JPH08164260A - Card type game system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To differentiate a PACHINKO parlor from another parlor by facilitating the collection of a card reset to zero, and permitting the reservation of a machine for a player intending to continuously purchase a new game card. CONSTITUTION: In this card type game system, a game card 4 issued and settled generally with a game card control device 6 is used to lend game media. A game card issuing device 1 has a zero-reset card identification means to make judgement about the balance of the value of the card 4 issued in the past, a zero-reset card collection device to collect the card 4 identified as containing no balance of value, and a game machine reserving information transmitting means allowing a game player to select a desired machine on the basis of the purchase of a new card 4 as well as the collection of the zero-reset card 4, and transmitting game machine reserving information related to the reserved machine.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a card-type game system that uses a game card for renting out a game medium, and in particular, a player desires to collect a game card already issued and issue a new game card. The game machine can be reserved.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, when lending a game medium such as a ball used in a game machine, instead of directly lending a bill or coin to the game medium lending machine to lend the game medium, the value is temporarily provided to the player. A card-type game system in which a game card storing information is purchased and a player uses the game card to rent a game medium to play a game is becoming widespread.

In this card type game system, a card issuing company issues a common game card that can be commonly used in each game store.

In order to play a game with this card-type game system, the player first inserts bills or coins into the game card issuing device to set a fixed amount, for example, 1000 yen, 2
Receive a common game card that stores a valuable value such as 000 yen or 5000 yen. Next, by inserting this common game card into the game medium lending machine, or by inserting it into the game machine having the game medium lending function, the game medium can be lent out within the range of the valuable value stored in the common game card. Receive and play games.

Further, the card issuing company controls the sales management based on the sale of the common game card at each game shop and the settlement management based on the rental of the game medium using the common game card.

[0006]

However, the game card used in the above-mentioned conventional card-type game system is used when the predetermined valuable value stored in the game card is used up (when it is zero). Has no value. Therefore, when the player runs out of the valuable value stored in the game card, he has thrown away the zeroed game card in a game store or the like.

As described above, when the zeroed game card is randomly discarded, the inside of the game shop or the like must be cleaned in order to collect the zeroed game card, which requires time and labor costs. There is a problem of increase. In particular,
There is also a problem that if a game card that has been zeroed on a road outside the game store is discarded, it will be against the beautification of the environment.

[0008] Further, for a player, once the valuable value stored in the game card is used up, the game cannot be continued unless a new game card is purchased at the amusement store, so there is no merit. There wasn't.

Further, since the game card is a common game card that can be used at other game stores, the game cards purchased at any game store have the same valuable value, and other game stores for the game store. I couldn't differentiate from the store.

The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. The object of the present invention is to promote the collection of game cards that have returned to zero and to continue the novelty. Another object of the present invention is to provide a card-type game system capable of differentiating from other game stores by giving advantageous conditions to a player who purchases such game cards.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in the invention according to claim 1, a game card storing at least valuable value information and security information, and issuance and settlement of the game card are integrated. A game card issuing management means for managing the game card, a game card selling device for selling the game card to a player, a game medium lending device for lending a game medium within a range of valuable value stored in the game card, and the game A game machine that plays a game by inserting a medium, a management device that manages collection of game information and a game permission in the game machine, game card issuing information from the game card selling device, and a game medium lending device. The gaming card usage information is collected and stored via the transmission means, and the issued and stored usage information is stored in the gaming card issuance management means. A card-type game system comprising: a game card information management device that reaches the game machine, wherein the game machine, the management device, and the game card information management device are electrically connected to each other via a transmission path. The selling device is a game card selection means for selecting a game card in which a player stores a desired valuable value on condition that money (banknote or coin) necessary for purchasing a game card in which a new valuable value is stored is inserted. A game card issuing means for issuing a game card based on the selection by the game card selecting means,
A zero-return card determination unit that inserts an already issued game card to determine the balance of the valuable value stored in the already issued game card, and a zero-reset card that has no balance of the valuable value in the zero-return card determination unit. If it is determined that it is a zero-zero card collection means for collecting the already issued game card, the game card selection means selects the game card and the zero-zero card determination means is the zero-zero card. Game machine reservation information transmission means for transmitting a game machine reservation information regarding a reserved game machine while allowing a player to select and reserve a desired game machine based on the determination.

Further, in the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the configuration described in claim 1, the gaming machine reservation information transmitting means includes a recognizing means for externally recognizing the reserved gaming machine. It is characterized by

In addition to the configuration according to claim 1 or 2, the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the gaming machine reservation information transmitting means is provided when the gaming card is issued by the gaming card issuing means. It is characterized in that the game card is provided with an identification information writing means for writing the identification information.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 3, the gaming machine reservation information includes the identification information.

[0015]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a game card in which at least valuable value information and security information are stored is issued under the supervision of a card issuing company which is a game card issue managing means. This game card is sold by a game card sales device provided in each game store or the like.

In order for a player to play a game at a game store,
First, when a banknote or a coin, which is currency, is inserted into the game card selling device and a game card storing a desired valuable value is selected by the game card selecting means, the game card issuance means issues the game card. Next, by inserting this game card into a game medium lending machine, or by inserting it into a game machine having a game medium lending function, the game medium can be lent out within the range of the valuable value stored in the game card. , You can play games.

At this time, if the player already owns a game card whose valuable value has been used up, when the player issues a game card that newly stores the valuable value, the already issued game is issued. When the card is inserted into the card vending machine, the zero-return card determination means determines the balance of the valuable value stored in the issued game card. Then, in the zero-zero card determination means, when it is determined that the issued game card is a zero-zero card with no valuable value balance,
The game card already issued is collected by the zero-zero card collecting means.

