JPH04242683A - Managing equipment of game place - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily exchange a gift using a recording medium for gifts separately from a recording medium for a game while the increase in burden in respect of management of a game place is held down to the utmost. CONSTITUTION:A gift card 600 inserted through a card slot 104 is collected in a card storing portion 126 by card transport rollers 125a, 125b. In the card storing portion 126, a collected gift card 600 is stored, and at the time of reset counting for a game, if there are gained points, the lowermost gift card 600 is let out by a roller 130. In the gift card 600, information for specifying the gained points is recorded by a data write head 137, and the gained points is visually displayed by a head 133. The card is discharged from a card discharge port 105. As a once collected card can be reproduced, it is enough to prepare a small number of cards. As the gained points can be visually displayed on the gift card, a player can easily confirm the points.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a management equipment device for a game hall, and in particular, it is possible to exchange prizes by using the value acquired by players playing games using game machines installed in the game hall. The present invention relates to a management equipment device for a game hall.

0002

[Prior Art] This type of management equipment for game parlors has been generally known in the past, for example, by installing equipment in the game parlor to collect valuables such as prize balls won by players as a result of playing. There is a system in which players exchange prizes such as desired products at a predetermined place (for example, a prize exchange place).

However, in this type of conventional method,
There is a problem in that the more value a player acquires, the more the number of prize balls increases, making it difficult to transport them.

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, gaming halls have been proposed that are equipped with gaming machines that allow players to play using so-called prepaid cards, recording media on which information that can identify predetermined value is recorded in advance. . In the gaming machine of such a gaming parlor, by inserting this recording medium into the gaming machine, it is possible to play a game within the range of the value recorded on the recording medium.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problem regarding the acquired value, it is conceivable to record the acquired value on the recording medium for the game. However, in that case, there are many related gaming facilities, including the gaming facility where the recording medium was purchased, the gaming facility where the recording medium was used, and even the gaming facility where value was obtained using the recording medium. Complicated issues arise regarding the settlement of costs between parties.

[0006] In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to provide a prize card, which is a recording medium on which acquired value is recorded, separate from the recording medium for games. If information that can identify the acquired value is recorded on the prize card and paid out to the player at the time of settlement of the game, the prize card can be used as a recording medium for the game and a recording medium for specifying the acquired value. can be clearly distinguished, and the complicated problems mentioned above do not arise.

[0007] However, when using a medium on which information that can identify acquired value is recorded, such as a prize card,
The amount of acquired value cannot be easily known until the recording medium is read at a predetermined location. It may be possible to print information indicating the acquired value on the recording medium, but in that case, it would be difficult to reuse the recording medium, so the number of recording media used would increase, which would be a cost that cannot be ignored in the management of the amusement park. becomes.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game in which prizes can be easily exchanged using a recording medium for prizes in addition to a recording medium for games, while minimizing the increase in the management burden of a game parlor. The purpose is to provide field management equipment.

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems] A management equipment device for a game hall according to the present invention provides a game machine capable of playing games using a first recording medium on which information that can identify a predetermined value is recorded. A recording medium dispensing means for dispensing a second recording medium on which information capable of identifying acquired value obtained by a player as a result of playing a game using the gaming machine is recorded, the management equipment being an installed management equipment for a gaming parlor. The second recording medium includes a visible display means for visually displaying value information corresponding to acquired value specified by the recorded information, and the recorded information is rewritable and the recorded information is not rewritten. The present invention is characterized in that it includes a reusable recording medium that can be reused by changing the visual display of the visual display means to display content corresponding to the rewritten new recorded information.

0010

According to the present invention, information that allows identification of acquired value acquired by a player is recorded on the second recording medium. Value information corresponding to this acquired value is visibly displayed by the visual display means. Furthermore, the recorded information on the second recording medium can be rewritten, and the display content on the visible display means can also be rewritten. Therefore, the second recording medium can be reused.

[0011]

[Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a game card (the "first recording medium" in claim 1) and a prize card (the "second recording medium" in claim 1) in a management equipment device for a game hall according to the present invention. ”) is a diagram schematically showing the flow. In FIG. 1, game cards or prize cards flow in the direction of the arrow.

Referring to FIG. 1, first, unissued game cards are prepared. This game card is sold to a player by a card vending machine or the like. The game card has a value equivalent to a predetermined amount (for example, 1000
yen, 3000 yen, 5000 yen, etc.) is recorded, and a security code etc. are encoded at the time of payout.

[0013] A player brings this game card to a game parlor and inserts this game card into a game card reader provided in a game machine such as a pachinko machine. If the inserted game card is valid and the recorded value remains, the pachinko machine becomes ready to start playing. In addition, by inserting the previously acquired prize card into the pachinko machine, the player will be able to play in the same way.

