JPH06134133A - Use history confirming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enhance serviceability to a customer by constituting the device so that various privileges are imparted, based on use history storage of accumulation storage information related to an accumulated value obtained by storing a negotiable value being equivalent to money in a storage medium, game history information related to the accumulation number of generation timer of a specific game state, etc. CONSTITUTION:In a game machine which can execute a game through an IC card inserted into a game machine 2, a use history storage means is provided in the IC card, and use history storage containing accumulation storage information related to an accumulated value obtained by storing frequency, etc., in the IC card by a player, accumulation exchange information related to an accumulated value obtained by converting the frequency, etc., to the number of PACHINKO (Japanese pinball game) balls, etc., or game history information related to be accumulation number of generation times of a special game state is stored therein. In such a state, based on each storage value, for instance, when it is decided that the total purchase of a negotiable value is large, a control signal of a fact for imparting a privilege is sent to a privilege imparting means in a specific control means by a privilege decision control means. In such a way, for instance, a privilege for imparting a premium to the present balance of the negotiable value, etc., is imparted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming system including a pachinko machine and the like, and more particularly, to use for confirming a use history of a storage medium used in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a slot machine (so-called "pachislot machine"). A history confirmation device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a game store, a game medium is exchanged for a game medium such as a pachinko ball within a storage range of a storage medium (a so-called prepaid card) in which a valuable value equivalent to money is stored, and a game is played on a game machine. The system is known.

[0003]

However, in the prepaid card system as described above, a so-called premium is generally added when the purchase amount is high, whereas the above-mentioned currently known methods are used. In the gaming system, even if a player purchases a card, the price will not be returned to the game store alone, and the price will be returned only to the game store that actually exchanged the game media with the card. Therefore, no premium is added.
In addition, personal data regarding the player such as a game history such as how many times the player has generated a special game such as a "big hit", the number of visits to the game store, and the like are not collected. Therefore, improvement in the above-mentioned conventional game system has been desired in business of the game store. The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a use history confirmation device capable of giving a privilege based on a use history of a storage medium of a player, such as utilization of the storage medium for a predetermined amount or more. The purpose is to provide.

[0004]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the use history confirmation apparatus according to the present invention uses a game medium based on the storage of the valuable value of a storage medium capable of storing the valuable value equivalent to money. A use history confirmation device for confirming the use history of the storage medium in a game system for exchanging and playing a game in a game machine, wherein accumulated storage information or accumulated value regarding the accumulated value stored in the storage medium is stored. A usage history storage that stores cumulative conversion information regarding a cumulative value converted into the number of the game media or game history information regarding a cumulative number of occurrences of a specific game mode in the gaming machine is stored in the storage medium. It is configured to include use history reading means for reading the use history storage from the means.

[0005]

According to the use history confirmation apparatus of the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, the accumulated storage information regarding the accumulated value in which the valuable value (frequency, etc.) equivalent to money is stored in the storage medium, or the valuable value of the game medium is stored. The usage history memory including the cumulative conversion information regarding the cumulative value converted into the number or the game history information regarding the cumulative number of occurrences of the specific game mode in the gaming machine is read, and various benefits are given based on the usage history memory. be able to.

[0006]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an IC card 1 which is an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure showing an example of composition of a game system using. As shown in the figure, by inserting this IC card 1 into a gaming machine 2 such as a pachinko machine or a pachi-slot machine, the valuable value stored in the IC card 1 can be converted into the number of game media, and the stored pachinko machine Each game can be played according to the number of game media such as the number of balls and the number of medals, and when each game machine 2 wins a prize ball or a medal, the number is written in the storage unit in the IC card 1. be able to.

This IC card 1 is issued by a card issuing machine 3 in a game store. The player throws cash into the card issuing machine 3 and purchases the IC card 1 in which a valuable value (frequency, etc.) corresponding to a certain amount of money is stored in advance. Also,
When the player has used up the valuable value of the already purchased IC card 1, the player inserts the IC card 1 in his hand into the card issuing machine in the store and throws cash, thereby
The number of valuable values of the C card 1 can be set to a value corresponding to the input amount.

The information of the IC card 1 is the gaming machine 2
It is sent to the card information collecting device 7 or the game shop management device 8 via the card issuing machine 3 and used for managing the game shop.

The player inserts the IC card 1 into the prize exchange control device 4 to convert the number of game media in the IC card 1 into a prize exchange rate and directly in the game store or at the prize exchange company 9. It can also be exchanged for free gifts.

The player can also use the IC card 1 to purchase drinks, foods, etc. from the vending machine 5 in the game store. In addition, since the IC card 1 can also store the game history and the card use history of the player at the same time, it is immediately possible to determine whether or not this game store is frequently used and frequently played by so-called "customers". Can be determined. This history can be read by the usage history confirmation device 6, and various benefits such as discounts on game costs and increase in prize balls can be given.

The sales amount of the IC card 1 is sent to the card sales management device 10 via the card information collecting device 7 and finally to the card company 11 that manufactures and sells the IC card.

Next, FIG. 2 shows an IC according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The external appearance structure of one specific example of a card is shown. As shown in the figure,
A semiconductor device I having a control and storage function is provided inside a card base 15 formed of a material such as plastic.
A C module 16 is provided, an input / output terminal section 17 is provided on the card surface for exchanging information with the outside, and a magnetic stripe 18 is provided as an auxiliary storage section on the card surface.
The IC module 16 has a control unit and a storage unit (not shown), and the control unit includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM (not shown).
Etc. are provided. In addition, as a storage unit, not shown E
PROM (electrically programmable ROM) and EEPRO
A semiconductor memory such as M (electrically writable / erasable ROM) or RAM is used.

Further, FIG. 3 shows an IC which is an embodiment of the present invention.
The external appearance structure of another specific example of a card is shown. As shown in the figure, a card base 15 made of a material such as plastic.
An IC module 16 which is a semiconductor device having a control and storage function is provided inside, an input / output terminal section 17 is provided on the card surface for exchanging information with the outside, and a display section 19 for displaying data is provided on the card surface. Consists of In addition, a ten-key pad or the like that can input an operation command from the outside may be provided on the surface of the card.

