the size of the valuable value stored in the valuable value storage means is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, the erasing means does not erase the valuable value;
gaming system. The gaming device includes:
erasure information storage means for storing the erasure information;
and display means for displaying the erasure information stored by the erasure information storage means in response to an operation by the employee.
The gaming system according to claim 1 or 2 . The gaming device includes a timer for measuring time from the time when the erasing instruction receiving means receives the erasing instruction,
The erasing means erases the valuable value when the time measured by the time measuring means reaches a predetermined value.
A gaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

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