As a result of the game, there are cases in which the value remaining on the game card or prize card is consumed, and cases in which new value is acquired. In the first case, that is, when the remaining value on the game card or prize card is consumed and the remaining score becomes "0",
The gaming machine becomes unplayable. At this time, the game card is returned to the player. Meanwhile, the prize cards are collected by the pachinko machine. The collected prize cards are
It will be reused as described below.

In the second case, that is, when new value is acquired as a result of the game, the following processing is performed. First, if there are remaining points on the game card, those remaining points are newly written on the game card. Then, this game card is paid out from the pachinko machine,
Received by the player. If there is a new value, that is, a prize score, the pachinko machine writes the newly acquired prize score into its stored prize card. This prize card is paid out from the pachinko machine and received by the player.

[0016] The player may use the prize card or game card to play a new game on another machine. Furthermore, by inserting the prize card into the card settlement machine, the player can receive a refund in an amount commensurate with the remaining points. Note that the remaining amount of the game card may also be refunded by payment.

[0017] In the pachinko machine, the game can be temporarily interrupted by pressing a dedicated game interruption button. Furthermore, it is possible to resume a game that has been interrupted, and it is also possible to make payment as is.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the main parts of the gaming hall management equipment device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a hall management computer included in the game hall management equipment device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view of a pachinko machine as an example of a gaming machine managed by the gaming hall management equipment device according to the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the game hall management equipment device according to the present invention includes a pachinko machine 100, a card vending machine 300 for selling game cards, and a system for paying out prize cards. A card payment machine 400, a pachinko machine 100, a card vending machine 300, and a card payment machine 40 for performing
Hall management computer 200 for managing
including.

The pachinko machine 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 includes a front frame 101, an operation handle 102 for the operator to operate the ball, and an ashtray 1 disposed on the lower front side of the front frame 101.
03, and a card insertion slot 104 provided at the lower front of the front frame 101 for accepting game cards and prize cards.
, a prize card payout opening 105 provided below the card insertion slot 104 for dispensing a prize card, and a game points display 10 for digitally displaying the player's game points.
6, an analog display 107 for analog displaying the game points, and a ball launcher 108 for launching game balls in response to the player's operation of the operating handle 102.
It includes a card reader/writer control section 109 that is provided behind the card insertion slot 104 and the prize card payout opening 105 and controls a card reader/writer for reading and writing information to and from the game card and the prize card. At the upper left of the pachinko machine 100, a winning display 110 is provided for displaying when a game ball enters a winning hole. Above the pachinko machine 100, there is a trouble switch 111 for the player to operate if a trouble occurs in the pachinko machine 100, and a trouble indicator 112 for displaying the trouble when the trouble switch 111 is pressed.
and is provided. At the lower center of the front surface of the pachinko machine 100, there are provided a payment switch 113 to be pressed when finishing the game and making payment, and an interruption switch 114 to be pressed to temporarily interrupt the game.

On the front of the card vending machine 300, a unique vending machine number 301 assigned to the card vending machine 300 is displayed. In addition, on the front of the card vending machine 300, there is a usable indicator 302 for indicating that the card vending machine 300 is available for use, and an usable indicator 302 for indicating that the card vending machine 300 is in a discontinued state. A discontinued use indicator 303, an input amount indicator 304 for displaying the total amount of money inserted by the player, and a bill insertion slot 305 for the player to insert a bill when purchasing a card are provided. It is being Behind the bill insertion slot 305 is a bill validator 306 that identifies the inserted bill, accepts the bill if it is genuine, and ejects the bill if it is not, and a bill validator 306 for discharging the bill if it is not genuine. A banknote storage section 307 for storing banknotes is provided.

A change outlet 308 is provided at the lower front of the card vending machine 300. Behind the change outlet 308, there are provided a banknote storage section 310 for storing banknotes used as change, and a banknote dispensing machine 309 for dispensing the banknotes stored in the banknote storage section 310 as change. ing.

[0023] At the front left center of the card vending machine 300, there is a display for selecting one of the five purchase amounts of the game card (for example, 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen). A selection switch 312 and a card payout port 313 for paying out a game card on which valuable information corresponding to the amount selected by the player is written are provided.At the back of the card payout port 313, A card stock section 314 for storing unused game cards; and a card writer section for taking out one card from the card stock section 314 and writing valuable information corresponding to the amount selected by the player. 31
5 is provided.

At the lower left of the front of the card vending machine 300, there is an input bill fullness indicator 316 for indicating that the bill storage section 307 is full with the input bills, and a change indicator for indicating when the change is out. A display 317 and a card out display 318 for displaying that the card stock section 314 is out of cards are arranged. At the bottom of the card vending machine 300,
Controller 3 for controlling card vending machine 300
19 are arranged.