Next, FIG. 4 shows a more detailed structure of the IC card as a principle block diagram. As shown in the figure, I
The C card 1 includes an ID storage means, a valuable value storage means,
The game medium number storage means, the usage history storage means, the privilege control means, the game state storage means, the storage content display control means, the storage content display means, and the display switching operation means are provided. Here, the stored content display control means is a CPU (not shown) provided inside the card, and the stored content display means is a display unit 19 for data display provided on the surface of the card.
However, as the display switching operation means, an externally operable numeric keypad or the like provided on the surface of the card fulfills its function.

Next, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a more detailed structure of the above-mentioned game medium number storage means. As shown in the figure, the game medium number storage means is a game medium identification control means,
The game store identification control means, the game medium first storage means, and the game medium second storage means are provided. Here, the game medium identification control means and the game shop identification control means are the IC card 1
A CPU (not shown) therein performs the function. Further, the game medium first storage means and the game medium second storage means are ICs.
Not shown EPROM (electrically programmable ROM) or EEPROM (electrically programmable erasable R) in the card 1
OM) and RAM perform that function.

Next, the construction of a pachinko machine, which is an example of a gaming machine for playing a game using the above IC card 1, will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10.

As shown in FIG. 6, this pachinko machine 2A
Is provided with a game board 23 so as to close the window portion of the frame-shaped front frame 22 from the back side, and a game portion 25 surrounded by guide rails 24 is formed on the surface of this game board 23. Within the game portion 25, Various winning regions, obstacle nails, windmills, etc., not shown are provided. Further, at the lowermost part in the game section 5, there is provided an outlet 62 for taking in hit balls which have not been won. The pachinko machine 2A may be provided with a foul ball return prevention device 29 at the tip position facing the game portion 25 of the guide rail 24 in the case of adopting other configurations in addition to the above-described components.

Further, on the side of the pachinko machine 2A, when playing a game using the IC card 1 for the pachinko machine 2A, a valuable value is written to the IC card 1 in exchange for cash. The card issuing machines 3 capable of performing the operations may be arranged in parallel. The card issuing machine 3 is provided with a bill insertion slot 31 for a player to insert a bill and a coin insertion slot 32 for inserting coins, and a card control board 33 for control is provided therein. Has been.

This pachinko machine 2A is not a conventional pachinko machine in which a pachinko ball is placed in an upper plate and is launched by a launching device, and when a prize is won, the prize ball is discharged to the upper plate or the lower plate.
A predetermined number of pachinko balls are enclosed inside the pachinko machine,
A game medium stored in the C card 1 (a pachinko ball for a pachinko machine, a medium for playing a medal, etc. for a pachislot machine, a pachinko ball in this embodiment)
When there is a balance of the number of, the pachinko machine is of a type in which one ball is subtracted from the balance and the enclosed pachinko ball is sent to the one-ball launch position.

Therefore, the game board 23 of this pachinko machine 2A
A lower plate and a conventional lower plate are not provided below the table, but an operation portion 26 is provided. A card insertion port 28 for inserting an IC card is provided below the operation unit 26.
A firing dial 27A for controlling the firing of a pachinko ball and a single-shot switch 27B are provided.

The operation section 26 has a card insertion port 28 described above.
When the IC card 1 is inserted into the card, a card balance indicator 46 that displays the remaining frequency of the valuable value stored in the card, and the game medium of this pachinko machine from all or part of the above frequency The number of balls held is displayed and the number of balls held is displayed, which is the current number of balls (the number of game media) obtained by changing the number of pachinko balls.

Further, when one button operation is performed on the operation section 26, a predetermined frequency (for example, 1
A ball lending switch 43 for performing a so-called "ball lending" for converting the number of games (five or five, etc.) into the number of game media (the number of balls held), and a game for which the game is to be resumed but to be played again. An interruption switch 42 is provided for interrupting the game by ensuring the exclusive right of the gaming machine for the player.

In addition to the above, the operation section 26 selects an information display 44 for displaying other stored contents of the IC card, notification information from the amusement store side, and the display contents of the information display 44. Display select switch 41 for inputting, a numeric keypad 45 for inputting an operation command from the outside, and an IC when the player finally finishes the game on the game machine.
An end switch 48 operated to collect the card,
A launch power level indicator 49 for displaying the strike level of the hit ball launching device, which will be described later, is also provided.

In addition, on the front surface of the pachinko machine 2A, a call switch 53 to be pushed when the player wants to call an attendant of the game store, a function lamp 51 and a completion lamp 52 having various functions, and a sound effect are provided. Left and right speakers 54L, 54R and the like are provided to increase the height.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko machine 2A will be described with reference to FIG. On the back surface of the game board 23, the pachinko ball that has won the winning area is a safe sensor 66.
Is provided with a ball gathering portion 61, and the accessory control board 63 is provided behind the ball gathering portion 61. Further, the pachinko balls that have not won the prize are guided to the out sensor 67. Further, the pachinko ball that has been shot but returned to the guide rail 24 without entering the game unit 25 is guided to the foul sensor 68. These pachinko balls are shown in FIG.
Is led to the firing section at the left end of.

In the launching portion, the ball striking device 75 expels the one pachinko ball sent by the ball feeding solenoid 73. The first firing sensor 76 detects the number of firings.