In this way, when the game card selecting means selects a game card storing a desired valuable value, and when the return-zero card determining means determines that the return-zero card is a return-zero card, the game machine reservation information is given. By means of transmission
While making a reservation by letting the player select the desired gaming machine,
The gaming machine reservation information such as the machine number of the reserved gaming machine is transmitted to the management device or the like.

The management device collects the game information in each gaming machine and manages the game permission.

Further, in the game card information management device, the issue information of the game card in the game card vending device and the use information of the game card in the game medium lending device are collected and stored via the in-store transmission line which is a transmission means. To do. Also,
The issue information and the use information regarding the game card stored in the game card information management device are transmitted to the card issuing company, which is the game card issue managing means, via a telephone line or the like.

Therefore, when a player who owns a game card that has completely used up valuable value and purchases a new game card, there is an advantage that he can reserve a desired game machine. The player can play the game under advantageous conditions, and the game store can be differentiated from other game stores. In addition, game cards that have been zeroed out by using valuable value will also be given the advantage of reserving a gaming machine, so game cards that are zeroed out will not be unnecessarily discarded and can contribute to beautification inside and outside the store. .

Further, in the invention according to claim 2, when the reservation of the gaming machine is made, the recognizing means provided in the gaming machine reservation information transmitting means makes the reserved gaming machine available to the player, the gaming shop clerk, etc. Make them recognize. With this recognition means, for example, by issuing a receipt or the like on which the machine number of the reserved gaming machine or the valid reservation time is printed, and presenting this receipt or the like to the gaming shop staff, it is possible to play the game on the reserved gaming machine. .

Therefore, it is possible for the player or the like to clearly recognize the reserved gaming machine, and to quickly perform the game permission operation of the reserved gaming machine.

In the invention according to claim 3, when the game card is issued by the game card issuing means, the identification information writing means provided in the gaming machine reservation information transmitting means writes the identification information in the game card. . This identification information is
For example, it is an identification number or the like regarding the reserved player, and this identification number is directly written on the game card. Therefore, it is possible to clearly recognize the reserved game machine and the reservation person, and it becomes easy to reserve the game machine.

In the invention according to claim 4, the game machine reservation information transmitted by the game machine reservation information transmission means includes identification information. As described above, the identification information is, for example, the identification number or the like of the reserved player, and this identification number is transmitted to the management device or the like together with the machine number or the like of the reserved gaming machine. Then, when an operation such as inserting the game card into a game medium lending machine juxtaposed with the reserved game machine is performed, the game in the game machine is automatically permitted, and the game can be played. Therefore, the reservation work of the gaming machine and the game permission operation become easier.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a card type game system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of a game card selling device used in the card type game system according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a game shown in FIG. 4 to 7 are flowcharts of processes in the gaming card sales device, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of the card data transfer device, and FIGS. 9 to 11 are card data transfers. 12 is a flowchart of processing in the apparatus.
18 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the management apparatus, FIGS. 13 to 17 are flowcharts of processing in the management apparatus, FIG.
Is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a ball lending machine, and FIG. 19 is a flowchart of processing in the ball lending machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the card-type game system according to the present invention, a game card selling device 1 (card issuing machine with reservation function) is installed at an appropriate place in the game store. The gaming card selling device 1 manages information about the issued gaming card 4 via the relay device 2 and the card data transfer device 3 with the managing device 5 and the gaming card managing device 6 of the card company that issues the gaming card 4. Sending and receiving between. Further, the data transmitted / received to / from the management device 5 also includes gaming machine reservation information, which will be described later in detail. The above-mentioned card data transfer device 3 functions as a game card information management device, and the game card management device 6 of the card company functions as a card issue management means.

In the game store, in addition to the above-mentioned game card selling device 1 and the like, a plurality of pachinko machines 7, which are typical game machines, ... Card-type inter-lens ball lending machine 8 ..., Ball counting machine 9 for counting prize balls obtained by the player, and prize balls acquired by the player are exchanged for prizes corresponding to the number of prize balls.
A premium POS 10 and the like for managing the inventory of premiums and the like are installed.

The above-mentioned devices communicate with each other via a data transmission path in order to transmit and receive data. That is, the gaming card vending apparatus 1 and the card type inter-lens ball lending machine 8 ...
Communicate with the repeater 2 through optical communication using infrared rays, etc., the repeater 2 communicates with the card data transfer device 3 via the electrical wiring 11a, and the card data transfer device 3 communicates with the management device 5 via electrical wiring. 11b and the gaming card management device 6 of the card company through the telephone line 12
And the management device 5 controls each pachinko machine 7 ...
The ball counter 9 and the prize POS 10 are in communication with each other via electrical wiring 11c. The above-mentioned electrical wiring 11a and the repeater 2 for performing data transmission by infrared communication function as a transmission means for electrically connecting the gaming card vending machine 1, the card type inter-lens ball lending machine 8 and the card data transfer device 3. To do. Further, the electrical wirings 11b and 11c function as a transmission line that electrically connects the pachinko machine 7, the management device 5, and the card data transfer device 3.

The data transmission path for connecting the respective devices may be any means as long as it can send and receive data. In addition to the above infrared communication, electrical wiring, telephone line, etc., optical fiber communication, wireless communication Communication or the like can also be used. Further, the ball lending machine 8 shown in FIG. 1 is the card-type inter-lens ball lending machine 8 arranged between the adjacent pachinko machines 7, 7, but it is independently arranged at an appropriate place in the game store. It may be a ball lending machine.