At the top of the front of the card payment machine 400, there is a payment machine number 401 assigned to the card payment machine 400 and a usability indicator 4 for indicating that the card payment machine 400 is usable.
02, and a discontinued use indicator 403 for displaying that the device is in a discontinued state. Card payment machine 4
On the front right side of 00, there is a ball number display 404 for displaying the number of game balls corresponding to the value information recorded on the inserted prize card, and a ball number display 404 for converting the number of balls into an amount and displaying it. an amount display 405, a prize card insertion slot 406 into which a prize card is inserted, and a printer exit 417 from which paper on which payment information is printed by the printer is discharged.
and is provided.

At the back of the prize card insertion slot 406, there is a prize card reader 407 for reading valuable information recorded on the inserted prize card, and a prize card for storing the inserted prize card. A storage section 408 is provided. The printer 41 is located behind the printer exit 417.
8 is provided.

[0027] On the front left side of the card payment machine 400, there are provided a bill dispensing port 409 from which bills are dispensed as a result of payment, and a coin dispensing port 412 from which coins are dispensed as a result of payment. Behind the banknote dispensing port 409, there is a banknote stocking section 410 for stocking banknotes for dispensing, and a banknote stocking section 410 for taking out banknotes necessary for settlement from the banknote stocking section 410 and dispensing them from the banknote dispensing port 409. A banknote dispensing device 411 is provided. Behind the coin dispensing port 412, a coin dispensing device 413 is provided for stocking coins and dispensing the necessary amount of coins.

At the lower left of the front face of the card payment machine 400, there is a banknote shortage indicator 414 that indicates that the banknotes stocked in the banknote stock section 410 are running out, and a banknote shortage indicator 414 that indicates that the banknotes stocked in the banknote stock section 410 are running out, and a coins stocked in the coin dispensing device 413. A coin out indicator 415 that indicates a coin shortage and a prize card storage section 40
8 is disposed with a card fullness indicator 416 indicating that the card is full of stored prize cards.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the hall management computer 200 includes a computer main body 203 and a CRT (cathode) connected to the computer main body 203.
ray tube) 201, a printer 202, and a keyboard 204. Hall management computer 200 further includes a power supply circuit 212. Power circuit 2
12 and the computer main body 203 are connected to a power source via a backup power source 213 that can compensate for voltage drops in order to prevent information from being lost due to a power outage. The computer main body 203 includes a card vending machine 30.
0, a card payment machine 400, a pachinko machine 100, a pachislot machine 700, and the like are connected.

Referring to FIG. 3, computer main body 203
is supplied with power from the backup power supply 213, and is equipped with an MPU (Mi
cro Processing Unit) 206
, a storage device 207 of the MPU 206, a magnetic disk 208 connected to the MPU 206 for storing a large amount of data, a floppy disk driver 209 connected to the MPU 206, a CRT 201, a printer 202,
It includes a processing device 210 for connecting a keyboard 204 and the like to the MPU 206, and a data connection device 211 for connecting a card vending machine 300, a card payment machine 400, a pachinko machine 100, a pachislot machine 700, etc. to the MPU 206.

Processing device 210 of computer main body 203
A card writer 205 may be connected to the . The card writer 205 is for writing desired data onto a game card or a prize card. Card writer 2
By writing specific data into a game card or prize card using 05, a game program for the pachinko machine 100 is created so that the pachinko machine 100 etc. performs a predetermined operation when the card is inserted. can do. Therefore, by creating a card necessary for a desired test using the card writer 205, the operating state of the pachinko machine 100 etc. can be checked with a very simple operation.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the pachinko machine 100. Referring to FIG. 5, pachinko machine 100 is connected to a data connection device 211 of hall management computer 200, and is connected to a data connection device 211 for controlling each part of pachinko machine 100.
ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (
The card reader/writer controller 140 is connected to the MPU 117 and controls a card receiving/paying unit that inputs/outputs data to game cards and prize cards, and receives and pays for the data. The point display 106, analog display 107, winning display 110, settlement switch 113, and interruption switch 114 shown in FIG. 2 are all connected to the MPU 117. The pachinko machine 100 further includes a speaker 115 for generating various sound effects during games, and a game controller 116 for actually controlling the games played on the pachinko machine 100. The game controller 116 includes a shot ball sensor 15 for detecting shot game balls.
2, a foul ball sensor 156 for detecting foul balls that are not fired normally and return to the vicinity of the ball launcher 108; and a foul ball sensor 156 that detects winning safe balls that are normally fired and enter each winning slot. A safe ball sensor 160 is connected.

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the part of the pachinko machine 100 where cards are accepted and paid. Referring to FIG. 6, at the back of the card insertion slot 104, there are card transport rollers 125a, 125b for transporting the inserted card, and a card transport motor 124 for driving the card transport rollers 125a, 125b. It is provided. A card storage section 126 for storing the inserted prize card 600 is provided further behind the card transport motor 124 and the card transport roller 125b. At the bottom of the card storage section 126, a card feeding roller 13 is provided for feeding out the bottom one of the stored prize cards.
0 and a card feeding motor 129 for driving the card feeding roller 130. In the direction in which the prize card 600 fed out by the card feeding roller 130 advances, there are card conveyance rollers 132a, 132b for conveying the prize card further forward, and a card conveyance motor 131 for driving the card conveyance rollers 132a, 132b. and is provided. Card transport roller 132b
The further forward side leads to a prize card payout port 105.