Since the above-mentioned gaming machine 2A is of the "enclosed ball type" as described above, the enclosed pachinko ball of the enclosed pachinko ball is taken out for reasons such as taking out the pachinko ball when it is locked in the middle of the game part. The number may decrease. In such a case, if the number is extremely reduced, the game cannot be continued. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the number of enclosed balls so that the number does not fall below a certain number. Therefore, the enclosed ball sensor indicated by reference numeral 69 is arranged. However, some of the enclosed balls are being played in the game section 25.
Even if it exists inside, it is detected whether or not the pachinko ball remains at least to the right of this position. Then, when the number of enclosed balls becomes smaller than a certain number, the management device or the like of the game store is notified so that the attendant can replenish it from the enclosed ball inlet 72. The refilled enclosed ball passes through the enclosed ball polisher 71 and then is guided to the launching device. Also,
The enclosed ball polisher 71 may perform ball polishing every time all of the enclosed balls or a specific ball (for example, a ball that has passed the safe sensor 66) passes. The ball drop mechanism 74 is used when removing the enclosed ball from the game machine 2A.

A main body control board 77 and a card reader / writer 78 for reading the contents of the IC card 1 and writing the information are provided on the lower part of the back surface of the gaming machine 2A. Main body control board 7
7, a flight distance adjusting switch 81 for adjusting the firing force of the hitting ball launching device 75, a touch adjusting switch 82 for adjusting the sensitivity for detecting that the player is touching the firing dial, and a player. When the player stands up by pressing the above-mentioned interruption switch 42 but does not return to the game even after a lapse of a predetermined time, an interruption release switch 83 for the gaming shop staff to release the game interruption state, a failure of the gaming machine, etc. A reset switch 84 for temporarily resetting the state of the gaming machine
And a service ball switch 85 which is used when a pachinko ball is locked in the game unit 25 (such as sending a signal notifying that the ball is a safe ball to the game machine or servicing a predetermined prize ball). It has and.

8 and 9 show a foul ball return preventer 29 in the case of another configuration example of the pachinko machine 2A in FIG.
3 is a diagram showing a more detailed configuration of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the foul ball return preventer 29 is
4 is provided at the tip of the position facing the game section 25, the fitting section 98 is rotatably attached to the turning shaft 97 inside the upper cover 95 and the lower cover 96, and at one end of the outer circumference of the fitting section 98. The foul ball suppression piece 91 is provided with the detection piece 94 at the other end. The foul ball suppressing piece 91 is urged by a weak urging force, and the launched pachinko ball pushes the foul ball suppressing piece 91 open to enter the game section 25, but once the game section 25
When the pachinko ball that has entered the side tries to return to the inside of the guide rail 24, it is blocked by the foul ball suppression piece 91 and cannot return.

As shown in FIG. 9, the foul ball return preventer 29 is biased by a return spring 92 and has a detection piece 94 and a second firing sensor 93 provided on the opposite side of the foul ball restraining piece 91. By the cooperative operation of, the foul ball restraining piece 91 is pushed open to detect the pachinko ball that has entered the game unit 25. The second emission sensor 93 is composed of a photo detector or the like.

With the above construction, the hitting ball launching device 7
The pachinko ball is fired at 5, and then the second firing sensor 9
When 3 detects a pachinko ball, it can be seen that the pachinko ball has been normally fired and entered the game section 25. Therefore, when this state is reached, it is defined as "fired". On the other hand, if the second firing sensor 93 does not detect a pachinko ball after the ball has been shot by the hitting ball launching device 75, the pachinko ball does not enter the game unit 25 and goes backwards on the guide rail. It is a fouled state, which is not defined as "fired".
By rubbing the definitions in this way, the first firing sensor 76 and the foul sensor 68 in the pachinko machine 2A described above are unnecessary, and only the second firing sensor 93 can be used for processing.

Next, a more detailed principle block configuration of the above-mentioned pachinko machine 2A is shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 11 shows a more detailed principle block configuration of the prize exchange control device 4 and the game shop management device 8 described above. Then, a more detailed principle block configuration of the game interruption control means in the pachinko machine 2A is shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 shows a more detailed principle block configuration of the above. Further, FIG. 14 shows a more detailed principle block configuration of the use history storage means in the pachinko machine 2A and the use history confirmation device.

Storage and control in the IC card 1, the game machine 2, the prize exchange control device 4, the vending machine 5, the usage history confirmation device 6, and the game shop management device 8 based on FIGS. 4 to 14 described above. The flow will be described below.

First, when the IC card 1 is issued, as shown in FIG. 4, a signal from the card issuing machine 3 causes the value which is the value equivalent to cash to be stored in the value valuable storage means in the card. Is written in an EPROM (electrically programmable ROM), an EEPROM (electrically programmable erasable ROM), a RAM or the like (not shown). As for the frequency, the amount of cash may be divided by setting 1 yen as 1 time (in this case, 1000 yen becomes 1000 degrees),
The amount of cash may be divided by 100 yen as one time (in this case, 1000 yen becomes 10 times). The method of deciding the amount of money for one time can be freely decided by a game shop or the like. In this case, when the player wants to check the current value balance, the type I
In the case of a C card, by operating a ten key which is a display switching operation means, a CPU which is a stored content display control means
Through the, it is possible to display the balance value of the valuable value on the liquid crystal display unit or the like which is the storage content display means.

Next, when playing a game with the gaming machine 2 using this IC card 1, it is inserted into the card insertion slot 28 (FIG. 6) provided in the gaming machine 2 and within the control area of the gaming machine 2. Put on. In this case, the control CPU of the gaming machine 2 operates on the IC card inserted in the card insertion slot for the purpose of preventing fraud, etc.
Request D code (identification code: store name, player code, etc.). In the case of FIG. 4, the game machine 2 is I in the IC card 1.
The D storage means requests the identification code, and the ID storage means outputs its own identification code.

In this case, from the game machine 2 to the IC card 1 side, a signal indicating the game medium type used by the game machine is sent to the game medium identification control means in the game medium number storage means. This gaming machine type signal may be sent to the IC card from the gaming machine management device via the gaming machine.