The game card issuing device 1 described above is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, a front door 14 is provided on the housing 13 so as to be openable and closable, and a plurality of card issuing ports 15 are provided at approximately the middle of the front door 14.
Are arranged side by side, a card issuing switch 16 is provided under the card issuing port 15, and a display device 17 and a selection switch 18 for making a reservation operation of the pachinko machine 7 are provided under the left side of the card issuing switch 16. , Confirm switch 1
9, a correction switch 20, a reservation switch 21 are provided, a reservation receipt issuance port 22 is provided at the lower right side of the card issuance switch 16, an insertion amount display unit 23 is provided below the reservation receipt issuance port 22, and the front door 14 Change payment exit 2 at the bottom
4. A zero return card insertion slot 25 and a bill insertion slot 26 are arranged side by side, and a sales lamp 27 and a stop lamp 28 are arranged side by side on the upper left side of the front door 14.

Inside the housing 13, a game card issuing section 29 for each ticket type is arranged at a position communicating with the card issuing slot 15 when the front door 14 is closed, and the reservation receipt issuing slot 22 is provided. The printer 30 is arranged at a position communicating with the bill payout device 31 at a position communicating with the change payout exit 24.
And a zero-recovery card collection device 32 at a position communicating with the zero-rejection card insertion slot 25.
The bill validator 33 is disposed at a position communicating with the bill dispenser 31 and the controller 34 for electrically controlling the bill dispenser 31 is disposed on the left side of the bill dispenser 31.

Each of the above devices will be described. The sales lamp 27 and the cancellation lamp 28 are lamps for displaying the sales available status in the game card issuing device 1,
When the gaming card 4 can be issued, the sales lamp 27
Lights up, and when the gaming card 4 cannot be issued, the stop lamp 28 lights up.

The game card issuing unit 29 is a device that functions as a game card issuing means, and each game card issuing unit 2
Each of the game cards 4 of each ticket type is accommodated in 9, and when a card issuing switch 16 which functions as a game card selecting means is operated, a transfer motor (not shown) provided inside is driven to drive the game card 4 Are discharged one by one from the card issuing port 15. In this embodiment, respectively,
The game cards 4 of 1,000 yen, 2000 yen, 5000 yen and 10000 yen are stored. Then, the card issuing switch 16 corresponds to the amount of the game card 4 accommodated in the game card issuing unit 29, and a 1000 yen switch, 2
It consists of 000 yen switch, 5000 yen switch and 10000 yen switch.

On the game card 4 issued from the game card issuing unit 29, valuable value information (amount information) representing valuable value, security information for preventing forgery etc. of the game card 4, and the like are magnetic means. Alternatively, it is stored by optical means. In addition, inside the card issuing unit 29,
A game card 4 provided with a card reader / writer 35 and issued
On the other hand, you may comprise so that identification information etc. which are detailed later may be written. The card reader / writer 35 functions as an identification information writing unit.

The bill validator 33 is a device for verifying the authenticity of bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 26 and for discriminating the amount of money.
The amount of money to be inserted is displayed in the amount-of-payment display section 23 while being taken into the inside of 3. The payout amount display unit 23 is provided with a plurality of 7
It consists of segment display, liquid crystal display, dot matrix display, etc.

The bill payout device 31 uses the difference as a change when the amount of the bill taken into the bill validator 33 from the bill insertion slot 26 exceeds the amount of the game card 4 selected by the card issuing switch 16. This is a device for paying out, and the corresponding change is paid out from the change paying outlet 24. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the issued game card 4 is a unit of 1000 yen, the change is paid out only by bills. However, depending on the type of the issued game card 4, a device for paying out coins as change is provided. Good.

The zero-zero card collection device 32 is a device that functions as zero-zero card collection means, and has the zero-zero card insertion slot 2.
The presence or absence of the balance of the valuable value stored in the already issued gaming card 4 inserted from 5 is determined, and the zero-zero card having no balance of the valuable value is collected. In addition, a card reader 36 for reading the valuable value and security data stored in the game card 4 and a card collection box 37 for storing the collected game card 4 are provided inside the zero-zero card collection device 32. is there. The above-mentioned card reader 36 and the control device 34 for judging the data read by the card reader 36 function as a zero-zero card determination means, and when it is determined that the card is a zero-zero card, the zero-zero card is the card collection box. It is stored in 37.

In the determination of the zero-zero card by the zero-zero card determination means, the game card 4 in which only the valuable value less than the rent unit amount of the ball which is the game medium is stored.
May be discriminated as a zero return card. For example, when the lending unit amount of a ball, which is a game medium, is 100 yen, the balance of the valuable value stored in the game card 4 is 50.
If it is a circle, the card is determined to be a zero return card.

The display device 17, the selection switch 18, the confirmation switch 19, the correction switch 20, and the reservation switch 21 are
This is a device that constitutes a gaming machine reservation information transmission means together with the control device 34 and performs a reservation operation for the pachinko machine 7.
As will be described in detail later, using these devices, the zero-zero card collection device 32 collects zero-zero cards, and bills are inserted from the bill insertion slot 26, and a new game is issued from the game card issuing unit 29. When the card 4 is issued, the player can reserve the desired pachinko machine 7.

The reservation switch 21 is a switch for allowing the player to select whether or not to make a reservation for the pachinko machine 7 when the reservation conditions are satisfied.
a) and two switches that indicate "No" (21b) for reservation are arranged side by side, and the player operates one of the switches 21a, 21b to select whether or not to make a reservation. . When the switch 21a for "reserving" is operated, when the pachinko machine 7 is operated for reservation and a new game card 4 is issued, and when the switch 21b for "not" is operated. , A new game card 4 is issued without performing the reservation operation of the pachinko machine 7.