Near the card insertion slot 104, there are a card sensor 138 for detecting that the inserted card is a game card, and a card sensor 120 for detecting that the inserted card is a prize card. and is provided. Both card sensors 120 and 138 are connected to a card reader/writer controller 140. Below the card conveyance roller 125a, there is a reading head 121 connected to the card reader/writer controller 140 for reading valuable information recorded on the inserted card, and if the inserted card is a gaming card. A data writing head 122 for writing new value information onto the game card at the time of payout is arranged. Below the card conveyance roller 125b is a data display/erase head connected to the card reader/writer controller 140 for temporarily erasing the recorded contents of the prize card when the card inserted from the card insertion slot 104 is a prize card. 123 is provided.

A card fullness sensor 127 is provided at the upper side of the card storage section 126, and is connected to the card reader/writer controller 140 to detect whether the card storage section 126 is full of prize cards. There is. At the lower side of the card storage section 126, the card storage section 1
A card shortage sensor 128 is provided to detect when the prize cards in 26 are nearly exhausted. The card full sensor 127 is used when discharging cards from the card storage section 126, and the card shortage sensor 128 is used when replenishing the card storage section 126 with prize cards.

A card sensor 1 connected to the card reader/writer controller 140 and for detecting the prize card fed out from the card feeding roller 130 is provided below the card conveying roller 132a on the side of the card feeding roller 130.
36 are provided. A writing head 137 is provided almost directly below the card conveyance roller 132a for writing information for specifying acquired value onto the ejected prize card. A display writing head 133 is provided between the card transport roller 132a and the card transport roller 132b for writing data to the visible display portion of the prize card 600 under the control of the card reader/writer controller 140. There is. The visible display portion of the prize card will be described later.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the card reader/writer 140 and the card receiving/paying section. Referring to FIG.
Card reader/writer 140 includes an MPU 146 having ROM and RAM. Card sensor 120, 136
, 138 are the detection circuits 120a, 136a, 13, respectively.
It is connected to the MPU 146 via 8a. Card fullness sensor 127 and card shortage sensor 128 are connected to MPU 146 via detection circuits 127a and 128a, respectively. The data reading head 121 includes the detection circuit 1
It is connected to the MPU 146 via 21a.

Data write heads 122 and 137 are connected to MPU 146 via a common write control circuit 142. A data display erasing head 123 for erasing the visible display of the prize card is connected to the MPU 146 via an erasing control circuit 143. A display write head 133 for writing a visual display on the prize card is connected to the MPU 146 via a display write control circuit 144. Card transport motors 124, 131, and 129 are all controlled by MPU 146 via motor drive circuit 145.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a prize card as a second recording medium used in the game hall management equipment device according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a back view of the prize card. FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the prize card of FIG. 8 taken along the line X-X. FIG. 10 is drawn in an exaggerated manner in the thickness direction of the card. Particularly with reference to FIG. 10, the prize card 600 includes a base sheet 606 and a spacer 60 formed on the surface of the base sheet 606 to form a display window 601.
7 and a transparent film 6 pasted on the spacer 607
08, a printed surface 604 formed on a transparent film 608 so as to leave a display window 601, and a base sheet 606.
A magnetic layer 605 for magnetic recording formed on the back surface of the magnetic layer 605 and iron powder 609 enclosed in a space defined by a spacer 607 between a base sheet 606 and a transparent film 608. .

Referring to FIG. 9, a magnetic layer 605 on the back side of the prize card includes a display track 602 in which information representing valuable information in a dot matrix is recorded, which is displayed in a display window 601, and a display track 602 in which information representing valuable information in a dot matrix is recorded, and a display track 602 is recorded on the magnetic layer 605 on the back side of the prize card. A data track 603 is formed in which data necessary for the process is written in a mechanically readable form. As shown in FIG. 9, the information necessary for prize payout includes the game store code, card issue date, card number, prize score, security code, and the like. In addition, in this embodiment, an example was shown in which the prize score is recorded as information that can identify the acquired value, but the prize score is not recorded in the data track of the prize card, but is stored in the storage unit ( For example, main memory 207)
The prize score is stored in correspondence with the card number, and at the time of game start or settlement, the prize score of the prize card is identified based on the card number of the prize card, and read from the storage section of the hall management computer. You may also choose to release it. In this case, the card number is information that can identify the acquired value. Even in this case, the object of the present invention can be achieved because the prize score stored in the storage section of the hall management computer can be recorded on the display track of the prize card.