At the same time, the gaming machine 2 causes the possessed valuable value display means (FIG. 10) such as the card balance indicator 46 of FIG. 6 to display the amount of valuable value stored in the card, and the number of balls held in FIG. The number of game media stored in the card (the number of game media corresponding to the type of game machine in which the card is inserted) is displayed on the owned game medium number display means (FIG. 10) such as the display 47. At this time, if the frequency balance or the number of balls held is zero, the information display 44, etc. of the gaming machine 2 displays such as "There is no card frequency balance." Alternatively, the notification may be performed. Further, the number of game media other than the number of game media corresponding to the game machine in which the card is inserted may be displayed on the information display 44 of FIG.

Next, when the player operates the valuable value conversion operating means (the ball lending switch 43 etc. in FIG. 6) in the card operating means of the gaming machine 2 shown in FIG. 10, this is pressed. In response, the control CP which is the valuable value conversion control means of FIG.
If the balance of the valuable value is not zero, U converts a predetermined amount of the valuable value into the number of game media (for example, pachinko balls) used by the gaming machine according to the operation content.

The converted number of game media data is shown in FIG.
Is sent to the game medium number control means. The game medium number control means causes the game medium number data to be displayed on the owned game medium number display means (such as the number-of-balls indicator 47 in FIG. 6).

At the same time, the game medium number control means sends a launch enable signal to the game ball launch control means (FIG. 10) when the balance of the number of game media is not zero. The game ball launch control means, if this launch enable signal is received, when the launch operation signal is sent from the game ball launch operating means (eg, launch dial 27A in FIG. 6) by the player's operation, the game is played. A control signal is sent to a ball launching device (such as the ball launching device 75 in FIG. 7) to launch a ball.

As a result of the game, when the launched pachinko ball wins, the fact of winning can be known by passing through the safe ball detecting means (safe sensor 66 etc. in FIG. 7) of FIG. 10, but the number of prize balls may be different. , Game control means (such as the accessory control board 63 in FIG. 7) based on the detection signal from the winning detection means (such as a sensor (not shown) provided in each accessory)
Also, the prize ball number signal is sent to the game medium number control means, and the number corresponding to the prize ball number signal is increased to the balance of the game medium number. In this case, the game control means also controls the operation of the driving means such as the accessory and outputs the information such as the big hit state.

Further, a predetermined game medium number detection means is connected to the game medium number control means, and it is detected whether or not the balance of the number of game mediums is below a certain number. When the number of game media (the number of balls in this case) becomes a certain number or less, for example, five or less, the predetermined game medium number detecting means sends an automatic conversion request signal to the valuable value conversion control means. At this time, if the card operation means (for example, the numeric keypad 45 in FIG. 6) is operated and input to perform automatic conversion in such a case,
If the valuable value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the valuable value conversion control means converts the valuable value into the number of game media (for example, pachinko balls) used by the gaming machine according to the operation content. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned automatic conversion command is not input or when the valuable value balance is zero, the ball hitting is stopped when the number of owned game media is exhausted.

In the above, the so-called "big hit" such as when the game state is "with start memory" or "reach state"
In the case of a specific game mode in which is likely to occur, the specific game mode detection means of FIG. 10 detects this and sends a specific game mode signal to the valuable value conversion control means. The valuable value conversion control means has an AND circuit (not shown), and in such a case, a certain amount of valuable value remains so that it can be dealt with even in the case of a big hit even if the balance of the valuable value becomes small. AND logic of the game mode signal and the valuable value limit signal is taken, and when the valuable value becomes less than a certain limit value in the specific game mode, the valuable value is controlled not to be converted into the number of game media.

In this case, in the pachinko machine 2A of FIG. 6, if the player newly inserts cash into the banknote insertion slot 31 of the card issuing machine 3 adjacent to the pachinko machine 2A, the valuable value corresponding to the amount of money. Is written on the IC card 1, and a game can be played in the same procedure as above.

After the game is played as described above, when the game on the gaming machine is to be ended, the player has the card ejecting operation means in the card operating means of FIG. 10 (end switch 48 in FIG. 6 or the like). ) Is operated. This end operation command is
It is sent to the card transport control means, and is sent to the game medium number control means via it.

Upon receipt of this end operation command, the valuable value conversion control means of the gaming machine 2 returns the valuable value balance at that time to the valuable value storage means in the IC card and writes it. At the same time, the game medium number control means accesses the game medium number storage means (FIG. 4) in the IC card 1, and the game machine type of this game machine 2 (type of pachinko machine or pachislot machine type) ) Is sent and the balance of the number of game media is transferred.

I which is the game medium identification control means shown in FIG.
The C card CPU has a game machine type determination control unit (not shown) therein, and determines the type of the game machine based on the game machine type signal and outputs the game machine type determination signal. The IC card CPU, which is the game machine medium identification control means,
Based on the game machine type determination signal, the type of the game medium used by this game machine (pachinko ball if the game machine is a pachinko machine, medal etc. if the machine is a pachislot machine) is identified, and the game medium first storage means. From the storage area for each type of game medium stored in the game machine, the balance data (zero at this point) of the number of game media of the game medium of this game machine (in this case, a pachinko ball) The game medium number data transferred from the gaming machine side is added and controlled to be stored.

In the game medium first storage means shown in FIG.
A storage area for storing data for each game shop based on a game shop identification signal from the game shop identification control means is provided, and a plurality of game media are provided in each game shop storage area. It has a plurality of medium-based storage areas that can store the number of each of them independently. For example, in the first storage area of the A storage area for storing the data of the game store A, there is data that can be used as a pachinko ball for playing with a pachinko machine, that is, data equivalent to a "ball" in a real ball Data that can be stored in units of spheres and that can be used as medals for playing on a pachi-slot machine, that is, data that corresponds to "owned medals" in a practical example, is stored in units of the number of balls in the second storage area. In the storage area, data that can be used as a game medium for playing on another game machine is stored in units of the number of game media.

When the game medium determined based on the game machine type determination signal is a pachinko ball, the IC card CPU, in the above example, adds the above to the balance data stored in the first storage area. The game medium number data transferred from the game medium number control means is added and stored. The data of the number of game media stored additionally is equivalent to the total number of media in the middle which is the total number of game media in the middle of the game.