The display device 17 comprises a liquid crystal display device,
When the switch 21a for "reserving" is operated, the number of the pachinko machine 7 that can be reserved is displayed.
It should be noted that the display device 17 is preferably configured by the liquid crystal display device 17 in terms of being compact and capable of various displays, but may be configured by any device as long as it can display the pachinko machine 7 that can be reserved, For example, CR
A T display device, a dot matrix display device or the like can also be adopted.

The selection switch 18 is composed of cursor movement keys arranged in a cross shape, and moves the cursor to a desired machine number among the machine numbers of the pachinko machines 7 which can be reserved and displayed on the display device 17. It is a switch for.

Confirm switch 19 and correction switch 20
Are switches for confirming or correcting the reservation of the pachinko machine 7 selected by the selection switch 18 described above. By operating the correction switch 20, the vacant machine numbers (reservable can be displayed) displayed on the display device 19. When the pachinko machine 7 number is corrected and the confirmation switch 19 is operated, the reservation of the pachinko machine 7 selected by the selection switch 18 is confirmed.

The printer 30 is a device for printing reservation information (game machine reservation information) such as the machine number of the pachinko machine 7 reserved by the player and the effective reservation time.
When the desired pachinko machine 7 is reserved by the operation of the confirmation switch 19 and the confirmation switch 19, the receipt number is printed by printing the unit number of the pachinko machine 7 and the valid reservation time on the receipt.
Discharge from 2. The medium to be printed by the printer 30 may be any medium as long as it can print the unit number of the pachinko machine 7, and may be, for example, a paper or plastic sheet or card. In this embodiment, the printer 30 functions as a recognition unit.

The recognizing means is preferably constituted by the printer 30 in that the device structure is simple and the reserved pachinko machine 7 can be easily displayed depending on the printing medium, but the reserved pachinko machine is preferable. It is also possible to use means such as if the unit number of 7 can be recognized externally, for example, to store the unit number of the pachinko machine 7 reserved using magnetic means or optical means in the card. Any device may be adopted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 34 has a memory 40 having a data memory section 38 for storing data, a program memory section 39 for storing a program, and a microprocessor 41 electrically connected to the memory 40.
, And via the I / O interface 42,
The card issuing switch 16, the reservation switch 21,
Confirm switch 19, correction switch 20, selection switch 1
8, money display 23, stop lamp 28, sales lamp 2
7, printer 30, game card issuing unit 29 (card reader / writer 35), bill identifying device 33, bill dispensing device 3
1, the zero-recovery card collection device 32 (card reader 36), the display device 17, and the management device 5 are electrically connected to electrically control these devices and send and receive data.

Based on the flowcharts shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 7, in the above-mentioned gaming card issuing device 1 (card issuing machine with reservation function), issuance of a new gaming card 4, collection of zero return cards, and reservation of the pachinko machine 7 The procedure will be described.

In order to issue a new game card 4 in the game card issuing device 1, first, it is judged whether or not the zero-zero card has been inserted into the zero-zero card collection device 32 through the zero-zero card insertion slot 25 ( S1). Here, if it is determined that the zero-zero card has been inserted, the card collection box 37
The Kyushu card is transported to and collected inside (S2), and collection information including valuable value information and the like initially stored in the Kyushu card is sent to the management device 5 (S3), and the player desires. It is determined whether or not to reserve the pachinko machine 7 of (S4).

When the player operates the "reserve" switch 21a for the reservation switch 21, whether a banknote has been inserted into the banknote discriminating device 33 from the banknote insertion slot 26 in order to purchase a new game card 4. It is judged whether (S
5) When a bill is inserted, the amount of the inserted bill is counted (S6). On the other hand, when the player operates the "not" switch 21b for reservation of the reservation switch 21,
The process returns to the zero return card insertion determination process (S1) without performing the above-described bill insertion determination process (S5).

If it is determined that the zero-zero card is not inserted in the zero-zero card insertion determination process (S1), it is determined that the new game card 4 is just purchased.
It is determined whether or not a bill has been inserted into the bill validator 33 from the bill insertion slot 26 (S7), and when it is determined that a bill has been inserted, the above bill counting process (S6) is performed.

Next, it is judged whether or not the card issuing switch 16 has been operated (S8), and when any one of the card issuing switches 16 for each amount is operated, the amount of bills counted by the bill counting process (S6). However, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to pay the change over the amount of the gaming card 4 selected by the card issuing switch 16 (S
9) When it is necessary to pay the change, the change is paid out from the change payout outlet 24 of the bill payout device 31 (S).
10).

Then, the card issuing information including the amount information of the gaming card 4 to be issued is transmitted to the management device 5 (S1
1), the player wants to reserve the desired pachinko machine 7,
It is determined whether to issue the new game card 4 and reserve the pachinko machine 7 (S12).

When it is determined that the pachinko machine 7 is to be reserved, vacant machine information indicating which pachinko machine 7 is a vacant machine which is not currently being played by another player is fetched (S13). ), The vacant space information is displayed on the display device 17 (S14). Here, the player selects the correction switch 2
After selecting the desired pachinko machine 7 by operating 0 or the selection switch 18, it is determined whether the confirmation switch 19 has been operated (S15), and the confirmation switch 19 is operated to confirm the pachinko machine 7 to be reserved. , Reservation information regarding the pachinko machine 7 to be reserved is transmitted to the management device 5 or the like (S
16), the reservation information issuance process is performed (S17), the process in the game card issuing device 1 ends, and the process returns to the zero-zero card insertion determination process (S1). In addition, in the operation confirmation process (S15) of the confirmation switch 19, when it is determined that the confirmation switch 19 is not operated, the process returns to the vacant space information acquisition process (S13), and the vacant space information that changes sequentially is displayed. take in. In the above process, the reservation information becomes the gaming machine reservation information.