Referring to FIG. 10, magnetic layer 605 is easily magnetized. The base sheet 606 is sufficiently thin, and the encapsulated iron powder 609 adheres to the magnetized portion of the magnetic layer 605. Therefore, by forming a magnetized region having a desired shape in the magnetic layer 605, the same shape as the region is formed in the display window 601 by the iron powder 609. The display window 601, the magnetic layer 605, and the iron powder 609 constitute visible display means.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the display writing head 133. Referring to FIG. 11, the display write head 133 has 13 dots each arranged in a 7×5 matrix.
5, each including heads 134a to 134n that perform display writing for one character. For example, head 134a
The magnetic layer 605 (
As shown in FIG. 10), a magnetic region having a desired shape can be formed. The heads 134a to 134n are each controlled by a card reader/writer controller 140.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the display window 601 showing a state (a) in which characters are formed in the display window 601 and a state (b) in which the characters are erased. As shown in FIG. 12A, display dots 141 are formed by forming magnetic regions using heads 134a to 134n and attracting iron powder to magnetic layer 605 (FIG. 10). If each dot 135 of the head 134a is controlled so that the display dots 141 constitute a desired character, the display window 601
A desired number sequence is formed on top. Using this number string, the acquired value, such as the number of balls held, can be displayed, for example.

[0044] The acquired value is displayed in the magnetic layer 605.
It can be completely erased by removing the magnetization (FIG. 10). FIG. 12(b) shows this state. In this case, since there is no iron powder attracted to the magnetic layer 605,
No display dots are formed, and the iron powder 609 moves freely within the display window 601.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, games and settlements using the game hall management equipment device according to the present invention are performed as follows. When a player plays a game using a pachinko machine or the like at this game parlor, the player first purchases a game card from the card vending machine 300. First, a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 305. The inserted bill is identified by a bill validator 306, and if it is an invalid bill, it is returned to the user. If the banknote is a proper banknote, the banknote is taken into the banknote storage section 307. The amount corresponding to the inserted banknote is displayed on the inserted amount display 304.

The player selects and operates the selection switch 312 within the range of the amount displayed on the input amount display 304. As mentioned above, game cards have denominations of 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, and 30 yen.
It is assumed that there are cards with five types of denominations: 00 yen, 5000 yen, and 10000 yen, and the selection switch 312
By pressing one of the buttons, you can specify the desired game card. The card stock section 314 is stocked with unused game cards in advance. The card writer section 315 takes out one gaming card from the card stock section 314, encodes necessary information such as valuable information corresponding to a specified amount of money and a security code, and pays it out from the card payout port 313. The player receives this game card and plays a game on the gaming machine 100.

If there is change, the bill dispensing machine 309 takes out the necessary bills from the bill storage section 310 for change. The removed banknotes are paid out to the player from the change outlet 308. The controller 319 monitors the operation of each block of the card vending machine 300, and the controller 319 monitors the operation of each block of the card vending machine 300.
14 is full of inserted banknotes, the input banknote fullness indicator 316 is displayed, and when the banknote storage section 310 does not have an appropriate amount of banknotes left, a change out indicator 317 is displayed in the card stock section 314. When the appropriate number of cards are no longer left, the card out indicators 318 are lit. When it becomes impossible to insert banknotes, when there is no more necessary change, or when there are no more unused cards, the display on the usable indicator 302 is stopped and the discontinued use indicator 303 is turned on.

When a player wants to play a game on the pachinko machine 100, the player inserts a game card or a prize card obtained in a previous game into the card insertion slot 104. Insertion port 1
04, the card reader/writer controller 140 shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 operates as follows. Card reader writer controller 14
The program executed by the MPU 146 of MPU 0 is
146 ROM (FIG. 7), and has a control structure as shown in FIG. Below, Figure 5, Figure 6,
The operation of the card reader/writer controller 140 when reading a card will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 13.

When the inserted card is a gaming card, the card sensor 138 detects that the inserted card is a gaming card, and sends this information to the card reader/writer controller via the detection circuit 138a. 140
give to If the inserted card is a prize card, the first card sensor 120 detects it and provides the information to the card reader/writer controller 140 via the detection circuit 120a.

Referring to FIG. 13, in step S1 of the program executed by MPU 146 of card reader/writer controller 140, it is determined whether card sensor 138 is on. If the answer to the determination is YES, control proceeds to step S25, otherwise control proceeds to step S2. In step S25, processing is performed when a gaming card is inserted. Although the details are omitted here, for example, if the game card is correct and there is a remaining amount, it is possible to play within the remaining amount, and each time the shot ball sensor 152 detects a shot ball, the remaining amount is subtracted, and the winning ball is When points are added due to the occurrence of a foul ball or a foul ball, it is processed separately from the remaining amount as point information to be written on the prize card at the end of the game. When the process of step S25 is completed, control proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, the card sensor 1
20 is on. If the answer to the determination is YES, control proceeds to step S17, otherwise control proceeds to step S3. From step S3 onwards, processing at the time of payment is performed, and this part of the processing will be described later. In step S17, the card reader/writer controller 140 controls the card transport motor 1.
24 in the normal rotation direction. Card transport roller 125
a and 125b rotate to convey the inserted card toward the card storage section 126.