In the above description, the game medium first storage unit has a storage unit for each of a plurality of different game stores, but the selection of each storage unit for each game store and the data writing control are performed in the game medium number storage unit. Store identification control means.

When the above operation is completed, the card carrying control means in the gaming machine 2 ejects the IC card 1 from the card insertion slot of the gaming machine 2. In this case, in the case of a specific game mode in which a so-called "big hit" is likely to occur, such as when the game state is "with start memory" or "reach state", the specific game mode detection means of FIG. A game mode signal is sent to the card conveyance control means to prohibit card ejection in such a case.

Next, when the player plays a game on another gaming machine (for example, a pachinko machine) in the same gaming shop, the player inserts this IC card 1 into another gaming machine. In this case, the balance data stored in the first storage area in the card is stored in the game medium number control means (FIG. 10) in the gaming machine and the number of owned balls display device which is the owned game medium number display means. 47 (FIG. 6) or the like. In this case, after the data transfer of the number of game media, the data in the first storage area in the IC card 1 becomes zero once. After that, the game is played by the same operation as described above.

The player plays the game in the same game shop as described above, and when the game in the game shop is finally finished, the IC card 1 is ejected from the last game machine. After that, before leaving the game store, the prize exchange control device 4 in the game store is inserted into the insertion slot or the like.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the IC card 1 is inserted into the insertion slot of the prize exchange control device 4 or the like, the stored content reading means in the prize exchange control device 4 causes the game medium first storage means and the game medium. The second storage means is accessed to read the respective stored contents and stored in a temporary storage unit (not shown) in the stored content reading means.

Then, based on the stored memory, when the player exchanges a part or all of the stored value of the game medium number data in the game medium first storage means, which is the total medium number at that point, for a prize. The player is the game store management device 8
The type and quantity of desired prizes are selected by operating the prize selecting means (selection button etc.).

This selection signal is sent to the prize exchange number comparison / determination control means in the prize exchange control device 4. In this case, the stored value of the number of game media stored in the temporary storage unit (not shown) in the storage content reading means is also sent to the prize exchange number comparison / determination control means at the same time.

The prize exchange number comparison / determination control means compares the two data, and the value of the number of game media held by the player becomes a value larger than the value corresponding to the type and quantity of the prize selected by the player. Is determined. As a result, if the value of the number of game media held by the player is greater than the value corresponding to the type and number of prizes selected by the player, an exchange authorization signal for permitting exchange is issued. In this case, if the value of the prize is higher than a certain amount, this exchange authorization signal is sent to the prize exchange company so that the prize exchange company delivers the prize to the player. In such a case, the prizes may be stocked in the game store and directly handed to the player based on the exchange authorization signal.

On the other hand, the player temporarily stores a part or all of the stored value of the game medium number data in the game medium first storage means, which is the total number of mediums at that point, and reuses it as a game medium again later. If the player wants to exchange the game media, the game shop staff operates the operation means (not shown) of the game shop management device 8 to store the game medium number data stored in the game medium first storage means. A command signal is given to temporarily convert the value into a storage medium storage value and store it in the game medium second storage means.

Upon receipt of this command signal, the prize exchange control device 4
The storage value conversion control means therein controls to temporarily convert the game medium number data storage value stored in the game medium first storage means into a storage medium storage value.

In this case, when the number of game media stored in the first game media storage means is stored as it is in the second game media storage means as the value of the number of game media, the stored value conversion control means performs data conversion in particular. Instead, the data is sent to the next storage content changing means, and the storage content changing means stores this data in the game medium second storage means (FIG. 5) in the game medium number storage means in the IC card 1. Control. As the control method, the game medium second storage means has a writing control section and a storage section, and the IC card 1 side mainly writes, and the game medium second storage means writes only in the storage section. There are two methods of controlling the writing without a unit and on the side of the storage content changing means, and in this embodiment, either method is possible.

In the above, when data conversion is required between the number of game media and the storage medium storage value, for example, any game commonly used by each game store at a conversion rate predetermined by the game store. In the case of converting to the medium unit, the conversion ratio R is set by the conversion ratio setting means in the game shop management device 8.
Is preset, and the conversion ratio R is stored in the conversion ratio storage means in the prize exchange control device 4 and sent to the stored value conversion control means.

Therefore, when the player wants to store the number of game media stored in the game medium first storage means in the game medium second storage means in the above-mentioned game medium units, the prize exchange control device 4 is illustrated. By operating the operation means, the data is converted by the conversion ratio R, and the storage content changing means stores the data in the game medium second storage means in the game medium number storage means in the IC card 1. Control to store as a value. This conversion ratio R is generally a different value for each game shop.

In this way, after storing the storage medium value in the game medium second storage means, if the player wants to play again at a later date, this IC card 1 is inserted into the prize exchange control device 4 and not shown. The operation means or the like performs conversion based on a predetermined conversion ratio common to each game store (for example, conversion into 25 pachinko balls for 100 yen), and the above storage medium value becomes the number of game media. Further, when it is desired to exchange the storage medium value for a prize, the same can be inserted into the prize exchange control device in the same manner as described above, and the above stored content reading means can now read the stored content of the game medium second storage means and give a prize. Control to be replaced.

As a game medium unit that can be commonly used by the above-mentioned game shops, for example, in the case of a pachinko ball, when the number of game media in the game medium first storage means is 1000, a certain game is given. If the exchange rate converted to the amount in store A is 2.5 yen per pachinko ball, 25
Since it corresponds to 00 yen, a value of 2500 may be stored in the game medium second storage means. By doing this, since the common value of the amount of money is obtained, even at different game shops, the game value is converted from the stored value of the game medium second storage means to the number of game media again at the exchange ratio of the game shop, and the game is played. Therefore, the storage medium can be used even between different game shops. Further, since the number of game media obtained by converting the unit amount of money into each game media (exchange rate to the number of game media per yen) is currently common throughout the country, this exchange rate is, for example, the value of the current pachinko ball. It is also possible to use .25 pieces / yen (25 pieces for 100 yen) and adopt a value of 625 (pieces) as the above-mentioned amount equivalent value 2500. Even in this case, the game value can be converted into the number of game media from the stored value of the game medium second storage means and played in a different game store.