On the other hand, the above-mentioned reservation issue determination processing (S1
In 2), when it is determined that the pachinko machine 7 is not reserved at the same time as the issuance of the new game card 4, the new game card 4 selected by the player is issued (S18) and the empty space information described above is also issued. The processing from the acquisition processing (S13) to the reservation information issuing processing (S17) is skipped,
The process in the game card issuing device 1 is completed, and the process returns to the zero return card insertion determination process (S1).

The above reservation information issuing process (S17)
A more detailed description will be given with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the first embodiment (S17A) of the reservation information issuing process, and FIG. 7 is the second embodiment (S1) of the reservation information issuing process.
7B) is a flowchart.

The reservation information issuance process (S17) shown in FIG.
In A), the reservation information including the machine number of the pachinko machine 7 and the reservation valid time is printed on the receipt by the printer 30 and issued (S171), and the new game card 4 selected by the player is issued. (S172). Then, as will be described later in detail, the game shop clerk performs a game start permission operation of the reserved pachinko machine 7 for the player who brought the receipt, and the player performs the game in the reserved pachinko machine 7. You can In the above process, the reservation information becomes the gaming machine reservation information.

The reservation information issuance process (S17) shown in FIG.
In B), the card reader / writer 35 prints the gaming machine reservation information including the machine number of the pachinko machine 7 and the reservation valid time on the new game card 4 (S17).
3), identification information for identifying the reserved player is written in the new game card 4 (S174), the identification information is transmitted to the management device 5 or the like (S175), and the reservation information and the identification information are written. The new game card 4 is issued (S176). Then, as will be described in detail later, when the game card 4 is inserted into the card type inter-lens ball lending machine 8 juxtaposed with the reserved pachinko machine 7, the reservation information and the identification number are collated and reserved. The start of the game of the pachinko machine 7 is permitted, and the player can play the game on the reserved pachinko machine 7. In the above process, the reservation information and the identification information become the gaming machine reservation information. In addition to printing the reservation information such as the reservation number on the new game card 4 as described above, the reservation information may be separately printed on the receipt and issued as described above.

The card data transfer device 3 described above is shown in FIG.
It will be explained based on. The card data transfer device 3 includes a memory 45 having a data memory section 43 for storing data, a program memory section 44 for storing a program, and a microprocessor 4 electrically connected to the memory 45.
6, the relay device 2, the external storage device 48 including a hard disk storage device, a RAM, etc., the management device 5, and the data conversion device 4 via the I / O interface 47.
9 to electrically communicate with these devices to exchange information regarding issuance of the game card 4 and use of the game card 4.

Further, the data conversion device 49 uses the telephone line 1
It is in contact with the gaming card management device 6 of the card company that issues the gaming card 4 via 2, and exchanges information regarding issuance of the gaming card 4 and use of the gaming card 4 with the card company. . Then, in the card company that has acquired the issue information and the usage information about the game card 4, the game card management device 6 centrally manages this information,
Settle the sales and use of the gaming card 4.

The procedure of the card data transfer process in the card data transfer device 3 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 to 11. In the card data transfer device 3, an issue information collecting process (S20) for collecting information about issuance of the game cards 4, for example, information about how many game cards 4 of which amount has been issued, and information about ball lending, for example, Ball lending information collection processing (S21) that collects information about how much money has been lent by using the gaming card 4, and vacant table that transmits / receives vacant table reservation information regarding the reservation of the pachinko machine 7 Reservation information transmission / reception processing (S22) and card information relating to issuance and use of the game card 4 are provided to the game card management device 6 of the card company
Card information transmission processing (S23), and reservation processing (S24) for transmitting and receiving reservation information regarding reservation of the pachinko machine 7 to the management device 5 and the like. In addition, each processing described above (S20, S21, S23, S23, S24)
Is performed at predetermined time intervals that are set in advance, or at appropriate timing as necessary. Further, the card information transmission process (S23) may be performed based on a transmission request signal from the gaming card management device 6 of the card company.

The reservation process (S24) described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 shows the reservation information issuing process (S
17A) first embodiment of reservation processing (S24A)
11 is a flowchart of the second embodiment (S24 of the reservation process corresponding to the reservation information issuing process (S17B).
It is a flowchart of B).

In the reservation process (S24A) shown in FIG. 10, first, when the new game card 4 is issued, the pachinko machine 7 is reserved, and whether or not there is reservation information regarding the machine number of the reserved pachinko machine 7 or the like. Is determined (S24
1).

If there is reservation information, the reservation information is transmitted to the management device 5 (S242). On the other hand, if there is no reservation information, the reservation information transmission process (S24
2) is not performed.

In the reservation process (S24B) shown in FIG. 11, first, when the new game card 4 is issued, the pachinko machine 7 is reserved and whether or not there is identification information for identifying the reserved player. It is determined (S243).

Here, if the identification information is present, it is judged whether or not the identification number is transmitted from the game card issuing device 1 (S244), and the identification number is transmitted from the game card issuing device 1. If not,
Further, it is determined whether or not the identification number is transmitted from the card type inter-lens ball lending machine 8 (S245).