During this transportation, in step S18, the reading head 121 reads information that can specify the valuable information written on the prize card, and the detection circuit 1
Card reader/writer controller 140 via 21a
give to

[0053] In step S19, it is determined whether the inserted card is valid. This determination is made based on the card information read in step S18. If the answer to the determination is NO, control proceeds to step S20, otherwise control proceeds to step S21.

[0054] When the control proceeds to step S20,
Since the inserted card is invalid, it is necessary to eject the card. Therefore, the card reader/writer controller 140 rotates the card transport motor 124 in the reverse direction. The card conveyance rollers 125a and 125b rotate in the opposite direction to the direction when the card is inserted, and the card is transferred to the card insertion slot 10.
Discharge from 4. Control then proceeds to step S24.

[0055] When the control proceeds to step S21,
Among the information read from the prize card, the pachinko machine 10 stores information regarding the effective points earned in previous games.
0 in the RAM in the MPU 117. In this game, the game will start from the stored valid points. Control proceeds to step S22.

In step S22, the data display/erase head 123 is turned on by the card reader/writer controller 140 via the erase control circuit 143. As a result, the card data recorded on the magnetic surface of the prize card and the information displayed on the display window 601 (see FIG. 8) are erased. Control proceeds to step S23.

[0057] In step S23, it is determined whether or not the collection of prize cards has been completed. The answer to the judgment is NO.
If so, control returns to step S21, otherwise control proceeds to step S24. Until the answer to the determination in step S23 becomes YES, the motor 124 is rotating normally, and the prize card is transported by the card conveying roller 125a,
125b. As a result, the prize card is taken into the card storage section 126. If the prize card 600 is completely collected in the card storage section 126, the control proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, the card transport motor 124 is turned off. Control then returns to step S1.

When a game card is inserted, the card is stopped under card conveying rollers 125a and 125b.

[0060] In this state, the player will play a game using the pachinko machine 100. The game is played as follows. Shooting ball sensor 152, foul ball sensor 156,
Information from the safe ball sensor 160 is given to the MPU 117 via the game controller 116. MPU11
7 is information from the game controller 116 and RAM
New points are calculated based on the score information stored in the. New points are displayed on the points display 106 and analog display 107 every moment. Every time a game ball wins, the MPU 117 activates the winning display 110 and the speaker 1.
15 to perform sound effects and winning display.

[0061] When the player finishes the game and makes a payment, he or she presses the payment switch 113. This information is MP
Given to U117. The MPU 117 calculates new points based on score information read at the beginning of the game, winning information during the game, and the like. The MPU 117 sends the calculated new points to the card reader/writer controller 1.
Give 40.

Referring again to FIG. 13, the card reader/writer controller 140 is connected to the MPU 1 of the pachinko machine 100.
17, it is determined whether information that the settlement switch is on is given. If the answer to the determination is YES, control proceeds to step S7, otherwise control proceeds to step S4. From step S7 onwards, payment processing is performed.

First, in step S7, the card feeding motor 129 is turned on. Among the prize cards stored in the card storage section 126, the lowest prize card is sent forward by the card delivery roller 130. Control proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, it is determined whether the card sensor 136 provided in the direction in which the prize card is sent out is on. Card sensor 136
When the tip of the prize card crosses just in front of it, the information is sent to the card reader/writer controller 140 via the detection circuit 136a. If the answer to the determination in step S8 is NO, control returns to step S7; otherwise, control proceeds to step S9. By repeating the processing in steps S7 and S8, the leading end of the prize card 600 advances to the position of the card conveyance roller 132a.

In step S9, the card feeding motor 129 is turned off. Control proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, the card transport motor 131 is turned on in the normal rotation direction. As a result, the card conveyance rollers 132a and 132b start rotating in the normal rotation direction. The prize card 600 is carried by the card conveyance roller 132a
, 132b, the card is conveyed toward the card payout port 105. Control proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, the score data calculated as a result of the game is written into the data track 603 on the back side of the prize card 600 by the writing head 137. Control proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the writing head 133 writes the prize card 60
Obtained points and the like are visually displayed on the 0 display track 602. Referring to FIG. 11, this writing is performed by the card reader/writer controller 140 for each of the heads 134a to 13.
This is done by recording a character string formed by a dot pattern on the magnetic surface 605 by controlling the on and off of each of the 4n dots 135. A display example of the display window 601 is shown in FIG. 12(a). Control proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, it is determined whether the written data matches the score data. If the answer to the determination is NO, control proceeds to step S15, otherwise control proceeds to step S14.

In step S15, since there is an abnormality in data writing, an alarm is generated.
The abnormality will be reported to the hall staff.

[0070] In step S14, the motor 131 continues to rotate until the card is ejected from the card dispensing port 105. Control proceeds to step S16.