In the above embodiment, after the game at the game store is finished, the number of game media obtained and stored in the game medium first storage means is used as the storage medium value and the game medium second is stored.
In the case of storing in the storage means, the IC card 1 had to be once taken out from the game machine 2 and inserted into the prize exchange control device 4, but for the player, it is time to go to the prize exchange control device. In some cases, it may not be convenient, because there may be cases in which there is no such item, or the order for exchanging the prize exchange control device must be changed.

Therefore, further considering the convenience of the player, when the player finishes the game on the game machine, the game medium is stored in the game medium second memory means from the game medium first storage means in the game machine. An example in which the value can be transferred is also conceivable.

In this case, at the end of the game, the player
Before ejecting the IC card 1, the operating means of the gaming machine 2 (see FIG. 6)
1 by operating the ten keys 45, etc. in FIG.
A memory value transfer command signal is given to the game medium number control means of 0,
The game medium number control means issues a stored value transfer control signal to the IC card 1 to control the stored value transfer. As a storage value transfer control method in this case, the game medium identification control means of the game medium number storage means in the IC card 1 or the like has a write control portion, and the IC card 1 side has a game medium first storage means for playing a game. Method for independently writing to medium second storage means and IC card 1
There is no writing control unit on the side, and there are two methods of performing writing control on the side of the game medium number control means in the gaming machine. In this embodiment, either method is possible. Then, even when the value is temporarily stored in the game medium second storage means as the storage medium value and then re-transferred to the game medium first storage means as the number of game media, the same operation can be performed.

Next, the processing in the case where the player is forced to leave the game machine temporarily during the game will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, when the player operates the game interruption operating means (interruption switch 42 in FIG. 6) of the gaming machine, a game interruption command signal is sent to the game interruption control means in the gaming machine by this operation. Sent.

When this game interruption command signal is received, the timer means in the game interruption control means causes a fixed time (for example, 3
(0 minutes, etc.), the interruption period control means sends an interruption period signal as an interruption period during that period, and while the interruption period signal is being sent, the game interruption command means in the game interruption control means The game mode of the gaming machine is interrupted by a predetermined game mode (for example, the operation of the accessory in the game unit 25 in FIG. 6 is temporarily stopped)
The control signal is sent to the game control means such as the accessory board 63 of FIG. Further, during this interruption period, the game interruption display means such as the information display 44 of FIG. 6 is notified that the game is interrupted, and the gaming shop management device 8 is notified that the game is interrupted.

Further, when the game is interrupted, the player temporarily leaves the game machine. Therefore, when the player returns to the game machine again, it is necessary to determine whether or not the player is the same player. It is also necessary to prevent the game from being played even if a third person operates the game machine. As one of the means for this, the interruption storage medium issuing command means in the game interruption control means, in the IC card 1 inserted in the gaming machine, identification information for identifying this gaming machine (identification of the gaming machine Code etc.)
There is a method in which the card is ejected by the card conveyance control means by storing that the game is being interrupted. By doing this, the player returns to the gaming machine again and the IC
When the card 1 is inserted into the gaming machine, the identification information comparison and determination means in the game interruption control means compares the identification information of the gaming machine stored in the IC card 1 and the identification information of the gaming machine itself. When comparing and both match, a control signal to the effect that "game is possible" is sent to the game medium number increase / decrease control means in the game machine, and the game medium number increase / decrease control means receives the game enable control signal, As described above, it is possible to restart the game in the same manner as above, by sending a launch enable signal to the game ball launch control means. In this case, the number of game media currently held by the gaming machine may be stored in the IC card 1 to be ejected before the item can be ejected so that the item can be purchased later while the game is suspended.

As another method for identifying the interrupted player and resuming the game, the IC card 1 inserted in the game machine is not ejected, and a memory card dedicated for the game interruption (game interrupt card) is used. The interruption storage medium issuing command means may control the interruption card issuing means to issue the interruption card issuing means.
The game interruption card may be a magnetic card or an IC card. In the game interruption card, identification information for identifying the gaming machine is stored as in the above. In this case, unless the game interruption card is reinserted, the game interruption control means controls so that the game cannot be restarted and the IC card 1 cannot be ejected. Also in this case, the number of game media currently held by the gaming machine may be stored in the card to be ejected and then ejected so that an item can be purchased as described later while the game is suspended.

However, this game interruption operation returns to the normal state when the above-mentioned predetermined interruption period (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed, and once the IC card is inserted, it is temporarily stored at the game shop side. After that, anyone can play after that. When the game interruption operation is finished, it is finished even if the game mode is a special game mode such as a big hit. Limit the use of other players by the game interruption action,
During that time, profits will not increase for amusement stores. During this game suspension period, in order to notify the third party of the game suspension, the information display 44 of FIG. 6 is highlighted, and when a third party card is inserted into the card insertion slot 28. , It is also possible to emphasize that the game is suspended by issuing an artificial voice such as "This customer is in use by another customer. Please go to the other machine." In addition, the game interruption control means, when the time limit of the interruption period is approaching due to a signal from the interruption period control means, notifies the gaming shop management device 8 to that effect, and the artificial voice by the gaming shop management device 8 is notified. In response to the occurrence or the notification from the game shop management device 8, the game shop staff may broadcast in-store that "the time of the interruption period of XX units is about to expire".

Next, the operation of the automatic vending machine 5 which is an article vending machine capable of purchasing an article based on the number of game media stored in the IC card 1 will be described. When the player inserts the IC card 1 into the vending machine 5, the memory reading means in the vending machine 5 causes the above-mentioned valuable value storage means, the game medium first storage means, and the game medium first in the IC card 1 to be read. (2) The storage unit is accessed, and the stored value is temporarily stored in a storage unit (not shown). This stored content is sent to the stored content display means and displayed to the player.