The identification number is the game card issuing device 1
If it is determined that the pachinko machine 7 is reserved along with the issuance of the new game card 4, if it is determined that the identification information and the reservation information are transmitted to the management device 5 ( S246). The management device 5 that has received the identification information and the reservation information makes a reservation for the pachinko machine 7.

If it is determined that the identification information is transmitted from the card type inter-lens ball lending machine 8, the pachinko machine 7 is reserved and the game card 4 in which the identification information is stored. Because the game was about to be played by
The identification information and the card insertion information indicating that the gaming card 4 has been inserted are transmitted to the management device 5 (S247). The management device 5 that has received the identification information and the card insertion information performs the game permission process in the reserved pachinko machine 7.

On the other hand, the identification information is the game card issuing device 1
If it is not transmitted from the card type inter-mountain ball lending machine 8 and is not transmitted from the card type identification information, the identification information is canceled (S248). By performing the process of canceling the identification information (S248), an illegal reservation or the like is prevented.

The management device 5 described above will be described with reference to FIG. The management device 5 includes a data memory unit 50 that stores data, a memory 52 that includes a program memory unit 51 that stores a program memory, and a microprocessor 53 that is electrically connected to the memory 52. Via the interface 54, the pachinko machine 7 ..., the ball counter 9, the prize POS 10, the external storage device 55 including a hard disk storage device or RAM, the display device 56 including a CRT, the input unit 57 including a numeric keypad and the like.
Is in electrical contact with.

The procedure of processing in the management apparatus 5 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13 to 17. As shown in FIG. 13, in the management device 5, a setting process for setting the stopping condition and the like of each pachinko machine 7 (S30).
And a game information collection process (S31) for collecting data such as the number of coins received and a big hit occurrence from each pachinko machine 7, and a game information calculation process for calculating the game information collected in this game information collection process (S31). (S32) and each pachinko machine 7
Display device 17 for changes in the number of balls thrown in
Display information calculation processing (S3
3) and a stopping process (S34) for stopping the corresponding pachinko machine 7 by the achievement of the stopping condition set in the setting process (S30), and a game is performed in the reserved pachinko machine 7 other than the reserved person. A reservation process for preventing this (S35) and a reservation preparation process (S36) for permitting the reservation player to play the reserved pachinko machine 7 are performed. In addition, each processing described above (S3
0, S31, S32, S33, S34, S35, S3
Step 6) is performed at predetermined time intervals or at appropriate timing as necessary.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, in the processing of the management device 5 described above, an interrupt processing (S37) is performed at predetermined time intervals or at appropriate timing. This interrupt process (S37) is the display information calculation process (S
33) A display process (S371) for displaying the calculation result calculated in 33) on the display device 17 as a graph display, a game information collecting process (S31), and a game information calculating process (S32).
Game information reception processing for receiving information such as the number of coins and the occurrence of a big hit in each pachinko machine 7 used in (S37)
2) and each pachinko machine 7 used in the setting process (S30)
Input processing for inputting the stopping conditions of the
73) and.

The reservation process described above with reference to FIG. 15 (S3
5) will be described in more detail. In the reservation process (S35), empty space information, which is the machine number of the pachinko machine 7 that can be reserved, is transmitted to the game card issuing device 1 (S351), and it is determined whether or not there is a reservation (S352).

When it is determined that there is a reservation, the batting of the pachinko machine 7 is stopped based on the reservation information such as the machine number of the reserved pachinko machine 7, and the pachinko machine 7 makes a reservation. It is prevented from being used by others (S353). For the operation of stopping the firing of a ball, for example, the power supply to the ball launching device is cut off, or a stopper is inserted in the middle of the flow path that introduces the ball from the ball supply tray to the firing position of the ball launching rail to play the ball. Prevent it from firing into the department.

Then, a reservation lamp (not shown) provided in each pachinko machine 7 is turned on to notify the player etc. that the pachinko machine 7 is in the reservation state (S354), and the timer is set. (S355), the reservation is valid only for a predetermined time, for example, 10 minutes. Therefore, after the predetermined time set in the timer elapses and the time is up, the reservation becomes invalid.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the reservation determination process (S352) that there is no reservation, the above-described processes (S353, S354, S355) are skipped.
The above-mentioned reservation preparation process (S36) will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 16 shows a reservation information issuing process (S17
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the first embodiment (S36A) of the reservation preparation process corresponding to A) and the reservation process (S24A), and FIG. 17 is a reservation information issuing process (S17B) and a reservation process (S).
24B) second embodiment of reservation preparation processing (S36)
It is a flowchart of B).

The reservation preparation process (S36A) shown in FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not there is a reservation (S36).
1A). If it is determined that there is a reservation, the timer of the pachinko machine 7 is counted (S362).
A), it is determined whether or not the timer is up (S363A).

When it is judged that the timer has not expired and the reservation is within the valid time, the pachinko machine 7 concerned
It is determined whether or not a start switch (not shown) provided to allow the start of a game has been operated by a game store clerk (S364A), and if the start switch is on, the pachinko machine 7 is operated. The firing stop of the hit ball is released (S365A), the game start in the pachinko machine 7 is permitted, and the reservation lamp is turned off (S366A).

If the timer has timed out, the start switch operation confirmation process (S3
64A) and skip the firing stop cancellation process (S365
A) and the reservation lamp extinguishing process (S366A) are performed, the reservation state in the pachinko machine 7 is canceled, and a player other than the reservation person is permitted to start the game in the pachinko machine 7. In the start switch operation confirmation process (S364A), if it is determined that the start switch is not turned on, the firing stop release process (S
365A) and the reservation lamp extinguishing process (S366A) are skipped, and the game start in the pachinko machine 7 is not permitted.