[0071] In step S16, the card is dispensed from the card dispensing port 105, and the card is put out by the card transport motor 131.
is turned off. Control returns to step S1.

The above is the process when the inserted card is a prize card. It should be noted that if the result of the game is 0 points, the prize card 600 will not be paid out. Therefore, if a player plays a game using a prize card and no points remain as a result of the game, the inserted prize card 600 will remain in the card storage section 126. As a result, the used prize card 600 is rewritten to an unused state and stored in the card storage unit 126.

If the inserted card is a game card, the following process is performed in addition to the above-mentioned process at the time of payment. Referring to FIG. 6, card reader/writer controller 140 reverses motor 124. The game card is conveyed to the card insertion slot 104 side. At this time,
The card reader/writer controller 140 uses the write head 122 to update the remaining amount recorded on the gaming card to a new remaining amount that has been reduced as a result of being used for gaming. The game card with the updated balance recorded is inserted into card insertion slot 1.
It is discharged from 04. In this embodiment, the card is configured to be ejected from the card insertion slot 104 even when the remaining amount becomes 0.

Referring again to FIG. 13, control proceeds to step S.
3 to step S4, the card storage section 1
It is determined whether the card fullness sensor 127 provided above 26 is on. If the answer to the determination is YES, control proceeds to step S6; otherwise, control proceeds to step S5. In step S6, a processing alarm is issued. As a result, the staff member can
26 is full of collected prize cards, and the prize cards can be removed from the card storage section 126. In step S5, it is determined whether the card shortage sensor 128 provided below the card storage section 126 is on. If the answer to the determination is YES, control proceeds to step S6, otherwise control returns to step S1. In step S6, since there is a shortage of prize cards for payout, a processing alarm is issued. This allows the staff member to know that there are no necessary prize cards remaining in the card storage section 126, and allows the clerk to replenish the prize cards.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 2, when the player wishes to settle the bill using the paid-out prize card, he or she can use the card settlement machine 400. The player first inserts a prize card into the prize card insertion slot 406. The prize card reader 407 reads data such as acquired points recorded on the prize card. If the inserted card is not proper, the premium card reader 407 ejects the inserted card. At this time, abnormality processing such as an alarm may be performed.

[0076] If the inserted prize card is a proper one, the card payment machine 400 stores the prize card in the prize card storage section 408. Then, the number of balls corresponding to the acquired points read from the prize card is displayed on the number of balls display 404. Further, the corresponding amount is displayed in the amount display 405.

[0077] The card payment machine 400 has a banknote stock section 4.
A necessary number of banknotes for payout are taken out from the banknotes stored in the banknote 10, and the banknote payout device 411 is used to payout the banknotes to the player from the banknote payout port 409. Further, when coins are required for payment, the coin dispensing device 413 discharges the necessary coins to the coin dispensing port 412. The card payment machine 400 is
The payment details are printed using the printer 418. The printed paper is discharged from the printer outlet 417. This completes the payment using the prize card.

Referring to FIG. 3, card vending machine 300, card payment machine 400, pachinko machine 100, etc. are all connected to hall management computer 200, and provide data for hall management to computer 200. The computer main body 203 executes hall management processing based on hall management data provided via the data connection device 211. Information regarding the hall's sales processing, accident processing, etc. is displayed on the CRT 201 at any time, and is printed by the printer 200 if necessary.

As described above, according to the game hall management equipment according to the embodiment of the present invention, the prize card 600 is provided with a display window 601 for visual display so that the acquired points can be easily confirmed. is provided. Therefore, the player can easily know the points he/she has acquired. Further, the prize card 600 is temporarily stored in the card storage section after all records thereof are erased. Then, only when there are points acquired as a result of the game, those points are newly recorded and paid out to the player. That is, the prize card used in the game hall management facility device according to the present invention is reusable and can be used any number of times. The number of cards used does not increase indefinitely, and it can be realized at a much lower cost than when using non-reusable cards for the management of the game hall.

[0080] In the above embodiment, when selling game cards, unused game cards are stocked in the card vending machine 300, and each time a game card is sold, the game points corresponding to the amount selected by the player are What encodes is shown. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of types of cards may be prepared in advance on which necessary information is encoded, and a desired card may be sold according to the player's selection. Further, in this embodiment, a prize card can be used to play a game, but a prize card may not be used for a game.

Furthermore, such a prize card collection system can be implemented not only within the pachinko machine 100 but also throughout the hall. FIG. 14 is an example of such a system. Referring to FIG. 14, this system is provided at the bottom of the installation island of pachinko machine 100, and includes a card collection device 501 for transporting collected prize cards discharged from pachinko machine 100 to a predetermined position, and a card collection device 501 for transporting collected prize cards discharged from pachinko machine 100 to a predetermined position. A collection unit 505 that collects the cards collected by the device 501, a lifting lift 506 for lifting the prize cards collected in the collection unit 505 upward, and a lifting lift 506 for lifting the prize cards lifted by the lifting lift 506. From the card tank 500 for storing and the card tank 500,
It includes distribution rails 507 and 508 for distributing prize cards to each pachinko machine 100.