Next, the player selects, from the displayed three types of stored data, the stored value that he / she wants to use for purchasing the article, using the used storage selection operation means (data selection button or the like). Upon receiving this selection, the used storage extraction means extracts the selected data from the three types of data values stored in the storage unit. At the same time, the selected data type is also sent to the exchange data value selection control means.

Next, when the player selects a desired item type and quantity, for example, a soft drink and the number thereof, by the requested item selection means, the exchange data value selection control means sets the consideration in the selected data. The converted value data is converted into units of types and sent to the stored data comparison control means. For example, if two 150 yen juices, that is, 300 yen worth of purchases are selected, and 100 yen is selected once from the valuable value storage means, the juice price is stored as 30 times. Send to the data comparison control means. Also, in the case of purchasing from the number of pachinko balls among the number of game media, the exchange rate of this game store is 2.5 per ball.
If it is converted into yen, the price of the juice is sent to the stored data comparison control means as 120 balls.

On the other hand, the storage data comparison control means that receives the balance value of the storage data values for purchasing the goods from the above-mentioned used memory extraction means and the conversion price of the goods to be purchased from the above exchange data value selection control means is , The two are compared, and if the former value is larger, the article discharging means is caused to discharge the article, and at the same time, a command is sent to the memory content changing means to purchase the stored data value of the article purchased in the IC card 1. Subtract only the amount used for and store again.

The fact that an item has been purchased (memory exchange) using the stored value in the IC card 1 is sent from the stored data value comparison / determination means to the storage exchange information transmission means, and the card information collection device 7 and the game shop management Sent to the device 8.

The purchase of goods by the above card stored value can be made even after the game on the gaming machine is finished or while the game is suspended.

Next, the awarding based on the use history storage of the IC card 1 stored in the IC card 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the IC card 1 is provided with a usage history storage means such as a storage unit such as EPROM, EEPROM, RAM, etc., and accumulates the accumulated value in which the player stores the frequency etc. in the IC card 1. Stores a use history storage including storage information or cumulative conversion information regarding a cumulative value obtained by converting a frequency or the like into a number of pachinko balls or the like, or game history information regarding a cumulative number of occurrences of a specific game mode such as a special game in a gaming machine. .

As shown in FIG. 14, the above-mentioned usage history storage means determines the device for which the IC card 1 was used, and controls which storage means stores the data. And a cumulative purchase value storage means for storing cumulative storage information relating to the cumulative value in which the player has stored the frequency etc. in the IC card 1, and cumulative conversion information relating to the cumulative value obtained by converting the frequency etc. into the number of pachinko balls. A game medium conversion cumulative storage unit for storing, a specific game mode generation storage unit for storing game history information relating to the cumulative number of occurrences of a specific game mode such as a special game in a gaming machine, and a player giving the number of game media as a prize or article. Based on the stored values of the game medium number change information storage means and the above-mentioned storage means for storing the data indicating how much is exchanged, for example, when the cumulative purchase of valuable value is large, When the number of accumulated game media conversions is large, or when the number of accumulated occurrences of a specific game mode is large, the player who is the owner of this card judges that he is a good customer for the game store and gives a privilege. Privilege determination control means for generating a control signal for controlling as described above.

Therefore, when the privilege determination control means issues a control signal to the effect that the privilege should be granted, the control signal is the privilege granting means in the privilege control means in the same IC card 1, as shown in FIG. Sent to.

In this case, the privilege granting means controls each part in the IC card 1 so as to grant a privilege advantageous to the player. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the valuable value storage means is accessed, and a premium (bonus) is added to the current balance of the valuable value and stored. Alternatively, the pachinko machine 2A may be accessed to increase the exchange ratio from the valuable value to the number of game media. As another form, the privilege granting means may access the game medium number storage means in the IC card 1 and add a premium to the current balance of the number of game media and store it.
The above-mentioned number of game media may be a stored value in the game medium first storage means, or may be a stored value in the game medium second storage means, as shown in FIG.

Alternatively, the privilege storing means may store the right to purchase a predetermined number of predetermined products sold by the vending machine 5. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the stored contents of the privilege storing means can be displayed as a numerical value or the like on the storing content display means (the display unit 19 or the like in FIG. 3). This right to exchange goods, if you exchange the goods with the vending machine 5,
It is subtracted according to that amount.

On the other hand, when the IC card 1 is inserted into the usage history confirmation device 6, the usage history storage containing the above various data is read by the usage history reading means in the usage history confirmation device 6. The result is sent to the privilege giving control means in the usage history confirmation device 6.

The privilege granting control means performs the same operation as the privilege judging control means described above, and based on the stored values of the respective storage means read by the usage history reading means, for example, the cumulative purchase of valuable value is calculated. If there are too many, the number of cumulative game media conversions is many, or the number of cumulative occurrences of a particular game mode is many, the player who is the holder of this card judges that he is a good customer for the game store. A control signal for controlling the privilege granting is generated and sent to the privilege granting means of the privilege control means.

The stored values of the above-mentioned respective storage means read by the above-mentioned use history reading means are displayed outside by the use history display means, and the player or the like can confirm the use history of his / her IC card. You can Further, the output of the above-mentioned privilege granting control means is also sent to the game shop management device 8 and becomes the game shop management information. A privilege granting rate setting control means is provided in the usage history confirmation device 6, and is controlled by the game shop management device 8 to control a privilege granting method (privilege granting rate).