On the other hand, when it is determined in the reservation determination process (S361A) that the reservation is not made, the above-described processes (S362A, S363A, S364A, S3) are performed.
65A, S366A) are skipped. In the reservation preparation process (S36B) shown in FIG. 17, first, it is determined whether or not there is a reservation (S361B).

If it is determined that there is a reservation, the timer of the pachinko machine 7 is counted (S36).
2B), it is determined whether or not the timer is up (S363B).

When it is judged that the timer has not timed out and the reservation is within the valid time, the pachinko machine 7 concerned.
It is determined whether or not the reserved game card 4 has been inserted into the card-type inter-lens ball lending machine 8 installed in parallel (S364).
B) When the reserved game card 4 is inserted, the hitting ball firing stop which has been performed in the pachinko machine 7 is canceled (S365B), and the game start in the pachinko machine 7 is permitted. The reservation lamp is turned off (S366B). In the case of playing a game with a pachinko machine 7 having a game media lending function, when the reserved game card 4 is inserted into the pachinko machine 7, the above-described shooting stop release process (S365B) and reservation lamp The extinguishing process (S366B) is performed.

If the timer has timed out, the above-described game card 4 insertion confirmation processing (S364) is performed.
B) is skipped and the firing stop cancellation process (S365B)
Then, the reservation lamp extinguishing process (S366B) is performed, the reservation state in the pachinko machine 7 is canceled, and a player other than the reservation person is permitted to start the game in the pachinko machine 7. Also, the insertion confirmation processing of the game card 4 (S364
In B), when it is determined that the game card 4 is not inserted or the game card 4 other than the reserved game card 4 is inserted, the firing stop release process (S365).
B) and the reservation lamp extinguishing process (S366B) are skipped, and the game start in the pachinko machine 7 is not permitted.

On the other hand, when it is judged in the reservation judgment processing (S361B) that the reservation is not desired, the above-mentioned respective processing (S362B, S363B, S364B, S3).
65B, S366B) is skipped.

FIG. 18 shows the above card type inter-lens ball lending machine 8.
It will be described based on. This card type inter-lens ball lending machine 8 has a memory 62 having a data memory section 60 for storing data, a program memory section 61 for storing a program, and a microprocessor 6 electrically connected to the memory 62.
3, a ball lending switch 65, a return switch 66, a ball lending setting switch 67, an LED group 68, a card reader / writer 69, through the I / O interface 64,
It is electrically connected to the data converter 70.

The above-mentioned ball lending switch 65 is a switch for renting out a ball which is a game medium based on the operation of the player, and the return switch 66 is incorporated into the card reader / writer 69 based on the operation of the player. The ball lending setting switch 67 is a switch for returning the game card 4 stored in the ball lending switch 6 once based on the operation of the player.
5 is a switch for setting the number of unit balls to be lent out by the operation of 5, and the LED group 68 is a plurality of LEDs for displaying failure information of the card-type inter-lens ball lending machine 8 and the balance display of the game card 4. The card reader / writer 69 is a device for determining the authenticity of the game card 4, and reading and subtracting the stored valuable value, and the data converter 70 stores data such as the number of lent balls. It is a device for converting into data for optical communication for transmission to the repeater 2.

The procedure of the ball lending process in the above card type inter-lens ball lending machine 8 will be described with reference to FIG. In the ball lending process, first, it is determined whether or not the game card 4 is inserted into the card reader / writer 69 (S40), and when it is determined that the game card 4 is inserted, the game card 4 is a regular card. It is determined whether or not there is (S4
1).

When it is determined in the card insertion determination process (S40) that the game card 4 is not inserted,
Returning to the initial stage of the process, if it is determined in the regular card determination process (S41) that the card is not a regular card, that is,
When it is determined that the game card 4 is invalid or the game card 4 is forged, a card discharge process (S42) is performed, the game card 4 is discharged to the outside of the card reader / writer 69, and the process returns to the initial stage.

Then, in the regular card determination process (S41), if it is determined that the card is a regular card, the presence or absence of identification information is determined (S43). If it is determined that the identification information is present, the identification information is determined. To the management device 5 (S
44). On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no identification information,
The identification information transmission process (S44) is skipped.

Next, it is judged whether or not there is a balance in the valuable value (valuable information) stored in the game card 4 (S4
5) If it is determined that there is a balance in the valuable value, ball lending processing (S46) is performed, balls are lent out within the range of the balance of the valuable value, and the balance determination processing of the valuable value (S45).
Return to. On the other hand, in the valuable value balance determination process (S45), when it is determined that there is no valuable value balance, the card discharge process (S42) is performed to discharge the gaming card 4 to the outside of the card reader / writer 69. , Return to the beginning of the process.

In the above embodiment, the pachinko machine 7 has been described as a game machine for playing a game using the game medium, but the present invention is a game machine for playing a game using the game medium. The present invention can also be applied to other types of gaming machines, such as arrange-ball type gaming machines and slot machines.

The game card 4 may be used not only for renting out game media, but also for purchasing other products.

[0093]

Since the present invention has the above-mentioned constitution,
The effects described below can be obtained. According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a game card for which issuance and settlement are centrally managed by the game card issuance management means is newly purchased using the card issuing device, the player has already used up the valuable value. Insert the game card that has been zeroed into the game card issuing device, and when the zero-zero card determination means determines zero-zero of the game card, the zero-zero card collection means collects the zero-zero card and the desired pachinko A game in the machine can be reserved, and the game machine reservation information regarding the reserved game machine is transmitted to the management device or the like by the game machine reservation information transmission means.