[0082] The card collection device 501 includes a belt conveyor 504 provided at the bottom of the pachinko machine installation island, and a motor 502 and a transmission belt 503 for driving the belt conveyor 504. The belt conveyor 504 is
This is for conveying the collected prize cards ejected downward from each pachinko machine 100 toward the collecting section 505.

[0083] When using a card collection system as shown in FIG. 14, the card storage section of the pachinko machine 100 is
It must be configured as follows. The top of the card reservoir communicates with the card distribution rail 508. A valve driven by a solenoid or the like is provided at the bottom of the card storage section. When this valve opens, the collected prize cards stored in the card storage section fall onto the belt conveyor 504.

[0084] At the center of the card storage section in the height direction, there is a pushing solenoid that prevents the prize cards above it from falling and pushes out the prize cards below it downward. It is provided.

With the card storage section configured as described above, the card collection system shown in FIG. 14 operates as follows. Referring again to FIG. 6, when the card fullness sensor 127 detects that the card storage section 126 is full of cards, the extrusion solenoid is first driven to remove the prize cards above the extrusion solenoid. Avoid falling. On top of that, card storage section 1
Open the bottom valve of 26. The extrusion solenoid pushes out the prize cards below it downwards. The prize cards stored in the lower half of the card storage section 126 fall downward from the valve and are transferred to the belt conveyor 504 in FIG.
fall on top. After closing the valve at the bottom of the card storage section 126, the extrusion solenoid is operated again, and the prize cards stored above are lowered to the bottom of the card storage section 126.

Referring to FIG. 14, the prize card dropped from Pachinko machine 100 onto belt conveyor 504 is conveyed by belt conveyor 504 into collection section 505. The prize cards collected in the collecting section 505 are transported to the card tank 500 by a transport lift 506. The prize card is temporarily stored in the card tank 500.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the card shortage sensor 12 provided in the card storage section 126 of the pachinko machine 100
8 has detected the lack of cards. This information is transmitted to the card collection system via the card reader/writer controller 140. From card tank 500,
Prize cards are distributed via card distribution rails 507 and 508 to the pachinko machine 100 whose card shortage sensor is turned on. The distributed prize cards are replenished into the card storage section 126 via the distribution rail 508.

[0088] In this way, by providing a prize card collection system throughout the hall, the prize cards can be used more effectively. In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, when selling a card having the same structure as a prize card as a game card with a card vending machine, the card tank 5
A distribution rail 509 may be provided from 00 to the card vending machine to supply prize cards to the card vending machine. By doing this, game cards are automatically supplied to the card vending machine. Therefore, the management of prize cards in the hall becomes very easy.

[0089]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to play games and exchange prizes using a second recording medium for prizes, which is different from the first recording medium for games. Due to the visual display means of the second recording medium, that is, the display window 601, the acquired value information recorded therein can be confirmed with the naked eye. Therefore, it becomes very easy for players to exchange prizes. Moreover, since the second recording medium can be reused any number of times, the number of second recording media can be kept very small. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the increase in the burden on the management side of the game hall.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1: In a game hall management equipment device according to the present invention,
It is a schematic diagram showing the flow of game cards and prize cards.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing main parts of a management equipment device for a game hall according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a hall management computer.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a pachinko machine.

FIG. 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion where cards are received and paid.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a card receiving and paying portion of the pachinko machine that receives and pays game cards and prize cards.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a prize card.

FIG. 9 is a back view of the prize card.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a write head.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing how a prize card is displayed in a display window.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a program executed by the card reader/writer controller.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a prize card collection system.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Pachinko machine 104 Card insertion slot 105 Prize card payout slot 113 Settlement switch 120, 136, 138 Card sensor 121 Reading head 122, 137 Data writing head 123 Erasing head 124, 131 Card transport motor 125a, 125b, 132a, 132b Card transport Roller 126 Card storage section 127 Card full sensor 128 Card shortage sensor 129 Card feed motor 130 Card feed roller 133 Display writing head 140 Card reader/writer controller 200
Hall management computer 300 Card vending machine 400 Card payment machine 600 Prize card

Claims (1)

[Claims] Claim 1: A management equipment for a game hall in which a game machine that allows games to be played using a first recording medium on which information that can identify a predetermined value is recorded, wherein a player a recording medium dispensing means for dispensing a second recording medium on which information capable of specifying acquired value acquired as a result of a game with the gaming machine is recorded, the second recording medium being specified by the value information; The display device includes a visual display means for visually displaying value information corresponding to acquired value, and the value information is rewritable, and when the value information is rewritten, the visual display of the visual display means is also rewritten. characterized by including a reusable recording medium that can be reused by changing the display content to correspond to recorded information,
Amusement park management equipment.