In FIG. 4, the privilege granting means also grants a privilege to the prize exchange control device 4. As shown in FIG. 11, in the prize exchange control device 4, in the prize exchange number comparison determination control means, the value of the number of game media held by the player is greater than the prize value corresponding to the type and quantity of the prize selected by the player. Is also a large value. In this case, the bonus can be given to the player by reducing the value of the prize value by a predetermined value or a predetermined ratio in accordance with the control signal from the above-mentioned privilege giving means. Alternatively, the storage value conversion control means for converting and storing the storage value in the game medium first storage means in the game medium number storage means in the IC card 1 into the storage value in the game medium second storage means is the above-mentioned privilege granting means. It is also possible to give a bonus to the player by changing the value of the conversion ratio of the above conversion to a value advantageous to the player by the control signal from.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The above-mentioned embodiment is an exemplification, has substantially the same configuration as the technical idea described in the scope of the claims of the present invention, and has any similar effect to the present invention. It is included in the technical scope of the invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, in the case of ball lending, the balance of the valuable value stored in the IC card is converted by the valuable value conversion control means on the gaming machine side into the game medium used by the player. The example in which the valuable value in the IC card is subtracted by the valuable value that has been described has been described. This is because the type signal of the gaming machine is sent from the gaming machine side to the IC card side, and the IC card side determines the type of the gaming medium and IC The card side may convert the valuable value into the number of game media, and the game medium number data may be sent to the game machine side.

Further, when the player once operates the card ejecting operation means (FIG. 10) to end the game on the game machine, or when the special game state (so-called "big hit") is once on the game machine. After the occurrence, even if there is a balance of the number of game media, the game medium number control means (FIG. 10) is arranged so that the game on the same type of game machine is prohibited unless the prize exchange is performed once.
Emits a firing prohibition signal to the game ball launch control means (Fig. 10), controls so that the ball cannot be shot, and the information display (Fig. 6) etc. says "This platform cannot be used anymore. Please exchange the free gift once. "

Further, instead of providing the game medium second storage means in the above-mentioned embodiment, the stored value of the game medium first storage means is converted into the amount of money (frequency) and added to and stored in the valuable value storage means. I don't care.

Further, the stored value of the above-mentioned game medium second storage means is also stored with the identification information of the game store in which the data is stored, and a prize exchange or the like can be performed in a game store different from the stored store. When the game media are exchanged, the payment between the game stores may be performed via the prize exchange company.

[0093]

As described above, according to the use history confirmation apparatus of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the accumulated storage information regarding the cumulative number of times the valuable value (frequency, etc.) equivalent to money is stored in the storage medium. , Or a use history memory including cumulative conversion information regarding the cumulative number of times the valuable value is converted into the number of game media, or game history information regarding the number of times of occurrence of a specific game mode in the gaming machine, and based on the use history memory Therefore, various benefits can be given to the player, and the player can be satisfied. Therefore, there is an advantage that the gaming shop can fix the customer by giving the privilege.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a game system using an IC card according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a specific example of the IC card shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of another specific example of the IC card shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a principle block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the IC card in FIG.

5 is a principle block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of a game medium number storage means in FIG. 4. FIG.

6 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a specific example of the gaming machine in FIG. 1. FIG.

7 is a rear view showing the overall configuration of a specific example of the gaming machine in FIG. 1. FIG.

8 is an overall configuration diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the foul ball return prevention device in FIG.

9 is an exploded view showing a more detailed structure of the foul ball return preventer in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a principle block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the gaming machine in FIGS.

11 is a principle block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the prize exchange control device and the game shop management device in FIG. 1. FIG.

12 is a principle block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the game interruption control means in FIG.

13 is a principle block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the vending machine in FIG.

14 is a principle block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the usage history confirmation device in FIG. 1 and the usage history confirmation means in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

  1   IC card   Two   Amusement machine   2A   Pachinko machine   Three   Card issuing machine   Four   Freebie exchange control device   5   vending machine   6   Usage history confirmation device   7   Card information collection device   8   Amusement store management device   9   Free exchange company   10   Card sales management device   11   Card company   15   Card base   16   IC module   17   Input / output terminal   18   Magnetic stripe   19   Display   22   Front frame   23   Game board   24   Guide rail   25   Game department   26   Operation part   27A   Firing dial   27B   Single-shot switch   28   Card slot   29   Foul ball return prevention device   31   Bill slot   32   Money slot   33   IC card control board   41   Display select switch   42   Interrupt switch   43   Ball rental switch   44   Information display   45   Numeric keypad   46   Card balance indicator   47   Number of balls held   48   End switch   49   Launch power level indicator   51   Function lamp   52   Completion lamp   53   Call switch   54L, 54R speaker 61 ball gathering part 62 out port 63 accessory control board 66 safe sensor 67 out sensor 68 foul sensor 69 encapsulated ball sensor 71 encapsulated ball polisher 72 encapsulated ball input port 73 ball feed solenoid 74 ball drop mechanism 75 ball striking device 76 1st firing sensor 77 Main body control board 78 Card reader / writer 81 Distance adjustment switch 82 Touch adjustment switch 83 Interruption release switch 84 Reset switch 85 Service ball switch 91 Foul ball suppression piece 92 Return spring 93 Second firing sensor 94 Detection piece 95 top Cover 96 Lower cover 97 Rotating shaft 98 Fitting part

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A usage history for confirming a usage history of a storage medium in a gaming system in which a game medium is exchanged for a game medium based on the storage of the valuable value of a storage medium capable of storing a valuable value equivalent to money, and the usage history of the storage medium is confirmed. A confirmation device, which is cumulative storage information regarding a cumulative value in which the valuable value is stored in the storage medium, cumulative conversion information regarding a cumulative value obtained by converting the valuable value into the number of the game media, or a specific value in the gaming machine. A usage history including a usage history memory that stores game history information including game history information relating to the cumulative number of occurrences of game modes, and a usage history reading unit that reads the usage history memory from a usage history storage unit provided in the storage medium. Confirmation device. 2. The use history confirmation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a privilege giving means for giving a privilege to the player based on the value of the accumulated storage information. 3. The use history confirmation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the use history confirmation apparatus includes a privilege giving unit for giving a privilege to the player based on the value of the cumulative conversion information. 4. The usage history confirmation device according to claim 1, wherein the usage history confirmation device includes a privilege granting unit that grants a privilege to the player based on the value of the game history information.