Therefore, even with a common game card in which issuance and settlement are collectively managed by the card issuance management means, each game store has its own card-type game system, which is a game card that has been completely used up with valuable value. When the player who owns the game purchases a new game card, the advantage of being able to reserve the desired gaming machine is given, so that the player can play the game under advantageous conditions and at the same time for the game store. Differentiate from other amusement stores.

In addition, a game card that has zeroed out by using a valuable value is given the advantage of being able to reserve a desired game machine on the condition that a new game card is purchased. It is not thrown away and can contribute to beautification inside and outside the store.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the recognition means externally recognizes the machine number, the valid reservation time, and the like regarding the reserved gaming machine. Therefore, it is possible to construct a card-type game system in which the player can clearly recognize the information about the reserved gaming machine and can quickly perform the permission operation for starting the game of the reserved gaming machine.

In the invention according to claim 3, when the game card issuing means issues the game card, the identification information writing means writes the identification information for identifying the reserved player in the game card. . Therefore, since the reserved player can be identified by the identification information, it is possible to construct a card-type game system that facilitates the game reservation operation and the game start permission operation.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4, the gaming machine reservation information transmitted by the gaming machine reservation information transmitting means includes identification information. Therefore, since it is possible to collectively recognize the machine number, reserved valid time, reserved player, etc. regarding the reserved gaming machine, it is possible to construct a card type gaming system in which it is easier to reserve the gaming machine and permit game start permission. You can

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a card-type game system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a game card issuing device used in the card type game system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the game card issuing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process in the game card issuing device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process in the game card issuing device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a first example of a reservation information issuing process shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the reservation information issuing process shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a card data transfer device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process in the card data transfer device.

10 is a flowchart of the first embodiment of the reservation process shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the reservation process shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a management device.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a process in the management device.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an interrupt process in the management device.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the reservation process shown in FIG.

16 is a flowchart of the first example of the reservation preparation process shown in FIG.

17 is a flowchart of the second example of the reservation preparation process shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a ball lending machine.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a process in the ball lending machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Gaming Card Issuing Device 2 Repeater 3 Card Data Transfer Device 4 Gaming Card 5 Management Device 6 Card Company (Gaming Card Management Device) 7 Pachinko Machine 8 Card Type Ball Lending Machine 9 Ball Counter 10 Prize POS 11 Electrical Wiring 12 Telephone line 13 Case 14 Front door 15 Card issuing slot 16 Card issuing switch 17 Display device 18 Selection switch 19 Confirmation switch 20 Correction switch 21 Reservation switch 21a "Yes" switch 21b "No" switch 22 Reserved receipt issue slot 23 Payment amount display unit 24 Change payment outlet 25 Rejection card insertion opening 26 Banknote insertion opening 27 Sales lamp 28 Stop lamp 29 Game card issuing unit 30 Printer 31 Banknote dispensing device 32 Repatriation card collection device 33 Banknote identification device 34 Control device 35 card Reader / Writer 36 cards 37 card collection box (control device for game card issuing device) 38 data memory unit 39 program memory unit 40 memory 41 microprocessor 42 I / O interface (card data transfer device) 43 data memory unit 44 program memory unit 45 memory 46 micro Processor 47 I / O interface 48 External storage device 49 Data conversion device (management device) 50 Data memory unit 51 Program memory unit 52 Memory 53 Microprocessor 54 I / O interface 55 External storage device 56 Display device 57 Input unit (card type stand) Ball lending machine) 60 Data memory unit 61 Program memory unit 62 Memory 63 Microprocessor 64 I / O interface 65 Ball lending switch 66 Return switch 67 Ball lending setting switch 6 8 LED group 69 Card reader / writer 70 Data converter

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A game card in which at least valuable value information and security information are stored, a game card issuance management unit that collectively manages issuance and settlement of the game card, and a game that sells the game card to a player. A card selling device, a game medium lending device for lending a game medium within the range of the valuable value stored in the game card, a game machine for playing a game by inserting the game medium, and game information of the game machine. A management device that manages collection and game permission, game card issuing information from the game card selling device, and game card use information from the game medium lending device are collected and stored via the transmission means and stored. A gaming card information management device for transmitting the issuance information and the usage information to the gaming card issuance management means, and the gaming machine and the management device. And a gaming card information management device electrically connected to each other via a transmission line, wherein the gaming card selling device is necessary for purchasing a gaming card that stores a new valuable value. A game card selecting means for selecting a game card in which a player stores a desired value, and a game card issuing means for issuing a game card based on the selection made by the game card selecting means. , A zero-return card determination means for inserting an already-issued game card to determine the balance of the valuable value stored in the already-issued game card, and a zero-return when the zero-value card determination means has no balance of the valuable value. When the card is determined to be a card, the zero-recovery card collecting means for collecting the already issued game card, the selection of the game card in the game card selecting means, and the zero-return car A game machine reservation information transmission means for transmitting a game machine reservation information regarding the reserved game machine while allowing the player to make a reservation by selecting a desired game machine based on the judgment of the return card by the judgment means; A card-type game system characterized by being equipped. 2. The card type game system according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine reservation information transmitting means includes a recognizing means for externally recognizing the reserved gaming machine. 3. The game machine reservation information transmitting means, when issuing the game card in the game card issuing means,
3. An identification information writing means for writing identification information to the game card, comprising:
Card type game system described. 4. The card type game system according to claim 3, wherein the game machine reservation information includes the identification information.